Are you still looking for summer vacation ideas? If you’re beyond taking a ‘staycation’ (see post) check out the following vacation suggestions. Some spots you might know, while others will be new to you. Either way, there are ideas for most wallets.
BUDGET- MODERATE
THE ‘INNS’
While these are not quaint country inns, these chains bed and breakfasts on steroids usually offer complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi, and often a pool and small fitness center for all guests. If you get a room with two double beds, a family of four (or small group) could stay for around $100/night. You can even find these deals in places like Boston, Orlando near Disney World, and San Diego near Sea World.
- The Inn at Pocono Manor – A couple of hours away in the Poconos is far enough away to feel like a vacation spot. Rates are just over $100 Sunday – Thursday nights. There’s a spa, dining, golf, horseback riding, Segway tours, and a lot more activities for kids or adults.
- The Borgota – Yes, this is an upscale hotel; however, rooms start at $149/night Monday – Wednesday in July and August, and Thursdays up to $20 more. This is a great value for a 4-star hotel in Atlantic City, considering weekend rates go for about $400/night for the SAME room. The facility includes a fantastic full-service spa, casual and fine dining including a restaurant from Bobby Flay and also one from Wolfgang Puck, which offers a $39 prix fixe dinner Sunday – Friday, top name entertainment, shopping, and of course a casino.
LUXURY
- Beach – Stay four or more nights at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (Puerto Vallerta, Mexico) and you’re eligible for a $1,234 credit for use on the property! See the ‘Experience More’ special deal. There’s a kids game room that offers complimentary healthy snacks and drinks. The pool attendants will spritz you with Evian water, hand you chilled, lemon-scented towels, give you a 5-minute foot massage, and clean your sunglasses. This luxury resort offers many other amenities and services to pamper you.
- City – The Taj Boston is located on Newbury Street near Boston’s Public Garden. This hotel boasts bath butlers, packing and unpacking services, overnight shoe shining services, and garment pressing. Boutiques, galleries, and restaurants are all around this prestigious Back Bay address. It’s also a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
- Country – Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley offers a spa, fitness center, shopping, California king beds with Italian linens, gorgeous contemporary rustic decor, TVs in the bathrooms, beautiful views, exquisite cuisine and an excellent wine list in one of the best restaurants in the area. Let me emphasize, the food is amazing!
- Cruise – Looking for flawless butler and concierge service, full service spa treatments, innovative fine dining, no crowds, and unusual excursions and itineraries on a floating 5-star hotel? Check out Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea, or Windstar for the VIP treatment.
- Golf – Kiawah Island Golf Resort has five championship courses, kids clubs, a spa, beach, and pools. It’s also a Condé Nast award winner, and not far from historic Charleston, SC.
- Mountains – Condé Nast award winner Fairmont Chateau Whistler has golf, rock climbing, gondolas, pools, shopping and more. The mountains are even beautiful in summer, with some snow-capped areas. Since you’ll probably fly into Vancouver, you should plan a visit before or after your stay at Whistler.
- Europe – Hagleitner Family Balance Hotel and Spa is an all-inclusive family resort near Zell am See, Austria, about an hour away from Salzburg. The international staff speaks English, they have a kids club (up to 11.5 hours of supervised camp), family suites, a spa with a private spa suite for couples, breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps even in summer (photos above), and epicurean multi-course dinners (truffles have been served). You can’t find a better deal in the U.S. or Caribbean. Book a suite for 7 days (Wellbeing Package) from August 27 – September 3, 2011 and receive a €100 spa credit (approx. $140). The room amenities only rate 3-4 stars in my opinion, but the spacious suites (for Europe), kids club, views, spa, and food make it a 4-star resort. The added price of the flights put it in the luxury category. Mavida Balance Hotel and Spa, the adjacent sister hotel, is better suited for couples.