Got Election Vacations anxiety? The coming months may be just the time to escape the repeating newscasts, the social media madness, the noise of a democratic country possibly in the final throes of a working system and see what the rest of the world is up to. Here are a few suggestions for late summer and fall travel options that will bring a sense of calm … possibly before the storm.
Election Vacations: COSTA RICA
Hotel Nantipa. Nicoya, Costa Rica: Election Vacations
Nantipa, meaning ‘Blue’ in the native Chorotega language, is a luxury boutique hotel in Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. It features 29 bungalows, suites, and villas across 5.7 beachfront acres. Emphasizing sustainability, the hotel reused materials for construction, offers weekly beach clean-ups, and supports local community revitalization. Nantipa’s Blue Wellness Experience allows guests to explore the secrets of longevity, health, and happiness unique to one of the world’s five blue zones, which Nantipa guests can experience through the property’s Blue Wellness Experience.
Election Vacations: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Arenal, Costa Rica
Secondly set against the Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is a sustainability leader in Costa Rica. Over 30 years, it has pioneered environmental initiatives like species tagging, organic products, water management, reforestation, and energy-saving technology. It recently became the first hotel in Costa Rica to achieve Elite Level Certification for Sustainable Tourism in multiple categories from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
Río Perdido. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Moreover río Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a sustainable luxury property situated inside a 1,500-acre thermal canyon nature preserve – home to one of the most rare and biodiverse landscapes in the world – within the forest of the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. With a focus on rigorous reforestation and conservation efforts, it achieved Carbon Neutrality by 2021 and continues to work towards further environmental goals, including creating new forest plots to offset CO2 emissions.
Election Vacations: THAILAND
With “The White Lotus” set to film its third season in Thailand, luxury stays in the region will become highly desired among travelers in 2025. The show’s influence has consistently increased interest in its filming locations, driving tourists to experience the luxurious settings firsthand. Thailand’s unique culture and stunning landscapes, showcased in the series, will attract visitors eager to immerse themselves in the local ambiance. An emphasis on wellness and relaxation in these serene environments will further entice travelers seeking an upscale, tranquil getaway.
Aleenta Resorts & Spas is just the ticket! One of the destination’s premier hotel groups with properties in Phuket (a season 3 White Lotus filming location), Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, this collection of luxury boutique properties is united by a celebration of inner wellness, calming luxury, and connection to nature (all things you might need if there’s a mystery to solve nearby). Also the White Lotus producers have said the next location will focus on “Eastern religion and spirituality,” concepts exemplified by Aleenta resorts with the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Retreats available at all three locations.
Election Vacations: ITALY
Consider Rapallo instead of Portofino. Why: Both towns are located on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region, known for its stunning coastal scenery. Rapallo tends to be more budget-friendly compared to Portofino. Accommodations, dining, and activities may be more affordable, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Rapallo has a more local and relaxed atmosphere. It’s not as crowded with tourists, making it a good choice if you prefer a quieter environment.
Lastly summer Portofino had to institute a no-selfie law because of tourists/crowding. Rapallo can serve as a convenient base for exploring the wider region. It has good transport links, making it easier to visit nearby attractions like Cinque Terre, Genoa, and Santa Margherita Ligure. Rapallo offers a variety of activities, from exploring historic sites like the Castle on the Sea to enjoying the local markets and waterfront promenade.
Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort
Moreover grand by name, grand by nature on Italy’s Portofino coast, the 120-year-old Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort makes an instant impression. Once a glamorous destination for Grand Tourers, today it invites guests to experience a modern-day take on la dolce vita – blending timeless charm with contemporary elegance. Blurring the boundaries between inside and out, the rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Bristol celebrate the great outdoors. Doors open up to balconies – and woodland or sea views.
Step outside for laps of luxury in the pool, or ‘me time’ at The Erre Spa, the showstopping centerpiece of the hotel. By day, enjoy crisp pizzas, herby focaccia and poké bowls poolside, followed by homemade gelato. Say ‘cin cin’ at the Lounge or Pool Bar. And for dinner, choose from La Veranda with its wraparound views from the terrace, or inventive fine dining at Le Cupole. In June 2024 the property opened its new luxurious beach club – Marina di Bardi Beach Club for hotel and day-guests alike.
