Perhaps the serenity of the adults-only resort overlooking Grand Teton National Park and Snake Valley is to thank. It was the quietest hotel I'd ever been to.

I thought it epitomized cozy mountain luxury.

"The overall design style can be best described as a harmonious blend of tranquility, serenity, and modern sophistication," the representative said of the rooms.

Each accommodation is 600 square feet, sleeps two, and has a private balcony.

Depending on the view, starting rates range between $900 and $1,600 a night. Some rooms offer views of the mountains, while others are positioned toward the valley. Some showcase the pond on the property, and others combine multiple scenes.

I booked a room with views of the Teton Range. BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the back wall and a portion of the left wall.

"The color palette for the walls, furniture, and bathroom was thoughtfully chosen to highlight the surrounding landscape and the unparalleled views of the Teton Mountain range," the hotel representative said.

When I took off my shoes, I felt the soft give of the cushy carpet beneath me.

My room had all the basic amenities you'd expect at a high-end hotel, from an espresso machine to a mini-fridge. A TV hung above a fireplace across from the bed.

I spotted nods to the environment, too. The representative said the floor lamp that resembled antlers came from AntlerWorx, and the furry accent chairs were made from pure New Zealand sheepskin.

"Both pieces showcase natural materials and textures with the Moose Antler lamp serving as a tribute to local wildlife — particularly the seasonal resident moose who frequents the property," they added.

The balcony was my favorite part of the accommodation. The spacious upper deck had two cushioned lounge chairs and a side table.

The view of the valley dotted with herds beneath the Teton range was one of the most epic I'd ever seen.

Unlike most hotel balconies I've experienced, the space was quiet. Not even cars on the highway were audible from the resort. And I didn't hear one voice the entire time I was out there.

I'm not typically one for baths, but the Calacatta marble bathroom was spa-like. While warm water filled the large, free-standing tub, I turned on the floor and towel heaters to ensure top-tier comfort upon exiting the bath.

The bathroom was behind the bed with a sliding door in front of the tub, so I could view the Tetons while bathing.

"The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," the representative said.

I always look forward to hotel robes, and this one was more comfortable than most. It was made of thick fabric that felt like soft terry cloth.

Once I dried off, I jumped onto the cloud-like king-sized bed that felt endless when I cuddled up in the middle.

I grabbed the tablet on the nightstand with smart controls for the room, from mood lighting and curtains to room service.

With a plan to relax for just a bit, I turned on the TV for one episode of Modern Family.

Minutes later, I was fast asleep.

I woke up as the sun was setting and promptly headed outside in my robe to catch the end of it.

Once it was dark, I saw something I'd never seen before — and never thought I would see in the US — faint streaks of purple and green glided among the stars. I think it was the northern lights.

I could barely see them myself, but once I took a 30-second exposure on my camera, I was pretty sure I was right.

The northern lights were a massive surprise that made my stay even more meaningful. The quiet, peaceful resort made them even more mesmerizing.

Head-to-toe looks covered in logos from expensive brands can scream, "I'm trying too hard to look rich."

Quiet luxury stresses the quiet. Items that fit this trend tend to look luxurious when they don't have visible branding.

The good news is that avoiding logos can make creating high-end looks for less very easy.

Whenever I'm unsure if a piece feels quietly luxurious or not, I ask, "Would a Nancy Meyers heroine wear this while meeting her architect for an espresso in her recently renovated kitchen?"

Many of the lead characters in the director's movies have mastered understated-yet-chic outfits, so the piece is a winner if my answer is "yes."

Get into the habit of checking what garments are made of, especially since higher prices doesn't always mean you're getting higher-quality materials.

Clothing made of natural materials tends to last longer and look richer than pieces made of artificial fabrics such as acrylic and polyester.

You'll want to prioritize cotton, linen, cashmere, wool, and silk.

Despite having "luxury" in its name, this trend does not have to break the bank.

To start, I suggest upgrading your basics to the highest quality you can afford. One way to do so on a budget is seeking out sale finds at luxury department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom, or their discount spin-offs, Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack.

Also consider buying high-end pieces secondhand. I've had good luck finding luxury items at The RealReal, an online marketplace.

I recently purchased a 100% cashmere Giorgio Armani blazer there for the price of a marked-down Banana Republic jacket.

If you're trying to lean into this look, leave your shapewear and skintight pieces at home. Embrace wide-leg pants, pleats, relaxed jeans, button-up blouses, and simple sweaters that are a little bit loose.

