4 Essential Experiences in Thailand

The crown jewel of Southeast Asia, Thailand is the adventure the rest of your private jet travels have prepared you for. It’s a place where coconut palms line soft-sand beaches, tigers still roam the jungles, and pulsating cities host world-class restaurants and golden palaces. Here are a few experiences that should top your Thailand private jet travel list.

1. Relax on Southeast Asia’s Most Famous Islands

Our pick: One of Thailand’s largest islands, Koh Kood (or Ko Kut) is a short private jet flight southeast from Bangkok, but it might as well be on a different planet. No zipping cars or throbbing nightlife here — just cerulean swimming coves, plunging waterfalls, and all the blindingly white beaches you can imagine. Take a dip in under the waterfall at Nam Tok Khlong Chao; cast a line for sailfish; or sip a coconut while wiggling your toes in the sand.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Phang Nga Bay: Gaze up at limestone karsts from the cockpit of a kayak.
• Koi Samui: Hit this low-key island’s nightlife and sprawling beaches.

2. Eat the Best Pad Thai of Your Life

Our pick: Along with French and Italian, Thai cuisine ranks among the best in the world. For just a few baht, taste knockout tom yum and pad thai, affordable and ubiquitous hallmarks of Bangkok’s street food scene. And don’t beeline out of Thailand’s largest city before sampling a few of its top restaurants. Favorites include curry at Bo.lan and seafood at Nahm at the Metropolitan. Or become a master at combining Thai staples like garlic, chilies, lemongrass, and lime at Baipai Thai Cooking School.

Worthwhile side trips:
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Arrive early (like 6am) to watch vendors barter piled-high produce from sampans and speedboats.
• Aw Taw Kaw Market: Relish satay while strolling aisles of traditional foods.

3. Explore Siam’s Ancient Civilization

Our pick: A former capital of Siam, the astounding southern city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. The historic complex is now one of Thailand’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Archeology buffs will be amazed by its serene buddhas, massive palaces, and tranquil monasteries, not to mention the city’s most iconic feature — dozens of pointed stone prang, or reliquary towers.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Bangkok’s Grand Palace: Stroll the Thai monarchy’s dazzling 230-year-old home.
• Sa Kaeo: Discover ancient Khmer archeology in this wild province bordering Cambodia.

4. Spot the World’s Rarest Wildlife

Our pick: For true underwater amazement, head to the Andaman Sea and Mu Ko Surin National Park. Rays and sea turtles populate this archipelago, which also encompasses Thailand’s most famous dive site, Richelieu Rock, or Hin Plo Naam. There is also quality snorkeling to be had at Thailand’s easternmost islands.

Worthwhile side trips:

• Elephant Nature Park: Walk right up to an Asian elephant in this rehabilitation center outside Chiang Mai.
• Khao Sok National Park: If you want to see a tiger in the wild, your best bet is to visit this southern rainforest.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

Tortola has many casual restaurants and beach bars, but if you want truly fine dining during your next private jettrip to the British Virgin Islands, your list of choices is much shorter.

Luckily, these five great restaurants deliver the goods to private jet chartering gourmands:

The Dove

French haute cuisine is the focus of this Road Town restaurant, which also has a wine bar and doubles as a jazz club at night. Step inside the antique-filled gingerbread cottage, dating to 1912, for Chef Travis Phillips’ fine preparations using fresh local ingredients as well as delicacies flown in from all over the world. Come for the champagne happy hour (5-7 pm, Tues-Sat) for $3 champagne cocktails — an unexpected tropical treat under the shade of a mango tree!

The Sugar Mill

How’s this for romantic? Cocktails at a bar with great views of Apple Bay and the Caribbean, followed by dinner in a restored, candlelit, 300-year-old sugar mill on the grounds of the Sugar Mill Hotel. A favorite “special occasion” restaurant on Tortola, the Sugar Mill features an a la carte menu that changes each night but typically features a variety of fresh seafood, meat, vegetarian, and pasta dishes. The curried banana soup is a great starter that got the restaurant featured in Bon Appetit magazine.

