Latest news with #TravelLeisure
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Travel + Leisure
11 hours ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Wyoming Ranch Now Has Luxury Riverfront Glamping—and It's a Secluded All-inclusive Escape
Tucked into the wide expanse of south-central Wyoming, where the Snowy Range rises from the sagebrush and the sky looms, is Brush Creek Ranch. The 30,000-acre award-winning destination—named the best resort in Wyoming by Travel + Leisure readers in both 2023 and 2024—is a working cattle ranch with Blue-Ribbon fly-fishing, and a 600-acre private ski area. I finally got to experience this place for myself in January 2025 and learned first hand that, yes, Brush Creek Ranch is a high-end, all-inclusive escape, with chef-driven dining, an extensive wine cellar, and its own creamery, greenhouse, and distillery. But the ranch's true luxury revealed itself in the quiet moments: making the first turn on a slope entirely my own and riding horseback as snow fell in soft, silent flakes. Brush Creek Ranch is a place where boots and bathrobes coexist—where adventure is as much about slowing down as it is saddling up. The whole experience is about to get a little bit better with the launch of the ranch's new Platte Canyon Glamping resort. The riverfront glamping site, which is available for stays beginning June 15, is Brush Creek's most secluded, most intimate lodging—with all the hallmarks of a five-star property. Riverfront glamping tents and a luxury yurt are tended by a personal host and private chef who take care of all the details. It can accommodate just eight guests at a time and is only available through mid-October. Guests at the Platte Canyon Glamping resort are treated to all meals and two daily ranch activities, including horseback riding, fly-fishing, and archery. The new glamping property joins Brush Creek's three other established lodges: Magee Homestead, an adults-only wellness retreat with Forbes Five-Star accommodations; French Creek, an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing and wingshooting lodge; and the flagship lodge and spa, which has centralized dining, a saloon, and both private cabins and Western lodge rooms. Brush Creek ranch is located on a 30,000-acre parcel of land outside Saratoga, Wyoming. It is 16 miles from the Saratoga Jet Center (private flights only), one hour from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR), and three-and-a-half hours from Denver International Airport (DIA). Platte Canyon Glamping is available for $4,500 per night with a minimum three-night stay. To book, visit
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Travel + Leisure
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Exclusive: Ellen Pompeo on the Snack That Got Her Flagged by TSA—'I Almost Missed the Flight'
Even though she is one of the biggest television stars of our time, Ellen Pompeo is just like us when she travels. The Grey's Anatomy star said she brings the 'usual stuff' when she flies. 'Mints, glasses, water, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes. I have to do the Naomi Campbell thing and wipe down the entire seat,' she told Travel + Leisure earlier this month. And like many of us, she also brings her own snacks. However, on a flight in March, what seemed like an innocent healthy snack landed her in a room with the bomb squad. While going through TSA, she set off the alarms for carrying—of all things—sunflower seeds. 'I had a bag of sunflower seeds, like organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon, so they were probably the most expensive sunflower seeds money can buy. They literally held me for an hour, and they brought the bomb squad in. And I was like, what is happening? Is this a joke? They said it was most likely a chemical on the packaging of these super expensive, fancy, organic, clean sunflower seeds. My protein on the plane!' She asked if she could just throw them away, but they needed her to stay and wait for the bomb squad to assess this unopened bag of sunflower seeds. 'I almost missed the flight. It was really like no one would ever believe this! I was texting my publicist saying, 'I might not get on this plane, and you're never gonna guess why.'' TSA sunflower seed debacle aside, Pompeo does love to travel, even if it throws off her typical morning routine of doing a sauna followed by a cold plunge as she does at her home in Los Angeles. 'I'll try to look for hotels with saunas. Not everybody has a cold plunge. Cold plunges are a relatively, you know, sort of bougie, new thing. I think most of these older hotels don't have it, but a cold shower, I think, does the same.' She also likes a hotel with a good pool. 'I do love to wake up and swim.' She loves the pools at The Greenwich Hotel and Bristol Plaza, both in New York City. Another part of her travel wellness routine is the Youth Activating Melon Serum Advanced Formula from Meaningful Beauty, for which Pompeo is a brand ambassador and a longtime fan. The skincare brand just had its 20th anniversary in 2024. 