When choosing pieces, picture yourself as the kind of low-key chic person who replies to compliments with, "Oh, this thing? I just threw it on. I've had it for years."

One (or two) false moves and quiet luxury can look more boring than quiet. The easiest way to avoid this is with simple accessories.

Some of my favorite ways to elevate an outfit are with understated gold or silver hoops and a simple belt. A pearl or gold stud earring, simple chain necklace, or architectural ear cuff can also add an instant pop of chic to a simple look.

I also suggest investing in classic pieces that can instantly make you look more put together — like a trench coat or leather belt — and wearing them often.

I've found that this tiny island in the south of Florida is quickly emerging as a popular destination among wealthy travelers for its beaches, shops, and sunshine.

One highlight is Palm Beach's Worth Avenue, a retail paradise with a range of designer stores and high-end restaurants.

I recommend staying at The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic hotel with a golf course, tennis courts, and four pools. It's especially great for couples and families with kids.

The area also has exciting developments in the works for 2025. World-renowned chef Thomas Keller plans to open a new restaurant and The Vineta Hotel is set to open in the spring.

This French-Caribbean island is where many jet-setters and celebrities vacation during the winter months.

Its many beaches are great for families with kids, and its vibrant nightlife scene can be great for young couples who want to have fun.

I suggest travelers also stop by the nearby Colombier Beach — a stunning white-sand beach and natural reserve that is mainly accessible by boat.

Most of my clients stay at the luxurious Eden Rock St. Barths, a five-star hotel adjacent to Nikki Beach and Gypsea, two lively beachfront lounges.

For clients looking to hit the slopes, I recommend the Dolomites, a chic Italian mountain town and a great alternative to the Swiss or French Alps.

The mountain range is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 18 peaks.

I've also got my eye on the many luxury hotels sprouting up there in the next few years, including The Aman Rosa Alpina, set to reopen in 2025 after extensive refurbishments, and Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is being rebranded into a Mandarin Oriental.

This small resort town in Switzerland has a monthslong ski season, so I recommend it to clients who love to ski.

A popular spot for celebrities and royalty, St. Moritz is dotted with designer stores, cozy restaurants, and high-end hotels including the glamorous Badrutt's Palace Hotel St. Moritz and Grace La Margna.

St. Moritz also has plenty of nightlife and entertainment options.

Billionaire St. Moritz — an experience combining fine dining and live entertainment — debuts at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski this season. I've also heard the exclusive, members-only club Dracula is worth a visit if you can manage to get an invite.

Lastly, if you're headed to St. Moritz in February, you won't want to miss the International Concours of Elegance, where you can watch rare cars zip across a frozen lake.

Costa Palmas is the perfect place for travelers who want to lay low and relax.

This exclusive community in Baja's East Cape is home to nearly 2 miles of swimmable beaches, a yacht marina, and a small village with special restaurants like Mozza by Nancy Silverton and Delphine by chef Ludo Lefebvre.

My clients typically stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Costa Palmas, but an ultra-luxury Amanvari is set to open in 2025, so that's also on my radar.

This serene private island in Virgin Gorda is perfect for big groups or families with its beautiful turquoise beaches, rentable villas, and range of activities.

Oil Nut Bay has a private marina, heliport, beach club, and resident-owned luxury villas that can be booked for short-term stays.

Villas typically have one to seven bedrooms, and some can accommodate a dozen guests. To make the trip more luxurious and laid-back, you can arrange for private-chef service throughout your stay.

Oil Nut Bay also has water activities, a spa, hiking trails, sunset boat charters, and a nature center so there's something for everyone without even leaving the property.

Dōgon is located in the DC-area Salamander hotel, close to the city's southwest waterfront.

I had to make my reservation at Dōgon nearly a month in advance. Although 5:15 p.m. felt early for dinner, it was the only time I could get so I happily took it.

The lobby's subtle yellows, browns, and blues contrast greatly with the chain-link curtains that beckon diners into the hotel's restaurant to the left.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the dark atmosphere. Music blared from the dining room to the hostess counter.

But once I was seated across from the bar, an illuminated glass ball provided sufficient light for me and my camera.

When I walked to the back of the restaurant, I was drawn to the view of the open kitchen.

A large group of chefs appeared to be working in harmony to bring the menu to life.

Onwuachi's menu includes dishes with influences from Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, and New Orleans.

Several staffers helped throughout my meal, but my primary server, Andrea, especially stood out. When she found out it was our first time dining at Dōgon, she walked us through her favorites.

