5 Escapes For Every Type Of Traveler In 2025
From culinary aficionados to wellness seekers, take the ultimate escape in 2025 at these five top locations in the U.S. where scenic beauty, fine dining, and luxury treatments converge.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach
Nestled along the breathtaking Southern California coastline, Montage Hotels & Resorts’ flagship property Montage Laguna Beach sits on a coastal bluff with unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. This oceanfront property features 262 guest rooms, including 59 suites, 37 beach bungalow-style rooms, and six exclusive villas offering the ultimate retreat with three bedrooms, accommodating up to eight to ten guests, a full gourmet kitchen, spacious outdoor patios, and a private entrance with an attached garage. For activities, your first stop should be Treasure Island Beach to take a surf lesson, kayak tour, and/or snorkel and explore the sea life in the tide pools to view anemones, urchins, sea stars, and more. Spot dolphins and take in the pristine views of Orange County when you set sail aboard the luxurious 36-foot Aviara yacht sailing along Newport Beach Harbor. For a truly unforgettable experience, embark on the Montage Laguna Beach exclusive helicopter charter offering breathtaking aerial views of the scenic California coastline ending with an oceanfront picnic and champagne pairing by the shore on Catalina Island.
For golf fanatics, hit the links in an oceanfront par-70 championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point set on the scenic bluffs of Southern California encompassing more than 6,600 yards, with each of its 18 holes boasting sweeping ocean views. For those looking to explore Laguna Beach and nearby Newport Beach, enjoy the complimentary Cadillac chauffeur available upon request to escort you to your destination. Plus! Enjoy a complimentary Ride and Drive experience with Cadillac, allowing you to drive and explore Laguna Beach and nearby cities in Orange County.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
When you’re ready to hit lounge mode, head to the property’s iconic Mosaic pool facing the glistening Pacific Ocean to chill poolside in a comfy cabana while sipping on a ‘Bentley Margarita’ made with Clase Azul Reposado, Grand Marnier, lime, and Agave or the ‘Montage Spritz’ made with Veuve Clicquot champagne, Aperol, Giffard Peach, orange bitters, and soda. As the sound of the waves serenades you cruise into the afternoon with a restorative spa treatment at Spa Montage. Opt for the signature California Wildflower Ritual—a luxurious head-to-toe experience inspired by Southern California’s vibrant landscapes. This restorative journey begins with full-body vibrational therapy guiding you into deep relaxation followed by a customized massage enhanced with heated herbal poultices filled with rice, calendula, lavender, and chamomile. To deepen your state of tranquility, you’re wrapped in an Orange Blossom Soufflé, accompanied by a soothing foot scrub and massage. Further relax in the spa’s various amenities including the relaxation room with fireplace, steam and sauna, and an outdoor whirlpool and cold plunge surrounded by lush greenery.
Photo Credit: Montage Laguna Beach
At sunset, enjoy the panoramic views and nightly live music in the Lobby Lounge while sipping a seasonal bespoke cocktail such as the ‘White Pear Blossom’ made with Kikori Whisky, green Chartreuse, Mathilde pear, lime, lemon, and Demerara. For dinner, head to The Loft for a decadent meal beginning with Kaluga caviar served with crème fraîche, chives, egg, pommes, and gaufrettes on buckwheat blinis paired with wine, beer, or an innovative cocktail such as the ‘Umami Martini’ infused with Monkey 47 Gin, Bergamot, Umami, and cocktail onion. For your entrée, savor a 10 oz. coffee crusted Prime New York Strip with Fourme d’Ambert cheese, arugula, and bourbon caramel glaze with Whipped Potatoes with Beurre de Baratte and Sautéed Haricot Vert with Kosher Vinegar and Bottarga. Indulge for dessert with the dark chocolate molten cake with blackberry, caramel, and Pedro Ximenez paired with the ‘Campfire’ dessert cocktail made with Belvedere, chamomile, vermouth, graham cracker, and chocolate bitters.
Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection in Santa Fe, NM
Embrace serenity and wellness in the ‘Land of Enchantment’ at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection located on more than 300 acres where a bevy of heartwarming, immersive experiences await in the spirit of New Mexico. Whether you’re a foodie, adventure enthusiast, or a lover of local culture, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, presents a rich variety of weekly experiences including relaxing yoga sessions, guided property hikes, plein air painting, archery, incense crafting, and spirit animal card readings. Dive into hands-on workshops like leather tooling, outdoor painting with local artists, or take a curated walking tour of Canyon Road’s renowned art galleries. For those seeking transformative, holistic experiences, explore Shamanic healing, cacao ceremonies, spiritual alignment sessions, and soothing sound baths to unwind and reach a deeply meditative state. Plus! During. the winter season, embark on expert-guided skiing and snowshoeing excursions through the majestic snow-covered Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Recharge during your stay at Stream Dance Spa, a healing sanctuary housed in a casita dedicated to blending the wisdom of ancient rituals with modern holistic practices. Signature treatments range from sound healing sessions that utilize crystal and Tibetan singing bowls to shamanic healing that channels spirit guides and the use of a private infrared sauna for all spa guests. The spa also offers guided hypnotic journeys and natal chart consultations that delve into life themes, allowing guests to recharge in both body and spirit. Experience the Stress Relief Massage, a deeply revitalizing treatment designed to release tension through soothing techniques of Swedish massage and aromatherapy. Choose from four signature aromatic alchemy blends crafted with exotic herbs and essences like warm, spicy cardamom, hypnotic neroli, clarifying balsam fir, and energizing holy basil to refresh and reawaken the mind.
Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the property’s restaurant SkyFire blends the rich, diverse ingredients and textures of Mexico with innovative modern techniques. The essence of fire is woven throughout the experience, from the piñon and cedar wood logs burned to create a grounding, aromatic ambiance to the wood-fired grill that brings bold, vibrant flavors to life in every dish. Enjoy flavor-packed localized dishes such as New Mexico truffle bread with chimichurri, Chimayo red chile butter; elk carpaccio with poire au vin, demi-glace cured lemon vinaigrette, parmesan crisps, arugula, and potato crisps; bone-in ribeye with potato tower, charred leek, red chile demi, mezcal smoked butter; and grilled ruby trout with citrus relish, chile glaze, celery root, and green apple purée. For a sweet treat, delight in a braided churro with fried dough, caramel ice cream, and ganache and/or a Mexican chocolate sphere with piñon crème, black currant coulis, milk chocolate sorbet, and pop rocks. Pups of all sizes are also welcome at SkyFire and can delight in a decadent dog menu where he or she can choose to devour a deconstructed chicken pot pie, puppy bison burger, and much more.
For accommodations, choose from four unique styles, including guestrooms, suites, casitas, or the 12-room Bunkhouse. For larger groups, the spacious Bunkhouse offers an ideal retreat crafted from reclaimed barn wood featuring twelve individual guestrooms, vaulted 36-foot ceilings, a grand two-story stone fireplace, and a vast great room. Plus! The Bunkhouse has its own manager to curate and create customized excursions and itineraries on- and off-property.
Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection
For accommodations, choose from four unique styles: Guestrooms, Suites, Casitas, or the 12-room Bunkhouse. Smaller groups can unwind in the spacious three-bedroom, two-story Casita Residence, set near a tranquil trout stream with stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The main floor features a cozy living area, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen, along with a king master bedroom and ensuite bath. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms await: one with a king bed and the other with two queen beds. Relax on the private terrace or gather by the charming Kiva fireplaces for a cozy evening of storytelling. For larger groups, the 12-bedroom Bunkhouse offers an ideal retreat. Crafted from reclaimed barn wood, this spacious and rustic haven is perfect for families, wedding parties, or intimate gatherings. With vaulted 36-foot ceilings, a grand two-story stone fireplace, and a vast great room, the Bunkhouse blends cowboy-inspired charm with modern amenities. Guests enjoy exclusive perks such as daily breakfast and a curated selection of afternoon refreshments.
Photo Credit: Post Ranch Inn
High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, 1200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, sits Post Ranch Inn, a luxe sanctuary for the soul with healing services abound. Located along California’s Highway 1, one of the world’s most scenic drives, this Big Sur resort is the ultimate destination for relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance. With natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty, the 40 rooms and private homes blend rustic elegance, comfort, and privacy with panoramic ocean, mountain, and forest views. If you’re looking to escape to complete tranquility, opt for the Tree House room outfitted with a wood-burning fireplace, heated floors, a patio to unwind and forest bathe, and a skylight over a plush king-sized bed to stargaze as you drift peacefully to sleep. In the Cliff House room, soak up views of the Pacific Ocean from your outdoor stainless steel soaking tub on your private outdoor deck from sunrise to sunset. Guests can journey into the majestic Santa Lucia Peaks and Ventana Wilderness at the Mountain House room with its interiors inspired by the nearby Redwood trees. Enjoy its circular architecture with expansive views of the peaks and wilderness while you decompress in your indoor soaking tub or cozy up by the fireplace with a book.
