If you're citified but like to hike, a foodie but ride your bike more than your car, or use your Patagonia Solar Wind Jacket for a city blizzard, you can consider yourself Urban Rugged by Oyster's standards.
These destinations and hotels are rustic-chic with lots to do, whether it's hiking, cycling, shopping, going to art galleries or eating in top notch restaurants. At these eight hotels, you can always tap into your natural -- and metropolitan -- side.
The Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The Travaasa Hana hotel overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui's lush, secluded east coast. It has incredible service, a long list of stuff to do and only 70 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished -- and stripped of TVs, clocks and radios. Though it's hard to reach, it's worth the trip. The gorgeous, secluded location near hikes, waterfalls and beaches, excellent cuisine using local products, one of the most beautiful spa facilities on the island and unmatched personalized touches make this hotel one of your best choices in Hawaii.
Campton Place Taj Hotel, San Francisco
Housed in two adjoining century-old buildings, the 110-room luxury boutique Campton Place Taj Hotel is a revelation in bustling Union Square. Despite its stature, the hotel feels surprisingly casual. The sprightly doorman chats with you as he leads you to the small, gleaming lobby full of fresh-cut orchids and paintings by local artists. The hotel is an enclave of posh rooms and pampering service in a dense city. Its top-notch service and luxe room amenities make it one of the city’s most special hotels.
InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa, Phoenix
The Montelucia is located in the upscale Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale. Guests interested in hiking can walk to Echo Canyon, where a popular, steep trail leads to the top of Camelback Mountain. Numerous shops, art galleries, nightclubs and restaurants are a 10-minute drive away in Old Town Scottsdale. This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback is one of Scottsdale’s most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature pretty floral-lined walkways and arched entrances, and sophisticated rooms have lots of Spanish-inspired details, including dark woods and big mirrors.
The Sebastian, Vail
The luxury boutique Sebastian resort opened in Vail in 2010, and prices are often more than fair for what you get for this grand mountain vibe. The beautiful, high-end mountain decor, particularly in the airy lobby and cozy library, are anything but cabin kitsch. The two great restaurants, the farm-to-table Block 16 and a chic lounge provide plenty of entertainment. The outdoor pool, four Jacuzzis and an upscale spa give you just what you need for a relaxing stay. It’s within walking distance of Vail Village, the slopes and the hotel’s own Base Camp (with ski rentals and a cafe).
Hotel deLuxe, Portland
If channeling James Cagney or Bette Davis while sipping an Old Fashioned is on your bucket list, consider the Hotel deLuxe. Decor at this upscale, 130-room boutique is inspired by the Golden Era of Hollywood, where Art Deco lamps, black-and-white photographs and heavy drapes meet modern luxuries such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Even the key cards scream Tinseltown. Rooms have a vintage style that is cheerful rather than sultry, with plush beds and a color scheme of lively, bright pastels. Hotel deLuxe is located in Downtown Portland, within walking distance of Portland’s Waterfront and the popular Pearl District. Forest Park, 5,000 acres of pure nature, can be found on the northwest hills of Downtown Portland. It’s one of the nation’s largest urban parks and has plenty of biking and hiking trails for adventurous travelers. Portland is very pedestrian-friendly and is known as one of the best cycling cities in the country, so visitors should take advantage of the car-free setting.
The Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe
The Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe delivers a private, gorgeous retreat on four gorgeous acres — just six blocks from the Plaza. Santa Fe sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet at the southern edge of the Rockies. The Hacienda is the only hotel in town owned by Native Americans, and the extensive display of Native art gives the public areas a gallery feel. The suites are large and luxurious. Hiking in summer and skiing in winter are great reasons to visit, and Santa Fe is also renowned for its local art.
Loden Hotel, Vancouver
This 77-room luxury boutique has a modern, stylish feel and a popular French bistro. The large, sleek rooms may be the highlight, with subtle earth tones, floor-to-ceiling windows and decadent marble bathrooms. The Downtown Vancouver location is convenient as well — The Loden Hotel is in Coal Harbour, on the eastern side of downtown near the harbor and the Vancouver Convention Center. There is also a SkyRail line just a couple blocks from the hotel.
L’Auberge de Sedona
L’Auberge de Sedona has one of the most stunning natural settings in not just the Southwest, but the country, with the picturesque Oak Creek running underneath shady trees, and Sedona’s soaring red rocks suspended in the background. The 87 guest rooms and woodsy cottages are spread across 11 acres, allowing guests plenty of privacy; most come with fireplaces and private decks. Sedona is most famous for its stunning red rocks, which are particularly beautiful in the glow of sunrise and sunset and have formed the backdrop for many a western film. The beautiful desert-meets-forest scenery has, unsurprisingly, attracted many artists, and Sedona has become known for its numerous art galleries and arts and craft shops. It’s also a first-rate destination for active travelers, who want to take in the views while biking, hiking or horseback riding.
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