Corey Cook

I planned a trip to Mayakoba, Mexico this fall (for February winter break 2021), before the second Covid wave hit, and booked everything refundable. At the end of our trip (which was amazing – post to come), 2 days prior to departure, we had Covid tests taken at the hotel. I scheduled all of our appointments (our family friends too) online on Fairmont’s website before going to Mexico, and all we had to do was show up in the lobby, fill out some information, and take the test in a nearby room that had been converted into a testing room. Though I was nervous before going, the moment we got there, the Fairmont, Mayakoba and Mexican people made us feel safe and well taken care of.

I recently went on a site tour of Eleven Experience’s flagship property, Scarp Ridge Lodge, in the heart of downtown Crested Butte, CO. Scarp Ridge Lodge, with its 5 King bedrooms and bunk room with 7 beds (including a nanny’s room), functions as a retreat for private groups during the winter, and as an upscale B&B during the summer. During winter, Crested Butte is known for its excellent skiing, as well as a plethora of other outdoor winter sports including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, fat biking (bikes with extra fat tires to allow you to bike on the snow), and cat skiing. Along with a private snowcat, private guides, amazing terrain, and two mountain cabins for eating and apres skiing, guests of the lodge can enjoy a completely unique and plush experience.

Originally settled as a coal mining town in the late 1800’s, it was one of few towns in the area to weather the storm when production came to a slow in the 1950’s, and continue to flourish. The ski resort, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, opened in the 1960’s and is considered one of the best ski mountains in the state. Like many Colorado mountain towns, Crested Butte is a four-season town, attracting visitors in both winter and summer. The reason being, she said, is that for one it’s beautiful, and it’s also very accessible from town (the trail head is about a 2-minute drive on the outskirts of town) and therefore is a great trail to see the area and experience what many of the locals do.

With its own beach set up with beach loungers and umbrellas, you really feel like you’ve gotten away, yet it’s only 2 hours away from the city. Why We Love the Pet-Friendly Madison Beach Hotel and to read more about the town, you can read Weekend Guide to Beachy, Madison, CT. People love this waterfront hotel, located in Old Saybrook between the Long Island Sound and Connecticut River. Fresh Salt, the hotel’s restaurant, has amazing food and is extremely popular, both with hotel and non-hotel guests.