Marisha Bailey

Tucked just south of Laguna Beach, beyond the well-trodden cities, this stretch of South Orange County feels like one of SoCal’s best-kept secrets. The coastal triangle I call home (Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente) sits perfectly between San Diego and Los Angeles, yet feels worlds away. You’ll find charming local shops and restaurants who have built a space that invites you to slow down. It’s often overlooked, but this little pocket offers a variety of things to do and truly feels like a slice of heaven.

Hidden down a quiet dirt road and cradled by jungle and sea, Chablé Maroma rests along the shores of Punta Maroma in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This serene retreat—honored with a Michelin Key and named one of 20 Best Resorts in Eastern Mexico by Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards in 2023,—is where wellness, warmth, and understated luxury come together effortlessly. The service is gracious, the cuisine is both nourishing and indulgent, and every corner of the property feels thoughtfully designed for rest and renewal. It’s a place that invites you to exhale and easily earns its place among my top three most treasured stays.

Reaching Torres del Paine in Chilean Patagonia is part of the adventure—requiring a flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas, a three-hour bus ride to Puerto Natales, another two-hour bus ride to the park entrance, and a ferry across the vivid blue Lago Pehoé. The W Trek is a four- to five-day, 46-mile journey through some of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes: glaciers, granite peaks, turquoise lakes, golden plains, and lush forests. You’ll carry your own gear and face ever-changing weather, from sun to wind to rain to snow—sometimes all in one day. Campsite and refugio reservations must be made well in advance, and while guides are optional, the trail is well-marked. Whether it’s sunrise at the Torres or the camaraderie of the trail, this trek offers a physical challenge, grounding connection to nature, and unforgettable rewards.

Nestled in the desert between downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale, this resort gem isn’t one to miss. If you are looking to relax and re-center, this iconic, historical hotel—which first opened its doors in 1929—should be on your list. Featuring design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, seven pools open 24/7, incredible food and beverage options, activities for every age, a myriad of spa choices, and 37 different room types, you will be sure to leave rejuvenated and inspired.