Photo Credit: Post Ranch Inn
When you’re ready for restoration and revitalization, head to Post Ranch Spa for soothing body treatments, grounding meditation sessions, invigorating private guided hikes, and energizing yoga classes. Unwind in the treatment rooms equipped with wood-burning fireplaces and serene views of the Ventana Double Cone. To fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Big Sur, take the Big Sur Herbal Spirit Journey, a spa experience featuring native herbal remedies hand-harvested from the Post Ranch Chef’s Garden and forest. During this experience, you can create a custom Native American herbal smudge bundle for a purifying ritual that harmonizes your body, mind, and spirit. This treatment includes a guided meditation, an energy-balancing sound bath, and healing herbal remedies to inspire all of your senses. To experience the healing energy from both the Big Sur land and spirit, embark on a Shamanic session led by a Shaman guide to boost energy and immunity while resetting your emotional, spiritual, and physical self to its natural state. Plus! Soak up the healing views of Big Sur on property by water in the heated infinity spa pools. You can also enjoy complimentary experiences at The Ranch including serene, guided nature walks through majestic redwoods, meadows, and breathtaking ocean vistas, yoga sessions with mindful breathwork, tranquil forest meditation under the canopy of ancient trees, an enchanting edible garden tour, sommelier-led wine tastings, and more.
For all of the falconry fanatics, join master falconer Antonio Balestreri for an unforgettable adventure with our exhilarating Falconry Program, offered in group sessions throughout the week where you encounter six incredible birds of prey, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Great Horned Owl. Get up close with these majestic creatures as you deepen your appreciation for wildlife and nature. Then, feel the excitement as a Harris’s Hawk soars gracefully through the towering redwoods, landing gently on your outstretched glove.
Photo Credit: Post Ranch InnThe Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning Sierra Mar restaurant at Post Ranch Inn located atop the edge of a cliff features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and offers a rotating prix-fixe menu with garden-centric bounty of Big Sur. Indulge in a tasting menu with sustainable limited private batch reserve caviar by Tsar Nicoulai; California Oysters with Mignonette, lemon, and tabasco; Grimaud Farms guinea hen with mole verde, Huitlacoche, Polenta cakes, and pickled tomatillos; Bouillon of fowl and charred aromatics with scallions and sherry vinegar; and a holiday trio tart with apple mosaic, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie. For cocktails, enjoy bespoke blends with ingredients from the chef’s garden, including the “Feijoa” cocktail made with pineapple guava-infused Mijenta Blanco Tequila, pineapple guava syrup, calamansi lime, and Thai chili salt rim.
Photo Credit: Post Ranch Inn
Chatham Bars Inn
Escape to the sea with a charming New England stay at Chatham Bars Inn home to 25 acres, a private beach along Aunt Lydia’s Cove, and only a short walk from Chatham’s scenic Main Street. Make this your home away from home in one of the 217 rooms and suites, restaurants, wellness spa, and plenty of activities offered daily. For accommodations, stay in the spacious coastal-themed Presidential Suite located in the historic Main Inn offering 1,120 square feet of living space and two separate bedrooms, including a master bedroom featuring a king bed with a gas fireplace and an elegant marble master bath with a soaking tub and steam shower. The elegant living area features a dining table, wet bar, two gas fireplaces, and sliding doors to a spacious deck with chaise lounges to sit and soak up ocean views of Aunt Lydia’s Cove, the Cape Cod National Seashore’s North Beach Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Photo Credit: Chatham Bars Inn
For spa-goers, enjoy the ultimate spa getaway with a staycation in one of the twelve, adult-only Spa Suites to be pampered both in-suite and at The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn. Designed with relaxation in mind, each Spa Suite comes equipped with a modern open layout with either a king or two queen-size beds, oversized hydrotherapy tubs, private saunas, steam showers, and gas fireplaces. Spa Suite guests are just steps from the outdoor spa pool, Zen Garden, and The Spa at Chatham Bars Inn. Unwind to the soothing rhythm of the tides with the 60- or 90-minute Ocean Massage, featuring warm stones used in gentle, wave-like motions to melt away fatigue and stress.
During the evenings, discover the history of winemaking, oenology, and knowledge about the world’s best wine regions at the global wine tastings led by a sommelier or wine manager at the wine cellar or Chef’s Table. For cocktail aficionados, enjoy a themed mixology class complete with a welcome cocktail, ingredients and garnishes, and recipes to take home.
