Château Élan
Photo Courtesy of Château Élan
It’s hard to believe, but summer’s unofficial end is fast approaching. If you haven’t planned your Labor Day escape yet, we’ve rounded up seven luxe locations perfect for long weekend à deux or with the family. From laid-back to jam-packed, there’s something for everyone here.
Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg, Virginia
Get a “Taste of Tradition” at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Williamsburg hotel over the big weekend. The Regency-style Inn, located across the street from the town’s historic section, is like a step back in time, albeit with luxurious touches like a relaxing spa and cooking school. On Labor Day, enjoy a culinary experience that’s decidedly more modern, complete with tickets to the local Brew ‘N’ Cue Showdown, plus optional events like a Jefferson, Henry & Mrs. Washington Wine Dinner and a Bacon Breakfast.
Cruising With Hammock Beach, Photo Courtesy of Salamander Hotels And Resorts
Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast
Thought Florida was just for Spring Break? Think again. Hammock Beach, on the state’s posh Palm Coast (near Amelia Island), is offering a holiday weekend of events for the whole family. Activities at the resort range from daily Sundancer boat cruises and fire pit rentals to Fajita Friday parties, lawn games for kids and spa specials for mom and dad.
Château Élan, Atlanta
Escape to France sans passport at this Atlanta-area gem. The 275-room resort is a popular wedding location, but equally suited for a romantic weekend away. Visit over Labor Day and take in a concert from beach band Pieces of Eight, which will play favorites from the 50s, 60s, and 70s on Sunday night at the resort’s Winery pavilion. Otherwise, enjoy spa time, a trip to the onsite winery or a round on one of the hotel’s four golf courses.
Gateway Canyons Resort, Photo Courtesy of Noble House Hotels and Resorts
Gateway Canyons Resort, Grand Junction, Colorado
Named for its location at the entry to Colorado’s famed Canyonlands, Gateway Canyons (founded by Discovery Channel exec John Hendricks) is the perfect all-generation vacation for the active family in western Colorado. But over Labor Day, indulge in some decidedly more 21-and-up pursuits that go well beyond everyday activities like Baja truck driving and hiking. From Sept. 4 to 6, you’ll be able to take part in complimentary Colorado Craft Beer tastings and a “Build Your Own Bloody Mary” bar each morning.
The Chase Park Plaza, St. Louis
Located in St. Louis’ Central West End, this elegant Forbes Travel Guide Recommended property is a historic gem that’s full of character (think chandeliers and marble floors) but also stuffed with modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and plasma HDTVs. Bring the whole family over the long weekend and have a blast with the Family Getaway package, a promotion granting you up to four tickets to the Chase Park Plaza Cinema, the movie theater attached to the hotel playing current favorites (sorry, but the perfectly titled Ed Helms-starred comedy Vacation isn’t showing), plus daily buffet breakfast for four and overnight self parking.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
It’s almost certain to be a sun-and-fun filled weekend at this Five-Star beauty; the resort sees more than 300 days of sunshine each year. All the more reason to take advantage of its Punta Mita Experience Package, a promotion allowing you to enjoy one activity —we’re thinking scuba diving, horseback riding, spa treatments or dolphin swims might be in order — per day, plus get overnight accommodations in one of the resort’s signature casitas or suites.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Perfectly situated in the heart of the city’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Boston is just steps from the best shopping, dining and nightlife. Visit over Labor Day and get the American Epic deal, where you can enjoy a private docent-led tour of “American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood,” an exploration into the connection between Benton’s art and the movies, at the famed Peabody Essex Museum; a private tour of Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house, and car service to and from the museum in a Mercedes S Class. Once you finish feasting on the art, a sweet sculptural dessert awaits back in your plush guestroom or suite.
