15 Last-Minute Labor Day Weekends Worth The Splurge
People can sense that the fun and lazy days as well as recreational activities are numbered. The end is near but you can still find several last-minute vacation options leading up to the last long holiday weekend of the summer. Take advantage of that extra day off and travel. This year private jetsetters are strongly preferring relaxing mountain locations over traditional seaside coastal destinations, according to a report by Flexjet, with Aspen and Telluride being the top choice.
Casa Del Mar—Santa Monica, California
This luxurious hotel is tucked into a discrete cul-de-sac, away from the boardwalk and embraced by Santa Monica Bay. Relax at the famous lobby lounge after a day at the nearby beach; soothe the body at the eco-friendly Sea Wellness Spa; have dinner at the world-class Catch Restaurant and try the wine bar. Guestrooms have been updated for state-of-the-art comfort.
Knob Hill Inn—Sun Valley, Idaho
Relax at a place with an old-world European ski chalet charm on the outside with modern, yet warm amenities on the inside. Guests enjoy services like on-demand transportation and having a personal concierge. They will help with everything from dinner reservations to trail maps. Enjoy a fresh dip at the indoor heated pool and relax in the hotel's sauna. Bonus: Knob Hill Inn is pet-friendly.
Blackberry Farm, Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The hotel sits on a hillside and offers one of the most spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. There are countless activities and adventures to embark on—go on a nature hike, get pampered at the Wellhouse, go mountain biking or fly fishing, and even take a tour on a carriage ride. Take part in the farm activities. Take a Farmstead tasting and sign up for a cooking demonstration.
Winterlake/ Tutka Bay Lodge—Anchorage, Alaska
Settle into wild and rugged mountains and glaciers. Winterlake Lodge is located 198 trail miles northwest of Anchorage, along Alaska's Historic Iditarod Trail. The lodge sits on 15 acres, overlooking a finger-shaped 2-mile lake where you can only go by float or ski plane. The property offers five individual guest cabins, a central main lodge, gardens, sled dog lot, and a sauna house.
San Ysidro Ranch—Santa Barbara, California
The 500-acre 5-star luxury hotel was ranked the No. 1 hotel in America by Forbes. Reviews on TripAdvisor say the ranch has an "old school relaxing charm." It also earned the site's Hall of Fame award from 2011 until 2015. Built in classic bungalow style, all 41 individually decorated private cottages and suites offer plush king-size beds with fine linens, fireplaces, and patios.
Cayo Espanto—Belize
Cayo Espanto is one of the most beautiful private islands in the world; it is where paradise and luxury blend. This five-star Belize resort is offers, among many world-class amenities and services, stunning views of the Caribbean from private villas. It is located just three miles from San Pedro in the tranquil waters of the Western Caribbean, off the coast of Belize.
Glenmere Mansion—Hudson Valley, New York
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city deep in the rolling farmlands of the lower-Hudson Valley and stay at the 150-acre Gilded Age retreat. Glenmere was one of America's finest country homes; it hosted royalty, aristocracy and leading artists. It only has 18 guest rooms, two restaurants, and a full-service spa with bath house. Enjoy European-style elegance and have fun in the plush meadows just about 50 miles from New York City.
Fogo Island Inn—New Foundland, Canada
Fogo Island is the largest offshore island in Newfoundland. Stay at the Fogo Island Inn for tons of hiking, walking and backpacking opportunities. Enjoy nights by the bonfire, relax in their rooftop sauna and stargaze in their rooftop hot tubs. You can also choose to go in time for the Fogo Island Partridgeberry Harvest Festival October 5-7 and celebrate local food and crafts.
Kirini Suites & Spa—Santorini, Greece
The breathtaking view that you have from the sea is a reason alone to visit. The hotel by itself is also unique. Oia in Santorini is known for the magical view of the Caldera. The hotel looks like it's from a fairytale. It combines the Cycladic architectural tradition with luxurious living and the serene scenery of the Aegean Sea.
Villa D'Este—Lake Como, Italy
Built in the 16th century, on the shore of Lake Como, Villa D'Este ranks among the finest resorts in Italy and in the world. The resort, overlooking the spectacular lake, maintains three pools, the most remarkable of which floats on the lake, supported by a pontoon. The floating pool features a Jacuzzi and one-of-a-kind 360-degree views. The hotel is also praised for its beautiful gardens, exquisite cuisine, gala celebrations, and impeccable décor.
The Xara Palace—Mdina, Malta
This is the only hotel in Mdina. Relax and unwind in the unique 17th-century palace hidden in "The Silent City." All the tour groups have left at night, giving guests a chance to really appreciate serenity. The hotel is hanging on centuries-old bastions, surrounded by stunning baroque architecture. It has been restored to reflect its former noble standing.
Dunton Hot Springs—Dolores, Colorado
Once a ghost town left to rot in the 1800s, Dunton is now a world-class resort set among the San Juan Mountains. Stay in one of the 12 rustic cabins in the resort, which is famous for pampering massages and sensuous hot springs. Enjoy a private soaking pool out back, relax in the spa, or indulge in a more adventurous activity like horseback riding or hiking. Don't skip the old-fashioned drinking saloon.
The Ranch at Rock Creek—Philipsburg, Montana
The Ranch at Rock Creek is one of America's most spectacular glamping destinations. It combines Big Sky scenery with its cozy yet luxurious accommodations to provide visitors with a truly memorable experience. Home to authentic log cabins, historic barn accommodations and deluxe canvas cabins, this all-inclusive resort was one of three U.S. lodges featured among National Geographic's "Unique Lodges of the World."
Le Bristol—Paris, France
Visiting Paris is always worth the splurge; you might as well make it in style and stay at Le Bristol for to experience a Parisian life at its most elegant. The renowned palace has become a standard for luxury hotels all over the globe. The hotel is surrounded by some of the world's most iconic destinations for haute couture and art.
Amangiri—Canyon Point, Utah
This is the ultimate definition of a remote hideaway. The hotel is tucked in a protected valley in Canyon Point with extensive and breathtaking views. The luxury 5-star resort offers both exhilarating adventures nearby and a serene retreat. The large desert-view spa focuses on restoring beauty, harmony, balance and health.