The Ranch at Rock Creek

Set among ten square of miles of rugged Montana ranchland lies The Ranch at Rock Creek—a luxury guest ranch that brings together wide open spaces and upscale amenities like never before. Exceptional wild trout fishing on pristine Rock Creek and trail rides among wildflower meadows are just two of dozens of on-property
activities, while outstanding cuisine, spa treatments, and stunning accommodations await guests at day’s end. Families, couples and friends will discover that The Ranch at Rock Creek is a place that offers the feel of the ‘true West’ without sacrificing true comfort.

It is situated at 5100 feet above sea level, just west of the Continental Divide.
It lies in one of the most remote parts of the Northern Rocky Mountains, in theRock Creek watershed, famous for its pristine aquatic habitatand abundant wildlife.
The nearest larger population center to the northwest is Missoula, about 1.3 hours by car, and Butte is approximately 1 hour southeast of The Ranch. Philipsburg, a small former mining town, is just 25 minutes from The Ranch. Even for Montana, the land that surrounds The Ranch is untraveled. Much of it remains unchanged over the past several decades, offering the sort of peace and quiet that is practically unattainable in the modern world.

Like everything at The Ranch at Rock Creek, Activities are designed with your
individual tastes, preferences, and needs in mind. Everything is included here, and the recreational opportunities, both on and off the ranch, are almost limitless.
On-ranch activities such as horseback riding, fishing our stocked trout ponds, hiking, wildlife watching, mountain biking, sporting clays, archery, rafting, campfires, star-gazing, and games in The Granite Lodge are always popular. Guided and self-guided trips to Philipsburg, historic mining towns, and other regional attractions are another option. Also, special events at The Ranch at Rock Creek are more than just special. This setting is outstanding for weddings, family reunions,
small corporate gatherings, providing both luxury and privacy. The Ranch’s onsite concierge staff will ensure that you can experience it all, so just let them know your interests and preferences and they will take care of the rest.

The Granite Lodge sits on a small ridge just west of Rock Creek, and like classic ranch headquarters, it’s the hub of activity at The Ranch at Rock Creek. Nine suites offer luxurious, individually-decorated accommodation options, and the great room and bar are the place for sharing tall tales before dinner. The 4-lane bowling alley, game room, and 14-foot movie screen are where most guests gather in the later evening, for a little camaraderie and competition. The dining room is located in The Lodge, and Chef Josh’s extraordinary cuisine reflects our pure surroundings —local beef, elk, bison, free-range chicken, organic eggs, resh fish, seasonal local fruits, vegetables and Ranch-grown herbs, all enhanced by an inspired wine list.
It’s our goal to offer more than just the basic comforts, and more than just a place
to stay, to ensure that your Northern Rockies experience is the perfect blend of
wilderness and comfort.

Chiva Express- Ecuador

Chiva express Devil's Nose Train Tours

Metropolitan Touring’s unique CHIVA EXPRESS Rail & Road programs along the very scenic route of the railway, will be operating irregularly in the next months due to maintenance of the rails and installation of new sleepers. We will operate by road on those segments where the railway is being repaired. The highlight of the railway route, “The Devil’s Nose” is fully operative and riding the zigzag cuttings on the rock aboard the Chiva Express is a unique and thrilling experience. A trip of Ecuador from within, at the rythm of past centuries.

What is “Chiva” A CHIVA is a typical, old-fashioned Latin American bus, with plenty of room on the roof for bags of grain, bananas and the odd chicken. Throughout Ecuador, these buses have taken on a new lease of life as party vehicles with adapted, high-sided roofs. Typically, they are hired for celebrations and guests ride on top of the bus as it drives around the streets, an oompa-oompa brass band banging out favorite tunes, while the typical Andean canelazo drink is liberally poured.

Metropolitan Touring and some other tour operators followed to adapt the chiva idea to the historic train ride from Quito to Guayaquil. Our passengers will enjoy an exclusive and unique trip through the Andean countryside and the coastal lowlands on board our Chiva Express- especially adapted for safety and comfort, while complementing the fun of the ride; a unique way to discover the beauty of Ecuador from different and new perspectives and angles.

