
Glacier hiking —
Expeditions organized by Anchorage-based Ascending Path involve spectacular helicopter hops to get adventurers onto the ice for glacier hiking.

Aspen extravagance —
Luxury vacation rental Castle Rim in Aspen, Colorado, features six bedrooms and a private terrace with a huge hot tub, fire pit and al fresco dining.

Yachting in Oahu —
Arriving at the Four Seasons O'ahu at Ko Olina via the resort's own yacht is not a bad way to make an entrance.

Dueling volcanoes —
Two-day, "Dueling Volcanoes" tours organized by Evergreen Escapes include private flights near Mount St. Helens, pictured, and Mount Rainier.

Marveling at trees —
Taking in Southern Vermont's vivid fall foliage is at the center of a four-day tour that involves a private helicopter transfer between hotels and a Land Rover expedition.

Presidential refuge —
The Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles is a glamorous Mission-style retreat for those wanting privacy -- and the 6,775-square-foot Presidential Suite compound delivers.

Living with the land —
At the Amangani resort in Wyoming, the expansive Amangani Homes harmonize with the landscape. The four-bedroom Sena Home features a workout studio and hot tub.

Dining with the fishies —
Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California, offers a unique way to start the day: octopus encounters with breakfast.


