While we don’t blame many parts of the United States for getting into the holiday mood this month, we applaud the destinations that are still finding time to host music festivals, dinner parties and tennis camps. Be sure to put these spots on your travel calendar.
Las Vegas
Get a taste of Sicily in Sin City when iconic Italian eatery Cipriani makes its grand West Coast debut this month. Opening within Wynn Plaza at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Wynn Las Vegas, the renowned restaurant will feature classic design elements from Florentine architect Michele Bonan, such as nautically themed furnishings, glossy walnut and chrome accents, and terrazzo floors — colored lighting will add a Vegas flair.
Nab a reservation this fall to dine on signatures like carpaccio alla Cipriani, baked tagliolini with ham, vanilla meringue and Venice’s favorite Bellinis.
Bluffton, South Carolina
Palmetto Bluff, a luxury community in the heart of Lowcountry, tempts travelers with fascinating outdoor activities, fabulous natural backdrops and one of the finest resorts on the East Coast (Four-Star Montage Palmetto Bluff).
From November 15 to 18, however, it gives you another reason to visit: Music To Your Mouth, a four-day festival filled with elaborate meals from James Beard-winning chefs and toe-tapping live performances. That you can recover from it all just minutes from the stage at the Montage makes it all the more enticing.
Napa Valley
The festive season is looking extra flavorful in St. Helena, where Four-Star Las Alcobas, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Napa Valley’s Acacia House restaurant is gearing up to host the second annual Feast of the Seven Cultures.
Kicking off on November 29, this multi-part dinner series leading up to the holidays sees six celebrated chefs creating a one-night-only tasting menu inspired by the country they represent.
A few highlights include Alon Shaya’s Israel-influenced offerings, Stephanie Izard’s (of Chicago’s Girl & The Goat) German fare and the property’s own Chris Cosentino with Portuguese plates. But no matter which night you attend, you can feel good knowing that a portion of the proceeds will go to the Chefs Cycle fundraiser for No Kid Hungry.
Montauk, New York
Get ahead of those holiday pounds by partaking in Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa’s Wellness Retreats. From November 9 through 11 or January 11 to 13, the fitness-focused getaways will feature three-day itineraries of mindfulness exercises, healthy dinners and trendy workouts like Hart Shift with wellness expert Dara Hartman.
After a sweat session, head for the 32,000-square-foot Seawater Spa to indulge in the Roman baths, Finnish rock sauna and Swiss showers before working out those kinks with a well-deserved massage.
Charleston
This stylish Southern destination has it all: history, charm, ocean breezes and phenomenal food. Experience the best of all worlds with the City to Sea package from two luxe Charleston stays.
Start your getaway with two nights at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Restoration, a trendy King Street stay with an urban-chic feel. Take in a bird’s-eye view of the city when you dine at rooftop restaurant The Watch and take home a custom indigo candle souvenir, a symbol of the region’s industrial past.
You’ll spend your next two days seaside at the sprawling Wild Dunes Resort, where golfing, biking and fishing are just a few of the picture-perfect ways to while away your afternoon. Dine on succulent seafood favorites at Coastal Provisions and get your hands dirty with a traditional indigo dyeing workshop.
Maui
Soak up some sun and practice your swing when you head to Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea this fall. From November 2 to 6, the Five-Star retreat is hosting a Topnotch Fantasy Tennis Camp (in partnership with the athletic company of the same name) led by Hall of Famers (Tracy Austin), current ATP stars (Steve Johnson) and WTA heavy hitters (Shelby Rogers).
In addition to morning and afternoon lessons, you’ll partake in cocktail parties and private dinners with the pros. At the end of the day, have another kind of doubles session by unwinding in the tub and relaxing on the patio of your ocean-view room.