Surroundings

A TROPICAL PARADISE IN THAILAND

Koh Samui is certainly one of the most desirable locations in Thailand. Despite tourism, the island was able to preserve relaxed rhythms of life and an atmosphere that captivates all kind of visitors.

It is full of beaches along which grow the lush coconut palms that made it famous. The vegetation is luxuriant, full of tropical gardens with flowers of an amazing beauty. The largest town of the island is Na Thon, where is located the tourist and commercial port.

There is a lot to see in this wonderful island: beautiful Buddhist temples and a picturesque rainforest with lush vegetation and waterfalls, among which the most beautiful is undoubtedly that of Na Muang. Also noteworthy is the Marine National Park of Ang Thong, an archipelago of about 40 islands with white beaches and tropical vegetation.

Definitely worth a visit the island of Ko Phangan, famous for its beautiful semi-deserted beaches and for its Full Moon Party, and the island of Koh Tao, renowned for its coral reefs and for its spectacular seabeds.

Surroundings

THE ULTIMATE VACATION DESTINATION FOR LOVERS OF FOOD, WINE & GOOD LIVING

There’s something magical about the Napa Valley. Maybe it’s the graphic quality that acres and acres of vineyards lend to the valley floor? Or maybe it’s the light and the way it moves and changes, highlighting each season? Or could it be the way the surrounding mountains isolate and protect the valley from the outside world? Whatever the reason, California’s Napa Valley is the ultimate vacation destination for lovers of food, wine and good living.

Just 35 miles long, the Napa Valley is home to world-class wineries, galleries, antique shops, boutiques, spas, gourmet markets and famous restaurants, many located along CA Highway 29. This picturesque stretch of road starts at the mouth of the Napa River, continues north through the town of Napa, the epicurean epicenter of Yountville, the chic and historic St. Helena, and the relaxing hot springs of Calistoga.

Your Solstice home, Indian Gap, is situated in the center of it all and there to facilitate a delicious, relaxing and memorable visit. Wine in the Napa Valley is a lifestyle and meant to be experienced, shared and loved. Solstice members can enjoy this lifestyle firsthand with private tours of area wineries, in-the-vineyard wine tasting with a celebrated winemaker or a special insider’s dinner that focuses on food and wine pairings. Beyond the world of wine, experience California’s regional cuisine with hands-on cooking classes, participate in an olive oil tasting, enjoy natural mineral waters and mud baths at a spa, or fill a picnic basket with local delicacies and take a ride to discover a favorite new winery. Theatre and jazz can be enjoyed at the Napa Valley Opera House. Outdoor activities include golf, hiking, biking, or hot-air balloon and helicopter rides over the valley. Or end the perfect day with a sunset dinner overlooking the vineyards. The Napa Valley is beautiful any time of year, but is most memorable in September and October during harvest when the wineries are in full production.

Surroundings

EXCLUSIVE & ELEGANT ISLAND IN THE FRENCH WEST INDIES

It’s just a dot on the map in the French West Indies, but St. Barth packs a punch when it comes to island sophistication. Chic, elegant and very European, this 8 square-mile island is home to dozens of places to wine, dine, play, and disappear.
Your Solstice villa, L’Étoile du Berger (Northern Star), is perched high atop the Colombier hillside, where you can enjoy dramatic ocean views and survey your Caribbean playground. Along the edges of the island you’ll find white sand beaches and coves, a 5 minute drive from the villa takes you to Gustavia Harbor, where luxury yachts are anchored against a backdrop of designer boutiques and waterfront restaurants.

For food and wine connoisseurs the island is a paradise boasting incredible French cuisine and excellent markets where local delicacies can be found to stock your villa. Restaurants dot the island and local chefs and sommeliers are available to create a special gourmet meal or wine tasting at the villa as well. For a bit of pampering after a day at the beach, luxurious spa treatments can be arranged at the villa or a local spa. If its exercise you crave, bring in a trained fitness professional for Yoga and Pilates or have gym equipment brought in during your stay. Off-site fitness studios are also just minutes from your Solstice home. 

To see Saint-Barthélemy in an extraordinary way, enjoy a tapas and wine sunset cruise on a private luxury sailboat, or charter out to one of the many uninhabited islands and experience the wonders of Caribbean sea life with a scuba or snorkeling adventure. To make your St. Barth travel experience even more enjoyable, VIP arrival and departure airport transfers in St. Maarten can be arranged bypassing immigration and customs, quickly getting you on your way.

Surroundings

IN THE HISTORIC CENTER OF FLORENCE

Most of Florence’s famous sights lie north of the River Arno where your Solstice home is magnificently situated in the heart of centro storico (historic center) on the Piazza della Signoria. Famous for its history, art, architecture and cultural heritage, Florence is an ideal destination for couples, families and friends – and home to some of the most exclusive art treasures in Italy and the greatest collection of Renaissance art in the world. 

Your day could start at an elegant pâtisserie, followed by a personalized walking tour of the city’s most beautiful landmarks or take a guided visit of the Uffizi Gallery. Enjoy lunches with locals at delightful little trattorias that dot the city – and satisfy your sweet tooth by discovering your favorite gelato and chocolate at cioccolateria shops. Foodies will be thrilled to have a guided visit of the Mercato Centrale, a bustling market filled with gourmet delights. If walking the city is too much or not enough, choose from a carefully selected list of in-home masseuses, yoga and Pilates instructors, or beauty treatments professionals. For dinner, live like a local and start your evening with a glass of wine in one of Florence’s best enoteca’s before dining out in the city – or relax at home while a personal chef creates a meal just for you and your guests. 

A visit to Florence wouldn’t be complete without a day in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. Rolling hills covered in vines, olives groves and rows of cypress lead the way to medieval hill towns such as Siena, Pienza and San Gimignano – all waiting to be discovered from your Solstice home.

Surroundings

IN THE LOVELY & ELEGANT CENTER OF PARIS

Discovering the City of Light and making it your own has always been a compelling reason to come to Paris. The city’s right bank is defined by grand boulevards such as the Champs-Élysées, luxury flagship stores such as Hermès and Louis Vuitton, and notable destinations like the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens and the Arc de Triomphe. The vibrant arrondissements of the left bank are characterized by a more intimate feel. There, pretty outdoor markets and a lively street life provide the backdrop for one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries, cafes and bistros.

Your Solstice home, situated in the heart of Paris, on the Île Saint-Louis, is the perfect place from which to venture out to explore both sides of the city. Start your days overlooking the flying buttresses of Notre Dame while sipping steaming bowls of café au lait and eating flaky croissants at one of the local bakeries. Fill your days with visits to classic sights such as Sacré-Cœur or the more futuristic Cité de la Musique or venture to the Marché aux puces, the renowned Paris flea market.

Welcome the famous Parisian nights with a leisurely walk along the river or a sunset cruise on one of the Seine’s famous bateaux-mouches. Savor the cuisine of one of city’s rising culinary stars before heading off to the Opéra, or to the Quarter Latin to dance in the dawn at one of Paris’ famous nightclubs. Day or night, any time of year, Paris is full of experiences waiting to become your favorite memory.