Eight Travel Spots for Opposites

by Amy Braunschweiger

An Arizona spa Canyon Ranch would be Rita’s dream, but steep discounts (for Louis) are available at Arizona’s Boulder Resorts in the summer months,when most tourists avoid the desert’s 100-plusdegree weather. Beat the heat at this Southwestern-style establishment near Scottsdale by starting the day early with golf, tennis, or horseback riding. By the time the sun blazes overhead, you’ll be ready for a swim or indoor activities: the spa and beauty centers, the weight room, a yoga class. When evening comes, have the concierge arrange Jeep rides and nighttime hikes in the cooler air. The resort’s informal Mexican restaurant, Cantina del Pedregal, is known for its fresh salsa and strong margaritas. But everyone needs to bust out of a resort at some point, and in nearby Sedona red rock formations in awe-inspiring shapes sit on the desert like sculptures. Native Americans consider Sedona a well of spiritual power, so tap into the energy.

Kalkan, Turkey
The pristine beaches and soothing spas of this mellow Turkish city make for an opulent experience at a lower cost than in Greece or Southern France.

Lodge for less than $100 a night in the Hotel Patara Prince Resort, set on white stone cliffs on the bank of the turquoise Mediterranean, and loll under an umbrella on the undeveloped beaches, which are interrupted by Roman ruins jutting out of the dunes. Lounge by the hotel’s infinity pool or visit the sauna, then dine on fish or mutton kebab at the romantic, nouvelle Turkish restaurant Korsan, next to the harbor. (Breakfast in Turkey may come as a surprise—tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese with your bread.) Wander by the many shops in town, stopping at Sakir Antik Galery for Arab-influenced copper and bronze souvenirs. Most important, get a traditional massage in the hotel’s Turkish bath.

URBAN SOPHISTICATE VS. LONE RANGER
Nick and Holly, Ann Harbor, Michigan
Nick grew up in New York City, and feels most comfortable in a throng of people, although he never considered the city crowded: As a kid, he visited his grandparents every summer in Mumbai, India, where the bazaars swarmed with life. He moved to Ann Arbor to attend university, and stayed because of Holly. When he has time off, Nick wants to visit a big city such as Los Angeles, explore the museums, hear the latest bands, and hit the newest clubs.

A fan of whole grains and bicycling to work, Holly likes to stay active, and her favorite pastimes include mountain climbing and canoeing. Ann Arbor may be a small city, but Holly often feels it’s too populated, so she likes to hike into the woods, soaking in the silence. When it comes to vacation time, she packs her tent and heads straight for national parks like Yellowstone.

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