Frontier Travel - Tailor made holidays

21/08/2025

This week our “Where to Next?” journey through the Florida Keys takes us further south, with USA expert Jeanette Dembrey leaving behind the relaxed vibe of Islamorada and heading to Marathon. It’s a chance to see another side of the Keys, Jeanette's resort perfectly placed for exploring one of the most iconic stretches of the Overseas Highway.

"Our journey through the Florida Keys continued with a drive south from the relaxed contemporary setting of Amara Cay Resort in Islamorada to the striking Isla Bella Beach Resort, located in Marathon. The journey is about 45 miles and takes under an hour, but the scenery makes the drive itself feel like part of the adventure. Surrounded by endless blue waters and dotted with islands, this stretch of the Overseas Highway is one of the most memorable drives in the United States.

Arriving at Isla Bella, the first impression is one of space and light. The resort is modern in design, with clean lines and crisp white buildings framed by palms and sea views. Every room looks out either over the ocean or onto beautifully landscaped grounds, and the effect is immediately calming.

The scale of the resort is impressive. There are five oceanfront swimming pools, each with its own atmosphere, from livelier family-friendly areas to quieter corners better suited to simply unwinding. A private mile-long stretch of beach gives plenty of space for walking or sitting by the water, and with a full-service marina, spa, and fitness centre, there's plenty on offer for those who like to keep active.

After settling in, we headed to Mahina, the resort’s signature restaurant. The atmosphere was relaxed but refined, and the cocktails set the tone perfectly. Dinner was excellent – fresh, well-prepared dishes that made the most of local seafood – and the whole evening had a sense of being exactly what one hopes for on a Keys holiday: good food, good company, and the sound of the sea just beyond the terrace.

The following morning we decided to hire bikes and cycle the Old Seven Mile Bridge. This recently restored 2.2-mile span now serves as a pedestrian and cycle route linking Marathon with Pigeon Key. The bridge offers extraordinary views in both directions, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. As we rode, the colour of the water shifted between layers of blue and green, and we spotted marine life, including rays and turtles.

Reaching the end of the bridge, you’re rewarded with the sight of Pigeon Key, once home to workers who built the early 20th-century railroad. Today it’s a small historic site, but even without stopping, the ride is memorable for the sheer sense of being suspended between sea and sky.

Marathon itself has a more local feel than some of the Keys further north. Originally a fishing village, the town still reflects that heritage, with boats moored along the waterfront. For families in particular, you can expect a gentler pace, and with the Seven Mile Bridge as its landmark, it also sits at the heart of one of the most iconic stretches of the Overseas Highway.

Our time at Isla Bella and in Marathon was short, but it captured much of what makes the Keys special: the striking landscapes, a relaxed ambience, and those special moments – whether dinner by the sea or cycling over the water."

Ready to explore Marathon? Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to​ the Florida​ Keys. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to: ©Jeanette Dembrey
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18/08/2025

Are you hoping to hit the trail in Arizona? Coming soon, travel journalist Chantal Cooke will be sharing her experience at two of our favourite ranches in the Grand Canyon State...🤠🐎🐴

COMING SOON! Get ready to ride out with us and travel journalist Chantal Cooke as we will soon be heading to Arizona.

Late last year Chantal visited two of our most popular guest and working ranches, so she will be sharing the inside trail on all her Western adventures!

Until then, any guesses where Chantal is riding in this shot? Tell us in the comments...

For more information on our Arizona collection, visit our website (see the comments below) and for help in planning your holiday call our dedicated USA specialists on on 020 8776 8709 or email [email protected]. ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207.

16/08/2025

Think you know Wyoming?

Sure, you’ve heard of Jackson Hole. Maybe even Cody or Sheridan. But there’s a lesser-known spot, this hidden gem surrounded by 1,300 alpine lakes, three dramatic mountain ranges, and some of the state’s best outdoor adventures.

* You are sure to feel right at home...
* It’s got a brand-new hotel nearby…​
* Winter sports, summer trails, small-town festivals…
* Can you guess the town?

Keep scrolling to uncover one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets...

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Welcome to Pinedale, Wyoming.

This hidden gem sits at the foot of the Wind River Range, just over an hour from Jackson. It's got glacial lakes, gravel bike trails, and the kind of Western flair you usually only see in films.

But here’s the twist: Pinedale’s county—Sublette—was once home to a surprising number of British first-generation immigrants, so, it’s not just the fresh air that feels familiar!

* Paddle across Fremont Lake
* Refuel with the best pizza in Sublette at The Grazing Goat
* Or toast your adventures with a pint at Wind River Brewing Company

And with the brand-new Sylvan Lodge only a short drive away (based at the Snake River Sporting Club, which, spanning nearly 1,000 acres, is renowned for its Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course), now’s the perfect time to explore the side of Wyoming no one’s talking about, yet.

