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Summer Road Trip Ideas: The Best U.S. Hotels You Can Drive To
By Elizabeth Harvey
Whether months under lockdown have inspired you to finally make the Great American Road Trip—now that states are starting to open up—or you’re looking for a low-key getaway, close to home, we’ve rounded up the boutique hotels, resorts and lodges across the United States that are worth driving to, now and in the coming months, to inspire your summer road trip ideas—or continued future travel dreaming. The properties listed below have recently reopened or will soon reopen to guests with a new set of sanitization and social-distancing procedures. The majority of them also offer apartment-style suites or standalone accommodations like cabins and cottages, so that guests who would prefer to isolate themselves can do so. While each hotel’s policies are unique, most generally include such strategies as: exhaustive staff training around health and contamination safety, as well as regular staff temperature checks; reduced staffing and guest occupancy rates (to ensure that all social-distancing protocols may be followed); temperature checks for guests upon arrival; stringent new sanitization procedures for rooms and public spaces; rearranging public spaces and adapting amenities to maintain social-distancing amongst guests (high-contact areas like gyms, spas and bars will remain closed at many properties, while others will enact a reservation system through which guests may book time to enjoy these spaces privately); and distanced, outdoor-only or takeout-style dining experiences.The Indagare team is in close contact with all of our hotel partners to confirm that they are implementing enhanced disinfecting protocols and respecting social-distancing guidelines to create experiences that are as safe as possible. Additionally, when you make a reservation at one of these properties through Indagare, you may have access to preferable cancellation policies and special amenities. Email our team for more information on individual properties’ policies for making your stay safe and seamless—and to start planning your summer road trip!
EAST COAST
Fresh lobster rolls, colonial cottages, sea breezes at sunset, hikes through lush forests to quiet lakes, evening bonfires—there is a certain magic about summer on the East Coast. Whether you prefer the beach or the mountains, the East Coast has it all—for families, friends and couples alike. These stylish properties are all within driving distance of New York, Greenwich, Boston and points East, and they offer a variety of adventure and relaxation experiences (with new social-distancing policies in place), as well as the chance to venture into charming nearby towns like Montauk or Woodstock (following all safety guidelines, of course!), where some restaurants are beginning to reopen for limited outdoor dining or takeaway meals. Note:Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine currently have quarantine mandates for travelers from certain states. Click here to learn more.If you are curious about exploring possible options for a safe and responsible road trip to one of the hotels below, contact our team to learn more and start planning.Related:Our Favorite U.S. Destinations for Extended Summer Stays
Cape Cod, Nantucket & Newport
Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Cape Cod: Charming, Family-Friendly, Classic | Open NowThe Chatham Bars Inn dates back over 100 years, when it was a hunting lodge for wealthy Bostonians. Now, with shingled beachfront buildings and rows of Adirondack chairs on its lawn, the Chatham Bars Inn embodies the dreamy, seaside charm of Cape Cod. Just a short drive from the town of Chatham, this hotel is a classic New England–style retreat and perfect beach destination for families, with stunning views and a relaxation-focused atmosphere. The resort’s rooms are spread across multiple buildings including the Main House, the Hunting Lodge, small cottages (some with ocean views while others are set back) and the spa pavilion. The 12 spa suites are reserved for adults traveling without kids, and each is fitted with an oversized hydrotherapy tub, sauna, steam shower and fireplace. Those who value great views above all else should book the gorgeous two-bedroom Presidential Suite, which is located on the second floor of the main house and boasts a private deck.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The White Elephant, Nantucket: Traditional, Refined, Discreet | Open NowOverlooking Nantucket Harbor but tucked away from the bustle of town, the White Elephant has been the longtime favorite for generations of visitors. The White Elephant’s luminous rooms (including suites, cottages and a downtown loft), most with views of the bobbing boats docked in the harbor, are decorated in an understated nautical design scheme, with open spaces ideal for making a home-away-from-home. Spend days boating and relaxing on the beaches, then enjoy dinner to-go from the on-property restaurant, Brant Point Grill, or local hotspots like Straight Wharf and Cru (which is now open for limited outdoor dining reservations).