The Great Escape
Eight affordable destinations. Eight wildly different experiences. Go ahead and choose your own adventure…
Hoi An, Vietnam
A tailor-made getaway in a country where craftsmanship reigns supreme.
shop
Hoi An's narrow streets are lined with the showrooms of roughly 200 tailors. Come prepared: Clip pictures of styles you like from magazines, or bring along something that fits just right. Virtually anything can be copied at shops like To To Boutique (32-34 Ba Trieu St.), Tuong Lai Tailor (586 Cua Dai Rd.), and Thu Thuy Silk (60 Le Loi St.). Prices vary based on fabric, but basic cotton shirts and pants start at $15; dresses, at $25.
Hoi An's narrow streets are lined with the showrooms of roughly 200 tailors. Come prepared: Clip pictures of styles you like from magazines, or bring along something that fits just right. Virtually anything can be copied at shops like To To Boutique (32-34 Ba Trieu St.), Tuong Lai Tailor (586 Cua Dai Rd.), and Thu Thuy Silk (60 Le Loi St.). Prices vary based on fabric, but basic cotton shirts and pants start at $15; dresses, at $25.
stay
With its infinity pool and newly expanded spa, the Life Heritage Resort is a haven on the Thu Bon River, just a short walk from the center of Hoi An. The decor is polished but warm, with dark wood furniture and soft white linens in the 419-square-foot rooms, whose adjoining patios are large enough to gather on for drinks (011-84/510-391-4555, life-resorts.com, from $159).
With its infinity pool and newly expanded spa, the Life Heritage Resort is a haven on the Thu Bon River, just a short walk from the center of Hoi An. The decor is polished but warm, with dark wood furniture and soft white linens in the 419-square-foot rooms, whose adjoining patios are large enough to gather on for drinks (011-84/510-391-4555, life-resorts.com, from $159).
eat
Everything about the Mango Rooms restaurant is bold, from the yellow and green walls to the flavorful dishes (think prawns tempura tossed with garlic and peppers, and bluefin tuna topped with mango salsa). The bar is usually packed with customers sipping, yes, mango-infused versions of classic cocktails (011-84/510-391-0839, entrées from $3).
Everything about the Mango Rooms restaurant is bold, from the yellow and green walls to the flavorful dishes (think prawns tempura tossed with garlic and peppers, and bluefin tuna topped with mango salsa). The bar is usually packed with customers sipping, yes, mango-infused versions of classic cocktails (011-84/510-391-0839, entrées from $3).
do
Half-day classes at the Red Bridge Cooking School start with a visit to the Central Market, followed by a 25-minute boat ride to the school's open-air kitchen, where you'll learn to make delicate rice-paper-wrapped shrimp rolls (011-84/510-393-3222, visithoian.com, $23).
Half-day classes at the Red Bridge Cooking School start with a visit to the Central Market, followed by a 25-minute boat ride to the school's open-air kitchen, where you'll learn to make delicate rice-paper-wrapped shrimp rolls (011-84/510-393-3222, visithoian.com, $23).
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
No wallet, no worries: the appeal of the all-inclusive.
stay
The 36 spacious two-bedroom Grand Bungalows at the all-inclusive Sun Village Resort on Cofresi Beach have 42-inch flat-screen TVs and 24-hour access to the concierge and room service. But with the private swimming pool and terrace (where waiters deliver fruity drinks right to your chaise) and free use of tennis courts and snorkeling equipment, we doubt you'll spend much time catching up on reruns. At the resort's brand-new 17,000-square-foot spa, treatments like the Hot Volcanic Stone Massage and the Fresh Coconut Body Polish start at $80 (809/200-3364, sunvillagebungalows.com, grand bungalows from $176 per person with four people sharing).
