Wheels: Designed to Thrill

Experience life’s little luxuries.

CATCH A FALLING STAR

The town of Churchill in Manitoba, Canada is located directly beneath the Van Allen Belt: a layer of energy-charged particles that surrounds the Earth’s polar regions, creating one of the heaviest concentrations of auroral activity in the world and making this unique spot among the best places on the planet to view the Northern Lights. This year you can stargaze in complete comfort in the Aurora Pod, created by Natural Habitat Adventures. This exclusive, custom-built structure featuring geometric glass construction (from waistheight up) is fully heated and equipped with reclining chairs for a 360-degree, unobstructed view of the celestial phenomenon. To complete the experience, naturalist expedition leaders provide information about Northern Canada’s geology, history, wildlife, cultures and, of course, the Aurora Borealis.

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, located in Alberta's Banff National Park amid mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, has worldclass skiing, a luxury spa and exceptional dining. There’s also the Brewster Stables which, during the winter months, can arrange for you to be whisked away on a truly lovely sleigh ride to the end of Lake Louise. The sleighs are traditionally styled with cozy upholstered seats and blankets to keep you warm and comfortable. You can order hot chocolate and a picnic lunch to be served during the ride. To make the day even more memorable, pop open a bottle of Champagne and toast the holidays.

PERU AU NATUREL

Inkaterra focuses on sustainable tourism initiatives, preserving Peru’s geography and culture with the aim of giving everyone a chance to experience the country. Part of this initiative is the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a contemporary hotel designed with colonial inspiration, built in the heart of Urubamba Valley surrounded by charming villages and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Some of the fully serviced suites offer fireplaces; others have terraces and dining rooms. All are outfitted with beautiful Pima cotton sheets, hypoallergenic pillows, free internet access, plasma screens with Direct TV, iPads, speakers and complimentary minibars. But don’t let the opulence deceive you: the rooms have natural ventilation systems, the heating system uses minimal energy, and the architecture makes the most of natural light.

PERFECTLY PRIVATE

If you really need to get away from it all, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is set on the private island of Lankanfushi, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the International Airport at Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Providing ultimate privacy, the resort features just 45 luxurious overwater villas, each designed with a private water garden and sun deck, as well as a separate shower linked to your bathroom by an open-air walkway. Here, even watching a movie becomes an exceptional experience. For your viewing pleasure, a 19’ x 10’ screen is set in the open air, surrounded by dense tropical foliage. Watch favorite films with other guests, or book the “theater” as a private entertainment and enjoy a romantic dinner along with your movie.

FOLLOW THE FOOD TRAIL

In the heart of Napa Valley, the chic little town of Yountville affords an array of fine lodging, golf, art galleries, antique stores and performing arts venues. However, its main claim to fame is the gourmet mile: a collection of renowned (many Michelinstarred) restaurants. Take a stroll along this impressive stretch and discover some of the best food and wine in America. Among the most notable is Lucy Restaurant & Bar at the fashionable Bardessono Hotel, which offers sommelier-led food and wine tastings and a chance to walk through Chef Victor’s kitchen garden. (During harvest season, you can book a garden party with the chef.) Right down the street is Thomas Keller’s famed French Laundry (scheduled to reopen this fall) and his other eateries, Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and Ad Hoc. Keller’s Kitchen Garden is nearby and you’re welcome to drop in any time. You could also join the Chocolate Club at Kollar Chocolates, where Chef Kollar creates artistic confections. And the Secret Garden at Hill Family Estate, which supplies ingredients to the French Laundry and other area restaurants, will take you on an hour-long guided tasting tour. This is clearly no place to count calories.