There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce such pleasant effect on the feelings, as now in October.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
There’s something special about October. The leaves turn orange and crunchy, the air turns crisp and a pervasive coziness reigns. It’s the perfect time to take a few days off for a long weekend to experience fall (and maximize your PTO).
I’ve collated a few getaways perfect for a long weekend in October (and honestly any time of the year). Whether you want to go full fall or venture off somewhere warm and more tropical, reach out to plan, book and get the most out of your trip.
The Dunlin | Auberge Resorts Collection | South Carolina
The Dunlin Guest Room | South Carolina
Auberge’s latest addition to their ever-impressive portfolio is this Southern getaway, The Dunlin, which opened August 1, 2024. The resort sits on the banks of South Carolina’s Kiawah River, and is a mere 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport. And folks, if you’ve never been to this part of the country, it’s spectacular for its scenic beauty and range of activities and southern cuisine.
The property consists of seventy-two cottage-chic rooms and suites. All are outfitted with honey-hued wooden floors, cozy textures and spacious porches overlooking the river. The whitewashed aesthetic accented with charming minty green only adds to the overall sense of serenity and Lowcountry breeziness.
In typical Auberge fashion, the activities available are fun, immersive and hyper-local. Embark on a sunrise kayak tour followed by an al-fresco Southern breakfast. Learn how to fish and crab from local anglers. Make craft cocktails with ingredients sourced from The Dunlin’s farm. And don’t miss a treatment at Aster, the resort’s holistic spa.
Skincare is top of mind here. Treatments incorporate organic plants, herbs and oils, plus The Dunlin’s locally harvested honey is quite literally a “hive-to-table” concept. Book with me to receive a $100 resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, room upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Resort Ranch Encantado | Santa Fe
Four Seasons Resort Ranch Encantado | Santa Fe, New Mexico
This Southwestern getaway sits at the base of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And although you’re only a 10-minute drive away from downtown, you still experience blissful seclusion. Even better, the Four Seasons offers a complimentary shuttle to and from town — no need to worry about parking.
Don’t miss the spa. Customized treatments center on spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing, utilizing nourishing ingredients like macadamia nut oil, jasmine honeysuckle, cacao and adobe clay. The Altitude Adjustment Massage (Santa Fe’s elevation is over 7,000 feet) is especially ideal for anyone flying in from lower climes.
In the evening, grab dinner at Terra, where you can savor elevated regional cuisine — green chile corn chowder, roasted poblano pepper with avocado, local game — amongst sweeping mountain views. Book with me and you’ll enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
Primland Resort | Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
Primland Resort | Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
The best wellness escapes are often closer than one things. Consider Exhibit A: Primland Resort, a 12,000-acre private estate in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Primland Resort overlooks lush valleys (which are especially beautiful in the fall, when the tree-covered expanse turns into a sea of oranges and reds); miles of mountain trails are begging to be explored. From the resort’s slate of outdoor activities and holistic wellness offerings to their organic and locally sourced food, everything comes back to nature. If Virginia wasn’t at the top of your list for a fall retreat reset, now it will be.
Edgewood Tahoe Resort | California
Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Fall
Lake Tahoe is beautiful in the fall and another ideal destination for a long weekend in October. The Sierra Nevadas become a sea of orange and reds, and the crisp mountain air makes everything feel especially cozy. The Edgewood Tahoe is the perfect place to experience the turn of the season. It is the only true lakefront property in Lake Tahoe and its prime location makes for especially stunning views.
For an especially exclusive (and spacious) stay, consider booking one of the resort’s sprawling Villa Suites. Each villa comes with outdoor spaces equipped with hot tubs and lake views. Inside, expect beautiful modern kitchens and the best entertainment spaces. Plus, you’ll still be able to access all the amenities of the hotel proper, like its heavenly spa and gourmet dining options.
The resort’s “fun team” has assembled an array of Fall experiences for its guests ranging from sugar pine tree planting to a DIY pickling workshop, candied caramel apple workshop, an archery clinic and a DIY pumpkin carving workshop. I’m already packing my bags! Book with me and receive a $100 resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Ambiente | Sedona, Arizona
Ambiente | Sedona, Arizona
Ambiente Sedona, a Landscape Hotel, is a 40-room desert retreat which opened in early 2023. It celebrates the gorgeous natural surroundings with locally sourced food, intentional design (floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop terraces primed for stargazing) and a selection of immersive experiences, including guided mountain bike rides to crystal workshops. Book with me to receive a $100 resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Carneros Resort & Spa | Napa Valley
Carneros Resort & Spa | Napa Valley
Carneros Resort & Spa is a quintessential Napa Valley retreat featuring cozy private cottages, farm-to-table dining and on-site wine tastings. Unwind poolside at the adults-only Hilltop Pool, indulge in healing spa treatments and enjoy a game of pickleball before cycling back to your charming cottage (complete with outdoor showers and fireplaces, no less).
With rolling vineyard vistas and scenic landscaped gardens, the resort also boasts its own tasting room, a luxurious spa and fitness center and three on-site restaurants, including Farm, which showcases produce from the property’s culinary garden. Plus, downtown Napa restaurants and shops are a short drive away. Book with me to receive a $150 resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/late check-out whenever possible.
Le Mount Stephen | Montreal
Le Mount Stephen Lobby
For a French moment minus the transatlantic flight, head to Montréal. The city is a perfect place to go for a long weekend in October. For some rest and walkability, head to Le Mount Stephen, a luxury boutique hotel in the city’s vibrant and sophisticated Golden Square Mile.
The hotel is housed in a stately 19th-century mansion, which is fitting considering the area is known for its handsome Victorian architecture. Another property highlight is the bustling Bar George, where traditional British fare gets a modern twist. Book with me to receive a $100 hotel credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.