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Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Aspen in the winter is a dream for skiing and other outdoor sports, boutique shopping, eating, or simply sipping a hot toddy by the fireplace and relaxing.

With Equity Estates, the possibilities are endless. We interviewed our knowledgeable Destination Manager for Aspen to create a perfect three-day itinerary. There is so much to do in this fabulous destination!

Day One: Explore a Winter Wonderland

For downhill skiing or snowboarding, there is nothing better than starting with Aspen Mountain, known locally as “Ajax.” Catch the Gondola in the village, a short walk from your Equity Estates home. Lunch on the mountain or at the base. Aspen’s Roaring Fork Valley boasts four ski mountains, each offering something for skiers of all levels: bowls, steeps, groomers, or gentle slopes—you don’t have to decide ahead of time as all resorts use the same lift ticket.

Another option for today, allow us to hire a snowshoe guide or rent cross country skis for a different perspective of the area. There are 90 kilometers of free trails in the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System. Take a lesson or guided tour through the beautiful rolling hills and aspen groves of the Owl Creek Trail, the North Star Nature Preserve, or take in stunning vistas of the majestic Elk Mountains. Your private concierge will arrange equipment rental and reserve your guide at the Aspen Cross Country Center (ACCC). Afterwards, relax in the ACCC lounge with a hot drink or head into Aspen Village for the perfect snack or lunch.

If you prefer to explore on your own, sans guide or teacher, trail system maps are available at the Center or online and your concierge will plan a picnic lunch for you from Meat & Cheese Market, a local favorite. Located in the heart of Aspen, the market offers take away or dine in. Soups, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and desserts, OH MY! Cocktails, wine, and beer may also be ordered to go if the restaurant is not currently seating.

Afterwards, walk around Aspen Village and warm up with a coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at Victoria+co. This Australian style cafe is part coffee shop, part bakery, part wine bar. This local gem also serves hot breakfast and hot lunch. For a family style take out dinner, your concierge can pre-order the house specialty, Thai Green Curry.

Your concierge will arrange dinner reservations for Cache Cache, which is viewed by many as the best restaurant in Aspen. The food is unpretentious and delicious—try the Alaskan King Crab appetizer and choose from the restaurant’s over 6000 bottles of wine. Or for the Italian lovers, try Acquolina Trattoria and Pizzeria. A local favorite, savor the minestrone on a cold night. They have a full menu of salads, pastas, and entrees, too. Your concierge can arrange reservations or for dinner delivery if you prefer a night at home for a cozy movie night by the fireplace.

Day Two: Dogsled through Snowmass Backcountry

Ski at Snowmass in the morning and let us plan an afternoon or twilight dogsledding adventure with Krabloonik for a unique Aspen experience. Eight husky sled dogs guided by an experienced musher will pull you through the backcountry for an exciting and peaceful journey. Afterwards have a late lunch in their dining room or head back to Aspen for a bite or happy hour.

A modern Aspen Landmark since 1889 at the height of the town’s silver boom with its Old West vibe, J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome remains the town’s social hub, where local skiers rub elbows with socialites over craft beers, vintage-inspired cocktails, and Aspen’s best burger.

Tonight, dinner reservations at Steakhouse No. 316. Red velvet curtains and leather booths create a warm atmosphere on a snowy night, and they offer a full steak menu with many seafood and fowl options. Or rather, enjoy a five-star dinner in the comfort of your home and allow us to arrange for a private chef. Your concierge will work with you to select the perfect menu including wine pairings. Investors rave about this feature of traveling with Equity Estates.

Day Three: Shop ‘til You Drop and Go for a Sleigh Ride

Aspen offers unique, world class shopping. Spend the day wandering through town in search of treasure, that special statement piece, home decor item or gift.

Shop high end fashion consignment, many pieces are brand new with the original tags at The Little Bird. Discover top of the line Western wear and accessories at Kemo Sabe. Design your own statement piece—custom boots, hats, or buckles— or buy off the shelf and have them brand your initials on the item. The store has something for everyone and is a must-see destination in Aspen. You will not be disappointed. The Daniels Antiques collection is eclectic and to wander the store is an adventure through time and taste. Admire museum-quality antiques and rarities that are 50 years or even a century old. The owners specialize in Swiss Black Wood forest carvings. Inventory also includes French industrial clocks, contemporary art, custom aviation furniture, luxury barware, Louis Vuitton, and 20th century curiosities.