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Greydon House, Nantucket: Stylish, Old-World, Boutique | Open NowHoused in a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion that was seamlessly combined with a new, Second Empire Baroque addition, Greydon House is the result of herculean efforts of three East Coast developers, whose vision was to create a stylish retreat that reflected the island’s origin as a seafaring community in the heart of Nantucket’s charming downtown. An artistic eye imbues the entire property and the owner’s impressive collection of Brooklyn-based artist Terry Winters’ work hangs throughout. While room sizes range from comfortably spacious to quite cozy, there are a number that share an entryway, which can be closed-off, ideal for families traveling together. Note: The vibe here is decidedly hushed, with little common space and amenities, so families with younger children would be happier at nearby White Elephant.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Gurney’s Newport, Rhode Island: Buzzy, Resort-Like, Family-Friendly | Open NowThe sister property to the popular Montauk resort, Gurney’s Newport is located on its own island and provides a full-service resort experience just minutes from downtown Newport. A sprawling complex of 10 acres, Gurney’s is a destination in itself. The overall character of the hotel is decidedly polished, and the rooms and suites are sophisticated (and each has a view of the water). Families should opt for one of the bi-level suites, which offer a more residential feel, with large living areas and balconies.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island: Grand, Historic, Beachfront | Open NowThe luxurious Ocean House, with its iconic yellow façade, wrap-around porch and sweeping views of the ocean, is a blend of old and new, celebrating its storied past while providing modern amenities and service. The now-156,000-square-foot building looms large from its perch on a pristine stretch of private beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The suites at Ocean House are all individually appointed and feel like private apartments. The bi-level Morgan suite, which is done in lacquered wood to resemble a sleek yacht, and the Presidential suite, with its sprawling rooftop with 360-degree views, are some of the most exquisite rooms on offer.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Connecticut, Upstate New York & the Hamptons
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection, Connecticut: Elegant, Serene, Idyllic | Open June 20Located in Litchfield County (just a two-hour drive from New York City), this classic hotel celebrates the surrounding landscape and New England heritage while encouraging its guests to truly relax. Amenities include a pool, tennis court and putting green. Guests can also hike the property’s 58 acres of landscaped gardens and picnic on a cliff overlooking Lake Waramaug.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Point, Adirondacks, New York: Adults-Only, Old World, Rustic | Open June 25On a 75-acre peninsula on Upper Saranac Lake, The Point is at once a luxurious 11-room sanctuary and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests stay in the property’s original log cabins (once owned by the Rockefellers) with rustic-chic décor. Days are spent hiking, playing croquet or boating on the lake, with plenty of time to relax with a picnic or cocktails outdoors.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Troutbeck, Hudson Valley, New York: Family-Friendly, Outdoorsy, Value | Open NowTroutbeck is a bucolic, family-friendly property near the Connecticut border on the eastern side of the Hudson Valley. Its rooms and suites showcase modern, simple décor, with multiple nooks for reading and boardgames. The 45-acre property has a pool and tennis courts along with yoga areas, three trout pools and easy access to hiking and biking trails.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Mohonk Mountain House, Hudson Valley, New York: All-Inclusive, Old World, Remote | Open NowThe castle-like, Victorian-era Mohonk Mountain House has an enviable perch, overlooking a glacial lake and surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest. The all-inclusive resort is a window into another era of vacationing, with days spent canoeing, row-boating, hiking or biking, and families tend to return year after year.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Glenmere Mansion, Hudson Valley, New York: Lavish, Romantic, Grand | Open June 24Opulent but tasteful, Glenmere is a romantic retreat on the western side of the Hudson River. Built like an Italian villa, the grounds are distinguished by well-clipped garden paths and marble fountains, while the interiors have Gilded Age details such as moldings and grand fireplaces, and plush beds for sleeping in, after a busy day of exploring the sprawling 150-acre grounds (which feature an outdoor pool, two Har-Tru tennis courts and a championship croquet court).