Simply here for visual nourishment. Two of the most scenic places in Carmel and Big Sur, both captured at the golden hour, with a group of inspiring women. Best enjoyed listening to your favorite indie jams. Enjoy.
Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Guides, where we curate gorgeous imagery, locally cherished spots, and accessible stories. We hope you enjoy!
Simply here for visual nourishment. Two of the most scenic places in Carmel and Big Sur, both captured at the golden hour, with a group of inspiring women. Best enjoyed listening to your favorite indie jams. Enjoy.
A visit to the Croatian wine region of Istria means waking up to a rooster's crow and the occasional truffle hunting dog’s bark among the gentle hum of insects. Relatively undiscovered and still defining itself as a tourist destination, Istria is a place to slow down, take a deep breath, and savor your surroundings.
Located right in the heart of downtown Carmel, Hotel Carmel is a recently renovated hotel that offers comfortable beds, plush robes, a continental bagel bar breakfast (with local strawberry cream cheese), and Nespresso machines in room. We loved hanging out in the stylishly decorated lobby, and relaxing with a glass of local pinot noir (from the daily happy hour) in the hot tub. A fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs makes for the perfect post dinner hang out location, or if you prefer something more secluded, head to your private balcony. Hotel Carmel is a wonderful home base for a weekend.
Only two hours from San Francisco, but seemingly worlds away, the charming little town of Carmel almost transports you to another country or another time with it’s signature fairytale cottage architecture and location just steps from the Pacific ocean. As I walked through town, exploring courtyard after courtyard plush with potted annuals and window boxes pregnant with greenery, the sidewalks buckled beneath my feet, tree roots slowly disrupting the bricks yet adding to the coziness of this small town. I breathed in the smell of pine and eucalyptus mixed with a wisp of sea breeze, and exhaled the stress of city life that I left behind for the weekend.
A winter guide to help you make the most of your visit to these California giants.
Let us save you some time for your next trip to Phoenix, Tempe, or Scottsdale. We’ve looked through all the Airbnb’s and picked out the ones with true style, the best amenities, and the highest ratings. No matter if you’re traveling with your family, or alone, we’ve included options for however your posse looks. Hello sunshine!
When our friends Timon and Yana quit their jobs to start traveling the world three years ago, we had no idea how long their travels would last, or where their adventures would take them. They’ve always been avid hikers, planning ambitious 30 or 40 mile backpacking trips seemingly every weekend. Boldness and sheer determination are two of the characteristics that come to mine when thinking about what traits define them as individuals, and a couple. They’re love of the wilderness continues into their travels today, where they visit some of the most remote destinations in the world, trekking to capture breathtaking vistas, surrounded by nothing but Mother Earth. One of those destinations was Tasmania, and the images they captured are stunning.
It’s always good to have a running list of breakfast spots. Here’s our for Phoenix + Tempe. We’re drooling just thinking about it.
While many San Franciscans know of the Presidio and have enjoyed its beauty, they may not know that the most visited U.S. National Park lies in their city limits. Thanks to its location in America’s 13th largest city, the Presidio sees more visitors than any other National Park in the country and offers a plethora of sights and activities that keeps visitors coming back for more. Below are some of our favorite Presidio experiences.
Havana: the land of black fish net tights under a khaki skirt, sunset Cristals along the Malecón, and cars whose speedometers read 0 miles per hour whether they're moving or not. As with many places, it's everything I expected and nothing I expected at the same time.
An undeveloped gem in the Pacific known for its dazzling lagoon, Aitutaki is both a beach and cultural destination. A full loop around the seven square mile island (which takes a leisurely hour) provides an enlightening glimpse into the lives of South Pacific islanders.
Joshua Tree has long been a haven for those seeking to recalibrate, find their muse, cure writer’s block, or for Angelenos like myself in search of a quick getaway to disconnect from city life. With an area larger than Rhode Island, encompassing the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, the landscapes are as diverse as the visitors who come to tune in and drop out. From the thrill-seeking rock climber to the casual hiker, the art collector and the meditator, there are activities to suit each personality.