'That's always been my go-to in this line. And I put the melon serum on first, and then I put oil over it when I travel. I'm really big into serums and oils at this age,' she said. Aisle or window? A single seat. Delta One is my preferred airline. Usually just a single seat, but if I'm sitting with someone, it's usually one of my kids, so I don't care. Whatever they want. What is your plane uniform? You want to be comfy. Planes are so disgusting. I just usually have a hat on, and I don't speak. People recognize my voice, so I try not to talk. I try to use sign language with my kids. The minute I open my mouth, everybody turns. Go-to plane activity? I usually watch a show, either something that I've been dying to watch, which I download on my computer, or I read a book. Also, lots of deep breathing now. Dream trip? I think Japan is definitely on our list. That's one place that they all really are excited to go, and we haven't gone yet. Grey's Anatomy co-star you would travel with? Definitely T.R. [Knight]. Or Katie [Katherine] Heigl, because she'd be like, 'Oh, it's gonna be fine.' I took a helicopter once with [Patrick] Dempsey, from the city out to the Hamptons, and I had only been in a helicopter once before in the south of France. I really don't like helicopters at all. Dempsey was pretty good with me on the helicopter. He calmed me down. But her favorite thing about travel is being with her family. Pompeo has three children—Stella Luna, 15, Sienna May, 10, and Eli Christopher, 8—with husband Chris Ivery. Pompeo said she is a bit of a nervous flier, especially lately, and though she appreciates that pilots are coming out and trying to speak more to passengers about expected turbulence, she still loves having her family there as her main form of support. 'I like to hold my kids' hands when I take off, which is probably a little selfish, and they're probably feeling my anxiety, which probably isn't the best thing to do,' she said. Ellen Pompeo with two of her kids, Stella Luna Ivery and Eli Ivery, and her husband Chris Ivery. Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images And once they get to the destination, Pompeo is a happy camper. 'I love any kind of trip as long as my kids are with me. I get a little bit anxious when I travel for work without my kids, but when we're all together, we try to do it all and give them a good mix [of types of trips]. It's a privilege to be able to travel with these kids and bring them places, so I try to just have a lot of gratitude for that and show them as much as I can.' The whole family went to Hawaii for Stella's 15th birthday, and when Pompeo was doing press for her new Hulu miniseries Good American Family, she took her daughters to London and Paris. 'If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel with kids, it's the best education there is, because I don't know who's using algebra in their daily lives.' Traveling with family can take more organization, so Pompeo's strategy is to be a minimal packer. She says her husband, who she says is usually the best dressed in the room, often tells her she needs to pack more for trips. 'And I'm like, 'No, no, I want fewer options!' And he's like, 'You need more options.' And so I'm always trying to get him to pack less, and he's always trying to get me to pack more.'
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
United Made a Big Change to Its Check-in Policy—Here's What Travelers Should Know
One U.S. airline is changing its pre-departure rules just as summer travel begins to take off. Starting June 3, United Airlines will change its check-in time limits for domestic flights. Under the new rules, all travelers on domestic flights must check in at least 45 minutes before departure. Previously, passengers who were flying within the U.S. and were not checking bags could check in 15 minutes closer to takeoff, with the former cutoff for those fliers being at least 30 minutes before departure. The policy change means that all domestic passengers will now have the same check-in time limits, regardless of whether they're checking luggage. "The change brings greater consistency for our customers by aligning with our current checked baggage deadline and the check-in policies followed by most other airlines," a United Airlines spokesperson told Travel + Leisure . Travelers on United's international flights will still have the same check-in cutoff time of 60 minutes before departure. Passengers who miss their flight's check-in window are not issued a boarding pass and are not allowed to board their plane. "If you don't meet your check-in time limits, we'll do our best to find another option," United says on its website. "However, we have the right to deny service which may result in cancellation of your reservation, denied boarding or the option to check your bags." Check-in opens 24 hours before a flight's departure time and can be completed on an airline's website, mobile app, or in person at the airport—either at a self-service kiosk or at your carrier's check-in desk in the terminal's ticketing area. The process usually takes just a couple minutes or less. Although fliers are allowed to check in for United's domestic flights less than an hour before their plane takes off, it's usually a good idea to complete the process much earlier, especially during the busy summer vacation season. Checking in early means that passengers who haven't yet selected a seat will still have plenty of appealing spots to choose from. For basic economy fliers who are automatically assigned a seat at check-in, completing the process early gives them a better chance of securing their place on the plane, which in some cases might lessen their chances of being bumped from their plane in the event of an oversold flight. Passengers who want to complete check-in at the airport should plan to arrive at the terminal well ahead of their departure time, especially during peak summer months. 'Give yourself at least two hours to park or return a rental car, take a shuttle to the airport if needed, check in with your airline and drop your bags, and prepare for the security checkpoint,' the TSA said in a recent release obtained by T+L . 'If you do not have a REAL ID or some other form of acceptable ID, you should arrive at the airport even earlier than the suggested two hours for additional screening.' Passengers traveling on international flights should also plan to get to the airport earlier: arriving about three hours before takeoff is considered the safe rule of thumb to accommodate earlier check-in and boarding times on international routes.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
