Now that it’s August, there are seven weeks of summer left, which invokes a sense of urgency to maximize the remaining weekends. Crucial components include partaking in bodies of water, bottles of wine and all-encompassing experiences one won’t soon forget. Below is a bucket list which covers off these quintessential elements. Choose your own order.
Lakeside: Manoir Hovey, Quebec
No private lake house, no problem. Built in 1900, the former summer home of Georgia Power’s Henry Atkinson is now a 37-suite Relais & Châteaux property. Fronting the shoreline of lovely Lake Massawippi, there are boats and paddle boards to borrow—or take a fishing lesson with a local expert.
Seaside: Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod
The fact that this Inn commands a quarter mile of private beach on Pleasant Bay is reason enough to weekend here. But then they add to that an adjoining championship golf course, charter sailboat (with whale watching to be had) and fine dining with ocean views, among a long list of other amenities.
Wine Country: Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, Napa Valley
Wine touring with a side of river sounds splendid, doesn’t it? That’s precisely what this adult-only spot on the Napa River delivers. In delightful contrast to the bustling wineries, the Inn has but 12 suites and their own daily wine and cheese reception. The rooms with hydrotherapy tubs and private balconies are particularly peaceful.
City: The Nines, Portland
With its microbrew scene, farmer’s markets, walk-ability and lack of sales tax, no city nails summer quite like Portland. This downtown hotel in the Meier & Frank building provides the perfect perch for exploring the heart of the city, including the famed Powell’s Books just a 9-minute stroll away.
Adventure: Nimmo Bay Resort, Great Bear Rainforest
There’s getting away and then there’s getting away from it all. Key words: off-the-grid, fly-in, all-inclusive. Kayak in the bay out front or hop on a helicopter to tour glaciers or see grizzly bears. While it’s deep in the wilderness, it’s not lacking in luxuries—cabins include house made cookies, wine and organic products.
Spa: Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa, Sedona
Being cocooned by Arizona’s Red Rocks is reenergizing on its own, but this property tops up on Mother Nature’s splendor with an astounding menu of wellness services and experiences including guided meditation, aura-soma color readings and Native American-inspired body treatments.
Romance: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
Plenty of places have romantic potential, but this 30-suite resort on a five-acre islet has it in spades with bungalows outfitted with butterfly netted beds, soaker tubs and private verandahs. Beach picnic lunches for two or private sunset dinners on the dock can be, and should be arranged to take your summer fling into fall.
