There's nothing wrong with flamboyant umbrella drinks. There's certainly nothing wrong with a sun-baked afternoon lounging on the beach. And who could blame you for indulging in that sumptuous Shiatsu massage with lavender facemask and scented oils?

A little laidback luxury from time to time is quite alright, and for travelers searching for that kind of vacation, the sky's the limit. The problem with these leisurely getaways, however, is that when they're all said and done, you can't take them with you. You had a great time, but now you have nothing to show for it. Nobody wants to hear about how you spent three days in a restorative mud suit.

But, if you can start your story with the time you went kayaking down a raging river, the ears in your audience are sure to perk up, and you'll discover that not only did you have a satisfying vacation, you've now got something worth reliving, something you won't ever forget. So enjoy those massages and afternoon naps, again there's nothing wrong with them, but consider bringing your next vacation to life with an invigorating outdoor adventure.

Here we'll discuss four destination resorts and hotels that know plenty about luxury, but where outdoor adventure is the name of the game.

Canyon of the Eagles: A Texas Hill Country Hotel

Named the number one summer destination of 2008 by the New York Times, the Texas Hill Country is as real a place as you will ever visit. Romance, adventure, and an overwhelming sense of peace will awaken your natural spirit the moment you step out into the plains. This is untouched nature in the raw: crystal clear lakes and streams, indigenous plants and animals, and untamed beauty stretching as far as the eye can see.

Canyon of the Eagles, an earthy Lake Buchanan resort located in the heart of the Hill Country, is all about giving you an unfiltered experience of this resplendent setting. Located on a 940 beautiful acres of the finest Hill Country, Canyon of the Eagles is surrounded by opportunities for adventure and discovery including over 14 miles of nature trails, a private beach and fishing pier, the Colorado River which is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, sailing and paddling, and breathtaking animal-watching hikes.

While you're encouraged to set off on your own to experience the wilds of central Texas your own way, Canyon of the Eagles Texas Hill Country Lodging is happy to give you some direction with the help of their Traveling Naturalist. An expert in the ecology of the area, the Traveling Naturalist hosts guided nature hikes brimming with information, a hands-on reptile class, a waterfront hike discussing the biology of Lake Buchanan, and seasonal programs dedicated to the local owl and butterfly populations.

Make sure to plan enough days because once you get a taste for rugged adventure Texas-style, you won't want it to end. Items to consider bringing include a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, swim wear, binoculars, a camera, a jacket, a flashlight, and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes.

Click here for more information about this Texas Hill Country hotel.

Shanty Creek Resorts: A Michigan Golf and Ski Resort

The moment you breathe in the crisp mountain air of Northern Michigan you feel free. The worries and frustrations of the daily grind simply drift away and what remains is this empowering sense that nothing can tie you down. Who can blame you? When you find yourself surrounded by cascading mountainsides lined with trees, shimmering streams that lap along in utter tranquility, and the jubilant trill of songbirds, it's hard not to feel like you've entered a whole other world.

Shanty Creek Resorts, the leading Northern Michigan resort, offers all of the resort-style luxuries you would expect including several restaurants and lounges, daily entertainment programming, a soothing spa and impeccable suites, but they also know that having the best Northern Michigan vacation means forgetting all of that and losing yourself to the exhilarating escape of this mountain paradise.

Northern Michigan is unique for its distinct seasons. You could stay at the Shanty Creek Michigan resort four times in a single year and have four very different vacations. In the winter, it's the top Michigan ski resort with over 37 runs across every skill level on the face of Schuss and Summit Mountains. But even if skiing isn't your thing, you can still tackle the powder for a whirlwind outdoor adventure. Tour the area by snowmobile, or put yourself in another time completely with an awe-striking hardwood snowshoe hike.

When spring blooms, the former ski haven becomes the finest Northern Michigan golf resort with four championship courses to choose from. Come summertime, horseback riding, fly fishing, and rafting the waters of the Jordan River are just three of the dozens upon dozens of fun, energetic, not to mention healthy activities that are waiting for you.

Click here for more information about Shanty Creek Northern Michigan resorts.

Wyndham Canoa Ranch: A Green Valley, AZ Resort

The calm, auburn expanse of southern Arizona is similar to the rocky roughness of the Texas Hill Country, yet it has a personality of its own. The ruggedness of central Texas is replaced by sweeping desert plains and slowly rolling mountains that imply a certain peacefulness even while inviting a healthy slice of outdoor adventure. From historical preserves to revitalizing nature hikes, Green Valley, Arizona is another outdoor-enthusiasts dream come true.

The Wyndham Canoa Ranch Arizona golf resort lives up to the state's sterling reputation for the highest quality golf experiences. The resort offers two on-site golf courses that will impress you as much with excellent course design as with the dazzling scenery of the Elephant Head Mountain and the Green Valley countryside. But that's hardly all. In fact, the best thing about Arizona golf vacations at Canoa Ranch is that a quick 18 holes out on the course is just where the outdoor adventure begins.

The wide trails of southern Arizona are perfect for a relaxing nature hike and are even better for a refreshing bike ride. Take advantage of the chill morning air to keep you cool during a ride set to a luminescent sunrise. Be sure to bring your camera for a few snaps of the brilliant orange sky. If you're not as concerned with the outdoors but are still hungry for the adventure, underground cave tours will captivate your senses even while you're unable to still your beating heart. A little scary maybe, but a lot of fun, too.

You'll also find beautiful parks to explore, lakefront fishing, a host of traditional wineries and plenty more.

Click here for more information on Wyndham Canoa Ranch Green Valley, AZ Resort.

Hilton Los Cabos: A Cabo San Lucas Hotel

If Northern Michigan made you feel like you were in another world, Cabo San Lucas vacations really take you there. Discover a place unlike anywhere in the United States where divine luxury and thrilling outdoor adventure are both so plentiful that a week is hardly enough to make a dent. The sparkling coast of the Los Cabos corridor opens a world of water sports like you can't enjoy anywhere else on Mexico's northwestern front, and the low hills of the Baja peninsula are home to a variety of flora and fauna to match anywhere else on Earth.

Hilton Los Cabos, a premium Los Cabos, Mexico hotel, invites you to experience all the active entertainment of the region with ease thanks to a private beach and substantial offering of inland adventures. With five restaurants, humongous suites, immaculate concierge service, on-site tennis courts, and a palatial spa, this Mexico resort is eager to pamper you after an incredible day.

Another world-famous golf destination, enthusiasts have plenty of options with four globally-acclaimed courses right nearby, but non-golfers still have their choices wide open. The fishing in Los Cabos is a thing of legend with big game, including the illustrious blue marlin, nipping at the lines year-round. For more fun on the ocean, rent a hobie cat or a wave runner, and you can even go swimming with the dolphins.

Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? The scenic desert trails of the Baja offers hikers a consistent and rewarding challenge. For something truly special, make the difficult trek to the Santiago waterfalls. Explore ancient ruins, take a horseback ride along the beach at sunset, and learn about the robust wildlife of the area with a guided ecological excursion. From a fun Mexico golf vacation to so much more, the Los Cabos corridor has it all.

Click here for more information on the Hilton Los Cabos Mexico Resort.

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