One city in Italy has been dubbed the world’s new “Silicon Valley”.
Unlike San Francisco (actually Silicon Valley’s base), there’s no sign of sky-high rent rates and a spattering of crime waves pushing remote workers away – quite the opposite, actually.
While Rome, Venice, and the jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast will always be travelers’ go-to spots to immerse themselves in Italy’s renowned cultural delights, ranging from bucket-list wonders, phenomenal eats, and postcard beaches, one city in Sicily, which is somehow overlooked, is now proclaimed as the country’s latest digital nomad hotspot.
That’s right; the vibrant capital of Sicily, home to pizzas and piazzas, has become a haven for remote workers who’ve embraced the opportunity to reside in this laid-back, blue-water paradise.
More Americans Setting Up Shop In Palermo
It’s estimated Palermo, a city of nearly 700,000 people overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea, has already drawn in 1,000 new “residents,” with many Americans leading the charge.
Sicily is a name we all know, but you’d be surprised that most travelers favor the mainland’s aforementioned icons.
Digital nomads are discovering what others have been missing out on. First and foremost, Palermo (and all of Sicily, really) is splendid to visit any time of year for the views alone, but right now, heading into spring, the weather is hovering comfortably in the 60s and topping out in the high 80s in summer.
As you can see, as digital nomads begin to wrap up their winter sun needs, there’s no need to pack up and go in a hurry, especially with a welcoming community beginning to bloom with new co-working spaces popping up such as PMO Coworking, highlighted by Nomad Capitalist among the best in Europe.
Of All the Italian Cities To Make Your Base, Why Palermo?
Some of Europe’s most renowned cities can be the most costly, and Italy is no different.
Coming full circle, Palermo is a great spot for digital nomads not only because it’s embracing a new identity as a startup hub but also because you can experience Italy’s captivating culture, unmatched cuisine, and astounding scenery without breaking the bank – typically numero uno on digital nomads’ list of concerns.
Long-term stays on Airbnb can be found under $900 for a private apartment, and most are within walking distance to the beach and Palermo’s timeless city center.
Better yet, oftentimes local agencies are even cheaper than major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Known for epic seafood and cheap pizza, digital nomads’ savings on rent will likely go toward dining out since the food scene is impossible to pass over.
During downtime between work tasks, there are plenty of things to do and see. Obviously, Sicily’s breathtaking beaches are the top attraction.
According to TripAdvisor, these are Palermo’s top 3 beaches to visit:
Spiaggia di Mondello
Lido Valdesi
Lido Sferracavello
Inland from the coast, you’ll discover picturesque ornate piazzas home to inviting street markets, staggering cathedrals like the unmissable Palermo Cathedral, and numerous cafes to start your day or use as an office with a warm cappuccino in hand.
Overall, Palermo ranks 22nd globally as top digital nomad destination.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa
Sure, you could just stay in Palermo to escape the frigid cold of much of the world, but what’s the fun in that when you can stay all year?
Italy launched its official digital nomad visa last spring. Obviously, travelers had a lot of questions like “what took so long?!”.
For real though, like most visas, there’s an expansive list of requirements, which you can read all about here, but we’ll cover the basics.
Basic requirements:
Prove earned income of roughly $30,000 to ensure you’re exempt from healthcare costs
Purchase a comprehensive health insurance policy valid for your entire stay
No first-timers; must have worked remotely for 6 months prior to Italy arrival
No criminal record in the last 5 years
Digital nomad visas are valid for a full calendar year and have the possibility for an extension of up to 2 years.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
If you’re a U.S. citizen who has had it with the incendiary world of politics, regardless of where you stand, not to mention the high cost of living across most urban centers, you might be thinking whether now isn’t the time to contemplate a move to Europe, but where?
After all, moving abroad isn’t as simple as packing your bags, grabbing your passport, and heading to the next airport: staying long-term in Europe usually involves being required to apply for a visa, and if you’re a low to middle-income earner, we’re sorry to say, it won’t cut it for the financial threshold.
Still, not all hope is lost: there are a couple of options if you dream of moving to the Old Continent with lower levels of bureaucracy and financial strain.