Chiva Express by Metropolitan Touring Unique Rail & Road Journeys in Ecuador

The CHIVA EXPRESS journeys are a unique and exclusive product of Metropolitan Touring and a great way to experience the best of mainland Ecuador, from the Andean patchwork countryside to the lush tropical coastal lowlands. The Chiva Express is a must-do trip through the unbeaten paths and ever-changing scenery of this beautiful country, designed to offer a relaxed, fun and truly authentic experience for world class travelers.

BC Heli-Ski! Now's the time to start getting your ski's ready.

With awe-inspiring ski & snowboard terrain, a heli on your front lawn, gourmet dining, and luxurious wilderness setting, Tweedsmuir Lodge Heliskiing is our premium heli-skiing and heli-boarding experience.

The watchwords are privacy and exclusivity and it’s an experience enjoyed by only a lucky few each year. The lodge, surronded by pristine wilderness inside Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, has a maximum capacity of 15 people per week. This is an ideal place for you and your closest friends to come enjoy the best ski holiday of your collective lives.

All groups fly in the Astar B2 helicopters. This machine is capable of flying loads of up to 5 clients and if you book a private ship it is there for your exclusive use.

Accommodation is in chalets circling a massive front lawn and looking out at the most stunning scenery you are likely to find anywhere. The main lodge building is used for dining, socializing and includes a games room, guest office, shop and bar service. A separate spa building compliments the lodge facilities with hot tub, yoga and excerise facilities, and massage rooms.

In addition, it is very easy and convenient to get to our Tweedsmuir Heli Skiing location. Less travel time means possible ski days on both your arrival and departure days, and you can therefore maximize your valuable holiday time like never before.

CALL YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR TODAY

Novia Scotia Walking

Biking and hiking routes that reveal quintessential Nova Scotia scenery of sheltered coves, weathered lighthouses and charming fishing villages with Backroads.

Day 1: Wolfville
Meet in Halifax Shuttle to Wolfville, with its shady elm trees and manicured lawns in the picturesque Annapolis Valley Visit a memorial featuring a statue of Evangéline, the heroine of Longfellow's poem, at Grand Pré National Historic Site before hiking along an historic dyke system to our lovely Victorian Inn Enjoy a tour, tasting and dinner at Domaine de Grand Pré winery.

Days 2-3: Annapolis Royal
Hike along Cape Split and emerge from a violet-carpeted forest onto a bluff that offers views of the wild Bay of Fundy - home of the world's highest tides In Annapolis Royal, be spooked by ghost stories on a candlelight graveyard tour through one of Canada's oldest cemeteries Discover shops, museums, stately tree-lined streets and historic Victorian homes Spot whales, seals and dolphins on a wildlife-watching cruise.

Day 4: White Point Beach
Discover the diverse pristine ecosystems of Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct: coastal tundra forests, salt marshes and bogs, and sand and pebble beaches Gaze at harbor seals sunning themselves on the shore at Harbour Rocks At St. Catherine's River Beach, look for endangered shorebirds such as piping plovers.

Days 5-6: Lunenburg
Hike along a 100-year-old pedestrian-only coastal cart path from Broad Cove to Green Bay As you pass the tiny coves and beaches, keep an eye out for sandpipers, gulls, ducks and geese, and enjoy views of the Lahave Islands and seal colonies Take a leisurely jaunt with a local historian through the 18th-century seafaring town of Lunenburg, a World Heritage site that is "the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America."

Call me today!

Last Minute Yellowstone Deal

Book a Family Yellowstone Adventure and receive a Canon PowerShot S5 IS Digital Camera & Planet Earth, BBC award winning DVD set -- per Family ($599 Value).