Hit the slopes or town in the timeless style of Gorsuch Ltd. Shop fur boots, luxurious cashmere, wool favorites, and performance wear. Shop Pitkin County Dry Goods for contemporary clothing, one of Aspen’s top retail destinations. This 50-year locally owned business has a loyal customer base from all over the world and when you stop in you will see why. The selection of men’s and women’s fashion is unique and stylish.

Come for the people watching and truffle fries, there is no better seat in town for lunch or cocktails than Ajax Tavern. Warm up with spiced cider or mulled wine at this hot spot, loved by locals and out of town visitors. Located at the base of Aspen Mountain and next to Silver Queen Gondola, this is the spot. Sit outside year-round thanks to their sunny tented, heated patio and during the winter season, they offer dinner and a movie. The cauliflower au gratin will not disappoint. Or if you’re interested in the St. Regis Aspen Resort, then drop in at the Mountain Social Bar & Lounge for handcrafted cocktails and light fare with views of Aspen Mountain.

Let us plan dinner and a sleigh ride for you at Pine Creek Cookhouse for the experience of a lifetime. Beautiful Percheron horses pull classic wooden sleighs to dinner in the nearby Ashcroft Valley. Guided by cowboys, your 20-minute sleigh ride takes you through the aspen trees with breathtaking views of the Elk Mountains on your way to an elegant cabin. Feast on rack of lamb, pistachio crusted caribou, and barbequed flat iron steak. The menu changes daily.

At Home In Aspen with Equity Estates

Equity Estates recently invested $275,000 to upgrade the interior and exterior of our four-bedroom Aspen residence. This has immediately added to the residence’s value and the feedback from our investors is they love it. The spacious living room and open floor plan allow for the entire family to comfortably gather around the fireplace for a cozy night in after a day of skiing or other winter adventures. Have a movie night or choose from a selection of games and prepare dinner in your expansive chef’s kitchen. Your private concierge will arrange reservations for activities and outings, meals out or meals in. She will even pick up your groceries to ensure your kitchen is stocked with all of your favorites from the local market. If preferred, she will hire a local private chef to experience the famous Aspen cuisine in your home.

Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable Aspen experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a call.

Your Aspen adventure awaits!

If the allure of stunning white sand beaches, warm cerulean water and laidback friendly islands is beckoning you, put the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on your next destination list. Now more than ever, many of us are yearning to travel somewhere beautiful where we can recharge, enjoy time with our family and leave the daily stressors behind. Many destinations are off-limits to visitors due to the pandemic, but the TCI is welcoming U.S. visitors.

As of January 4, 2021, there are no quarantine requirements, lockdowns, or curfews. Visitors aged 10 and older only need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within five days of arrival, have medical insurance and answer an online health questionnaire. Restaurants, shops and attractions are open (some with reduced capacity and mask requirements). And unlike many tropical destinations that require several hours in the air and multiple airports, the TCI is a short two to three-hour flight from many airports along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

Turks and Caicos

Day One

The TCI beaches are the #1 attraction here, so from either residence, our DMs suggest easing into your stay by simply walking out your door, and you’ll be on a spectacular beach in moments. At either residence, you can settle into a comfortable deck chair next to an infinity pool and admire the beach sand-free— or dig your toes in the sand and take a dip in the warm, crystal-clear tropical ocean. When lunchtime rolls around, choose from several friendly, tasty beachfront restaurants such as Da Conch Shack or Omar’s Beach Hut. Both establishments have tables right on the beach, so no need to change out of your swimsuit!

Since the world’s third-largest barrier reef borders the island chain, our DMs say the TCI’s second-best attraction is its fantastic snorkeling and diving. Spend the afternoon cruising with Caicos Dream Tours and let its friendly, capable crew take you to remote beaches and snorkeling spots — or if fishing is on your agenda, you’ve come to the right spot! The TCI is a renowned bonefish and deep-sea fishing destination. If you happen to visit a few days after the full moon, another option is to book a Glow Worm Sunset Cruise with Sun Charters. Each month this spectacular phenomenon happens when bioluminescent sea worms carry out a mating ritual by swimming in circular patterns about an hour after sunset.