Our party had an allergy, which eliminated a few options from the menu. However, Andrea offered to adjust some dishes so that we could enjoy them.

Andrea suggested we order the coco bread, and although the $15 price tag of it horrified me, I'm glad we did.

The five petite balls of sweet, buttery dough were far lighter than coco bread I've had at Jamaican restaurants. I was impressed with the bread's cloud-like texture and how easy it was to spread the malted-sorghum butter that came with the dish.

The piri piri salad was smaller than I'd hoped for, especially given its $22 price tag. But any complaints I had quickly vanished when our server arrived to pour papaya dressing over the flower-adorned salad.

The thick papaya sauce was flavored with garlic and chiles — the same mixture used in the hot sauce that Andrea had already brought to our table.

The sauce helped accentuate bites of cucumber, tomato, cape gooseberries, and grapes, along with the almond-butter-filled avocado half.

The salad's balance between creamy and crunchy textures and spicy and sweet flavors made it extremely compelling. Once I'd eaten all that I could with my fork, I spooned the remnants into my mouth, savoring every last bite.

For years, I lived and worked in Houston, where I frequently indulged in food from the Nigerian community and became mildly addicted to skewers of suya and jollof rice.

Although Onwuachi's $63 chicken wasn't as spicy as the dishes at the mom-and-pop restaurants I used to frequent, he still brought some heat to the dish.

The roasted half chicken that dominated the plate barely required a knife. The tender meat was rubbed in a paste flavored with an earthy spice mix known as berbere and crowned with an herb salad.

The rice — made with tomatoes, chiles, and complex spices — tasted just like a grandmother's comfort food.

The deceptively simple dish was also plated with half a lime, more berbere paste, and a sweet-and-creamy mix of ricotta and honey. It was fun to mix and match these toppings to make each bite taste slightly different.

The Caribbean-style oxtails that Onwuachi made at Kith/Kin returned to DC on November 1, just days before I dined.

At $65, they weren't cheap, but I ordered them over the $110 wagyu short rib I'd been considering. The sugar and collagen in the sauce made it delightfully sticky — the dish felt like a beefy dessert.

Extracting the pillowy meat from the bones reminded me of gamja-tang, my favorite Korean stew made from a pig's neck bones. It was tougher to get the meat off without the chopsticks or gloves usually provided at Korean restaurants.

However, I did my best to finish every bite, spooning the sauce over the coconut-infused rice and peas to experience the unique flavor combination of sweet heat and flesh.

I didn't get any pressure from Andrea or the other servers to order dessert, but I didn't want the meal to end just yet.

There were only two desserts on the menu, so I chose the $17 rum cake over the spiced cherry sorbet — and I'm glad I did.

Although the sweet treat sounded a little boring on paper, the crisp edges and fluffy center of the two slabs of cake made it a textural delight. It was squiggled with a vanilla whip and then finished with mint leaves and boozy, blistered cape gooseberries.

Dōgon took some of my favorite dishes from around the world and elevated them to levels I had never imagined.

I can imagine the dining experience will be even more eye-opening for guests who haven't tasted as many world cuisines.

Either way, Dōgon is a must-visit restaurant in DC. I spent $244 there on dinner for two with no alcoholic beverages, and I would happily do it again.

From the moment my cab turned into its entrance, the Phoenician felt like a mega-resort. The 600-acre property was dotted with fountains, golfing greens, and several large buildings.

A winding road led to the main building, where the lobby and several accommodations, restaurants, shops, and event spaces were located.

After exploring the entire resort on foot the next day, I got lost on the way back. It took me about 30 minutes to find my room from the far end of the site.

Open since 1988, the luxury Marriott Hotel has gone through several interior renovations. Most recently, the accommodations were redesigned in 2016, and public spaces were revamped in 2018.

The lobby was huge. The warm hues of beige and red paired with geometric patterned fabrics reminded me of the desert landscape and Southwestern style.

The deluxe room I booked typically costs about $800 a night when booked a month in advance, according to a search on the company's website. Business Insider received a media rate for the one-night stay.

I thought the furniture and decor were modern, like in the lobby, but there were more grays, making the beige elements feel like accents.

I had a comfy, king-sized bed across from a TV and storage cabinets holding a safe, a mini-fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker.

The bathroom felt luxurious, with marble flooring and counters. There were two robes hanging inside, too.

The geometric building paired boxy edges with a curvature. I thought it was a neat shape for a hotel.

