Travaasa Hana – Worlds Away on Maui by Chad Chisholm

By Chad Chisholm, Contributing Writer

“Heavenly Hana” is appropriately nicknamed. Situated on the northern coast of Maui, this gem of a town is remote and quiet, the ocean breezes swaying the pines and palms alike. Located on the rainy side of the island, the lush surroundings are in-tune with Travaasa Hana’s luxury accommodations and amenities for this glamping experience.

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An all-inclusive property and no-tipping zone other than in the dining areas, guests are invited to truly relax and reconnect. The individual cottages overlooking the ocean meet the Maui sunrise at Travaasa, formerly the Hana Hotel. Rooms are without the usual mind-distracting electronics, so the sound of the ocean far outweighs the lack of a glowing TV or even a clock. Hot tubs set into the lanai’s of the cottages are a wonderful way to relax and take in the scenery, almost forcing guests to take a deep breath and let their minds unwind.

Upon arriving at Travaasa Hana, I was greeted with a friendly “Aloha” from several of the staff. The check in service included a chilled towel and hot tea, while my luggage was whisked away via cart to my cottage. A tour of the property revealed two pools, a fitness facility, spa, and on-site dining. A yoga platform spread out below the wide branches of a tree as well as a facility overlooking the infinity pool begged to be utilized—incorporating inner peace with outer tranquility.  The numerous hammocks, lounge areas, and lush grounds almost immediately begin to soothe the soul while on property.

A good book is a must while at Traavasa Hana. The sleepy town is wonderful for a low-key island getaway. Guests can grab the banana bread amenity found in their room and head to the pool or stroll the manicured lawns overlooking the Pacific. Outside the property, nearby Red Sand Beach is a quiet hideaway hidden amongst the rocks. A perilous pathway is well worth the exploration, as the crashing Pacific waves break upon a natural lava barrier, creating a deep pool primed for swimming.

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My seaside cottage is expansive- the large living spaces and lanai overlooking the ocean with ample space to really take in the sea air. Lounge chairs, comfortable sofas, and a king-sized bed made for my own slice of Hana Heaven, leaving the rolling screen doors open to listen to the sounds of crashing surf throughout the night. Up the gently sloping hill, the infinity pool trickles with a water feature and several outfitted pool chez chairs- sliding tray pull outs from below the chair a perfect spot for my Mai Tai and fresh local catch ceviche as I leaf through the pages of my novel.

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On property, the poolside menu is not the only culinary option. The Ka’uiki Dining Room and Paniolo Lounge on property herald local fare and fresh catches on their menus. On the cocktail menu, locally produced USDA organic Ocean Vodka is a definite contender for your favorite drink. Forgoing the dining room, I opted for the Paniolo Lounge, which has an abbreviated menu, casual atmosphere and live music. Paniolos are the Hawaiian Upcountry Cowboys, and the smaller lounge has an outdoor space overlooking the property. With the relaxed atmosphere of Hana, everything does seem to be on “island time” including the service, so take time to enjoy the ukulele music, as a dinner on the run is not on the menu.

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Upon my departure, a warm hug from a friendly Hawaiian woman left me feeling warm and fuzzy for the rest of my drive around the island. The relaxed atmosphere, attention to detail in the accommodations and remote feel of the property all contribute to this luxury stay in Hana. A far cry from roughing it on Maui, it is a wonderful glamping option with a seaside cottage perfectly suited for some R&R.

Getting there

I suggest a convertible for the winding road to Hana. Lush, vibrant scenery meets the eye and rocky, craggy lava contrast with the brilliant greens of the vegetation and deep blue of the Pacific waters. With the top down, the warm air and fresh, unspoiled scent of the rainforest make for a truly exceptional experience for the senses. Many guidebooks tell visitors to leave early in the morning for the Hana Highway—having done the road several times at various times of the day, I find traffic is really a flexible variable. Leaving late morning on this particular trip, I came across very little traffic and it afforded me the opportunity to stop along the way to take photos of waterfalls, enjoy a scenic vista, and sample coconut candy along the way. Staying at Travaasa Hana is another benefit to the Hana Highway, breaking up the trip and allowing for even further enjoyment and opportunity to explore along the way.