Sedona, Arizona's Newest Hotel Has Rooms From Less Than $230 a Night—Plus Live Music at Sunset, Firepits, and a Beautiful Pool
The hotel is incredibly pet-friendly, boasting a full-acre outdoor dog park for your furry companion to run free. Guests can enjoy live music as the sun sets at the on-property restaurant lounge. The best hikes, restaurants, and outdoor activities in Sedona can be reached from the hotel within 15 minutes by car. Notable on-site programming includes crystal bowl sound baths, energy alignment workshops, mindful meditation and breath work sessions, and sunrise ceremonies based on Indigenous traditions. Mountain Modern, an adventure-driven hotel brand based in Wyoming, is setting up camp in the American Southwest. Its first outpost opened in Jackson Hole in 2017, but the brand officially expanded to Sedona, Arizona, to debut its second location this month. 'Mountain Modern is an approachable and playful brand, one that is ultimately rooted in the local experience and destination,' said Robert Nolan, co-creator of the hotel brand, told Travel + Leisure . 'Our property can be a place for travelers and locals alike to recharge, connect, and dive into everything that makes Sedona so magical.' When I checked in, I was immediately handed a map of Sedona with all of the best things to see and do in the city, according to the hotel's 'wise guides," a.k.a. team of locals with tons of insider tips. It didn't take long for me to realize that Mountain Modern is one of the few hotels in the area that actually encourages you to leave the property and explore the destination, but it still manages to deliver all the comforts to make you feel right at home when you're ready to turn in. I was the first person to check out the newly opened Mountain Modern Sedona—here's what it was like. Scenic views from inside a King guest room. Brought to life by Arizona-based architecture and design firm RSP Architects, accommodations at Mountain Modern strike the perfect balance between functional and stylish. While the design caters to the outdoor enthusiast in a practical sense—think custom gear walls with designated hooks for walking poles—subtle touches of luxury shine through in the high-end amenities from Malin+Goetz and in-room electric fireplaces. The King Suite was more than enough space for me and my travel companion, complete with separate king and queen-sized beds, a living area with a fireplace, and an outdoor patio. A sweeping mural of the red rocks shot by a local photographer hung over my bed to pay homage to the hotel's desert location. Ultra health-focused travelers might opt for one of the two wellness suites, which feature a dedicated fitness studio with a Peloton bike and high-tech exercise equipment that come with virtual training programs. Interior of the King Suite Wellness Studio. The Den serves comfort food and Southwestern classics (I was a big fan of the breakfast burrito) to nourish travelers ahead of their outdoor adventures, as well as a full-service bar to return to for a locally brewed craft beer or cocktail at the end of the day. With daily live music and an adjacent outdoor pool deck lined with fire pits, the space is designed to bring people together, reflecting the laid-back charm and welcoming energy the destination is known for. Interior of The Den. Off-property daytime eats worth checking out are some of Sedona's healthiest options. Wildcraft Kitchen is a local favorite with power bowls made of locally sourced ingredients that cater to vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Their sibling restaurant, Local Juicery, has the best cold-pressed juice bar and smoothies in town, as well as a selection of superfood-focused healthy eats. A newcomer to the Sedona restaurant scene, Broome & Orchard serves up unpretentious plates in an upscale setting with the red rocks of Sedona as its backdrop. The global menu is all over the map: with Japanese sushi rolls, Mediterranean-style lamb chops, and all-American barbecue ribs. Spending time at the outdoor pool and hot tub is the perfect way to unwind at Mountain Modern Sedona. After a day full of outdoor adventures, guests can grab a nightcap at the bar and flick on the firepit as the sun sets over the red rocks of Sedona. Aerial view of Mountain Modern Sedona with the outdoor pool. The city is widely known as one of the most spiritual destinations in the country, home to a number of vortex sites that are considered powerful sources of energy and healing. On-site programming at Mountain Modern embraces Sedona's mystical vibes with crystal bowl sound baths, mindful meditation and breath work sessions, and ceremonies inspired by Indigenous traditions. I especially loved paying a visit to the pet park at sunrise the first morning to set my intentions for the visit. Guests won't have to leave the hotel for extra outdoor gear or a bike tune-up. The on-site tuning station has everything you need to get your bike in the best shape for an epic trail ride. And if you're looking for a guided tour, nearby Sedona Mountain Biking Academy (SMBA) is the obvious choice as the No. 1 rated mountain biking experience in the Southwest. As a beginner, I was impressed by the team at SMBA, who personalized my experience to fit my skill and comfort level. That doesn't mean I wasn't challenged, though, as I worked my way on to an intermediate trail by