More specifically, they are two hugely underrated countries that, despite being farther to the East than you might have envisioned, offer Americans a decent quality of life, the infusion of culture they may be missing, and even more safety than Paris, London, and the like.
The best part? You can stay for a whole year visa-free by virtue of being a U.S. passport holder only:
Albania
Have you ever been to Italy or Croatia, and the second you landed, the first intrusive thought that popped into your mind was… ‘should I move here?’
Well, you might encounter some hurdles trying to settle in those particular countries as a non-European with fewer qualifications and no job offer, but your future lounging by a Mediterranean beach, exploring picture-perfect coastal towns, and gorging on fresh seafood isn’t lost:
Located directly opposite Italy, in the Balkan Peninsula, and south of Croatia and north of Greece, it is an ancient land, one of Europe’s oldest nations, at that, hugged by the turquoise Med waters and boasting historical wealth like no other.
Albania is best represented internationally by its quirky little capital, Tirana, a sea of communist-era apartment blocks and bunkers-turned-museums that has its fair share of cozy cafes and laptop-friendly eateries––shout out to our fellow digital nomads out there!
If you’re heading straight for the coast, however, you’re probably thinking of the resort city of Vlora, home to a long, golden-sand beach and a pastel-colored Old Town, or maybe the laid-back village of Ksamil, at the heart of the Albanian Riviera, and a feature on Travel Off Path’s Top Lesser Known Destinations for last year.
Albania is not as developed as other European states, lying both outside the European Union and the Schengen Area and suffering from concentration of capital at an elite level, though it is part of NATO and strongly Western-aligned:
Walking the streets of Tirana, you won’t find hints of Western Europe’s ongoing illegal immigration issue, nor will you feel as if you must walk with keys between your knuckles as a woman, especially in the Downtown area.
Along the coasts, settlements are largely peaceful and crime-free, and despite Albania’s struggle with the formation of smuggling gangs and circulation of illicit drugs, tourists aren’t targets for criminals, and levels of violence are extremely low.
Additionally, you can live in Albania for much cheaper than the average European country: in Tirana, going out for a meal at a local restaurant will set you back by a round $10, as per Numbeo data, and we’re talking a sumptuous presentation, with a meat-heavy soup for starter and a main.
As for renting, a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs $607 per month, approximately 58% less than in New York, considerably less than the average rent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, found to be the cheapest city to live Stateside.
In case you’re wondering, that would run you up roughly $1,233 per month on rent alone.
I guess it’s the perfect time to reveal that, as an American citizen, you’re eligible to stay in Albania a whole entire year without visas! You read that right:
One of Europe’s cheapest, most fascinating Mediterranean countries is essentially beckoning you to make the Transatlantic voyage and settle for a while, and if you end up falling in love with Albania and you do decide on extending your stay––why not? It’s the perfect base for exploring Europe––you can try and call up the immigration service to see about a residence permit application.
It’s not like they’d be opposed to the idea of Americans moving there permanently, anyway.
Georgia
The second one is a tad controversial, as many do not consider Georgia a European country, but allow us to explain:
It is located east of Turkey, directly south of Russia, and very close to the Middle East, which would in theory place it in Western Asia, but before you fret and close this page already, hear us out:
Georgia is considered European by its staunchly Orthodox populace and post-Soviet culture, and unless you run a DNA test on Georgians, you’d have a hard time telling them apart from most Eastern European populations.
Before we delve into some of the reasons why you should consider Georgia for relocation, however, let us address the elephant in the room: yes, it is within firing distance of some of the unfriendliest countries right now, and no, it’s not protected by NATO.
That being said, Georgians are in their vast majority strongly anti-Russian and oriental influences, so much so massive protests have erupted in the capital, Tbilisi, in recent months to denounce Russian interference in local elections, and their main goal is to one day join the European Union.
As a matter of fact, the country has already taken one step further towards that goal, as the EU has granted them official candidate status, regardless of the geographical isolation.
On the Russia issue, their Slavic neighbors tend to mess with the world of Georgian politics more than they tend to launch full-scale invasions affecting regular people––in reality, Georgia is a surprisingly safe destination with low crime and low terrorism.
