Labor Day (September 2) represents the unofficial end of summer, the last chance to partake in a long, leisurely weekend before going back to school, work and commitments galore.
Here are seven top spots to take advantage of the season’s carefree vibe before it vanishes.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort
Make your Labor Day getaway at least a four-day affair at this lavish Five-Star San Jose Del Cabo retreat. Luckily, the resort touts a Suite Retreat promotion, which offers a complimentary fourth night stay, plus daily breakfast for two and roundtrip airport transfers to make your holiday escape even easier. And with perks like winding infinity pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez, open-air spa treatments, pool butlers and an alfresco tequila and ceviche bar, you might just want to double down on the package and stay for eight days instead.
Nobody does luxury quite like Las Vegas, with its unapologetic glitz and over-the-top pampering.
You’ll find all that and more at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property, a luxe boutique hotel tucked within the bigger Four-Star Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. Its private entrance, lobby and lounge will set the mood for an extravagant weekend away, as will the sumptuously appointed rooms with killer views of the Strip.
Catch comedian Ali Wong’s The Milk & Money tour over Labor Day weekend. The Always Be My Maybe star takes the stage on August 31 and September 1 at 7:30 and 10 p.m. And don’t worry, she’ll be at the Encore Theater, so you won’t have to travel far from your luxurious trappings to see her stand-up gig.
Book a pre-show treatment at Encore’s Five-Star spa to be relaxed and ready to laugh.
The Towers at Lotte New York Palace
Get a chance to spy tennis champs up close at this iconic midtown Manhattan hotel before the U.S. Open (August 26 to September 8) begins. On August 22, the Four-Star property will host its annual Palace Invitational, a badminton tournament between the world’s best players — last year Venus Williams and Rafael Nadal faced off in the hotel’s Madison Avenue Courtyard.
Snag a spot on the sidelines by booking The Doubles Package, an ultra-swanky $10,000 offer that includes two nights in a posh Towers Corner Suite, admittance to the match, drinks in The Gold Room and a signed tennis ball from the star players, among other perks.
And while the invitational is technically a week before Labor Day, opt to stay through the last week of summer to catch the U.S. Open players on their actual court of expertise at the USTA Billie King National Tennis Center roughly 10 miles away.
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
You don’t need to venture to the East Coast for a decent Broadway show when you can see Hamilton in San Francisco over the holiday weekend. The blockbuster production has several shows lined up in August and September at SHN Orpheum Theatre, just a short drive from the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended JW Marriott.
The hotel has a primo location off of popular Union Square, making it an ideal base for theater going, luxury shopping and, of course, dining your way through the city’s stellar foodie scene.
Book a pre-show table at seafood-focused Four-Star Michael Mina or wait until after the performance to take advantage to the city’s late-night eats — either way be sure to enjoy a nightcap back at the hotel’s sophisticated Level III Bar.
Escaping to Hawaii is a dream almost any time of year, especially when you hole up in an all-suite, Five-Star tropical resort teeming with high-end amenities. From horseback riding and helicopter tours to ziplining and Polynesian luaus, this 24-acre hideaway ensures you’ll never run out ways to have fun in the island sun.
Montage’s Discover Maui package jumpstarts your day’s adventures with $150 daily resort credit to be used toward island activities and a $60 daily breakfast credit to help you fuel up at Four-Star Cane & Canoe.
Live like English aristocracy this Labor Day when you check into this regal Four-Star Victoria, British Columbia, address.
Built in 1908, the hotel was named for Queen Victoria and exudes a certain British charm, particularly during Tea at the Empress, its beloved afternoon tradition in the grand lobby.
Take advantage of the hotel’s Sleep and Steep Tea Package to receive an overnight stay at the historic hotel and a reservation for the acclaimed service, complete with a selection of 21 loose-leaf teas and classic confections served on elegant tiered trays.
To really live like royalty for the weekend, book a Fairmont Gold room, which will give you access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge and Terrace overlooking the waterfront, private check-in, a dedicated concierge team and complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.
Give your relationship a reboot with a long holiday weekend at this Four-Star spot in the Pennsylvania countryside near Amish country. The Tuscan-inspired inn is spread out over several buildings, giving each room a secluded feel ideal for romance.
Revel in a little indulgence with your significant other when you book the property’s Celebrate Package. The promotion includes a three-course dinner at Italian eatery Osteria Avanti, breakfast and a bottle of champagne (morning mimosas, anyone?) to toast your amorous escape.
The Four-Star spa is another way to connect with your loved one. Go for a couples massage and head to the relaxing tea room for some blissful post-treatment lounging.