the tail end of the three-hour session. Mountain Modern caters to all types of adventure travelers. The more spacious suites on property, complete with two bedrooms and a separate living space, can comfortably accommodate small families. Plus, being a pet-friendly hotel, Mountain Modern is ready to welcome your entire family, four-legged friends included. In-room amenities include dog beds, water bowls, and toys, while a full-acre private outdoor park is free to use for playtime with your pup. Touting itself as the 'ultimate adventure basecamp,' Mountain Modern is a perfect jumping-off point to explore everything Sedona. It's located smack-dab in the middle of the city, where guests can easily access tons of hiking and mountain biking trailheads that lead to some of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the entire country. The city's top restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor activities can also be reached from the hotel by car in less than 15 minutes. Even better, the most exclusive Jeep tour in Sedona, Pink Jeep Tours, is right down the road from the hotel. The tour granted us exclusive access to the Broken Arrow Trail, known as Sedona's most thrilling off-roading experience. We made our way down the trail, we toppled over red rock formations, making pit stops to admire the 360-degree views of Sedona's natural beauty. Sunset light over Sedona Arizona from atop Airport Mesa. Mountain Modern Sedona does not have a loyalty program, but the hotel is offering a 30-percent-off discount until the end of August 2025. Nightly rateys start from $229. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Waterfront Hotel in North Carolina's Outer Banks Just Reopened—With Access to Private Beaches and a Celebrity Chef Restaurant
The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina, has unveiled new features and a redesigned look in time for its 40th anniversary. The waterfront hotel has updated all of its 123 guest rooms with layered textures, beachy hues, and natural wood furnishings. Theodosia, the hotel's new restaurant, is helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Vivian Howard and serves refined Southern coastal cuisine. Summer guests can enjoy a variety of experiences, including floral arranging workshops, mixology classes, stargazing sessions, and evening ghost crab hunts. Since 1985, The Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina, has been offering its guests prime waterfront views, private beaches, and a casually elegant coastal vibe. Now, just in time for its 40th anniversary, the only full-service luxury resort in the Outer Banks has unveiled a new look. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound, the hotel spans 12 acres and features newly designed interiors, a restaurant by lauded chef Vivian Howard, an 8,500-square-foot waterfront event venue, and a slate of immersive guest experiences. The Sanderling Resort 'captures the spirit of the quintessential American beach vacation—an inspiring blend of barefoot luxury, culinary excellence, and the natural beauty that makes the Outer Banks a truly one-of-a-kind destination,' Shai Zelering, managing partner and head of hospitality at Brookfield's Real Estate Group, the resort's owner, told Travel + Leisure . 'It's a place designed for active escapes, meaningful moments, and timeless memories.' The hotel's new look comes courtesy of New York City-based interior design firm Ward + Gray, which channeled the welcoming spirit of a chic friend's beach house with layered textures, beachy hues of beiges, soft blues, and sea glass greens, along with natural wood furnishings. In some of the 123 guest rooms, bespoke artwork depicts native birds and local flora in celebration of the region's rich biodiversity, and mirrors are hand-painted with floral designs. North Carolina native and James Beard award-winning chef Vivian Howard is behind The Sanderling's signature restaurant, named Theodosia after the daughter of founding father Aaron Burr. (Theodosia is the central figure of one of the Outer Banks' most enduring maritime legends.) The restaurant serves refined Southern coastal cuisine, featuring dishes such as slow-baked grouper in Frogmore broth, blueberry barbecue duck, and lemon pie with a Ritz cracker crust, enjoyed against the backdrop of the surrounding beaches. Theodosia is open to guests and locals, and joins the resort's other dining outposts: the all-day Lifesaving Station, housed in a restored 19th-century Coast Guard station, and the seasonally open Sandbar and Beach House Bar, both offering casual bites and drinks. The new Sunset Ballroom event venue, which replaces an underutilized indoor pool, features vaulted ceilings, a new outdoor deck, and a wall of windows that frame the Currituck Sound and show off the destination's spectacular sunsets. Lounge chairs lay around the outdoor pool. Conor Doherty/The Sanderling Resort Summer visitors can immerse themselves in classic beach activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and lounging by the resort's two swimming pools, including a zero-entry family pool and the adults-only Tranquility Pool. New seasonal programming includes hands-on floral arranging workshops, mixology classes highlighting regional spirits, book clubs, stargazing sessions, gourmet beach picnics, and family-friendly evening ghost crab hunts along the shoreline. The Sanderling also offers plenty of self-guided ways to spend time, from bird watching—the resort is near the 60-acre Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary—to scavenger hunts and exploring coastal trails. Nightly rates at The Sanderling Resort start from $475, and you can book your stay at
