If you don’t have time for a full two-week vacation, you can still take some time to unwind and reconnect with your spouse, family or friends. A long weekend getaway is the ideal solution — and we’ve got eight resorts that we think are perfect for quick trips. Most of them have excellent on-site spas and restaurants and gorgeous scenery, which makes it easier to pack a week’s worth of fun into just a few days.
Shutters on the Beach
Santa Monica, California
If you don’t have your own beach house, a stay at Shutters will come pretty close! You cannot beat the view of Santa Monica Pier, and the lobby lounge here, with its roaring fireplaces, excellent drinks and tasty appetizers, is a great place to meet friends and family when you’re in LA. Before you hit the town, get primped at the on-site spa, where you’ll find one of the best manicurists in the area.
Montage Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California
This 30-acre resort occupies some prime real estate in Southern California. It’s sparkling blue water as far as the eye can see because guest rooms offer nearly 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. The food here is almost as good as the panoramic views. Spend your days lounging in a poolside cabana and gather around one of the outdoor fire pits for cocktails after sunset.
San Ysidro Ranch
Santa Barbara, California
Voted the No. 1 hotel in America by Forbes, San Ysidro Ranch is like a slice of the Mediterranean right in the U.S. — perfect for when you have time for a long weekend, but not quite enough time to jet off to Nice or Cinque Terre. Nestled at the base of a mountain, this resort is a great spot for hikers. Come back to your room in the evening and soothe your muscles in your private outdoor hot tub surrounded by lush flowers. The resort’s restaurant, The Stonehouse, was voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the country. Dishes like glazed beet and asparagus salad are made with fresh local ingredients, some of which are grown in the chef’s on-site garden (talk about farm to table!).
Old Stone Farm
Rhinebeck, New York
This luxurious country inn is a spectacular place to unplug and recharge. Old Stone Farm is actually a wellness and education center dedicated to social awakening through personal transformation. Relax in the library, enjoy a massage, take a yoga class or head out for a trail ride on this 236-acre horse farm. After you’ve spent the day clearing your head, sit down for a farm-to-table dinner at Pop’s Kitchen.
The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Truckee, California
Winter, spring, summer or fall, there are picturesque mountain views from the Ritz in Lake Tahoe. Take advantage of the prime ski-in/ski-out location and top-notch après-ski experience during colder months. When temperatures rise, enjoy hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, stand-up paddleboarding on the lake and a picnic of fresh fruits and veggies from the farmers market. Along with several casual eateries, enjoy fine dining at Manzanita, where you can feast on dishes made with local ingredients such as the Fulton Valley Farms roasted chicken, while you take in the mountain views offered by floor-to-ceiling windows.
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, Virginia
This meticulously manicured equestrian estate sprawls over 340 acres in the Virginia countryside. In fact, the horse barn is so clean and filled with light that morning yoga classes are offered there. After taking a long horse ride on one of the trails or enjoying an on-site polo match, you’ll want to book an appointment at the extraordinary spa. Pamper yourself with unique treatments like a bamboo massage or a blueberry anti-aging facial. Plus, this picturesque resort is owned by one of America’s first black female billionaires — which we at MIB consider something to celebrate.
OMNI Bedford Springs Resort
Bedford, Pennsylvania
Nestled in Pennsylvania’s scenic Cumberland Valley, this quaint resort features eight mineral springs where you can soothe tired muscles. In fact, we’d venture to say that the aquatic center at OMNI Bedford Springs rivals that of Wisconsin’s famous Kohler Waters Spa. Add to that the beautiful forested hiking trails adjacent to the resort and you have the makings for a truly rejuvenating weekend.
Goldmoor Inn
Galena, Illinois
This quaint bed & breakfast is perhaps best enjoyed from your in-room hot tub overlooking the rolling hills, frolicking horses and Mississippi River outside your oversized windows. The scenery is so tranquil (and hilly!), you might forget you’re still in Illinois. An on-site spa and gourmet breakfasts like peach French toast, served in your room if you like, make the Goldmoor an excellent home base for exploring all that Galena has to offer — wineries, antiques, historical tours, shopping, golf, and some pretty spectacular fall foliage.
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