25 Best Places to Vacation in September

El Encanto in Santa Barbara

California is one of the best places to vacation in September, offering sandy beaches and great weather. The theme at the iconic El Encanto in Santa Barbara is romance and the idea is to create a luxurious retreat where couples come to rejuvenate for a weekend of great food, privacy and spa treatments. The property has 92 unique suites and bungalows surrounded by lush gardens and ocean views. Guests get to relax on their private patio, luxuriously furnished, and next to the indoor fireplace.

California coastal cuisine is served in the restaurant which offers romantic coastal views. Indoor and terrace seating is offered. The Wine Room is available for private parties, while the Lounge serves light meals and Afternoon Tea. The spa incorporates local flora into seasonal treatments that make you feel pampered from head to toe. The Fitness Studio features a variety of core, Pilates, yoga and strength training classes. More info

La Casa Del Mar, Fort Lauderdale

Tucked in between the W Hotel and the Ritz Carlton, La Casa Del Mar is a hotel that prides itself on its friendly hospitality and its personalized service. Located only a minute away from the beach, this is an excellent place to stay if you're looking for a relaxing vacation in the sun. The property boasts a beautiful pool with lounge chairs and landscaped grounds; guests are also welcome to make use of the pool and other amenities at the hotel's sister property, the Granada Inn. Reservations can be made over the phone or on the hotel's website.

3003 Granada St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Villa La Diouana

Once you are done exploring the busy Marrakech, drive to the beautiful Atlantic coast of Morocco and rent Villa La Diouana in Oualidia. A hammock swaying under a tree, lounge chairs by the pool and beautiful starry nights will make you forget about the hurried life you left behind. The villa has three badrooms, a separate cottage and an apartment. If you are traveling with a bigger group and need more space, consider renting all three. The luxury villa is furnished in modern style with traditional Moroccan touches such as woodwork and polished plaster floors. The living room has WiFi and a wood-burning stove. There is a library, patio and a roof-top terrace overlooking the garden with trees and flowers such as oleander, pine and mimosa. Oualidia is a small coastal village on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, a three-hour drive from Marrakech. Activities include bird-watching, boating and relaxing in the sun.

La Lancha Hotel in Guatemala

La Lancha Hotel is a lakeside getaway surrounded by a lush rainforest in Guatemala. The hotel overlooks lake Peten Itza and is near historic Mayan ruins which consist of 3,000 structures, ancient temples and plazas. The property has an outdoor pool and an open-air restaurant with spectacular rainforest and lake views.

Guests are accommodated in Rainforest and Lakeview cottages with hammocks and Guatemalan and Balinese furnishings. Ask for a view of the lake, especially if you are planning a romantic getaway. You will be able to have breakfast overlooking the water and relax in a hammock with a view. Luxury cottage amenities include organic, locally sourced, handmade toiletries, plush bathrobes and a shellphone for communicating with reception. Lago Peten Itza is the second largest lake in Guatemala. Complimentary canoes are available to guests. Once you are done exploring The Maya ruins of Tikal, relax by the split level pool with a view. Many exotic birds and howler monkeys can be seen on the property. Go on a guided horseback ride on the adjacent 70-acre farm.

La Mamounia in Marrakech

La Mamounia in Marrakech is a glamorous hotel which has attracted many famous guests, including Winston Churchill, Franklin D Roosevelt, Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin. The hotel was recently renovated, preserving its trademark look from the 1920s. The property is set on 17 acres with century-old gardens and a large outdoor pool. Choose from 210 guest rooms, including 71 luxury suites. Guest accommodations overlook city rooftops, gardens and the Atlas mountains in the distance. These rooms and suites are among the most spacious in Marrakesh. Ask for a private terrace with scenic city views.

The luxurious 27,000 square foot spa offers extensive facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Facilities include traditional Hammam, beautiful indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms and a beauty salon. Inside the spa you will find black and white traditional Moroccan tiling and a calm ambiance. There are four restaurants serving Moroccan, French and Italian dishes. (Phone: +212 5243-88600)

Jardin Escondido

Jardin Escondido is Francis Ford Coppola's getaway in in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When the famous film director is not in town, the retreat is available for rent, either as a whole house or a room. The hotel is located in Palermo Soho next to many shops, galleries and restaurants. The house has three levels of gardens, an outdoor kitchen and parrilla, and a beautiful terrace surrounded by a garden. Facilities include meeting rooms, a flat screen TV entertainment center and a collection of classic films. The on-call sommelier can help you with all your wine requests, including some of the top Argentinian wines. Guests are accommodated in four master bedrooms, two double bedrooms and a single bedroom. There is a full-time housekeeper and an English-speaking concierge. Enjoy a unique authentic breakfast or brunch, Sunday asados and fresh flowers.

