The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Some of our great advisors recently went on an exciting trip to the Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Avon, Colorado. They spent 3 days in September soaking up the Colorado sun and enjoying the outdoors. On Day 1 our advisors got the opportunity to go white water rafting on class 3 rapids. It was the perfect time of year for this trip because of the smaller size of the rapids. If you are looking for a bumpier ride, we suggest going rafting in the spring when the water level is higher. Our advisors all had a blast floating down the river.

The next day's activity was a wild ride. Our agents loaded up in a few RZR four wheelers and went back road driving. They got up close to the beautiful greenery and wildlife of Colorado in an adrenaline rush way. These ATVs feel a lot safer than traditional ones because of the overhead roofs and seat belts. Although they enjoyed their time, be warned that you do in fact get very muddy back in the back woods.

Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is a beautiful mountain lodge located right on the Beaver Creek Mountain. Fun fact: this hotel is the largest building in America that is built out of reclaimed wood. Our advisors enjoyed beautiful views of the mountain and the river from their hotel rooms. During the winter Bachelor Gulch offers ski in/ski out access right onto the mountain. During the summer everywhere you look are beautiful green trees, and there are hundreds of outdoor activities to choose from. If you just want to relax, do what our advisors did and have a peaceful evening sitting out by one of the many fire pits.

When you get hungry from all of your activities, be sure to book a reservation at Spago. This is 1 of only 4 unique restaurants in the US designed by the master chef Wolfgang Puck. Our advisors had a delicious meal here and, tried some interesting new cocktails called vapor-tinis.

Our advisors absolutely loved Beaver Creek and fully recommend the helpful staff of Bachelor Gulch. If you are looking for an activity filled vacation to beautiful Colorado, be sure to contact your Sanders agent for more information.

Diane in Seattle & Victoria

Owner Diane Parks took her 2 sons on a trip to the Pacific Northwest with stays in Seattle & Victoria. Both destinations were entertaining & enjoyable for the two boys, ages 20 and 21.

In Seattle, Washington one of their favorite things was the Savor Seattle tour, a walking and tasting tour of Seattle’s Pike Place Market. There were about 10 stops with a tasting at each one.  These varied from coffee to smoked Salmon.  Your Sanders advisor even has the hook up to get you or your child to catch the fish thrown at the market!

Other sites not to miss include the Space Needle, EMP Museum, Aquarium & Chihuly Garden. Book your Space Needle tickets in advance so you avoid the long lines. And be sure to leave time at the end of your self-guided tour of the EMP museum to enjoy the hands on area where you can learn to play various instruments.  The Aquarium is great for families as it offers kids a touch and feel section and teaches them about the wildlife just off the shores of Seattle. 

During their stay, Diane & the boys stayed at theFairmont Olympic, a historic hotel with great service. Be sure to dine at their restaurant Shuckers and grab yourself some of the best calamari the city offers.

The family then flew to Victoria, British Columbia by sea plan. This 45 minute scenic flight is a unique a quick way to reach Victoria Island. There Diane stayed at the Fairmont Empress, another beautiful historic hotel. This location cannot be beat in Victoria! Currently undergoing renovation, you can soon expect to enjoy a whole new look & feel to this property.

Of course in Victoria you cannot miss the Butchardt Gardens. Plan to spend a couple hours walking around here and relaxing amongst the gorgeous flowers. If you need something a little faster paced try a city bike tour. Diane and her sons did one that visited a few gastro-pubs.

For their return flight home, Diane departed from Seattle. She took a 3 hour ferry from just out front of the Fairmont Empress over to Seattle. Then a car transfer to the airport. Coming in and out of the same city typically makes for less expensive airfare and you get to see the Pacific Northwest by plane & boat!

 

For active families the Pacific Northwest is a beautiful & entertaining destination. It is sure to be fun for the whole family. Contact your Virtuoso Travel Advisor today and we can customize your perfect journey to this great region.