J Five Ranch – Luxury Destination Club Texas

LUXURY HOLIDAYS INWeatherford, Texas

THE RANCH AT J FIVE

Located in Parker County, on the west end of Weatherford in Texas, the 160 acres J Five Ranch offers a unique western lodging experience, with amazing apartments, designed with the help of the famous cowboy artist Roger Langford. Each apartment is individually themed and reminiscent of a time gone by. Guests will be able to enjoy a saloon built with the look and feeling of an old West frontier town. 

A passion for Texas and the Western lifestyle is the main focus of the Ranch as not only a training facility, but also an ideal venue for entertaining when builders, architects and interior designers began their work back in 2011. Wood collected from old barns from across the nation and kept in its natural state embellishes the 5.000 square feet of the saloon and four apartments that sit adjacent. Every inch of the space introduces a different detail, from the J5 brand on soap bottles and pillowcases to velvet covered poker tables, wall kegs and wagon wheels.

The Ranch also offers a premiere cutting horse operation from a world champion team and other horse riding activities. The team would be delighted to welcome you in this private and secluded estate for a unique experience of the “true” Texas. 

Unique accommodations

Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family or friends the J Five Ranch offers you different types of accommodations depending on your needs and desires: spacious apartments, typical Indian or Western decorations to host your beloved ones or a secluded apartment to enjoy full privacy and comforts.

Apartment #1

Often referred to as the “Family Apartment”, this lodging offers luxurious beds and comforts of the finest hotels. Featuring three spacious bedrooms, the apartment is ideal for those traveling with family or close friends.

Apartment #2

This stunning one bedroom apartment offers full privacy and seclusion. A large seating area, a full sized bath equipped with its very own 19th century replica free standing tub and a full kitchen provide the perfect amenities to relax.

Apartment #3

Frequently mentioned as the “Native Indian Apartment”, this unique accommodation features decorations of the old American West with a tribute paid to the Native Americans and has two bedrooms with private baths attached. It is the perfect place to enjoy with friends and family.

Apartment #4

Take a step back in time and enjoy the “Americana Apartment”. This lodging is styled like the old American West with a tribute to the nations’ history and features two bedrooms with private baths annexed. The accommodation is ideal for a relaxing holiday with family or friends.

Life on the Ranch

The J Five Ranch has a uniqueness to unveil behind the iron gates, it is a location like none other. An indoor arena equipped with heating and air-conditioning makes for the ultimate training location, yet the Silver Spur Saloon is what keeps visitors of the ranch in awe! In fact, the Silver Spur Saloon takes one so far back in time that many prefer to stay with its look and feel of an old West frontier town. 

The Saloon

The Silver Spur Saloon was built around the idea of camaraderie. A place to relax and kick your boots off, it offers a full kitchen, bar, dining room, two TVs and a balcony to watch all the action inside the arena.

Indoor Arena

J Five Ranch features a climate controlled indoor arena all year around. The arena was built around a vision of offering first class facilities to maximize the learning environment for all levels.

Location

HOW TO REACH THE J FIVE RANCH

  • The J Five Horse Ranch is about 44 miles from Forth Worth
  • Travel time from Forth Worth to the Ranch is 50 minutes

Pataua North Tahi – Sustainable exclusive Nature Reserve New Zealand

LUXURY HOLIDAYS INPataua North, New Zealand

TAHI NATURE RESERVE

The shareholders of Solstice Luxury Destination Club are delighted to offer to the members of the club a unique experience at the beautiful seaside nature sanctuary retreat on the North Island of New Zealand, a secluded estate of over 740 acres. Dedicated to conservation and restoration of ecosystems, Tahi – a Global Ecosphere Retreats® certified Long Run Destination – strives for the highest sustainability standards through a balance of community development, cultural stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

This incredibly unique destination offers luxury combined with unparalleled experience and an unforgettable stay at one of the beautiful houses with great views, and if you wish, enjoy the following activities:

  • Explore the ecological reserve with its incredible variety of indigenous trees and learn about Maori history

  • Keen bird watchers can take advantage of guided walks to spot one of the 70 bird species, some of them rare or endangered

  • Walk on the golden sand surf beach, learn to surf or boogie board, paddle board on the still water of the estuary, explore the private reserve, or alternatively horse ride

  • Experience a day of beekeeping and learn about the unique Manuka honey

For those with special interest in bees or apiculture, you can experience the work of a beekeeper, understand the inside of a hive and watch the nature’s workers in action. Bee-keeping suit and gloves are provided! Then have a private tour of the honey processing facility and the opportunity to learn more about the technical aspects of honey. Complete the day by tasting the various quality of Manuka honey at the Café. 

Extraordinary accommodations

Immerse yourself in hundreds of acres of tranquility at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where all you can hear is birdsong and the soothing sound of the surf. Relax, restore, connect: this is what you can experience in this small paradise in the North of New Zealand, a full immersion in the nature with all the comforts of luxury accommodations.