Fun destinations: Sioux Falls, Frankenmuth, Princeton, Oceanside, Fort Wayne, Southwest

Water Park at Las Casitas Village in Puerto Rico

Las Casitas Village is an oceanfront resort in Puerto Rico, a part of the Waldorf Astoria Resort collection known for luxury service. This family-friendly resort is comprised of 150 private villas with fully equipped kitchens, giving families the flexibility to prepare their own meals. Guests have access to 24-hour personalized butler service during their stay. Coqui Water Park (tickets are $12.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids) offers water fun for everyone, from a lazy river and a rope bridge to many slides and pools. There is a small slide for kids, a body slide, tube slide and a speed slide. The lazy river is a fun ride for children.

The main pool measures 8,500 square feet, with an infinity edge and a 25,000+ square foot pool deck for sunbathing. Oasis Bar & Grill makes it easy to grab lunch without leaving all the fun. Palomino Island, a quick ferry boat ride away, is a private island and beach for Las Casitas Village. You can go snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, play miniature golf or go hiking. The property offers shops, wedding planning and many activities. Phone: +1 787-863-6808

More ideas: Tunquen, Chile

Palmetto Dunes Villa

Palmetto Dunes Villa has been named as one of the world's 25 best family resorts by Travel + Leisure, great for guests traveling to the island with young ones. The eco-friendly resort stretches along three miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastline, offering a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages, ranging from an award-winning tennis center to a full-service marina and scenic swimming lagoon. Guests can choose from spacious vacation homes, accommodating up to 14, or flexible-stay villas with oceanfront views. Direct beach access is offered for all guests, along with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and dolphin-watching. Three excellent golf courses are showcased on site, including two courses named as the state's best courses in 2003 and 2009. Indulgent dining experiences include the upscale Alexander's Restaurant and Wine Bar, the laid-back Dunes House, and Big Jim's BBQ, Burgers, and Pizza.

4 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Phone: 888-909-9566

Zeavola Resort

Zeavola Resort is a luxury hotel located in Thailand's lush Phi Phi Islands. The hotel sits directly on the shores of the beautiful Laem Tong Beach. Guests can choose from private villas or suites that are surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The property boasts a full-service spa, several restaurants with local cuisine, and space for weddings and special events. Diving is a popular activity among Zeavola guests so it is easy to arrange for diving trips or diving courses with a PADI-certified instructor.

Excursions to nearby islands can also be arranged with help from the hotel staff.

11 Moo 8 Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand, 81000, Thailand, 66-7562-7000

Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa in India

Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is Hilton Hotels & Resorts first leisure property in India. The estate is a 2.5-hour drive and 30-minute helicopter ride from Mumbai. All-villa accommodations have butler service, one of the largest wine cellars and an ultra-luxurious spa. The spa itself is set on 70 acres and offers more than 150 treatments, making it one of the best spas in Asia. Ultra-luxury guest villas offer guests plenty of privacy. Each villa comes with private decks or balconies, dedicated treatment areas and valley or forest views. Interiors are contemporary with cutting edge technology. The Spa Pool Villas and Presidential Pool Villas are the most luxurious with their private gardens and swimming pools.

Shillim Spa combines the healing traditions of South Asia with contemporary offerings. Practice yoga in the dedicated Yoga Pavilion, find your center in the Meditation Cave and have healthy meals at the restaurant. Swim in the heated outdoor pool and detox in the sauna and steam rooms. Guests are welcome to participate in workshops and courses at the Shillim Institute dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Western Ghats. Phone: +91 2114 712 468

September vacations: Birkenhead House

Set high above Walker Bay, Birkenhead House is an opulent five-star hotel that comes fitted with modern amenities and incredible ocean views.

Each of the hotel's 11 guest bedrooms offer luxury and privacy. Additionally, the room rate is all-inclusive, which means that delicious meals come standard with room reservations. For entertainment outside of the hotel, guests can embark on a whale-watching expedition, pick some fresh mussels off the rocks at the beach, or take a surfing lesson with the hotel's manager.

Birkenhead House is also a beautiful and intimate venue for weddings, family gatherings, and honeymoons.

Cnr 11th Street and 7th Avenue, Voelklip, Hermanus, 7200, +27-0-28-314-8000

Buccament Bay

Buccament Bay sits in a secluded part of St. Vincent, an idyllic island in the Caribbean. The suites and villas at Buccament Bay are equipped with all the comforts of home. Additionally, each villa boasts a deck with a private 'plunge pool' that overlooks the beach.

For some high-energy fun guests can head to the Harlequin Sports Academy. The academy offers private football, cricket, or tennis lessons to adults and children.

World-class coaches are available to help students throughout the day. Guests can also relax by the hotel's two pools, get some work done at the business center, exercise at the onsite fitness club, or enjoy a boat excursion to a nearby island. St. Vincent is one of the best islands to visit in September.