Insider Tips

Before the “Welcome to Hana” sign, the Hana Farms stand is a must-stop on the way to Travaasa Hana. Known for their 6 varieties of banana breads, my favorite is the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, and other organically grown and produced products, make sure to grab a few pieces of fresh fruit and a couple of loaves of banana bread for your cottage, which comes with a refrigerator. Auntie Donna tends to the roadside stall and her warm smile and vivacious countenance will have you telling story long into the afternoon.

Far from the days of old, Hana Highway has been re-paved and made accessible around the island. Previously, the rutted, winding road was a no-drive for tourists and even rental car agencies had a clause prohibiting drivers from attempting the road. Now, the freshly paved highway is all but smooth (a small stretch past Travaasa Hana still a bit bumpy but completely drivable, even in a zippy convertible). A word to the wise: let locals pass and keep the speeds slow, many areas are one-lane and drivers need to pay attention to yield signs and blind corners.

Learn more: www.travaasa.com/hana

Photos provided by Travaasa Hana, all rights reserved.

Brush Creek Ranch – Chad Chisholm

By Chad Chisholm, Contributing Writer

Wyoming is not typically thought of as a luxury destination as a whole—with sweeping prairies, rugged mountains and seemingly more horses than people, the wide open skies are ripe for a glamping experience. And that experience is found at Brush Creek Ranch located west of Laramie, Wyoming. All-inclusive vacations are often thought of as being south of the border, conjuring images of sandy beaches and crashing waves, cheap tequila and thin piña coladas. Nestled between the Snowy Range and Sierra Madres in the breathtaking North Platte River Valley of Wyoming, the Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is an all-inclusive luxury ranch that defies all preconceptions.

The feel of the ranch is like visiting a friend’s home, a very generous friend. From the open wine cellar, which is self-service and full-service, I enjoyed a hand-picked bottle on the wraparound porch of the lodge while taking in the setting sun over the valley. With gas-fed firepits and ice-filled water-cooling stations, creature comforts are found throughout the property at your fingertips, making guests feel like they are at a five-star resort yet still in breathtaking natural beauty.

A “boot free zone” offering slippers to guests to change into from dusty ranch shoes, the Main Lodge is home to a 38,000 square foot living room, with wine cellar, grand piano, coolers stocked with everything from Starbucks Lattes to Rockstar Energy Drinks and bottled water. Even the private dining room in the main lodge has elegant touches such as leather floors, antler chandeliers, and a walk-out porch complete with fireplace.

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Accommodations at Brush Creek Ranch include everything from the 19th Century cabins that have been fully restored to the comfortable lodge facility. Sleeping 150 total, rooms and cabins with names such as Lupine, Snowberry, and Juniper add to the charm. A-List celebrities and vocal artists are already enjoying what the ranch has to offer, including the Rendezvous Camp and Kinta’s, one of the previous owner’s private residence complete with 2 Master Suites, full kitchen, dining room, and Ice House- Brush Creek’s glamping addition with charming full sized bed and modern ranch touches. Open mic night and karaoke has been host to music legends and up-and-coming pop stars alike, with a new cocktail being named in honor of a certain red-headed country singer who belted out an impromptu concert at the Saloon for an intimate crowd of guests.

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No televisions are found in any of the rooms, encouraging guests to be outdoors, socializing with other ranch goers, and exploring the grounds. From the gourmet food served at Chuck Wagon with daily lunch service, to The Saloon, complete with shuffle board, darts, and a well-stocked top-shelf bar, there is plenty to explore on the property. Ranger Tours whisk guests away to the buffalo pasture, where you’ll never be closer to the all-male bison crew. Stunning views are to be had overlooking the valley and listening to the rushing Brush Creek. Skittish hikers be calmed, the area is rattlesnake free and full of hiking and biking trails.

