ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY
USA AND Canada
What do you imagine you could experience on a Scott Dunn adventure to the USA or Canada? Can you see yourself in a Mustang on Highway One, the roof down and a warm Pacific wind in your hair? Or maybe flying to a remote wilderness camp on the edge of the ice in Canada’s High Arctic where you look for polar bears? Have you ever wanted to step out of your private mountaintop lodge and carve first tracks through champagne powder? Perhaps you’d like to stop for a lobster lunch in a quintessential Maine fishing village or even saddle up and bring in the cattle with real cowboys?
ROAD TRIP
There’s nothing like that feeling of freedom as you leave the city limits and hit the open road, with a setting sun ahead, the wind in your hair and the stereo turned right up.
We listen to what you want from your trip and using our specialist knowledge and experience, recommend the right places for you to explore and stay. We’ll give you plenty of great advice about detours that are worthwhile (and not), superb spots for lunch and the best photo opportunities. We will also arrange your wheels, be it an open-top Mustang, rugged Cherokee or growling Harley – in short, everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. Take Big Sur, which follows 123 miles of exhilarating, cliff-hugging
When you are in the driving seat you experience the real America, meeting locals along the way
route along the central California coast. Stay at Post Ranch Inn perched high on a cliff with incredible views over the Pacific, you can gaze at the stars from your own private deck, Zinfandel in hand. Along the way stop for sea otters, secret beaches and redwood trees. Top and tail with San Francisco, Los Angeles and Spanish mission towns for the ultimate honeymoon or family adventure. Other classics include the iconic Route 66, desert highways through the spectacular south western landscapes and the beautiful Maine coastline, with its small fishing villages and lobster shacks.
Perhaps you’d like to chase the Fall colours along Vermont backroads or search out bluegrass music in the Appalachians where you can stay at Blackberry Farm, with its delicious breakfasts of fresh eggs from the farm’s hens and morel mushrooms foraged from local woods. You could take it slow among the bayous, live oaks and plantations of Louisiana, drive across the endless prairies through small-town America stopping off for cream sodas along the way or even go green and savour the Napa Valley’s biodynamic vineyards by bicycle.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our North America specialists on 020 8682 5030
COAST
When the thermometer climbs, Americans love to hit the beach. with over 5,000 miles of mainland coastline to choose from, you’ll never be short of options.
Whether you want a fun family escape or a romantic beach retreat, it’s easy to add beach time at the beginning or end of your holiday and we are here to help you choose the best stretch of coast for you. On the Atlantic seaboard, New England with its long summer days and sparkling blue waters offers miles of dunes, music festivals and fabulous sailing. For a great family holiday, why not take a stylish beach-house at the Inn by the sea in Maine, where you can relive fun-filled days toasting marshmallows over a driftwood fire? You could follow the coast down through Chesapeake Bay and the balmy Carolinas on to the natural
Take a surf lesson in Hawaii or hide away in a New England sand dune with a fresh crab sandwich
playground of Florida, where you can snorkel over shimmering reefs and collect shells from white sands washed by the Gulf of Mexico. Head west for the pounding surf of the Pacific. Here, the forested islands and channels of the Washington coast provide superb opportunities to see migrating whales, while Oregon offers wild beaches and dramatic sea stacks. Further south the cool redwood forests of northern California gradually give way to Mediterranean warmth, with bronzed surfers and seductive ocean living.
The continent’s finest beaches however are to be found on its outlying islands. Hawaii can still offer that Pacific idyll of turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests and jaw-dropping volcanic landscapes. A stay at one of the islands’ top resorts, Four Seasons Maui, provides a holiday as active or as relaxed as you choose and taking a romantic stroll along Wailea Beach under a velvet sky filled with stars is an unforgettable experience. Lastly, don’t overlook tiny Bermuda, a secret paradise of pink sands and unhurried colonial charms.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our North America specialists on 020 8682 5030
Big Skies
America offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors WITH Its canyons, mountains, national parks, forests, lakes and sweeping seashores.
The landscapes display a tapestry of spellbinding natural beauty and a first-hand encounter with the land and its people is one of the most life-affirming experiences you can have. Our hand-picked portfolio of impossibly romantic log cabins, luxurious western ranches, remote forest lodges and stylish country inns is the perfect way to answer the call of the wild, without sacrificing creature comforts in the evening. A day at one of our favourites, the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, might start by saddling up for a morning ride through wildflower
Ride with the Cowboys under an endless sky… Stetsons optional
meadows up to an epic ridge-top view. After lunch, you can try your hand at trap shooting, cast a fly for brookies in a pristine mountain stream, pamper yourself in the spa or take a nature walk spotting deer, bear and possibly a wolf. In the evening your guide will build a fire for you to enjoy a private camp cookout under the stars. The awe-inspiring national parks of Yellowstone, Yosemite and those in Utah and Arizona continue to amaze and with good reason. Why not treat yourself to a stay at Amangiri, an extraordinary desert retreat that
allows you to explore in style the jaw-dropping rock arches, mesas and chasms of Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon? Quieter pleasures can be found following old trails in California’s Sierra Nevada or kayaking through the Carolina Lowcountry. We can help you muster the cattle, explore ancient Indian sites, whoop and holler at a rodeo, take on mighty rapids and scale the dizzying heights. With our expert knowledge you’ll be able to give free reign to your inner adventurer in the most inspirational of surroundings.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our North America specialists on 020 8682 5030
CITY LIGHTS
The great melting pots of North America are its cities. Fastpaced, diverse, often gritty but never less than thrilling, the cities are where you come to live it up.
We believe that having fun in the city is about more than just ticking off the sights. While we will happily organise a carriage ride in Central Park or a boat trip out to Alcatraz, we believe it’s the small pleasures that often count most. Toys for the kids at FAO Schwartz, eggs over easy at the Lyric Diner or stalls at the Met in the Big Apple? In LA, a vintage handbag on Melrose Avenue or lobster beignet with the stars at Nic’s. A mint julep in New Orleans French Quarter, a cosmopolitan at Miami’s Purdy Lounge or
Shop till you drop, take in a show or simply soak up the energy of the great American cities
tickets ringside at Caesar’s in Vegas. Whether you stay for a couple of days or a week, it’s about knowing where to go and how to maximise your time. Whatever your tastes, we’ll help you get the most fun out of your city stay.
South Beach. Get dressed up and join the revelry at the New Orleans Mardi Gras, search out classic Americana in the independent book and music stores in San Francisco or cheer the Boston Red Sox scoring a home run at Fenway Park.
Take the family to New York and stay downtown at The Greenwich for a fun-packed October half-term and the chance to pick up some unique Christmas gifts in SoHo. Whisk your partner off to the Setai in April for glamorous days and steamy nights in the bars and clubs of Miami’s
For refreshing variety, how about going for a perfect pair and twinning city time with a nearby escape? New York and the Hamptons, Boston and Nantucket, Los Angeles and Laguna Beach or San Francisco and the Napa Valley are great combinations.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our North America specialists on 020 8682 5030
OH CANADA
Think Canada and think epic landscapes with views that go on forever. Get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air and experience what this stunning country is all about.
You’ll discover great lakes, glaciers and some of the best adventures on the planet. We know the most fabulous hideaways and arriving at them is all part of the experience, be it by float-plane, jet boat or even a private helicopter. Maybe head to Nimmo Bay in British Columbia, the perfect wilderness retreat. Here you can explore hidden lakes and secret waterfalls by boat or fly by helicopter to an untouched glacier where lunch is served just for you, with views that are exclusively yours. Take a float plane
Gather round the campfire and swap stories of the day’s adventures under a starry sky
to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island, after the thrill of landing on the inlet, open the doors to silence and wilderness. Travel by train into the heart of the Rockies before arriving at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Feel like a true pioneer as you board a canoe and paddle on the peacock-blue waters of the lake while enjoying stunning mountains views. Then retreat to your cosy log cabin at Moraine Lake Lodge, light the fire and put your feet up.
Alternatively head east to Quebec and board the overnight train across the Gaspe Peninsula to the Maritimes. With its dramatic tides and breathtaking scenery, the Bay of Fundy in beautiful New Brunswick is a hidden wonder. Tuck into freshly caught lobster accompanied by a chilled glass from the nearby Magnetic Hill Winery. As the sun sets, amble down to the beach with its dramatic rock formations towering above and marvel at how this was all underwater a few hours ago.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our Canada specialists on 020 8682 5020
Into the wild
Catch sight of a grizzly fishing for salmon, snorkel with grinning beluga whales or fly up to the High Arctic in search of polar bears.
Canada’s vast empty spaces contain an astonishing wealth of animals and we can tailor a wildlife experience as adventurous as you want it to be. Venture out on foot on Vancouver Island and get up close but hopefully not too personal with a grizzly or black bear! If you are lucky, catch a glimpse of a rare spirit bear in September and then head out to sea to kayak with orcas. Hear wolves howl to each other in Ontario or spot moose on the shore from a canoe in Quebec.
Scientists predict that the magical Northern Lights will be at their brightest since 1958 over the next two years
We love the idea of getting off the beaten track in style and the High Arctic is one of the best adventures going. Fly up by private Twin Otter to Baffin Island before travelling by snowmobile or Inuit sledge to the edge of the ice floe. Here snuggle up in a safari-inspired luxury tented camp beneath spectacular sheer cliffs and be well looked after by a chef who will cook up venison and homemade cakes. The wildlife is simply mind-blowing and your guides will take you out to the best places for viewing narwhal and bowhead whales, polar bears and
Arctic foxes, herds of caribou and prehistoric-looking musk oxen. If you experience this in early Spring or Autumn you are almost certain to see the Aurora Borealis dance across the night skies. This magnificent natural phenomenon is said to be at its best over the next two years, so there’s no better time to go. Wrap up warm, lie outside with the tundra at your back and stare up in wonder at the colourful display.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our Canada specialists on 020 8682 5020
Die-hard skiing
North America is home to some of the world’s best skiing and no serious skier’s CV is complete without Jackson Hole’s Teton Range or British Columbia’s neck-deep powder.
While there are plenty of challenges for skiers of all standards (in fact, beginners and intermediates are as well catered for as anyone) the simple fact is that North America boasts more snowfall than Europe and when it comes to powder skiing, that is all that matters. Jackson Hole is steep and the Tetons are generally thickly coated with snow. Rendezvous Mountain has featured in just about every ski film you could imagine. Corbet’s Couloir and the Hobacks are another two great reasons to come but there are plenty more and if you want to explore beyond Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee is just around the
You won’t just enjoy fresh tracks first thing, in BRITISH COLUMBIA you can ski them all day long
corner. The historic cowboy town of Jackson is full of character and the atmosphere more akin to that of the great Alpine resorts.
feet and minimise the waiting. It is a truly thrilling experience and something you will never forget.
Across the border to Canada, British Columbia is a skier’s paradise. This natural wilderness turns to white in winter and becomes a playground for serious skiers. All of the world’s best heli-skiing happens here and in the province’s northernmost reaches, Last Frontier’s Heli-skiing operation covers a terrain a quarter the size of Switzerland. This is shared between a maximum of 30 skiers at a time, small helicopters carrying groups of five to maximise your vertical
If you need to mix your serious skiing with something a little more accessible, North America has plenty of incredible options. Whistler’s heli-skiing, Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, Beaver Creek’s glades and chutes and Aspen’s Highland Bowl present challenges to any strong skier. Less confident skiers will revel in the wealth of beautifully groomed trails and excellent English-speaking instructors in these resorts.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamerica or call our North America ski specialists on 020 8682 5030
Alpine Retreats
While a trip to Vail or Beaver Creek is extremely special in itself, spending two or three additional nights in an Alpine retreat is the icing on the cake.
A large part of our reputation is founded on wonderful chalet hospitality in the Alps and now we have uncovered two chalets in Colorado that offer an adventure like no other. First, we would suggest settling into one of the fabulous properties in the resort towns and exploring the back bowls, hidden glades and amazingly long groomed runs for a few days. Then move on to stay at a wonderful mountaintop retreat where you are greeted by a crackling log fire and warm cookies. The simplicity, seclusion and relaxation
After a cosy night around a log fire sipping hot apple cider, wake up and ski from your door into pristine powder
provide an entirely different kind of luxury and stepping from the front door into your skis and being the first skier of the day to leave tracks in the pristine powder or creamy corduroy is such a treat. Vail is known for copious fresh snow and vibrant hospitality but the better kept secrets of its recent re-development and abundant sunshine make this a very special place to ski. Vail’s dedication to service and infectious enthusiasm cannot fail to impress and at Game Creek Lodge you will feel as though you have the resort all to yourself. Enjoy the
secluded setting with a drink in hand on the deck while your private chef prepares a fabulous dinner. Beaver Creek is North America’s top-rated family resort for good reason. The friendliness and convenience are unequalled and the ski area punches well above its weight for beginners and experts alike. Here, Trappers is an authentic log cabin that will leave you feeling like a pioneer. Set among aspen trees and accessed only on skis or by snowcat, the hot tub is the only concession to traditional luxury.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamericaski or call our North America ski specialists on 020 8682 5050
Best of Both
North America is a long way to go for a week but the skiing really is too good to miss. Why not extend your trip and combine the slopes with time in the city or on the beach?
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan and friendly city at the arrival point for skiing in Whistler or at Last Frontier. Bordered by the ocean and the mountains, the city has a combination of history and culture not to be missed. Whistler itself needs little introduction. North America’s largest resort boasts a mouth-watering snow record, plenty of bars and restaurants and a great ski school, it is justifiably one of the world’s must-ski resorts.
carvE up the slopes one day. take in the city sights or hit the beach the next
Aspen may have a glitzy reputation but the town itself is small, cultured and full of history. Ajax and Highlands will appeal to strong skiers, while Snowmass is an intermediate’s paradise. The airport is only 15 minutes away so Aspen can be combined with almost anywhere, take your pick from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many more. Jackson Hole is another ski resort close to an airport so when your legs can take no more steep and deep skiing (or square dancing in the
Million Dollar Cowboy) jump on a flight to Las Vegas and try your luck on the tables. Or for sunshine head for Florida’s palm-fringed beaches. Our specialists will help design a tailor-made itinerary for you that takes full advantage of the time of year and North America’s flight routes, turning your annual skiing holiday into a far more exciting travel experience, whether you go for one week or three.
For more information please visit scottdunn.com/northamericaski or call our North America ski specialists on 020 8682 5050
WHY SCOTT DUNN? We have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays for 25 years. We know the world and we know how to help you discover the best of it. Our travel specialists spend four weeks of their working year exploring their areas so they know them like the backs of their hands. They will listen to exactly what you are looking for and then design the perfect holiday to tempt you away. Above all, you can rely on us, no matter what. We are a fully bonded tour operator, so you can enjoy complete peace of mind from the moment you book. We care about the details, we never take shortcuts and we will always go the extra mile. After all, anything else is just a holiday. To discover more about what makes travelling with Scott Dunn so special, get in touch with our specialists on 020 8682 5000.
Getting there
We partner with British Airways to ensure you experience the highest standards at every stage of your journey. Their understated British elegance and established reputation mean we feel confident that you will travel in comfort and style. With dedicated lounge access, delicious meals and premium drinks, extra space to work or rest and flat beds on all long-haul flights, we know you are in safe hands. So sit back, relax and enjoy what’s on offer. British Airways has the greatest number and frequency of direct routes to North American gateways from London and with their partner airlines, can fly you to almost any final destination you wish to travel to across the USA and Canada.
Beach Tropical islands and spectacular coastlines
Europe From city breaks to rolling hills and the Med
Family Holidays for those with tiny tots to teenagers
Honeymoons Fabulous honeymoons and romantic retreats
Skiing Chalets and hotels in the world’s best resorts
Specialist From diving excursions to chartered yachts
Tailor-made Almost any holiday you can possibly imagine
Villas Luxury villas in the Med with Scott Dunn staff
To find out more visit: scottdunn.com or speak to our specialist teams: 020 8682 5000
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Scott Dunn 020 8682 5000 116 Putney Bridge Rd. info@scottdunn.com London, SW15 2NQ scottdunn.com