Political upheavals are a whole ‘nother ball game, but it’s not like they affect the future of foreigners who aren’t citizens, anyway.
As for Tbilisi, the vibrant, largest city and administrative center, it is an architecturally eclectic hub where you’re as likely to stumble upon Persian and Ottoman-inspired monuments as you are Orthodox churches and European-style medieval fortifications.
The Old Town is particularly scenic, with a row of brightly-painted facades and protruding balconies lining narrow, cobbled lanes, and as it’s the standard rule in Europe, a hilltop fort––Narikala––dominates the cityscape.
For digital nomads out there, Tbilisi is a well-known name in the community, thanks to its plethora of incredible cafes––think a well-frequented Fabrika or the gorgeous brunch spot that is Coffee Lab in Kazbegi Avenue––and affordable prices.
Now, we must note that since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the flocking of Russians and Ukrainians alike into Tbilisi, those once-dirt-cheap room rates have soared compared to what they once were.
On the bright side, by American and Western European standards, Tbilisi remains inexpensive.
A single-dish meal in the Old Town will cost an average $10.49, while a three-course meal for two is an acceptable $41.96––when it comes to rent, you’re looking at a minimum $685 for a modest Downtown rental, or $1,365 for a three-bedroom apartment in the same area.
There are other cities to consider in Georgia, such as Batumi, on the Black Sea Coast––black in all but name––an equally fascinating cultural center distinguished by its innovative skyscrapers, pebbly beach straddling azure seas, and stately squares.
Or maybe you’re looking to beat the crowds and truly cut down costs: in that case, the inland Kutaisi, where Georgia’s low-cost flights operated by WizzAir arrive, is the ideal option (just don’t expect the same exciting nightlife and established international community as in the other two).
In your free time, you can explore all of Georgia’s natural and manmade wonders, including deep gorges filled with turquoise waters and densely forested areas, fairytale castles and monasteries perched atop snow-capped peaks, and peaceful spa towns nestled up in the mountains.
Ready for it?
Similarly to Albania, you can stay in Georgia for a year as an American citizen: while you may find the journey there troublesome, as it is of course far, far East, there’s nothing a layover in Amsterdam or Paris can’t solve, and there is no need to apply for a visa in advance.
You can enter as a regular tourist, and you’ll be issued a 365-day stamp.
There is more: if you choose to stay longer, all it takes is doing a border run, either to the neighboring countries of Turkey or Armenia––we wouldn’t be going to Russia at the minute, mind you––or flying to ‘mainland’ Europe and back, and there you go, another 365 days.
Naturally, this is at the discretion of border officers––between us, they’re very receptive to Americans, unlike Russians, so it’s not like you’ll face major problems renewing your tourist stamp through this loophole.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
You’re probably thinking winters in Europe are all about cobbled towns enveloped in mist, cozy Christmas Markets, and snow-clad landscapes, and while that’s certainly true for Prague, Edinburgh, and the like, this hidden island doesn’t seem to have got the memo.
As a matter of fact, it seems like it’s forever stuck on spring, with highs of 68°F and lows of only 66°F in winter, plenty of sunshine hours, and very, very limited rainfall––as for snow, it’s an unheard-of phenomenon.
If you’re craving some of that Old World culture, but you’re also craving that vitamin D boost, El Hierro in Spain is the answer to your prayers:
A Forgotten Gem Of The Atlantic
The second-smallest and most westerly of Spain’s Canaries, an archipelago lying off the coast of Africa, El Hierro is a laid-back island sized 103.67 square miles that makes up for its relatively small landmass with a thriving nature.
It is definitely not the side of Europe you may be expecting, with the medieval castles and storybook towns, with unique geological formations, ancient forests, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes taking center stage.
Charco Azul, a natural pool formed by a lava flow and filled with unusually clear, turquoise waters, is one of El Hierro’s most famous landmarks: it’s a popular spot for swimming, and there are no entry fees, though the nearby cafe will charge €2 for the toilet.
A symbol of El Hierro, El Golfo is a valley resulting from a powerful eruption thousands of years ago and shaped like an amphitheater––even when nature is the prevailing force, you just can’t escape Europe’s omnipresent culture.