The complex has five pools, including one water playground and one adult-only pool. The pools are surrounded by lounge chairs, cabanas, and palm trees for shade.

During my stay, there seemed to be enough space for each guest to have a secluded experience. I didn't see crowds in the afternoon.

The resort houses the award-winning restaurants J&G Steakhouse and Mowry & Cotton, and the award-winning lobby bar, Thirsty Camel.

The Phoenician Spa, which won the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year, has 24 treatment rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a room dedicated to peace and quiet. There's also a boutique, a dry bar, and a nail salon.

The athletic club has several tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.

The course is surrounded by views of the Sonoran Desert.

The garden is behind the main building on a secluded, shaded trail. The short walk is dotted with 250 different kinds of plants.

A road in Paradise Valley lined with hilly fields and grand estates led to the Hermosa Inn. The hotel's entrance was a small, traditional adobe structure just a few yards from the main road.

The six-acre property has 43 casita accommodations in individual buildings of the same design style rooted in history.

In 1936, cowboy and artist Alonzo "Lon" Megargee built the now-hotel to serve as his home and studio until 1941, when it opened as the Hermosa Inn.

Unlike the Phoenician, there's nothing modern about the Hermosa Inn's interior design.

Instead, it transports visitors to the early 20th-century West from the moment they check in, with adobe bricks, wooden beams, and high-quality rustic furniture. The lobby and rooms also showcase some of Megargee's artwork.

Instead of being in a secluded space like at the Phoenician, the gardens lined the pathways around the resort.

Guests can access bikes on the property, but I explored on foot.

It was a peaceful and quiet walk to my room. I passed through archways and spotted fountains and vibrant flower beds.

At the end of the garden path, I had a secluded deluxe casita with a patio.

The room costs about $600 a night a month in advance, according to a search on the company's website. BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

The interior design was as Southwestern as the lobby, with wooden window shutters and a bed with wooden posts that made me feel like royalty.

Apart from the balcony, this room had all the same amenities as the Phoenician accommodation, from a safe to a mini-fridge.

Apart from the style, the bathroom at the Hermosa Inn was much like the Phoenician's. It was spacious, with a roomy shower and a soaking tub.

The Hermosa Inn has one pool and one whirlpool. During my stay, I saw only a couple of guests using them at a time. Like the Phoenician, the Hermosa Inn also has a spa.

LON's was named the most romantic restaurant in Arizona by Food & Wine Magazine in 2022. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and has a massive, garden-side outdoor patio as well as indoor seating. LON's Last Drop is the bar next to it, which has an outdoor adobe fireplace.

The underground room is always kept at 57 degrees.

The library is often used for wedding receptions and hosts up to 32 guests.

The fitness center at the Hermosa Inn is small, but this makes sense, considering there are so few guests at a time compared to the Phoenician.

The Phoenician provided so many amenities, restaurants, and activities that guests could spend their entire vacation on the property. The resort is ideal for families and those looking to spend their days playing sports and chilling by the pool.

While much less extensive, the Hermosa Inn provides a unique experience for those looking to appreciate culture, peace, and quiet.

Just beneath the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Four Seasons is well-located for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park visitors.

Cole told BI that while the Four Seasons maintains top-tier service across all 133 locations, each is designed uniquely to suit the destination.

"There's a sense of place at every Four Seasons," she said.

With a "mountain modern chic" brand, this location of the 63-year-old, high-end hotel chain was ranked the best stay in Jackson Hole by US News.

Rates vary by season. In the peak winter season, the Granite Residence starts at $11,000 a night.

The stay includes ski and snowboard rentals for kids under 12 from mid-December to early January.

On the ninth floor of the resort, I stepped into a foyer with leather coat hooks and a pair of matching ottomans beneath. A framed, purple buffalo stared me in the face.

I felt like I was in a Western film — and that was the intention, according to Sarah Kennedy, CLB Architects' principal and lead design director of the penthouse suite.

"The majority of people who come to Jackson are really coming here to immerse themselves in nature," Kennedy said.

When CLB redesigned the penthouse, completed in the summer of 2024, Kennedy said the team maintained the hotel's style while elevating it.

"They had accented it previously with a bunch yellows and warm whites. So in terms of trying to modernize it, we kept the base palette of rich cherries and redwoods and offset it with whites," she said.

CLB selected a neutral color palette.

"The color palette is very simple, with natural textures," Kennedy said. "When we did try to bring color there, it was being inspired from the outside, like the soft blues and the greens of the natural landscape at the resort."

