North Carolina - Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Old Edwards Inn and Spa in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers European style and romance. Rooms feature period antiques, fine Italian linens, rainfall showers, and private terraces or patios. Cottages are available in three different locations, as are three guest estates. The spa has steam rooms, whirlpools, rainfall showers, a solarium, a ladies’ sauna, and couples treatments as well as a Spa Cafe. Guests can play a round of golf on the Old Edwards Golf Club, go shopping at Acorn Boutique, play tennis, relax in the outdoor heated mineral pools or poolside cabanas, and enjoy entertainment at the Kelsey Game and Theater Room. More info
445 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741, Phone: 866-526-8008
Ideas by Occasion: Relax at a spa, Girls weekend, Birthday, Family, All-Inclusive
South Carolina - The Willcox
The Willcox in Aiken, South Carolina, is known world-wide and considered one of the top hotels, providing guests with a true southern experience full of hospitality, relaxation, and amenities. The majority of guest rooms have crackling fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs, and turn down service, including a warm water bottle under the blankets. The four-poster beds with feather-top mattresses allow you to relax in comfort.
The Willcox includes a seasonal pool, exercise room, bicycles, and facilities for your pets, including a dog concierge and a horse concierge. The spa offers a diverse selection of treatments and in-room massages.
100 Colleton Avenue SW, Aiken, SC 29801, Phone: 803-648-1898
Weekend Inspiration: NC Getaways, Small Town Getaways, From Toronto, Oklahoma, From Jackson, From Louisville
Colorado - The Stanley Hotel
Featured as one of the most haunted hotels in America and an architectural wonder set against awe inspiring nature, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO is noted as Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining. With 140 rooms, you will have an abundance of choices while staying at this Colonial Revival. Choose to stay in room 217 where some of the more famous supernatural events occur. Resting next to the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park, the area is full of outdoor activities regardless of season. If you’d rather stay in, then head over to The Amethyst Spa and experience Amethyst Ritual for deep relaxation. Choose from options such as massages, facials and salon treatments for yourself or go as a couple.
333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517, Phone: 970-577-4000
West Coast Vacations: Oregon, From Seattle, Washington
Windsor Court Hotel
Elegant and sophisticated, Windsor Court Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the New Orleans’ Central Business District, just a short distance from the French Quarter and all the fun the city is famous for. The European-style décor extends from the spacious, beautifully furnished lobby to opulent rooms with Italian marble bathrooms and original art. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and iPod docks, while luxury suites have wet bars and balconies. Club rooms have access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and evening drinks. Guests enjoy a rooftop pool, a gym, a full-service spa, and four restaurants, including an elegant tea room. The lounge has live jazz in the evening.
300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 800-262-2662
Weekend Trips: Southwest Weekend Getaways, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana
California - Bardessono in Napa
Bardessono is a LEED Platinum certified hotel with an exceptional restaurant and a luxury spa. The hotel, located between Napa and St. Helena, has a fantastic restaurant which grows its own herbs and vegetables. Guest rooms have organic cotton bed linens, hand-crafted bath products and comfortable modern decor that relaxes the body and mind. The designer suites are perfect for a romantic weekend getaway, complete with a gas fireplace and a balcony or courtyard.
Spa fans should book a Spa Suite which has a spacious bathroom designed as a private spa with a concealed massage table. Personalized spa treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of your Spa Suite. The Spa Therapy Center's pool, hot tub, and locker room facilities are complimentary to hotel guests who purchase a spa treatment during their stay. Yoga is offered several times a week, a perfect complement to a relaxing weekend trip. Lucy Restaurant serves seasonal dishes which incorporate the freshest local ingredients combined with an extensive wine list, including many organic, sustainable and biodynamic options.
6526 Yount St. Yountville, CA 94599, Phone: 707-204-6000
Ideas in New England: Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, Delaware
Northern California - Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley
Escape to Bernardus Lodge to enjoy great food, wine and relaxing spa treatments. The resort, located in one of the best wine growing regions in Northern California, prides itself with an exceptional collection of award-winning wines. Bordered by vineyards and the Santa Lucia Mountains, the hotel offers 57 guest rooms situated in nine adobe-style buildings. Each guest room has a fireplace crafted from local limestone and a two-person bathtub, providing a perfect setting for a romantic couples' getaway. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a croquet lawn and a bocce court. The lodge guests enjoy golf privileges at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, Bernardus' sister property. You can also go horseback riding, biking, and try kayaking and various watersports in Monterey Bay. Nearby attractions include Carmel Valley Village, beaches and art galleries of the Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the Point Lobos State Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary two miles south of Carmel. The dramatic coastline of Big Sur is also just 23 miles south of Carmel. The lodge is 20 minutes from Monterey Peninsula Airport and one and a half-hours from the San Jose Airport.
