As travelers seek more personalized and localized experiences while traveling, hotels around the world are introducing on-property experts to provide guided excursions. From wildlife expeditions in mountainous national parks and underwater explorations in the ocean to cultural city adventures, properties are presenting out-of-the-box opportunities for travelers to discover their surroundings.
The following properties in the United States and beyond have designated experts on site to lead guests through extraordinary experiences:
Adventure Architect at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
As a life-long explorer and passionate story-teller,
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado’s resident Adventure Architect, Ismar “Izzy” Uzicanin, is the dedicated experiential guide for guests at the resort. Leading a team of eight adventure experts, including an archeologist, art historian and veteran National Park ranger, Izzy connects adventure seekers to the rich culture, history and magical landscape of northern New Mexico. From private guided hikes, cultural tours, art excursions and explorative bike tours through the Santa Fe National Forest to horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing and snow shoeing, Izzy’s passion for adventure and discovery know no bounds.
In-House Naturalist at Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)
Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and
Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, which are slopeside to
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the number one ski resort in North America according to Forbes, boast an onsite naturalist, Kurt Johnson of
Wild Things of Wyoming. Kurt guides travelers through off-site wildlife safaris, astronomy nights, and photography workshops, and provides high-quality field guides for visitors. Kurt offers day trips and multi-day itineraries in both Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. On the wildlife adventure excursions, participants create lifetime memories as they thrill at the up-close observation of bison, elk, bighorn sheep, moose, coyotes, wolves and bald eagles in their natural environment.
Cultural Curator at The St. Regis Mexico City (Mexico City, Mexico)
The St. Regis Mexico City, the cosmopolitan hotel setting the highest standard for luxury and bespoke service in Mexico, offers guests the expertise of its
Cultural Curator. Set in the heart of the famed capital city, The St. Regis Mexico City’s
Cultural Curator features three distinct categories: kids and family; art and architecture; and history and culture, each showcasing the city’s extraordinary vitality and providing guests with unprecedented access to a variety of distinguished exhibits, curators, and events. Offering an unrivaled dimension of exclusivity and sophistication,
The Cultural Curator can arrange private tours at the various museums and landmarks, including insider access to the top curators, and share exclusive invitations to special openings and events.
On-Site Marine Biologist at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort (Fiji)
Guests at
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort will learn about the beauty and wonders of the ocean from the resort’s marine biologist, Johnny Singh. It is the only resort that employs a full-time resident marine biologist, helping visitors appreciate the Fijian natural systems and understand the Cousteau philosophy. He interprets the surrounding ecosystems for the education and enjoyment of the guests, regularly diving and snorkeling with the guests, and conducting evening slide presentations, video presentations, and night snorkels for audiences of all ages. Singh educates guests, by way of stories and lessons from the natural ecosystem, about the necessity of protecting our environment through action and advocacy in our daily lives.
Curator of Curiosity at Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa (Gateway, Colorado)
Zebulon Miracle is the curator of curiosity for Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa and is uniquely qualified to guide visitors through the land, cultures, history, and heritage of the American Southwest. After serving numerous positions at the Museum of Western Colorado, including curator of anthropology, collections manager, and curator of cross orchards historic site, Zebulon was honored with the opportunity to start a new position and department for Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa that allows visitors the chance to not only see and hear the wonderful history and geology of the area, but to experience it firsthand. The resort offers numerous tours and experiences led by Zebulon such as the Dinosaur Track & Geology excursion, which features a tour of the Dolores River Canyon to find some of the best preserved dinosaur and ancient proto-mammal tracks in the area. A full list of the programs can be found here.