For dinner, our DMs suggests Seven Restaurant’s private dining experience where you can dine on or near the beach — or indulge in their private Tasting Room five-course, paired wine experience. If French/Italian cuisine sounds appealing, head to the Michelin-starred Provence by Eric.

Sea Turtle

Day Two

If you’re interested in learning to scuba dive or you’re already certified, the TCI offers exceptional diving, and our DMs recommend a private charter with Dive Provo. Another option they like is a trip with SNUBA Turks and Caicos, a shallow water diving hybrid between scuba diving and snorkeling. You don’t need a certification or wear cumbersome gear — you can swim among the spectacular sea life as you breathe through a specialized mouthpiece attached to air tanks that float on the surface.

Once your morning adventure ends, it’s time to refuel. For a tasty lunch, look no further than Cocovan’s food truck (run by the fabulous team at Coco Bistro). Sit at one of their outdoor picnic tables as you enjoy their fantastic fish, steak or falafel tacos and “Big Mac” egg rolls. After lunch, explore Provo’s remote wetlands via private kayak tours with Big Blue Collective. They also offer standup paddleboarding trips, kitesurfing and other adventures. For a more relaxed afternoon, lounge by your pool or the beach until it’s time for “sundowners” (sunset cocktails)! For dinner, let The Kissing Fish Catering Co. prepare and serve you a fabulous feast in the comfort of your residence. If you prefer to dine out, this talented group also runs Bay Bistro, a wonderful oceanfront eatery where you can dine at a private table directly on Grace Bay Beach. For late night fun, head to Casablanca Casino and try your luck at blackjack, roulette, poker or slots.

Day Three

Horseback riding is a fun adventure anywhere, and doing a private ride with Provo Ponies offers an extra perk — in addition to a scenic beach ride, their horses love to wade into the ocean! The well-trained, friendly horses carry you safely into the shallow water, allowing you both to cool your legs off a bit. You’ll have worked up an appetite on this unique adventure, so for lunch, our DMs say head to Bugaloos Conch Crawl, a lively beachfront restaurant with daily live entertainment and outdoor games. They even have tables sitting in the shallow, calm water so you can cool your feet as you eat.

After lunch, grab one more chance to admire the TCI’s underwater paradise on your own or take a guided snorkel trip at Coral Gardens, a well-marked snorkel trail just offshore from the Coral Gardens Resort. You’ll likely see gliding sea turtles, scores of tropical fish and maybe even a barracuda. Keep an eye out for Jammin’ Gelato’s ice cream cart that cruises up and down the beach serving delicious, unique flavors. If you’ve had your fill of water adventures, end your third day with a relaxing spa treatment from one of the TCI’s many luxurious spas.

No beach vacation is complete without a sunset cruise, so let Island Vibes Tours take you on a private luxury cruise and sip rum punch, champagne, beer or wine as you watch the glorious sun sink under the horizon. For dinner, our Destination Managers say Coco Bistro is a must. Dine under swaying palms and cozy lighting as you sample some of the TCI’s best local cuisine.

Thompson Cove

Not One, But Two Fantastic Homes

Best of all, you have two fantastic Equity Estates’ residences to choose from — a luxurious four-bedroom penthouse condo and a fabulous six-bedroom private villa. The expansive 4,500-square-foot penthouse overlooks Grace Bay Beach, which frequently lands on “Word’s Best Beaches” lists. Fifteen minutes away sits Thompson Cove, a divine 7,500-square-foot beachfront home boasting six equivalent master suites with private terraces, a splendid infinity pool and vast amounts of living space. We interviewed our Destination Managers, who, along with our Local Hosts, are ready to help you plan a much-needed, fantastic getaway to the TCI’s primary island, Providenciales (aka Provo). To help you get started, here are their suggestions on how to spend three perfect days in this idyllic island paradise.

Equity Estates can help make your visit to the TCI a delightfully unparalleled experience. If you’re already an investor, your Personal Travel Concierge is ready to assist you with arranging a memorable vacation here.

If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a call.

How often do milestone birthdays or anniversaries come around? Don’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate these special moments with loved ones.

