Passport to Style

VAIL’S GREAT ESCAPE The ultra posh ski-in, ski-out Grand Hyatt Vail is a world unto itself

Written by GINA CHRISTMAN

The Grand Hyatt Vail is nestled at the base of Vail Mountain, alongside the banks of Gore Creek.

Written by GINA CHRISTMAN

The extensive menu at Gessner is inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Rockies.

ALTHOUGH VAIL, COLORADO, IS A destination to be enjoyed year-round, it’s ski season that packs in the most awe-inspiring experiences with the whole family in mind. Its Alpine villages—Vail Village, Lionshead and Golden Peak—are chock-full of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and all, but the crowds can be a bit much. Savvy visitors enjoy all the hustle and bustle of the Village but know they can escape just a couple of miles down the road to the more secluded Grand Hyatt Vail resort. Skiers and nonskiers will find no shortage of things to do at the Grand Hyatt Vail, a 285-room ski-in, ski-out resort that sits at the foot of Vail Mountain (the largest ski mountain in Colorado) and along the banks of Gore Creek. At the base of the resort’s private Chair Lift 20, Venture Sports stocks the latest in gear and offers concierge and valet services, heated boot storage and an experienced and knowledgeable staff. Guests can book a snowshoeing excursion to explore the mountain forest or take part in yoga, pilates or barre classes. Rather take a dip in the pool or hot tub or go for a rigorous session in the 24/7 fitness center? No worries. Go it alone or follow the resort’s varied schedule of activities where new adventures appear every day. Kids enjoy the daily “build-your-own hot chocolate” and warm cookies or s’mores after skiing or ice-skating at the private ice rink. Custom-fitted ice skates are available in the cozy yurt just outside the rink (the yurt makes a quiet place to read or relax with a cocktail too).

Moët Chandon, available via a vending machine in the lobby, is a unique après-ski treat favored by guests.

The Grand Hyatt Vail’s award-winning spa draws on the surrounding landscape for inspiration and its treatments and ingredients offer the powers of blended essential oils derived from native mountain botanicals. There’s nothing quite as rejuvenating after a day on the mountain as a signature massage followed by a visit to the aromatherapy steam room or salt sauna before stepping out into the brisk Alpine air. In 2018, the hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that brought the property and all of the resort’s services to a spectacular level. The popular Fireside Lounge (with its own champagne vending machine) is the resort’s gathering spot, and the world-class cuisine and stellar wine list at Gessner are among the best in Vail. Colorado Lamb Chops, Black Truffle Tagliatelle and House-made Focaccia are menu standouts. There are several levels of rooms and suites, all of which are spacious and modern. Huge pristine marble bathrooms with perfect lighting and deluxe Balmain amenities are a welcome surprise. Shuttles run to and from the Villages every 15 minutes, but it’s an easy, scenic walk along Gore Creek for the slightly more adventurous. hyatt.com

For up-to-date travel requirements and restrictions, and to learn more about Hyatt's current policies, visit hyatt.com/ info/coronavirus-statement

The Alpine-inspired Fireside Lounge is the resort’s social center.

Complimentary shuttles to Lionshead and Vail Village leave every 15 minutes from the resort entrance.

JAMAICAN

OLD-WORLD CHARM

Written By CATHY WHITLOCK

Scenic views and ocean breezes settle in at Bluefields Bay Villas

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Idyllic and off the beaten path are just a few of the reasons guests are drawn to the Bluefields Bay Villas.Overlooking the ocean, each villa is designed with Jamaican antiques

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD lies a secret little slice of heaven known as Bluefields Bay Villas. Remote and low-key, charming and exclusive, the welcoming Jamaican respite is just what the doctor ordered as we face travel’s “new normal.”

Washington, D.C. couple Braxton and Debbie Moncure first discovered the hidden gem of the Caribbean, located on Jamaica’s south coast, some four decades ago. The now expats fell in love with the pristine surroundings and purchased a beach house on the hilly seaside that eventually turned into six villas, and soon an exclusive resort was born.

Off the beaten path, just an hour’s drive from Montego Bay Airport, or if you’re feeling luxe, a 12-minute scenic flight via helicopter, this is not your typical beach resort. Void of Olympic-size pools, children’s waterslides, 18-hole golf courses and masses of sunbathers, the allure of Bluefields Bay Villas lies in its private sandy beaches, old-school charm and elegance.

A who’s who of luminaries—rock royalty, celebrities and politicians—have visited the hideaway since its inception in the early 1980s, enjoying the paparazzi-free privacy. And it’s the perfect spot for mere mortals, particularly honeymooners and families, who want a place to relax and disconnect (while television is not available, you can still access the internet).

The six all-inclusive villas—designed by Debbie, an accomplished architect—represent a sense of place that is best described as Colonial charm (four-poster mahogany beds and heirloom silver). From two to six bedrooms, each villa is distinctive, filled with Jamaican antiques, lovingly curated by Braxton and his eye for detail. Offering unspoiled views of the ocean, the private villas are built with indigenous materials such as Jamaican stone, marble, cedar and mahogany.

From the stately elegance of the archfilled Hermitage villa and the grand palatial style San Michele to the honeymoon favorite Milestone Cottage, each carefully thought-out fl oor plan utilizes the scenery to its fullest with private pools, open-air showers and well-placed balconies that maximize the ocean breezes. Each villa also comes with its own incredibly attentive staff that caters to your every whim.

With a dozen chefs on the property and using locally sourced food, incredible Jamaican fusion cuisine is the order of the day along with personal requests that ensure there is something for every palate (Wednesday’s Jamaican jerk chicken is a must). Activities are also plentiful, ranging from tennis, paddleboarding, kayaking and deep-sea fishing to visiting the private YS waterfalls or neighboring Negril. And be sure to add a cocktail cruise at sunset to your itinerary.

The family-owned, 5-star property is a study in giving back, as making an impact on the community is at the core of everything they do. The staff is hired and trained locally, and several have been there since the resort’s inception. Canine lovers will enjoy the rescue pups who call Bluefields Bay home, and guests can make donations to the local Montego Bay Animal Haven to be matched by the Moncures.

Last but certainly not least, take time to enjoy cocktail hour with the owners before you head back home. Settle in for an entertaining evening, as they regale you with tales of the property’s storied history. A stay at Bluefields Bay Villas is truly a one-of-a-kind visit where you can experience a peaceful Jamaica. bluefieldsvillas.com

Al fresco meals are accompanied by breathtaking sea views.

Flavor-packed Jamaican cuisine is prepared daily by on-site chefs.

Jamaican rum is a crowd pleaser.

The ocean is never out of sight at Bluefields Bay