Trout Point Lodge
Photo Courtesy of Vaughn Perret and Charles Leary
In the race to offer the most lavish guest amenities, luxury hotels have outdone themselves as of late. World-weary guests barely bat an eye at modern gyms, wellness spas or restaurants ran by celebrity chefs anymore. Even perks like a tea concierge or a pillow menu seem like an old hat today. Clever hotel operators know that the only way to offer a truly unique experience is to showcase a feature that no other property has. Here are three high-end addresses that offer unbelievable amenities that make complimentary yoga classes look silly.
Photography buffs from around the world make a pilgrimage to Sedona because it’s one of the most amazing places in the world to capture with a camera. The glowing red rocks, memorable structures such as Cathedral Rock and the free-flowing Oak Creek set against the azure sky make for dramatic images. If you’re staying at L’Auberge de Sedona, you’ve probably already cleared enough space on your iPhone for snaps, so elevate your picture-taking skills with classes from renowned landscape photographer Mike Koopsen every Saturday. A picture-taking concierge of sorts, the 25-year veteran will share tips and techniques for desert photography, plus offer insights on the best vantage points. He leads a tour of the grounds so you can practice his techniques before heading out to capture any frame-worthy shots.
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, Photo Courtesy of Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
Sin City doesn’t have much of a skyline, per se, but that’s not to say that when flights come into McCarran International Airport from just the right direction, that you can’t get an eyeful of attractions along the Strip. Because of an exclusive partnership with Maverick Helicopters, guests and condo owners at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property can see the city from a new angle with a ride in the on-call house helicopter. Marvel at the aerial views of Fountains of Bellagio, the all-new High Roller observation wheel and other attractions from the comfort of an ECO-Star helicopter. In fact, with as little as two hours notice, the chopper can take up to six guests to a show, a lavish dinner or anywhere else along the lively street. The sky is the limit — literally.
Stargazing has become quite the popular pastime; just witness the near cult celebrity status of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson these days. The most difficult part of spying The Big Dipper or Orion often can be finding a spot far enough away from the bright city lights. Nova Scotia, however, is renowned for its inky skies; and the Trout Point Lodge luxury wilderness resort takes full advantage of being next door to the country’s first dark sky reserve (areas free of artificial light). With a just-opened stargazing platform and a host of new equipment (including the Coronado 60mm solar telescope) on the property, Trout Point Lodge proves to be a heaven-sent for celestial lovers. The on-staff astronomy guide leads daytime tours explaining the formation of the galaxy and the movement of the sun; at night, the sky safaris are even more fascinating thanks to a 10-inch Meade telescope, more portable Celestron SkyProdigy 130mm computerized telescopes and astronomical binoculars available to hotel guests.