Buccament Bay, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, +44-0-1268-242463

Cape Sounio

Located in a historic and beautiful area outside of Athens, Cape Sounio is the prime destination for a relaxing getaway or a romantic holiday.

There are villas and suites available on the property, and both options include a variety of luxurious amenities. Cape Sounio has a spacious private pool, a luxurious spa, and space for holding weddings, corporate meetings, and special events.

Tennis courts, a miniature football pitch, and a beach volleyball court are also located on the property. Guests can also coordinate with the hotel to arrange exciting activities including a private yacht cruise or dive courses with a PADI-certified instructor.

67 Km Athens-Sounio Road, Sounio, Attica, Greece, +30-22920-69700

Ammos Hotel

Situated on the stunning Greek Island of Crete, the Ammos Hotel is a miniature resort that is located minutes outside of Chania.

The hotel flawlessly blends classic Greek architecture with modern conveniences. Visitors can choose from a sea view studio, a garden view studio, a deluxe sea view studio, or a garden suite. Each accommodation option includes an array of high-end amenities.

Guests can also dine on authentic Greek fare all day long at the hotel's restaurant. For entertainment, visitors can enjoy relaxing at the beach, sunbathing by the pool, or exploring the old town of Chania.

Irakli Avgoula Street, Chania, Crete, Greece, +30-28210-33003

Castello Del Nero

Situated in the lush Italian countryside, Castello Del Nero is one of the best-known luxury hotels in Tuscany.

Although the hotel is in a secluded area, guests can easily reach the cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa by car or private shuttle. One of the hotel's defining features is its destination spa. At the ESPA spa visitors are exposed to unique therapeutic experiences including Turkish baths, a vitality pool, and ice fountains.

Castello Del Nero's fine restaurant, La Torre, is also within steps of the guest rooms. Lastly, Castello Del Nero is a popular choice for lavish weddings and special occasions.

Strada Spicciano, 7, 50028 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Firenze, Italy, +39-055-80-64-70

Olare Mara Kempinski, Masai Mara Camp

Olare Mara Kempinski, Masai Mara is a luxury adventure camp in the Olare Orok Conservancy known for its lion population, the world's largest. Guests will be surrounded by diverse wildlife, including two million wildebeest and zebras. Guests are accommodated in just a dozen luxury tents furnished with four poster or twin beds, outdoor and indoor showers and a huge teak deck. The claw foot bathtubs are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the wilderness. One of the tents has its own plunge pool, perfect for a honeymoon.

A diverse range of activities is offered, including game drives, incredible night safaris, balloon rides, local village visits and more. Kempinski recommends at least a 3-night/4-day stay to fully explore the area and relax at this five star camp. Rates are all inclusive and start at $435 per night per person (double occupancy). The rate includes airstrip transfers, full board including beverages, two game drives per day and conservancy fees. The property is a one hour flight from Nairobi and 90 minutes from Mombasa in Kenya, located on over 300,000 acres. Serengeti National Park lies to the south. Phone: +254 703 049000

The Peaks Resort and Spa

Located just a few steps from the Telluride – Mountain Village gondola, the Peaks Resort and Spa puts you right at the heart of the Telluride action. Besides the convenience of a ski-in/ski-out location, the peaks resort offers a string of on-site facilities which are hard to beat. You have access to a fully-equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa for the pampering and the Altezza restaurant. Guestrooms and suites are spacious and modern and the complex includes the Forever Village where you can rent beautifully appointed condos or an entire cabin or penthouse to sleep up to 8 guests.

The Peaks Resort and Spa, 136 Country Club Dr, Telluride, CO 81435, Phone: 970-728-6800

Carmel Mission Inn

The Carmel Mission Inn is a value boutique hotel with a charming setting and amazing amenities in a central location. All rooms have 37-inch LCD flat-panel TVs, in-room safes, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, dual phones, voice mail, data ports, coffeemakers, and complimentary wireless internet. Choose from a king or queen room or one that is pet friendly. Groups and families love the two queen bedrooms. Guests have access to the fitness room for a workout or the spacious hot tub to unwind at the end of the day. There are also spa services so you can feel pampered and a heated tub ideal for most weather conditions. Use the inn as your jumping ground to explore the area on a bicycle tour or take advantage of its EV charging station. Don’t forget to appreciate the private lush gardens on the property as well.

3665 Rio Road, Carmel, CA, Phone: 800-348-9090

El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn

Architecture buffs, or simply those who appreciate the finer things of life, will fall in love with El Presidio Bed & Breakfast Inn, a Victorian adobe home with an Old Mexico ambience. This elegant inn, situated in the El Presidio Historic District, has been featured in Bantam’s The Desert Southwest (American Design) and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can stay in one of four guesthouses and suites. Garden courtyards, diverse mature trees, lush flora, fountains, cobblestone walkways, and a zaguan (central hall) with 17-foot-high ceilings characterize the property. A country-style hot breakfast is served in the Veranda Room, which overlooks a garden courtyard.

