Salamander Resort & Spa. Credit: Salamander Resort & Spa
Spring is finally in the air and there’s no better way to celebrate than with an Easter weekend getaway. We found seven hotels and restaurants that are putting a little something extra into their festivities surrounding the April 1 holiday — Easter Bunny not necessarily included.
Salamander Resort & Spa
After all the hoopla of egg hunts and bunny baskets, book yourself a luxe little retreat at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort in the rolling hills of Middleburg, Virginia. The Midweek Escape package offers an agreeable reason to hide out in horse country: you’ll enjoy 25 percent off your stay from Easter Sunday through Thursday, which leaves you with a little something extra to spend at the lovely Four-Star spa and more time to fall in love with the wooded trails.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa. Credit: The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa
The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa
Hit up this Four-Star Houston institution for a grandiose Easter brunch that includes all the traditional fare (glazed rack of lamb, hash brown casserole, asparagus salad, hot cross buns) plus a visit from the Easter Bunny. Bonus: champagne and mimosas are included.
Seatings in the ballroom are available between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., but if you’ve got a large group of 20 or more, consider booking a private room where you can be as celebratory as you please.
Thompson Chicago. Credit: Thompson Chicago
Thompson Chicago
Adults can get in on the holiday fun at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel in Chicago’s tony Gold Coast neighborhood where, from March 29 to April 3, golden eggs will be randomly hidden in rooms throughout the property for you to search for.
Find an egg? Bring it to the front desk to redeem prizes like a $200 Barneys gift card, a pair of Giorgio Armani sunglasses and dinner for two at the hotel’s chic seafood restaurant, Nico Osteria. You could even win a grand prize — a complimentary overnight stay at the hotel — if you post about the hunt on social media.
Regardless of if you find an egg or not, you’ll enjoy 18 percent off your stay when you book the Thompson Chicago’s Golden Egg Hunt offer.
Montage Laguna Beach. Credit: Montage Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach
This Five-Star hotel’s gorgeous cliff-top setting over the Pacific is reason enough to visit for an Easter weekend escape, but there’s plenty going on here, too. There are no less than three brunch options on offer, ranging from a four-course feast to a family-friendly buffet, plus a classic egg hunt hosted by the Easter Bunny himself.
Your brood can also take advantage of a Family Memories Package that includes a professional photo session and complimentary half-day admission to Paintbox kid’s club, where little ones can decorate their own Easter bag to take home.
Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Credit: Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Disney Springs
The former Downtown Disney location in the heart of Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort has been transformed into Disney Springs, a dining and entertainment district with open-air promenades designed to look like a turn-of-the-century Floridian lakeside town. Two new restaurants there are worth a visit for the holiday weekend.
Housed in a former 1930s-era airline terminal, Maria & Enzo’s is serving up an Italian-inspired Easter brunch buffet on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Expect a classic cheese and meat station, loads of pastries, various antipasti, made-to-order frittatas and specialty dishes like lasagna and panettone French toast.
For a completely different vibe, book a table at the new Morimoto Asia, an elegant pan-Asian restaurant by famed Japanese chef Masaharu Morimoto. It’s a spectacular two-level space with soaring ceilings, exhibition kitchens and a sushi bar that will be decked out in Instagram-worthy décor to celebrate Japan’s traditional sakura cherry blossom festival.
If you need a place to hole up while you recover from your food coma, hop on over to the gorgeous (and family-friendly) Four-Star Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
Elway’s Downtown. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver
A sophisticated option for those spending the holiday weekend in Denver, this Four-Star hotel boasts chic surroundings, mile-high mountain views and a local institution in Elway’s Downtown.
The classic steakhouse will host its annual Easter brunch this year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1. Expect elevated buffet options such as cheese and charcuterie, chilled house-smoked salmon, prime rib and desserts galore.
The St. Regis Atlanta. Credit: The St. Regis Atlanta
The St. Regis Atlanta
There’s just one seating at this extravagant Atlanta Easter brunch — you’ll need to be in your Sunday best at the Four-Star hotel’s grand Astor Ballroom by 11:30 a.m.
Kids will get to take part in 45 minutes of craft activities as well as have an opportunity to meet with the Easter Bunny and participate in the annual Golden Egg Hunt.
While the entertainment for children is top-notch, the food is even better: expect a stunning variety of gourmet fare, from sushi and fresh seafood to gourmet cheeses and truffle eggs Benedict, along with free-flowing bloody marys and mimosas. Decadent desserts like tiramisu tartlets, pot du crème and housemade candy bars provide a sweet finish to your holiday weekend.
