Latest news with #adventuretravel
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Trailborn Offers Meaningful Experiences In Iconic Outdoor Destinations
Trailborn hotels are well suited for the adventurous traveler. Kort Havens for Trailborn While many people travel for rest and relaxation, more and more Americans are actively engaging in adventure travel. Activities like hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, water sports and sailing are among the top choices for adventurous travelers. However, adventure travel isn't just about thrills. Often, travelers are seeking personal growth along with the ability to step outside their comfort zones. The Rockies are a majestic sight to behold for travelers. getty In order to meet the demands of today's discerning, adventurous travelers who are looking for meaningful outdoor experiences without sacrificing elevated design or a sense of place, Ben Weinberg and Mike Weiss – two Goldman Sachs alums – launched Castle Peak in 2021. An investment and operating platform with a singular focus on hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across North America, Castle Peak's Trailborn hotels are located at the base of the Rockies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, seaside on the North Carolina coast, cliffside in Northern California and at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Castle Peak is a next-generation investment firm focused on creating and scaling niche real estate platforms. Trailborn is the first embodiment of Castle Peak's playbook and the singular focus of the firm today. Trailborn brings a new level of hospitality to magnificent outdoor destinations where it doesn't currently exist, with elevated hotels designed to help travelers rediscover the beauty of America. Each property offers a guided experience, led by passionate local experts who curate recommendations, excursions and essential amenities for an unforgettable, active stay. The thesis is that modern travelers want experiences over destinations, comfort over formality and connection to place, especially in nature-rich locations. The North Carolina coast offers an array of activities. Christian Harder for Trailborn As a founding anchor brand of Marriott's new outdoor-focused portfolio, Trailborn brings a sustainability-minded approach to growth, focusing on adaptive reuse to reimagine existing properties in iconic destinations where ground-up development is often neither viable nor environmentally responsible. 'In just over a year, we've introduced five new Trailborn properties and will open three more within the next year, which speaks to the strength of demand and the resonance of our brand,' says Weiss. 'Marriott saw that momentum, and a chance to partner with a fast-growing company that's redefining the outdoor hospitality space, meeting Bonvoy members' demand for lifestyle hotels in untapped markets.' Weiss adds, 'Trailborn's proven model, design-driven approach, and distinct guest experience enrich Marriott's offerings with dynamic new hotels. This agreement allows us to stay true to our independent spirit while gaining access to Marriott Bonvoy's powerful global platform, creating new value for both sides, as well as for travelers seeking something different.' Trailborn hotels have opened in locations across the country. Christian Harder for Trailborn. Weinberg describes Castle Peak as 'a hospitality brand reimagining outdoor travel.' Castle Peak's 'one at a time' approach focuses on identifying a market opportunity, developing an investment strategy and building differentiated platforms one at a time, with a sharp, singular focus on generating alpha. Castle Peak Holdings , the investment firm behind the Trailborn hospitality brands, recently announced the successful close of its second vehicle with total committed capital of $315 million raised over a four month period. The firm's recent acquisition of Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, marks the first investment of this new vehicle and expands Castle Peak's portfolio of hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across the United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a must see experience. getty "Closing this vehicle is a testament to the durability of our model and the belief that exceptional outcomes come from doing the hard work ourselves, strategically, creatively and operationally," explains Weinberg. "We're a team of deep sector specialists, and we believe our relentless, singular focus positions us for success in this type of environment. We're energized by the level of excitement Trailborn has continued to receive from both investors and guests alike. This new infusion of capital will allow us to continue to scale Trailborn's approach to experiencing the great outdoors and deliver customers what they've been searching for." MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Domestic Airfares Increased Less Than Inflation, According To Study By Roger Sands Forbes Explore Celestial Wonders Of The Night Sky At These Locations By Roger Sands
Travel Weekly
13-07-2025
- Travel Weekly
AdventureWomen unveils new trips in North America
AdventureWomen, a specialist in women-only tours, will launch five new North America itineraries next year, in U.S. national parks, Mexico and Canada. AdventureWomen president Paige Davis said the itineraries were designed to foster connection while providing travelers with trips closer to home. "Baja: Sea Lions, Stargazing and Mindfulness" will spend a week exploring Mexico's Baja Peninsula, where travelers will snorkel with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, partake in daily yoga and attend sound baths and meditations. Other highlights include surfing and stargazing. For those seeking the great outdoors, the six-day "Utah: Moab, Arches and Canyonlands Adventure" takes travelers through the state, where they will raft the Colorado River and go canyoneering and ziplining. Travelers will visit ancient rock formations and petroglyphs. The nine-day "Alaska: Glaciers, Wildlife Encounters and Multi-Adventures" promises to introduce "the untamed beauty of America's last frontier" to travelers. Guests will hike in Chugach State Park, go rafting through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and kayak through glacier-fed waters. Travelers will stay in wilderness lodges only accessible via boat. The tour operator will offer another national parks itinerary with the seven-day "Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Exploring California's National Parks." This trip features hiking through sequoias, climbing Moro Rock and touring with local guides. "Canada: The Ultimate Train Journey and Active Outdoor Adventure" will bring travelers to the Canadian Rockies for nine days, combining luxury rail travel with outdoor adventure. Guests will ride the Rocky Mountaineer train, hike glaciers and unwind in Banff's hot springs.
