Fall is in the air, making this prime time for outdoor adventures and artistic endeavors — luckily, October’s calendar is stacked with both. From an Italian independent film festival to a polo-packed weekend in sunny SoCal, these destinations offer up plenty of enlightenment this month.
Make time for some well-deserved indulgence in Ireland when you visit the recently refreshed The Merrion Spa and Health Club.
Debuted in September, the expanded retreat within Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Merrion now boasts six treatment rooms, services by renowned brands like Biologique Recherche and ESPA, and a salon from popular local hairdresser Ciaran Nevin.
But don’t skip a dip after your treatment — the spa’s original 60-foot infinity pool, with its iconic hand-painted mural backdrop, remains as sumptuous as ever.
Get back into the swing of things this fall with a links lover’s getaway to Four-Star Trump National Doral Miami.
Book the 800-acre resort’s Ultimate Golf Experience package before October 31 to enjoy a gratis round on the Golden Palm, Red Tiger or Silver Fox courses, plus a slew of perks like complimentary access to the property’s new practice facility, bag storage and a 30-minute demonstration clinic.
After 18 holes, unwind at one of the lavish spa’s sparkling pools or at its wood-paneled Champions Bar & Grill.
Hot on the heels of September’s Toronto International Film Festival is the equally engaging Toronto International Festival of Authors.
From October 24 to November 3, the 40th edition of this literary gathering (one the world’s largest) features 11 days of readings, interviews, lectures and round-table discussions with more than 200 authors from 30 countries.
Between book signings, rest your head at Four-Star The Hazelton Hotel, a boutique beauty 15 minutes north of the Harbourfront Centre festival venue. Unwind with a Valmont facial at the Four-Star spa or by perusing the property’s own art collection.
Lake Tahoe
If mountain vistas and crystal-clear lake waters aren’t reason enough to visit Edgewood Tahoe this time of year, the luxury lodge’s farm-to-table benefit dinner slated this month may be the enticement you need.
On October 19, the 235-acre property will host an evening filled with exquisite cuisine (brown butter gnocchi and beef tornado sound yummy), unique cocktails and acoustic live performances. And if your toes tap with a little extra oomph, it’ll be for good reason — a portion of the night’s proceeds will go to support Northern Nevada’s Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Reserve the Farm-to-Table Dinner & Lodging Package and you not only get tickets to the foodie fun, but you will also receive high-end accommodations ideal for relaxing in after all of the dancing and dining.
Following a four-year, $1 billion renovation, The Okura Tokyo reopened its doors September 12 to spectacular effect.
Set in two new buildings (the traditionally styled Heritage Wing and more modern Prestige Towers), the newly refreshed hotel contains 508 rooms, five restaurants and one of Tokyo’s largest ballrooms.
While the majority of the property feels brand-new, the reimagined lobby still evokes the nostalgic feel of the 1962 original with shoji paper windows, floral silk wall tapestries and the venue’s iconic bead-shaped chandelier.
Haute couture may dominate the streets of Italy’s fashion capital, but other artistic endeavors abound, too, including October’s Milano Film Festival (October 4 to 10).
Showcasing more than 140 independent films in genres ranging from environmental documentaries to animation, the 24th edition of this cinema-focused fete kicks off with American director Harmony Korine’s star-studded The Beach Bum featuring Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Buffet and Zac Efron.
For a different sensory indulgence, check into Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Magna Pars, l’ Hotel à Parfum. The stylish stay occupies a former perfume factory and pays homage to its roots with LabSolue, an onsite perfume laboratory where you can customize your ideal scent.
Tantalize your taste buds at Five-Star The Ranch at Rock Creek’s Autumn Harvest Weekend.
From October 10 to 13, sample locally inspired gourmet goodies from executive chef Josh Drage, try abundant outdoor excursions (sapphire mining, forest bathing, horseback riding) and see an intimate performance from Grammy-winning singer LeAnn Rimes with Montana’s stunning fall foliage as a photo-worthy backdrop.
After your action-packed day, bask in the all-inclusive resort’s rustic-chic accommodations, outfitted with custom furniture, frontier antiques and beautifully woven textiles that complete the Wild West aesthetic.
Toast to the 10th annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic (October 5) with a celebratory package from Five-Star Montage Beverly Hills. Book a two-night escape at the Spanish Colonial hotel and receive a welcome bottle of bubbly, daily breakfast and a chauffeured ride to and from Will Rogers State Park for the match.
Back at your elegant accommodations, you’ll have a $300 credit to spend on sumptuous services at the Five-Star spa or on a rare Scotch at The Bar.
To really elevate your experience, reserve a spot at La Grande Diner on October 3, a seven-course feast from chef Ludo Lefebvre paired with Veuve Clicquot’s most legendary labels, include La Grande Dame and the Cave Privée rarities collection.