Menaggio instead of Bellagio, Italy
Why: Each town around Lake Como has its unique charm. Menaggio tends to be less crowded than Bellagio, making it a more peaceful and relaxed option that offers beautiful views of the lake, surrounding mountains and famed promontory that is home to Bellagio. The town itself is charming, with a waterfront promenade, colorful buildings, and a more authentic local feel. The stunning lake is laid out in a ‘Y’ shape. The lesser-known hamlet of Menaggio sits in the middle of that ‘Y’ and as such, it serves as a strategic location for exploring other parts of Lake Como.
Lastly, it has good ferry connections, allowing you to easily visit neighboring towns and attractions. Menaggio is often considered a family-friendly destination. It has parks, gardens, and a variety of activities suitable for families with children. The town is more laid-back, making it a comfortable environment for a family vacation. Menaggio provides access to hiking trails in the surrounding hills. If you enjoy outdoor activities and want to explore the natural beauty of the area, Menaggio offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the nearby mountains.
Where to Stay: Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa
Recently awarded two Michelin Key awards from the Michelin Hotel guide, Grand Hotel Victoria beckons vintage glamor and neo classical beauty overlooking Lake Como. This stunning lakeside hotel started life as a 19th century neoclassical villa. Today, Grand Hotel Victoria is a modern retreat that wears its heritage on its sleeve. Ornate chandeliers and classical columns contrast beautifully with contemporary furniture and lighting in the rooms and suites.
Clarification, also compliment the beauty and creature comforts of the guest accommodations, lake views are plentiful. While downstairs, the main restaurant makes the most of wraparound lakeside views – and the 12,900 sq ft Erre Spa is as serene as it is stylish, with two pools, a sauna, and signature massages. New for 2024 is the opening of Victoria Beach — a luxe beach club experience located on the pristine waters of Lake Como.
Lake Como Wellness Ritual at Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, Lake Como:
The Lake Como Wellness Ritual promises to be an evocative journey for both body and soul, transporting you to the tranquil shores of this iconic Italian lake. This ritual begins with a warm body wrap, infused with the essence of our local plants: Camellia, Geranium, and Melissa. This ceremony nourishes and oxygenates your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Above all, the ritual ends with a slow and deep aromatherapy journey, emulating the rhythm of Lake Como itself. This experience is designed to release tension and provide you with a deep sense of relaxation. Built on the architectural structure of an ancient convent, the newest five-star hotel in Lake Como has a unique lakefront location in Menaggio. Enriched by beautiful gardens and a 16,000 sq ft spa (the biggest on Lake Como) with personalized treatment programs, swimming pool, and signature scents handcrafted in-house, it’s surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and its mountains.
Yoga nel Giardino Botanico at Hotel Villa Cipressi in Lake Como:
Additionally, experience the ultimate blend of serenity and rejuvenation as you embark on a transformative journey through the breathtaking gardens of our enchanting lakeside hotel with Yoga nel Giardino Botanico (Botanical Garden Yoga). Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Como, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant blossoms, our Yoga in the Gardens class offers you the perfect sanctuary to harmonize your mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Lake Como’s shores as you step onto the verdant lawns of our meticulously manicured gardens.
With the gentle lapping of the lake’s waters in the background, you’ll find the perfect backdrop for your yoga practice. Guided by our experienced and certified yoga instructor, you will embark on a soothing and invigorating journey through a harmonious blend of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga styles. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, our classes are tailored to accommodate all levels, ensuring a meaningful and enriching experience for everyone. Every Thursday at 6:30PM (approximately 1 hour). Towel and bottle of water provided. Mat subject to availability. Cost: complimentary for hotel guests, €15.00 for the general public.
AQUASOMA at Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort, Rapallo:
Imagine immersing yourself in soothing, warm waters, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, while the calming tones of the singing bowls wash over you. AQUASOMA consists of a journey in a heated swimming pool using the Singing Bowls, to rebalance the body’s vibration through the water that supports and relaxes you. If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated, this is it. (Book through the hotel spa directly.) The five-star spa resort features the Erre Spa, the largest hotel spa (22,000 sq. ft.) in Liguria with multisensory areas and custom treatments, and rooftop dining with sweeping views of Portofino.
And there’s more …
Newly launched ultra-luxury sustainable global safari brand Few & Far
Offers enriching off-the-beaten-path travel experiences without compromising on luxury through curated itineraries personally vetted by Co-Founder Sarah Dusek, a travel and hospitality industry veteran formerly of Under Canvas.
Few & Far promises not only a no-stress international escape with curated itineraries that include hotels, transportation, meals & experiences with an eco-luxe, carbon-neutral twist in destinations such as Africa, Europe, North and South America, Central America, Asia. Itineraries include a week-long Ski Safari through the breathtaking Italian Dolomites, a 9-day excursion exploring the natural beauty of Slovenia, a 12-day safari expedition with their Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Masai Mara Wildlife Adventure, as well as a new Unknown Experience featuring a mystery destination.
American Escapism
Want to stay close to home? Here are some ideas that will take you far in mind and spirit.
As wellness and mindfulness become increasingly important for travelers seeking a domestic escape from Election Vacations anxiety, Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s 1,100-acre adults-only luxury desert oasis, offers a tranquil, nature-driven retreat centered around wellness and the ultimate digital detox. More than just a luxury resort, Castle Hot Springs is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, designed to immerse guests in the serene beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Whether you’re looking to leave Election Vacations worries behind for a weekend or simply need a way to decompress, Castle Hot Springs’ secluded accommodations and diverse offerings, including Intentional Wellness Activities, Painting Desert Botanicals, Signature Spa Treatments, Private Hikes, and more, provides something for everyone this Election Vacations season.
Above all, ituated on five expansive acres on the bluff north of the Santa Monica pier overlooking the Pacific Ocean, five-star luxury Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows offers the ultimate oceanside relaxation retreat. Unwind and rest your mind with oceanfront views and fresh saltwater breezes as you begin & end your day with stunning views from sunrise to sunset. Its new Fresh Air Fitness experiences, including the newly launched ‘Wattage Cottage’ experience, offering guests the opportunity to get outside and ride alongside cycling legend, Phil Gaimon.
Resort And Places
Moreover, the newly opened The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Beach, CA recently unveiled 60 beautifully reimagined rooms, beachfront cottages, and suites, along with experiences tailored to alleviate tech burnout among professionals. This oceanfront hideaway offers an unmatched experience across its 19-acre property designed to ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ while serving as the quintessential seaside retreat for discerning professionals seeking solace from the rigors of modern life, including the Election Vacations.
Besides, the Sanctuary’s dedication to holistic wellness is seamlessly integrated into every facet of the resort, making it an oasis where guests can rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit, leaving refreshed and energized. The Sanctuary not only offers exceptional service but also a variety of activities and offerings that appeal to travelers of all ages, including Restorative programming rooted in research-based healing at the new Renewal Studio & Spa, daily beachfront yoga classes centered around mindfulness, a HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat rental program that soothes muscles for peak relaxation, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages that promote deeper sleep, and more.
Conclusion
In Clonclusion Getting there: A travel game changerand a completely stress-free way to simply just go is the public charter hop-on air carrier, JSX. It offers seamless travel experiences from departure to arrival with prices starting as low as $249 each way. By flying JSX from dedicated hangars to idyllic destinations such as Miami, FL, Las Vegas NV, Burbank and Orange County, CA and even international flight options to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, travelers can arrive just 20 minutes before departure to board a 30-seat jet equipped with business class legroom, free in-flight WiFi via Starlink, complimentary in-flight snacks & drinks, and two free checked bags, which means no overhead bins and waiting to take your seat upon boarding.
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