The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach
Between the changing leaves, hordes of football fans and onslaught of pumpkin-themed treats, fall’s arrival is undeniable. Rather than cozy up by the fire, pack your bags for an autumn adventure packed with enviable Instagram fodder.
Whether you’re looking for a little leaf-peeping, a culinary celebration or a simple seasonal refresh, these destinations have awesome things in store this October.
Hawaii
Oahu’s white-sand beaches are about to get a lot more luxe with the debut of the new Diamond Head Tower at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach on October 15. Boasting an expanded four-room spa, a 2,900-square-foot infinity pool with private cabanas and an onsite movie theater, the sumptuous new space promises 245 residential-style accommodations with sublime ocean views. The resort will also unveil a new restaurant on the Diamond Head Tower pool deck and a ground-level gourmet market in early 2019.
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But if you’re craving local flavors now, hit up the eighth annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, taking place October 6 though 28. The yearly event celebrates the island nation’s unique cuisine with three weekends of cocktail parties, cooking demonstrations, tasting tents and seminars across Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
The Bernards Inn. Credit: The Bernards Inn
Bernardsville, New Jersey
Savor global sips without leaving the comfort of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Bernards Inn during the property’s popular Around the World Tasting Experience. On October 19, gather in the Fenwick Ballroom to sample more than 100 wines, whiskeys and ryes from some of the world’s most celebrated regions along with some tasty bites.
And if you find a bottle you just can’t live without, you can stock up at the end of the night — your ticket includes a $20 credit good toward a $100 purchase.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An. Credit: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Hoi An, Vietnam
If you’re looking for a little rejuvenation this fall, book into the serene Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An for a four-night Mindfulness Retreat. From October 1 through 5, experience a slew of wellness-focused offerings based on Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings — such as dharma talks and daily meditation sessions — that are designed to train your mind to be present in each moment.
The offer also includes pampering extras, such as spa treatments, beachfront yoga and multicourse meals to bask in throughout your stay at the all-villa resort.
Topper’s at The Wauwinet. Credit: The Wauwinet
Nantucket
Rather than digging into fall-flavored treats at your local coffee shop, make the trek to this idyllic Northeastern island for the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s 15th annual Cranberry Festival. On October 6, the Milestone Cranberry Bog transforms into an autumnal celebration with live music, harvesting demonstrations and plenty of cranberry-themed bites.
Continue your culinary journey with a stay at Four-Star The Wauwinet, just a 20-minute drive north of the bog. Be sure to dine at the resort’s Four-Star Topper’s restaurant, where local seafood (and a 20,000-bottle wine cellar) reigns supreme.
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Chattanooga, Tennessee
One of the South’s most charming cities just got a little more modern with the debut of The Edwin in downtown Chattanooga on September 13. The 90-room boutique hotel exudes local flavor with Whitebird restaurant serving up elevated Appalachian cuisine, rooftop bar Whiskey Thief providing panoramic views of the iconic Walnut Street Bridge and a collection of nearly 200 works by 70 local artists on display throughout the property.
Make your October memorable by being one of the brand-new hotel’s first guests and take in Tennessee’s gorgeous fall foliage while you’re at it.
The Ivy Hotel. Credit: The Ivy Hotel
Baltimore
Make your Maryland getaway a little more interesting with a stop by the Baltimore Museum of Art. On October 7, the gallery will host “John Waters: Indecent Exposure,” the director’s first retrospective exhibit held in his hometown. Peruse more than 160 provocative photographs, sculptures and films highlighting the eccentric artist’s 50-year career.
Pair your artistic outing with a stay at Four-Star The Ivy Hotel, a boutique brownstone less than 10 minutes from the museum. The artistic address comes complete with quirky touches, colorful accents and gratis minibars filled with local goods.
Castle Hotel & Spa. Credit: Castle Hotel & Spa
Tarrytown, New York
Situated just 30 minutes outside of the Big Apple, Castle Hotel & Spa has the look of an ancient English castle with the sumptuous décor, roaring fireplaces and Louis XIV furnishings to match. On October 26, you can be entertained like a royal during the Four-Star property’s Gala Elegance, an evening of cocktails, art exhibitions and a multicourse dinner accompanied by a live performance from renowned Swedish opera singer John Kluge.
Between the festivities, be sure to stroll the hotel’s grounds for some classic Hudson Valley leaf-peeping or make the quick five-minute drive over to Sleep Hollow for a Halloween-themed outing.
Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. Credit: Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort
Sanya, China
There isn’t a more celebratory time to visit China than during Golden Week, the annual seven-day celebration surrounding National Day and commemorating the country’s founding. Held October 1 through 7, the week-long holiday is prime vacation time for most locals and the Hawaii-like Hainan island is often the destination.
Check into the luxurious Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort to soak up some rays and the festive atmosphere. One of the hotel’s highlights is its private beach — a major perk during the often-crowded season. Of course, you can also hang on to summertime with a dip in the 377-foot pool that makes an added splash with an alfresco bar.
