I’ve never been a downhill skier; an old knee injury that I would favor too much down the slopes. So, through the years I would instead find mostly flat bowls and dedicated paths to snowshoe. Peaceful, quiet, good exercise. I remember years ago being in Beaver Creek Colorado, and having a bear of a morning with a particular client trip of flight delays and unimaginable challenges left and right which had me frustrated. I had plans to go out snowshoeing with friends, and in that moment, I really wanted to cancel my outing. But I didn’t. I did what I could to remedy the hiccups, trusted my local partners to pick up the baton, and then I went out as planned. Within 8 minutes of being in that snowy forest I noticed my mood shift, lift. And I was hooked, as a natural mood salve. Today I’m taking that idea of being in the forest in the winter on mostly flat ground, but on skis again -> Nordic Skiing. Why I Love It | fewer people, happier people in Nordic Centers, a true nostalgic experience.

I was recently speaking with my friend Hall who owns one of the best historic lodges in all of New Zealand near Christchurch called Otahuna. I asked him what other little hotels around the world ‘get it’ in terms of ambiance, culinary, and just sticking to the root of what makes hospitality tick without the noise of trends. That je ne sais quoi from a place, you know it when you feel it, and experience it. It’s unequivocally different from the rest. Special. Singular. He mentioned The Inn at Little Washington. I smiled. Bingo. Because it’s not a hotel that many know, but those that do, know. A beautiful Relais & Chateaux hotel in Virginia, with one of the most extraordinary restaurants on earth. I have lovely clients out of South Louisiana who visit each year, making time ahead of work obligations in Washington DC. The restaurant alone is worth the detour, obviously. | If You Have More Time: nearby Vineyards, Blue Ridge Mountains, Historic Towns …