"The interesting thing about doing interiors here in Jackson is that the quality of light filtering into the space in peak winter and peak summer is completely different," Kennedy said.

So, CLB selects tones that complement light filtering into the interiors throughout the year.

"For example, I'm looking out the window now, and the amount of yellow and orange from all the leaves that are coming in is crazy," she said. "But you have to make sure that that same palette looks really good when there's a bunch of blue coming in from all the reflection of the snow."

"The subtle picking of these soft blues and neutrals is the way that we allow that palette to really feel immersive in nature but also stand the test of the seasons throughout the year here," she continued.

When sourcing furniture, Kennedy worked with an approved list of vendors, including Restoration Hardware and more local vendors. Select pieces also came from showrooms around the US.

The full kitchen had a gas stove. Guests can book a private chef to cook meals for them.

This huge pantry had all the kitchen appliances anyone could need, from blenders to crock pots.

Nestled in a corner of the penthouse, I opened the door leading to the guest powder room. It was the smallest room, with just a sink, toilet, and counter.

In such a luxurious space, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by the guest bathroom.

But I was wrong.

"The bread and butter of what we do here is connect people with nature," Kennedy said. "As it relates to pieces within the space, there are some wall coverings, particularly the one in the powder room that's got a mountainous scene."

The bathroom was covered in white wallpaper with simple black sketches of mountains on them. A gold and gray painting of a fox on the right matched the finish of the faucet.

It was a simple room, but every aspect felt thoughtfully considered, which is why it stood out to me.

Kennedy told BI that the penthouse design is as much about comfort as it is about nature.

"We're giving people the ability to feel like they're living a luxurious experience," she said.

That's why the penthouse boasts two living spaces with cozy seating.

"After you've been skiing all day, you don't really want a super flimsy thin profile chair. You want something that feels like it's hugging you," Kennedy told BI. "There's an element of, 'I'm just going to sit here and sip my hot chocolate and not move for four hours.'"

Cole told BI that much of the art in the penthouse was custom-made for the space, and guests can purchase the pieces.

The master bedroom also had a fireplace.

In all five bedrooms, CLB selected soft colors for the fabrics.

These bathrooms screamed luxury, with oversize tubs, multiple shower heads, and separate toilet rooms.

I thought it would be convenient for long-term guests and large families.

After I toured the Granite Residence, I thought it screamed Jackson Hole and the Wild West inside and out.

From the walls to windows and terraces, it was impossible to forget where I was while exploring the vast penthouse.

This might sound odd, but some clients insist on incorporating seemingly random, vintage (and, in my opinion, extremely overpriced) items into their homes.

These pieces have ranged from a salvaged fireplace from a 17th-century home in France to a weathered wooden door from an abandoned Italian villa. But honestly, I'm all for it.

Having something interesting to talk about when people walk in never hurts. Imagine someone complimenting your fireplace and casually replying, "Thanks, I shipped it from France." Talk about a conversation starter.

I recently worked with clients who wanted art pieces that reflected their personalities.

Instead of picking something off the shelf, I made custom art that fit my clients' visions. Many of these pieces, which required large paintings or paper canvases, were very expensive to make.

Still, my clients loved being part of the creative journey, tweaking and perfecting their masterpieces until they felt just right. As a designer, seeing someone light up when they look at a one-of-a-kind piece hanging on their wall is fulfilling. 

Many of my affluent clients search for materials that look stunning and are made with sustainability in mind — think energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood, and renewable-energy sources.

For example, I've recently sourced sustainably made mattresses for a bedroom and salvaged boards from a barn for a kitchen backsplash.

I believe the future of interior design, especially in luxury homes, will revolve around sustainability. Over the next few years, I expect more designers to ask questions like, "How can we reuse marble to give it a second life?"

Gone are the days of plain countertops and all-white rooms that lack personality. Many of my high-end clients embrace bold statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles that showcase rich lines in the stone and make a striking impact.

Picture a kitchen with a stunning onyx backsplash or a bathroom countertop that elicits a "wow." Statement stones can elevate an ordinary space into something truly unique.

Custom-made furniture can be a game changer. I love the satisfaction of perfectly sizing a sofa to fit into a tricky corner or coordinating the trim on dining-room chairs with the fabric on a living-room couch.

Though custom pieces aren't essential — many of my favorite couches come from Ikea and other big-box stores — customizing furniture provides a chance to create unique items that reflect personal style and needs.

Clients who choose the custom-furniture route can select their preferred styles, source unique fabrics, and find ideal cushion fillings.