The lodge is also home to the spa, complete with outdoor teepee facility, perfect for a unique couples massage. I thoroughly enjoyed the Native American inspired music playing while luxuriating in the signature massage services. Scents of sage permeated the air, whether from the spa oils or rolling hills covered in the wild flora and fauna, I do not know. Relaxation takes on a new meaning when immersed in an atmosphere that inspires all of the senses. An outdoor Jacuzzi surrounded by aspen saplings is yet another comfortable addition with views of the surrounding property.

The culinary experience at the ranch is decidedly delectable. “My culinary vision is quite simple,” states Executive Chef Drew Anderson, “To stay true to the ingredients. I want our guests to experience as much of the local food from the Mountain West Region as possible and for those ingredients to be fresh, seasonal, and cooked perfectly.” I thought he did an excellent job of staying true to that mission; with feasts available at the Trailhead Lodge, Chuck Wagon, Creekside Camp, yurts, and Falcon’s Peak. “In the end, I want our food to be approachable, while giving our guests the opportunity to try something they wouldn’t otherwise try at home,” explains Anderson. With menu items such as corned buffalo hash for breakfast or slow smoked pork ribs, brisket, and whole carved chicken for lunch, the venues and fresh food marry together for a memorable experience, whether partaking in cowboy potatoes or fresh baked bread, venison chili or mouthwatering desserts.

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A 24-hour fitness facility with spin classes and P90X training, pebble-accented steamroom with lavender sage essence, and cedarwood sauna can all be found alongside meeting centers, conference rooms, and a 24-hour business center. WiFi is available on the entire property, so while enjoying the great outdoors in “the middle of nowhere,” the best of both worlds are found under a blanket of stars and wide-open skies. Morning yoga courses at the Falcon Peak Overlook are sure to stir the soul and restore balance before the day begins.

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Gear for the 35 activities is included in nightly rates, making for an easy packing job when planning the trip. From horseback riding, fly fishing, and guided hiking tours to paintball, a shooting range, mountaintop yoga, and rock wall climbing there is something for everyone at Brush Creek. Cooperate retreats, family vacations, and full buyouts of the ranch are all viable options to enjoy the ranch, a spectacular stay whether doing corporate team building or throwing a beautiful wedding celebration, all while enjoying glamour camping.

A wedding garden with a water feature, amphitheater style seating, which incorporates chairs or gigantic pillows for the day-of ceremony or celebration, and nearby fishing pond with the soothing sound of a babbling brook is a perfect and serene area to celebrate any major occasion.

A working ranch, the ownership places special emphasis on “loving the land, but not loving it to death.” Utilizing eco-friendly grazing practices and natural cleaning and hygiene products, the ranch is a standout and trailblazer in a state that doesn’t even recycle. Leading the way in environmental stewardship, The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a constant reminder that harmony can be found while conducting business, pleasure, or getting back to the basics of enjoying our natural surroundings.

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History is an intrinsic quality of this historically based ranch and surrounding area. Homage is paid to early settlers of the area in extraordinary photographs of the people and property in the 1800s. The ranch dates back to 1884, and some of the original buildings still stand after being rehabbed to accommodate new guests. The second floor of the old barn is now a Cowboy Chapel and dance hall, where guests can now take country line dancing lessons or have a beautiful wedding ceremony. The process of reestablishing and reconstituting the original structures has been arduous, but the well-appointed rooms and activity spaces speak to the care that was put into numbering the logs, disassembling the structures, stripping and refinishing the wood, and creating luxury quality accommodations complete with slate showers, hardwood floors, and leather sofas in the rooms and modern activity spaces on the ranch.

From meeting spaces for business groups to a winter-time skating rink overlooking the rolling hills, Brush Creek Ranch has a lot to offer. Located in the North Platte River Valley four hours northwest of Denver along the scenic byways through Laramie and the Medicine Bow National Forest, the vacation begins as soon as you hop in your car. Nearby Saratoga airport is 15 minutes from the ranch, or shuttle service from DIA is also available. With no need to bring gear for activities, as they are all covered in your nightly rate, it is a worry free vacation into another space and time yet close to home. For rates and reservations, visit www.brushcreekranch.com

Photos: Courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch