Coastal New England : Heading North from New York City to Maine
Boasting some of the oldest cities in America and flanked by the roaring Atlantic Ocean, explore quaint fishing villages and tight-knit maritime communities with land and sea adventures aplenty. With four glorious seasons that add to the beauty and style of New England, time spent along this coast will gradually unfold its secrets before you. Kicking off with the city that never sleeps, take in a Broadway show, crazy nightlife and an unparalleled variety of cuisines in New York, with plush beds at The Mark’s effortless glamour. Once a thriving Colonial Era port city of the Gilded Age, go sailing for a day or stand in awe at the historic mansions of Newport Rhode Island while staying at Castle Hill Inn.
Get Your Kicks on Route 66: From Chicago to Los Angeles
The historic ‘Mother Road’ is still revered for those making the scenic journey Out West, having been popularised in American culture for nearly a century. The motels and vintage gas stations will capture your imagination and hearken back to a retro period that defines the U.S.A! Experience Chicago’s illustrious architecture at Millennium Park and Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Museum, while basing yourself at The Peninsula. Onwards to The Ritz Carlton in the Midwestern heartland of St. Louis, where the blues music scene will move you and watching a spirited Cardinals baseball game is a must.
For an eclectic and nostalgic visit in Oklahoma City, Design Hotels’ Bradford House will soon have you purring in a chaise lounge as you try calf fries and fried catfish with a side of classic cornbread. Passing through the great state of Texas is a must, and Amarillo’s cowboy culture is the best place to go horse-riding in the 2nd largest canyon, amidst rock formations glowing orange in the sunlight; here, The Barfield is the best boutique hotel. Entering Santa Fe’s fascinating Pueblos and Puye Cliff Dwellings, the spirit of this region is echoed at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, featuring artwork by local artisans and large sculptured stairways. Try your luck at the casinos in glittering Las Vegas, staying at the legendary Wynn on the Strip, promising incredible nightlife and entertainment. With walking distance to the beach and breathtaking ocean views, Santa Monica Proper Hotel is the perfect end to a road well travelled, with sunny days spent by the rooftop pool or strolling the pier.
Down by the Sea : California’s Highway 1
This one calls for a convertible. Under a vast open sky, seabreeze in your hair and the great Pacific Ocean always in plain sight, every stop adds a flourish along Highway 1’s free-wheeling California vibrations. Starting from the Bay Area, base yourself at the floating sanctuary of Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero and be sure to cross the Golden Gate Bridge with a visit to majestic Muir Woods. Then fill your bellies with incredibly fresh seafood and encounter cetaceans in Monterey Bay, while exploring the charming historic village of Carmel from the intimate and discreet Villa Mara Carmel.
Arriving at the magic of Big Sur’s rocky coves and redwood forests, there is no better address than Post Ranch Inn, whose dramatic structures perching on cliff’s edge are all architectural marvels. In Santa Barbara, renowned as ‘the Original Hollywood Escape,’ fall in love with the lush gardens at Belmond’s El Encanto, a 1920’s Spanish-colonial revival with bungalows that urge you to stay a while. Cruising on palm-tree avenues and rolling hills, Los Angeles sparkles in so many ways, and The Beverly Hills Hotel – or ‘Pink Palace’ as it’s fondly known – is a truly iconic hideaway. Ending your epic journey at Pendry, try surfing along San Diego’s sprawling coastline, tuck into craft beer at over 150 breweries, and enjoy a rich array of authentic Mexican food.
