As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, a world of autumnal exploration awaits. These exciting destinations are perfect to commemorate the end of summer and celebrate the onset of fall!
Salt Lake City
With a burgeoning local arts and gastronomic scene, Salt Lake City is the best place for those travelers looking for fun in the American West. A bustling downtown situated less than 30 minutes from the Wasatch Mountains means that travelers can enjoy downtown bars, parks, shopping, and local art before hiking up creeks to waterfalls. A perfect family getaway, Salt Lake is a perennial favorite in winter, but visitors in Autumn can catch the leaves changing and the best weather year-round.
Where to stay: the new Hyatt Regency downtown is the perfect homebase at the heart of it all. Opened in October 2022, the modern downtown hotel boasts 700 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, an infinity pool and all the amenities for the perfect 72-hours in Salt Lake City.
Manitoba, Canada
This unspoiled Canadian province is perfect for those families looking to reconnect with nature this Labor Day. Explore Winnipeg’s lasting cultural museums, Riding Mountain National Park’s incredible wildlife, or (for a bucket list trip) Churchill’s Polar Bears. Riding Mountain National Park is one of the few national parks where visitors can hike, mountain bike, or ride horseback through four separate biomes within the same national park. From the warblers and woodpeckers of the deciduous forests to the lynx and owls of the boreal forest and the Bison and Prairie Dogs of the grasslands, visitors to Riding Mountain are made to feel like the main character in a David Attenborough nature documentary.
Where to stay: gorgeous boutique hotel Lakehouse on the edge of the park in Wasagaming township. Originally built in the 1930s and operated as a fishing lodge, the fifteen-guest-suite Lakehouse has unobstructed views of the autumn leaves and the Canadian wildlife the park has become famous for, with unpretentious service and a cozy home base.
Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald, Switzerland is the perfect gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau mountain trio, the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch. With classic Swiss charm and hospitality, the town looks like something out of a fairy tale. Featuring adventure activities like bungy jumping, ice climbing, and cliff walking, the cute town is home to world class destination hotels and spas. The most incredible activity on a trip to Grindelwald is a ride on the iconic cogwheel train, Jungfrau Railways, accessible by quick connecting train, to the highest point in Europe. The scenic route offers visitors the chance to wind along mountain passes, cut through tunnels cut into sheer cliffs, and reach the “highest point in Europe,” the Jungfraujoch peak.
Where to stay: The Bergwelt is a fantastic boutique hotel in Grindelwald. Cozy, upscale rooms have views of the Swiss Alps while the spa immerses guests in the power of the Grindelwald glaciers with its outdoor pool selection. The premiere après ski hotel in the area, The Bergwelt also partners with local adventure tour operator Outdoor Switzerland to make sure guests are given access to the full range of winter and summer sports available in the region, known for its outdoorsy population.
Bergen, Norway
With incredible scenery showcasing fall colors, long stretches of empty highway and beautiful roads high in the mountains and around the fjords, Norway is the perfect destination for travelers looking to book a road trip this autum. Up Norway’s Heritage Awakened journey connects travelers with fjords, mountains, and Norway's neverending coastline. The trip begins and ends in Bergen, home to one of Norway’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Guests will explore Bergen at their own pace before cruising north to Alesund for the start of what is known as one of the world’s most beautiful sea voyages. This journey also includes a drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route from Geiranger-Trollstigen, one of the most beautiful roads in Norway, as well as a private cruise in a yacht through the Hjørundfjord to Norangsdalen valley. Travelers looking for a relaxing escape in the countryside can head to Haaheim Gaard, a luxury historic hotel located at Tysnes, about two hours outside Bergen. Guests visiting in the fall can enjoy picturesque hiking amidst the fall colors and seasonal cuisine from the hotel’s garden cafe. This October, the hotel is offering a special cidermaker’s event featuring a 7-course dinner with Cidermaker Olav Bleie from the cidery Alde Sider, one of the the most awarded cidermaker in Hardanger, the famous cidermaking district in Norway. The fjords in this area are perfect to grow apples for cidermaking.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Travelers can embrace the tranquility of Dubrovnik this fall with a mild Mediterranean climate that provides a delightful ambiance for unhurried explorations of landmarks like the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Rector's Palace. Experience unparalleled luxury at the historic Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, where elegant rooms and suites in a 1913 royal villa and contemporary wing offer stunning Adriatic and Old Town views. Visitors looking for an under the radar destination can head to Cavtat, located south of Dubrovnik, and enjoy the unique town on the Adriatic with a stunning waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, beaches, churches, monuments, and museums. Hotel Supetar offers a haven of refinement amid quaint streets and Adriatic panoramas with authentic Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines at the hotel's restaurant and wine bar, complemented by an oasis-like garden with an infinity-edge pool. For history enthusiasts, Hotel Supetar offers proximity to the Cavtat museum, housing captivating artifacts from the ancient settlement of Epidaurum.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Embrace the spirit of the Day of the Dead this fall in Puerto Vallarta with Velas Vallarta. The family friendly hotel is hosting an immersive Catrina experience on property from October 27- November 5 showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and lively traditions and customs that define the beloved Mexican holiday. The experience includes a guided tour on-property to admire eight life-size Catrinas built for the experience, each representing distinct characters and stages from Puerto Vallarta's vibrant history. This immersive journey promises guests a profound connection and enhanced appreciation for the significance of the Day of the Dead festivities.