415 West Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924, Phone: 831-658-3400
Wyoming - Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
With Grand Teton National Park just a mile away, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a getaway for honeymooners who enjoy hiking, climbing, wildlife watching and skiing. With accommodations that range from Lodge Rooms and Luxury Studios to Suites of varying sizes, including a luxurious Penthouse, there is plenty to choose from.
The hotel has vaulted ceilings, stone-face gas fireplaces, and whirlpool tubs for relaxation, as well as kitchens in all suites. The Solitude Spa, named after Lake Solitude, includes 10 treatment rooms and offers salon services, skin care therapies, body treatments, and an oxygen bar. There is a Rooftop Motion Studio for Pilates and Yoga, a fitness center, multiple whirlpool hot tubs, and heated pools both indoors and outdoors. Spur Restaurant & Bar serves upscale versions of mountain cuisine in a fire-lit setting with a scenic patio that is open during the summer months. If you are looking for unique honeymoon resorts in USA, rates at this property are quite affordable.
3385 Cody Lane, Teton Village, WY 83025, Phone: 307-201-6066
Where to travel next: New England Getaways, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Illinois, NJ, Richmond, From NJ
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is a spacious Hilton Head resort offering direct access to a private white sand beach along the island's beautiful coastline. The 11-acre resort, which offers convenient access to eastern island coast attractions such as the Shipyard Golf Club, was recently renovated in 2013 and offers luxurious new amenities such as a heated lagoon swimming pool and the brand-new Arum Spa. 340 lovely guest rooms and suites offer contemporary amenities such as flat screen televisions, Keurig coffee makers, and complimentary wireless internet, with ocean view balconies and patios in all rooms. Delicious Lowcountry fare is served up at Heyward's Restaurant, while clever cocktails and bar bites are offered at the Seacrest Terrace and Patio and Bayley's Bar and Terrace. Guests traveling with families in tow can send young ones off to the hotel's Just Us Kids club, which offers structured beach adventures and arts and crafts sessions.
130 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928, Phone: 843-842-2400
California vacations: California Weekend Getaways, Southern California, Northern California, Lake Tahoe, From Los Angeles, From San Francisco, From San Diego
New York - The Benjamin
The Sleep Concierge at The Benjamin at Lexington Avenue and 50th Street in New York City ensures that all guests enjoy the best possible sleep at night. From a diverse pillow menu to having access to the specially designed Benjamin Bed, guest comfort and great sleep are top priorities at this boutique hotel. Sleep Consultant Rebecca Robbins recently made improvements to the hotel's sleep program, incorporating the latest studies in the area of sleep medicine.
If you like the experience, you can replicate it at home since the Benjamin Bed is available for sale. The pillow menu includes side sleeper pillows, back and stomach. Other luxuries include Frette sheets, massages at the spa and sound-proof windows. Federico Hair Salon & Spa is one of the top places in the city for spa treatments, haircuts and manicures. The fitness center, open 24 hours, offers yoga, stretching classes, strength training and cardio equipment. The Benjamin recently completed a $10 million renovation and is a Five-Globe ECOTEL certified property. The 209 rooms and suites feature cream and taupe decor, sitting areas and kitchenettes where you can prepare some of your own meals on your honeymoon.
125 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022, Phone: 866-222-2365
The South USA Vacations: Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, From New Orleans, Louisiana
Southern California - The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of the newest additions in Southern California, set on 500 scenic acres, with 36 holes championship golf, a beautiful spa with 22 treatment rooms, and luxury accommodations. Hire a boat and go for a romantic dinner cruise or take your significant other whale watching. The Spa offers de-stressing programs which are a great way to feel relaxed.
22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, CA 92657, Phone: 855-315-8214, Video
More romantic ideas: The Botanical Building in Balboa Park and Griffith Observatory.
Wisconsin - Canoe Bay
If you are looking for romantic weekend getaways from Chicago, check into Canoe Bay, a 300-acre estate with three private lakes in northwestern Wisconsin. There are just 26 guest accommodations which offer its guests privacy and seclusion. Designed especially for couples, all rooms and cottages feature a two-person whirlpool tub, a fireplace and a private deck with views of the surrounding nature. Ask for one of the cottages with a private sauna on your romantic trip. The main lodge has a fitness center and a library.