The moderately challenging uphill trek to Mirador de la Peña is a must-do, not only for the breathtaking views that await at the very top but also for the stone-built Restaurante Mirador de La Peña, serving traditional Canarian food in a scenic setting.
Other natural wonders include El Sabinar, a row of twisting and bending juniper trees that have somehow survived the harsh environment, Charco Manso, yet another natural pool, shielded by basalt rock and distinguished by its picture-perfect arch, and Laurisilva:
Similarly to the other Canary Islands, El Hierro is mostly arid in nature, but at its very center, the moss-covered laurel maze is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering refuge to Canarian wildlife and crisscrossed by hiking trails.
As for beaches, El Hierro doesn’t have the expansive sea dunes both Tenerife and Gran Canaria are famous for––the coastline is remarkably rugged––except for Arenas Blancas, a white-sand beach hugged by a teal Atlantic, a rather unusual sight on a volcanic island.
Experience Canarian Culture In Valverde
Valverde is the capital and cultural center of El Hierro, located on the island’s northeastern part: it is distinct for being the smallest capital of a Canary Island, as well as the only one not straddling the ocean (instead, it’s surrounded by a verdant countryside).
It is the best-equipped municipality on El Hierro, as well as where most of the restaurants and manmade landmarks are located: for great seafood at affordable prices, Yesimar is the place, and don’t miss a Baroque Purísima Concepción Parish Church.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, El Hierro was inhabited by the Bimbaches, Berber peoples from North Africa, and in El Julan, you can still see their ancient petroglyphs carved on rocks, with guided tours being your best bet at deciphering them.
The most fascinating attraction on the island, however, is Punta de Orchilla, the westernmost point in non-contiguous Spain… and the exact spot where Christopher Columbus set sail to discover the New World.
Affordable Accommodation
Despite the island’s compact size and small population, with only about 11,000 Spaniards calling it home, it doesn’t suffer from lacking tourism infrastructure: there are exactly 47 accommodation providers listed on the island, from guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Located near Isora, Casa Carlos is a typical El Hierro rural homestay, with two-bedroom houses costing as little as $95 a night; in Mocanal, Casa Rural Aguarijo is a three-bedroom property where overnights will set you back by only $88.
In Valverde, there are good-value-for-money options in Hotel Boomerang ($74) and a one-bedroom apartment unit in V.V Juana ($48), or if you’re here for the coastal views and luxurious amenities, the Parador de El Hierro costs $213 to book per night.
The only flights to Valverde-El Hierro (VDE) are operated from Gran Canaria and Tenerife-North, so in order to reach this Atlantic Eden, you’ll first need to get yourself to one of the major resort islands of the Canaries archipelago.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Los Cristianos, in Tenerife, to El Hierro: there are departures 6 days a week, and the company operating on this route is Naviera Armas, with a crossing time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
If you’re tired of fighting your way to swim-up bars in Cancun and Los Cabos, there’s another resort-laden paradise with numerous direct flights from the U.S. waiting to be discovered.
While many Canadians take advantage of flocking here to escape the blistering cold, Americans are still behind the curve, seeming to give too much credence to travel advisories in favor of the usual safe havens, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
Make no mistake, these are Americans’ favorite go-to’s for a reason, but even Cancun, as popular as it may be, has seen random violent crime sprees in touristy areas.
I just got back home from Ixtapa, a sunkissed resort town in the state of Guerrero boasting year-round 90-degree days surrounded by staggering green mountains and swaying palm trees over crystal clear waters and spotless beaches.
Believe it or not, I’m laying my travel reputation on the line as a former Cabo Sun journalist to tell you it’s prettier than Los Cabos and so much less of a burden on your wallet.
Despite Level 4: Do Not Travel designation from the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is Guerrero’s lone bright spot that couldn’t feel any safer, more luxurious or authentic, especially when it comes to the region’s sinfully delicious coastal cuisine.
Zihuatanejo May Be Trendy, But Don’t Sleep On Ixtapa
“Zihua”, as locals say, has become a trendy destination on many travel lists over the past year or so, largely in part due to the lavish Thompson Hotel opening doors.
