JOURNEYBEYONDASPENSheen Falls | Kenmare, IrelandDestinations Where Luxury Continues
Winter has always been the season when I begin thinking about the journeys that lie ahead. There is something about the quieter pace of these months that invites reflection – and inspires dreams of travel yet to come.In this issue, we celebrate destinations whose beauty is not bound to a single season. These are places that reveal themselves differently throughout the year, each season offering a change of beauty.At Sheen Falls Lodge in Ireland, our guest contributor Andrew McCarthy visited in spring and shares a deeply personal portrait of the estate and surroundings as it awakens from the cold Winter. With gardens in bloom, and the river stirred back to life, his reflections remind us that the magic of such destinations endures well beyond winter’s embrace.High in the Alps, Hotel Mirabell in the Dolomites and Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol transform snow-covered peaks into playgrounds of refined elegance. Days are spent skiing beneath crisp skies; evenings unfold in serene spas. When warmer months arrive, alpine meadows, hiking trails, and sun-soaked terraces reveal an entirely new, equally captivating character.Other escapes offer winter intimacy without snow. At Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley, quiet vineyard walks and fireside tastings define the season. At The Pendry Newport Beach, coastal California luxury unfolds year-round – winter brings a quieter elegance to the shoreline, while longer days invite sunlit terraces and poolside moments.La Residence in Franschhoek, South Africa, pairs golden sunlight with vineyard serenity. Here, luxury is not dictated by the calendar – it lives in the moments you choose to linger.For those drawn to warmer climates, Villa Bokeh in Guatemala offers lush landscapes, volcano sunsets, and a sense of private tranquility. And in Paris,Le Meurice remains timeless. Winter casts a soft golden glow over the Tuileries, while spring, summer, and autumn each bring their own unmistakable charm.Winter encourages us to pause and reflect, but the most memorable journeys remind us that true luxury transcends any one season. It is found in experiences savored fully, wherever and whenever we travel. We hope these pages inspire you to seek them, whether beneath falling snow or under sunlit skies.Warmly,Risa Feldman GlasgowEditor-In-ChiefJourney Beyond AspenLetter From The Editor
4 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPENEDITOR-IN-CHIEFRisa [email protected] EDITOR LuAnn WallSTYLE CONTRIBUTORSStephanie SkrbinAmy WaltonCONTENT CONTRIBUTORSAudrey BelkinFiona CampbellCarly CroteauLanie ShaperoAmy WaltonPR/MARKETINGJodi Modlin KnurrDESIGNERJoshua Pilkington ADVERTISING SALES Sharon StruveADVERTISINGrfeldman@journeybeyondaspen.com917.562.7972Thank you to all resorts and talented photographers for contributing to Journey Beyond Aspen.PUBLISHERJBA, LLCjourneybeyondaspen.com@journey_beyond_aspen@jba381Journey Beyond Aspen magazine is also available in digital format on JourneyBeyondAspen.com
Andrew McCarthy is a multifaceted talent renowned as an award-winning travel writer, television director, and accomplished actor. With over two dozen films appearances, he is perhaps best known for his memorable roles in iconic 80s movies like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. His recent documentary, BRATS, debuted at No. 1 on Hulu.In addition to his film work, Andrew has directed nearly 100 hours of television, lending his vision to acclaimed series such as Orange Is the New Black and The Blacklist. His contributions to travel writing have earned him the prestigious title of “Travel Journalist of the Year” from the Society of American Travel Writers. For more than a decade, he served as an editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine.He has penned ar ticles for esteemed publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, fur ther showcasing his versatility and depth as a writer. Today, Andrew continues to engage audiences across various platforms, blending his passions for travel and storytelling.F e at u r e d C o n t r i b u to r sPhoto Credit: Jesse DittmarCarley Rojas Ávila is a bilingual journalist, editor, and creator covering travel, cuisine, and culture across Latin America and the Caribbean. Now based in Medellín, she has lived and worked in multiple countries across the region over the past fifteen years, including Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, and Ecuador. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Travel + Leisure, MSN, Euronews, and more, and has been syndicated tomore than 300 digital and print publications via the Associated Press wire. When she’s not on the road, she can be found hiking active volcanoes, testing out new wellness treatments, and exploring Medellín’s world-class coffee scene.
