Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Credit: Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to break out the barbecue grill and flip-flops for some well-deserved relaxation. Or, you could take advantage of the warming weather and hit the road to discover something new.
From a world-class soccer tournament in Atlanta to a brand-new hotel opening in Macau, these delightful destinations are heating up across the globe.
Highlands, North Carolina
A country-chic escape in the Carolina hills doesn’t mean sacrificing your creature comforts, especially at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Old Edwards Inn and Spa, where you can enjoy a Parisian-style affair with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a spectacular backdrop.
Visit this historic hideaway on July 12 to partake in La Fete Française, a Laurent-Perrier champagne dinner. Indulge in a five-course French feast from executive chef Chris Huerta accompanied by bottles of bubbly and live gypsy jazz from popular South Carolina duo Wirewood in an incredibly Instagrammable hillside setting.
WaterColor Inn. Credit: St. Joe Club & Resorts
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Deep dive into the local art scene as the United States’ first permanently submerged sculpture exhibit, the Underwater Museum of Art, debuts in South Walton, Florida.
Composed of seven sunken sculptures from mostly regional artists, the project serves not only as an unusual attraction for divers — due to its depth, the statues can only be seen via scuba diving tour — but also as an artificial reef to support local marine life.
Once you resurface from your cultural adventure, head just seven minutes east to Four-Star WaterColor Inn to bask in a boutique beachfront stay complete with new touches (the just-reopened FOOW restaurant) and home-style comforts, such as the freshly baked cookies delivered each evening at turndown.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. Credit: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Atlanta
Get in on the excitement as 70,000 fans pack into Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 23rd annual Major League Soccer All-Star game on August 1. The yearly match pits the best players in the MLS against one of the world’s most successful teams — this year, Turin, Italy’s Juventus Football Club.
After you snag your tickets to the sure-to-thrill affair, be sure to book a stay at Midtown’s Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. This Five-Star skyscraper is close to the action on the pitch, but situated far enough from the downtown commotion that you can enjoy a serene respite from the mayhem — we suggest a post-game rubdown at the sensational spa to score even more relaxation points.
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New York City
Take in the Big Apple’s most iconic sights in style this summer with Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Conrad New York’s Sip and Sail package. In addition to a serene stay at this luxurious Lower Manhattan hotel, the offer includes a two-hour sailing excursion around the city aboard Manhattan By Sail’s classic schooner, the Shearwater, and an indulgent champagne brunch.
To get the most out of the extravagant experience, secure your July getaway in one of the posh property’s Hudson River View suites to soak up spectacular harbor vistas and a sailing-themed turndown gift to remind you of your adventure.
The Diplomat Beach Resort. Credit: The Diplomat Beach Resort
Hollywood, Florida
Celebrate summertime with a family-friendly getaway to newly refreshed The Diplomat Beach Resort on Florida’s sunny Atlantic coast.
Take advantage of the luxury hotel’s Destination Family offer to receive a plethora of perks, including a sweet welcome amenity from onsite ice cream parlor, Candy & Cones; complimentary two-hour daily access to the Kid’s Club; and free dining for tiny travelers 12 and under at select onsite restaurants.
We recommend grabbing a table at the waterfront beer and wine garden, Portico, where parents can savor summer’s best sips and Italian bites while the little ones play ping pong, corn hole, giant Jenga and other games.
Morpheus’ Sky Pool. Credit: Morpheus
Macau
Debuting an array of luxurious firsts, Morpheus — located within Macau’s popular entertainment complex, City of Dreams — has officially opened its doors.
Schedule a stay at the show-stopping Zaha Hadid-designed hotel this month and be one of the first to experience such delightful details as an entire floor dedicated to storied chef Alain Ducasse (with two restaurants and a bar); the first Chinese hotel partnership with French pastry master Pierre Hermé; the only spa in the world to feature real snow; bespoke art installations; and exclusive shopping worthy of the Las Vegas of the East.
The Adelphi Hotel. Credit: The Adelphi Hotel
Saratoga Springs, New York
If you missed seeing Justify win the coveted Triple Crown earlier this year, don’t worry; there’s plenty of high-stakes horse racing ahead. This summer, escape the heat of NYC and take in some world-class competition during the annual 40-day thoroughbred meet at the historic Saratoga Race Course.
Kicking off the season on July 20, the track hosts an array of festivities, ranging from frequent craft beer and bourbon tastings to weekly fashion showcases and the 27th annual opening weekend hat contest.
Between the revelry and races, rest your head at The Adelphi Hotel. Almost as storied as the 150-year-old race track, this posh property just one mile from the stables recently underwent a head-to-toe refresh, revealing a masterful mix of turn-of-the-century décor and state-of-the-art amenities for an idyllic Upstate escape.