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club, Sloatsburg, New York: Chic, Wellness-Focused, Intimate | Open NowJust an hour’s drive north from Manhattan, the new Valley Rock Inn is a charming and historic property nestled in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains, with 70,000 acres of parkland (filled with lakes and trails) surrounding. Focused on wellness and organic farming, the property provides a quiet retreat, with the accommodations currently available including four private guesthouses, each equipped with three-to-five bedrooms and a private pool and dining area.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Gurney’s Montauk, New York: Buzzy, Resort-Like, Historic | Open NowAcquired by Gurney’s Resorts in 2018, the venerable Montauk Yacht Club, at the tip of the East End overlooks Montauk Harbor. The overall vibe is stylish yet laid-back; the property feels like a real New England hideaway. The resort occupies 32 acres with direct beach access. The villas are a bit removed from the main building and a great option for families or friends traveling together who desire privacy (each villa has between three and nine suites).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill, New York: Serene, Wellness-Focused, Modern | Open NowThe 13-room Shou Sugi Ban House is a Japanese-inspired destination spa in the Hamptons—a zen escape with a ryokan-esque sense of place—that offers packaged wellness retreats and is perfect for travelers looking to rest, reset and take a holistic approach to their health. The beautiful property will appeal to design lovers and foodies, too (Mads Refslund, co-founder of Copenhagen’s Noma, is behind the spa’s popular culinary program).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Maine & Vermont
Cliff House, Bald Head, Maine: Sophisticated, Oceanfront, Serene | Open NowCliff House was the vision of the enterprising Elsie Jane Weare, who discovered the location's potential in 1866. The setting was certainly dramatic: 70 acres of panoramic oceanfront aloft a 72-foot sheet of rock that plunged precariously into the ocean below. After six years of construction, Cliff House debuted in 1872 and its repute as an oceanfront retreat for the refined spread quickly. Throughout the architecture and interior design of Cliff House, a pervasive sense of soothing comfort is confronted by the powerful majesty of nature. Although the striking scenery can certainly calm one into quiet bliss, the resort has an endless menu of activities, including hiking, kayaking and boating, golfing, swimming and lawn games.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont: Intimate, Idyllic, All-Inclusive | Open NowWith its vaulted, beamed ceilings, fascinating artwork and hand-picked antiques, Twin Farms was clearly once a beloved private home—the former estate, as it happens, of Nobel Prize–winning author Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson, who lived there in the 1920s. Today, the 18th-century main house is still the heart of the 300-acre property, but the accommodations have expanded to encompass four rooms, six suites and 10 cottages. Throughout the property, there’s a marvelous sense of laid-back luxury, yet every detail of the resort is exceptional, from the gourmet food to the solicitous staff to the museum-quality art, including works by Milton Avery, Jasper Johns, Bernice Abbott, Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Hidden Pond, Maine: All-American, Cozy, Family-Friendly | Open July 1Located in the woods just a 10-15 minute drive from Kennebunkport, Hidden Pond opened in 2008 as an update on the classic summer cottage resort. The resort is split into two sections— the adults-only one-bedroom bungalows and family-friendly two-bedroom cottages. Although the décor varies from the bright canary yellow clapboard walls and hip farmhouse décor of Periwinkle to the more neutral palette of Stargazer, all have spacious porches, stone fireplaces, full kitchens, plus washer and dryer, and the expected luxury amenities (flatscreen televisions, Bose iPod docks, Frette linens and reliable WiFi). Typical days here include riding the resort’s fleet of bikes down to Goose Rocks Beach or kayaking through the Cape Porpoise islands, followed by an evening bonfire. Please note: For the summer 2020 season, Hidden Pond will offer a highly privatized experience with modified services to ensure minimal contact between guests and staff, with a required stay of seven nights or more.