Crown Towers Perth. Credit: Crown Towers Perth
February may have a reputation for romance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t heat things up with more adventurous pursuits throughout the month. From awe-inspiring art festivals to posh polo outings, these luxe lodgings around the globe have some sensational ways to stay warm this winter.
Perth Festival Performers. Perth Festival
Perth, Australia
Get a dose of culture Down Under during the 66th annual Perth Festival through March 8.
Australia’s longest-running arts festival puts forth an impressive itinerary of interesting performances, incredible galleries and immersive installations across the city. Returning favorites like Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak and Noveau Cirque du Vietnam should certainly be circled on your calendar.
For a stylish home base between events, check into the sleek Crown Towers Perth. From the 8,000-piece ceramic mosaic that greets you in the lobby to the picture-perfect Swan River views through your floor-to-ceiling windows, this artistic stay will keep those creative juices flowing.
Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa. Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
Cayman Islands
Beat those winter blues by heading to the beach for two days of concerts, culinary delights and comedy during Kaaboo Cayman.
On February 15 and 16, the jam-packed festival heats up Seven Mile Beach with live performances from headliners like The Chainsmokers, Zedd and comedian Wanda Sykes along with gourmet bites from superstar chefs such as Michael Mina and Nina Compton.
Between shows, rest your head at the chic Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa. Its secluded locale on the island’s north end, ocean-facing accommodations and Instagram-worthy interiors will have you feeling refreshed in no time.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Southern California
Adventure awaits in the desert this winter where two ultra-luxe Hollywood hideaways have teamed up to offer the Ultimate Polo Package.
For a cool $20,000, you’ll enjoy stays at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (highlighted by an eight-course affair at Four-Star Jean-Georges Beverly Hills) and Palm Springs’ La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort over President’s Day weekend (February 15 to 18) with helicopter transfers and plenty of perks in between.
Fans of the Sport of Kings will also be in heaven with VIP seating in the Owner’s Suite at Empire Polo Club during the day’s matches, followed by a catered lunch and private lesson with National Polo Hall of Fame player Guillermo “Memo” Gracida Jr.
The best part of the memorable vacation: a portion of the proceeds from this package will benefit the Tower Cancer Research Foundation in Beverly Hills.
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. Credit: Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Phoenix
It’s not every day a historic hotel turns 90, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is celebrating its anniversary in style.
In honor of its February 23 birthday, this architectural gem is rolling out festive offerings all month long, including a tequila sunset ritual on Saturdays (honoring the hotel’s history as the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise; begins February 23), a Diamond Anniversary Spa Ritual (consisting of a diamond face mask and champagne toast) and a Marilyn Smooch Station, where you can be made up just like the Hollywood starlet.
And since you’re already in a celebratory mood, make the 3.5-hour drive to the Grand Canyon for its centennial celebration on February 26.
Recreation of Edith Vanderbilt’s Dress. Credit: The Biltmore Estate
Asheville, North Carolina
Step back in time in the most elegant way during “A Vanderbilt House Party — The Gilded Age” at Asheville’s Biltmore Estate. Beginning February 8, this one-of-a-kind exhibit features reproductions of the Vanderbilt family’s clothes (created by Oscar-winning costumier John Bright) displayed in their natural habitat: the finely furnished rooms of Biltmore House.
A guided audio tour brings the scene to life, with anecdotes told by those who lived and worked at the estate in the early 1900s and newly colored photos of the property’s wealthy former residents.
Make a weekend of it by booking Four-Star The Inn on Biltmore Estate’s Vanderbilt House Party package, where you’ll get admission to the exhibit, plush accommodations and daily treats like a buffet breakfast and afternoon tea in The Dining Room.
Bardessono Hotel and Spa. Credit: Bardessono Hotel and Spa
Napa
Pair your classic cab with a few cinematic screenings during the Yountville International Short Film Festival. From February 7 through 10, taste your way around town while taking in more than 75 movies spanning genres such as comedy, sci-fi and suspense.
To make your experience even better, Four-Star Bardessono Hotel and Spa (host to one of the main screening rooms) provides a festival package, inclusive of serene accommodations, VIP passes to the event and daily breakfast for two in its Four-Star Lucy Restaurant.
Topping Rose House. Credit: Topping Rose House
The Hamptons
Looking for a charming last-minute Valentine’s Day escape? Head for Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Topping Rose House to bask in a boutique stay in the heart of the Hamptons’ foodie country.
Not only is the picturesque property around the corner from popular French bistro Almond and Loves & Fishes Cookshop, but this quaint 22-room hotel is also home to an outpost from celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where you can indulge in a romantic prix fixe menu on February 14.
Savor fresh fare like Montauk baked oysters, crispy New York duck breast with hibiscus honey-glazed squash, and chocolate-covered strawberries as you gaze into your sweetheart’s eyes.