6 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPENIN THIS ISSUEWinter2026Europe8 - Coming Back to Stillness at Sheen Falls Lodgeby Andrew McCarthy | Kenmar e , Ir eland16 - A Heavenly Retreat Above the Alps: Interalpen Hotel by Carly Croteau | Tyrol , Austr i a38 - A Mountain Sanctuary: Hotel Mirabell by Carly Croteau | V aldaor a , Italy44 - A Parisian Dream at Le Meuriceby Risa Feldman-Glasgow | P ar is , Fr ance50 - La Residence: An Estate of Quiet Grandeur by Amy Walton | Fr anschhoek , South Afr icaUSA32 - A Wine Country Sanctuary: Meritage Resort and Spaby Audrey Belkin | Na pa , Califor ni a54 - The Pendry: Modern Coastal Luxuryby Lanie Shapero| Newport Beach, Califor ni aLatin America22 - Guatemala's Best-Kept Secret: Villa Bokéhby Carley Rojas Ávila | A n tigua , Guatemala
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WINTER 2026 | 9Coming Back to Stillness at Sheen Falls LodgeBy Andrew McCarthy Sheen F alls , Ir eland The thing about Sheen Falls Lodge is that it’s a very difficult place to leave. And since it’s situated in one of Ireland’s most alluring corners, this country house hotel that invites such lingering poses a challenge. Add to this, the longer you’re in residence, the more acute this problem becomes.A few minutes outside the 17th-century market town of Kenmare, the gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, the hotel wisely leans into its position beside the River Sheen above Kenmare Bay. It’s filled with welcoming nooks and crannies – both inside and out – that reward the inquisitive and the lazy. There are walking trails and strategically placed benches – beside the cascading falls, before an ivy-covered wall, under a mature oak with a view over the incoming tide of the bay and an occasional grey heron perching atop a small rock. Its common rooms – overstuffed chairs in the drawing room, large window seats of the sunroom, book-laden shelves of the library, high tea served on the patio above the river are all equally dangerous to a strict schedule.Holder of two Michelin Keys, the Relais-Chateaux property has seventy-two oversized rooms – mine has a terrace directly adjacent to the running river and overlooking the five-arch stone bridge built in 1777. Watching the water flow takes up an inordinate amount of my time and causes me to be late for my massage in the Easanna Spa, forcing me to forgo a swim, steam, and sauna (oh, the compromises a pampered life demands).The hotel offers falconry and skeet shooting, horseback riding, fly fishing, nearby golf, and an array of other activities to ward off all this pampered inertia. But breaking free of such enticements, I spend a day driving the twisting, Instagram-ready Ring of Kerry. The sun shines, it rains, fog rolls in, the wind howls, the sky clears, and the air is cool and still – a typical day in the southwest of Ireland. In the seaside village of Waterville, clouds move low and fast overhead, obscuring the tops of the mountains. At a picnic table outside a local pub, I warm myself with a pot of tea and savor an Irish staple, the ‘ham and cheese toastie’ (which is exactly what it sounds like), while watching the Atlantic roll in from America.Back through the gates and safely inside the swaddled confines of Sheen Falls, three hundred acres, the clouds part as I wind my way up the long drive and notice a pair of archery targets lying in wait atop a field above the bay.It’s there that Colin, a Cork man, warns me of ‘dry firing’ (drawing and releasing the bow string without the arrow being properly in place) and explains to me the ‘fletchings’ (the feathery things at the back of the arrow) and the ‘knocking point’ (where the arrow and bowstring meet up). He encourages me to tickle my chin with my thumb as I draw the bowstring back, and to be aware of my breathing in a yoga-type fashion, and of my “X/Y” axis.“There’s more to this than I thought,” I concede. Colin’s eyes narrow before summing up the philosophy of his Zen-like Irish teaching. “You must learn of yourself.” I nod – not entirely sure I understand what the hell he’s talking about – and let it fly.