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Woodstock Inn, Woodstock, Vermont: Classic, Family-Friendly, Plenty of Activities | Open July 1The Woodstock Inn, built by Laurence Rockefeller in 1969, provides a variety of diversions that will keep guests of all ages occupied. The Inn owns Billings Farm, which was inherited through Mary Rockefeller’s family and raises sheep, cows, horses and chickens. Families can both tour and participate in the daily workings of the farm, from milking a cow and visiting the calf nursery to touring the 1890 farmhouse to see how a rural family would have lived in the 19th century. The resort’s Robert Trent Jones golf course is a big draw, as is the area’s hiking, kayaking, fishing and horseback riding.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Pitcher Inn, Warren, Vermont: Charming, Boutique, Cozy | Open June 18In the tiny Vermont village of Warren, surrounded by storybook cottages, the Pitcher Inn is a haven of rustic charm. The two-story New England mansion rises from the center of town, welcoming guests with a stately white clapboard porch and elegant colonial exterior. Seemingly frozen in time, the inn was originally built during the Civil War and was later devastated by a fire in the 1990s. It was then that a couple from Greenwich fell in love with the region’s pristine scenery and bucolic charm and opened the Pitcher Inn, now a Relais and Châteaux hotel. Thoughtful and imaginative, the gorgeous accommodations are decorated with just the right amount of whimsy without being kitschy.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Great Smoky Mountains
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee: Charming, Culinary-Focused, Stylish | Open NowSpanning 4,400 acres in rural Appalachia, Blackberry Farm is a traditional farmstead retreat that is world-renowned for its phenomenal culinary program and has guest accommodations as well as private homes. Most of the rooms come with golf carts for guests to get around. The overall atmosphere at Blackberry Farm is of an easy-going country club, and down time is likely spent unwinding on the main building’s beautiful terrace or exploring the softly billowing woodland wilderness traced with miles of hiking trails—or eating!Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee: Rustic-Chic, Wellness-Focused, Secluded | Open NowLocated on 5,200 acres in Tennessee and the sister property to Blackberry Farm, the all-inclusive Blackberry Mountain is a smaller, more health- and adventure-focused property with cozy, stylish rooms and private villas, a still-great culinary program and a daily schedule of excellent fitness classes. A special hideaway, the resort feels like a sophisticated camp with an abundance of activities and a relaxed but refined atmosphere that is as ideal for families as it is for couples.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Further South
Sea Island, Georgia: Resort-Like, Family-Friendly, Traditional | Open NowWith modern amenities and a charming air of old-school elegance (this is, after all, part of the Golden Isles of Georgia and prominent East Coast families have been coming since 1928), Sea Island is one of the top traditional resorts on the East Coast, offering three renowned golf courses and a wide array of activities ranging from dance classes to fishing. The range of accommodations is equally diverse, with everything from secluded oceanfront villas to family-friendly cottages, ideal for seclusion. Please note: The Cloister, The Lodge and Cottage Rentals are currently open. The Inn at Sea Island will reopen on July 2.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina: Friendly, Serene, Sprawling | Open NowPalmetto Bluff is a picture-perfect piece of the American South. Upon arrival, the winding five-mile drive immediately reveals a sense of vastness, and as you travel deeper under the shady canopy of oak trees, a feeling of calm washes over you. Finally, the water appears in the distance. In the early 1900s, the property was an estate home where Southern belles mingled with New Yorkers on holiday. Now, the 20,000 acres have mostly untouched forest, along with an award-winning golf course and rooms and suites split amongst the Main House and Guest Houses, as well as the original 48 freestanding cottages along the water. The cottages have large bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and screened-in porches for morning coffee and lazy naps—for here, time slows down, and guests acclimate to the pace by waking up to the birds singing, watching the dolphins play in the river and appreciating the ever-present scent of honeysuckle.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
WEST COAST
