There’s no doubt that, after months of stay-at-home orders, wanderlust is running high—something that’s being borne out in reports that bookings for summer travel are on the rise and from Harlem to Hollywood people are willing to pay more to ensure private experiences. But as hotels and resorts across the country slowly begin to reopen or announce upcoming opening dates for the summer, travelers may still be wary about how they can continue to stay safe while venturing out into the world. In addition to implementing new health and cleanliness programs, many luxury hotels are leaning into the privacy angle by offering buy-out options, secluded suites and residences, and even new sections separate from the main hotel.
From Alaska to Rhode Island, here are a few curated hotels where you can relax while still maintaining physical distance this coming summer.
Inns of Aurora
Set in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York, less than a five-hour drive from cities like Boston, Philadelphia and New York City, the Inns of Aurora has always offered an unconventional hotel experience, with rooms and facilities spread out over five separate historic homes. In this current situation, however, the hotel is now offering the chance to privately rent three of their five inns: E.B. Morgan House, with seven guestrooms; Rowland House, with 10 guestrooms; and the brand-new Zabriskie House, with 11 guestrooms.
Each house comes with private firepit, lakefront area and dock access, in-residence washer and dryer, and access to kayaks, paddleboards, yoga kits, lawn games, picnic blankets, binoculars, art kits and more. A dedicated innkeeper/concierge will help organize activities like visits to area hiking and biking trails, wineries and historic sites, and can arrange for add-ons like private chefs and grocery stocking services. Rates start at $1,500 per night.
The Point
Originally built as a Great Camp for William Avery Rockefeller II, this intimate lakefront estate in the Adirondacks was also the first designated Relais & Chateaux hotel in North America. With just 11 rooms spread out around a Great House, the place maintains a private house party atmosphere—making it ideal for buy-outs.
Even if you don’t take over the place, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only ones here as you explore the 75-acre property, get pampered by the on-point service, and enjoy special experiences like a private dinner on the resort’s Elco boat as it cruises Saranac Lake (with each course delivered by motorboat to ensure it’s fresh from the kitchen.) Summer room rates start at $1,750 per night, buy-outs start at $28,750 per night; rates include all meals and alcohol.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Easily accessible from both Hilton Head and Savannah, this Montage resort (which is re-opening June 4th with a new set of health and safety protocols) is set within the 20,000 acres Palmetto Bluff community, surrounded by miles of riverfront, woodland and marshland—offering easy access to activities like biking, boat rides, golf, walking under cover of ancient oak trees, and kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding through bird sanctuaries.
Set up like a small town, complete with a central square, the resort is also ideal for guests who want to keep their distance, as the accommodation options include both two-bedroom resort cottages and larger private residences with two- to five-bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens and other facilities that make it easy to stay put. Cottage rates start at $950 per night, residences start at $1,300 per night.
Caldera House
After six years of construction and a $100 million investment, this eight-suite boutique property in the heart of Jackson Hole has already become a celebrity favorite, drawing such guests as Mandy Moore and Gigi Hadid. Re-opening June 25th, the hotel features four two-bedroom suites and four four-bedroom suites, as well as two restaurants, a spa, fitness and yoga studios, and a kids’ club; guests who buy-out the place (which, with additional beds, can sleep up to 60) will also get roundtrip airport transfers, a dedicated concierge and complimentary daily breakfast and snacks.
The residential-style suites each boast dining areas, soaking tubs, patios with fire pits and kitchens that can be stocked before your arrival. If you do feel like venturing out, the team can arrange for things like zip-lining or equestrian activities at Diamond Cross Ranch. Summer buy-out rates start at $26,000 per night.
Check out more selection here at the Robb Report.
Photo credit: 1) Twin Farms
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