6-Night Family Yellowstone Adventure w/Natural Habitat Adventures
Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, Jackson
Departs Jul 18; Aug 1, 2009

Call me today for more info

The World's Cleanest Countries/Costa Rica # 5

Apr.20.09 Swiss Travel, Costa Rica

The declining health of Mother Earth has drawn growing attention over the last two decades, with countries coming together to fight a range of environmental threats, from declining fishing stocks to global warming. Witness the Kyoto Protocol, the first widely adopted set of environmental protection guidelines, which emerged during the 1990s and took effect in 2005. Kyoto led to the development of the first large-scale emissions trading market, Europe's Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme, which puts caps on carbon dioxide pollution. A similar carbon market, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, began operating at the start of this year in 10 Eastern U.S. states.

In spite of nearly universal support for a cleaner globe (the U.S. was one of only a few countries that failed to adopt Kyoto), it's mainly the rich nations that enjoy pristine environments, according to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Columbia University's Center for International Earth Science Information Network and Yale University's Center for Environmental Law and Policy developed the index to highlight the cleanest countries, and give laggards the opportunity to benchmark efforts to improve their own environments and the health of their citizens.

Switzerland tops the list with an overall EPI score of 95.5 out of 100, while European countries account for 14 of the top 20 environmental performers. Europe has the infrastructure to provide clean drinking water and treat waste water, lowering the likelihood that Europeans will suffer from waterborne disease. Europe scores consistently well in EPI's environmental health ranking, which measures the effects of pollution on human health. A second broad measure, ecosystem vitality, measures the health of fisheries, the amount of greenhouse gases a country pumps into the air and how well it preserves the diversity of its plants and animals. On this measure, the performance of developed countries diverges. Scandinavia, with its low population and vast open spaces, enjoys pristine forests and relatively little air pollution.

The U.S., once a leader in environmental protection, has failed to keep pace. "Starting 25 years ago, the United States started to fall behind in relative terms. Before that time, Europe always had dirtier air and drinking water," says Mark Levy, associate director of Columbia University's earth science center.
Then-President George H. W. Bush signed the last significant American air quality legislation in 1990, an amendment to the Clean Air Act. The U.S. scores a meager 63.5 on the ecosystem vitality scale, vs. an average score of 74.2 for the world's richest nations. The U.S.' overall EPI score is 81, putting it in 39th place on the list.

Improved science has led to a better understanding of the linkage between pollution and human health. "The science that's come out has shown that the harder you look for air-pollution-related health problems, the more you find," says Levy. "Scientists have recommended that environmental regulations be tightened. Europe has done that, but the U.S. has been stuck." Countries are also handicapped according to their locations, with sub-Saharan African countries suffering from scant and poor-quality water, and Asian countries affected by depleted fishing stocks. Switzerland's weakest marks come in agriculture, in part because farmers in the mountainous country have a tendency to overwork their limited crop land.
A few developing nations break into the top 10 of the rankings. Costa Rica has a per-capita gross domestic product of $11,600, but ranks fifth overall as it protects its forests and rich biodiversity, both lures for ecotourists.

Another Latin American country, Colombia, ranks ninth overall. The country carefully guards its coffee plantations, a source of lucrative exports. Ironically, the presence of guerrillas and drug lords also makes the countryside hard to develop, even as developers rapidly cut down rainforest in neighboring Brazil.

EPI researchers caution that the information used to develop the scale often comes from local sources and can be of less-than-ideal quality, especially in developing countries. They ranked 149 countries, and left the remaining 50 or so off the list for insufficient data.

RockResorts Spa at The Arrabelle at Vail Square on Conde Nast Hot List

RockResorts - The Arrabelle at Vail Square RockResorts Spa was just named to Conde Nast Traveller's Hot "Spa" List

The Arrabelle's expansive spa opened three months after the property's debut, and was worth the wait. Innovative natural treatments are keeping with its Rocky Mountain roots, as is the decor-a pleasant respite from the rest of the resorts's nouveau Bavarian ambiance. Ski-shaped ash-wood planks line the passage to the treatment rooms, rising from black river rock to mimic a forest. Locker rooms, tiled with marble and abstract recycled glass mosaics, have whirlpools, a steam room, and a sauna; men's and women's relaxation lounges feature waterfall-backed plunge pools, plush daybeds, and beige-leather recliners. And should the oatmeal spice rub or Vin Chaud Indulgence whet your appetite, a full spa menu is served. A day spent charging the pow in Vail's Blue Sky Basin is best concluded with the Apres sport massage-aching muscles are relieved with birch, willow, and menthol, then sore spots are targeted in a deep-tissue massage incorporating inflammation-reducing arnica, rosemary, and basil.

