The Best Chic Weekend Escapes within Driving Distance

As nations attempt to reopen for business after the coronavirus epidemic, one of the most pressing questions for many people is: when can I travel safely again? Of course, no one really knows. But it seems that a good re-entry plan might be a road trip within your own country. A driving-distance destination, with a stay at a small boutique property where some of the rooms even have separate entrances. If your goal is a charming rustic-luxurious escape from the city without the need to get on a commercial airliner, here are 10 excellent options. These boutique luxury hotels seem to be perfect for a potential post COVID-19 weekend road trip escape vacation within driving distance of a major city, no air travel required.

where’s the best place to go for a post COVID-19 weekend escape?

Where are you going when this is over? It’s a question that is tentatively being asked, even here in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in New York City. 

The query is often voiced wistfully, hopefully. And sometimes hopelessly. Will it ever end? Where’s the first place you’ll travel when it does?

Two words, dear reader. Road. Trip.

Potential luxury hotels and destinations for a road trip post-COVID 19

We all need a plan for how to dip a toe back into normal living, especially during summer vacation season. As we reflected on the topic, we concluded that a good re-entry plan might be a domestic road trip.

You know what we mean: a driving-distance destination, with a stay at a small boutique property where some of the rooms even have separate entrances. A charming rustic-luxurious escape from the city without the need to get on a commercial airliner. Just for a weekend.

If all goes well, perhaps we move to the next stage. Seems reasonable, no? So where are the best places to go if you want to road test (pun fully intended) this idea at some point in the coming weeks?

Here are 10 destinations to consider.

East Coast

1. The Inn at Little Washington

The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia celebrated its 42nd anniversary in January. This year, the Michelin Guide once again awarded The Inn three stars, reserved for “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.”

It’s the only three-star restaurant in Washington DC, and the only Michelin-rated restaurant in Virginia. The Inn is accepting reservations for May 29, 2020 and beyond.

2. The Maidstone Inn

The Maidstone Inn in the heart of East Hampton is currently open, although its restaurant is closed for sit-down dining. The eatery is offering take-out and delivery, however. Many of the rooms at the inn have separate entrances, and each has unique décor.

Within easy walking distance of the center of town and the gorgeous Main Beach, it’s a perfect place to experience the joys of the Hamptons.

3. Miraval in the Berkshires, Massachusetts

The renowned Miravel Spa in Arizona is opening a brand-new sister property in the Berkshires paradise of Lenox, Massachusetts (there’s also a Miraval in Austin, Texas).

The new location will feature signature Miraval treatments such as Vasudhara (with a dedicated indoor pool) and Naga Thai. There are also new proprietary treatments that have been developed in partnership with Naturopathica – like Tula, a holistic healing treatment.

The central, hilltop Tudor-style Wyndhurst Mansion site (formerly the Cranwell Resort) is now a digital device-free environment. Owned by Hyatt, the property has three dining options that are part of the all-inclusive package for each visit. The spa and resort is now accepting reservations for stays from June 4, 2020 and beyond.

4. TOURISTS

This swanky boutique hotel is just minutes away from MassMOCA and has a creative artist vibe. Even if the museum isn’t open yet when you visit, there are still plenty of wonderful hikes to take.

And just lounging around the property would be a pretty good way to kiss cabin fever goodbye. TOURISTS is accepting reservations starting in late May, 2020.

5. Mayflower Inn and Spa, Washington, Connecticut

The rustic charm of the Mayflower Inn and Spa, an Auberge Resort, is spoken about in certain circles with a kind of hushed reverence.

It’s truly a wonderful escape from the city, and an easy drive from Greater New York. The property’s website says that it plans to reopen on June 15, 2020.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Rhode Island

A weekend in Newport, Rhode Island is always wonderful, in any season. But it’s at its best in the summer. And one of our favorite places to stay when we visit is the 4-star Chanler at Cliff Walk.

The hotel is accepting reservations for stays beginning on June 12, 2020.

West Coast

6. Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley

This expansive property in Napa Valley is a rustic-chic option that’s driving distance from the San Francisco Bay area. Born thanks to the dream of a French restaurateur, the resort began life as a fine-dining restaurant designed to reflect a taste of Provence in California wine country.  “The Inn of the Sun” followed five years later. 

Located on a terraced hillside and surrounded by 33 acres of heritage olive and oak trees. The property anticipates reopening on June 1.

7. Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

This stunning property is just over an hour away from San Francisco, and is set on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific. The golf course is legendary, as is the coastal trail that runs right in front of the hotel.

There’s a fitness center, outdoor dining and tennis courts. All of it adds up to a spectacular escape. The property’s website is accepting reservations as of June 1, 2020. 

Southeast

8. Montage Palmetto Bluff

The splendid Montage Palmetto Bluff is one of our all-time favorite destinations. It’s tucked in a lovely property along the May River, about equidistant from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Making it a good road trip distance from Greater Atlanta.

Amenities include a nature preserve, nine different dining options, golf, tennis and a riverfront marina. Many of the lodging options are standalone cottages, making it a bit easier to maintain a safe social distance from other guests. The property is accepting reservations for stays beginning June 4.

Midwest

9. The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Since 1887, the Grand Hotel has welcomed guests to Mackinac Island. The idyllic spot – a National Historic Landmark – is located between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron.

Cars are not allowed on the island, so horse-and-carriage and bicycles are the preferred modes of transportation. You can view beautiful Victorian-era homes and mansions, eat fudge in the self-proclaimed “fudge capital of America,” and visit historic Fort Mackinac.

This place is filled with beloved summer traditions that many families have shared for generations, including Afternoon Tea in the Parlor, dressing up for dinner, nightly dancing to the sounds of the Grand Hotel Orchestra, and sitting in a rocking chair on the world’s longest porch with views of the Straits of Mackinac. The Grand Hotel is currently scheduled to open on June 21, 2020 – the first official weekend of summer.

10. Hotel RED, Madison, Wisconsin

We really love college towns, and Madison, Wisconsin is one of our absolute favorites. It’s a reasonable 3-hour drive from Chicagoland, and there are many joys to be found when you arrive. Many of which are outdoors. Stroll through the parks alongside Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Go fishing, or have a craft beer on a terrace.

We suggest booking a room at the chic boutique HotelRED. It will be closed for most of the summer, but if an August getaway appeals, then you’re in luck. The property is taking reservations for dates after July 31st, 2020.

Potential luxury hotels and destinations for a road trip post-COVID 19

That’s it – 10 luxury destinations to consider when you feel ready to venture out again. A weekend road trip escape vacation sounds really good to us right now – and one within driving distance of a major city, with plentiful options for outdoor dining and activities, with no air travel required, might just be the answer. Stay safe and healthy whatever you decide to do, dear reader.

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