The diversity of experiences on offer in the American West is staggering. You can immerse yourself in the romance and grandeur of the larger-than-life landscapes of Wyoming, Montana and Colorado—while based at a dude ranch or glamping retreat that does not want for any indulgence—or you can soak in the sea air, spectacular sunsets and culinary delights of the Golden Coast, with one of the most iconic road trip routes along the Pacific Coast Highway. And do not forget the red rocks, vast deserts and Americana treasures of the southwest, where hotter temperatures are made bearable if you are based at a serene spa retreat like Amangiri. If you are curious about exploring possible options for a safe and responsible road trip to one of the hotels below, contact our team to learn more and start planning.Related:Road Trip Planner: 5 Great U.S. Drives
Napa Valley & Sonoma, California
Meadowood Napa Valley: Sophisticated, Culinary-Focused, Upscale | Open NowThis privately owned property features white clapboard cottages sprinkled over a 250-acre private estate with hiking trails winding past tennis courts, croquet lawns and a nine-hole golf course—all with a genteel, all-American atmosphere. The guest rooms spread throughout the property range from cozy studios to family lodges (with two, three or four bedrooms), which have large living rooms, decks and lawns. Each feels like a unique country guesthouse, with homey touches like cushioned window seats, stone fireplaces, wicker porch furniture and well-chosen coffee-table books. There’s an emphasis on Meadowood traditions including wine tours (escorted and self-guided) and fabulous picnics, which are being enhanced for contact safety. It’s also the home of the acclaimed Restaurant at Meadowood, which has three Michelin stars.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip. Plus—explore our fall Insider Journey to Napa Valley, which includes accommodations at Meadowood, with WSJ. Magazine contributing editor Howie Kahn.Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley: Luxurious, Romantic, Chic | Open NowEpitomizing laid-back luxury, Auberge du Soleil offers the ultimate experience in wine country relaxation. Set in an olive grove on thirty-five hillside acres with an exceptional view of vineyards, “Inn of the Sun,” as its name translates, consists of the main house (with two rooms and an award-winning restaurant), a spa and fifty individual maison cottages. Provence and its art de vivre clearly inspired not just the name of the hotel but the splashes of sunny color within the rooms, which adds warmth to the contemporary design.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Calistoga Ranch, Napa Valley: Rural, Pampering, Outdoorsy | Open NowReality feels distant when you reach this Auberge Resort, tucked into the green canyon between Calistoga and St. Helena. Cedar cottages include indoor and outdoor spaces, with a terrace, a fireplace and plenty of privacy. Activities can include flora walks, wine tours and Ai Chi (yoga for two, performed in a private, 98-degree soaking pool).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma: Rustic, Romantic, Culinary-Focused | Open June 18Located in the Russian River Valley, this graceful, rural property comprises a converted 1872 farmhouse (the “main house”) and various additional stand-alone buildings. The private barn rooms and suites are the most luxurious, with muted tones, amazing bathrooms and a farmhouse-chic vibe. Topping many lists of best wine country inns, or indeed best inns anywhere, Farmhouse indulges guests with gourmet meals, airy, welcoming rooms and a lush, wooded setting.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Coastal & Southern California
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel: Family-Friendly, Plenty of Activities, Resort-Like | Open July 1The 500-acre resort, nestled in the Santa Lucia mountains, lies two hours south of San Francisco and is dotted with ancient oaks, fields of lavender, a vineyard, an organic kitchen garden, a great spa, multiple pools, an 18-hole Pete Dye-designed golf course and a sports center with a 25-meter pool, basketball and bocce courts and fitness and tennis centers. In keeping with the rest of the resort, the guest rooms feature the right balance of California nature and sophistication. Each room feels like a cabin tucked into the woods with the comforts of a great hotel room, including a fireplace, wood floors, stone fireplaces and broad porches off of the bedrooms.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Lodge at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach: Great Golfing, Sprawling, Oceanfront | Open NowThis famed resort, located adjacent to the best public golf course in America, is set on a bluff in Monterey. The property offers multiple golf courses, a top spa, equestrian center and beach and tennis club. The newest accommodation at The Lodge is Fairway One, which opened in 2017 and offers large guest rooms located on the first hole, as well as two standalone cottages, named for Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood (both owners of Pebble Beach). The rooms’ interiors are modern and the décor is coastal-inspired, and some even have partial ocean views. Families or large groups should book the cottages that sit right on Fairway One, which each have four bedrooms, huge living rooms and outdoor terraces with fire pits.