Physically challenging but luxuriously pampering, these spots from Kenya to Maine are trending among fit travelers
Attention adventure travelers: If you’re wondering where to go next, consider one of these worldwide destinations. They’re local travel expert Andrea Onni Vosdoganes’ top three adventurous getaways. Vosdoganes, a luxury travel specialist and owner of Cruise Planner–Your Trip Expert (yourtripexpert. com) in Fort Lauderdale, offers an insider’s scoop on what travelers need to know.
THE PLACE: LOISABA CONSERVANCY
“Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, Northern Kenya, Africa, is a breathtaking wildlife conservancy offering some of the best game viewing in the world, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, African wild dogs and the endangered Grevy’s zebra,” according to Vosdoganes. Accommodations include the Star Beds, a property with wheeled four-poster beds that roll out onto a deck, where visitors can sleep under the African stars. Loisaba Lodo Springs’ tented accommodations take glamping to another realm, featuring a personal deck overlooking herds of elephants. “Visit with the anti-poaching bloodhound team, mountain bike, fish, horseback or camel ride; or enjoy a visit with the Maasai tribe,” Vosdoganes says.
GETTING THERE: Direct flights are available from JFK to Nairobi (NBO) on Kenya Air; then, a short flight to the Loisaba airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Vosdoganes recommends booking with one of her travel partners, Micato or Kensington.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT: July to October, and again in January and February for the dry season.
Jordan Pond in Arcadia National Park
THE PLACE: ARCADIA NATIONAL PARK
Built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Arcadia National Park is a New England treasure offering delicious seafood, scenic hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking and pristine lakes, according to Vosdoganes. Cyclists enjoy up to 45 miles of car-free broken-stone roads.
“Take a ride on a real lobster boat, go whale watching, kayaking, or sail on a schooner. Hike up to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the Eastern seaboard, or [on] the trails surrounding Mount Battie,” she says. Great places to stay include the West Street Hotel, Bar Harbor, a dog-friendly property with a rooftop pool overlooking the harbor. Camden Harbour Inn, in Camden, features a touch of European style and views of the harbor.
GETTING THERE: Fly into Bangor, Maine, or Boston, Mass., and drive a couple hours into Bar Harbor, or fly into Portland, Maine, and drive to Bar Harbor. The travel company Backroads offers cycling and multi-sport tours throughout the summer.
BEST TIMES TO VISIT: summer, spring and fall.
THE PLACE: THE DOURO RIVER AND VALLEY
This destination in Portugal is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, known for its delectable port wine. Visit the Valley by river cruise, car or train to taste wine and visit historical landmarks. Vosdoganes recommends the Six Senses Douro Valley resort, featuring exemplary wine and culinary experiences, as well as a top spa, wellness and activity center. “Stay in suites with views of both the Douro River and the vineyards below…If you are feeling more active, go mountain biking, tree-climbing, or take an aerial yoga class.”
GETTING THERE: Fly into Porto or Lisbon and transfer to your river cruise: Family Bridges river cruise with the travel company Tauck, Emerald Waterways or Ama Waterways.
BEST TIMES FOR A VISIT: Spring and fall for more temperate weather and to avoid the crowds and heat of peak seasons, which are in June and July.
This story is from the April 2020 issue of Boca magazine. For more content like this, subscribe to the magazine.