Rome, Italy
Experience the enchantment of autumn in Rome, where the mild weather and reduced crowds create a magical atmosphere. Nestled on a serene street at Rome's heart, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese provides an optimal hub for travelers seeking to make the most of their time, with easy access to renowned cultural sites and parks. For golf enthusiasts, Rome welcomes one of the most prestigious and thrilling events in the world of golf- the Ryder Cup (September 29- October 1). The event showcases the finest golfers from the United States and Europe at the prestigious Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, located just outside of Rome. The iconic golf course offers a stunning setting amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
Mendoza, Argentina
September marks the beginning of spring in Mendoza, Argentina, when the region’s stunning landscapes come alive with vibrant colors and natural beauty. This time of year is ideal for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in the Andes Mountains, rafting on the Mendoza River, or enjoying a glass of wine outdoors in the wine-lover’s destination. Travelers looking to stay in a renowned winemaker’s private estate can opt for SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, from pioneer Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo. The only luxury wine hotel in Latin America with fully integrated in-room spa features and services, each suite features a steam room, sensations shower, and massage table. Four of the seven suites are also equipped with a dry sauna. The in house experience coordinator can help guests choose from various activities such as horseback riding, trekking, air safari aboard a private seaplane, and even a hot air balloon over the vineyards. After a day full of exploration and adventure, guests can retreat back to SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites to enjoy on property activities as wine tastings, cooking classes, blending games, wellness rituals, gastronomy offerings, and more.
Lake Placid, New York
Within the acclaimed Adirondack region lies one of the country's most extended fall foliage seasons, and nestled within this vibrant display is the luxurious mountain retreat, Whiteface Lodge. Providing a premier vantage point for witnessing nature's colorful evolution, the resort stands as a gateway to renowned hiking destinations such as High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Landing, Catamount Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain. Plus, Whiteface Lodge is offering up to 20% off nightly rates when travelers book directly on the website.
Pebble Beach, California
As other locales bid adieu to summer, Pebble Beach Resorts is just gearing up. With September to November bringing some of its sunniest days and perfect 70-degree temperatures, it offers an autumnal escape without the chill. The renowned 17-Mile Drive frames the forest-meets-ocean beauty exquisitely during fall and for an immersive experience, the Monterey Fall Getaway Offer includes a two-night stay at The Inn at Spanish Bay starting at $1,995 (22% discount), offering a $200 resort credit plus access to golf, hiking, sight-seeing and so much more. Valid from September 18-24, 2023, it's the ideal chance to embrace the “secret season” on the West Coast.
Canandaigua, New York
There’s no bad time to visit the Finger Lakes, but it’s hard to beat the burst of natural colors, flavors and crisp weather once fall sets in. Nestled on Canandaigua Lake, The Lake House on Canandaigua is the gateway to autumn adventures. From grape harvests to pumpkin picking, the lakeside retreat crafts the ideal fall escape, offering up to 30% off luxurious lakefront accommodations. Guests can revel in leaf peeping from every angle, whether by exploring the hues of the Finger Lakes or enjoying a foliage cruise for stunning vistas. This offer unveils the region's hidden fall beauty—charming weather, fewer crowds, and endless activities. Details on the offer can be found here.
Westchester County, New York
Just 30 miles north of New York City, Westchester County becomes a captivating haven for fall enthusiasts, stretching across 500 square miles of scenic wonder. The Mianus River Gorge Preserve in Bedford grants elevated leaf peeping, offering a simple hike with a 40-foot-high river view. Nearby, Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt presents a two-mile leisurely stroll revealing the splendid hues of the New Croton Dam area. For a charming stay, The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown beckons, with enticing offers, like 30% off the best available rate when booking 14+ days in advance through the Advance Purchase package, and proximity to the iconic Village of Sleepy Hollow—a real-life Halloween town that no visitor should miss.
Manchester, Vermont
Nestled within the tranquil embrace of Vermont’s Green Mountains, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa weaves together classic charm and modern luxury. Unlock the allure of Manchester through exclusive offers at The Equinox Resort, a gateway to a world of possibilities in one of New England's most cherished destinations. As we say farewell to summer, Vermont's breathtaking fall foliage takes center stage. Amidst the enchanting landscapes surrounding The Equinox, guests can immerse themselves in nature's vibrant autumnal palate and embrace the magic of the season. Discover the details of the resort’s Autumn Escape Offer here.
Manhattan, New York
In the heart of bustling New York City, the arrival of fall brings urban enchantment, adorned with vibrant hues and rich culture. The bustling streets and iconic landmarks don their autumnal best, turning Manhattan into a captivating playground for exploration. From Central Park's golden foliage to the invigorating breezes that sweep through the streets, New York City's charm shines anew. And for a remarkable stay that seamlessly complements the season's allure, consider Sofitel New York, featuring several offers and easy access to top attractions. Plus, guests can enjoy up to 30% off spacious one-bedroom suites with the Suite Retreat offer when they book a minimum two-night weekend stay.
South Tyrol Region, Italy
Between the Dolomites and Alps, northern Italy is not to be missed for gorgeous fall foliage and autumnal adventure. Before snow and skiers arrive, these renown mountain regions experience spectators from around the world thanks to the impressive displays of colors, comfortable temperatures and rich produce from the fall harvest season. Luxury wellness resort, Preidlhof, welcomes fall travelers during Italy’s off-season with the Golden South Tyrolean Autumn package, heated pools for outdoor relaxation, regionally sourced wines and produce served in the resort’s restaurant and award-winning spa treatments. A certified “quiet zone,” this region is perfect for travelers interested in experiencing Italy’s other side.
