Calistoga Ranch. Credit: Calistoga Ranch
With warming temperatures and lingering sunshine, June is the month to pack a bag and hit the road before the summer heat and crowds descend. Whether you prefer to take in a sailing race or slowly savor some local flavors, these six sensational destinations promise picture-perfect ways to soak in the seasonal fun.
Napa
Feel good about savoring summer’s favorite sip during Sterling Vineyard’s second annual Napa Valley RoséFest on June 9. Held in partnership with the Susan G. Komen foundation, the flavorful event celebrates the region’s bounty while also benefiting breast cancer education, research and patient support.
This year’s edition will feature tastes from more than 30 wineries alongside some of the Bay Area’s best bites, live music and spectacular scenery from the vineyard’s hilltop position.
At the end of the day, retreat to some of the valley’s top stays situated just up the road, including Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Calistoga Ranch and its tranquil, nature-inspired ambiance.
For a trendier respite, head a few minutes north to Five-Star Solage, An Auberge Resort to enjoy fresh, seasonal fare at its popular Solbar restaurant and a soothing mud wrap at its Four-Star spa.
Beau Rivage, Geneva. Credit: Beau Rivage, Geneva
Geneva
No luxurious lakeside retreat is complete without a little sailing, and this scenic Swiss city takes the timeless tradition to the next level with Bol d’Or Mirabaud. Widely considered to be the world’s most important inland lake regatta, this historic race — celebrating its 80th year from June 8 to 10 — welcomes more than 500 boats to participate in the 66.5-nautical-mile race from Geneva to Le Bouveret and back.
Offering a prime perch from which to take in the competition is Four-Star Beau Rivage Geneva. Whether you choose to check into one of the 90 uniquely decorated rooms or simply sip champagne from your front-row seat at La Terrasse café, a visit to this grande dame adds an elegant touch to the exciting experience.
Gansevoort Turks & Caicos. Credit: Gansevoort Turks & Caicos
Turks & Caicos
Take your family on the ultimate Caribbean escape at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Gansevoort Turks & Caicos’ brand-new oceanfront villas. When you reserve your space this June, you’ll receive up to 50 percent off your getaway with the resort’s special introductory rates.
Boasting four or five bedrooms, each accommodation is an ideal for a family or a group who desires a little extra privacy — the villas are tucked away from the main resort on about half an acre of lush green space.
Even though you’ll be secluded from the property, you’ll still get access to all of the hotel’s amenities — but with your own infinity pool, stylish outdoor seating and private swimming platforms leading out to the turquoise waters, you might never want to leave your villa.
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s Oval Ballroom. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Montreal
While the hot rods assemble by day on the Gilles Villeneuve racetrack for the Montreal Grand Prix from June 7 to 10, the city’s see-and-be-seen scene will dance the night away at the weekend’s most highly anticipated event. Held at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Montreal on June 8, the annual Grand Prix Party complements the international race with a celebrity-studded guest list and an elite sponsorship roster that includes names likes Aston Martin and Guerlain.
Boasting a sensuous Sahara theme this year, the event’s details are still top secret, but if past parties are any indication, you can expect a free-flowing champagne bar, gourmet fare from hotel executive chef Johnny Porte and beats by local celebrity DJ YO-C.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. Credit: Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide Inc
Riviera Nayarit
Get the summer body you’ve always dreamed of while soaking up some rays during The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort’s first wellness retreat. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Five-Star property has partnered with renowned Mexican fitness program Sersana to create the Reboot Beach & Mindfulness Bootcamp, taking place June 24 through 30.
During the retreat, you’ll participate in fat-burning workouts, meditation sessions and nutrition classes that teach you how to incorporate full-body holistic wellness into your everyday life. Access to the resort’s numerous amenities — including two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, three restaurants and the St. Regis’ famed butler service — is just the cherry on top of your stay.
The Clifton. Credit: Read McKendree
Charlottesville
Get a modern taste of this historic Virginia town during Starr Hill Brewery’s IPA Jambeeree. On June 9, head to the Crozet taproom to sample more than a dozen drafts from Starr Hill alongside exclusive collaborative suds from breweries from across the state, including Basic City Beer Co., Ardent Craft Ales and Twin Creeks Brewing Co.
In addition, you’ll also enjoy live music, local bites and good vibes, as the proceeds from each beer sold benefit the Ivy Creek Foundation, which oversees a Blue Ridge nature preserve.
Once you’ve had your fill of brews, make your way 30 minutes east to rest your head at recently renovated boutique property The Clifton. Reopening this month after a head-to-toe facelift, the intimate 20-room hotel blends contemporary décor (by Blackberry Design Group) and modern amenities (hyper-local 1799 restaurant, an infinity pool) with original historic touches (repurposed vintage furniture and a croquet lawn). Of course, the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate don’t hurt, either.
