These three destinations enchant visitors with breath-taking scenic beauty and natural wonders that invigorate both the body and mind. From wild deserts to snow-capped mountains, thermal springs and astronomical events, adventure-seekers and wellness-lovers alike will encounter magic at the places below.
Discover the ‘Fountain of Youth’ in Costa Rica
Buildings of Purapora Palace in Agua Caliente of Cartago – courtesy of GBI Costa Rica
A once-forgotten gem from Costa Rica’s past is stepping back into the spotlight. The famed Pura Pora hot springs, celebrated in the 19th century as the country’s “Fountain of Youth,” are undergoing a remarkable transformation under the stewardship of GBI Costa Rica. Renowned for their mineral-rich, rejuvenating waters, these hot springs once attracted aristocrats and global travelers seeking respite and healing. After decades of obscurity, they are now poised to become a beacon of wellness tourism in Costa Rica.
Originally the centerpiece of the Bella Vista Hotel, built in 1885, Pura Pora offered relief from ailments such as arthritis, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. The 1910 earthquake, however, left the hotel in ruins, and the springs vanished from public awareness. Adventurer Avraham Kotlitzky rediscovered Pura Pora decades later, inspired by the region’s storied past and the potential for a modern-day sanctuary. Now, GBI Costa Rica aims to restore the springs’ legacy while embracing cutting-edge sustainability and luxury.
“This is about more than preserving history—it’s about crafting a forward-thinking destination,” says Chen Noiman , co-founder of GBI Costa Rica. “Pura Pora will redefine wellness tourism by harmonizing Costa Rica’s natural splendor with contemporary comfort and innovation.”
Central to the project is a state-of-the-art wellness center, featuring thermal baths that tap directly into the hot springs, advanced hydrotherapy clinics, and therapeutic mud treatments. To broaden its appeal, GBI Costa Rica will also introduce eco-conscious suites, health-oriented dining options spotlighting local cuisine, and immersive cultural experiences that reveal Cartago’s heritage. This holistic approach ensures visitors of all backgrounds, from leisure travelers to dedicated wellness enthusiasts, can benefit from the project’s transformative vision.
To introduce these ambitious plans, GBI Costa Rica will host the UpPura Conference, a free event inviting investors to explore Pura Pora’s future firsthand. Attendees will not only gain insights into how the revitalized hot springs can reshape sustainable tourism in Cartago and beyond, but they’ll also enjoy a complimentary three-night stay at the hotel to experience the transformation for themselves.
With its rich history, pristine landscapes, and focus on innovation, Pura Pora promises to be more than a luxurious escape—it stands as a symbol of Costa Rica’s evolving commitment to holistic well-being. For those looking to help shape the next era of responsible travel, Pura Pora offers an inspiring opportunity to uplift and rejuvenate generations to come.
Stargaze in the desert of New Mexico
Celestial Glamping Expeditions begin and end with a stay at The Inn of The Five Graces – courtesy of The Inn of The Five Graces
The Inn of The Five Graces, a luxury boutique Relais & Châteaux resort in the heart of Santa Fe, has released the dates for its coveted Celestial Glamping Expeditions, which take guests into Chaco Canyon and Taos during some of the most awe-inspiring events in the night sky: the Perseids Meteor Shower, the Fall Equinox, and New Moons. The five new multi-day journeys take place on April 25-28, May 25-27, August 9-13, August 21-24, and September 19-22 in partnership with Heritage Inspirations, the preeminent luxury adventure company in New Mexico.
“Astrotourism has become one of the most popular trends in travel for 2025, and we are excited to partner with Heritage Inspirations on five unique experiences this year, after selling out two exclusive journeys in 2024,” said Kevin Geanides, Managing Director of The Inn of The Five Graces. “Chaco Canyon and Taos are the perfect complement to a stay at The Inn of The Five Graces, and learning about the region’s history and culture through celestial events in these iconic locations is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while visiting the Southwest.”
Beyond the mere observation of the night sky, The Five Graces and Heritage Inspirations root the new expeditions in cultural astronomy, studying how societies relate to celestial objects and their appearance in the sky. Drawing from astronomy, social science, and the humanities, cultural astronomers do not study the physical properties of the stars but rather how people draw constellations among the stars and tell stories about them. For the departures located in Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated as an International Dark Sky National Park, participants will also delve into archaeoastronomy (Cultural astronomy focusing on ancient built structures).
Angelisa Murray, CEO & Founder of Heritage Inspirations, said, “As the founder of Heritage Inspirations, my vision has always been to create experiences that illuminate the soul of New Mexico, blending its profound natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and boundless night skies. Our new Celestial Glamping Expeditions in Chaco Canyon and Taos embody this vision, offering guests the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the cosmos while indulging in luxurious comfort and deeply enriching storytelling. Aligned with celestial events like the Perseid Meteor Shower, the Fall Equinox, and the New Moons, these journeys invite travelers to not only witness the Southwest’s stunning landscapes but to connect with its timeless spirit in a way that transforms the mind and heart. We’re honored to collaborate with The Inn of The Five Graces, weaving together two extraordinary experiences into an unforgettable tapestry of discovery.”
2025 Glamping Expedition Dates:
April 25-28 — The Mysteries of Chaco Canyon New Moon Expedition (four nights)May 25-27 — The Mysteries of Chaco Canyon New Moon Expedition (three nights)August 9-13 — Taos Perseids Meteor Shower Expedition (five nights)August 21-24 — The Mysteries of Chaco Canyon New Moon Expedition (four nights)September 19-22 — The Mysteries of Chaco Canyon Fall Equinox + New Moon Expedition (four nights)
The Celestial Glamping Expeditions experience begins (and ends) at The Inn of The Five Graces, where guests spend a day before the Chaco Canyon journey acclimating to the altitude (Santa Fe sits at 6,998 feet), meeting fellow stargazers during a private reception and three-course dinner at The Pink Adobe, and learning about the region during a lecture and special screening of ‘The Mysteries of Chaco Canyon.’ The following morning, guests arrive at their glamping site via luxury SUVs, where the epic landscapes of the southwest and the mysteries of Puebloan culture await.
At night, astrotourists are welcomed by the glow of the Milky Way and thousands of resplendent stars in this International Dark Sky Park. Far from the light pollution of city skies, guests have the opportunity to connect to the rhythms and motions of the starry vault as they ponder the ancient astronomy of ancestral Puebloans. Led by a knowledgeable and engaging cultural astronomer, participants embark on a laser-guided tour of ancient Arabian skies, enriched with the backstories of star names that we still use today and supplemented by telescopic views of planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies.
On day two during the New Moon expeditions, stargazers set out on a pre-dawn twilight hike to the Fajada Butte Overlook, where the striking colors of the Belt of Venus form in the sky above the canyon. During the Equinox Expedition, participants experience sunrise at Chaco Canyon’s Casa Rinconada, where the sunrise aligns with the ancient east and west doors of this large, round kiva (a ceremonial building). The symmetry of the axes creates a perfect circle, and some speculate that it physically represents the ancestral Puebloan cosmos and served as an important religious center.
Once at the glamping base camp in Taos or Chaco Canyon, guests enjoy seasonal, multi-course gourmet meals meticulously prepared by Executive Glamping Chef Josh Willette. Accommodations go far beyond the typical camping experience, featuring seven spacious canvas tents with luxury amenities such as raised wooden bed frames, memory foam mattresses, bedside tables, comfortable butterfly canvas chairs, plush rugs, and enchanting Southwest textiles.
For the first time, this year’s Taos Perseids Meteor Shower Expedition offers an extended five-night journey designed to provide front-row seats to one of nature’s most spectacular shows—the Perseids Meteor Shower—during a once-a-year occasion in the high desert skies of New Mexico.
Before returning home, travelers spend one last night at The Inn of The Five Graces, where an included couples massage awaits in the property’s renowned Spa of The Five Graces. Prices for the new Celestial Glamping Expeditions vary by departure and start at $9,080 for accommodations for up to two guests, exclusive of tax and guide gratuity. For more information and to book the new Celestial Glamping Expeditions, contact concierge@fivegraces.com or tours@heritageinspirations.com.
Experience Nordic-inspired wellness in Calgary
Polar plunge – courtesy of Tourism Calgary
Coolcations are officially a thing. This rising travel trend, born out of a growing climate-conscious shift, is all about embracing cooler destinations that blend natural beauty, cultural richness, and refreshing experiences, all without the discomfort of scorching heat or muggy humidity.
Enter Calgary: a destination at the heart of this trend with Hallmark-worthy snowy streets and natural winter chinooks that can raise temperatures by 15°C (59°F) in just a few hours. Whether you’re strolling the vibrant city streets or adventuring in its outdoor playgrounds, Calgary offers a unique climate perfect for coolcationing.
Beyond its famed skiing and snowboarding at the former winter Olympics hill Winsport (where you may just spot some Olympians training), Calgary delivers Nordic inspired activities that make the most of its cooler climate. Home to the longest urban pathway network in North America, Calgary offers more than 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) of snowy urban trails, ideal for fat biking along the glacier-fed Bow River. Nearby, Bow Habitat Station in Inglewood offers tranquil snowshoeing trails. For cross-country skiing and ice skating, head to Bowness Park, where you can glide across a frozen lagoon lit by twinkling lights or try the unique thrill of ice biking—a perfect family-friendly adventure.
No coolcation is complete without a touch of relaxation, and Calgary’s spas offer the perfect post adventure treatments. In the heart of downtown, SKA Thermal Spablends an urban speakeasy vibe with restorative wellness. Unwind in their hot pools, cold plunges, steam rooms, and infrared saunas, or join a hydrotherapy class to learn techniques for maximizing your relaxation. Get to know the locals and see for yourself why Calgary was voted the friendliest city in the world in 2023.
For an escape into nature, a short one-hour drive takes you to Kananaskis Nordic Spa, where a restorative thermal cycle enhances circulation, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. Picture yourself soaking in steaming hot pools surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forested trails, and crisp mountain air—a truly serene experience.
Calgary’s cooler temperatures make it the perfect place to experience winter wellness. Whether you’re ice skating under twinkling lights, soaking in hot pools with mountain views, or simply embracing nature-inspired wellness along the pathways, Calgary invites you to recharge and find tranquility in its chill. Sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?
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