Whistler Ski and Golf- Incredible deal

Whistler Blackcomb. This is one mountain resort that has been bold since it's inception. A mountain town that dared to imagine that it would be a venue for the Winter Olympic games even before the first lift was installed. It's newest endeavour is the stuff of legend. Whistler mountain and Blackcomb mountain have stood side by side, staring longingly at each other with a valley in between. The challenge of the vast distance between them was too much to bridge until the dream became just too big to ignore. Until Now..... The two are about to become one unforgettable phenomena. It is unlike anything else in the world. The Peak 2 Peak project now open, forever changing the way people experience Whistler Blackcomb. Connecting these giants, will be a one of a kind mountain to mountain journey that is worthy of the world's list of technological wonders. Spanning 4.4Km a width three and a half times that of the Golden Gate Bridge and at a height that is higher then four and a half times that of the statue of liberty or three times higher then the world largest tallest pyramid. Experience the high drama of this wonderland's unparallel scenery. This year for the holidays, book your clients an experience to cherish for a lifetime as one of the first people in the world to experience Canada's newest attraction.

On that note, Just picture the perfect Holiday Season. The halls are glowingly decked, the smell of gingerbread is in the air, and the snow is falling on the world's most perfect slopes. Whatever memories the Yuletide season evokes, celebrate at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Elevate your next holiday....Whistler Blackcomb has been voted the number one ski resort in North America by Conde Nast, Skiing Magazine and Travel & Leisure. A perfect match - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Defining Mountain Luxury.

To celebrate its 20th year, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is offering 20 rooms every day for the remainder of 2009 at just $99 CDN, based on availability. You’re not seeing things, your vision is perfectly fine – 20/20, in fact.

The week-long “20/20 Celebration Sale” kicks off this Wednesday, February 25. A minimum of 20 guestrooms are available per day until December 31, 2009. If you’re looking to whisk that special someone to Whistler, stick around for a stay-cation, get into the swing of things with a golf getaway or experience the ho-ho-holiday season in Whistler – yes, Christmas is included – The Fairmont Chateau Whistler has a room for you!CALL YOUR VIRTUOSO TRAVEL ADVISOR

Awesome Belize Experience-Blancaneaux

Blancaneaux Lodge is outside of San Ignacio, Belize in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a 300-square-mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains. The Sofia, our private Islander aircraft, can transport you from Belize City in less than an hour. The adventurous may choose to travel by road; the Lodge can be reached from Belize City and Belmopan via the Western Highway. Belize is less than two hours by air from Houston, New Orleans and Miami.

Here amid the pines and tropical foliage Francis Ford Coppola and his wife Eleanor first found this modest forest hunting lodge while hiking in 1981 and for years it was a private hide-away for his family and friends. In 1993 it opened its doors to a discerning public who were looking for comfort and style in a remote and adventurous location. Blancaneaux Lodge is designed to provide rustic comfort in harmony with its surroundings, and it definitely succeeds.

The Lodge's accommodations mirror the rainforest's vibrant hues. Each bungalow features a soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky.

Food is prepared from fruits and vegetables grown in our own Organic Garden. The Lodge is a guest in this fertile natural forest. To complement this, our chef has established a three-acre, self-sustaining organic garden that produces all of the fruits and vegetables used to make traditional Coppola family recipes. Dine on fresh seafood, smoked meats and authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning Italian oven. Local rum punches await at the Jaguar Bar.

The Privassion River courses through the Lodge's grounds. Above the river, a kaleidoscope of forest birdlife plays against the palmettos. All of the electricity used at the Lodge is generated by a hydroelectric plant that harnesses the power of the river. Blancaneaux Lodge is surrounded by many cave complexes that vary from the tiny to the vast. On the vast side is the Rio Frio Cave, an enormous two-ended cave carved out of a mountain by the Rio Frio River. Many other caves surround the Lodge. Some, such as the popular Barton Creek Cave and the newly opened complex at Actun Tunichil Muknal, contain pottery and bones left by the Mayans.