10 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN Walking back over the rolling grounds toward the hotel, through the old graveyard, the late-day sun sends rays slicing through a Celtic cross, and I squint to make out the date on the faded, tilting headstone – 1863.After a dinner of tender fillet steak and potatoes prepared three ways (this is Ireland, after all) served on a table of dressed white linen while overlooking the falls, Declan, the concierge, approaches. With authority, he gives me some old-school Irish driving directions. “Go until you feel you’ve gone too far, then turn left before the twisted ash tree just past the petrol station. Ah, sure now you can’t miss it.”And it’s down this narrow lane that I find Eamonn, with two kayaks waiting on the edge of Kenmare Bay just as the sun sets behind the Caha Mountains.A recovering IT man who “chucked it all eight years ago” and rewrote his life as an outdoor guide, Eamonn leads me out into the bay as the light fades. We paddle among the uninhabited Greenane Islands. There are silhouettes of wild goats on the land and the bobbing heads of harbor seals emerging from the placid water. There is no moon. The lingering gloaming provides just enough reflected light off the water to merge land and sea and make me feel as if we’re moving through a dimension I haven’t previously experienced. Drifting, floating, breathing, silent. Am I still moving, am I still? After two hours, the complete blackness that’s fallen somehow provides the guidance we need – we make our way back to shore.Turning midnight as I return to Sheen Falls, the lobby is quiet, the fire in the hearth has died out for the night, just a few embers still glow. I wander into the empty sitting room and the library and the sunroom. All silent now. I poke my head into the bar – two couples are quietly chatting about their travels, sipping whisky. The barman offers me a seat with a barely perceptible nod. I demur.Tucking deeply into my massive and overstuffed bed, the sound of the river slipping over the rocks with quiet, ceaseless assurance, I decide on a plan for tomorrow – I’m not leaving.Journey Beyond Aspen to Sheen Falls Lodge
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16 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN Perched high above the Tyrolean valleys at 1,300 meters, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol feels less like a hotel and more like a world of its own. The setting alone is arresting, but it is the way the property balances scale, warmth, and quiet refinement that makes it truly memorable.The sense of escape begins on the drive up. A winding mountain road cuts through pine forest and open alpine terrain, revealing glimpses of snow-dusted peaks along the way. When the hotel finally appears, it feels deliberately removed from everything else. The architecture rises confidently from the mountainside, pairing clean, contemporary lines with traditional Tyrolean elements that ground it firmly in its surroundings.Inside, the atmosphere is calm and unforced. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the mountains rather than compete with them, allowing the landscape to set the mood. Stone floors, warm woods, and thoughtfully placed artwork create spaces that feel substantial without being formal. There is an easy rhythm to daily life here, shaped by subtle details: the soft sound of water, the scent of pine carried in from outside, and a staff presence that is attentive without ever feeling intrusive.Guest rooms and suites continue this sense of quiet luxury. Each includes a private terrace or balcony with uninterrupted views of the peaks and valleys beyond. Interiors favor natural materials and a restrained palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. Mornings arrive gently, with mist settling over the valleys below, while evenings bring long, rose-tinted sunsets that seem to linger just a little longer at this elevation. A Heavenly Retreat Above the Alps: Interalpen HotelBy Carly Croteau South Tyrol , Austr i aDining is rooted in the region while allowing room for creativity. The hotel’s signature restaurant highlights alpine ingredients such as fresh trout, venison, and seasonal produce, presented with refinement rather than excess. The wine list is particularly strong, with a thoughtful selection from Austria alongside well-chosen international labels. Later in the day, the lobby bar becomes a natural gathering place, where guests linger over an aperitif or nightcap beside the fireplace, watching the light fade across the mountains.The spa is a central part of the Interalpen experience. Indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and treatment areas are designed to encourage unhurried relaxation. Alpine herb treatments and deeply restorative massages reflect the natural setting, while the outdoor pool offers a standout experience – especially in winter, when warm water contrasts with falling snow.The surrounding landscape invites exploration year-round. Winter brings skiing, cross-country trails, and snowshoeing, while summer opens the door to hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding above the valley floor. No matter the season, returning to the hotel feels like a reward. A glass of champagne by the fire or a quiet moment on a terrace is often all that is needed.What ultimately sets Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol apart is its understanding of luxury as something personal and understated. Service is intuitive, details are thoughtfully handled, and nothing feels overdone. For travelers drawn to alpine scenery, privacy, and a sense of effortless ease, Interalpen offers a rare combination of grandeur and authenticity.Journey Beyond Aspen to Interalpen-Hotel