Have you ever walked into a nice restaurant and noticed a cozy vibe from the lighting? Ambient lighting — soft, glowing light that usually serves as a room's primary source of illumination — instantly makes everything feel more inviting.

Lately, my clients with big budgets are asking for custom ambient lighting in every corner of their homes. These fixtures, which range from LED strips tucked away in architectural details to beautifully designed lamps that cast a warm glow, create a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.

Some mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Some of these chemicals can be harmful, so lately, I've been furnishing my client's bedrooms with organic mattresses instead.

I recently stumbled upon Avocado Green Mattress, a company specializing in organic mattresses and luxury bedding. So far, I've used the brand's mattresses and furniture in two of my projects, and they've been a hit.

Luxurious linens are popping up everywhere, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited about it.

Linen has proved to be so much more than just a bedding essential. The fabric has an effortlessly luxurious aesthetic, has great breathability, and is versatile enough for furniture, bedding, and window treatments.

Imagine draping your windows with stunning linen curtains that filter light and add a chic touch to your living space. Or how about reupholstering an old chair with some high-quality linen? This fabric can easily give your space a fresh new personality.

After scouring online sources, from Instagram to Vogue articles, I came across Nail Club Paris, a New York-inspired salon that offers services including Gel-X and nail art.

Of all the ones I clicked through, I thought this salon's website was the easiest to navigate, and I particularly liked the aesthetic based on the photos.

I made my appointment online two weeks ahead of time. With the help of Google Translate (my grade-school French is quite rusty), I booked a spot for gel extensions and gel polish with a tortoiseshell French-manicure design.

Before getting into the review, I must admit to committing multiple nail offensives before and during this appointment.

I can blame my cold, the stress of traveling, or the confusion of acclimating to a new area, but I definitely should've known better.

My first sin was being about 15 minutes late. Usually, salons offer a grace period for tardiness, but I wasn't sure what timeframe applied to this salon.

I arrived with "Je suis désolé" ("I'm sorry") bubbling up my throat and explained, in English, how the traffic delayed me. Maëlle, my nail tech and the only employee in the salon when I arrived, reassured me and guided me to my seat.

The second sin was not booking a nail removal with my appointment. At the time, I was wearing professional press-on nails and assumed they would pop or fall off easily like the store-bought ones I'm used to.

Not booking the appropriate services can throw off a nail tech's entire schedule and create delays for future appointments.

Maëlle gave my press-ons a small tug and immediately reached for her nail drill. Though she was impressed by how sturdy they were, she was worried about how long the removal process would take because she had another appointment after mine.

Even with the language barrier, the anxiety was evident. I felt guilty for putting her in this position.

Maëlle's English was far better than my French, so we intermittently spoke about the politics in our respective countries and our admiration for nail art.

She proudly talked about the salon's New York loft theme, and I agreed that I saw the vision. The exposed brick and funky color palette felt like a subtle love letter to my home state.

As we settled in, Maëlle put on a Kali Uchis playlist and fell into a deep focus as she sang along to the Colombian artist's lyrics. Her hypnotic trance signaled to me that she was about to lock in, and I was prepared to witness absolute magic.

The manicure technique felt no different than the ones I've gotten in the US. After filing and soaking off my press-on nails, Maëlle prepped my nails and cuticles.

We settled on Aprés gel as a base, a softer extension that covers the entire nail bed. Compared to acrylics, it's supposed to cause less damage to the natural nail as it grows out.

The durable gel should last anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on your nail care. I'm used to getting Aprés in the US, and the process didn't differ just because I was overseas.

After nail prep, Maëlle found the best-fitting extensions for each finger and applied an adhesive before curing them onto my natural nails. She then shaped them into pointed almonds and tested out the best base color to match my nail tone.

Though the manicure process wasn't unique, I was so impressed with Maëlle's prowess.

She told me she had eight years of experience under her belt — and her expertise was evident in her light touch and speed. Though my tardiness and nail removal set us back, Maëlle's ability to breeze through the manicure was borderline mind-blowing.

Instead of applying extensions and art one nail at a time and switching between hands, Maëlle did the process one hand at a time. This meant she didn't cure the gel polish until she was done with the entire hand, which can be risky as she could accidentally smudge a previous nail along the way.

Much to my surprise, no nails were smudged, nicked, or impacted by the technique.

I opted for tortoiseshell crescents on every nail. The design had to be done in layers, starting with a base of very light brown and eventually creating a pattern with darker shades of brown and black on top.