Hiwi

Hiwi, with its cool whites and neutral tones, is a beautifully furnished two-bedroom bungalow. Dine or simply relax on the terrace whilst enjoying expansive views over the ocean, as well as complete privacy.

Mara

Mara is a four-bedroom bungalow equally suited to families or couples. Light and spacious, it is a natural heaven surrounded by sub-tropical gardens. The beach is easily reachable through the private park.

Tara

Small and cozy, Tara is simpler than Hiwi and Mara, but equipped with all the usual kitchen facilities. With a fresh, relaxed feel, it’s full of character and lies close to the beach, making it the perfect place for families.

More info

Activities and surroundings

Tahi Nature Reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities: biking, hiking, exploring the private parkland by our own or with skilled guides, surfing at all levels, aquatic entertainment and many other places in the surroundings to visit or where to find further activities. Or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere – reconnecting with the nature to tone your body and mind.

Land

Soak up the atmosphere of this landscape by biking, hiking up hills, taking in the sweeping views or exploring the remains of the fortified Maori village. Walk in the peace of your own company or let one of our experts guide you, recounting the myths and legends that surround the private parkland of Tahi.

Air

What can beat waking to the sound and smell of the ocean? Barefoot walks on the beach, breathing the pristine, salty air can be just the tonic for those escaping the harried pace of modern life. The serenity and sensory pleasure of Tahi’s cool temperate forests, allow you to reconnect with nature.

Water

Our Pacific Ocean surf beach attracts visitors from all over the world. Beginners can take their first lessons while the more experienced can hone their skills with our expert instructors. And there’s plenty of aquatic fun to be had for those not wishing to surf.

Beyond

Tahi provides an ideal base from which to explore some of the North Island’s diverse landscapes and rugged coastline. There’s a host of sports and activities on offer and we can help build a programme that is tailored to your preference and pace.

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Tahi Nature Reserve – Estate Walks Map

Tahi Manuka Honey

ETHICALLY MANAGED, PURE, SUSTAINABLE HONEY

Tahi’s honey is not just about honey, it’s about ecology, intention and passion. It’s about making the right choices for your health, for the environment, for the community and for the bees. Tahi Manuka Honey is gathered from the flowers of the Manuka tree, a species found only in New Zealand. Unlike other honey, Manuka honey contains powerful antibacterial properties, making it extremely effective in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Used throughout history for its restorative and healing properties, it is only in the last decade that the modern medical establishment has begun to consider using Manuka honey to treat a number of skin and digestive ailments.

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Location

HOW TO REACH TAHI NATURE RESERVE

  • Tahi Nature Reserve is approximately 18.5 miles from Whangarei
  • Travel time from Whangarei to Tahi is 30 minutes
  • Tahi Nature Reserve is about 117 miles from Auckland
  • Travel time from Auckland to Tahi is 2.5 hours
  • Fly from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Whangarei takes 35 minutes

Marrakech Riad Hayati – Luxury Destination Club Morocco

LUXURY HOLIDAYS INMarrakech, Morocco

RIAD HAYATI

Just beyond the north wall of the Bahia Palace, in a tranquil quarter of the ancient Marrakech medina, this 18th-century merchant’s home has been elegantly restored as a small chic riad. Called Hayati (“my life”), the property is a memoir of its British owner’s years in the Middle East. It combines classic Moorish architecture with subtle tones of Arabia, Turkey, and Persia. Berber chests, antique kilims, rich Ottoman tapestries complement the riad’s cool white decor. The result is stylish, intimate and extremely comfortable. 

Set around a columned courtyard edged with palms and lemon trees, with a rare Damascene fountain in the centre, Hayati is a dream of exotic salons, secret nooks and alcoves, plus four luxurious bedrooms, three with fireplaces and all with seductive hammam-style bathrooms with huge tubs. The owner’s study can serve as a fifth double bedroom, also with private bath. 

Guests at Hayati are graciously received by a caring Marrakshi staff. Professional massage, beauty treatments, chauffeurs and guides are available on request. Hayati’s cook will tempt guests with superb Moroccan tajines and heavenly French desserts. In summer, meals are served on the riad’s roof terrace, with enchanting views of palace walls and the Atlas Mountains. In winter, you can dine by the fire in one of the salons. The riad is especially romantic at night, when candles light the courtyard and incense perfumes the air.

Surroundings

THE MAGIC OF MARRAKECH: A SURPRISING MIX OF TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY

The historic Moroccan city is known for its many mosques, ramparts, gardens and imperial palaces. The pink-walled Medina – the ancient area – considered a UNESCO world heritage site – has typical alleys where Moroccan “souks” sell traditional fine and superb textiles, pottery, jewelry. 

Marrakech holds the promise of incomparable sensations offering an incredible variety of activities. Have a walk in the lively Jemaa El Fna, visit the bazaars with their vibrant colors and original scents. Head out of the walled old center to enter the cosmopolitan neighborhoods of the Ville Nouvelle: the Guéliz and Hivernage have spacious avenues with a variety of chic, contemporary boutiques and emporia. 
Visit cultural locations like the Palais des Congrès and the magnificent Théâtre Royal and experience Marrakech at night going to the many themed venues, clubs or traditional evenings encountering the country’s culture.

Enjoy outdoor activities: go skiing in the Atlas Mountains, do water sports at the beautiful Lake Lalla Takerkoust or play golf in elegantly designed green areas. Visit the eco-friendly nature reserve next to Toubkal National Park with the biggest ropes adventure park in Africa, have a breathtaking walk in the Ouzoud Falls or discover Marrakech from above with a tranquil balloon flight or with an ultralight plane. 

Marrakech

View surroundings

Transportation

HOW TO REACH THE RIAD HAYATI

  • Riad Hayati is approximately 4 miles from Marrakech Airport (RAK)
  • Travel time from RAK to the Riad is about 7 minutes

Castle of Lucens – Luxury Destination Club Switzerland

LUXURY HOLIDAYS INLucens, Switzerland

LE CHÂTEAU DE LUCENS

The Castle of Lucens, located 20 minutes north of Lausanne, and a bit more than 1 hour from Geneva’s airport, is a unique location for business meetings, conferences, weddings or even a family holidays, full of history and high tech at the same time.

Experience a unique private guided tour of the Castle and every corner of it, learn about the stories of the various owners and how they influenced the shaping of this part of Switzerland between the German and the French speakers.
The Castle was even owned, back in the 1800’s, by Sir Adrian Conan Doyle, son of the writer. He created a small museum dedicated to his father Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Stay in one of the 22 brand new rooms of the private hotel, full of high tech, or experience a relaxing moment in front of the huge fireplace, reading a book and tasting one of the many local white wine. The Castle and its adjacent hotel are also ideally located strategically within an area of many activities, like golfing, horse riding, mountain biking, and many cultural landmarks.

Extraordinary accommodations

Solstice offers you different ways to experience the Castle of Lucens, depending on your desires and needs. You can choose to spend your holiday in an 18th century building, or in a charming small chalet – both located on the property’s estate – or stay in the heart of the Castle in traditionally styled rooms. 

La Ferme

La Ferme is an 18th century building on the Château’s estate. It was classified as a historical monument and benefitted from a complete restoration in 2014. It now offers exclusive accommodations in a unique historic setting.

Le Chalet Bernois

The Bernese Governors built this small two-bedroom chalet on the foundations of the original entrance lodge leading into the Gothic Castle. After the immensity of the castle, the pine-panelled rooms seem charmingly and intimate.

La Dépendance

These 8 rooms, situated at the heart of the Castle, are traditional in style and are all furnished individually with antique furniture. Each one of them is named after a famous writer or poet, adding to the romantic atmosphere of the place.

More info

Activities and surroundings

Lucens is a beautiful old village – small but lively – where Le Château towers over the town. There are plenty of entertainment opportunities at the Castle, around the Castle and in the surroundings, thanks to its ideal position granting easy access to some of Switzerland’s most attractive entertaining and cultural sites. 

Local

A range of activities are available at the Castle: you can enjoy a game of billiards, relax around our outdoor swimming pool in the summer or simply wander along the castle paths. Walking and biking trails in the surrounding countryside, horse riding.

Regional

There is plenty to see and do beyond the Castle grounds. History buffs will enjoy discovering the area’s medieval villages, castles and museums. Other activities include golf, go-karting, tree-top adventure park, zoo and tropiquarium.

Tourist attraction

Lucens is ideally located to access some of Switzerland’s most popular tourist attractions and cultural sites, such as the breathtaking terraced vineyards of Lavaux, the Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva, the chocolate museum in Broc.

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History

A GOTHIC CASTLE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OF LA BROYE

Built as a fortified palace for the Bishops of Lausanne, the origins of the Gothic Castle date from the early 13th century, with later additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. The imposing tower, dominating the strategically important Broye Valley, served as a surveillance post and eventual refuge from marauding armies. It also formed part of an ingenious beacon system, linked to other castles in the region. Periods of relative tranquillity were continually jeopardised by fierce warfare and banditry: in 1476, after the Battle of Morat, the Castle’s fortifications were partially destroyed by the Confederate Army.

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Lucens

History

Location

HOW TO REACH LE CHÂTEAU DE LUCENS

  • Le Château de Lucens is approximately 18 miles from Lausanne
  • Travel time from Lausanne to the Castle is 20 minutes