297 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-623-6151

Post Ranch Inn

The Post Ranch Inn delivers a serene retreat for romance or a simple getaway. There are 39 guestrooms plus a private home, all of which deliver mountain or ocean views, luxury, and rustic elegance. Post Ranch lets guests connect with themselves, nature, and those with them, which is why there are no alarm clocks or televisions and only adults are allowed. Use the mini-bar in your room or take advantage of the wireless internet access. Rooms can also feature heated floors, stereos, iPod docking stations, wood-burning fireplaces, indoor spa tubs, terry cloth robes, organic bath products, slippers, irons, hairdryers, private decks, and/or outdoor stainless steel hot tubs. Guests can enjoy valet parking and a long list of complimentary activities such as garden tours, guided nature hikes, daily yoga, and stargazing. Or visit the two infinity pools, heated swimming pool, or fitness center. Get pampered in the Spa at Post Ranch or admire art in the Post Gallery. Guests can borrow one of the Lexus vehicles on site. Included in every reservation is a daily gourmet breakfast to energize you for a day of exploration. Rooms also have mini-bars with snacks plus non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy. Enjoy other meals at Sierra Mar, the on-site restaurant.

47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA, Phone: 831-667-2200

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

Travelers looking for a guest ranch experience will find it at Hacienda del Sol Ranch Resort. What began as a ranch school for wealthy girls – think Vanderbilt, Westinghouse, Campbell – in 1929 was redesigned into a guest ranch in 1944, drawing the likes of Katherine Hepburn, John Wayne, Spencer Tracy, and other Hollywood types. After major renovations, restorations, and additions between 1997 and 2015, it is the Sonoran jewel it is today. Guests can choose from historic rooms, suites, casitas, or new Catalina rooms. There is fine dining at The Grill and casual fare at Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge. Amenities include a spa, pool and hot tub, fitness room, and gift shop. Guests can ride horseback, explore the desert, and enjoy the botanical gardens.

5501 North Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-299-1501

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The luxury of the Ritz Carlton is well known, and it goes without saying that this hotel in Orlando lives up to the hype. Rooms with marble bathtubs, flat-screen TVs, and available Wi-Fi, or suites, which add kitchens and separate living rooms, are spacious, comfortable, and top of the line. If parents wish to have some time to themselves, kids aged 4 to 12 can spend the day with Ritz Kids, a kids’ club that provides creative and fun activities to keep kids entertained all day long, like dance parties, petting zoos, games, and more. Every day brings something new and exciting, and Ritz Kids will even provide children with dinner if parents wish to have a meal on their own.

4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837, Phone: 407-206-2400

Reunion Resort

Accommodations at Reunion Resort vary from a one-bedroom villa all the way up to a full vacation home, perfect for a big family gathering or event. Villas and homes have everything guests need for a great stay, including full kitchens, living and dining rooms, and multiple bathrooms equipped with toiletries and bath products, while some of the private homes even have their own private swimming pools and game rooms. Reunion Resort has its own water park, where families can splash, play, slide, and swim. On select days during the week, Kids Crew, open 9am to 4pm, will provide kids aged 4 to 12 with activities and fun like scavenger hunts, pool time, contests, stories, and crafts, while parents enjoy some time to themselves. More Things to Do in Orlando

7593 Gathering Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34747, Phone: 407-396-3199

Villa Sant'Andrea

Set on a private beach, Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea provides guests with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.

The property boasts 68 luxurious rooms and suites that come with a range of high-end amenities. Although the Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea is in a secluded area, guests can easily reach the town of Taormina with the hotel's private shuttle. Onsite amenities include a large swimming pool, a fitness center, a wellness center, and a restaurant.

The hotel caters to families by providing babysitting services, special menus for kids, family-friendly DVDs, and exciting excursions geared toward travelers of all ages.

Via Nazionale 137, 98039 Taormina Mare, Sicily, Italy, +39-0942-6271-200

W Hollywood

Located in the heart of Hollywood, this luxury hotel sits beneath the Hollywood sign and alongside the Walk of Fame.

Guests can choose from several different types of rooms, but no matter which option they pick, they are guaranteed to have great views of Southern California's most well-known city. Guests can unwind at the hotel's chic bar or by the pool on the rooftop deck. There is also a fully-equipped fitness center at the hotel that is open round-the-clock.

Lastly, guests can take advantage of the hotel's unique Whatever/Whenever service, which turns every guest's (legal) wishes into reality. The fees for this service vary depending on the requests.

6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028, 323-798-1300

25 Best Places to Vacation in September :