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Ventana Big Sur: Adults-Only, Rustic-Chic, Hideaway | Open July 15Ventana Big Sur sits in the heart of Big Sur, just off the cliffside Highway 1. The inn’s low cedar structures, connected by beautifully landscaped pathways, blend into the surrounding acres of meadows and woodlands. As with Big Sur itself, scenery takes center stage here and guests of the resort, which sits over 1,000 feet above the ocean, are constantly drawn outdoors by the views. An iconic hideaway for the Hollywood set since the 1970s, Ventana completed a multi-million dollar renovation in 2017 that transformed its rooms and suites with modern furnishings. The accommodations are spacious and sophisticated, offering high ceilings, fireplaces (in most rooms) and warm textures. For more intrepid travelers, Ventana Big Sur offers a glamping experience in the Redwoods, where they have 15 platform tents with daily housekeeping service and activities like garden tours, meditation and tai chi classes—plus abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and other outdoor pursuits.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara: Oceanfront, Resort-Like, Family-Friendly | Open NowLocated on a bluff overlooking a two-mile stretch of beach, the Ritz-Carlton Bacara’s many Spanish Mission-style buildings comprise a large resort with 360 guest rooms, three restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa. Bacara’s main attraction, though, is its location—just 10 minutes from the Santa Barbara airport and a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles. Guests have access to two 18-hole golf courses, the oceanside Sandpiper and the mountainside Glen Annie. Spa concierges will create customized nutrition, fitness and beauty programs for you, and a thousand-acre ranch at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains offers horseback riding and mountain biking. Santa Barbara and Montecito are only a short drive away, as are the vineyards of the Santa Ynez Valley.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills: Classic, Glitzy, Grande Dame | Open NowPart of the Dorchester Collection, the Beverly Hills Hotel's rooms are spread across four floors of the main building, while 23 free-standing bungalows (by far the most-requested rooms on property), are tucked into 12 landscaped acres, with fountains, bird-of-paradise and banana palms. Some of the rooms on the upper floors afford great views across the hotel’s tile rooftops, and all the suites have marble fireplaces. The famous pool, rimmed with potted orange trees, topiaries and private cabanas, can be rented for the day.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Cal-a-Vie Health Spa, Vista: Elegant, Exceptional, Wellness-Focused | Open NowFrom above, Cal-A-Vie resembles a quaint Provençal village, as a cluster of peach stucco buildings tucked into a hillside amid birch trees. The 32 guest rooms are spread among Mediterranean-style cottages gathered around a central pool area. Across a wooden bridge are tennis courts, a larger pool and the gym pavilion with multiple studios (there is also a golf course nearby). Part of the property’s charm is its intimate size, which imparts a real sense of privacy and seclusion. Guests elect either the three-, four- or seven-night package, which is all inclusive. At the beginning of your stay, you meet with a specialist to discuss your goals and preferences and to choose a daily calorie count (most people choose 1,200, but 1,500 and even 1,800 are also possible). All activities at Cal-a-Vie are optional and can be catered to your own level, allowing your stay to be as rigorous or relaxing as you please.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Wyoming & Montana
Caldera House, Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Stylish, Boutique, Cozy | Open June 25 Located at the base of Rendezvous Mountain adjacent to Teton Village’s iconic “Big Red” aerial tram, Caldera House is the passion project of its dedicated owner, business mogul Wesley Edens, who has skied and climbed peaks in Jackson Hole for decades. The result is a spectacularly stylish, Scandinavian-inspired hotel. Despite the small footprint of the property, its eight suites (including two-bedroom and four-bedroom options) pack a punch. Each one is different, yet all have private balconies (some with hot tubs), state-of-the-art kitchens and sprawling common spaces with wood-burning fireplaces. The 5,000-square-foot, four-bedroom owners’ residences are particularly palatial, and each one features a unique design element influenced by its proprietor. The Taupo suite, for example, feels exceptionally rich and warm, whereas Pacana has a strikingly spare and Zen appeal, including a dramatic black limestone Japanese soaking tub.Read more here. Amangani, Wyoming: Design-Focused, Removed, Resort-Like | Open June 25Guests arriving at this Ed