THE 10 BEST Durango Hiking Hotels

Nestled in the towering San Juans, Telluride offers visitors abundant trout fishing and hiking opportunities in summer, plus downhill and cross-country skiing in winter. One of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts, this former gold-rush town has been popular with skiers since the ’70s. Walk, catch free shuttles or soar to 9500 feet on the Mountain Village gondola. Appreciate the area’s history and beauty at Telluride Historical Museum and Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s longest free-falling falls.

Surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks and set at the narrow head of a deep valley, Ouray touts itself as the "Switzerland of America." With no nearby ski area to attract the tourism of other alpine Colorado towns, Ouray has kept much of its authentic turn-of-the-century charm. The whole town is registered as a Historic District and includes many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Its free Ice Park attracts amateur and pro ice climbers from around the world.

Anyplace can have an amazing pool and spa, but an amazing pool and spa in the middle of a gorgeous desert? That’s what you’ll find at Sedona’s resorts. If you do feel like taking a break from lounging poolside and sampling different kinds of massages, you'll find miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback tours. Afterward, of course, you'll need another massage. It's the good kind of vicious cycle.

Scottsdale has more spas per capita than any other city in the U.S.—so whether you’re looking for the latest medi-spa technology or a new-agey, bohemian vibe, there’s sure to be something for you. It's a good thing, too—after spending all day touring the beautiful desert, you'll be grateful for some pampering.

Nearly perfect year-round weather and several impeccably designed championship courses have made Phoenix one of the world's top golf destinations. But there's more to this mild-mannered metropolis than pristine greens and tee times. The greater Phoenix area also offers an array of impressive cultural attractions. Visit the internationally renowned Heard Museum for an in-depth look at Native American history or peruse the fine collection at the Phoenix Museum of Art. Enjoy a ballet performance at the ornate Orpheum Theater, or catch a Broadway show at the state-of-the-art Dodge. In addition to golf, the city offers numerous outdoor activities including rock climbing, hot-air ballooning, desert jeep tours and more. Family-friendly attractions, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment, and spectacular recreational activities make Phoenix a must-see destination.

Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for lots of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbours, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighbourhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the USA. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavour. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science centre. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horse riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.

Soaring mountains, jewel-coloured lakes and pristine wilderness await you in Canada’s first National Park. The irresistible beauty of the landscape invites travellers to immerse themselves in the outdoors all year round — whether hiking through untouched forests and paddling the turquoise lakes in summertime, or skiing the slopes and soaking in the steamy hot springs during the winter. Travellers also enjoy the warm hospitality of Banff or Lake Louise, the region’s charming mountain townships.

What happens when a "gassy" Englishman rows into town feeling thirsty? A pub is born. And from that a city—in this case Vancouver. Though the pubs are plentiful, food and drink aren’t the only things to take in during your trip. In its 150 years, Vancouver has grown into a cosmopolitan city nestled in the great outdoors. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, waterfront forests, cityside beaches, Olympic history and the world’s highest suspension bridge. Hipsters welcome. (Don’t worry, they don’t bite.)

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. And it's an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

This Gallic toehold in the Caribbean exudes a distinctly French air, enticingly spiced up by West Indian warmth. Local culture and cuisine combine both influences. The stylish isle is dominated by Mount Pelée, which destroyed the city of St Pierre in 1902. Black sand beaches and rainforests are found in the north, with yet more beautiful sands to the south. Sights include La Pagerie, birthplace of Napoleon's Empress Joséphine, and Diamond Rock, a 600-foot pinnacle that was once registered as a British warship.