Photo Credit: Chatham Bars Inn
For restaurants on property, savor New England style cuisine at STARS Restaurant with a meal that doubles as culinary theatre complete with innovative, vibrant dishes, oceanfront views, a cozy fireplace, and a Norman Rockwell painting lining the walls. The fine dining restaurant sources its ingredients from Chatham Bars Inn Farm that cultivates more than 100,000 pounds of produce annually. Standout farm-to-table dishes include the Hubbard squash soup with Ginger gold apple, toasted amaretto meringue, and seeds and the Farm beet risotto with Crimson beets, acquerello rice, gorgonzola, and sherry gastrique. Pair these dishes with a ‘Farm-To-Glass’ cocktail infused with Tazmanian Pure Vodka, plum compote, Thai Basil simple syrup, and lime. If you’re a gin enthusiast, then you’ll want to try Chatham Bar’s Inn Gin that incorporates salt from the nearby waters and offers a citrus-forward flavor. Enjoy CBI Gin in refreshing cocktails such as the ‘Skip Intro’ infused with CBI Gin, CBI Tepache, Falernum, lemon, and basil simple syrup. Pair the flavorful gin beverages with local and flavorful Chatham Oysters dressed with Cidre de Normandie mignonette, Honeycrisp apple, and horseradish. For a laid-back dining spot, head to The Sacred Cod to enjoy cider and brews from nearby New England breweries while indulging in innovative lobster dishes such as the lobster corn dog with spicy citrus aioli; the lobster taco with sweet serrano jam and yuzu pickle; the lobster flatbread with marinara, arugula, ricotta, and sherry reduction; or the crave-worthy Sacred lobster roll with local lobster, house dressing, lettuce, and lemon aioli on a brioche bun.
Photo Credit: Chatham Bars Inn
From May through October, indulge in outdoor activities including lounging poolside in a private cabana with a refreshing cocktail or soaking up the sun on the property’s pristine private beach. For thrill-seekers and explorers alike, embark on a scenic Cape Cod adventure in the property’s Lexus, complete with a curated itinerary featuring historic landmarks, iconic lighthouses, a local vineyard, and the breathtaking Cape Cod National Seashore. For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, set sail on a private charter with a naturalist from the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and witness the majesty of great white sharks in their natural habitat. Closer to shore, Chatham Bars Inn offers morning seal cruises, where you can marvel at hundreds of gray and harbor seals and gain fascinating insights into their behaviors. Ready to island-hop? Charter a boat to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard for a day filled with boutique shopping, cultural attractions, art galleries, and delectable dining.
Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, CA
Sitting on the lush hillside on 33 acres of sunlit olive groves in Rutherford, CA lies the award-winning Auberge du Soleil that began as a restaurant in 1981 before evolving into a luxury destination resort now boasting a prestigious Three Keys Michelin award. The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, founded by visionary French restaurateur Claude Rouas as Napa Valley’s first fine-dining destination, continues to set the standard with its 17th consecutive Michelin star. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of the south of France, the restaurant has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s culinary scene for over 40 years. Diners can delight in California-style, French-inspired cuisine made with the freshest ingredients from local purveyors and wine pairings from the restaurant’s award-winning 15,000 bottle cellar. Guests can soak up the exquisite views on the restaurant’s terrace while indulging in a two- or three-course prix fixe lunch menu or three- or four-course prix fixe or six-course tasting menu for dinner along with a custom wine pairing, a French-inspired cocktail, or bubbly from the tableside Champagne Cart.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Auberge du Soleil
For an indulgent stay, treat yourself to the freestanding two-bedroom Private Maisons offering 1,800 square feet of rustic sophistication and tranquil warm tones throughout. These luxurious accommodations boast floor-to-ceiling windows framing stunning hillside views, a plush California king-size bed, and an expansive master bath complete with a sculpted tub, steam shower, dressing vanity, and walk-in closet. The elegantly furnished living room includes a cozy fireplace, a sitting area, a dining alcove, a built-in bar, a refrigerator, and an espresso machine. Outside, the trellised terrace invites you to unwind with an outdoor sculpted tub and rain shower, all while taking in uninterrupted views of the valley. Perks for this luxe stay include an optional in-room private check-in, a welcome bottle of Dom Perignon, spa credit, a dedicated Mercedes-Benz for your own personal use during your stay, a full daily breakfast served in-room, and preferred on-property dining reservations.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Auberge du Soleil
For a dose of relaxation and rejuvenation, step through the olive tree-lined courtyard into The Spa at Auberge du Soleil for a serene sanctuary with temperate soaking pools, a steam room, and an infrared sauna. For an unforgettable romantic escape, indulge in the Grand Cru experience—a luxurious retreat that begins with a Champagne bath for two in a private outdoor soaking tub. The journey continues with a grapeseed exfoliation, followed by a nourishing wrap that allows your body to absorb the restorative benefits of an almond and grape serum before you decompress with a soothing soak while sipping a glass of Grand Cru Champagne. This journey is completed with an ultra-hydrating 60-minute couples massage, leaving you feeling refreshed and radiant—just like the bubbles in your glass.
Photo Credit: Auberge du Soleil