Despite the growing trend for upscale adventure vacations, many are skeptical. Can you have an authentic adventure experience while staying in a 5-star hotel? Don’t you feel bad spending so much for a fancy hotel when the country’s residents have so little?  Why would you spend that for an eco-tour when you can do it for way less?

While this is certainly a subjective topic, here is my take on the debate.  It is entirely possible, and even probable, to love exciting adventure and the finer things in life at the same time. Among my top activities to purse are an East African Safari, a Galapagos eco-vacation, a walking vacation through Tuscany or France, a biking vacation through any number of beautiful countrysides. However, I always joke that I “camp” at 3-star hotels. I can’t help it, and it’s nothing against those more hearty than I who enjoy roughing it I (or against three star hotels). I just like to come back to my creature comforts. Sure, I might not have the same experience as those who chose to camp out in the wilderness, but it doesn’t mean it’s not authentic or worthwhile. It’s simply different. Have you ever stayed in a 5-star tent resort in the desert? Those who choose the budget option don’t have this one-of-a-kind experience, just as those who go luxury might not have other experiences.

The next issue might be the biggest concern I hear regarding luxury travel – spending money in suffering countries.  This I can speak to first hand. I traveled to Zimbabwe a year and a half ago. This country is in such a bad state they can’t even accept their own currency – they use that of surrounding countries as well as U.S. Dollars and Euros. Our tour guides there told us it was perfectly fine if we paid them in old clothes or shoes (we would have brought some to donate if we’d known, though not to pay with). Our guides also said that they were incredibly excited to have us there because when tourism season gets quiet, they are out of jobs and don’t know how they’ll buy food for the next few months. The more money we spent there, the greater chance these people could feed their families through the down season. People often think that the tourism dollars don’t reach the local people struggling. These guides demonstrated  explained quite the opposite – that they didn’t know how they’d survive without tourists coming to Zimbabwe. While this might not be the case in every country, it certainly was here. So the answer is, no I don’t feel guilty one bit. I feel proud that I helped my tour guide feed his family for an extra week.

Finally, why do I spend money to do a more pricey adventure trip when I could save so much and do it on a budget. I think I’ve answered this in the above paragraphs. I like the experience of a luxury trip, and I also love adventure. I don’t need people fanning me and feeding me grapes, but a nice fluffy mattress and large bathroom are right up my alley. These are part of what makes me feel like I’m on vacation. If it helps the local economy, all the better! It’s truly that simple.

I certainly don’t think luxury adventure vacations are for everyone. First of all, everyone can’t afford them (I can’t always either, but I often travel with others and we can split costs). Secondly, if you feel more connected to your adventure by doing it on a budget, than that’s how you should do it. I don’t think there are too many arguments against people wanting to do budget adventure travel, but there are against luxury travel and I simply wanted to examine the less popular sides.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer one over the other? Why? Would love to hear from you, as always!

Can you briefly describe La Dolce Vita Retreats?

In a nutshell, La Dolce Vita Retreats offers women international vacations that combine experiential learning and creative self-expression to enhance one’s mind, body and spirit. These journeys of enrichment take place in exquisite European locales, featuring 5 star hotels, in exclusive, secluded tranquil France, Italy and Spain. Included are gourmet meals, exercise/yoga/pilates classes or hiking activities depending on location; unique sporting and/or spa packages depending on location; art, cooking, nutrition and botany classes depending on location; wine tasting, shopping, museum excursions, and much more.

How did you first come up with the idea for these retreats and why did you choose the specific market of higher end women’s only retreats?

I began developing the idea about 9 years ago when I went on a women’s retreat with Shape Magazine. I basically created what I envisioned to be the perfect retreat that I would want to experience – in a beautiful place, where I could learn new things or re-discover old joys, where someone would take care of me, do all of the planning…make me feel like a princess for a week.

What are some typical activities that travelers partake in on these journeys?

Art classes, cooking classes, perfume class, sailing, wine tasting, museum tours, hiking, yoga, pilates, journaling class, musical concerts, spa treatments

What was your favorite (or one of your favorite) retreats and why?

Portofino because of its incredible beauty, great hiking, sailing activities and the watercolor Creativity Workshop.

In some of our conversations, you’ve mentioned some exciting plans for future retreats. Can you give us a sneak peak?

Mallorca, Spain.

Can travelers add pre and post tours to your trips if they want to further explore the area?

Absolutely. I partner with Chimera Travel for pre-and post tours and airline reservations.

How can interested travelers learn more about your retreats and sign up?

Visit our website at  and/or contact Maya Northen at Chimera Travel. All retreats and corresponding details are listed on our website. Registration forms and Terms & Conditions can be downloaded from the website completed and returned with payment by mail.