Ocean House. Credit: Ocean House
Spring break isn’t just for kids. As the weather warms, even grown-ups feel the urge to hit the beach, the mountains or the city streets for a little adventure to welcome the change in the seasons.
Let the teens keep Cancun — from chic oceanfront resorts to elegant urban retreats, these stays provide all the posh extras needed for a proper adult spring break.
Ocean House
Perched on Watch Hill, Rhode Island‘s scenic sands, this retreat provides all the fun of a beach escape, but with an extra level of exclusivity. Sophisticated amenities here include 24-hour valet service, gratis Mercedes-Benz rentals and complimentary resort activities, ranging from yoga sessions to cooking classes.
No matter how you choose to unwind, be sure to make time for the resort’s Sunday Jazz Brunch. This classic year-round favorite might just make you feel like a Victorian-era VIP with delicacies like a made-to-order crepe station and a raw bar. Free-flowing bubbles and live music complete the scene.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Credit: The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Far from the maddening crowds of spring breakers, this wooded escape just outside Raleigh, North Carolina, is a nature lover’s luxe dream with a three-acre lake and miles of hiking trails to discover.
Savor a getaway for two at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hideaway with the In Harmony Package. Upon check-in, you’ll be greeted with hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling wine, but you’ll want to wait until after your 50-minute Aromatherapy Couple’s Massage at the Four-Star spa to indulge.
White Elephant Village. Credit: Nantucket Island Resort
White Elephant Village
This Four-Star Nantucket haven may not open for the season until April 25, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your spring escape to the cape.
You’ll want for nothing at this peaceful New England paradise, where complimentary espresso and pastries are served each morning, a sparkling pool is reserved for hotel guests and a fleet of bikes stands ready for you to explore the island’s network of trails.
Though, if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can always book excursions from whale watching to vineyard tours through the friendly concierge.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s Salt. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
While south Florida’s beaches are teeming with spring breakers, the northeast end of the state tends to provide a tranquil respite for some more mature pampering. Check into this Four-Star Amelia Island stay to savor peaceful walks on the beach, rounds on the greens and a unique epicurean experience.
The resort’s signature restaurant Salt offers a romantic ambiance, picturesque views and more than 40 salts from around the world to spice up your meal. A salt sommelier is on hand to help you pick your pairing, though with chef Rick Laughlin at the helm, dishes like Chilean sea bass with ricotta dumplings or steak and eggs served on a 250-million-year-old Himalayan salt block don’t need much coaxing.
The Pearl Hotel. Credit: St.Joe Club & Resorts
The Pearl Hotel
You don’t have to skip the beach to enjoy a trendy spring break escape. This Four-Star waterfront gem has Instagram-worthy backdrops from every angle, from its black-and-white-striped awnings and bright yellow umbrellas to its private stretch of sand on Florida’s Rosemary Beach.
Give your getaway a grown-up twist by stopping by Panama City Beach’s Unwined festival. On March 22 and 23, sip and dine in the Florida sunshine as local chefs, brewers, winemakers and artisans take over Aaron Bessant Park, just a 15-minute drive from your oceanfront room.
This year’s highlights include a Southern Living-hosted kick-off party with bites from renowned Atlanta toque and Top Chef alum Kevin Gillespie and an alfresco concert from Grammy-nominated artist Brandi Carlile.
The Rittenhouse. Credit: Philip Gabriel Photography
The Rittenhouse
With its Rittenhouse Square location and recently refreshed look, this Four-Star Philadelphia property is just spot to hole up for an urban retreat this spring.
Pamper yourself with The Rittenhouse Renewal Package and bask in refreshing extras like deluxe bath amenities for a luxurious soak and a sleep kit consisting of eye masks and soothing sleep spray.
After a restful night in your spacious room (one of the largest in the city), head downstairs to Four-Star Lacroix at The Rittenhouse for one of the best brunches in town — a $100 credit ensures you can splurge.
Castle Hill Inn. Credit: Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn
Bring a loved one out for an enchanting escape for two to this Four-Star Newport, Rhode Island, hideaway. Tucked along its own private peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay, the hotel’s secluded locale and sumptuous extras (gratis breakfast, afternoon tea and bike rentals) allow for a worry-free trip.
Make it even more memorable by booking the inn’s Retreat to Romance package and receive a two-night stay, a couple’s massage and a three-course dinner at the picture-perfect Four-Star The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn. Additions like a bottle of rosé champagne, fresh flowers and chocolate-dipped strawberries help fan the flames even more.
The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. Credit: The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.
The Jefferson, Washington, D.C.
With its myriad museums, gorgeous green spaces and roster of renowned restaurants, Washington, D.C., is an ideal destination for those looking for a little culture this season, and this historic Four-Star stay provides an elegant home base.
Along with the warming weather, March and April bring cherry blossom season to the city, when thousands of rose-hued blooms spring to life all over town. Book The Jefferson’s Pop of Pink package to spend more time wandering among the flowers with 20 percent off a stay in a suite, a cherry-flavored welcome amenity from the top-notch pastry team and two complimentary cocktails at Quill, the hotel’s stately bar.
Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa. Credit: Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa
Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa
If white sand beaches and alfresco seafood feasts are on your spring break wish list, then a visit to this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended resort is a must.
With its coveted location on Shoal Bay East, this Anguilla retreat makes lazing the day away a tempting possibility — an ornate Thailand-inspired spa, three sparkling pools (including an adults-only option) and deep-soaking tubs offer plenty of opportunities for decompressing.
However, if you do crave a little more adventure, grab a gratis kayak, a paddleboard or some snorkeling gear to visit the vibrant reefs just offshore.
Belmond El Encanto. Credit: Belmond Management Services SARL
Belmond El Encanto
No Santa Barbara getaway would be complete without fabulous food, and this Five-Star hideaway delivers. A Taste of Santa Barbara package lets you savor the flavors of Southern California with a $150 dinner and $60 breakfast credit.
Snag a seat on the terrace to feel springtime’s intoxicating mountain breezes alongside your incredibly fresh fare — herbs and produce for The Dining Room are grown in an onsite garden and signature El Encanto cheese is made from milk produced by the hotel’s own Holstein cow, Ellie.
