By William Tomicki
The Grand Canyon – more than 200 miles long and 1 mile deep is a miracle of nature carved out over millennia. Its size absolutely humbles visitors. To really get a feel for its depths, don’t just stand at the top taking pictures, but get down into it. Within that vast space, there is solace rarely felt in our daily lives. Since 1887, mule rides have been available to tourists, and the trails are now better than ever. Starting in May, trips to Phantom Ranch on the floor of the canyon will resume following an eight-month closure for trail maintenance. A seven-hour trip to Plateau Point costs $132.88 per person and includes tax and a box lunch. The one-night ride to Phantom Ranch costs $360.54 for the first person or $641.57 for two people and includes tax, accommodations, and meals. For more information call (888) 297-2757.
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country lies The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort, a 10,000-acre privately owned cattle ranch that is home to seventy-three quiet accommodations, fifty miles of trails, fine horses, two superb golf championship courses, and a top chef. Guests have made visits a family tradition for over half a century; cowboys, idyllic countryside, scenic canyons, a spring-fed lake, campfires, and a petting zoo are some of the many reasons why. But the real heart of The Alisal is golf. The Ranch Course, designed by Billy Bell, is lined with centuries-old oaks and sycamores and its tight fairways are a special challenge. Next-door, the River Course offers sweeping panoramas along the banks of the Santa Ynez River. A golf school with talented pros complete the picture. Beyond golf there is tennis, rodeos, dancing, and healthy fun for all ages. Dining is a special treat under the direction of Pascal Gode, Executive Chef. The Ranch Room serves American and Western style cuisine. Evenings are smartly dressy with elegant dishes prepared using the finest local ingredients. For more information call (800) 4-ALISAL or visit www.alisal.com.
Perched between the captivating blue waters of Banderas Bay and the lush green jungle (Predator and The Night of the Iguana were filmed here) in the charming, sparsely populated village of Mismaloya sits the Casa Iguana Hotel. Each two or three-bedroom suite includes a fully-equipped kitchen, separate living room, satellite TV, phone, and air conditioning. A lovely courtyard boasts two swimming pools, hot tub, supermarket, La Cocina restaurant, internet cafe, and meeting/screening room. Natural wonders abound in Mismaloya: waterfalls, wading pools, mangroves, Sierra Madre trails, cliffside beaches, and 355 bird species. It is also an international destination for butterfly aficionados. Casa Iguana will be happy to help arrange horseback riding in the jungle and watersports on the coast. The special mix of service, accommodations, and gorgeous location makes Casa Iguana Hotel the perfect place to rest your head or begin a new adventure in this heavenly stretch of Mexico. For more information call (877) 893-7654 or visit www.casaiguanahotel.com.
May/June 2004
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