Elite Traveler July-August 2017

The Cliff House POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR, USA

Feel as though you’re floating through the air at The Cliff House — high atop the cliffs of Big Sur and 1,200ft above the Pacific Ocean, the freestanding structure has a deck suspended over the cliffs and offers unbelievable views, which can also be enjoyed from your glass-walled bedroom or in the deck’s hot tub. To further connect with the natural surroundings, enjoy morning yoga, nature hikes or a tour through the property’s on-site organic vegetable garden. Star gazing on the Sierra Mar deck is a must —Post Ranch Inn has one of the largest hotel telescopes in the US, and Big Sur offers some of the clearest atmospheric conditions for optimum viewing of the stars, nebulas and even the rings of Saturn. From$2,825 per night during high season, contact Liz Parker, reservations manager, liz@postranchinn.com, +1 831 667 2200, postranchinn.com

The Paepcke Suite THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, USA Each of the luxury suites at The Little Nell has been named after a prolific person who has helped to create the Aspen persona. The Paepcke Suite is named after Walter Paepcke, a visionary industrialist and founder of the Aspen Institute, Aspen Skiing Company and the Aspen Music Festival and School. The walls are adorned with works by Maya Romanoff and John Riepenhoff, and the sweeping private balcony provides outstanding views of Aspen Mountain. From $1,725 to $6,875 per night, contact Jon Fillman, hotel manager, insiderinfo@ thelittlenell.com, +1 855 970 4600, thelittlenell.com