Brandywine Bay

Peer down on Sir Francis Drake Channel from this open-walled restaurant located on the site of an old British fort, which may have the best views on Tortola. You’ll dine on Tuscan specialties prepared by chef and owner Davide Pugliese, a native of Italy, who changes the menu so frequently that it’s simply written on a dry-erase board. You’ll never get bored of the food or the scenery from the beautiful garden terrace.

Capriccio de Mare

The most authentic Italian cafe on Tortola was also the creation of Brandywine Bay’s Davide Pugliese and his wife, Cele. It’s a more casual setting, but still a beauty on the Road Town waterfront, and the food quality is wonderful whether you’re dropping in for an Italian pastry for breakfast, espresso at lunchtime, or pasta, pizza, or sandwiches — perhaps accompanied by Venetian-style bellinis — for dinner.

The Bananakeet Cafe

This little restaurant with the funny name doesn’t just serve great food — it also is renowned for having the sweetest sunsets on Tortola. Bartenders serve up free shots as the sun sinks over the horizon each day, whetting your appetite for the Euro-Caribbean fusion cuisine on the menu. After the long, winding drive up to the Heritage Inn in Carrot Bay, you’ll want to stay a while; fortunately, you’ll feel welcome to linger at this laid-back restaurant where every meal is made to order. If you can’t make it for sunset, check out the poolside Sunday brunch.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

Ride the wave of paddling’s fastest growing sport by giving stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, a try. Once you do, you won’t find it surprising that SUP has won the battle of paddlesports. People of all ages and levels are standing tall and cruising waterways. While the sport first came into its own in Hawaii, mountain towns have successfully adopted SUP because of its fun application on the calm, clear waters found in alpine environments. Here’s some advice on top private jet mountain vacation destinations to SUP.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is to stand up paddleboarding like surfing is to Hawaii; it’s just a natural fit. And Lake Tahoe offers every level of paddleboarder, from newbie to expert paddler, an experience that is memorable. Not only for the mountain views but the scene below the board: Tahoe’s water clarity is one of the best in the world. Plus, the north end of the lake delivers one sandy beach after another. Nearby Kings Beach is a perfect launch site – shallow, warm waters and easy access to Crystal Bay Point State Beach, a half hour paddle away. A Drift Tahoe offers rentals and the convenience of a nearby launch zone. (www.standuppaddletahoe.com/contact-us.html)

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Spectacular Jackson Lake inside Grand Teton National Park is the place to paddle in Wyoming. When you not staring at the granite faces of the Park’s storied peaks, look to the calm waters. Wilds and wildlife abound, from beaver lodges and sunken remains of a forest to osprey and bald eagle nests, and whatever else is lining up at the water’s edge (think moose and bear). Rendezvous River Sports in Jackson rents SUPs. (http://www.jacksonholekayak.com/)

Steamboat Springs

At 8,100 feet above sea level, Steamboat Lake soars almost as high as region mountaintops. Take in the continental divide during an early morning paddle. Late summer water temps crest at a perfectly refreshing 70 degrees and provide a cool catch as you dive from your board. Ski Haus in downtown rents paddleboards. (http://skihaussteamboat.com/paddle-boards/)

Telluride

Under the shadow of Colorado’s fourteen thousand foot peaks Telluride probably offers the most scenic options. Trout Lake, just 15 minutes from down town, and Woods Lake, 20 minutes from town, supply calm waters, quiet shoreline, and alpine splendor. Both sit at the center of captivating valleys making stand up paddle boarding as much about the activity as it is about the views. Jagged Edge on Main Street offers paddleboard rentals and guided tours. (http://www.jagged-edge-telluride.com/contact/)

Park City

While Park City is known for arts, culture and forested slopes, the region is also becoming a haven for private jet travelers to test their SUPprowess at Jordanelle State Park. Jordanelle Reservoir is a scenic 15-minute drive east of Park City and delivers a myriad of options, from paddling shoreline marshes looking for wildlife to striking out in open water with stunning views of the Wasatch Range. Jordanelle Rentals has paddleboards for rent. (http://www.jordanellerentals.com/paddle-board-rentals)

Sun Valley

If your desire is to see less people and more wildlife, Sun Valley, Idaho might have the answer. While cold, calm waters come with altitude so do views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Sun Valley’s nearby alpine lakes, Redfish, Alturas and Pettit, deliver in spades. For a warmer paddle head south of town to Magic Reservoir; water temps here hover in the 60s. Remember, warm water in the mountains is relative. Rent paddleboards at Idaho River Sports in Ketchum. (http://www.idahoriversports.com/)

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

Contrary to popular belief, Mexican food does not traditionally consist of refried beans, hard shell tacos and frozen margaritas.  True Mexican cuisine consists of fresh seafood, spicy soups and sauces, and quality tequila, served neat.  Few Mexican private jet destinations are as fit for foodies as the Banderas Bay region in Riviera Nayarit, where fresh seabass and grouper dominate dishes and award-winning mole recipes are carefully guarded.  One of the largest bays in the world, this paradise of sun, sand and sea offers a plethora of dining options from refined international establishments to sandy fish shacks, all offering some of the most delicious provisions south of the border.

Here are some of our favorites:

Mezzogiorno

Located on a popular beach in Bucerias, a charming seaside pueblo in the heart of the bay, this Italian restaurant is perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion that calls for candlelight and hours spent lingering over a bottle of vino.  If you’ve grown sick of seafood, this is also a great spot for a classic steak and pasta comfort meal.

Karen’s Place

For a high quality meal with a casual, yet elegant, atmosphere, head to Karen’s Place where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner under a thatched palapa while watching  for migrating dolphins and humpback whales.

Signature Restaurant Carolina

Although the Carolina showcases flavorful combinations of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, the exquisite sunsets are what make this epicurean destination stand out.  Self described as “luxurious, sophisticated and seductive” the Carolina is one of three outstanding eateries hosted by the St. Regis Resort located at the very tip of the Punta de Mita peninsula, and the only restaurant in the Mexican state of Nayarit to hold the prestigious AAA Five Diamond rating.

Sandzibar

A newcomer to the bahia’s dining scene, Sandzibar is named after the storied African spice island and features a blend of Mediterranean, African and Mexican flavors.  The restaurant offers four different atmospheres in which to enjoy its fantastic ocean views.  Whether you’re looking for a casual bar-top meal or a romantic evening, Sandzibar is great for families and couples alike.

Bahia

Located in the Four Seasons Resort on the northern side of the Punta Mita peninsula, Bahia is one of esteemed Mexican chef Richard Sandoval’s newest gems.  This seaside grill features simply prepared albeit creatively enhanced dishes that change with the tides, such as scallops ceviche, wood-grilled avocado and buttered crab mashed potatoes.  Bahia also hosts four-hour cooking classes taught by Sandoval himself every Thursday.

Sayulita Fish Taco

If you find yourself sweaty, sandy, salty and starving after a day of beach activity, shuffle your flip-flopped feet into this open-air fish shack.  The menu offers mouth-watering eats such as shrimp empanadas, tropical fish brochettes with mango salsa and whole red snapper platters, not to mention a nice array of local tequila and margarita offerings.

Visit the Inspirato Punta de Mita Destination Guide  for more information about luxury dining in Punta de Mita and Puerto Vallarta.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes private jet charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Take a private jet trip to a bustling metropolis and Canada’s largest city! Toronto is home to several professional sports teams, noteworthy museums and the third largest public transit system in North America. The capital of Ontario, this diverse city is known for its commerce as well as the array of activities for visitors. Here are some top things you don’t want to miss when visiting Toronto.

CN Tower

Travel to new heights at the CN Tower, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Ride the high-speed elevator to the observation level for amazing views, a glass floor, and restaurants so you can dine with a view. Or if you feel particularly brave, take a second elevator up to the Skypod at 1,465 feet.

Toronto Zoo

One of the largest zoos in the world, explore the Toronto Zoo which is home to 5,000 animals and over 500 species. The 710 acre zoo has seven different sections covering America, Australasia, Tundra, Indomalaya, Africa and Eurasia as well as a Discovery Zone and rides.

Casa Loma

Enjoy the opulence as you tour the elegant Casa Loma, former home of Sir Henry Pellatt, a Canadian financier. This majestic castle offers self-guided tours of its suites, tunnels, towers and five acres of manicured gardens. Construction, which began in 1911, took three years and cost $3.5 million.

Catch a Game

Toronto is home to seven professional sports teams which include baseball, basketball, hockey (National League and American League), soccer, football and lacrosse. Enjoy one of the many games that take place year-round in the city, such as the Toronto Blue Jays who play baseball at the Rogers Centre April to October.

Hockey Hall of Fame

A must-see for hockey enthusiasts, the Hockey Hall of Fame is home to the Stanley Cup as well as the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia.

Royal Ontario Museum

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum has over six million objects and artifacts. From world culture and natural history to hands-on galleries and special exhibitions, the Museum appeals to visitors of all ages.

Neighborhoods

Toronto is home to one of the largest Chinatowns in all of North America. Stroll through the streets as you take in the culture, marvel at the monuments, pick up a few mementos or enjoy one of the many restaurants. Nearby is Kensington Market, a National Historic Site of Canada. This outdoor market has shops, stands, cafes and more. Shop or simply peruse the eclectic and historic streets that make up this multicultural neighborhood.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes private jet charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Private jet trip family fun on Anguilla isn’t as obvious as what you might find on a Disney cruise or at the Atlantis resort, but if you have kids with a spirit of adventure and love the beach, this friendly island has plenty to offer for families vacationing at one of Inspirato’s dozen-plus villason Anguilla’s north shore and quiet West end.

Anguilla boasts dozens of beautiful beaches, including Mead’s Bay, where the soft sand has helped earn it the title of the world’s best beach. Maunday’s Bay and Rendezvous Bay are both known for their placid waters, while Shoal Bay is the place to go for snorkeling.

Families can enjoy waterskiing, tubing, and banana-boat rides together, or sign up for Junior’s Glass Bottom Boat Tour for a relaxing, eye-popping tour of the Shoal Bay Reef. Daytripping to one of Anguilla’s offshore islands for a picnic and a swim — Scilly Cay, Prickly Pear Cay, and Sandy Island, to name a few favorites — is a highlight of any Anguilla vacation.

The kids can make some new finned friends at Dolphin Fantaseas, or scan the beaches at Maundays Bay, Meads Bay, Captain’s Bay, or Limestone Bay for signs of nesting sea turtles between April and November. A horseback ride along Savannah Bay can become a fun family outing or a romantic break for mom and dad.

Active kids will find lots to love about Anguilla, which can be easily navigated by bicycle and also offers some interesting hiking opportunities. The Pelican Trail, for example, leads from the Katouche Bay bluffs down to the sea, where you’ll find a diving platform, an offshore trampoline island, and watersports like kayaking and snorkeling.

Boat racing is Anguilla’s national sport, so naturally the Anguilla Sailing Association offers learn-to-sail programs for children and adults alike. Or, get your kids swinging their racquets with a lesson at the Anguilla Tennis Academy. For games that anyone can play, visit Play-A-Round for mini golf and bumper boats.

The Old Salt Factory and Pumphouse in Sandy Ground will give your family a taste of local history, highlighting the time (not so long ago) when salt mining was the biggest business on Anguilla, not tourism. Break up you days with a visit to one of the island’s many roadside restaurants (casual places where you’ll meet plenty of friendly Anguillans), pub food at the Pumphouse restaurant, or snacks at daVida’s Bayside Grill, where the fabulous views from Crocus Hill come free with your meal.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes private jet charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Despite longer days and lazier hours, summer still seems to pass by all too quickly.  Before you know it Labor Day is just around the corner, and you haven’t even found your bathing suit yet.  Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to savor the season thanks to a great selection of late summer private jet vacation ideas.

2012 Summer Olympics

Taking place in the majestic city of London, the 2012 Olympic Games will commence on July 27 with the opening ceremonies and wrap up on August 12 when the final medals will be awarded to the world’s best equestrians, swimmers, gymnasts, runners, cyclists and even canoe paddlers.  Observing an Olympic Games is a unique and moving experience that will only be enhanced by the regal sensation of this particular host city.

94^th PGA Championship Golf Tournament

Some of golf’s most talented players will gather on Kiawah Island, SC, August 9-12 for this year’s PGA Championship.  Hosted this year by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Course is as beautiful as it is challenging and boasts more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern hemisphere.

Nantucket Race Week

Summer private jet holidays on the East Coast mean seafood cookouts on the beach, Gatsby-style garden parties and, of course, sailing.  Get your fill of these classic summer experiences during Race Week on Nantucket August 11-19 where the whole community celebrates summer with regattas, parties and parades galore.  Don’t miss the annual Sculpture & Sandcastle Day on Saturday, August 18.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Spanning 683 miles, 12 cities and 9 mountain passes, the 2012 Pro Cycling Challenge is sure to be even more exciting than last year’s inaugural Colorado event.  Beginning in Telluride on August 20 and finishing in Denver on August 26, over 135 cyclists will take on the treacherous mountain climbs and literally breathtaking altitudes in America’s most difficult road race.  The best part is that this race can been seen from a variety of Colorado towns–including Montrose, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Vail and Golden–which will help keep crowds at bay.

Maui Reggae Festival

One of Hawaii’s hottest concerts is the annual “Reggae in the Valley” on July 21^st.  Tropical breezes off the ocean keep you cool while enjoying the sounds of old and new school reggae acts.  This year the concert will also feature a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of FIJI water.

80^th Annual Festival of Arts

Laguna Beach hosts California’s longest-running fine arts festival from July 1 to August 31.  Daily art shows, awards ceremonies, jazz concerts, culinary classes and other open-air attractions draw crowds from around the world. This is also the best time of year for whale watching as great blue and finback whales are in migration.

Chicago Jazz Festival

There are a few places in America that truly embody the jazz culture, and Chicago is certainly one of them.  The 34^th annual Chicago Jazz Festival kicks off on August 30 with a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (to celebrate what would be her 95^th birthday) at Millennium Park.  Performances by Steve Coleman, Dianna Reeves, Roy Haynes and other jazz greats continue around the city through September 2.

SF Chefs

San Francisco has long been heralded as one of the top culinary destinations in the world, and this event aims to celebrate this accomplishment. The best of the best in food and wine gather at Union Square to present, discuss, teach and, of course, eat.  Don’t miss the “Grand Tasting Tent” where you’ll find sample creations from over 200 of San Francisco’s finest eateries and watering holes.

La Villette Open-Air Cinema Festival

Going to a drive-in movie in the summertime is one of America’s most classic and romantic date ideas, and La Villette is the Parisian equivalent of this tradition.  Grab your picnic basket and your sweetie’s hand for a romantic evening under the stars during this fun festival July 25-August 26.

Anguilla Summer Festival

Experience the Caribbean’s largest beach party during Anguilla’s annual summer festival from July 27^th through August 12^th for an authentic celebration of calypso, seafood and sunshine.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

There are hundreds of reasons to take a private jet trip to Telluride in the summer, but topping the list — especially for those who want big adventure — is heading into the beautiful backcountry that surrounds this southwest Colorado town. Here are three of the marquee ways to experience the raw nature of Telluride’s mountains.

Climb Wilson Peak, Lizard Head Wilderness

Colorado stands taller than any other place in the Americas. Literally. With 54 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet above sea level, this is where the continent crests.

Of these “fourteeners,” Wilson Peak is one of the most recognizable (just don’t confuse it with its neighbor, 14,246-foot Mount Wilson). For years, this hulking pyramid with an apron of aspens at its base has crowned several Coors commercials. Hearty, acclimated and aerobically fit hikers can reach its 14,017-foot summit in four strenuous miles, beginning in the gorgeous Silver Pick Basin on the northern slope of the Lizard Head Wilderness. As for the views? A handful of other “fourteeners” and the La Sal Mountains in Utah.

Sneffels High Line Trail, Mount Sneffels Wilderness

If summit fever is not your thing — but strenuous hiking in the wilderness is — try the northern side of town and the 13-mile Sneffels Highline Loop Trail. Strolling through aspen groves covered in a carpet of wild strawberries, the trail rises into two alpine basins where elk raise their young in early summer. The ragged and colorful peaks that crown these valleys are among the most spectacular in Colorado.

