Wanderlust of the Week: Adrére Amellal, Egypt

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 A glorious oasis from another era, situated in a white limestone mountain, located in Siwa, one of the world's most remote desert locations is Adrere Amellal. The Egyptian eco-hotel has no electricity and no telephones, and while this seems like punishment to some urbanites, a social media and electronic disconnect is sometimes VERY necessary and therapeutic. Unplug folks! 

Not only is the hotel made out of kershef, a mixture of earth, stone and salt water, but the furniture is made out of the same, covered with luxe cushions and linens. You'll find that the hotel restaurant's food is all organic, grown on the grounds in a simple garden. Relax in Adrere Amellal's spa and spring water pool, while you watch Africa's blazing sun set in the east. Your room is romantically lit with candles and lanterns, with rooms that feature an unobstructed view of a night sky, constellations hanging above you. 

This unique eco-luxury isn't everyone's style, but for adventurous, this place is paradise. 

- The Angel Era Staff

Wanderlust of the Week: The Amangiri Luxury Resort in Utah

For all of The Amangiri Resort's grandiose beauty, it sits unassumingly nestled in the 600 acre desert landscape of Canyon Point, Utah, as if it grew out of the sand and lofty bluffs itself. It's modern luxurious design was built in the earth tones of it's surrounding, making the hotel all the more bucolic. 

The resort is a 25-minute drive from Page, Arizona, the town that houses the amazing Antelope Canyon, and a 15-minute drive to the shores of Lake Powell. With an almost magnanimous stone escarpment in the middle of a sizable pool, a cellar, spa and library, this hotel has all the comforts of home, plus some sapiosexual additions. 

Sixteen suites are located within the Desert Wing and another 18 suites together with the Aman Spa are located within the Mesa Wing. Every suite features unspoiled views of the valley.

Ready to tear yourself away from the property? Launch a helicopter, hot air balloon, or fixed-wing flight directly from Amangiri. The hotel also offers Lake Powell boat tours, yoga and pilates, or take guided hiking trails through the caves and up vistas. 

Glorious.

- Angel

Last Minute Valentines Day Getaways

You officially have one day before Valentine's Day ladies & gents! Although we're currently experiencing a snow meltdown, we're encouraging you fellas to break out the skiis, get to the nearest rental car company and rent a 4x4! If you haven't figured out what you should do with your boo, here are some thrifty Valentine's weekend getaways that are romantic, cost effective, and different. Thank us later.
 

Wharf Master's Inn - Point Arena, CA - $169
The Deal: A two-night stay with a bottle of wine.
Perched on a stone bluff overlooking a natural cove on the Pacific coastline, the buildings of Wharf Master's Inn surround a beautifully restored Victorian-style home originally built in 1865 and listed today on the National Register of Historic Places. Antique furnishings, such as four-poster beds and hand-carved armoires, fill the interior. Guest rooms jacuzzi tubs, wharf views, and flat screens. Something for the ladies - and gents. Balconies attached to each room overlook either the Pacific Ocean or a courtyard dotted with natural-wood sculptures.

Salishan Spa and Golf Resort - Oregon Coast - $98
The Deal: A one or two-night stay in a traditional king room.
This four-star hotel marries luxury interior with woodsy surroundings. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows give guest rooms a spacious feel. Private balconies overlook Siletz Bay, the forest, or the resort’s spectacular 18-hole golf course. Salishan's spa ranked No. 13 on the list of the Top 250 Spas by Condé Nast Traveler.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge - Big Sky, MT - $99
The Deal: A one or two-night stay for two in a riverside, deluxe room.
The Rainbow Ranch Lodge offers a quintessential, upscale-yet-rustic log cabin experience in Montana wilderness. The lodge blends in with its surroundings, with exposed wooden beams, stone columns, balconies outfitted with Adirondack chairs, and large picture windows that put the Rocky Mountain scenery on display. To top it off, the lodge is just 45 miles from Yellowstone National Park's west gate, which is the closest access point to Old Faithful. During the winter months, the west gate is only accessible via snowmobile and snowcoach tours.

JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa - Minett, ON - $C169
The Deal: A one or two-night stay for two with spa access.
On clear winter nights along the shores of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, the snowfields glow deep blue under the moonlight. Naturalists from the 4.5-star JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa introduce visitors to this dream-like landscape on snowshoe tours beneath the stars. While you’re here, you’ll find a wide range of recreational activities, including snowmobiling and ice-skating. The sprawling hotel rests atop a granite bluff, with a grand Victorian façade that belies the laid-back charm of the retreat. Ranked No. 6 on Condé Nast Traveler's readers' choice Top 15 Resorts in Canada, the property combines homey comforts with indulgent amenities including a full-service spa.