Activities at Canoe Bay include swimming, canoeing, romantic walks through the woods, kayaking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and relaxing with in-room spa treatments.
The Hotel is located six hours northwest of Chicago and two hours east of Minneapolis. If you are flying, the Rice Lake Airport can accommodated private planes and is located 30 minutes from Canoe Bay; otherwise the closest airport is Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Children are not permitted at this romantic hotel.
W16065 Hogback Road, Chetek, WI 54728, Phone: 715-924-4594
Romantic Wisconsin destinations: Madison, Bayfield, Milwaukee and Green Bay
Michigan - The Landmark Inn
Exuding old-world charm and historic grace, The Landmark Inn is a beautifully restored gem in the heart of Marquette in Michigan. Overlooking the shores of Lake Superior, guests can look forward to a luxurious and romantic retreat. Sixty-two individually decorated suites echo European-inspired elegance with plush furnishings, lovely en-suite bathrooms and deluxe amenities for added comfort. Special extras in some rooms include whirlpools, fireplaces and spectacular views of majestic Lake Superior. The nearby Northern Michigan University offers a range of fitness facilities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-size lap pool, an indoor climbing wall, and racquetball courts. Relish ‘American fusion’ cuisine in a warm and cozy atmosphere at Capers Restaurant or enjoy a pint of lager in the Old English-style Northlands pub. Sip aperitifs and cocktails in the elegant North Star Lounge as you soak up magnificent views over Lake Superior.
230 North Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855, Phone: 888-752-6362
Tennessee - River Inn of Harbor Town
River Inn of Harbor Town combines European style and Old South charm, with views looking out at the Mississippi River, gorgeous architecture, and blooming window boxes. The hotel has 28 luxury boutique rooms, ranging from standard rooms to a junior suite and the Penthouse Suite. Each room includes breakfast, luxurious bathroom amenities, with some featuring large tubs and elegant sitting rooms. Upon checking in, guests receive a complimentary glass of wine or champagne. The hotel has sitting areas styled like libraries on each floor, a fitness center, complimentary guest computers, and The Terrace which has gorgeous panoramic views of Downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. There are several restaurants on site, with Paulette’s being known for its attractive and charming atmosphere and award-winning dishes. Tug’s is a casual grill with river views. The Terrace is the main restaurant within the hotel and is intimate, with folding windows and shared portions alongside Southern-inspired cocktails.
50 Harbor Town Square, Memphis, TN 3810, Phone: 901-260-3333
North Carolina - Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, originally built in 1913, is a romantic getaway located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The property has a beautiful spa and affordable rates. If you are looking for a quick weekend trip, the resort offers great scenery, old world charm and numerous activities. There is a full service 16,000 square foot spa, a golf course, six tennis courts, two pools, an indoor Sports Complex, fitness center and resort shops. There are many treatments to choose from, including massage, facials, wraps and aromatherapy.
Summers are the best time to go because of warm temperatures. The Asheville Regional Airport is about 25 minutes away. Nearby attractions include the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock Park, the Cherokee Indian Reservation and Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find great deals during the value season (January through March); from $205 during the peak season (June through October).
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804, Phone: 800-438-5800
Oregon - Tu Tu' Tun Lodge
Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is a stylish getaway near the Pacific Ocean in Oregon. The lodge, situated next to the Rogue River, is an active honeymoon destination, providing guests with an array of outdoor activities.
Fly fishing is a popular activity throughout the seasons, especially salmon fishing in the spring, summer and fall. By walking and hiking through the forest and along the beach, visitors can take in the scenery, observe ancient trees and tide pools. Vacationers can also stroll through the herb and flower garden at the lodge. Other vacation activities to try at Tu Tu' Tun Lodge include bird watching, wildlife watching, kayaking, jet boating down the river, and lounging by the outdoor pool in the summer.
River House has one king and one queen bedroom, private baths, outdoor whirlpool, kitchen and laundry. The vaulted great room with spectauclar views of the river is a great space for relaxing. Garden House is located near the orchard, with three bedrooms and a full kitchen. There is a cozy river rock fireplace in the living room. The pergola has a soaker tub for two so that you can take relaxing baths. Osprey Bend has three king bedrooms, private baths, kitchen, and a wrap-around deck with panoramic views. From May to October, the Tu Tu' Tun Lodge restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Handy picnic baskets can be ordered if you plan to spend the day fishing or hiking. If you visit during the off-season (November through April), the lodge only serves breakfast. More info
96550 North Bank Rogue, Gold Beach, OR 97444, Phone: 800-864-6357
Northern California - CordeValle
CordeValle is a luxury getaway in Northern California set on 1,700 scenic acres with a golf course, outdoor pool, spa, and the Clos LaChance winery and vineyard. Vacationers who enjoy the outdoors can explore miles of hiking trails near the hotel. Clos LaChance Winery is open to resort guests for wine tastings and tours. The Spa offers services that range from massages and body treatments to vichy showers and relaxation in a Turkish steam room. The fitness room has cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment and a swimming pool. Locker rooms feature a steam room, whirlpool, and a private garden terrace and lounge. Treat yourselves to a relaxing couples massage at this unique spa.
The 72 par, 18-hole championship golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The Golf shop offers instruction and a professional caddy program. If you've always wanted to learn golf, take some lessons with a pro. Luxury bungalows, villas and homes feature fireplaces and offer views of the golf course. The Bungalows measure 700 square feet in size and include a a wet bar, an open-air patio, and a bathroom with a separate shower and whirlpool tub. Five 1,100-square-foot Villas feature an enclosed patio with an outdoor shower and a private whirlpool spa, a great romantic weekend idea. The Dining Room serves contemporary American cuisine that incorporates fresh regional produce and wines from the resort's own Clos LaChance winery. The Grill next to the golf shop offers outdoor seating on the patio. The resort is located 45 minutes from Pebble Beach and 30 minutes from San Jose, California.
CordeValle , One CordeValle Club Dr., San Martin, CA 95046, Phone: 408-695-4500
Massachusetts - Wequassett Inn Resort & Golf Club
On the East Coast, head to Cape Cod where you can relax on the beach in the summer, and enjoy romantic walks with ocean views in the spring and fall. Wequassett Resort & Golf Club offers plenty to do - championship golf, tennis, pool, beaches and water sports. There are five restaurants to choose from - Twenty-eight Atlantic is our favorite because of beautiful ocean views.
Wequassett Inn Resort & Golf Club , 2173 Route 28, Harwich, MA 02645, Phone: 508-432-5400
More weekend & day trip ideas: 25 Best Things to See & Do in Cape Cod.
South Carolina - Charleston Place
Charleston Place is a historic spa getaway located in South Carolina, in the heart of historic Charleston. Known for its southern hospitality, the getaway is a for travelers wanting to combine a cultural visit with relaxation. Enjoy luxurious spa services, play golf at a nearby club, take a romantic horse drawn carriage ride, and explore historic sites in the area. There are 440 rooms and suites, some on the Club level. Guest accommodations are furnished in traditional style and feature luxurious marble baths, a great plus on a relaxing spa trip.
205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401, Phone: 843-722-4900
Arizona - Loews Ventana Canyon
Set on a plateau above the city of Tucson, Loews Ventana Canyon Resort offers beautiful scenery, two Fazio-designed championship golf courses and two swimming pools. This luxury resort is set on 93 acres in the Sonoran Desert, nestled into the foothills of the Catalina Mountains and designed to blend in with the mountains and the surroundings.
The 398 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies which help you feel closer to nature.
The resort features two Tom Fazio-designed championship golf courses, both located just steps from the front lobby. The courses weave through desert cactus and scenic canyons. The Canyon Course is available for guest play on odd dates and the Mountain Course on even dates. For those who want to improve their game, the resort offers clinics, private and group lessons. The 7,000 square foot spa offers a beauty salon and eight treatment rooms where you can choose from a menu of healing treatments. Tone your body by visiting the fitness center with amazing views. There are many classes to choose from, including yoga, aerobics and Tai Chi.
There are five different dining venues with a choice of classical favorites and innovative cuisine. Canyon Cafe serves American fare in an outdoor and indoor setting. Book your activities ahead of time if traveling during Thanksgiving, Christmas and other major holidays since spa treatments and golf tee times tend to sell out. High season in Arizona is from November through March or April. The resort is located 35 minutes from the Tucson International Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Tucson. More info
Loews Ventana Canyon , 7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson, AZ 85750, Phone: 520-299-2020
Popular destinations to visit in Arizona include Tucson, Phoenix and Sedona.
Florida - Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
This luxury hotel features four golf courses, a spa, and a state of the art fitness center. Guests will love the spacious, pet-friendly rooms and suites, which feature balconies, safes, Keurig coffee making machines, and Wi-Fi. Some of the rooms even have amazing views, where guests can see the nightly fireworks displays from the comfort of their own beds. At Camp Hyatt, kids aged 3 to 12 can have fun under the watchful eye of trained supervisors, with activities like swimming, fish feeding, rock climbing, scavenger hunts, nature walks, and roasting marshmallows around a campfire. Families who wish to spend time together at the hotel can rent a paddleboat, go hiking or biking, play tennis or racquetball, or swim in the hotel’s pool.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress , 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836, Phone: 407-239-1234
California - Hotel Marisol Coronado
Housed in a beautifully restored building dating back to 1926, Hotel Marisol Coronado is a historic Coronado boutique hotel with chic accommodations, upscale amenities, and gourmet cuisine. Situated a short walk from Coronado Beach, the hotel features stylish, air-conditioned guest rooms with nautical-themed décor, elegant en-suite bathrooms, sitting areas with whirlpool tubs, and modern amenities, including Keurig coffeemakers and iPod docking stations. The hotel has a charming Mediterranean-style courtyard and offers loaner bikes, beach chairs, and beach towels for guests to use. A gourmet continental breakfast is served every morning in the sunny courtyard.
1017 Park Pl, Coronado, CA 92118, Phone: 619-365-4677
Arkansas - 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville
The 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville , situated on the town square’s northeast corner, is just a short walk away from Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This unique boutique hotel consists of a cultural center, a contemporary art museum, The Hive restaurant, and more than one hundred guest rooms. Designed by Deborah Berke, a renowned architect, the spacious suites and rooms of the hotel feature a residential feel, large windows, custom contemporary furnishings, and high ceilings. Guests can also dine on refined country fare at The Hive, which strives to pay tribute to the country’s “High South” region.
200 NE A St, Bentonville, AR 72712, Phone: 479-286-6500
Niagara Falls
As one of the most majestic sights in the entire world, Niagara Falls are near the top of almost every avid travelers bucket list. Thankfully, there’s a ton of ways to see and explore the falls. There are several ways to get as close as possible to the falls. One of the top ways in Canada is through the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, which makes use of a 700-passenger catamaran to get tourists just a few meters away from the powerful falls. In New York, the Cave of the Winds Tour allows visitors to walk up into the stormy mist zone of the waterfalls and to be enveloped by the exhilarating force of Niagara Falls. On the other hand, the Maid of the Mist, also in New York, takes visitors on a boat excursion close to the base of the falls where the roar of the tumbling water is amazing.
Another heart pumping walking tour of Niagara can be enjoyed at Canada’s Journey Behind the Falls. Here, travelers go behind the falls and journey to the heart of the mighty natural wonder. To see the falls from a nearly Bird’s Eye view, Canada’s Skylon Tower is the perfect destination as it’s only a stones throw away from the falls. At 520 feet tall, the views are, understandably, magnificent. The view from the Niagara SkyWheel, a 175-foot ferris wheel, is equally brilliant. More ideas: 25 Best Romantic Places to Stay Near Niagara Falls.
More Great Honeymoon Getaways
Albany, New York
When in New York State, one of the best places to visit for a relaxing weekend getaway is the beautiful city of Albany. A historic landmark and a popular destination in the city is the New York State Capitol. Here, visitors can take hour long tours of the building’s architectural beauty and learn about its history. Another popular site is that of the New York State Museum. Here, thousands of pieces are carefully restored and exhibited ranging from historical to scientific artifacts. Explore a cannon-class destroyer escort ship at the USS Slater, and learn about its history of service in the American and Greek Navy.
Head to the Albany Institute of History and Art, one of the oldest museums in the country, and admire its over 20,000-piece collection. Some of the state’s most iconic and architecturally beautiful landmarks can be found within the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza. Some of the top spots include the Egg, the Cultural Education Center, the Swan Street Building and the Robert Adams Building for Law and Justice. Albany also has some beautiful preserves to visit. One of them is the Albany Pine Bush Preserve where 18 miles of trails cut through 32,000 acres of land for the ultimate nature experience.
Map:
Conclusion
Busy couples who don't have time for a long honeymoon have many great options closer to home. The properties that made our list include full service resorts, quiet hideaways and coastal retreats where you can get pampered at the spa, have gourmet dinners and enjoy scenic views.
If you are looking for honeymoon getaways from specific cities, we've already written about amazing weekend escapes from New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities.
