A Sense of Place – Four Destinations with Unique Character & Culture

There are some destinations which we’re happy to have visited, and others where - even before we leave - we want to make plans to go back. The latter are special, and often are marked by a strong character of a region, physical and unique beauty, and feelings of attachment and belonging that we quickly develop while we visit.

For us, a sense of place is characterized by authentic, local experiences; strong narratives and legends associated with the destination; and place-based design which incorporates local styles and materials into the architecture and physical sites. All of these add up to a feeling of experiencing a destination - rather than just visiting it.

Where You Stay Matters

The right hotel can let you access - and fall in love with - your destination in surprising and authentic ways. Whether its in-room kiva fireplaces at Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe, traditional gaucho uniforms worn by the staff at Explora Torres del Paine, access to vineyards directly outside your room at Château de Fonscolombe in Provence, or a cold lemonade on the longest porch in the world at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island - the right touches can shape a unique experience and help form lasting memories.

Key Travel Advisors works with leading hotel groups and independent hotels which are deeply rooted in their environment and locale, and with tour and activity providers who are expert guides and ambassadors for their regions. We are here to help you select the right destination and hotel, build authentic experiences into your vacation, and unlock the sense of place in your destination.

Below are four of our favorite destinations with a strong sense of place, and four hotels which embrace and share their locales. Our bookings at these hotels come with complimentary benefits such as room upgrades, hotel credits, breakfast for two, and more. Reach out to us at hello@keytraveladvisors.com or here to talk about destinations you’d like to visit – and return to again and again.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

In Santa Fe, history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine. Deeply influenced by its Native American heritage, the city is home to centuries-old pueblos, thriving Indigenous art markets, and sacred sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s spiritual and artistic traditions. The downtown Plaza and Canyon Road are full of galleries showcasing Southwestern, Native American, and contemporary art, while local boutiques and markets feature handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and pottery. Santa Fe’s culinary scene is equally compelling, with restaurants serving up red and green chile dishes that celebrate the flavors of the Southwest. Beyond the city’s adobe-lined streets, the surrounding high desert and Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from hiking and under-the-radar skiing to exploring the otherworldly landscapes of Bandelier National Monument.

Where to stay: Bishop’s Lodge was recently named the #1 resort in the Mountain West by Condé Nast Traveler. The hotel - set on 317 acres and nestled into the side of a hill - is composed of a dozen or so adobe buildings, each with comfortable and well-appointed rooms with local touches including kiva fireplaces, deer antlers, and cow-skin rugs. At night faralitos, or traditional paper lanterns, line the buildings and the property’s walking paths. The hotel’s spa focuses on traditional treatments, as well as ancient rituals such as Shamanic Healing. At the center of the property, the hotel’s restaurant serves sophisticated Southwestern dishes such as tortilla soup, roasted cauliflower in mole sauce, and variations on the Three Sisters - squash, beans, and corn, which are central crops in the Native American tradition.

Provence, France

Provence, France, is the kind of place that feels like a dream—where the air is scented with lavender, medieval villages perch on hilltops, and every meal is a celebration of local flavors. The region’s famous lavender fields create a stunning purple landscape in the summer, perfect for slow drives and leisurely strolls. Scattered among the rolling hills are charming villages like Gordes and Roussillon, where stone houses, winding streets, and centuries-old castles make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. And then there’s the food—fresh-baked bread, local cheeses, olives, and traditional dishes like bouillabaisse and ratatouille, all best enjoyed with a glass of crisp rosé. Whether you’re exploring castle ruins, browsing a lively market, or just soaking up the laid-back pace of life, Provence isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience.

Where to stay: Tucked away in the heart of Provence, Château de Fonscolombe is an 18th-century castle that’s been transformed into a five-star hotel, without losing any of its old-world charm. Once home to nobility, it still has that regal feel, with grand salons, painted ceilings, and gorgeous gardens perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll. The best part? The Château has its own vineyards and makes its own wine, so you can sip a glass of locally made rosé after a day of exploring the region. The property is family-friendly, with a pool, game room, and two resident donkeys which are a big hit with kids!

Mackinaw Island, Michigan

Stepping off the ferry on Mackinac Island is a bit like stepping back in time. With no cars allowed on the island, visitors explore its charming streets by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. The island’s Victorian-era architecture, particularly the grand, white-columned Grand Hotel, evokes a bygone elegance, while its historic forts offer glimpses into the region’s storied past. Local boutiques along Main Street sell copious amounts of ice cream and handcrafted fudge—a beloved island tradition—alongside art and souvenirs that reflect the island’s Great Lakes identity. The surrounding natural beauty is equally enchanting, with limestone bluffs, forested trails, and panoramic lake views. Whether hiking through Mackinac Island State Park, paddling along the shoreline, or simply watching the sun set over the Straits of Mackinac, visitors don’t just see the island—they experience its timeless magic.

Where to stay: Overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, the Grand Hotel is the crown jewel of Mackinac Island, a place where history, elegance, and a distinct sense of place come together in grand fashion. Opened in 1887, this iconic retreat transports guests to a bygone era with its world-famous 660-foot porch, where rocking chairs invite leisurely afternoons with a lemonade or a bottle of Bell’s Big Porch Ale. Inside, the hotel’s richly decorated interiors, from the opulent parlor to individually designed guest rooms, reflect a vibrant, curated aesthetic that blends classic and contemporary charm. Time-honored traditions, such as afternoon tea in the lobby and evening dances in the grand ballroom, reinforce the hotel’s timeless allure. With no cars on the island, guests arrive as they did over a century ago—by ferry and horse-drawn carriage—enhancing the immersive experience of stepping into a different era.

Torres del Paine, Chile

To get to Torres del Paine National Park, you must follow the Ruta del Fin del Mundo, the main highway from the southern capital of Punta Arenas, passing by Patagonia’s ridges and plains. As you approach the park it truly seems - as the name of the road promises - that you’ve arrived at the end of the world. The park is well-known for its spectacular views, formidable mountains, large glaciers, and impossibly aquamarine lakes. Whether you’re trekking the famous W Circuit, spotting guanacos and condors, or taking in the sheer scale of the Grey Glacier, every moment in Torres del Paine feels wild and untamed. Despite its remote location, the park offers a range of experiences, from rugged backcountry camping to cozy lodges with stunning views. Whether you're chasing adventure or just soaking in nature’s raw beauty, Torres del Paine is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

Where to stay: Explora Torres del Paine, the only hotel within the park, is a launching point into Torres del Paine and Patagonian culture. The all-inclusive 50-room lodge, constructed of local wood and other natural materials, is set along Lake Pehoe and features stunning views of the lake and the Cordillera del Paine mountain range. Each day, guests may choose from a variety of hikes and activities - such as a catamaran ride to the Grey Glacier, guided horseback-riding, a Quincho - a traditional gaucho (or cowboy) barbecue, or a soak in a hot tub with a cocktail. (We encourage guests to make their way through the various versions of Explora’s pisco sour - mango, strawberry, ginger, calafate, and cucumber!) In such an intimate setting, the hotel staff quickly learn guests preferences - how they take their morning coffee, the rigor of the hikes they seek, and which of the four outdoor jacuzzis they favor.

Key Takeaways

Travel becomes truly unforgettable when a destination has a strong sense of place, and you feel the uniqueness of your destination. And where you stay can greatly enhance your vacation. We are here to help you choose a destination and create rich, authentic travel experiences. Reach out to us at hello@keytraveladvisors.com or here to start talking about where you’ll travel to next.