Lusten Resort on Lake Superior - Lusten, MN - $239
The Deal: A two-night stay for two in a sea front villa.
Framed by the clear waters of Lake Superior, and with the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, Lutsen's landscape offers tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Thanks to the perennially popular Lutsen Mountains ski resort—the largest in Minnesota—the township was hailed as the "King of the Midwest Hills" in 2009 by The New York Times. But even without snow, this resort area just 30 miles from Canada, as the crow flies, is a royal treat. Hop on the Mountain Tram, or hike the nearby state park trails to see roaring waterfalls as the rivers rush toward Lake Superior. Hit the links at Superior National Golf Course, or arrange a charter fishing trip on the lake. Or trade rustic pursuits for domestic ones and dive into the many restaurants and shops nearby in the quaint seaside village of Grand Marais.

The Jade Seahorse - Utila, Honduras - $639
The Deal: A five or seven-night stay with meals and excursions for two. 
The JadeSeahorse resort on Honduras's Utila island began as the private residence of husband-and-wife duo Neil and Julia, a pair of expat Los Angelenos. The couple gradually expanded their home, first opening a smoothie shop, then building a treetop bar, and eventually constructing the Nightland cabins for guests. Today, the JadeSeahorse property appears otherworldly, decorated with whimsical statues, colorful mosaic tiles, and other flea-market purchases and homemade wares from around the globe.

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Let us know if you scooped-up any of these deals!

- The Angel Era Staff

Jah in Jamaica: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort

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Nestled between a turquoise lagoon and the Caribbean Sea on Jamaica's north coast is the luxurious, yet casually chic GoldenEye Hotel. Once a three-bedroom home to former spy turned novelist, 007 author Ian Fleming, the three villas have expanded to 11 beach-front cottages and six lagoon suites. Sigh, the ultimate in island rustic luxury, this hotel boasts two foodie-approved restaurants, Bizot Bar and Gazebo, a saltwater and freshwater pool and spa. 

The hotel rests among lush mangroves, slow, rippling turquoise tides and a white sandy beach in Oracabessa, Jamaica. Who would EVER want to leave for the mainland? Check out the pictures and video above. 

- Angel

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Cabin Fever: Ten Cold Weather Cabin Getaways

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I think everyone on the east coast (and the south really) is ready to defrost from this harsh winter. But until mother nature decides to turn her thermostat the other way, why don't you get cabin fever with me? No, I don't mean go stir crazy in the house because you want to get out. I mean check out these beautiful, bucolic (you'll see me use that word a lot) cabins where you can getaway, and enjoy all that nature has to offer. 

1. The Rocky Mountains, Colorado
If you love snow sports, snow-covered peaks, luxury chalets and high fashion cold weather wear, then staying in a cabin in the Rocky Mountains is the choice for you. From Aspen to Glenwood Springs, Florissant, to Estes Park - there's a mountain cabin waiting for whatever taste you have. 

2. Lake Michigan
Along the Western coast of Michigan are over 200 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, and plenty of beach cabins to enjoy it from. Check for cabin rentals in Manistee, Silver Lake, Grand Haven, Frankfort and other beach towns for your opportunity to enjoy the sand and shore.

3. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Shenandoah Valley isn't just one of my favorite places to visit because it's close to home, but because it's gorgeous Shenandoah National Park offers tons of miles of hiking, history and some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the east coast. My favorite town to stay in is Rileyville. It offers unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains without tons of neighbors. Check out the video of my visit below. 

4. Lake Tahoe, California
Many lists of cabin vacations always include the Lake Tahoe area, which includes both California and Nevada. This location is great any time of year. You can enjoy water activities in the summer and a beautiful stroll along the shore in the winter.

5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
A stay in one of the beautiful cabins in Gatlinburg, Tennessee puts you right on the cusp of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a hike to view wildlife, fish in one of the many lakes and streams, and explore the beautiful waterfalls.

6. Ozark Mountains, Missouri
Known as “The Ozarks” by locals, a trip to southwestern Missouri means great entertainment, lake fun and exploring nature. The most popular destination for a cabin vacation in the area is Branson, but other great spots include Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks.

7. Asheville, North Carolina
Listed as one of the top 100 cities to live in by Relocate-America in 2007, 2008 and 2010, Asheville, North Carolina is a prime cabin vacation destination. The view is picturesque, to say the least, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy.

8. North Georgia Mountains
Northern Georgia boasts being the site of the first U.S. gold rush and the first home of Native Americans, not to mention a great place to stay for cabin vacations. Check out destinations like Blue Ridge, Ellijay and Helen.

9. Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Rainier is an active composite volcano 54 miles southeast of Seattle. A cabin vacation here gives you the opportunity to enjoy both the outdoors and Seattle’s city life.

10. Big Bear Lake, California
Located two hours east of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake offers great cabin vacations in Southern California. Enjoy skiing and other snow sports in the winter and great lake activities in the summer.

Where ever you choose, these cabins will give you a chance to getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, jobs, boos, whatever is stressing you. Looking at these slices of heaven makes me want to make that trip right now, how about you? 

Have any other cabins you've been to that need to be added to the list? Let me know in the comments below!

- Angel 

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