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18 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN The spa is a central part of the Interalpen experience. Indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and treatment areas are designed to encourage unhurried relaxation. Alpine herb treatments and deeply restorative massages reflect the natural setting, while the outdoor pool offers a standout experience – especially in winter, when warm water contrasts with falling snow.The surrounding landscape invites exploration year-round. Winter brings skiing, cross-country trails, and snowshoeing, while summer opens the door to hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding above the valley floor. No matter the season, returning to the hotel feels like a reward. A glass of champagne by the fire or a quiet moment on a terrace is often all that is needed.What ultimately sets Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol apart is its understanding of luxury as something personal and understated. Service is intuitive, details are thoughtfully handled, and nothing feels overdone. For travelers drawn to alpine scenery, privacy, and a sense of effortless ease, Interalpen offers a rare combination of grandeur and authenticity.Journey Beyond Aspen to Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
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22 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN Guatemala's Best Kept Secret: Villa BokéhCarley Rojas Ávila A n tigua , Guatemala Tucked amid the lush green landscape beneath a quietly slumbering volcano, Villa Bokéh feels like something lifted from a storybook. Step through a nondescript doorway on a side street in Antigua, Guatemala, and you enter an unexpected world – a sprawling estate where a Michelin Key–winning boutique property frames volcano views between a serene swimming pool and a glass-encased yoga pavilion. A roaring fire draws guests into a cozy living room, where floral-infused welcome drinks set the tone for what lies ahead.For years, the undeniable beauty of Guatemala was known primarily to locals and the intrepid backpackers who crisscrossed the country on colorful chicken buses, bound for remote villages and crumbling churches. What they discovered is what resonates with every traveler: a rich tapestry of cuisines and cultures, landscapes so striking they resist capture, and colonial cities like Antigua that seem only to grow more beautiful with time.Now, luxury travelers have their turn. Villa Bokéh distills the country’s unspoiled magic into an experience that feels both transportive and deeply familiar – almost like coming home. Originally a private residence, the property’s welcoming spirit is shaped by the discerning eye of creative director Katy Jay, who curated art, décor, and furnishings from master artisans across Guatemala. Handwoven textiles introduce purposeful pops of color throughout the light-filled interiors, giving each of the property’s fifteen rooms and suites its own distinct personality.The healing traditions of the Mayan people, whose wisdom is rooted in Guatemala’s highlands, are woven seamlessly into the Villa Bokéh experience. Each room includes a wellness kit designed to encourage a grounded start to the day, complete with a meditation cushion and cleansing scents such as sage and palo santo. Evenings unfold with a menu of relaxation rituals – floral-infused eye masks, fresh herbal teas, and aromatherapy diffusers provided for every guest. Many rooms feature soaking tubs, some tucked away on private outdoor patios, where wellness staff prepare baths scented with essential oils and flower petals for moonlit rituals of rest.Villa Bokéh is also a culinary destination in its own right. The property recently hosted several of the world’s most celebrated chefs during an exclusive dinner series leading up to the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Mornings begin with leisurely breakfasts on the waterfront patio, while brunch at Casa Cristal Bistro is a highlight. An expansive selection of house-made pastries – ranging from buttery croissants to sweet Mexican conchas – pairs with Mesoamerican dishes and international classics, featuring farm-fresh eggs from the property’s own chickens. In the evenings, chefs prepare intimate candlelit dinners in the dining room or craft pizzas in the wood-fired oven beside the pool.Beyond the estate’s elegant grounds, guests may continue their journey to the hotel’s sister property, Casa Palopó, perched above the brilliant blue waters of Lake Atitlán. Yet for travelers seeking a destination that still feels undiscovered – where beauty remains quietly profound – Villa Bokéh is a world unto itself, and its magic lingers long after departure.Journey Beyond Aspen to Villa Bokéh
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WINTER 2026 | 33A Wine Country Sanctuary: Meritage Resort and SpaAudrey Belkin Na pa V alley, Califor ni a Tucked into the rolling hills of Napa Valley, Meritage Resort and Spa is more than a hotel – it’s a gateway to the heart of California wine country. A tree-lined drive leads past manicured gardens to Tuscan-inspired architecture, where stone and stucco façades with graceful arches hint at the balance of comfort and refinement awaiting inside.Vineyards stretch to the horizon, and the air carries the soft scent of ripening grapes. Sunlight pours through soaring lobby windows, illuminating polished stone floors and warm wood accents. The ambience is lively yet calm, inviting guests to explore or simply unwind.Wine tasting is woven into the resort itself. The Village at Meritage features four distinct tasting rooms, each with its own character and selection, letting guests sip Napa without stepping outside. For a more intimate experience, Vintage Cave offers a candlelit retreat with sparkling wines and artisanal small plates, its pink accents and soft lighting creating a romantic, almost fairytale-like ambiance.The Spa Cave is a hidden sanctuary carved into the hillside. Warm stone, soft lighting, and natural textures create a sense of quiet seclusion. Treatments range from massages infused with local oils to rejuvenating facials. The gentle trickle of water and flickering candles invite guests to pause, breathe, and leave refreshed.Dining at Meritage celebrates Napa’s bounty. Ember Steak offers a modern steakhouse experience with expertly grilled steaks, fresh seafood, and indulgent caviar or oysters. Olive & Hay presents California-inspired cuisine in a bright, airy setting, highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. House-made pastas, vibrant salads, and roasted vegetables are paired thoughtfully with regional wines, making each meal memorable.Beyond the resort, Napa Valley awaits. Guests can stroll vineyards, join private tastings, or explore charming towns like Yountville and St. Helena. Hot air balloon rides, guided bike tours, and curated valley adventures provide unforgettable perspectives. Each day concludes with the comfort of returning to a place that feels like home, where luxury is measured not in opulence, but in thoughtful touches, attentive service, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape.Meritage Resort and Spa isn’t just a place to stay – it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magic of Napa Valley.Journey Beyond Aspen to Meritage Resort and Spa
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WINTER 2026 | 39A Mountain Sanctuary: Hotel MirabellCarly Croteau V aldaor a , Italy Some places have a way of easing the tension out of you the moment you arrive. Hotel MirabellDolomites Luxury Ayurveda and Spa, tucked quietly in the village of Olang in Valdaora, is one ofthose rare sanctuaries. I came for the mountains, but I stayed for the way this hotel made mefeel – lighter, calmer, almost reset.My first impression unfolded slowly. The Dolomites glowed a soft rose as the sun set, dustingthe peaks with magic. Mirabell itself felt like a warm embrace – elegant without pretension,where polished wood, crisp mountain air, and quiet luxury coexist naturally. Inside, the scent ofherbal tea from the spa mingled with the smell of alpine pine, and I felt my breathing slowalmost without realizing it.My suite was a private hideaway. Wide windows framed the mountains like a living painting. Adeep bathtub, soft lighting, and a balcony created evenings I rarely allow myself at home. Iopened the curtains, let the mountain air flow in, and just stood there, grateful to be exactlywhere I was.The hotel’s Ayurveda Spa is the heart of Mirabell. Ancient wellness traditions blend seamlesslywith Alpine warmth. Gentle lighting, warm stone, and the sound of moving water encouragesurrender. My therapist led me through an Abhyanga massage with oils chosen for my dosha.Afterwards, wrapped in a robe, I wandered to the pools – one indoors, smooth as glass, theother outdoors with steam rising into the crisp mountain air. The contrast of hot water and coolair was its own kind of therapy.Dining at Mirabell was a revelation. South Tyrol balances Alpine comfort with Italian elegance,and the hotel captures this perfectly. Evenings felt like unfolding stories: a glass of local wine,house-made pasta, mountain herbs, and desserts so light they disappeared on the tongue.Breakfast offered cheeses, warm breads, fresh fruit, and honeycomb that caught the morninglight like gold.Days quickly found a rhythm. Long hikes began just outside the hotel, winding through pineforests and opening onto wide meadows. Afternoons were for wellness – pools, saunas, andquiet corners where time slowed. Evenings ended on the balcony, wrapped in a blanket as theDolomites shifted from pink to lavender to deep blue.What stood out most was how personal everything felt. This isn’t a resort trying to impress withgrandeur. It wins you over with intention, care, and the quiet sense that it exists not merely tohost you, but to restore you.When I finally checked out, wishing for just one more day, I realized Mirabell had done morethan offer a beautiful stay. It had reset me – subtly, in my breath and in the calm of my mind.Some places you visit. Others stay with you. Mirabell became the latter.Journey Beyond Aspen to Hotel Mirabell
