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Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
Los Angeles
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Dr., Santa Barbara, CA, 805-969-2261 fourseasons.com/santabarbara
The Draw: Old World aesthetic meets new-world luxe at this fabulous oceanfront resort, framed by soaring palm trees, manicured gardens and, of course, the wild blue ocean. The Scene: Had Christopher Columbus landed here, he would have happily traded the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria to spend the night. Wrought iron, dark woods, and exquisite tile work enhance the Spanish Colonial architecture of this sprawling compound, where well-heeled yachting types—think blue blazers and trophy wives—love to congregate. They don't call this area the American Riviera for nothing: California's central coastline is gorgeous, with some of the world's most beautiful and exclusive beaches. In tony Montecito, this resort offers everything you'd expect from a Four Seasons (including the requisite wonderful spa), plus a spot on Butterfly Beach to up the ante. Rooms, too, are Four Seasons cush, but try one of the cottages for extra cozy privacy. Hot Tip: The outdoor terrace of Ty Lounge—named for hotel owner and Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner—is the perfect place to take in rum cocktails and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific.
The Parker Palm Springs
4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA
760-770-5000, $$$ theparkerpalmsprings.com
The Draw: Whimsical design darling Jonathan Adler's $27 million makeover of this grande dame of desert getaways favors tongue-in-cheek chic over minimalist sleek, making it a much-needed anti-W hotel. The Scene: The 131-room, 12-villa resort showcases Adler's "happy luxe" aesthetic, from his signature ceramics to cubic canopy beds to zebra-print carpets. The 13-acre adult playground includes a 20,000-square-foot spa (with clothing-optional pool), a lemonade bar, two outdoor saltwater pools, clay tennis courts, a Kumbaya-ready fire pit, a lobby/patio bar, and two restaurants (Mister Parker's and Norma's) that are as eccentric and international as the décor. Hot Tip: Book a room for one or more nights Sun–Thu, starting at $199 per night (pre-tax and excluding the $30 nightly resort fee), and for each paying night you will receive a $200 credit toward a treatment at the Palm Springs Yacht Club, the hotel’s full-service spa.
St. Regis Monarch Beach
1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA
800-722-1543, $$$$ stregismonarchbeach.com
The Draw: You don't need the smug, inbred look of royalty to be treated like a monarch at this prestigious Tuscan-style coastal retreat, just 60 miles from LA. The Scene: The $240 million, 172-acre resort overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean offers the ultimate in pampered luxury. Everything oozes with indulgence, from the stellar service (they'll unpack for you), to the "pamper your pooch" packages, to the five ocean-view restaurants. There's also a Robert Trent Jones, Jr.–designed golf course, and the amazing 30,000-square-foot Spa Gaucin, a destination in itself, which sells its own line of beauty products. Every room has, at the bare minimum, marble bathrooms, plasma TVs, access to a 300-DVD library, and a private balcony. Hot Tip: The resort isn't actually on the beach, but complimentary shuttle service will get you there. Hotel guests do, however, have exclusive access to the St. Regis Beach Club, where attendants wait on you hand and foot. You can even hire a "surf butler," who will take your measurements for a wet suit, bring out a long board, and give you surfing lessons.