Maëlle meticulously followed the reference picture I showed her — right down to the charms that she miraculously had in stock.

Most of the manicure was filled with Maëlle quietly singing — and me silently holding my breath, hoping I wouldn't delay the next appointment.

However, the conversations we were able to have were fun and lighthearted. We bonded over our love for certain manicure techniques and preferences for almond and stiletto shapes. Even with a limited shared language, our passion for nails bridged the gap.

At the end, I paid 150 euros, about $162. My original appointment was listed as 125 euros, but the nail removal cost an additional 25 euros.

I also left a cash tip of 30 euros because of how incredible and accommodating Maëlle was.

This appointment was in the same time and price range that I'm used to in the US, so I was interested to see how the manicure would hold up. My usual sets sometimes lift by the third week.

In the days following my manicure, I noticed a few air bubbles under the extensions, which can be caused by a number of things. Since the bubbles were toward the center of the nail and not the sides, they were sealed in and didn't affect the set's longevity.

Over the next few weeks, I was definitely more rough than I usually am with my manicures. After Paris, I was on a quick trip to Maine, where I hiked and climbed rocky terrain at Acadia National Park.

The fact that no nails broke or even loosened was incredible, and I could only hope they'd fair just as well for the rest of the month.

After four weeks, I was still receiving compliments about how fresh the design looked.

Because of the simple and elegant French tip, I could barely see my natural nails growing under the nude base. Despite the initial bubbles, I also didn't experience any chipping or lifting.

It was beyond evident that this manicure could last both physically and aesthetically, and that's always worth the money for me.

Before I flew into Jackson Hole, I assumed the only way I'd ever get an aerial view of a national park was to book one of those expensive helicopter tours.

But as I gazed out my window during our plane's descent into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), my jaw dropped.

We were soaring above Grand Teton National Park, which was lush with green forests. Rocky mountains with bits of snow on top towered above the forests, and bodies of water were dotted with islets.

Business Insider reported in 2023 that JAC is the second most popular small-town airport for private jets after Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.

As I deplaned onto the tarmac, I spotted some smaller planes on the runway.

JAC doesn't have lounges. It doesn't have an array of stores or restaurants. It doesn't even have more than one terminal.

But it's still the most luxurious airport I've ever flown through.

Located within Grand Teton National Park, JAC is a small airport with windows for walls and supportive pillars made of Douglas fir trees.

Inside, it felt like a luxury mountain lodge. When renovating the space, CLB Architects wanted to give the interior a "living room" feel — and I think they succeeded.

After deplaning, I stepped into the cleanest terminal I'd ever seen. The walls were coated in murals and wildlife paintings, and cowboy sculptures decorated the baggage claim area.

The terminal had a free library bookshelf, one restaurant, a grab-and-go snack area, and two shops, including an official Grand Teton National Park store.

I stayed at Hotel Yellowstone a month after its August opening. The upscale, adults-only hotel overlooking the Teton Range is in the town of Jackson, but it's so high up a winding hill that it feels secluded from civilization.

There's a reason the company picked this specific spot for the hotel — the property boasts clear views of Snake River Valley and the Tetons.

The scene was more dramatic and awe-inspiring than any other hotel I've stayed in.

My 600-square-foot room had a king-sized bed, two sitting areas, and an elegant bathroom. The most luxurious part was the balcony with unobstructed views of the Teton Range.

The room felt modern and chic but with a Western twist. One seating area had chairs coated in 100% New Zealand sheepskin, and the other had a floor lamp that resembled moose antlers.

Dining at Olivia's felt like dining in a luxury restaurant in the middle of the wilderness. With gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows and a cathedral wooden ceiling, the views were the centerpiece of the eclectic restaurant.

During dinner, I watched the sun set over the mountains while munching on bao buns. In the morning, I spotted a moose just outside the window — a regular sighting at Hotel Yellowstone, according to my server — while scarfing down steel-cut oats.

I spent my second night at the five-star Four Seasons hotel in Jackson Hole, a ski-in, ski-out resort. Built to highlight the destination, the interiors scream upscale Western chic.

The most luxurious part of this Four Seasons is the 31 private residences. These penthouse suites have full kitchens and up to five bedrooms, and they start at $11,000 per night in the peak winter season.

During my stay, I got a tour of the Granite Residence — a five-bedroom accommodation. Like the rest of the hotel, the penthouse blended American Western culture with modern luxury.

Each bedroom had a balcony, and there was a large terrace in one of the two living spaces.