But, sometimes vacationers make the mistake of getting too comfortable sticking to the resort grounds without stepping foot in the city, and the temptation is understanding with such posh amenities being thrown at you left and right.
Even if you stay in Zihua, the up-and-coming smaller sister city of Ixtapa is worth venturing over for the beaches alone, and well-equipped for a surge in travelers with such high-end resorts such as:
Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico
Barcelo Ixtapa
Ixtapa is only a 20-minute cab ride from the airport (ZIH), and no, there’s no Uber here, but don’t worry about scammy taxi drivers, as rates are clearly published beforehand.
Once you arrive, you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, including a certified Blue Flag beach that is literally flawless. There wasn’t a speck of trash in sight walking up and down Playa El Palmar.
While rare, the only concern to keep a watchful eye on are crocodiles and occasional strong currents represented by the color of the flag posted each day.
The small town center is very walkable through the resort area, including a Senor Frogs Cantina. Every resort town has to have one, right?
My Stay At Barcelo Ixtapa
I stayed at 5-star Barcelo Ixtapa, “splurging” on the all-inclusive package for just $170 per night total for 2 people.
Try that in Cabo….
Of the resorts lined along the aforementioned Playa El Palmar, Barcelo seemed to be the most luxurious and undoubtedly offered the best pools, especially the middle pool of the resort’s trio overlooking the Pacific and security guards blocking off pestering vendors.
Shamelessly in “Vacation Mode” for 4 days, I lost count of the Pina Coladas and Cuba Libres I indulged in at both swim-up bars, but my recommendation is to pick your poison rather than house-brand, watered-down slushies.
If you can swing it, booking a corner ‘Oceanview’ room is the way to go, in my opinion, but the mountain views on the opposite side are equally stunning to wake up to.
Treating yourself to ‘Premium’ upgrades isn’t worth it as the buffets are well stocked with a variety of cuisine ranging from an omelet station at breakfast to a seafood lover’s dream on Saturdays with a sprawling feast of grilled lobster tails, spicy octopus, and shrimp paella.
If you book the standard all-inclusive package, just know you’re limited to a single specialty restaurant every 3 days, but multiple buffets and the Caracol Snack Bar more than make up for it.
$5 Well Spent: Take A Day Trip To Isla Ixtapa
The beauty of all-inclusives is you only have to worry about tipping, but if you’ve got an extra Abe Lincoln to spare, then you have to check out Isla Ixtapa via water taxi for only $5 round-trip.
You can book a tour here, but it’s easy to reach on your own and more fun to explore without the language barrier.
To get here, take a cab to Playa Linda and walk by the Crocodile Lagoon, through the souvenir shops to the Embarcadero.
Here is where you’ll buy tickets and board the water taxi. The ride itself is a sight to behold, but I recommend getting off at Playa Verdero instead of Playa Coral as it’s more of a hideaway from fisherman bringing in your soon-to-be sold “catch of the day”.
Choosing a place to eat lunch will be your only headache here, but I suggest El Indio. Ask for Carlos, who was kind enough to provide free sunscreen after my boneheaded mistake of leaving it in my room.
You’ll have a ton of options, but the servers suggest the Mahi Mahi and Ceviche. I had the latter, and it exceeded the hype, along with ice-cold cervezas and a Pina Colada served inside a pineapple.
Snorkeling equipment is only $10 to rent and well worth swimming in the calm waters.
It truly felt like we were inside an aquarium with how many vibrant species of fish we saw.
Ixtapa’s Top Hidden Gem: Ruins Yet To Be Undiscovered
As destinations such as Tulum have sky-rocketed in popularity, a key factor in their newfound fame has been how cool it is to deep-dive into former worlds, unlike anything we experience in today’s screen-addicted society.
While Ixtapa doesn’t offer staggering ruins to the levels of like Teotihicuan or Chichen Itza, just 40 minutes away is Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La chole”), a smaller site accessible by guided tours for a surcharge or free to enter on your own.
Dating back 3000 years, the well-preserved ruins of Xihuacan are still being unearthed to this day.
You’ll find a museum of artifacts used by various cultures over time amongst clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.