The 36 spacious two-bedroom Grand Bungalows at the all-inclusive Sun Village Resort on Cofresi Beach have 42-inch flat-screen TVs and 24-hour access to the concierge and room service. But with the private swimming pool and terrace (where waiters deliver fruity drinks right to your chaise) and free use of tennis courts and snorkeling equipment, we doubt you'll spend much time catching up on reruns. At the resort's brand-new 17,000-square-foot spa, treatments like the Hot Volcanic Stone Massage and the Fresh Coconut Body Polish start at $80 (809/200-3364, sunvillagebungalows.com, grand bungalows from $176 per person with four people sharing).
eat
A 45-minute drive east of Sun Village is the surfer-mellow town of Cabarete, where strong winds year-round make it home to some of the world's best kiteboarding. Watch the daredevils race across the waves, and then, as the sun sets, chat them up at the myriad bars lining the beach. End the evening with dinner at Bliss, a French-Caribbean restaurant where the menu includes shrimp flambéed with aged rum, and pork medallions in a coffee-and-orange-zest sauce (829/865-6444, entrées from $8). A taxi from Sun Village to Cabarete costs $90 round trip.
A 45-minute drive east of Sun Village is the surfer-mellow town of Cabarete, where strong winds year-round make it home to some of the world's best kiteboarding. Watch the daredevils race across the waves, and then, as the sun sets, chat them up at the myriad bars lining the beach. End the evening with dinner at Bliss, a French-Caribbean restaurant where the menu includes shrimp flambéed with aged rum, and pork medallions in a coffee-and-orange-zest sauce (829/865-6444, entrées from $8). A taxi from Sun Village to Cabarete costs $90 round trip.
Marrakech, Morocco
The sights, the smells, the tastes—a full-on cultural immersion only 10 hours from the U.S.
shop
To the north of the central Jemaa el-Fna square, cradled within the medina's fortresslike walls, are Marrakech's traditional markets, or souks. At Souk des Épices (Spice Market), load up on fragrant toiletries like black-olive soap ($1) and moisturizing argan oil, made from local trees ($4). And at Souk des Babouches (Slipper Market), colorful handmade leather slippers are dressed up with sequins ($5–$15).
To the north of the central Jemaa el-Fna square, cradled within the medina's fortresslike walls, are Marrakech's traditional markets, or souks. At Souk des Épices (Spice Market), load up on fragrant toiletries like black-olive soap ($1) and moisturizing argan oil, made from local trees ($4). And at Souk des Babouches (Slipper Market), colorful handmade leather slippers are dressed up with sequins ($5–$15).
eat
By day, dozens of fresh orange juice stalls in Jemaa el-Fna make use of the city's bountiful tangerine and orange trees (40¢ per glass). At night the stalls are wheeled away, replaced with a tidy row of open-air kitchens. Diners sit shoulder-to-shoulder at communal tables and eat harira, a soup made with tomatoes and chickpeas and served with bread and dates ($1).
By day, dozens of fresh orange juice stalls in Jemaa el-Fna make use of the city's bountiful tangerine and orange trees (40¢ per glass). At night the stalls are wheeled away, replaced with a tidy row of open-air kitchens. Diners sit shoulder-to-shoulder at communal tables and eat harira, a soup made with tomatoes and chickpeas and served with bread and dates ($1).
stay
The serene 14-room Hôtel du Trésor is just a few minutes' walk south of Jemaa el-Fna. Each room is uniquely styled—the owner is a movie set designer—but all have intricate mosaics made of hand-painted tiles (011-212/524-37-51-13, hotel-du-tresor.com, from $50).
The serene 14-room Hôtel du Trésor is just a few minutes' walk south of Jemaa el-Fna. Each room is uniquely styled—the owner is a movie set designer—but all have intricate mosaics made of hand-painted tiles (011-212/524-37-51-13, hotel-du-tresor.com, from $50).
do
At Les Bains de Marrakech, you can literally be steeped in Moroccan tradition. Spend 45 minutes in a hammam, or steam bath, then relax for a while on the daybeds in the sunny central courtyard (011-212/524-38-14-28, lesbainsdemarrakech.com, hammam $20).
At Les Bains de Marrakech, you can literally be steeped in Moroccan tradition. Spend 45 minutes in a hammam, or steam bath, then relax for a while on the daybeds in the sunny central courtyard (011-212/524-38-14-28, lesbainsdemarrakech.com, hammam $20).
Vancouver, B.C.
Where urban comforts and the great outdoors meet.
do
At 1,000-acre Stanley Park, you can rent a stylish Vida bike—complete with wicker basket—at Spokes Bicycle Rentals just outside the park's entrance (604/688-5141, vancouverbikerental.com, half day $34). The park is surrounded by a nearly six-mile-long seawall and has flat terrain with spectacular views of the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.
At 1,000-acre Stanley Park, you can rent a stylish Vida bike—complete with wicker basket—at Spokes Bicycle Rentals just outside the park's entrance (604/688-5141, vancouverbikerental.com, half day $34). The park is surrounded by a nearly six-mile-long seawall and has flat terrain with spectacular views of the North Shore mountains and Lions Gate Bridge.
shop
It's no surprise that Lululemon, the biggest name in chic athletic wear, got its start in a city that's equal parts cosmopolitan and outdoorsy. Visit the flagship in the laid-back Kitsilano neighborhood, then break in your new duds with a free yoga or Pilates class in the store or on nearby Kitsilano Beach. A monthly schedule of classes is posted on the store's website (604/732-6111, lululemon.com).
It's no surprise that Lululemon, the biggest name in chic athletic wear, got its start in a city that's equal parts cosmopolitan and outdoorsy. Visit the flagship in the laid-back Kitsilano neighborhood, then break in your new duds with a free yoga or Pilates class in the store or on nearby Kitsilano Beach. A monthly schedule of classes is posted on the store's website (604/732-6111, lululemon.com).
eat
Vancouver's hip Yaletown neighborhood is full of serious restaurants, but the swanky Charm Modern Thai is a standout. Many dishes are designed to be shared, including an $18 appetizer plate piled high with veggie tempura, short ribs, spring rolls, and ahi sashimi (604/688-9339, charmmodernthai.com, entrées from $17).
Vancouver's hip Yaletown neighborhood is full of serious restaurants, but the swanky Charm Modern Thai is a standout. Many dishes are designed to be shared, including an $18 appetizer plate piled high with veggie tempura, short ribs, spring rolls, and ahi sashimi (604/688-9339, charmmodernthai.com, entrées from $17).
stay
At the 129-room Listel Hotel, most of the original and limited-edition artwork is curated by a local gallery, with one floor focused on British Columbian works and furniture made from native hemlock and cedar. Nightly jazz performances in the lobby's piano bar provide the soundtrack to your stay (800/663-5491, thelistelhotel.com, from $118).
At the 129-room Listel Hotel, most of the original and limited-edition artwork is curated by a local gallery, with one floor focused on British Columbian works and furniture made from native hemlock and cedar. Nightly jazz performances in the lobby's piano bar provide the soundtrack to your stay (800/663-5491, thelistelhotel.com, from $118).
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Live like a local in an authentic colonial city.
stay
At Arcos del Atascadero, five rooms, each decorated with a mural of a local flower, surround a multilevel garden and a small solar-heated swimming pool. The morning meal may include homemade tamales and fruit picked from trees on the property (301/591-4129, bedandbreakfastinmexico.com, doubles with private bath from $80).
At Arcos del Atascadero, five rooms, each decorated with a mural of a local flower, surround a multilevel garden and a small solar-heated swimming pool. The morning meal may include homemade tamales and fruit picked from trees on the property (301/591-4129, bedandbreakfastinmexico.com, doubles with private bath from $80).
do
For more than 50 years, the public library has sponsored a weekly house and garden tour, granting access to some of the prettiest private residences in the city (011-52/415-152-0293, bibliotecasma.com, $15).
For more than 50 years, the public library has sponsored a weekly house and garden tour, granting access to some of the prettiest private residences in the city (011-52/415-152-0293, bibliotecasma.com, $15).
eat
Drop by Mama Mia, where strong drinks and an eclectic menu—everything from fajitas to prosciutto pizza—have made it a favorite with locals since 1975 (011-52/415-152-3679, mamamia.com.mx, entrées from $9). Or snag a rooftop table at the pricier La Capilla for worth-it views of La Parroquia cathedral (011-52/415-152-0698, entrées from $15).
Drop by Mama Mia, where strong drinks and an eclectic menu—everything from fajitas to prosciutto pizza—have made it a favorite with locals since 1975 (011-52/415-152-3679, mamamia.com.mx, entrées from $9). Or snag a rooftop table at the pricier La Capilla for worth-it views of La Parroquia cathedral (011-52/415-152-0698, entrées from $15).
splurge
Sign up for a five-day plein air painting class with American expat Frank Gardner, and learn how to capture the picturesque landscapes of San Miguel on canvas (frankgardner.com, from $530 including transportation and lunch, but not lodging)
Sign up for a five-day plein air painting class with American expat Frank Gardner, and learn how to capture the picturesque landscapes of San Miguel on canvas (frankgardner.com, from $530 including transportation and lunch, but not lodging)
Caye Caulker, Belize
White-sand beaches, ice-cold beers. What's not to love?
stay
The mango-and-melon-hued Seaside Cabanas hotel has six beachfront studios as well as 10 smaller rooms with views of either the sea or the swimming pool—one of only five on the island (011-501/226-0498, seasidecabanas.com, doubles from $105).
The mango-and-melon-hued Seaside Cabanas hotel has six beachfront studios as well as 10 smaller rooms with views of either the sea or the swimming pool—one of only five on the island (011-501/226-0498, seasidecabanas.com, doubles from $105).
eat
At Habaneros, the island's most upscale joint (translation: wear shoes), the husband-and-wife owners use local ingredients to turn out sophisticated dishes such as banana-leaf-steamed snapper with papaya sauce (011-501/226-0487, entrées from $18). The Rainbow Grill & Bar sits on stilts above the water and is the go-to spot for more-simply prepared seafood (011-501/226-0281, entrées from $13). You'll find the best hangout scene at the lovably scruffy Lazy Lizard bar. It overlooks the Split, a channel formed in the 1960s when Hurricane Hattie cleaved the cay in two (011-501/226-0249, rum punch $3.50).
At Habaneros, the island's most upscale joint (translation: wear shoes), the husband-and-wife owners use local ingredients to turn out sophisticated dishes such as banana-leaf-steamed snapper with papaya sauce (011-501/226-0487, entrées from $18). The Rainbow Grill & Bar sits on stilts above the water and is the go-to spot for more-simply prepared seafood (011-501/226-0281, entrées from $13). You'll find the best hangout scene at the lovably scruffy Lazy Lizard bar. It overlooks the Split, a channel formed in the 1960s when Hurricane Hattie cleaved the cay in two (011-501/226-0249, rum punch $3.50).
do
Go on a day sail to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with Raggamuffin Tours and snorkel among angelfish, nurse sharks, and electric-bright coral (raggamuffintours.com, $45). Or join Tsunami Adventures on an excursion to the mainland Mayan ruins at Altun Ha. You'll be back in time to toast the sunset with a bottle of Belikin, Belize's national beer (011-501/226-0462, tsunamiadventures.com, $80 plus the $13 round-trip water-taxi fare to Belize City).
Go on a day sail to Hol Chan Marine Reserve with Raggamuffin Tours and snorkel among angelfish, nurse sharks, and electric-bright coral (raggamuffintours.com, $45). Or join Tsunami Adventures on an excursion to the mainland Mayan ruins at Altun Ha. You'll be back in time to toast the sunset with a bottle of Belikin, Belize's national beer (011-501/226-0462, tsunamiadventures.com, $80 plus the $13 round-trip water-taxi fare to Belize City).
Cape Town, South Africa
The perfect base for three vacations in one: wine tasting, a safari, and sunbathing on the beach.
do
A wine-making hub since the 17th century, the greater Cape Town area is home to hundreds of vineyards, which also have some of the best examples of traditional gabled Cape Dutch architecture. Build a day trip around visiting the eight estates clustered in the Constantia Valley, 30 minutes southeast of the city center, followed by lunch at La Colombe, an idyllic garden restaurant on the grounds of the Constantia Uitsig wine estate (011-27/21-794-2390, constantia-uitsig.com, entrées from $15).