The hidden Big Rock Falls are a short trip away by car, horse or mountainbike. Hike down to the misty base of the falls, and swim in the warm pools. Or take a trip to the Rio On Pools, where small waterfalls spill between pools carved by the river out of the mountain granite. Some of the pools are connected by natural waterslides. The Lodge houses a number of handsome horses in its private stable. Our friendly guides will lead you on horseback to local falls and caves or will take you deep into the jungle where you can spot unusual birds and other wildlife.

Secluded and luxurious the Enchanted Cottage is without doubt Blancaneaux Lodge's ultimate hideaway. Set on a forested bluff overlooking magnificent waterfalls the cottage was designed to be a writing retreat for owner Francis Ford Coppola. The cottage boasts a private pool, expansive hardwood decking, airy screened porch, stunning master bedroom, full kitchen, a luxurious bathroom with underfloor heating, Japanese tub, open fire and steam room.

An attendant is on call 24 hours a day and a gas powered golf cart is provided to get you around the property when desired.

Between the 01 March and the 30 April 2009 the Enchanted Cottage is available for $900 US per night + tax/service, based on availability. This is a saving of $500 US a night. Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor Today

Fantastic Mexico Hotels

If you have a small group that is going to Mexico offer them a step outside the ordinary. There are so many wonderful locations in Mexico that still offer a sense of what Mexico was meant to be before the mega all-inclusive resort boom took place. Mexico Boutique Hotels offers an extraordinary selection of hotels with character, unique experiences, outstanding design, original cuisine, and personalized service that will provide you with an experience you will not soon forget. Selections are offered in many of the common resort areas as well as off the beaten path along the coastline and inland in many of the historical cities. You can select to stay at one location such as Verana in Puerta Vallarta, Casa Sandra in Isla Hobox just outside Cancun, or Casa Yal'ma Ka'an in Acapulco, these are just a few of the many great options. In addition you can select a multi stop loop experience that provides a taste of a few different areas all with extraordinary culture and flavor. A great example is a Central Pacific circuit tour which would take you through the exclusive Costalegre region including Puerta Vallarta, La Cruz De Loreto, Careyes and Tamarindo. This coastline trip offers wonderful small towns, beaches, and incredible golf all complimented by wonderful small boutique hotels. For an inland experience sample some fantastic history by starting in Mexico City and visiting the small towns of Cholula and Puebla. Two fascinating hotel experiences in this area are La Purificadora in Puebla and La Quinta Luna in Cholula. If you have an interest in getting back to the heart of Mexico and having a travel experience which encompasses the passion of this culture and provides extraordinary service and exclusive experiences, then this is the way to go. ASK YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR ABOUT THESE LOCATIONS TODAY.

Join Me On A Trek- Sept 21-30 2009 Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge

Dream Outdoors and Mountain Lodges of Peru offer “Adventure at its finest”: the opportunity to experience the essence of adventure within the realm of creature comforts. At Dream Outdoors we believe a life-changing experience has to be an adventure on many levels. This is why our experience goes far beyond comfortable lodges and great treks… it is a unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, contemporary manifestations of deep-founded culture, gastronomic surprises, the determination of local people to progress, new friends and like-minded souls.

This 9-day adventure includes a 6 day “Inca Trail” trek on an ancient path called the “Salkantay Route”. The enchanting valley of Soraypampa is the starting point, one that is much less traveled but, by many accounts, more scenic and exclusive than the famous “Inca Trail” itself. Roundtrip from Lima we travel to Cusco, one of the most historic and picturesque villages in the western hemisphere. From there we set out on foot, lodge-lodge along four mountain retreats in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range hidden in cloud forests. Our journey climaxes at the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Includes;
•Fully guided by Dream Outdoors team
•All transportation and hotel services throughout
•Meals and non-alcoholic beverages from lunch on Day 3 to lunch on Day 9.
*Alcoholic beverages are charged extra
•Transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters
•Panoramic Train ride and guided Machu Picchu sightseeing trip

San Juan Islands Washington- What a great idea!!

NHB Has a great new experience that they just released for 2009;

Discover the San Juan Islands. A close up nature safari through Washington's colorful San Juan Islands!

Trip Overview-Watch for orca whales in their natural environment as we cruise among the islands Hike through old-growth forest and survey the North Cascades from atop Mt. Constitution Kayak the sheltered waters of Orcas Island, paddling among seals, otters and bald eagles

The San Juan Islands lie like a scattering of deep green emeralds against the sapphire waters of an inland sea. In the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the archipelago is protected from heavy Pacific weather, enjoying 250 sunny days a year. One of the earth’s most aesthetic marine environments, the islands teem with wildlife. Orca whales and Stellar sea lions cavort in the saltwater reaches, myriad sea birds nest on rockbound shores, and black-tailed deer browse pastures of tall grass and wildflowers. Our immersion into island life happens at a peaceful rhythm, as we encounter nature up close on foot and at sea.

ASK YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR ABOUT IT TODAY!!

Dominica-A Hidden Gem

There's still some islands in the Caribbean that offer great adventure and exotic destinations. One of the great ones is Dominica. Challenging to reach from the U.S. via air, Dominica is accessed through Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, or Antigua. It offers some great Eco-resorts and adventure experiences from island hiking, coastal kayaking, and great snorkeling outings.

One of the best Eco-resort locations is Jungle Bay Resort & Spa. With 35 cottages built right into the coastline without any clear-cutting, Jungle Bay takes on a true exotic island rain forest feel that can't be matched in many places currently in the Caribbean. The spa is extraordinary, the restaurant is great, and the open areas provide perfect settings for everything from board meetings to Yoga. Trips to Boiling Lake, Glasse Pool, and Victoria Falls are not to be missed. This experience will bring you back to be grounded with nature. It's an extraordinary place.

Peru-Inca Trail Trek-Machu Picchu

South America has become the hot spot for US travelers looking for their next exotic adventure experience. There are so many incredible places and landscapes, all surrounded with some of the most unique cultures in the world. As local tour operators scramble to compete over destinations such as the Atacama Desert, Lake Titicaca, The Amazon River and rainforest, and Machu Picchu, the market becomes flooded with many options. As an adventure enthusiast it's so hard to recognize the quality options from the nightmares in disguise.

One trip I would recommend hands down over the competition is the Lodge to Lodge Machu Picchu Experience offered by Mountain Lodges of Peru. Our team at Dream Outdoors has worked closely with MLP and I feel very strongly about the lodges, the guides, and most of all the unmatched experience of the trek itself.

This moderate to strenuous 7 day 6 night trek takes you through multiple eco-systems and landscapes offering an extraordinary view of untouched Peruvian Backcountry. The guides are wonderful as they know everything about your surroundings and the people who inhabit this area. It's all inclusive so you don't have to worry about anything. The trekking pays off as you have earned your right to set foot on Machu Picchu, one of the most fascinating places on Earth.

Along the way your accommodations include 4 of the most spectacular backcountry lodges to be found anywhere. They are small, luxuriously simple, and offer the most breathtaking views and surroundings imaginable.

I am not hesitating when I tell you that the experience, if done correctly, matches any adventure experience found in any destination. This is the way to view Southern Peru and the ruins at Machu Picchu. Interested? Join our team for a September private trip.

Belize Canopy Lodge

There is a new rainforest treetop lodge in Belize that is raising the bar on canopy experiences in the southern part of the country. Located in a very remote part of Belize, this place offers caving, mountain biking, day and nighttime safaris, and guided tours of archaeological sites. They even stayed true to the Eco movement by utilizing Eco-smart vehicles for your transfers to this 12 treehouse retreat. You can even join an archaeological snorkeling trip to ancient Mayan sites. Looking for something new? Ask your travel advisor about Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge.