Elk & Embers, a new retreat in Waynesville, North Carolina, opened in April at the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The 108-acre property is home to luxury safari tents, rustic log cabins, and a tree house—all with soaking tubs, outdoor showers, mini bars stocked with local beer, wine, and cocktails, and complimentary breakfast.

Each accommodation is further customized with special touches, like a wood-burning fireplace or electric stove. The Tanager Tent, for example, is outfitted with an outdoor swing overlooking mountain vistas, while the Goldfinch, Tanager, and Nuthatch tents have personal firepits for keeping warm while stargazing. The Creekside Cabin, originally built in 1872 and carefully reconstructed using the same hand-hewn logs, sits alongside a secluded creek with an indoor/outdoor rain shower and an oversized tub with forest views.

For those seeking the ultimate mountain escape, the 400-square-foot Hemlock Treehouse is suspended among pine and birch trees with unparalleled views from every angle, including the deck, the king-sized bed, and the outdoor shower.

“Elk & Embers was born from a simple dream: To create a place where people can slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel the quiet magic of the mountains,” says Susan McLean, who founded the resort with her friend Kristina McLean.

“Kristina and I have been traveling here for decades with our families, and our ancestries can be traced back to North Carolina and Tennessee. We wanted to build more than a resort; Elk & Embers is a retreat where every sunrise, every firelit evening, and every shared moment becomes part of the story our guests take home with them.”

The resort’s prime location in the Great Smoky Mountains puts countless outdoor adventures within easy reach, from hiking to white water rafting and fly fishing. A dedicated concierge team can help arrange activities, and the resort will even deliver a packaged lunch to take along on your outing, also included in the rate.

While Elk & Embers doesn’t have a restaurant, complimentary take-and-bake pizzas and ice cream are available at the Market Shed, situated at the heart of the resort. There, guests can also find a communal firepit and lawn games like cornhole.

Elk & Embers is only about 40 miles west of downtown Asheville, home to the Biltmore Estate, local breweries, and a celebrated dining scene.

Nightly rates at Elk & Embers start from $435, and you can book your stay at elkandembers.com.

I’ve just finished hiking western Ireland’s Sliabh Liag (pronounced as Slieve League), a nearly seven-mile coastal path that hugs the tips of sea cliffs that soar 1,972 feet in the air. It’s chilly, the wind feels like it’s trying to punish my very existence, and my knees are aching after a three-hour climb. But as I approach the seaside village of Rossnowlagh, located 50 minutes south in County Donegal, I can feel myself beginning to relax.

Its crescent-shaped beach (a popular surfing location with Blue Flag status, a certification that means the water is clean and healthy) stretches for over two miles and is powdered with sand so fine it feels like touching silk. Undulating mountains and cliffs, including those that form the Sliabh Liag, hug the horizon so that it feels like you’re standing on the inside of a massive bowl. And, camouflaged among the hills that gently roll down towards the shore, are the Bee Pods, a group of five luxury, adults-only glamping pods and my home for the next two nights. 

Founded in 2019 by Siobhan and William McGuckin, who also live on the property, the pods are completely ensconced in 3.5 acres of dense growth. The vegetation is not only very minimally landscaped but also actively planted in efforts to maintain and promote relaxation within the Irish wilderness—during my stay, William was in the process of planting 200 Golden Willows. The Bee Pods operate with sustainable principles in mind—the McGuckins shy away from weedkillers, continuously plant trees, plants, and bushes, and make their own fertilizers from plants such as seaweed, nettle, and comfrey.

“[We were] inspired by a need to recreate that deep connection to the natural world and share it with others,” Siobhan McGuckin told Travel + Leisure. She and her husband have been living in the area for some 30 years. “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do here.”

Here, guests will find a pizza pod, spa, a family of pygmy goats, and several beehives from which more than 400 pounds of honey are harvested each year.

The pods are also in a prime location. The Sliab Liag is roughly 50 minutes north, while the medieval town of Donegal is only a 15-minute drive away. During my time at the Bee Pods, I visited a craft village to purchase a souvenir from a local artisan, explored the 551-year-old Donegal Castle, and munched on fish tacos at local haunt Blas. Above all, I took time to decompress in my pod after more than a week of some pretty taxing sea cliff hiking, enjoying the views of Rossnowlagh Beach from my king-sized bed and luxuriating in a hot seaweed bath, one of Ireland’s only Indigenous wellness therapies, that left my skin feeling baby-soft. 

The Bee Pods is a luxurious retreat to relax and recharge in the peacefulness of the outdoors, and the experience is only enhanced by the property’s hosts, who exude a warm, classic Irish charm.

Here’s what it’s like to stay at the Bee Pods in Donegal, Ireland.

The Rooms

With only five pods, staying at the Bee Pods is a quiet, intimate experience.

All pods are designed to blend into the hillside and come equipped with a kitchenette (peppered with small luxe touches like Nespresso machines and Smeg kettles), waffle bathrobes, and an outdoor seating area. I stayed in The Hive, the largest and most private of the five. The room came outfitted with a king-sized bed, a dining room area with sea views, and a bathroom that had a rainfall shower, Voya organic products, and underfloor heating. The Hive also had an expensive patio with a fire pit, a Big Green Egg barbecue put, and a clawfoot tub tucked beneath a heated overhang. There were also tables and chairs with stunning views of Rossnowlagh Beach—the perfect spot to listen to the waves and watch the sunset with a crisp Irish craft cider. 

Each pod also has at least one piece of upcycled furniture. The couch in The Hive, for example, belonged to Siobhan’s great-grandmother, while a wooden side table in the spa area was William’s grandmother’s, and a beautifully-wrought wooden chessboard in The Queen B pod has been owned by the McGurkins for over 30 years.

Food and Drink

Every pod receives a welcome basket upon arrival. In mine, I found a small glass jug of milk, two eggs snuggled in knitted beanies, homemade marshmallows for roasting over the fire pit, homemade granola, and a small jar of honey from the property’s very own bees. Every morning, the hosts stop by with a wooden box holding some breakfast treats that Siobhan herself prepares. Offerings rotate every day, but guests can expect food and drink like freshly-squeezed orange juice, overnight oats topped with berries, and parfaits, as well as croissants, ham and cheese toasties, or eggs. In the evenings, Siobhan will leave cheese or dessert platters to snack on. 

The Bee Pods also have their own dedicated pizza pod with an Ooni pizza oven. For a small fee, you can request prerolled dough and pizza sauce, which Siobhan purchases in person from an Italian restaurant in Dublin, to make your own pies—all you need is to bring the toppings of your choice. For those who may not want pizza or to drive to Donegal for dinner, the pods come equipped with kitchenettes, and the grounds feature a greenhouse with vegetables and herbs that guests can freely pick for their meals.

The Spa

The spa area is small but cozy, and has two clawfoot tubs that overlook an enclosed sandy garden area with lounge chairs. For roughly $40, guests can book a hot seaweed bath. You will need to fill out a quick health consent form beforehand, and bookings can be made in advance or once you arrive at the property. When I took mine, the spa was lit with sweet-smelling candles, and Siobhan left out some water and fruit snacks for me to munch on.

The bath may smell a bit briny at first, but the seaweed releases many minerals, like magnesium and zinc, into the water that are great for moisturizing the skin and hair. Don’t be shy about rubbing the seaweed all over your body and face, and it’s recommended not to shower for a few hours after your bath so that your skin can really absorb the seaweed’s oils. I left my first Irish spa experience feeling rejuvenated and with incredibly soft skin. For guests who stay in The Hive pod, seaweed baths can also be arranged for the outdoor clawfoot tub. 

Family-friendly Offerings

The Bee Pods is an adults-only property, so this hotel isn’t the best choice for a getaway with the kiddos.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Bee Pods do not have any rooms that are specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues. Additionally, wheelchair users may find parts of the property difficult to navigate.

Sustainability is top of mind at the Bee Pods. For example, seaweed is only used once per guest. Once a bath is finished, Siobhan collects the seaweed, dries it, and then uses it as fertilizer, alongside nettle and comfrey, around the grounds. The property uses timber from their own trees for firewood, and plants at least 200 trees, plants, hedgerows, and wildflowers every year. “This is for the bees, birds, and wildlife, [to provide] shelter for our pygmy goats, wild foxes, and other animals,” says Siobhan. There are also plans to install solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and electric charging facilities in the coming months.  

Location

The Bee Pods are located in southern County Donegal and are within an hour’s drive from many popular locations, both in County Donegal and in County Sligo. The nearest major airport, Donegal Airport (CFN), is about 55 miles away, or an hour and a half drive.

The property is five minutes away on foot from Rossnowlagh Beach, a popular surfing location and one of Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches. There’s a surf school nearby for those who are interested in learning how to ride the waves. Roughly an hour north lies the Sliabh Liag and the fishing village of Killybegs, while the town of Donegal, Ireland, and its many restaurants and shops can be reached within 15 minutes.

For those who are interested in venturing further, Northern Ireland is only an hour away, while attractions like Irish poet W.B Yates’ grave, the six-mile Gleniff Horseshoe loop, and the surfing beach of Strandhill can all be reached in nearby County Sligo.

Book Now

Since the Bee Pods are independently owned, they’re not a part of any hotel loyalty programs. They don’t participate in any travel credit card programs, either. Guests should also keep in mind that the Bee Pods require a two-night minimum. It’s recommended to book directly with the property for the best rates.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.

Gen Z and millennial campers are increasingly ditching franks and beans and sleeping bags for gourmet meals and feathertop beds on their adventures into the great outdoors, reshaping camping culture with their preference for glamping (glamorous camping) and all of the luxuries and amenities that make an excursion into the wild far from roughing it. 

There’s a current spike in interest in camping and glamping among these generations, who want to go wayfaring into the woods to connect with nature and their travel companions. Learn why the age-old pastime is resurging as an appealing vacation option for young people, and discover some amazing spots to go glamping.

Gen Z and millennials seek ‘comfort and convenience’ while camping

According to Kampgrounds of America’s (KOA’s) 2025 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, “Gen Z and Millennial campers make up 61% of all new campers.” Additionally, Gen Z seeks “comfort and convenience” while camping, and over half of new campers “prefer locations that offer a full range of amenities.” 

Toby O’Rourke, KOA’s president and CEO explains that members of these generations “are seeking campgrounds and glamping resorts with friendly staff who can assist them onsite, with quality Wi-Fi so they can share their experiences and opportunities to socialize, whether around a community campfire or participating in a group activity.”

Digital creator and new fan of glamping Meg Reily says “having a comfy bed, air conditioning, a real bathroom—all while still being surrounded by the outdoors—takes away the stress and lets you actually relax and soak it all in…. Glamping gives you all the beauty and adventure of camping, just with a little more comfort—and honestly, once you try it, it’s hard to go back!”

Why Gen Z and millennials are choosing camping and glamping over other types of vacations

There are countless types of vacations available to travelers, but it’s hard to top a foray into nature that lets you truly leave life’s stresses behind. 

Danny and Danie Johnson, aka The Traveling Dans, are millennial full-time travelers and digital creators who are currently driving the longest road trip in America. They say that “camping reminds us that you don’t need a lot of material things to be happy and survive. The simplicity of camping and enjoying the outdoors helps us clear our minds and feel more refreshed when returning to our day-to-day lives, and this feeling just can’t be replicated at a hotel or resort for us.” 

“I think a lot of people in my generation are craving experiences that feel real and intentional. Camping and glamping let you slow down, disconnect a little and actually be present—which can feel really rare with how fast-paced and online life is now,” Reily says. “Instead of being surrounded by crowds and tourist traps like you would at a hotel or resort, you get wide open spaces, quiet mornings, sunsets, campfires—things that feel simple but meaningful,” she adds.

What Gen Z and millennials like most about camping and glamping

Camping is an affordable yet priceless travel experience

Costs will rise if you opt for a fancy glamping vacation, but there are plenty of camping and glamping opportunities that are easy on the wallet, too. 

KOA’s report found that “72% of campers consider camping a cost-effective travel option.” O’Rourke says that “even if travel budgets are reduced, camping trips will be altered, but not cancelled. For any traveler seeking an easy escape, every destination and community has a campground nearby…. This makes camping an… affordable and accessible option for many people, whether they are planning to explore national icons or experience the beauty of their own backyards.”

Beyond affordability, going camping or glamping gives travelers an off-grid experience and a priceless opportunity to decompress. “Not only is camping/glamping more affordable, but we think this generation really values time outdoors more than other generations…. This may be because traveling in the states, enjoying nature and camping is inexpensive but also so valuable for unplugging and decreasing screen time from the devices that this generation loves and uses constantly,” the Johnsons explain.

Camping creates memorable family traditions

Camping is a classic American tradition that’s synonymous with family bonding. Many have fond childhood memories of this no-frills travel option that could turn an ordinary day into an epic adventure by tossing a couple sleeping bags into the back of the station wagon and driving to the woods.

O’Rourke says, “Our past research has shown that children who grow up camping are far more likely to continue the tradition as adults—and, in turn, to share those experiences with their own families. Baby boomers, a generation known for their love of camping and the outdoors, have shared their passion with many of their Gen Z and millennial children, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of camping for these generations.”  

Reily is already passing along her love of glamping to her baby. “[For] my daughter’s first little trip, we went glamping again at Cameron Ranch Glamping in Coldspring…. Having those extra comforts made it so much easier traveling with a baby. We still got to make s’mores, sit by the fire and be surrounded by nature, but with a cozy, safe place to come back to. I truly love that glamping lets you have the adventure and the comforts—the best of both worlds!”

Camping is a natural gateway to outdoor activities

According to KOA’s report, “Gen Z campers favor more active and adventure-filled vacations.” O’Rourke elaborates, “Gen Z… are looking to experience natural events like astrotourism and wildlife migration…. While traveling, they are looking for physical activities like water-based experiences (swimming and water sports), backpacking trips, canoe/kayaking and hiking or trail running.”

Campfire experiences, hiking and nature walks are the “top three sought-after experiences” campers hope to have according to KOA’s report. The Johnsons enjoy this camping trifecta. “When we camp or glamp, our favorite thing to do is have a fire as long as fire restrictions allow! We love to cook over the fire when possible and just love the general ambiance it brings. We also like to put our phones away and enjoy card games, read and explore the area we are camping or glamping in by finding local trails.”

Camping boosts overall well-being

The simple act of immersing yourself in nature can be uplifting and put you in a better mood. City dwellers may not get to spend enough time outdoors to experience nature’s healing properties, so a camping getaway can actually be therapeutic. 

“Younger campers are predominantly coming from urban areas and seeking experiences that will help improve their mental health and physical well-being. Camping offers a natural opportunity to relax, disconnect and focus on spending quality time with friends and family,” O’Rourke shares.

4 wow-worthy glamping spots in the U.S.

Backland in Williams, Arizona

A breathtaking fusion of nature and luxury, glamping at Backland means cozying up in a fully-furnished climate-controlled tented suite complete with beds, a bathroom and housekeeping services, as well as panoramic views and skylights to afford you constant immersion in your surroundings. Your stay includes daily breakfast in a glass-walled restaurant and nightly s’mores by the fire pit, with the option to add gourmet lunches and dinners made from scratch. On-site activities include frisbee golf, kayaking and stargazing.

Minam River Lodge in Eagle Cap Wilderness, Oregon

The Johnsons say that Minam River Lodge is their “all-time favorite place to glamp.” Located in the scenic Wallowa Mountains, campers can sleep among the trees in the forest wilderness in a selection of wall tents, cabins or lodge rooms that offer varying degrees of luxury. Campers can enjoy hiking and fishing or yoga in an open-air barn. Breakfast, lunch and a family-style dinner made using ingredients that are wild-foraged or harvested from the site’s wilderness garden are available daily at the Lodge.

Another top tip from the Johnsons: They “use Hipcamp to find glamping sites and iOverlander to find camping sites.”

Zion Wildflower Resort in Virgin, Utah

KOA found that 61% of millennials and 51% of Gen Z campers bring their dogs camping, and Zion Wildflower Resort is dog-friendly. Accommodations include tents, bungalows and luxury covered wagons that makes guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time. The Grand Mesa tents feature a private bathroom, feathertop bed and a deck to take in the views of the surrounding Zion National Park. There’s also a pool, hot tub, fire pits and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Spoon Mountain Glamping in Wimberley, Texas

Reily enjoyed her babymoon at Spoon Mountain Glamping in Wimberley, declaring that her stay there “was absolutely perfect.” This adults-only luxury retreat in Texas Hill Country is designed for romantic escapes. Choose between three climate-controlled glamping tents that have soaking tubs, private pools, kitchenettes, king-size beds and stunning decor. 

Photo by Melinda Nagy/Shutterstock.

Whether your perfect summer escape includes sunset sails, mountain breezes, campfire s’mores or all of the aforementioned, you don’t need to travel far to make it happen.

In fact, this summertime magic can be found within a few hours’ drive of big cities like San Francisco, Chicago and Boston. From Cape Cod to the shores of the Columbia River, these hotels beckon with oysters on the deck, hikes through wine country and glamping on the coast. And with each being located within quick driving distance of a major U.S. city, not only are they magical places to call home for a few days, but they’re delightfully convenient, too.

Read on for the 10 city-adjacent points hotels to book for a hassle-free summer getaway, no airport required. Because, as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald famously sang, summertime is about living easy.

Related: The best US glamping resorts for an outdoorsy summer getaway

Alila Ventana Big Sur

This romantic Big Sur resort offers a taste of Northern California at its very best. Picture rustic-chic cabin suites with towering ceilings and hot tubs, hikes through breathtaking coastal scenery and alfresco meals complete with hyper-local wines.

Located three hours from San Francisco, Alila Ventana invites you to “choose your own adventure” against the backdrop of ancient redwoods. This theme starts with where you stay, which could be a fireplace suite, an ocean view villa or a glamping tent under the stars. And during the day, guests can choose from an impressive roster of activities. These range from lively (falconry, axe-throwing, cold-plunging) to utterly relaxing (unwinding at the infinity pool).

And speaking of unwinding, the on-site Spa Alia is a destination in itself, with open-air cabanas and immersive treatments like Reiki healing and craniosacral therapy. As another plus, Alila Ventana is all-inclusive (with some exclusions, such as alcohol), which makes the experience that much more seamless.

Rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur start at $2,200 or 90,000 World of Hyatt points per night for double occupancy, including all meals and various activities.

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge

With its safari-style tents and stellar settings across the country, Under Canvas has perfected the art of glamping. This summer marks the brand’s debut in the Pacific Northwest, among the lush forests, shimmering waterfalls and cascading rapids of Washington’s Columbia River Gorge — and, no surprise, the property was featured on our list of the most exciting hotel openings of the year.

A 90-minute drive from Portland, Oregon — and just under four hours from Seattle, for those who want to make a road trip of it — Under Canvas is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Guided by the on-site experience coordinator, guests spend their days hiking, biking, kayaking and white water rafting, or sipping their way through local wineries and breweries. (This region is known for its wine- and beer-tasting scene.)

Evenings bring live music and seasonal cuisine by the fire pit before guests retire to their tent accommodations. These glamping tents are expectedly cozy, with king-size beds, gas fireplaces and private bathrooms (each with a shower and flushing toilet, to be exact).

Rates at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge start at $249 or 22,125 World of Hyatt points per night. Please note that this resort is seasonal: The 2025 dates are May 29 to Oct. 27.

Paws Up, Montana

Ask anyone who’s been to Montana and they’ll tell you: The majestic mountains and open skies have to be seen to be believed. And this classic ranch resort gives guests a front-row seat to the magic of summer in Montana.

Located on a sweeping estate consisting of ranch, forest and river, Paws Up is just 30 minutes from Missoula, Montana, and within a four-hour drive of larger cities like Bozeman, Montana and Spokane, Washington. The resort offers a range of accommodations, including cabins, ranch homes and glamping tents, making it ideal for families and groups. Meanwhile, the adults-only sister resort, The Green O, offers utterly dreamy treehouses with floor-to-ceiling windows.

But the real reason to stay at Paws Up is the experiences, which will satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie, nature lover and cowboy. There are classic activities like horseback riding and fly-fishing, along with high-intensity pursuits like all-terrain-vehicle tours, ropes course challenges and cattle drives. Evenings bring sophisticated cuisine at the resort’s several restaurants, which feature locally sourced ingredients, menus inspired by the surrounding wilds and, of course, fireside s’mores.

Rates at Paws Up are all-inclusive and priced by accommodation type (such as a one-bedroom home) and start at $2,588 per night. Rates include all meals and a daily selection of alcoholic beverages, as well as round-trip airport transfers. This property is available to book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through The Edit by Chase Travel℠.

AutoCamp Cape Cod

Another top-notch glamping experience is found at Autocamp, which brings a retro vibe to your summer getaway. Located just two hours from Boston, AutoCamp Cape Cod offers classic Airstream accommodations that are decked out in a midcentury style without feeling kitschy.

In addition to the Airstreams, guests can choose between plush cabins and cozy glamping tents, all of which are equipped with kitchenettes, TVs and air conditioning (and heating, for those chilly Cape mornings). Most accommodations have private bathrooms, though some have shared facilities.

AutoCamp enjoys a prime location in Cape Cod’s Falmouth, providing easy access to the beaches of Buzzards Bay and the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for day trips. There are also opportunities for kayaking, biking and wine tasting nearby. On property, AutoCamp curates a lovely summertime atmosphere with live music by the campfire, pop-up oyster tastings and stargazing with a local astronomer (with a NASA-grade telescope, no less). For meals, guests can visit the general store for provisions and grill kits, and there’s an on-site restaurant with a delicious (albeit limited) menu.

Rates at AutoCamp Cape Cod start at $200 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

With its picture-perfect setting between lake and forest, this Ritz-Carlton resort feels worlds away from city life, but it’s just a 90-minute drive from Atlanta. And for the road-trippers, the Georgia resort is under four hours from several cities, including Birmingham, Alabama; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina.

Guests come to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds for the setting, but stay for the amenities. There are five (yes, five) golf courses, all offering dramatic scenery and design by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. There are a 30,000-square-foot spa (CBD-infused body wraps, anyone?) and a tennis center, as well as fishing, boating and water sports on the lake. And the accommodations are ultraplush, with amenities like private patios and Asprey bath products.

Little ones spend time at the resort’s clubhouse, where activities like tent-building and scavenger hunts are offered. Meanwhile, parents can relax by the adults-only infinity pool or, in the evening, savor filet mignon and bourbon pairings at the elegant steakhouse.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee start at $670 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

White Barn Inn

Seaside cottages, sails through the harbor, lobsters on the deck … there is nothing quite like a New England summer. And 90 minutes from Boston, the White Barn Inn serves up coastal elegance on a silver platter.

Located in the town of Kennebunkport, Maine — which offers plenty of eateries, shops and galleries to explore — the hotel has more than 150 years of history. As a result, it’s filled with antique touches like gingham upholstery, oil paintings and fireside reading nooks. The cottage-core theme continues in the rooms and suites, but the design is anything but stuffy (think: elegant four-poster beds, private balconies and soaking tubs). Alternatively, guests can book one of the resort’s private cottages that offer proximity to the peaceful outdoor pool.

Guests of the White Barn Inn spend their days exploring the coast via boat trips, lighthouse tours, hiking, fishing and canoeing. On the property, slower-speed activities like spa rituals and cooking classes beckon. And at the restaurant, guests are treated to elevated Maine cuisine paired with vino from the 7,000-plus-bottle wine cellar.

Rates at the White Barn Inn start at $945 per night. This property is available to book using Chase Ultimate Rewards points through The Edit by Chase Travel. It is also available to book using the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform.