A wine-making hub since the 17th century, the greater Cape Town area is home to hundreds of vineyards, which also have some of the best examples of traditional gabled Cape Dutch architecture. Build a day trip around visiting the eight estates clustered in the Constantia Valley, 30 minutes southeast of the city center, followed by lunch at La Colombe, an idyllic garden restaurant on the grounds of the Constantia Uitsig wine estate (011-27/21-794-2390, constantia-uitsig.com, entrées from $15).
stay
The suburb of Camps Bay is Cape Town's answer to South Beach. Its main drag, known as the Promenade, is lined with trendy restaurants and boutiques, and in the center of it all is the 78-room Bay Hotel, where the main pool deck overlooks Camps Bay Beach across the street (011-27/21-437-9701, thebay.co.za, from $170). The concierge can hook you up with a car rental ($40/day) or the hotel's chauffeured Mercedes ($60/hour).
The suburb of Camps Bay is Cape Town's answer to South Beach. Its main drag, known as the Promenade, is lined with trendy restaurants and boutiques, and in the center of it all is the 78-room Bay Hotel, where the main pool deck overlooks Camps Bay Beach across the street (011-27/21-437-9701, thebay.co.za, from $170). The concierge can hook you up with a car rental ($40/day) or the hotel's chauffeured Mercedes ($60/hour).
splurge
To sample the luxury-safari experience, drive three hours east of Cape Town to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, where, among other animals, the world's only free-roaming pride of white lions may make an appearance. At the brand-new Dwyka Tented Lodge, each room has its own deck and plunge pool (011-27/41-407-1000, sanbona.com, from $425 per person including all meals and game drives).
To sample the luxury-safari experience, drive three hours east of Cape Town to the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, where, among other animals, the world's only free-roaming pride of white lions may make an appearance. At the brand-new Dwyka Tented Lodge, each room has its own deck and plunge pool (011-27/41-407-1000, sanbona.com, from $425 per person including all meals and game drives).
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You'll stay up late. You'll eat too much. You'll enjoy every second.
eat
In Argentina, everyone has his or her favorite parilla, or steak house. The smoky, no-knife-required carne asado at Estilo Campo has an especially loyal following (011-54/11-4312-4546, entrées from $6).
In Argentina, everyone has his or her favorite parilla, or steak house. The smoky, no-knife-required carne asado at Estilo Campo has an especially loyal following (011-54/11-4312-4546, entrées from $6).
shop
On Sundays, Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo serves as the site for one of B.A.'s best flea markets, where sellers hawk everything from old postcards to antique chandeliers. For handmade crafts and jewelry, visit the artisans market in Recoleta's Plaza Serrano—and don't forget to take advantage of this country's great deals on leather goods: Shops like Prüne (011-54/11-4814-7437, bags from $40) and Blaquè (011-54/11-4811-8808, bags from $45), also in Recoleta, sell shoes and bags by contemporary Argentine designers.
On Sundays, Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo serves as the site for one of B.A.'s best flea markets, where sellers hawk everything from old postcards to antique chandeliers. For handmade crafts and jewelry, visit the artisans market in Recoleta's Plaza Serrano—and don't forget to take advantage of this country's great deals on leather goods: Shops like Prüne (011-54/11-4814-7437, bags from $40) and Blaquè (011-54/11-4811-8808, bags from $45), also in Recoleta, sell shoes and bags by contemporary Argentine designers.
stay
At the 10-room Baucis Boutique Hotel in the hip Palermo Hollywood neighborhood, no two rooms are the same. Ask for one of the three that allow you to separate the beds (011-54/11-4776-1418, baucishotel.com, from $89).
At the 10-room Baucis Boutique Hotel in the hip Palermo Hollywood neighborhood, no two rooms are the same. Ask for one of the three that allow you to separate the beds (011-54/11-4776-1418, baucishotel.com, from $89).
do
One of B.A.'s most traditional milongas (tango salons), Palermo Viejo's La Viruta is known for its group lessons (011-54/11-4774-6357, lavirutatango.com, lessons from $15 per person). For style cues, watch the local aficionados who fill the dance floor at Confitería Ideal (011-54/11-5265-8069, confiteriaideal.com, admission from $10).
One of B.A.'s most traditional milongas (tango salons), Palermo Viejo's La Viruta is known for its group lessons (011-54/11-4774-6357, lavirutatango.com, lessons from $15 per person). For style cues, watch the local aficionados who fill the dance floor at Confitería Ideal (011-54/11-5265-8069, confiteriaideal.com, admission from $10).