Pinedale isn’t just Wyoming’s hidden gem, it’s your next great escape.

Wyoming: Where it's Wild—Book now with Frontier America

Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to Wyoming. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

We plan. You Wander. At Frontier America, it's personal.

Photo credits & thanks to:
©Wyoming Office Of Tourism, Sep 25, 2023, 5464px ⨉ 3640px | JPG, Pinedale Wyoming Fall-0813.jp,
©Wyoming Office of Tourism, Oct 24, 2023, 4013px ⨉ 3010px | JPG, 20231024--Pinedale-SubletteCounty-041.jpg,
©Wyoming Office Of Tourism, Sep 25, 2023, 7952px ⨉ 5304px | JPG, Pinedale Wyoming Fall-9647.jpg,
©Jussi Grznar, Jun 23, 2022, 11648px ⨉ 8736px | JPG, Tim Trites whiskey barrel_Pinedale_Sublette_Grznar_4_JG_1175085_R4L.jpg
©Wyoming Office of Tourism, Jul 30, 2024, 5122px ⨉ 7679px | JPG, New Thought_Travel Wyoming_Howdy Neighbor, S2E03 - Sublette_0931.jpg
©, Sylvan Lodge, Wyoming

14/08/2025

Ready to continue our journey through the Florida Keys? In this week’s “Where to Next?” post, USA expert Jeanette Dembrey stays in Islamorada, swapping Cheeca Lodge’s barefoot elegance for the contemporary coastal style of Amara Cay Resort. It’s the next step in discovering how each corner of the Keys has its own character, yet everything is connected by that same easy-going island spirit.

"Once named among the best beach resorts in the state, Amara Cay Resort is a stylish oceanfront property that blends a modern look with the relaxed spirit of the Keys. Just a short drive from Cheeca Lodge along the Overseas Highway, it has an immediately welcoming feel: light-filled spaces, neutral tones, and an easy flow between indoors and out.

The pool area is a particular highlight. Lined with cabanas and framed by palm trees, it offers uninte​rrupted views across the Atlantic. This isn’t a beach for long walks – the appeal here is in the calm, open water, the steady sea breeze, and the sense that you could easily while away hours between a swim, a good book, and a cocktail from the poolside Tiki Bar.

For lunch, I tried Reel Catch, the resort’s signature restaurant, which focuses on Keys-inspired dishes and locally sourced seafood. My grilled mahi-mahi was fresh and flavourful, and paired with bright seasonal vegetables. The service was distinctly Keys, friendly without being intrusive – exactly the sort of unhurried pace that suits this setting.

Amara Cay is part of the Islamorada Resort Collection, meaning guests can take the Rum Runner water taxi to its sister properties. It’s a lovely way to get out on the water while expanding your dining and activity options, and each stop has its own personality, from casual beachside spots to more formal restaurants.

Fishing is woven into the resort’s identity. The “Fish Like a Local” programme is a great example – a hands-on class led by experienced guides, designed to teach the techniques and traditions that make fishing in the Keys unique. Depending on the session, you might learn to cast from shore, try your hand at lobstering, or even take part in the paddle-and-cast version, fishing directly from a kayak. It’s accessible for beginners but equally valuable for seasoned anglers wanting to refine their approach.

Beyond the resort, Islamorada’s fishing culture is impossible to miss. From deep-sea charters chasing marlin in the Atlantic to backcountry trips for tarpon and snook, it’s easy to see why the area has earned the title of “Sportfishing Capital of the World”.

A comfortable base whether you’re here to fish from dawn to dusk or to simply sink into the slower rhythm of the islands, there's plenty to do. If you’re curious about what lies beyond the resort, revisit last week’s post for a taste of Islamorada’s local attractions – from feeding the famous “silver kings” to exploring the village’s creative scene."

Ready to explore Islamorada? Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to Florida. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to: ©Jeanette Dembrey, ​ Dolphin Tours

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13/08/2025

Experience the magic of Whistler with savings of up to 40%. Delta Whistler Village Suites offers unbeatable village-centre convenience with spacious suites featuring separate bedrooms and full kitchens, a large heated pool, and vibrant après.

Prefer ski-in/ski-out ease? The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside puts you right at the gondolas, with self-catering studios and suites, a legendary hot tub and pool overlooking the mountain base, and a Frontier Ski favourite, the ever-popular Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub.

BOOK BY SEPTEMBER 1ST

For more offers visit: https://frontier-ski.co.uk/resorts/whistler-ski-holidays/

To benefit from additional savings on your lift passes versus buying direct in-resort, book before September 1st.

Contact our ski specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email [email protected] and start planning your next mountain adventure.

