Thanksgiving is an opportunity to spend time cooking, sharing stories and catching up with friends, loved ones and family. But for those who want to use this as an opportunity get away and relax, we have provided options that will make this thanksgiving weekend experience a memorable one.
The Topping Rose House, the Hamptons first full-service luxury property. will be having their “Harvest in the Hamptons” package available till the end of November. Starting at $759 per night, guests get king-size double accommodations and can elect to go apple or pumpkin picking at a nearby farm (the bounty is turned into apple or pumpkin butter for you to take home), a three-course meal for two from the inn’s farm-to-table restaurant, and breakfast the next day. On Thanksgiving Day, dinner seating will be offered starting at 11:30 AM, and the three-course prix-fixe menu will include twists on the classic home-cooked meal, like squash risotto and mini pumpkin pies ($155 adult/$55 children). 1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike; 631-537-0870; toppingrosehouse.com.
If your looking for some serenity, the Canyon Ranch is the right escape. Offering a handful of fitness classes, workshops, and spa appointments that will have you rejuvenated. Besides the typical pilates, cardio, and morning hikes, Canyon Ranch offers classes on Cultivating Inner Peace and Gemstones and Astrology. While you won’t find a gravy-laden feast at this health-driven facility, their nod to the holiday is a 7 AM Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot on Thursday, led along a scenic route. Room rates available upon request; 8600 E. Rockcliff Rd.; 520-749-9655; canyonranch.com.
For the couple looking to spend some time away together, Meadowood Napa Valley provides a Great Thanksgiving Escape pacakge (starting at $2,175 per couple). The destination is perfect for those who enjoy a good glass of wine—the resort is surrounded by vineyards and the guest services team is happy to assist with winery recommendations and securing transportation. Meadowood’s Thanksgiving package includes unlimited tennis, golf, and crocquet, as well as a $150 spa credit, a bottle of Napa Valley sparkling wine, breakfast for two in The Grill, and Thanksgiving dinner for two in the Vintners Room. There, chef Alejandro Ayala will be serving up Maine lobster, two preparations of turkey, and all the fixings. 900 Meadowood Ln., St. Helena; 877-963-3646; meadowood.com.
Sometimes, the greatest indulgence doesn’t come from the kitchen. Luxury-seekers need look no further than Paradise Beach, a new ultra-private, seven-villa resort located just north of Pinney’s Beach on the West Coast of the small island of Nevis. Each villa comes with its own pool, outdoor shower, and the piece de resistance: a private butler. Should you choose to enjoy lunch on St. Barths or shopping on St. Kitts, your butler is able to arrange aquatic transportation. But with Hermès bath products, smart TVs, and access to private chefs (upon request), why would you want to leave? Rooms, from $900 per night for four adults, including concierge and butler service; Charlestown; 869-469-7900; paradisebeachnevis.com.
If Thanksgiving is nothing more than another excuse for a vacation, head south to Cartagena, Colombia, an increasingly popular travel spot and home to hip hotels like Casa San Agustin, a property comprised of three 17th-century mansions that surround a palm tree-lined aqueduct. With just thirty rooms and suites, the staff forms a personal relationship with each guest, offering insightful recommendations to first-time visitors. The best part? For those officially (or unofficially) boycotting the holiday, there won’t be a turkey in sight (but plenty of bandeja paisa). Unless, of course, you request one from the staff. Rooms, from $400 a night; Calle de la Universidad 36–44; 855-272-1122; hotelcasasanagustin.com.
Italy’s vineyards and fall foliage are perfectly picturesque in November. Villa d’Amelia is located in the center of the Langhe region, which is known as Italy’s unofficial gastronomical capital. Authentic Langa dishes are served throughout the region, including egg pasta used to prepare the tajarin or plin ravioli, veal meat from the province of Granda (the province of Cuneo, in local dialect), and the most precious autumnal ingredient of them all: the Alba white truffle, named for Langhe’s capital. Villa D’Amelia is an exquisitely renovated 18th-century estate located on a hillside in the heart of it all, offering views of the Alps and the Barolo vineyards. The hotel is also home to a Michelin-star restaurant, so no need to travel too far for those delicious Italian meals. Rooms, from $200; Località Manera, 1; 39-01/7352-9225; villadamelia.com.
Looking to celebrate thanksgiving on the beach? Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica provides the answer to your needs. Instead, head to one of the iconic hotel’s three eateries on Thanksgiving, order up turkey, snapper, or a rib-eye and let someone else do the dishes for you. Once you are full, you can lay down on your patio and experience the beautiful California sunset. Rooms, from $610; Thanksgiving menu $90 per person; ; 1 Pico Blvd.; 310-458-0030; shuttersonthebeach.com.
For more options, please visit Departures Thanksgiving Travel
