Our “Luxurious Properties” series comes to a close right here in our own backyard, with the nations of Canada & the USA. Two massive countries that have plenty in common, yet entirely unique in their national character. Just about every type of environment can be found here, and the opportunities for exploration are unlimited. Let The Luxury Travel Agency be your guide, with six of our favorite luxurious properties highlighted below.
Luxurious Properties: Captivating Coasts
When a country is so large that it borders both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it’s bound to have a wealth of coastal environments to explore. Both Canada and the USA pride themselves on their extensive coastlines, collectively stretching hundreds of thousands of kilometers from frigid Arctic waters to tropical seas. Travelers of all description are drawn to their magnetic atmosphere – not to mention the plethora of adventures on land and water to enjoy. We start our journey on a remote island off the coast of Canada’s Newfoundland, at a property truly unlike any other: the mesmerizing Fogo Island Inn.
Fogo Island Inn is a property – and place – that will rekindle wonder in all who visit
Newfoundland is already quite remote – a two-hour flight from Halifax, the nearest major city outside the island – and Fogo Island, off its northern coast, is even more so. A stay here is like a journey back in time, to a dynamic landscape that fills the folds of your brain with wonder and awe. Herds of caribou traverse the cliffs and forests, while pods of whales cruise the bountiful waters, glittering icebergs floating idly past. The Inn itself is an architectural marvel; built on stilts over the rocky shore, it immediately captures the eye, quickly followed by the heart as you step into a room that offers floor-to-ceiling views of the mighty North Atlantic. There is an uncompromising emphasis on local, renewable materials – in fact, the only plastic in guestrooms are the telephones! What’s more, the Inn is a champion of local culture: 100% of operating surpluses are reinvested in the Fogo Island community. For seasoned travelers who feel like they’ve “done it all”, look no further than Fogo Island for your next journey.
If it’s the Pacific you’re after, the sun-splashed Californian coast offers a plethora of luxurious properties that cater to travelers accustomed to the very best. The stretch of Route 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles is one of the world’s finest coastal drives, perfect for an adventure that lacks nothing in luxury. One of our very favourite stops along the way? The romantic Post Ranch Inn, located in the fabled Big Sur region of the state.
Escape to the effortlessly romantic Post Ranch Inn
Here is a property that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, “room with a view”. Perched on a cliff 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Inn comprises a gorgeous collection of only 39 rooms, each tailored for maximum enjoyment of the stunning environment. Guests can choose views of either the mountains or the ocean, with wood-burning fireplaces, huge soaking tubs, and expansive private decks just a few of the many available features. Privacy is paramount, making this an ideal place to celebrate honeymoons, anniversaries, or a quick romantic getaway just for the sake of it! California has so much to offer, and there are few better properties to explore it from than the Post Ranch Inn.
Luxurious Properties: Mountain Majesty
While Canada and the USA enjoy unparalleled coastlines, they’re far from being the only geographical feature worth seeing. Both nations are split down their western flank by staggering mountain ranges, chief among them the Rockies, which run from northern British Columbia all the way down to New Mexico. These are some of the largest mountains in the world, and while they may have been a barrier to human progress until recently, their potential as a travel destination has never been more widely recognized. In particular, the town of Aspen, Colorado has emerged in recent decades as a favourite for the international jet-set, a place of exceptional status and luxury. Several five-star properties are on offer – perhaps the most unique of them all is The Little Nell.
It doesn’t get more quintessentially Aspen than The Little Nell
In a town like Aspen, where just about everything is high-end, it’s often the details that make the difference. In this regard, The Little Nell is a prime example. It’s the only ski-in/ski-out property in town – and while other options offer complimentary shuttles, there’s nothing quite like finishing a run right at the front door of your hotel. Dining options are first-class; the property even has its own brand of champagne, which this author can attest to being one of the finest he’s ever enjoyed! Wagyu beef is always on the menu at Element 47, and the après-ski options at Ajax Tavern are perfectly cultivated to match the unbeatable people-watching from the mountainside patio. If you’re looking for the archetype of Aspen, look no further than The Little Nell.
Further north, the Canadian province of British Columbia boasts a treasure chest of natural wonders: sparkling coastlines, old-growth forests, and cities that offer some of the world’s best living conditions. Yet it’s their mountains that often take center stage – and for good reason. The most famous in the set is Whistler-Blackcomb, which spans two massive mountains and lays claim to the title of North America’s largest ski resort. The opportunities for adventure here are truly endless – and when it’s time for a rest, The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is the place to lay your head.
You’ll feel right at home in these residential-style alpine suites
If your ski holiday is going well, you won’t spend a ton of time in your room – but when you do, it needs to be spacious and comfortable, a place to unwind from the day’s adventures. The Four Seasons Whistler does an impeccable job of creating that cozy atmosphere; every room has wood furnishings and working fireplaces, with most outfitted with a private balcony as well. The feel is residential – you feel as if you’re enjoying your own private chalet, rather than another hotel room. And if you really do want your own chalet, you can have it! An elite handful of “Private Retreats”, from two to four bedrooms each, offer the ultimate in alpine luxury living: in-residence chefs, house cars, hot tubs, all backed by sweepings views of the mountains. No matter what you want from a ski vacation, the Four Seasons Resort Whistler can deliver.
Luxurious Properties: Big-City Bravado
Of course, a trip to North America is never complete without a stay in one of the dynamic, exciting major cities that dot the continent. Both Canada and the USA are home to some of the world’s best urban centers, places that infuse a wave of contemporary energy into their cuisine and culture, ensuring that no two visits are the same! New York City is the epitome of this frenzied hubbub, as the “city that never sleeps” more than earns its reputation as the HQ for the cutting edge. It’s this innovative mentality that leads us to a brand-new luxurious property, the first of its kind: the Equinox Hotel, New York City.
The stunning rooftop terrace is just one of the Equinox Hotel’s slick features
If you know anything about modern fitness, you’ve heard of the Equinox brand, which has blossomed from a simple set of gyms to a global leader in branded wellness. In their first hotel opening (located within the brand-new Hudson Yards development in West Manhattan), the company are aiming to create a true intersection between luxury accommodation and lifestyle. This is the face of contemporary energy in NYC – a place where you can sweat through a world-class personal training session, watch the sun set from a gorgeous rooftop terrace, enjoy five-star Mid-Atlantic dining on the 24th floor, and retire to a totally soundproof high-tech room where every feature is designed for maximum rejuvenation. A classic hotel, this is not – this is the hotel of the future.
We finish in The Luxury Travel Agency’s hometown of Toronto, Canada’s largest and most vibrant city. Its international reputation continues to bloom, with a marked emphasis on multiculturalism that encourages unprecedented collaboration between the city’s many communities. It’s an exciting time to be here, and the rapid growth seen throughout Toronto extends to the luxury sector, where new hotels continue to spring into existence – including one of our personal favorites, The St. Regis Toronto.
Louix Louis is a must-dine destination for visitors and locals alike!
The globally celebrated brand makes its Canadian debut in Toronto with a distinctively elegant property, one that is already in the conversation for the nation’s finest urban hotel. Rooms and suites are crisply decorated in shades of white, grey, and blue that epitomize tasteful modernity. The signature restaurant Louix Louis is a sight to behold; perched 31 floors above the heart of Toronto, it’s designed to resemble “the inside of a glistening crystal whiskey glass”. With liberal use of polished gold and a two-storey bar, it’s hard to argue against the concept’s successful execution. Don’t miss the champagne sabering that takes place every evening at 6:00 in the Astor Lounge, a tradition dating back to the days of Napoléon Bonaparte and his conquering French armies. For the perfect marriage of style and substance, The St. Regis Toronto is an exceptional choice.
These and countless other luxurious properties can be found in The Luxury Travel Agency’s Partner Hotel network. At all of our Partner Hotels & Resorts, we’ll provide you with unbeatable rates, along with completely free benefits such as room upgrades, daily breakfast, dining credits, VIP experiences, late check-outs, priority status, and so much more! All for simply booking with The Luxury Travel Agency.
We can help with everything from a simple hotel or resort booking to complete travel planning, including yacht and private jet charters, villas, and more! Contact us today via Whatsapp or telephone at +1-647-551-4560 and let’s start planning your next trip.
For more insider tips on the world’s finest properties, check out our articles on the best of Europe, Africa, and even Oceania!
