A place in my heart: Banff, Canada

Abbi Ayers, editor

Where?
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Why?
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery you are ever likely to see. Majestic mountain peaks, mile high glaciers and the almost neon blue waters of Lake Louise offer picture postcard views at every turn. And if you tire of marvelling at Mother Nature, there is an impressive choice of recreational activities to keep you entertained, from hiking and bear-spotting trips to skiing, fishing and mountain biking.

Where would you stay?
Depending on your cash flow situation, you can take your pick from exclusive mountain retreats and luxury cabins to simple chalets and friendly B&Bs. If you’re on a budget and brave/foolish enough, pitch a tent or rent a trailer on one of the Park’s many wilderness campsites, where you’ll find the best bedside views available. Two nights in a trailer near Lake Louise was an unforgettable experience although the relative luxury of a local B&B in Banff town offered us a welcomed (and much warmer) retreat once we’d run out of wood for the campfire.

A Place in My Heart: Salta, Argentina

© Seema Salaam

Seema Salaam, editor

Where? Salta. Northern Argentina.

Why? This charming colonial city is a great place to visit because of its close proximity to some of Argentina’s finest vineyards and ancient Andean provinces (including the Inca trails). The minute I arrived in Salta I knew it was a special place. Surrounded by mountains and canyons Salta’s landscape is truly breathtaking. And as you drive along the chain of dirt roads amidst acres of farmland watching hardy gauchos herding their cattle – you’re suddenly transported back in time.

Where would you stay? There are many hotels and B&Bs in Salta but I would definitely recommend staying at an estancia instead. I stayed at the House of Jasmines, a charming estancia owned by actor Robert Duvall and set on 300 acres of lush farmland. The staff was friendly and the food was delicious; made with fresh ingredients from the garden.

Monument Valley, Utah

Hugo Burge, Vice-Chairman

Where? Agony. I can’t choose one place – that’s like the hardest homework ever! Hmm. I will narrow it down and proffer my favourite place in the USA so far (where I have been working on and off for CF for two years): Monument Valley, Utah.

Why? Get there, wake up at the crack of sparrow fart and you will see why. When the sun rises you will see one of the most spectacular and memorable views of your life. The characteristic fingers of red sandstone start as dark and sinister silhouettes that gradually turn to a warm glowing orange. I heartily recommend a drive around the Indian National Park Reservation at first light with the roof down. Ties in nicely with a West Coast trip taking in the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, The Hoover Dam and the legendary route 1 up and beyond San Fran. For me it was the highlight.

New York

© Kirit Patel

Kirit Patel, visual designer

Where? New York

Why? Why not? It’s probably the easiest place in the world to visit and, although it’s a bit of an obvious choice, I'm always excited by its variety of offerings. Everybody says it looks like it does in the movies, only bigger, and it’s true! I love taking photographs in and around the city. I have thousands in my collection. For me, everything has that NY stamp on it. I’ll never get bored of photographing those unique street signs. Having been there every year for the last four years I can't see the excitement lessening…
It's something about NY that gets me every time, the atmosphere, the dirt, the sound. Perhaps it's the cab horns hooting? Once you hear them you know you’re in the Big Apple and yes, they do sound like they do in the movies!

Where would you stay? Despite all the ultra cool hipsters in Greenwich Village and the madness of Midtown Manhattan, I would opt for fashionable Brooklyn Heights. I really like the architecture there of the residential apartments. The brownstone buildings remind you of all the cool films that they've featured in. There’s a sense of quietness around these parts which is a refreshing contrast to the city buzz.

Puerto Rico

David Soskin, CEO

Where? Puerto Rico

Why? It’s an extremely beautiful Caribbean island that’s relatively easy to get to and has an amazing history: Puerto Rico was one of the places that Christopher Columbus stopped in at on his exploration of the New World. Its capital, San Juan, is a Unesco world heritage site and is one of the best preserved old cities in the whole world. So it has an extraordinary combination of a fascinating history along with the traditional wonderful beaches you associate with the Caribbean.
It’s not terribly well known by British tourists as it’s slightly off the beaten-track of the normal British Caribbean haunts.

Where would you stay? My favourite hotel is El Convento, right in the heart of old San Juan. It’s a Seventeenth Century convent which has been converted into a hotel. That might sound very ascetic and limited in the facilities it offers, but that’s not the case. It’s very comfortable with beautiful rooms, nearly all of which have fantastic views over the harbour of San Juan. It also has a wonderful tapas bar, very nice staff and it’s within easy walking distance of the excellent shopping in San Juan.

San Francisco

Guy Ettore, Designer

Where? San Francisco

Why? Some of my favourite people in the world call San Francisco home and - try as I might - I have never been able to lure them away for long. So I take every opportunity to visit. It's a beautiful city: I love the fresh Pacific Ocean breeze, the insanely steep zig-zag streets, the rich variety of the colourful architecture, the sunny Californian weather and the lingering beatnik vibe. I can spend hours hiking through the surrounding redwood forests or just sitting idly by pier 14 looking out over the bay and listening to the seagulls. Also, Amoeba (on Haight St.) is one of the best second hand record shops I've ever rifled through...it's a socially inept music anorak's paradise.

Where would you stay? Hey, if the Haight-Ashbury district was good enough for the Grateful Dead, it's good enough for me. The Red Victorian is worth a look: it's an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek shrine to the Summer of Love, with 60s-themed rooms and fantastically friendly staff who will bend over backwards to accommodate you. You might feel a bit silly, but it's unlike any other B&B you'll ever stay at.