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44 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN A Parisian Dream at Le MeuriceBy Risa Feldman-Glasgow P ar is , Fr ance Some hotels don’t just host your stay, they leave a mark on your memory. Le Meurice, the storied palace hotel on Rue de Rivoli, is one of those rare places. Facing the Tuileries Garden, its façade is elegant without being showy, but the real magic begins the moment you pass through the revolving doors into its hushed, marble-lined world, where French tradition meets contemporary artistry.Le Meurice is often called the “hotel of artists,” and for good reason. Dalí considered it a second home. Picasso celebrated here. Writers, designers, and philosophers, or anyone captivated by Paris as a muse found inspiration within its walls. Despite its illustrious history, the hotel exudes a quiet confidence, offering a Parisian palace experience where beauty is essential, not optional.The first thing you notice inside is the light. Sunlight streams through tall windows, washing over polished marble floors and illuminating ceilings adorned with soft gold leaf. Philippe Starck’s design blends classical French style with subtle surreal touches, honoring the hotel’s artistic heritage. The result is refined, yet delightfully unexpected.Rooms and suites continue this elegant narrative. Many overlook the Tuileries, giving guests a sense of a private terrace in one of Paris’s most enchanting gardens. The palette is soft – ivory, powder blue, and muted gold with a gentle shimmer. Bathrooms are marble sanctuaries, and the beds are dressed in linens that strike the perfect balance between cloudlike comfort and understated grandeur.Dining at Le Meurice is a performance in itself. Alain Ducasse’s restaurant offers more than a meal; it’s an experience under grand chandeliers, where cuisine is sophisticated, pure, and seamless – just as a palace hotel should be. For something lighter, Restaurant Le Dalí provides playful, indulgent fare in a space inspired by Dalí’s dreamlike imagination.Spa Valmont is a hidden sanctuary, offering restorative, meditative treatments. An hour here softens the city’s edge, leaving the day feeling slower, more luxurious.What sets Le Meurice apart isn’t a single feature, but the way every element (design, cuisine, service, and history) intertwines effortlessly. There is no flashiness, no chasing trends, no need to reinvent itself. Instead, the hotel embodies the essence of Parisian luxury: timeless, confident, and gracefully refined.Le Meurice is more than a place to stay, it’s a way to inhabit Paris. For travelers seeking genuine beauty, cultivated luxury, and a sense of belonging in one of the world’s great capitals, Le Meurice remains, after nearly two centuries, a masterpiece.Journey Beyond Aspen to Le Meurice
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50 | JOURNEYBEYONDASPEN La Residence: An Estate of Quiet GrandeurBy Amy Walton Fr anschhoek , South Afr ica In the In the heart of Franschhoek’s vineyard-dotted valley, La Residence feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into a private, enchanted world. Surrounded by manicured gardens, rolling vines, and dramatic mountains, it’s the kind of place where every detail seems designed to delight the senses. From the moment you arrive down the long, palm-lined driveway, the estate casts its spell. The main house, with its terracotta walls, stone accents, opens into interiors that are breathtaking without feeling staged. Founder Liz Biden’s artistic vision is everywhere: soaring ceilings, hand-selected antiques, vibrant artwork, glittering chandeliers, and fabrics so sumptuous you can’t resist touching them. Yet despite the grandeur, the atmosphere remains inviting and intimate, like being welcomed into a friend’s exceptionally stylish country home. Each of the eleven suites is unique, full of character and charm. Some are bold with rich jewel tones, others soft and serene with creams and pastels. All share the same sense of romance and indulgence, with velvet chaise lounges, massive beds dressed in fine linens, and freestanding tubs perfectly positioned to take in the mountain views. For those seeking extra privacy, the five vineyard suites provide a tranquil retreat where the valley seems to fold around you. Dining at La Residence is a ritual in itself. Breakfast is a relaxed affair on the sun-drenched terrace, often with peacocks wandering across the lawn as if on cue. Lunch and dinner lean on seasonal ingredients from the estate’s gardens and local wines, with the culinary team crafting menus tailored to each guest’s tastes, effortless, personal, and thoroughly memorable. Quiet moments here are magical. Wander past fruit orchards, the mirrored ponds, and the iconic vineyards stretching toward the mountains. The infinity pool sparkles against a backdrop of pure countryside, inviting long afternoons of reading, soaking up the sun, or simply losing yourself in the view. Service at La Residence is exceptional. Attentive, intuitive, and warm without ever feeling formal. It’s the kind of care that anticipates your needs before you even voice them, creating a rare sense of ease and comfort. Franschhoek is renowned for its wines, restaurants, and natural beauty, but La Residence stands apart. It’s a place where luxury feels personal, where every corner holds a surprise, and where the experience lingers long after you leave. For travelers who crave both awe and intimacy, it’s a property that leaves a lasting mark on the heart.Journey Beyond Aspen to La Residence