Tuttle-designed sandstone building, which blends into its surroundings, are greeted with a thirty-foot-long wall of windows providing stunning vistas overlooking the valley. This is also the view from every suite. As expected from Aman, interiors are sleek and understated, but incorporate a Western aesthetic. On first glance, the rooms, which have open floor plans with bed and sitting rooms, large baths and walk-in closets, appear almost spare; but as at all Amans, there are small cosseting touches that make all the difference: overstuffed chairs have impossibly soft blankets, en-suite fireplaces and semi-sunken bathtubs, which overlook the Tetons. You come to realize that everything has been streamlined to emphasize comfort, casualness and calm, in accord with the resort’s name: Aman is Sanskrit for “peace,” and gani is “home” in Shoshone. The “peace” springs in part from the hotel’s lofty location. Just 10 minutes by car from Jackson and 20 minutes from Teton Village, it doesn’t get any of the foot traffic of Teton Village.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming: Luxurious, Outdoorsy, Sprawling | Open NowOriginally purchased in 2008 as a family getaway, this ranch proved too special for the tycoon Bruce White not to share. He transformed his personal hideaway into a world-class resort on 30,000 acres in the middle of Wyoming’s rugged wilderness. From vast, sage-covered meadows to lush aspen forests, the glorious terrain here overlooks the Sierra Madres and the Snowy Mountains. It’s not easy to get to here, but the Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection is worth the trip. The surrounding acres offer a host of activities, and since Brush Creek is first and foremost a ranch, the Western horseback riding here is unparalleled. All accommodations, from residences to lodge rooms and cabin suites, are exquisitely designed with plush comforts and abundant sleeping arrangements for any group. Avid fishermen may choose to stay in Anglers Camp, just steps from Brush Creek. Another option for a memorable evening is the well-appointed 700-square-foot yurt, which can be accessed on horseback and includes a gourmet dinner cooked over open fires. Those craving privacy should book the phenomenal Magee Homestead, a collection of seven historically restored cabins that can house up to 24 for the ultimate secluded getaway (it’s located five miles from the main ranch and comes with a dedicated staff).Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana: Family-Friendly, Rustic-Chic, Soulful | Open NowLocated on 6,600 acres, the lavish Ranch at Rock Creek offers incredibly stylish rooms, suites, houses and tented accommodations in what is a personal and gorgeous interpretation of a Wild West adventure, surrounded by pure Big Sky Montana, with soaring mountain and sloping hillsides, fairy-tale pine forests, seemingly endless meadows and, of course, a river that runs through it all, that happens to be one of the premier sporting streams in the region. The accommodations are housed in different structures on either side of the river, from plush rooms in the main lodge to sumptuous suites in restored cabins throughout the property to seven stunning freestanding one- to five-bedroom homes with full kitchens. On-property options include hiking the 50 miles of logging trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, shooting clays, paintball and archery, and, of course, fishing—this is one of the main reasons visitors come to this part of Montana, and the fishing on Rock Creek is considered some of the best in the area.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Resort at Paws Up, Montana: Family-Friendly, Authentic, Glamping | Open NowThe ranch that pioneered the concept of glamping (luxury tented camps) has an exquisite setting on 37,000 acres of land and continues to draw a loyal following. Their 36 luxury camping tents are divided into six spacious campsites scattered along the Blackfoot river and are set in a secluded meadow, allowing travelers to connect with the outdoors without forgoing the amenities of a hotel. Each tent features a King-sized bed (two- and three-bedroom tents feature additional rooms with two twin beds) with 300-count linens, a private deck, electricity, heat and air conditioning and rustic paintings and furniture. All the tents have en-suite bathrooms, with rain showers, heated floors, and some with deep soaking bath tubs, and all have great views of the surrounding Bob Marshall Wilderness and Mission Mountain Range. The homes and cabins, which have outdoor hot tubs and decks, sleep anywhere from four to eight people and are designed for couples, families and friends. Top-of-the-line are the 3,200-square foot wilderness estates and the Blackfoot River Lodge, all of which come with a car for use during the stay. Many guests of Paws Up opt to split their time between a tent and a home in order to get both experiences.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Colorado & Utah
