Glenmere Mansion. Credit: Glenmere Mansion
The confetti and noisemakers may be long gone, but the snow and frigid temperatures seem to be just getting comfortable around New York. Even with that bitter outlook, there’s still time for you to break up the winter monotony of Netflix binge watching in your pajamas and book a getaway to one of these fabulous, one-tank destinations from the city.
A European-Inspired Escape
The charm of Tuscany is only an hour’s drive from the Big Apple, in the Hudson Valley at Glenmere Mansion. The breathtaking 150-acre estate promises to spoil you with elegance and Old World charm with plenty of original details preserved throughout the property.
Contemporary guest rooms will keep you cozy with seductive deep-soaking tubs, heated floors and working fireplaces. In fact, the only reason to leave your sumptuous suite is to relax in the hotel’s living room and library, which boast oversized books, board games, crackling fires, cocktails and a self-playing piano.
Relaxation abounds at this country retreat — the spa is incredible and even features a Turkish hammam.
Two onsite restaurants tempt the taste buds with locally inspired fare. Enjoy an elegant prix fixe affair at the stunning Supper Room, or dig into comforting pub fare next to a crackling fire at Frog’s End.
If you choose to venture out, be sure to stop by Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery. Buy a bottle of vino or the famous cider and enjoy live music from 2 to 5 p.m. every weekend.
Glenmere Mansion is also dangerously close to the iconic Woodbury Common designer outlet.
The Adelphi Hotel. Credit: The Adelphi Hotel
A Foodie’s Getaway
Saratoga Springs, a popular summer destination for New Yorkers, offers affordable luxury and fine dining all year long. For a food-focused foray just a three-hour trip from the big city, book a room at The Adelphi Hotel, where a recent head-to-toe renovation masterfully married restored antiques with bedside controls, heated bathroom floors, smart TVs and other modern amenities.
You’ll want to begin your culinary adventure with a steak so succulent that even celebrity chef Bobby Flay gave it rave reviews. This American wagyu rib eye cap is served at the hotel’s steakhouse, Salt and Char.
During your stay, you won’t want to miss the hotel’s other restaurants, The Blue Hen and Morrissey’s, which are equally as delicious.
While you’re in town, stop by Druthers Brewery to sample house-brewed beer and some of the best mac and cheese around.
For a lighter brew, go to Saratoga Tea & Honey to try herbal infusions from around the world. There’s also a honey room here for you to experience the variety of locally sourced raw honey sold at the shop.
Canyon Ranch. Credit: Canyon Ranch Lenox
A Restorative Retreat
Head to Canyon Ranch‘s East Coast branch nestled in the Berkshires for a reinvigorating escape. This world-class spa getaway just two and a half hours from New York City doesn’t just pamper the body, though. With a focus on whole health, a visit here will also soothe your mind and soul.
The all-inclusive Ranch is also about indulging — dining establishments offer an extensive array of delicious and nutritious offerings for every palate. The Canyon Ranch Grill’s formal dining room serves upscale fare in newly renovated, contemporary surroundings. But we also love the café where you can nosh on delectable small plates and creative seasonal pizzas and soups.
In addition to gourmet meals, rates include unlimited fitness classes, cooking demonstrations and thought-provoking lectures. World-class spa treatments and certain specialty classes (like art lessons and aerial yoga) can be booked at an additional cost.
To promote wellness, alcohol is not served on the premises, but if you can’t seem to function without your afternoon chardonnay, feel free to bring and enjoy libations in your room.
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A Taste of Las Vegas
If you’re craving the sights and sounds of Las Vegas, make your way to Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, less than a two-hour drive from New York City.
The Pennsylvania resort’s recently renovated Chairman’s Suite alone makes it worthy of a visit for high rollers. The 1,600-square-foot space consists of a master bedroom and bath, a walk-in closet (complete with sit-down vanity), a dining area, living room and a small media room. The extravagant bathrooms boast automatic Toto toilets fit for a king.
The colossal casino (larger than three football fields), live music and delicious celebrity chef dining options won’t disappoint. We recommend booking a visit when Sands Bethlehem Event Center is hosting a concert with classic stars like Patti LaBelle (February 15), Foreigner (March 12) or Steve Winwood (March 15).
The Point. Credit: The Point
A Luxe Mountain Cabin
For a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star stay in the rolling hills of upstate New York, book a room at The Point. Originally built by the Rockefellers in the early 1930s, this rustic-chic Adirondack escape five hours from Manhattan is reminiscent of Gilded Age grandeur.
The hotel is at its most magical during the winter, when you can cozy up indoors by the private fireplaces offered in each room. Newly winterized and now available for booking during the cold-weather months is The Boathouse, the property’s most popular room. While this particular unit features a fully stocked bar, sitting areas and more, any room you select on the property features sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and an ice-covered Upper Saranac Lake.
The Point offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when the temperatures drop, from ice-skating to snowshoeing and everything in between.
At night, warm up with an elegant meal from executive chef Loic Leperlier in the hotel’s formal Great Hall.
