About Marybeth, National Geographic Author, Writer

Curious Explorer. Award-winning author.

Gutsy Traveler: A woman, like travel expert Marybeth Bond, stands among purple flowers, raising her arms and smiling in front of a wooden building in bright sunlight.
Polar bear tracking and snorkeling with beluga whales in the northern Canadian Arctic.

Marybeth knows travel. She has hiked, biked, dived, danced and trekked across all seven continents – from the depths of the Flores Sea near Komodo Island to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

More recently, she tracked polar bears and snorkeled with beluga whales in the Canadian Arctic, then kayaked among icebergs in Antarctica.

Somewhere in between, four years of studying in Paris earned her two degrees – and a taste for good wine and strong cheeses.

Twelve books (three with National Geographic), countless travel articles, and numerous TV and radio appearances have built her devoted fanbase. She won the esteemed Lowell Thomas, Gold Award for the Best Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.

Woman on cliff in front of a monastery in Bhutan
Yesterday’s Video below. A decade or more later. Is Marybeth still GUTSY? Here in Bhutan.
Marybeth in Antarctica with penguins, snowy mountains, and water—just the kind of moment travel expert Marybeth Bond would capture in a travel video.
Kayaking and camping near penguins in Antarctica.

Yesterday….

Napa Valley, with its iconic vineyards and serene vistas, is not only a destination for oenophiles but also a sanctuary for those seeking luxury spa retreats. This article explores premier destinations within the valley that blend indulgence with the unique viticultural charm of the region.

The first stop is the VinoSpa, nestled on the edges of a private vineyard. Here, treatments are infused with the essence of the vine: a massage using grape-seed oil that is rich in antioxidants, or a body scrub made from crushed Cabernet sauvignon skins. The spa’s outdoor pools and relaxation lounges offer views of sprawling vineyards, making it easy to slip from the stresses of everyday life into peaceful tranquility.

Not far from the bustling market town of St. Helena, the RiverStone Spa offers a contrasting experience with its focus on thermal therapies. Drawing on the region’s natural hot springs, RiverStone provides a range of hydrotherapy treatments in mineral-rich waters, complemented by mud baths sourced from local clay. The spa is designed with natural materials, blending seamlessly into its landscape, which encourages a connection with nature.

Finally, the Summit Retreat stands atop a hill with breathtaking views across the valley. This spa is renowned for its holistic approach to wellness, combining physical health with mental and spiritual well-being. Guests can engage in guided meditation sessions held in the vineyard at dawn, followed by tailored treatments that might include aromatherapy using local lavender or a rejuvenating red wine soak.

Each of these spas not only offers a luxurious escape but also encapsulates the essence of Napa Valley, providing a retreat that nourishes both body and soul in settings of unparalleled natural beauty.

here

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Marybeth Bond