Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Photo Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels Limited
With summer in full swing, there’s no shortage of amazing events and awesome places to add to your itinerary. Whether you need to nourish your mind, body or soul, there’s just the place for you on our curated list of places to try in July.
Tampa
Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf and Spa Resort is quite the destination. Conveniently located just 40 minutes from Tampa, the resort houses four award-winning golf courses, six pools, a full-service spa and a host of family-friendly activities.
In addition to its sterling amenities, Innisbrook has an added treat in store: Celebrate 100 Days of Food and Fun at the resort through Labor Day. July highlights include National Mojito Day on July 11, which features $6 mojitos at the resort’s Market Salamander Grille from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If you like a stiffer drink, swing by the on-site Packard’s Steakhouse for National Scotch Day on July 27. Enjoy Packard’s fresh summer menu (herb-marinated duck, wild mushroom ravioli) and follow it up with single-malt scotch and whiskey flights.
Napa
Nestled among the mountains and vineyards of Napa, Four-Star Solage Calistoga is the perfect place to unwind for a midsummer vacation. The 22-acre property has long been a restoration destination — it has its own hot spring! — but the resort’s One Week of Wellness (July 17 through July 21) kicks that concept into high gear.
Dali Exhibit at Two Rodeo Drive, Photo Courtesy of Paiwei Wei
Join fitness manager Rudys Santana (formerly of Equinox NYC) for daily fitness sessions that include bike rides, yoga and circuit training. Follow up with freshly prepared meals from executive chef Brandon Sharp, who also offers handy lessons in nutrition and meal preparation for attendees. Meditation and aromatherapy experts will be on deck to round out your wellness experience, too.
Beverly Hills
While you’re on the West Coast, get a taste of Spanish comfort and culture in Los Angeles. The city of Beverly Hills is hosting the largest exhibition of Salvador Dalí sculptures in the U.S. from now through September 23 at the Two Rodeo Drive shopping center. Complimentary docent tours will be available on weekends during Dali Exhibit at Two Rodeo Drive’s duration.
After having your mind blown at the surreal showing, head over two blocks to the Five-Star Montage Beverly Hills to get your bearings. From diamond facials to body bliss massages, the hotel spa offers plenty of respite for you to contemplate Dalí’s pieces in peace.
The Spanish Colonial–inspired hotel is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, so you’ll be right in the thick of the arts, recreation and shopping scenes whenever you’re finished relaxing.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Hop across the Pacific to the Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. This island hot spot is on fire (figuratively, of course) this summer. If you’re in the mood for family time, the resort is kid friendly, complete with a saltwater encounter pool where the little ones can snorkel and swim with tropical fish.
If you prefer to travel sans kiddos, this beachy oasis also features tons of amenities for your adult adventure and relaxation needs. The special bonus this season is the resort’s Wild Wellness series. Kick butt and get empowered with Zack Schare’s Hawaii Island Boot Camp from July 10 to 14. Bend and stretch your way to enlightenment with Ashtanga yoga guru Sean Phelps from July 24 to 28. Immerse yourself in a world of self-actualization with Alyson Charles’ Mind, Body Power Healing on July 28 to August 1.
Dominican Republic
Lounging on the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic should definitely be on the summer to-do list. Need further inspiration? You need only look at Eden Roc at Cap Cana, a resort whose sole mission is to help melt your stresses in the Caribbean sun.
Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Photo Courtesy of Solaya Hotels & Resorts
The property’s Vitality Package literally cares for you from the moment you exit the plane thanks to round-trip private transportation to and from Punta Cana International Airport.
Once at the resort, you can make use of golf carts to travel around the resort. De-stress with a lymphatic drainage massage or try daily yoga lessons that have an emphasis on relaxation and meditation. The package allows you to unwind even more post-treatment thanks to a bottle of champagne.
And when it’s time for dining, learn some skills for future use at a complimentary healthy-cooking lesson and be sure to take advantage of the deal’s daily breakfast and three-course dinner.
Osaka
The cherry blossom on top of July’s festivities is the epic Tenjin Matsuri Festival on July 24 and 25. Imperial Hotel, Osaka offers the perfect front-seat view of the main celebration. The centuries-old event kicks off with Shinto rituals and theatrical performances to celebrate the patron god of learning and art — over 3,000 participants dressed in imperial-court style garb march through Osaka’s streets and board 100 fire-lit boats for the river-barge procession.
Imperial Hotel Osaka’s special Tenjin Festival package grants you the option of dining at any one of the hotel’s fantastic restaurants, including the traditional French Les Saisons and Kamon, a teppanyaki restaurant.
After dinner, retire to one of the specially selected guestrooms that offer an intimate view of the parade and the culminating fireworks display set against the backdrop of the Okawa River.
