We’re flying the Fourth of July flag for these relaxing retreats just a weekend break away from New York City
From rugged mountains and maple forests, to lighthouse-topped cliffs and white sandy beaches, New York State offers East Coast scenery at its finest. Just a short journey away from New York City you’ll find the glamorous coastal hideaways of the Hamptons, while heading upstate will take you into the wild surrounds of the Adirondack Mountains in Lake Placid or the mineral waters of Saratoga Springs. For a long weekend within driving distance from ‘The Big Apple’, look no further than these back-to-nature breaks and small town escapes…
The Hamptons
The Great Gatsby has done wonders for Long Island’s glitzy reputation, but scratch at its glamorous surface and you’ll find a lot more to this stretch of stylish mansion-sprinkled sand. Home to authors and artists, it boasts glorious beaches, a vibrant food and wine scene, and one of Long Island’s best surfing spots overlooked by the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Rub shoulders with the in-crowd at Main Beach in East Hampton – or head to somewhere like Atlantic Avenue Beach for family fun.
Where to stay: A renovated 19th-century mansion near Long Island’s eastern shore, Topping Rose House blends stylish heritage with cool, contemporary comforts. And as the only full-service hotel in the Hamptons (including bicycles and a free shuttle to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches), it’s rather special.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid might be synonymous with the Winter Olympics, but this adventure resort is just as active in the summer. With golf, fly fishing and mountain biking available in the spectacular Adirondack National Park, Lake Placid seems to have sports on tap. For a more relaxing way to spend the day, kick back in an Adirondack chair and simply drink in the views across Mirror Lake.
Where to stay: Eight acres of landscaped gardens surround five lodges at Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa, offering a variety of accommodation from rooms with views to suites with whirlpools and balconies. The lakeside property is perfectly positioned for paddling in one of the inn’s canoes or kayaks, and just a two-minute walk into the charming village centre.
Saratoga Springs
This small spa town has long been an elegant escape for well-heeled New Yorkers, where visitors have come to ‘take the waters’ since the Victorian era. As well as mineral springs, there are acres of walking trails and championship golf courses, picnic spots and classical architecture – not to mention the renowned local racecourse. There’s also a thriving craft beverage scene, with numerous wineries, breweries and distilleries to visit for some thirst-quenching fun.
Where to stay: When you first walk through The Adelphi’s impressive entrance, it’s easy to cast yourself back to the old world grace and grandeur of 1877. Now infused with eclectic, modern touches, the original features of each room have been subtly enhanced by a minimalist aesthetic.
Latest stories
Portugal’s secret shoreline: Praia do Canal Nature Retreat unveils an alternative Algarve
Beyond the golden beaches of southern Portugal’s crowd-drawing coast lies a quieter, wilder side of the Algarve. Hidden within the heart of the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Praia do Canal Nature Retreat offers an altogether wild and wonderful antidote to the region’s glossy resorts and golf enclaves — one that’s
Game, set, relax: 8 boutique hotels where tennis takes centre court
As Wimbledon fever comes into full swing and the strawberries-and-cream season begins, there’s no better time to dust off your racquet and serve up your next holiday with a tennis twist. From clay courts surrounded by Umbrian olive groves to oceanside matches along Australia’s western shores, these boutique stays combine
7 boutique hotels to inspire your next holiday
What moments are you manifesting for your travels this year? Whether it’s sipping mezcal by a private lagoon somewhere in the Mexican jungle, meditating creekside beneath Sedona’s red rocks, or dining on just-plucked artichokes in the Apulian countryside, these boutique stays offer immersive, considered experiences in carefully sought-out corners of
Top things to do, see, and eat in Cefalù: plus, where to stay in Sicily
As you drive into Cefalù, the dramatic Rocca di Cefalù towers over the town’s sandy-hued buildings, setting a history-steeped scene for this once-humble fishing village. While tourism has certainly made its way here, this beloved Italian beach destination still holds onto its character, feeling far less polished than Taormina on