Related: A beginners guide to visiting Acadia National Park

Miraval Austin

To escape the Texas heat, follow the cool breeze to this wellness resort in the Hill Country. Miraval Austin is located 30 minutes from Austin, but San Antonio, Houston and Dallas are all within a three-hour drive.

There’s a lot to love about Miraval, starting with its immersive wellness program. Structured around specific themes (or intentions), the experiences range from floating meditation and aerial yoga to beekeeping, ropes course challenges and — it would seem — everything in between. There’s also plenty to do beyond the spa: Guests can explore the surrounding landscape on foot, by bike or via kayak, or they can simply lounge by the infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills. And at mealtime, guests are treated to ultrafresh seasonal cuisine complete with sustainable wine courtesy of the resort’s sommelier.

To make the Miraval experience feel effortless, a number of all-inclusive packages are offered. These include meals and select wellness activities, as well as a nightly credit to be applied to spa treatments.

Rates at Miraval Austin start at $940 or 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

With its pristine setting and oceanview suites, this St. Regis resort makes a strong case for Florida as a summer destination (even for the most skeptical). The hotel opened in 2024 and brought a heavy dose of luxury to the Gulf Coast — specifically, Longboat Key, which is just over an hour’s drive from Tampa and under three hours from Orlando. A summer getaway here offers all the elegance but at significantly lower rates, including a number of packages through Marriott Bonvoy.

Related: A 500,000-gallon snorkeling lagoon and Champagne at the press of a button: A review of the new St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Set on an 18-acre beachfront estate, the St. Regis is a true tropical playground. You’ll find a white sand beach, a lazy river, a snorkeling lagoon and an adults-only Cabana club in partnership with Vilebrequin. (Here, everything from the butler uniform to the cocktails is inspired by the brand.) Guests also have a 20,000-square-foot spa, elevated dining and butler service at their disposal.

Another plus: The St. Regis Longboat Key is very family-friendly, with a clubhouse, wildlife education and activities for little ones up to teenagers.

Rates at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort start at $730 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Troutbeck

This countryside resort is one of the best in New York’s Hudson Valley, where rolling hills and cultural riches are found just two hours from New York City.

Located on a 250-acre estate in the town of Amenia, Troutbeck has attracted artists and dignitaries for centuries — among them Henry David Thoreau and Theodore Roosevelt. This fact comes as no surprise, as the setting is nothing short of idyllic (picture stone cottages, walled gardens and a footbridge over a babbling brook). Inside, Troutbeck’s vintage charm is on full display with original wood paneling, velvet armchairs and roaring fireplaces.

Troutbeck is all about unwinding in style, whether it’s cocktails by the outdoor pool or yoga in the sun-soaked barn. Many guests come to Troutbeck for the wellness offerings, which range from astrology readings and sound baths to forest bathing and botany facials. And at mealtime, hyperlocal cuisine takes center stage thanks to chef Vincent Gilberti, who is a Hudson Valley local.

Rates at Troutbeck start at $550 per night. This hotel is available to book using the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform.

Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection

For Midwesterners, summer is synonymous with Lake Michigan — and this waterfront resort in Michigan is the perfect place to experience lake life. The Inn at Bay Harbor is a longer drive (four hours from Detroit and over five from Chicago) compared to other properties on this list, but the private beach and lake view accommodations make it worth the trip.

Located on peaceful Little Traverse Bay, the Inn at Bay Harbor offers amenities aplenty, starting with its sprawling setting. There are a sandy beach dotted with red-and-white striped cabanas, golf courses, lawn games and an outdoor pool, all within the property’s manicured grounds. Factor in the serene spa and waterfront dining, and it’s easy to see why guests may happily spend all their time at the resort.

The surrounding area offers tons to do as well, from vineyard-hopping through Michigan’s lush wine country to e-biking along lakefront trails. The resort’s variety of accommodations are another plus: These range from standard rooms to private cottages that sleep up to eight.

Rates at the Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection start at $494 per night. Points rates for this property are not currently available on Marriott’s website.

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