The Herald
09-07-2025
- The Herald
This is how South Africans want to travel in 2025
Among the notable emerging travel trends the research highlights are 'bravecations', where travellers are more adventurous on holiday, trying activities they wouldn't normally try at home. A total of 85% of local travellers said they are braver on holiday, the highest among all markets surveyed. The trend is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 87% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 91% of 25- to 34-year-olds expressing a willingness to try new and exciting things. Popular activities include: climbing high structures (56%); participating in high-octane activities such as zip-lining, skydiving and theme park rides (54%); and trying unusual foods (45%). Another rising trend are 'heritage holidays', where travellers explore their family's heritage, history or ancestry. A total of 75% of South Africans have taken or plan to take a heritage holiday soon. The trend is more prevalent among younger generations, with 77% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 88% of 25- to 34-year-olds having taken a heritage holiday or planning to, compared to 42% of those aged 65 and above. Key motivations include the desire to understand where their family comes from and what their life was like (64%) and to see where their ancestors lived (53%).
The Independent
18-06-2025
- The Independent
The new luxury hotel drawing tourists to one of the driest places in the world
Rising in a perfect pyramid between the borders of Chile and Bolivia, the Licancabur volcano has for centuries drawn pilgrims to its crater, where ancient civilisations sought communion with their ancestors. Even today, its mystical allure remains undeniable, casting a powerful spell over the surrounding, otherworldly landscape. This majestic Andean giant now forms the dramatic focal point for guests at Tierra Atacama, a luxury hotel recently unveiled following a $20 million refurbishment. Nestled in San Pedro de Atacama, the gateway to northern Chile's highland desert region – a realm of geological wonders and one of the driest places on Earth – the property masterfully blends exhilarating adventures with comfort and relaxation. Here's why the Tierra Atacama stands out as one of the smartest and most invigorating places to stay in one of the driest places on earth. The look and feel Decked in wood and warm colours, rooms have the feel of a cosy cabin. Working with the property's original footprint, built on a former cattle corral, designer Carolina Delpiano has created the perfect sanctuary for relaxation after a day of adventure. All rooms feature thoughtful touches ranging from aesthetic to practical – including artwork inspired by the cosmos and handy humidifiers to combat the Atacama's dry air. Promising to be the most luxurious accommodation in the region, Tierra's four new suites are works of beauty. An ethanol-powered fireplace suspended from the ceiling begs to be lit even on warm nights, creating a soothing and welcoming space. An outdoor patio with plunge pool also features a pop-up fireplace, with views facing Licancabur volcano. A pergola can be closed for shade during the day or opened to reveal stars at night. In the main dining area, black wooden ceilings replicate a dark sky, and a floor paved with Travertine marble – all sourced from a local quarry – was inspired by the region's famous gleaming white salt flats. Fabulous food Although overshadowed by its neighbours, Chilean cuisine is having a moment and Tierra's chefs do a fantastic job of showcasing the bright, zingy and refreshing flavours which characterise dishes. Endemic to the Andean altiplano, aromatic shrub rica rica makes an appearance in ice cream and cocktails along with the sweet caramel-like fruit from chanar trees. Every few days, a barbecue is prepared outdoors and served on a long table crafted with wood reclaimed from a sunken boat found in Chile's Pucon region. A large stone oven is used to prepare pizzas which would easily get the thumbs up from an Italian. Although wines and spirits form part of the menu, a good selection of mocktails makes it much easier to reduce alcohol intake and boost hydration – recommended for avoiding headaches and sickness at Atacama's giddy high altitudes. Spa and wellness Dry air and hot temperatures can wreak havoc on the body, but endless space and big horizons make desert regions the perfect place to unwind. Meaning 'water' in the local Aymara language, the onsite Uma spa is an oasis of pools, hot tubs and hydrotherapy stations – including the only indoor heated pool in the region – all fed by the property's onsite well. To combat water wastage, all grey water is recycled and used in the gardens. Alongside a menu of treatments, the spa also offers a selection of rituals and journeys. A steam room session, facial and massage are combined with cryotherapy – a new addition to the spa. The culmination of a relaxing two-hour session topped with a touch of meditation and breathwork, immersion in an ice bath on an outdoor terrace is the ideal solution for easing tired and swollen limbs while also attacking cellulite. The hotel's head gardener doubles as a yoga teacher offering daily classes. Promising a calming of the mind and connection with the surroundings, two-hour nature bathing sessions are also held onsite. Star-studded attractions At night, skies above San Pedro explode with a glittering array of constellations. Most hotels offer trips to external observatories, but Tierra has gone one step further by setting up a scope in their spacious light pollution-free backyard. Wrapped in blankets, guests can sit in an amphitheatre with a glass of Carmenere while listening to experts share scientific facts about space along with entertaining stories. Best of all, it won't take you lightyears to get to bed. Outdoor adventure Opportunities for adventure are endless in Atacama, but navigating local regulations, avoiding crowds and managing acclimatisation to high altitudes does require careful consideration. All guests have the chance to plan a personal itinerary with Tierra's guiding team and join group tours. Anyone staying in the suites or apartments has access to a personal guide and driver, allowing greater flexibility for timings and more opportunities for spontaneous detours. Highlight activities include treks through the cacti-strewn Guatin Gatchi Valley, sunset at the Cejar Lagoon and an early morning expedition to see the steaming Tatio Geysers. How to plan your trip
Washington Post
15-06-2025
- Washington Post
Submersibles can be deadly. For some, that's the appeal.
When many of us think of submersibles, we recall the infamous Titan, which imploded deep in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023, claiming the lives of the five people aboard. But that underwater craft — operated by a private company as a high-priced adventure travel opportunity to visit the Titanic — is just one example of the niche world of nonmilitary submarines.
