Though fall technically starts on September 23, there are a few high-end hotels that didn’t get the memo. You’ll find an endless summer at these luxurious properties, where sun-drenched beaches, hot (but not too hot) temperatures and packed event schedules are always on the forecast.
The warm-weather vibes never end at this sprawling SoCal resort in the Temecula mountains about 60 miles north of San Diego.
The Cove (a massive 4.5-acre pool complex) is reason enough to book a few days at the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property. Expect amenities galore, from a swim-up bar and semi-submerged pool beds to waterslides and ultra-comfortable loungers lining three large pools and five hot tubs.
For a better glimpse of the scenic rolling hills and wine country that surround the resort, tee off at Journey at Pechanga, a picturesque, 7,219-yard course.
Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados
Summer is a way of life in Barbados, and you’ll feel it the moment your toes hit the stretch of white sand just steps from this 75-room retreat. Make the most of your tropical locale by booking a Beachfront Suite, which has direct access to the water and a large furnished terrace with unobstructed views.
Water sports will keep you busy during the day, whether you want to kayak, snorkel, paddleboard or windsurf. At night, head to the sultry beachside Taboras restaurant to dine on Bajan-spiced chicken or flying fish while listening to the waves roll in.
Las Vegas might be more enjoyable to visit anytime but summer. Come late September, daily high temperatures dip down to the mid-80s, making one of those all-day pool parties sound a lot more appealing.
Guests at this Five-Star-hotel-within-a-hotel can conveniently visit MGM’s Wet Republic Ultra Pool to order pitchers of icy drinks and listen to world-famous DJs spin — September’s schedule is stacked with talent like Calvin Harris and Steve Aoki.
You also can access the resort’s tamer (but just as beguiling) three-pool complex, which has a lazy river and plush private cabanas to hole up in while recovering from a night (or day) out.
Summer adventures abound at this Four-Star beach resort on China’s Hainan Island, about a 90-minute flight south of Hong Kong.
Tucked away on protected Coral Bay, the beachfront property spreads across 30 acres, much of it shoreline and verdant gardens. The setting is ideal if you want to explore the natural beauty of this special place by diving, snorkeling and kayaking around the colorful coral reef; hiking nearby mountains and rainforest; and surfing the breaks.
There’s also plenty of relaxing to be done while you emulate the lazy days of summer, whether it be at one of three pools, in a hammock, on your guest room’s terrace or atop a beach lounger steps from the water.
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami
Magic City does an excellent job of mixing beach and city life, and you’ll get some of the best of both at this Four-Star resort on Miami Beach’s northern end.
To satisfy your craving for more summer, slip into an ultra-luxe, ocean-facing cabana with a private plunge pool or perch on a beach lounger shaded by an umbrella and elevated with chairside service (which includes chilled towels and flavor-infused water).
Things really start to heat up after sundown. Catch live music every Friday evening at Artisan Beach House or savor a cigar and cordial by an alfresco firepit on Friday and Saturday nights. Through September, Artisan Beach House also will offer Miami Spice, a three-course menu that shows off the city’s more fiery cuisine.
And to witness Miami’s hot art scene, take advantage of The Ritz-Carlton’s Unscripted Bal Harbour program, which provides hotel guests with free admission to many local art institutions. Or just go for a walk along Bal Harbour Beach to see a rotating collection of works.
About 40 minutes northwest of San Diego, this Four-Star resort is a great getaway for grownups wanting a few more days in the sun. The adults-only, saltwater pool has swinging daybeds and cabanas with views of the mountains, plus a large outdoor bar and terrace, where you can sip and snack under the sun.
Of course, the resort has plenty of indoor entertainment at its 250,000-square-foot casino, five restaurants and multiple clubs and lounges, but you’ll want to see a show at Concerts in the Park. This intimate, alfresco venue is surrounded by palm trees, views of the majestic mountains and stars on the stage (Dwight Yoakam, October 12; Aaron Lewis, October 27) and twinkling from above.