Built up over the course of three decades, at Frontier Ski, every recommendation we make is based on firsthand knowledge. View our blog at frontier-ski.co.uk for all the latest resort reviews. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

#​t​ravel ​

11/08/2025

Voted World’s Best Train in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, this legendary rail journey climbed from its No. 3 spot last year to the very top—and it’s easy to see why.

One T+L reader called it “a great way to see changing landscapes in style,” while another raved about the “service excellent, train guides excellent, bus tour guides great and knowledgeable and entertaining, scenery gorgeous and breathtaking!”

With glass-domed coaches, locally inspired cuisine, and routes that take in the soaring peaks of the Canadian Rockies, glacier-fed waterfalls, and even the red rock canyons of the American Southwest, every journey is a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.

From the iconic First Passage to the West between Vancouver and Banff, to the Passage to the Peaks through Jasper and Lake Louise, to the Rockies to the Red Rocks across Utah and Colorado — each route is an experience in luxury and wonder

Talk to Frontier Travel's dedicated team of Canada and USA specialists on 020 8776 8709, email [email protected] or [email protected] and start planning your holiday today. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to:​ Rocky Mountaineer

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09/08/2025

Planning a family trip to Wyoming? Head to Devils Tower for kid-friendly hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and the chance to learn about its legendary existence. The easy Tower Trail circles the base, with plenty to see (and space to run).

While climbers pause in June out of respect for Native traditions, the views, stories, and prairie dogs (they have their own town) are still ready to welcome you.

Wyoming: Where it's Wild—Book now with Frontier America

Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to Wyoming. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

We plan. You Wander. At Frontier America, it's personal.

Credits: @‌visitwyoming, Wyoming Office of Tourism
Devils Tower National Monument
Jul 20, 2016
5472px ⨉ 3648px | TIF
7-21AM_DTHiking_0887.tif

07/08/2025

Ready to slip even further into holiday mode? In this week’s "Where to Next?" post, USA expert Jeanette Dembrey continues her journey through the Florida Keys, trading the buzz of Key Largo for the laid-back elegance of Islamorada.

From serene resort surroundings to close-up encounters with the famous silver kings, discover a destination that invites you to slow down and savour the Keys at their unhurried best.

"Leaving Playa Largo Resort and Key Largo behind us, we headed further down the Overseas Highway. Our next destination was Islamorada, a small village in the Florida Keys that is known for its vibrant art scene, fresh seafood, and some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving. Only about a 25-minute drive away, the shift in pace is immediate. Things feel quieter here – calmer – as if the air itself has taken a deep breath.

Our first stop was Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a well-known name in these parts and a property I’d long wanted to see. After a short walk through the grounds, it’s clear why this resort holds such a special place in the hearts of returning guests.

Set across 27 acres of oceanfront land, ​Cheeca feels like its own little world. The resort’s private white sand beach immediately sets the tone, with its gently swaying palms, wooden walkways, and expansive water views oozing tranquillity. Luxurious, not flashy; it's more barefoot elegance.

The rooms and suites were recently renovated in 2022, and there’s a wide variety to suit different tastes and needs. Family-friendly garden view rooms sit alongside more indulgent oceanfront suites – some of which feature open-air tubs with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic. The Premier Oceanfront category, in particular, looked like a perfect option for anyone after a truly spoiling Keys experience.

But what really sets Cheeca apart is how much there is to do without ever leaving the property. The resort has three swimming pools, including an adults-only one, as well as a serene spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, yoga sessions, six sport courts, and even a nine-hole​ Jack Nicklaus–designed​ golf course. There’s also the longest fishing pier​ (Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”​) in the Florida Keys​, the 525-foot wooden stretch ​j​utting into the sea.

If you are bringing younger guests, there’s Camp Cheeca, offering supervised activities for children 12 and under. And for those wanting to get out on the water, the list is long: snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, eco-tours, sunset cruises, and fishing charters can all be arranged directly from the resort.

But Islamorada is more than just the resorts​, and in only 10 minute drive away lies one of the area’s best-loved local spots: Robbie’s Marina.

​W​hile Robbie’s isn’t polished or upscale​, that’s​ all part of its charm. It’s a mix of open-air market stalls, boat rentals, local art, and rustic seafood joints. But the main event here is the tarpon feeding. These enormous, silver-scaled fish – nicknamed 'silver kings' gather around the docks, leaping up from the water to sn**ch bait straight from visitors’ hands.

​T​here is also a little market area next to the marina. Local artisans sell everything from handmade jewellery to paintings and driftwood crafts​. A hub of creativity​, don't miss out on a visit to the Redbone Gallery – a small but well-curated space showcasing local artists. ​

What struck me most about​ Islamorada is how it blends worlds. You​ have the luxurious calm of Cheeca Lodge, the playful, no-frills energy of Robbie’s, and the cultural appeal of the local galleries and markets​, and it's all within easy reach.