How many of the investments in your personal portfolio are you able to actually enjoy with loved ones? Equity Estates allows you to create lasting memories and enjoy all of life’s precious moments, while simultaneously making a sound financial investment in real estate. Browse our Top 5 Recommended Trips for Life’s Milestones below.

1) Top Destination for Anniversaries: Napa Valley, California

How many anniversaries have passed by without a proper celebration? Life’s too short—celebrate with your partner in Napa Valley this year. From the picturesque rolling landscapes, to the five-star cuisine, to the renowned vineyards—Napa is well equipped to play host to your romantic anniversary trip. Our residence lies within the world-renowned Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort, and comes complete with an array of amenities from the celebrated spa to the exclusive Vintner Member Program.

2) Top Destination for Family Reunions: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Always dreamed of getting several generations of your family together under one roof?  Now’s the time, and Hilton Head Island is the place. Hilton Head Island is small in size, making it a 100% bike-able island, but mighty in family-friendly activities. Our residence is located just steps from the sands of the #1 Best Beach in the Continental U.S. as ranked by Travel + Leisure and boasts a resort-style private pool and Jacuzzi, gourmet chef’s kitchen with seating for the whole family and nearly 4,500 sq. ft. of living space.

3) Top Destination for a Milestone Birthday Celebration: Los Cabos, Mexico

Milestone birthdays only come around every decade or so—if you or a loved one have one approaching, don’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate. Los Cabos has something for everyone, from its world-class golf to its picturesque waters to its bustling nightlife. Our two expansive residences are both located within the Puerto Los Cabos neighborhood and offer a combined 11 bedrooms, making them the perfect homes to play host to your extended family and friends. With both homes featuring fabulous outdoor living areas including resort style pools, fire pits, panoramic ocean views and plenty of seating, they are begging to host your next celebration.

4) Top Destination for a Girls’ Getaway: Florence, Italy

There are many reasons Florence is consistently ranked as the #1 Best City in the World. With exquisite food and wine, scenic views, and world-class shopping, it’s the perfect destination for a girls’ getaway with close friends and family. Our residence is made up of two separate one-bedroom apartments featuring elegant finishes, modern amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in breathtaking views of the Arno River and the famed Ponte Vecchio. This jewel is located in the heart of Florence—you’ll be able to practically touch the Vasari Corridor—and our concierge team can arrange a fabulous trip filled with five-star dining experiences, artisan tours and jaunts to the Tuscan wine region.

5) Top Destination for a Guys’ Weekend: Park City, Utah

Park City is the rare mountain town with plenty to offer even if you have no interest in shredding through fresh powder—and the action isn’t limited to Sundance. Historic Main Street is still reminiscent of a silver mining town but is modernized with a plethora of restaurants, brew pubs and whiskey distilleries. Of course, this charming city also offers top ranked ski and snowboard facilities with more than 7,000 acres of terrain. Our five-bedroom Park City abode is mere steps from Main Street and the town lift. Take the lift to challenging ski trails during winter or to exhilarating mountain biking and hiking trails during summer. After a day full of activity, enjoy a sundowner on your private rooftop deck while taking in the stunning views with close friends.

In 2016, we introduced a new way for investors to enjoy Equity Estates in the exclusive company of fellow members. In addition to the many special travel experiences within our luxury portfolio, investors can travel the world and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime, custom-crafted itineraries. We released two expeditions in 2016, both of which sold out in a matter of weeks. Our first expedition, a private yacht tour of the untouched Galapagos Islands, took place in March 2016 and an African Safari followed that December. Most recently our group explored Florence, the world’s top rated city, and the stunning Tuscan countryside like never before. The experience from start to finish was expertly crafted and everyone was dazzled. No detail was missed, and extraordinary surprises were drizzled throughout the week. “The Five Senses Tuscany Expedition was a magical way to explore and enjoy the sights and sounds of the region. We were surprised and delighted each day with unique and highly curated experiences. No detail was overlooked- from the transportation to the way each meal was carefully executed and presented. Each day was filled with surprises that exceeded our expectations. We all enjoyed the camaraderie and had great fun sharing stories of our favorite EE properties and experiences. I can’t wait for the next expedition!”