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado: Historic, Authentic, Cabin-Style | Open NowA Western mining town-turned high-end resort, Dunton Hot Springs has an incredible sense of place—both historically and physically. In the 1800s, its collection of cabins formed a small town, and to this day, you can still walk down the road to the mines where the inhabitants of Dunton used to work. Throughout the centuries, the place had fallen into disrepair, effectively becoming one of the West’s many ghost towns, but what made Dunton unique was its incredible natural setting on 200 remote valley acres, surrounded by the San Juan mountain range, and next to natural non-sulphuric hot springs. It was the combination of remote wilderness and hot springs that drew Cristoph Henkel to the Dunton property in 1994. Today, behind Dunton Hot Springs’s immaculate ghost-town façade lies top-of-the-line comfort. Nine surviving, authentically restored cabins from the area were joined by other restored dwellings from the same era in Colorado and can accommodate up to 45 people, suited for a large family takeover.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Taylor River Lodge, Colorado: Outdoorsy, Family-Friendly, Relaxed | Open NowLocated 35 minutes from Gunnison Airport and Crested Butte, Taylor River Lodge is a stylish countryside retreat from adventure-focused hotel company Eleven Experience. Abutting the bubbling Taylor River and surrounded by fragrant pine trees, the lodge attracts those seeking a mix of active adventure and relaxation. The all-inclusive Taylor River Lodge’s eight cabins accommodate either two or four guests and feature modern amenities, including steam showers, Bluetooth speakers and heat (temperatures dip into the 30’s at night in the Canyon). For families of four or more, there are two accommodations that have full kitchens and bathrooms with gorgeous freestanding tubs. Fly-fishing is the main activity for most travelers at Taylor River Lodge, and everyone from beginners to experts will enjoy Eleven Experience’s private and semi-private stretches of water in Gunnison Valley. The property also offers an array of other activities including hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and stand-up paddle boarding.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah: Refined, Contemporary, Outdoorsy | Open NowSet on 3,500 acres in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, the Lodge at Blue Sky is a contemporary ranch with a design focus, elevated cuisine and renowned horsemanship and wellness programs. The property is intimate, separated into three different sections: the spacious Sky Rooms in the main building; the Earth Suites (separate structures that easily connect and are great for families, but feel slightly less private); and the five Creek Cottages, located at the bottom of the hill (extremely private and adults-only). Yuta, the main restaurant, focuses on local produce and pays homage to native American cuisine from the area. Read more here. Amangiri, Utah: Serene, Minimalist, Soulful | Open NowSurrounded by one hundred acres of sand-hued canyons, Amangiri is a perfect place for a weekend of hiking, spa treatments and relaxation in southern Utah. Comprised of low-rising, squat buildings that look like the ultimate James Bond hideaway, the resort mimics the sand-hued color of the surrounding canyons, blending seamlessly into the magnificent surroundings—and don’t miss the glam outdoor swimming pool, which is wrapped around a massive natural boulder.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.
Oregon
The Allison Inn & Spa, Willamette Valley, Oregon: Elegant, Rustic-Chic, Culinary-Focused | Open NowThe most upscale hotel in the Willamette Valley, the Allison Inn & Spa is a blissful mountain retreat with excellent spa, culinary and wine programs. Located 25 miles southwest of Portland and just over a one-hour drive from the Portland airport, the Allison Inn & Spa is set on 35 acres of manicured gardens and vineyards. The wood-and-stone hotel blends seamlessly with its environment. While the setting feels remote, there are over 200 wineries that are within a 20-minute drive of the property.Read more here and contact us to inquire about planning a trip.Related:The Top 10 – America’s National ParksThe Indagare team is in close contact with all of our hotel partners to confirm that they are implementing enhanced disinfecting protocols and respecting social distancing guidelines to create experiences that are as safe as possible. Additionally, when you make a reservation at one of these properties through Indagare, you may have access to preferable cancellation policies and special amenities. Email our team for more information on individual properties’ policies for making your stay safe and seamless—and to start planning your summer road trip!
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