Whether it’s for a long stay at one of the resorts, a day of adventure on the water, or just to feed a tarpon and browse some art, Islamorada is well worth a visit."

Ready to explore Islamorada? Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to Florida. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to: ©Jeanette Dembrey,

05/08/2025

Whistler Blackcomb has always been a favourite among British skiers. With 8,171 acres of terrain, consistent snowfall, and a pedestrian village at its base, it delivers a ski experience that’s hard to match.

Ready for this coming season, we’ve pulled together ten specific reasons why Whistler is worth revisiting—or discovering for the first time. From lift upgrades and steep-ski clinics to unbeatable access and the best of North America's ski schools, it’s a destination that continues to live up to its legendary reputation.

View Top 10: https://frontier-ski.co.uk/general/top-10-reasons-uk-travellers-must-discover-whistler-ski-resort/

To benefit from huge savings on your lift passes versus buying direct from the resort, book before September 1st.

Contact our ski specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email [email protected] and start planning your next mountain adventure.

Built up over the course of three decades, at Frontier Ski, every recommendation we make is grounded in personal knowledge of the best ski resorts in both Canada and the USA. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

31/07/2025

Get ready to relax, as today's "Where to Next?" post takes us to the sun-drenched shores of the Florida Keys—where USA expert Jeanette Dembrey experiences the warm breezes, calm waters, and laid-back charm of Key Largo.

Please note: If island escapes are on your radar, be sure to follow along, as this is just one of many Florida Key resorts we will be covering over the course of the next few weeks.

"I touched down in Miami in early December and set off almost immediately for Key Largo. The drive was straightforward—about 65 miles down the Florida Turnpike and onto the Overseas Highway, skimming past coastal flats and crossing a handful of low bridges as the mainland gave way to island life. Within about an hour and ten minutes, I arrived at Playa Largo Resort, set on the western side of Key Largo, directly facing the calm waters of Florida Bay.

As I stepped into the resort, the first thing I noticed was the calm ambiance. Palm fronds rustled overhead, and gentle sea breezes carried the scent of salt and citrus. My room was airy and spacious, with décor in pale neutrals and aquamarine—it felt roomy and open, with a generously sized balcony looking out to sea. It was the sort of room where you sense, instantly, that slowing down is allowed. That same unhurried atmosphere carries through to the pool, where sun-dappled loungers, swaying palms, and a well-timed cocktail make it easy to relax.

Evening brought dinner at Sol by the Sea, which as the name suggests overlooks the ocean. Here guests dine on the freshest of delights such as Keys Pink Shrimp Bouillabaisse, Florida Lobster and Gulf Pink Shrimp cakes on the menu.

A short walk from the main resort will take you to The Hammocks, boasting private beach houses and the stunning colonial villa. A romantic couples go-to, these hideaways are perfect for those seeking a quieter retreat within the same resort.

If you are in the mood for adventure, head to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Only a short drive from Playa Largo, it’s easy to see why the park is such a draw for visitors. As the first undersea park in the United States, it offers a glimpse into the vibrant marine life that thrives just off the coast. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for those keen to observe the coral reefs without getting wet, while snorkelling and scuba diving excursions offer the chance to get closer to the reef’s 55 species of coral and hundreds of tropical fish.

Kayaks and paddleboards are also available to hire, navigating your way through the mangrove tunnels and shallows the perfect way to spend an afternoon. However, if you prefer to stay on dry land, there are plenty of walking trails and picnic spots too.

Shipwreck diving is another big draw in the area, particularly the Spiegel Grove, a former US Navy ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Lying at nearly 40 metres deep, it marks the start of the Florida Keys' Shipwreck Trail'.

Closer to the shoreline, Key Largo leans into Hollywood. The African Queen, the original boat from the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, is moored nearby and available for short canal cruises. A longer jaunt and a nature lover's dream, a day trip to the Everglades takes roughly one and a half hours by boat, its mangrove-lined waterways teeming with wildlife.

Key Largo itself is all about laid-back charm and enjoying the natural setting, so if you feel like retreating from the world, dipping your toes in the sand, and listening to the sound of the water lapping at the shore, this is the place to go."

Ready to explore Key Largo? Call our dedicated team of USA specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to Florida. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to: ©Jeanette Dembrey, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection

26/07/2025

Watching an orca launch itself into the air against Vancouver Island’s misty backdrop is the kind of moment that etches itself into​ your memory, reminding you of the wild pulse of the Pacific.

Explore more of Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M057BOjECA

Talk to our dedicated team of Canada specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier Canada at [email protected] and start planning your holiday to British Columbia. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.

Photo credits & thanks to: ©Destination BC/Garry Henkel

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