Exploring Close to Home: North America

In this time of not traveling, destinations have been diligently preparing to welcome guests back at the right time with utmost safety in mind (for easy reference, we’ve built out a growing list of hotels’ enhanced measures). As we now enter this next phase of reopenings, we look to thoughtfully venture out again, seeing our own cities with new eyes and discovering the widest open spaces within reach. In the first of a three-part series, we focus on where to travel close to home within the US, Canada and Mexico for summer 2020.

EASTERN U.S.

New York

New York has long staked a claim as the greatest city in the world. Witnessing its spirit and resiliency these last couple of months, that statement has never been truer. New Yorkers who wish for a change of scenery but still want to stay in and support the city can enjoy overnights at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (pictured) as of mid-June and Lotte New York Palace in early August. Those looking to get a little farther out can road trip upstate to the Adirondack Mountains and find soothing seclusion at The Whiteface Lodge (pictured) in Lake Placid.

Florida

With some 600 miles of beaches in the state, Floridians have paradise in their own proverbial backyard. Staycation right on the beach at the now-open Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, or take in the glittering downtown and Biscayne Bay views at Kimpton EPIC Hotel (pictured). Just 30 minutes up the road, The Breakers Palm Beach (pictured) provides 140 acres of oceanfront, or another 30 minutes north of there, The Seagate Hotel has its own beach club, pool included, right on Delray Beach.

Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts & Maine

Looking beyond to neighbouring eastern states for coastal and countryside escapes, there’s The Tides Inn on Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, where one can even boat in—the Irvington property has its own marina. Amid the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania, The Lodge at Woodloch is Mother Nature immersion at its finest. In Nantucket, The Wauwinet is right on the bay, steps from the water. Furthest north on the New England coast, perched on the rocks, Cliff House Maine encompasses 70 oceanfront acres.

WESTERN U.S.

California

There’s no shortage of ways to stay in style for Los Angelenos. No one needs a friend with a pool when there’s the rooftop pools at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and 1 Hotel West Hollywood (pictured), which opens July 1. For more space and bigger views, take the I-5 south out of the city to Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club (pictured) with its 175 acres in Orange County. Now open, it has its own private beach club where 30-minute surf lessons are up for grabs.

Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming & Utah

Those seeking wide open spaces outside of California, can road trip to Nevada, where the lakefront Edgewood Tahoe Resort is open. In Oregon, tuck into a cabin at Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, located on the north bank of the Rogue River mere minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The all-inclusive, cowboy-inspired living offered up at The Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection in Wyoming affords all kind of open air. Similarly, The Lodge at Blue Sky in Wanship, Utah gives guests a taste of the wild, albeit more refined, Wild West across its 3,500 acres.

EASTERN CANADA

Ontario & Nova Scotia

Masterful at creating a zen atmosphere, the Shangri-La Toronto (pictured), which towers above the city, provides a place to clear one’s head when needed. Get a dose of rural respite in Niagara-on-the-lake, just a 90-minute-drive away. Here, the waterfront Harbour House is open. For more space and saltier air, the Fox Harb’r Resort (pictured) in Nova Scotia sits on 1,100 oceanfront acres with a championship golf course and short course—the property even has its own airstrip for arrivals.

WESTERN CANADA

British Columbia

They don’t call her Beautiful British Columbia for nothing, and it’s well known amongst locals that, in any given year, summer is the best time to stay in the province. In Vancouver, celebrate a special occasion with a staycation at the colorful Opus Vancouver in Yaletown. For a dose of mountain air, take the scenic two-hour drive up to Whistler and check into the waterfront Nita Lake Lodge (pictured). Farther afield, in the small surf town of Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn (pictured) is slated to reopen for British Columbians June 26.

MEXICO

Mexico City

The work of renowned architect César Pelli, St. Regis Mexico City (pictured) offers spectacular views for staycationers. Less than two hours outside the city, Amomoxtli is an oasis, enveloped by greenery and tucked into the El Tepozteco mountains. Those ready to venture farther out from the city, can return to the coastal resorts—Andaz Mayakoba (pictured) reopened June 15, and Palmaïa The House of AïA and Viceroy Los Cabos follow on July 1.