Trips To Recharge, Featuring Travel Expert Roman Sacke

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I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – finding time to unwind and recharge is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, spending time away from home can be a welcomed respite – a moment to relax, rejuvenate, and come back stronger. In this week’s blog post, Roman Sacke, a seasoned luxury travel advisor, offers invaluable insights into the best places to relax and rejuvenate, drawn from his extensive travel experience!

First, you have to figure out what you’re looking for

Before diving into specific locations, it’s important to figure out what “recharging” really means to you. As Sacke explains, it’s about personal preferences: “Before you plan a trip, you should ask yourself: what kind of recharge do you want to do? Do you want to go somewhere where you want to be on the water? Do you want to be somewhere where you can hike? Do you prefer the beach or a lake?” Determining whether you’d be happiest on a tranquil beach, in a bustling city, or on a nature-filled retreat is the first step.

Top U.S. / Domestic Locations

1. Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Utah

For those who find solace in nature, Utah’s Zion and Bryce Canyon offer breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful environment. Roman Sacke highlights these as his favorite spots, emphasizing how relaxing of an experience he had there himself. National parks provide opportunities for hiking, exploring unique geological formations, and simply soaking in the serene surroundings, and Utah has some of the best ones. 

2. Southern California

If you prefer to go the luxury route with a touch of nature, California offers several exquisite options – especially Southern California. Santa Monica, San Diego, and Laguna Beach are popular spots, but there’s also Ojai, a small city in Ventura, northwest of Los Angeles. Ojai is well known for its spa resorts and yoga retreats, Sacke says, and it has that California vibe people seek out – think vegetarian meals, farm-to-table, yoga classes, and more. This destination is ideal for those who want to combine wellness with relaxation, Sacke notes, and Spa Ojai is a very popular spot to relax and recharge. 

Another California option is the Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, which is in Vista outside of San Diego. As Sacke puts it, you get a touch of European charm without leaving the United States. “It reminds me a little bit of a French village, which is cute and fun,” he says. This spa combines luxurious treatments with a picturesque setting, ideal for those seeking a European feel closer to home.

3. Scottsdale, Arizona 

For a more budget-friendly yet equally relaxing experience, Sacke adds, you can consider  Scottsdale, Arizona. The Scottsdale Plaza Resort offers warm weather and a variety of amenities, including five swimming pools, nearby hiking and biking trails, a salon and spa, tennis courts, and outdoor dining. Roman recommends it as a solid option: “The Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona – you can’t go wrong with this choice! It’s affordable and the weather is always nice, plus they have some nice amenities and gardens.”

4. South Beach, Florida

South Beach in Miami, Florida is another excellent destination for those seeking a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. In particular, Roman recommends the Mondrian hotel in South Beach: “The Mondrian in South Beach in Florida is very nice. It’s right on the water. It’s not overly pricey for a luxury spot.” This location combines the best of beach relaxation with the excitement of Miami’s nightlife. Plus, it has a spa, a gym with ocean views, group fitness classes, pools with cabanas, and more. 

5. Greensboro, North Carolina

Finally, for a quieter, more secluded experience, Roman suggests the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s a four star hotel with all the usual amenities – pools, a gym, walking and biking trails, tennis courts – and it’s close to local Greensboro attractions. “The hotel is a serene environment,” Sacke adds. “It’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.”

Roman’s Tips For Travel

Having traveled countless times himself as well as booked luxury trips for clients all over the world, Sacke has picked up his fair share of travel tips. Here’s what he recommends: 

  • Start Early – When planning a trip, especially during peak seasons, early booking is crucial. Sacke encourages travelers to book at least one season in advance, and earlier if possible, especially if the location has a good cancellation policy. 

  • Personalize Your Experience – Whether you prefer luxury or more affordable options, personalizing your travel experience is key. “Ask yourself: What are your preferences? What do you enjoy?” says Sacke. “That will help you narrow down your potential destinations.”

  • Consider Travel Insurance – Given the unpredictability of travel plans, Sacke recommends travel insurance for large trips. “I usually have my clients get insurance through Travel Edge in case they cannot go. That way, you can cancel and get a refund.” Especially for large trips that include a lot of people, travel insurance can give you peace of mind and financial protection.

  • Explore Flexible Travel Options – Sometimes, booking one-way flights with different airlines can be more economical, Roman says, so if you’re working with a smaller budget, do some research and see what’s out there. “You don’t always have to do round trip flights. You can find a good deal on one airline to go to point B, and then you can find another price even cheaper on a different airline to return.”

Like I said, recharging and relaxing are essential for maintaining a healthy balance in life. We all need time to chill out, whether that’s in Utah, California, or somewhere nearby where you can do a staycation. Whatever you choose, I hope you use these tips and recs to book yourself a rejuvenating experience! And be on the lookout for group retreats, coming in 2025…

Xo, 

Renata