One of my favorite quotes is: “The most beautiful things in life are not things. They are people and places, memories, and pictures. They are feelings and moments, and smiles and laughter.” If there is one word to describe this coming season, it would be “connection.” The reason we drive across town or roll our suitcase through the airport is to connect again with those we love, both family and friends. There is delight in being with people who have known us through thick and thin and yet still love us, and it is worth the travel to feel that sense of ease. But as families and friends spread out across the world, it is a greater challenge to figure out where and how to come together. Opal&Finch, a Dallas-based boutique travel company, helps to sort out these types of details. I founded Opal&Finch in 2018 to inspire connection through travel, and I work with clients to find creative ways to build memories that will be stories told for years to come. Here are three locations Opal&Finch recommends to consider as you gather with your family this season. opalandfinch.com
Ted Turner Reserves
In northern New Mexico, there exists a place where the magic of nature can be seen in all its wonder. It’s called Vermejo, part of Ted Turner Reserves. Here, under snow-capped mountains, families can gather to be together in one of the well-appointed cottages or private residences.
Regardless of time of year, there’s time to try fly-fishing, perhaps ride out on a horse, or simply relax with some yoga or a massage at the Armendaris Spa. Of course, if there’s snow, some snow shoeing up the trails is a must-do.
Create memories at the holidays that are magical in this uniquely restored native ecosystem created to preserve this natural habitat for generations to come. A stay here means that no one needs to be the host—everyone is a guest.
“When we connect with nature, we heal ourselves. When we protect nature, we heal the planet.” – Ted Turner
tedturnerreserves.com
The Resort at Paws Up®
The Resort at PawsUp® refers to themselves as the “crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness”—and they aren’t wrong.
Nestled along the Blackfoot River outside Missoula, this 37,000-acre working cattle ranch is a great place for a family to come together any time of the year. Whether gathering together in a Wilderness Estate, the historic Morris Ranch House, or any of the other 27 private homes on this ranch, this place provides opportunity to build lasting memories together.
In a wintry wonderland, this cattle outfit switches from cows and bison to winter sports. Take time to go dog sledding or moon-biking; you can learn how to curl, shoot, or play cow croquet. At the end of the day, the tales told around the campfire and smores will be surrounded by laughter and smiles.
pawsup.com
Villas of Distinction
When we decide to gather together someplace new, finding a place that feels familiar adds to the ease of being away from how we’ve done holidays in the past. With a portfolio of carefully curated private residences, Villas of Distinction sets the bar high for providing that home-away-from-home feel. These are properties that are not on the regular market and are inspected in person to ensure they are up to the task of hosting groups.
Whether it’s in Tuscany, Barbados, or Colorado, the ease and convenience of securing a private villa or residence big enough to hold everyone in one place simplifies the decision to do something new. The dedicated concierge team can arrange for a chef to cook, for the delivery of groceries, or for coordinated activities on property.
“Gathering together someplace new means no one is the host, and everyone is a guest. It’s a win-win for everyone when it comes to the holidays.” - Martha Day
villasofdistinction.com