"The majority of people who come to Jackson are really coming here to immerse themselves in nature," Sarah Kennedy, CLB Architects' principal and lead design director of the Four Seasons penthouse suite, told Business Insider.

After two nights in lavish hotels, I spent my final night in the cheapest accommodation I could find — a queen-sized bunk in a hostel for $150.

The price seemed steep for a bunk in a room with dozens of strangers. But I quickly learned that this hostel wasn't typical.

A company representative told BI that Cache House is a "modern, elevated interpretation of the classic European hostel."

Inside the mid-century-modern space was a large communal room, 50 bunks, a private locker for each guest, and a large bathroom with sparkling clean shower stalls and Co Bigelow toiletries.

Each bunk had a sound-and-light-proof curtain, a storage drawer, and a lamp, fan, and shelf inside the bunk nook.

The mattress felt like one you'd find in a luxury hotel with wool bedding. It was cozy, and the curtain blocked light and sound so well that I easily slept through the night.

Local real-estate agent Sam Haack told BI that millionaires in Jackson Hole build ranch-style homes outside the Jackson town center.

I taxied around these ultra-luxe neighborhoods and spotted short, wide homes sprawling across multiple acres.

These homes are coveted, as 97% of Teton County is public land that cannot be built on, according to Haack.

"As a buyer, it is so competitive because of simple supply and demand," Haack told BI. "We have always had much more demand than supply because, well, it's one of the most beautiful places in the US, and the lifestyle is unmatched."

A report by the local real-estate company the Viehman Group found that the average listing price in Jackson from July through September was $6.42 million.

The most expensive home on the market is a 9,100-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion listed at $40 million.

I was in awe of the architecture. Most of the homes I saw were made of multiple materials, like wood and concrete, which made for a pleasant contrast.

I also had the luxury of spending two hours exploring one of these swanky homes — a vacation home worth more than $10 million that buyers co-own through Pacaso.

On the top deck of the vacation home, I turned on a fountain that looked like a mini waterfall. The water flowed down a concrete barrier into a shallow, boxy pool on the first floor.

I thought it looked modern and sleek. From inside the house, wide windows in the foyer provided a stunning view of the pool and surrounding mountains. It reminded me of water features I've seen at art museums in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas.

Inside, the vacation home was three stories, including the basement. The top two floors were lush with natural light, as floor-to-ceiling windows graced every room.

On the top floor, between the living room and the kitchen, there was a gigantic blue structure that looked like an oven, but I later learned it was a double-sided fireplace. It was easily the largest fireplace I'd ever seen.

On the first floor, every bedroom had access to a long patio lining the water feature.

"When we set out to design it, we wanted to create a minimalist aesthetic that would let the stunning landscape take center stage," Lauren Farrell, the vacation home's principal designer, told BI.

"Every detail was carefully considered, from the use of organic textures to the way the architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious connection between the home and its environment," Farrell added.

I found a wood sauna in the basement and felt a twitch of envy. What's more luxurious than a spa treatment in your own home?

I imagined sliding my boots off after playing in the snow and cozying up in here.

I visited two members-only clubs during my trip to Jackson Hole — the Mountain Club for skiers at the Four Seasons and Shooting Star, a golf and ski club that Golf Digest has praised for its 18-hole course sprinkled with streams and lakes beneath the Teton mountain range.

Residents dish out loads of cash for these memberships.

At the Mountain Club, the starting rate is $9,000 a year, along with a $100,000 initiation fee, according to the Four Seasons.

It's unclear what membership rates are at Shooting Star today, but the club's president, John Resor, said in a 2015 interview that the annual fee was $100,000 when it opened in 2009.

The streets surrounding the town square were filled with luxury retail stores.

There seemed to be a fine art gallery and an upscale furniture store on every block. I peered through the windows and saw chairs coated in fur hides, tiered chandeliers, and canopy beds with wool blankets.

Elevated luxury wear, from bespoke leather products to plaid vests, was draped over mannequins in the retail windows between art and furniture stores.

I stepped inside one of these shops, Kemo Sabe, the celebrity-loved Western brand that started in Aspen about 35 years ago.

Kemo Sabe sells boots, belts, clothing, knives, and other accessories, but it's famous for its cowboy hats, which can cost up to $895. Each is hand-molded, and additional accessories like extravagant bands can cost thousands apiece.

From top-tier travel offerings to mountainside mansions, I could easily see why the ultrawealthy flock to Jackson Hole.