DREAMY DESTINATIONS

Fantasize about these uniquely spectacular vacation spots

What if money were no obstacle, if travel choices could be made without a financial care in the world? Though a lovely day trip can be just as relaxing and rewarding as a destination vacation, it's fun to dream of heading to those wildly unique and, yes, somewhat pricey spots out there.

It's like vacation porn. Places that look so lovely, offer such amazing ambience and are set around incredible activity options, you just have to find a way to go some day. We all have our dreams. Here are some of mine (and any anonymous benefactors out there are welcome to tuck tickets into my holiday stocking).

Your own private Utah: Skiing Utah in the winter is a treat no matter how you do it. Light and seemingly constant powder, a feeling of escape while you are oh-so-close to the city (and the airport), the foodie scene, the nightlife and the scenery all make it an incredible journey. Here's how to amp it up to the millionth degree: Rent your own private ski resort for the day.

That's right, Eagle Point Resort in Beaver, Utah, is available for day rentals as your own private resort with their “As You Wish” program. Starting at “just” $10,000, you get all 650 acres, 40 runs, five lifts, 1,500 feet of vertical, the terrain park and an average of 350 inches of snow each season all to yourself. Resort staff is on hand to attend to all your needs, and rental equipment and lodging is included, too. You can bring friends (up to 200) and for that day, it's your very own resort. If we were to become independently wealthy and my husband wanted to propose again, this would be the way and the place. Learn more at eaglepoint resort.com.

Cottage on the sea: Not by the sea — on the sea, or as close to it as one can imagine. The Cottages at Maine's fabled Samoset Resort are the stuff that seaside living dreams are made of. Like the Flume Cottage, built on a rock cliff jutting out over the sea with 360-degree views, a wood stove, breezes that make air conditioning an afterthought and plenty of living space, both indoors and out. Enjoy outdoor dining and hot tub, and watch the colors of the day change on the sea from your perfect cottage. Here's guessing you'll never even notice they offer Wi-Fi and TV as well. There are smaller and larger cottages to choose from. Prices start at about $1,200 a night. Oh, and you're steps away from the golf course, too. Learn more at samosetresort.com.

French Alps gone fabulous: As if it weren't enough to visit the French Alps in winter, now you can do it in a perfect way. The Le Chardon Mountain Lodges (lechardon valdisere.com) in Val d'Isere,

France, are fully catered chalets where food, fine wines and chauffeur service are included in the price. They are ski-in, ski-out, but that’s not the only way your trip would be seamless.

Everything from lift tickets to lessons and restaurant bookings are arranged for you, with an experience that mirrors a comfortable stay in your wealthy friend’s home, a wealthy friend who does it all for you. This kind of allinclusive holiday, invented by the British in the 1960s, now has a growing international following. Prices, excluding travel, range from around $13,000 to $60,000. Learn more at welove2ski.com.

Magic in Montana: Ranch life has a certain magic to it from a distance. Triple Creek Ranch, located outside of Darby, Mont., only gets better up close. Surrounded by 4 million acres of national forest in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains, this ranch is an all-inclusive retreat for adults and children 16 and older. The ranch is a member of Relais & Chateaux and Virtuoso, as well as an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge.

You’ll bunk in style in one of 25 very private cabins located throughout the wooded property, each with an alfresco hot tub, wood burning fireplace, wet bar and comfortable living room.

Chef Jacob Leatherman, who has cooked at the James Beard House in New York, oversees the dining room. The wine program, under the direction of sommelier Jeremy White, has received consecutive Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence since 2005.

Outdoor activities include horseback riding, fly-fishing, cattle roundups, panning for sapphires (for real!) and hiking. In the winter, it’s dog sledding, skijoring (being pulled on skis behind a horse and rider), cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and winter horseback riding.

Rates start at $1,050 per couple per night, based on double occupancy and include a private log cabin, all meals and drinks, and just about anything you need. One thing you won’t be able to find there might just be a blessing: Cellphone reception is nonexistent. But no worries: There’s a land line should you need it, and Wi-Fi for those selfies to make your friends jealous. Learn more at triplecreekranch.