Author: Susan Edel

I am a native Californian with a passion for luxury travel and photography. After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for the majority of my life, I have recently relocated to the beautiful Central California Wine Region of Paso Robles. I am enjoying exploring the central coast and all the benefits that living in this beautiful region offers. As a Luxury Lifestyle Travel Agent and owner of Saratoga Travel, it is my pleasure to explore all that is out there and to continue seeking the next best luxury resort. As the Founder and Editor of No Ordinary Resort, my digital magazine reviewing the finest resorts in the U.S. and beyond, it's my intention to share my experiences at these distinctive resorts with you through my posted reviews and photography. I hope you enjoy it. Follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/NoOrdinaryResort, Twitter www.twitter.com/NoOrinaryResor(no T), and Instagram www.instagram.com/No.Ordinary.Resort

RESORTS

Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA

May 26, 2018May 20, 2021by Susan EdelLeave a Comment

Many of us know Carmel, California for its beautiful coastline, storybook-style architecture, fine art community and abundance of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The beauty of this area draws people from around the world and is perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth.

What many people don’t realize is that there is an entirely different side of Carmel. Just a few miles from downtown is what could be considered the rural side of Carmel, known as Carmel Valley. Carmel Valley offers a distinctively different experience with its serene countryside setting, rolling hills, vineyards, golf courses, equestrian trails and so much more that make this a perfect destination for the outdoor and wine enthusiast wanting to experience the peaceful, slower paced lifestyle of this beautiful region.

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Ritz-Carlton | Denver, CO

February 4, 2017May 20, 2021by Susan EdelLeave a Comment

There is something exhilarating about being in Denver, Colorado…maybe it’s that crisp Rocky Mountain air, maybe it’s the 300+ days of sunshine a year, or maybe it’s the laid-back urban vibe that the city evokes. Whatever it is, the Mile-High City {nicknamed so because its elevation is exactly one mile above sea level} offers a nice juxtaposition between the urban Financial District with its high-rise buildings and the remanence of its old-west history with its historic neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.

As most of my regular readers know, it is always my intention to stay at the most luxurious accommodations in any given area I visit as well as my preference to stay in a unique, boutique-style hotel; however, when I’m in an urban area, I admit that I enjoy staying in a high-rise that allows me to have a birds-eye view of the city and the bustling activity below. In looking for a luxury hotel in the Denver area, I knew that the Ritz-Carlton Denver would be a great choice. I appreciate the reliability of a luxury brand such as the Ritz-Carlton Hotels that I know I can count on to offer consistent and dependable quality in luxury accommodations.

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Allegretto Vineyard Resort | Paso Robles, CA

October 25, 2016May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

When someone mentions the California Wine Country, I’m pretty sure Napa Valley is the first place that comes to mind for most people. However as some wine lovers are aware, there has been a quiet evolution going on in California’s Central Coast for the past decade or so that is offering a viable alternative to Napa Valley…if you are not already aware of this area, let me acquaint you with the Paso Robles Wine Region.

The Paso Robles Wine Region is located approximately equal distance between San Francisco and Los Angeles and is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which are family owned and operated, and has the perfect climate for producing award-winning premium wines. The Paso Robles AVA {American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States} is acknowledged for its wide range of grape varietals including Zinfandel, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, and most recently the Rhône varieties, including the first Syrah planted in California. Paso Robles is also receiving recognition for its original Paso blends that are unique to the area.

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Brush Creek Ranch | Saratoga, WY

September 18, 2016May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

Let’s be honest, we’ve probably all done it at some point…dreamt about leaving the craziness behind and finding a remote cabin on acres of land ~ I think the Dixie Chicks said it best in their song Cowboy Take me Away , “Set me free oh I pray, closer to heaven above“. It’s an allure that’s all too tempting for many of us ~ we’re yearning to slow down and simplify our lives…even if only for a week or two.

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Sun Cliff Casita at Red Rock Ranch | Sedona, AZ

September 13, 2016May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

The Sun Cliff Casita at Red Rock Ranch is a hidden gem located in the rural outskirts of Sedona, Arizona, yet only five minutes to town. Sun Cliff is a private casita that offers all the amenities of any luxury hotel. This is a unique property with a rich history, and now due to an amazing renovation by the current owners {and descendants}, Kate and Tom Joy, it also has a very exciting future ahead for generations to come. To fully understand the depth of this property, let me share a bit of the background history.

In the 1930’s, a Dutch Count, Otto Von Platten Hallermund, emigrated to the United States from Denmark after World War I with the dream of becoming an American Cowboy. After meeting his wife, Sally Lindblom {Kate’s great-aunt}, his dream became a reality when the couple purchased the 40~acre Red Rock Ranch in Sedona and over the years established themselves as well-respected and successful cattle ranchers. Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending, the Count and his wife divorced in the 1950’s but to Sally’s credit she retained ownership of the Red Rock Ranch and continued on her own to operate the ranch through the mid-1970’s.

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Lumière Hotel | Telluride, CO

August 28, 2016May 20, 2021by Susan Edel2 Comments

Okay, I’m going to let you all in on my little secret…I’m in love with Colorado! There I said it. And Telluride in particular. I have been seduced by Telluride’s beauty and charm ~ the historic western town with its adorable boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants; I’ve been awestruck by the stunning mountain peaks, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, that loom over the town boasting its flowing waterfalls and rainbow colored mountain-tops at sunset. A vision so striking that it can take your breath away.

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