TripAdvisor ranks the Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour as the top guide for exploring this hidden world of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s past.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Montana-based Yellowstone hijacked our TV screens for 5 seasons, hoisting this underrated state of natural wonders to center stage for unbounded wildlife spotting, otherworldly hikes, cozy cabin stays, and down-home charm in trendy cities like Bozeman.
But there’s one Montana mountain town exuding pure opulence for the ultimate winter wonderland vacation.
Adventure meets luxury in Big Sky – a scenic resort town curated for visitors to unwind in rustic lodges and lavish resorts or let loose on the slopes.
2025 will be a big year for this under-hyped hideaway, nestled high in the snow-dusted Gallatin National Forest.
A luxe new resort, the first of its kind, is set to open doors in 2025, complementing an already wide selection of high-end stays ranging from homey cabins with fireplaces to posh villas with sweeping mountain views.
Big Sky: Montana’s Luxurious Winter Wonderland
If you’re looking for a quaint mountain paradise away from big city hustle and bustle, Big Sky is your type of place.
Located just an hour from Bozeman’s airport (BZN), a magical wintry escape awaits with easy connections ranging from budget airlines like Allegiant to traveler favorites Southwest, Delta, and all the major names.
Upon arriving, you’ll discover an elevated village oozing quintessential winter vibes dotted with inviting cabins to cozy up by the fire or ample resorts to enjoy extra perks like heated pools, world-class spas, and private balconies for majestic views.
While skiing and snowboarding, among other adventure sports, aren’t for everyone, Big Sky is an incredible destination to partake in a variety of mountain thrills, including dog sledding and winter fly fishing for a unique spin on typical winter fun.
Unless you’re a digital nomad who struck it rich, Big Sky suits all types of travelers and makes for a great family vacation for those who embrace the ‘highs of 31′ degree days rather than seeking out sun-kissed shores.
Big Sky’s Newest Resort: A First Of Its Kind In The U.S.
According to The Independent, summer 2025 will be groundbreaking in more ways than one for a luxury brand Americans may not be familiar with, given it’s their first foray on U.S. soil.
With a fitting brand for the situation, One&Only opens their one and only resort in the U.S. If you’re unfamiliar, you can find other lavish resorts in vacation icons like The Maldives, Los Cabos, and Dubai, among other bucket-list getaways.
One&Only Moonlight Basin’s website is up and running for a sneak peak of what’s come next summer.
One of the major highlights fitting for Montana’s exclusivity is 19 chic cabins and 62 private homes on site, which will surely cost a pretty penny.
Gather your friends to pitch in for the trip of a lifetime as there are 5+ bedrooms in each of the posh private homes.
There may be at least 5 months left before commencing a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but you can preview the resort grounds by viewing their descriptive map, which features a world-class spa, ski lodge, gondola, and soon-to-be-named ‘specialty restaurant’.
Come summertime, there will be a variety of adventurous activities in the region’s lush nature, such as hiking, archery, or fishing and canoeing Ulery’s Lake, plus access to The Reserve, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course claiming to be his ‘most beautiful course’ yet.
From Lodges To Resorts: Big Sky’s Top-Rated Stays
Since you have half a year before you can check out One&Only’s latest venture, you can still opt for other incredible stays if you’re not into playing the waiting game.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 luxury hotels in Big Sky: (based on traveler ranking)
Lone Mountain Ranch
The Summit At Big Sky
Montage Big Sky
Collective Yellowstone (high-end “glamping”)
Aspects Big Sky
If you’re more of a cozy cabin, s’more-roasting type like myself, don’t fret; Big Sky has you covered.
While TripAdvisor doesn’t share recommendations for rustic lodges or wooded cabins, I did my own research for you (and maybe myself one day).
There are many listings fitting the bill on Vrbo and Airbnb, but I’d pick Cowboy Heaven Cabins. What’s more Montana than that?
These homey log cabins are ‘ski-in ski-out’ with private hot tubs and comfortably house up to 6 people.
Just know there’s really no such thing as “budget stays” within Big Sky, but the pristine resort town holds rave reviews claiming it’s well worth a splurge.
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