Drive over Imogene Pass to Ouray

Not into the marathon endurance required of strenuous backcountry hiking? Well, you can still gain access to the beautiful remote places above Telluride via four-wheel drive vehicle. The most famous route is the rugged road over Imogene Pass (which crests at 13,114 feet), which leads experienced drivers through tundra and forest to the charming town of Ouray. Stop by the ghost town of Tomboy, where millions of dollars in gold ore was mined from the adjacent mine. Add chills to the journey by reading the memoir “Tomboy Bride” ahead of time. You won’t believe what residents of this town endured to stake out a living in the high-altitudes of the San Juan Mountains.

Note: Only experienced backcountry private jet travelers should try these adventures. For hiking, bring at least 64 fluid ounces of water, clothing for all seasons and plenty of food. Inspirato’s destination concierge can help make travel and transport arrangements for you to these trailheads and backcountry tours.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Dining in San Francisco is not just a meal, it’s an experience for our private jet travelers. From award-winning cuisine to panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is a feast for the eyes as well as your appetite.

After taking a private jet to a city as beautiful as San Francisco, be sure to select a restaurant that will provide you with a spectacular view as well as delectable cuisine. Although there are numerous notable restaurants with stunning views, here are a few San Francisco favorites to get you started:

Sutro’s

Located at the historic Cliff House on the west side of San Francisco, Sutro’s provides majestic views for every diner. The windows, which are floor to ceiling, allow an unobscured look at the Pacific Ocean, Northern California coastline and Seal Rocks. Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and organic produce.

The Franciscan Crab Restaurant

Take in the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges at this restaurant located in the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Twenty foot high ceilings allow you to marvel at the sights as you enjoy seafood favorites during lunch or dinner.

EPIC Roasthouse

Situated near the base of the Bay Bridge, your dining skyline is complemented by the lights which stretch along the bridge, San Francisco Bay and portions of the city. Located on The Embarcadero, this steakhouse provides nightly dinner as well as weekend brunch.

Waterbar

Dine on sustainable seafood as you marvel at the views of San Francisco bay and the nearby Bay Bridge. While enjoying the vistas outside, also enjoy the 19-foot tall aquariums located inside the restaurant. Close to the Financial District, Waterbar is on the Embarcadero and serves lunch and dinner.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

Every private jet vacation has a purpose, or two, or perhaps three. Some are oriented toward utter relaxation and disconnecting from real life while others are geared for a particular physical activity, like golf or skiing. For folks seeking a movement-based vacation, here’s a list of top active destinations and the activities that make them special.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for both its jungles and beaches. When you take a private jet to the jungle, go on foot once you land. Hike on the trail networks of the country’s innumerate national parks among large flower blossoms and, if you’re lucky, monkeys! Once you are on the beach, embrace surfing. The surf off Costa Rica’s shore varies, but dozens of learner waves are out there, as is high-quality instruction. You haven’t had a vacation workout until you’ve tried surfing.

Jackson Hole

Under the snow blanket of winter, Jackson is a skiing playground. Enthusiasts enjoy town’s two downhill resorts as well as miles of groomed trails for Nordic skiing. By summer, embrace mountain biking on Jackson Hole’s sweet singletrack.

Maui

When in Maui, do as the locals do and spend your vacation in the water. It matters not what water sports you indulge in: surfing, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, body boarding, or just plain swimming. The Pacific Ocean awaits you!

Tahoe

By winter, Tahoe is a downhill skiing paradise with a massive amount of ski-able acreage, huge volumes of snow, and terrain suitable for everyone. When the snow melts and the roads clear, Tahoe becomes a supreme road biking destination. From bike lanes to ample services, to beaches around every corner, road biking around the shores of spectacular Lake Tahoe is an experience you won’t forget.

Peru

Much of Peru’s land area is swallowed by the high-altitude Andes Mountains. All over the range, trails link modern villages, historical features, and wilderness. A trekking private jet vacation in Peru can be scaled to each person’s interest and ability, from a half-day hike to an archaeological site, to a multi-day trek through a Peruvian national park.

To explore these and other active vacation destinations, be sure to check out the Inspirato Destinations Summary. This will kick start your vacation dreaming! Once you choose your destination, a Destination Concierge will help you plan your activity-based vacation.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.