Indulge in Ireland
For an experience and site that will take your breath away, visit Ireland's
Ashford Castle Hotel in County Mayo.
Although it's a bit of a drive into the countryside, this enchanting retreat provides the perfect alternative for vacationers looking to get away from the hustle of crowded summer hotspots.
With its majestic setting on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second largest lake in Ireland, the castle's 350 acres of verdant, sprawling land make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spend your morning biking, touring the grounds or clay shooting and after a leisurely lunch and elegant afternoon tea, go horseback riding or fly-fishing.
At night, dine on smoked Connemara salmon, organic goat-cheese mousse or chilled Champagne soup. Then order up a whiskey or Guinness and sing along with other guests in the castle's Dungeon Bar.
In between activities, definitely plan to spend some time pampering yourself in the resort's full-service day spa, which offers a range of outstanding massages, facials and other treatments, from a revitalizing herbal body detox to a soothing phyto-marine wrap in either rich clay or seaweed.
The nightly rate for a Riverview Corrib room is 430 euros (about $580), while master suites go for 1130 euros ($1,525) during the month of July.
South African Safari
The months of June through September are the dry season in South Africa, and therefore the best time to go on a wild safari adventure.
For the royal treatment and game-viewing at its finest, spend some time at the
Singita Private Game Reserve, located in the Sabi Sand Reserve.
Here your days will be filled with amazing safari trips, gorgeous contemporary African accommodations, delectable cuisine and delicious wine tastings.
In between thrilling wildlife trips, spend three to four hours at your leisure -- go for a stroll or swim, take a nap or get a spa treatment.
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The Irish Lush Life
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Photo: Ashford Castle Hotel |
Singita has four luxurious, comfortable lodges, each uniquely decorated with rich colors and exquisite fabrics. Rates are 15,000 rand (about $2,155) per night for two people in a double room and include three daily meals; two Land Rover game viewing trips a day, in addition to walking safaris with game rangers; all drinks, including wine, liquor, spirits and minibar beverages; and laundry and valet service.
The resort also has the Singita Castleton Camp, which accommodates up to eight people and costs 26,400 rand ($3,790) per night.
Charter planes between the resort and nearby airports are also available.
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