There is so much to love about the Golden State, from Sonoma Wine Valley’s bountiful vineyards, rich history, Pacific coast, and towering redwoods to the diverse scenery, unusual desert landscapes, and striking Joshua trees of Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. This state is truly remarkable with something for everyone, from stunningly scenic hikes, to sampling some of the world’s finest wines at lush vineyards.
At Sojourn, we are fortunate to stay in some outrageously beautiful places. These are properties offering unparalleled experience and luxury at the end of a rewarding day of discovery. From the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, Spain, and the Relais & Châteaux's Hameau Albert 1er in Chamonix, France, to the historic Prince of Wales in Waterton, Canada, or the La Casa del Zorro, these hotels are almost a re-imagination of perfection: the attention to details, the passion for service, and the signature unique offerings of each will certainly make each of them one of the highlights of your vacation. While we don’t like to play favorites, these five accommodations are extremely close to our hearts.
When vacationing to new destinations, where you stay is often as important as the location and the activities. As your home away from home for the week, accommodations should offer a place to rest your head at night, a comforting meal, as well as provide the opportunity to relax and unwind after a day spent exploring and discovering new surroundings. From boutique inns that exude Southern charm to cozy New England havens that put you in the midst of natural beauty, the premier properties featured on Sojourn tours have been meticulously selected to further immerse you in these beautiful locales. Below are just a few of the bucket list accommodations you’ll experience while on vacation with Sojourn.
Canada lays only a short drive away from our office in Vermont and is a must visit for any world traveler. Canada is known for its melting pot of culture, from the English-speaking Ottawa to the Francophone nature of Quebec’s Montreal and Quebec City. Festive celebrations, elaborate art galleries, and distinctive cuisine can be found across the country, with each region having its own unique styles and tastes.
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are quintessentially Maine to their core! These coastal gems have some of the richest histories in the state and are blessed with an abundance of nature's bounty. Of course, one particular crustacean reigns above all; lobster. There is a reason that no matter where you go or how you cook it, lobsters will always be associated with the state of Maine. About half of the catch of cold-water lobsters in North America is hauled here, as Maine’s rocky coastline provides an ideal habitat for lobster to flourish. Mainers have been trapping lobster since the 1700s, and the patience and fortitude it requires has become woven into the state’s fabric for as long as anyone can remember.
Patience, as they say, is the key to trapping lobsters, especially sometimes under brutal weather conditions. Lobster-men and women are allowed up to 800 traps in the water at any time, in an effort to regulate the over-fishing of lobster. This is in addition to a series of other stipulations that help to maintain a healthy population in the state’s water including, sizing limitations (lobster must be released if they do not fall within of 3 ¼” and 5” in length), fertility (egg-bearing females are returned to the water), as well as the state limiting the amount of commercial licenses available.