If you’ve got a big occasion coming up on your calendar, or just want a little quality time with your special someone, we’ve been looking at resorts that are an afternoon drive away from the everyday, and picked three favorites. Each is unique, with on-site dining and beautiful surroundings, so you don’t have to get back into your car once you’re there, unless you want to sightsee. All have won various awards for their attractive accommodations and exceptional hospitality.
Unlike a chain hotel with many rooms and generic furnishings, these destinations have the quiet and intimacy of private retreats, uniquely appointed accommodations, top-notch service, and promise a memorable stay:
Wheatleigh
In Lenox, Massachusetts, in the heart of the Berkshires, Wheatleigh was built in 1893 by Gilded Age financier and tycoon Henry Cook for his daughter Georgie, as a wedding present on the occasion of her marriage to a Spanish count. Designed by the prestigious architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns, and surrounded by a park designed by Frederick Law Olmstead—who also designed Central Park—this impressive “cottage” for the count and countess is now a five-star destination. With magnificent views of the mountains, and literally a walk away from the Tanglewood Music Festival in the summer, Wheatleigh features 19 gorgeous suites and deluxe rooms, and a world-class dining room for meals. Surrounded by forested mountains, the fall color is particularly breathtaking.
Left: Aviary Suite
For a very special occasion, all of the rooms are beautiful, but one stands out. The current owners transformed Wheatleigh’s aviary (essentially a giant birdhouse) into a palatial two-story suite, called the Aviary, with a private covered terrace. Its downstairs living room features windows on all sides and a fabulous entertainment system. A sculptural glass enclosed circular stair leads to a second floor sleeping room floating in the trees. A unique bathroom with limestone and glass wet room combines a soaking tub and shower area.
Visit wheatleigh.com for more information.
Lake Placid Lodge
Lake Placid is a few hours’ drive, but once there, the everyday seems worlds away. In the heart of the Adirondacks, the Lake Placid Lodge is the only hotel on the shores of the lake. It is private and exquisitely beautiful, with wonderful views of the water and Whiteface Mountain. Like Wheatleigh, the Lodge has fantastic restaurants, and plenty to do in all seasons if you’re so inclined—an evening cruise on the lake, snowshoeing in the winter—just name your pleasure. The staff is helpful and accommodating.
The rooms and private cabins all have fireplaces and views; we are partial to the romantic and secluded Rondeau Lake View cabin. Because the Lodge has carved something of a niche for itself in preparing amazing small weddings and elopements, you can be assured of a beautiful plan for a very special second honeymoon.
Visit lakeplacidlodge.com for more information.
The Charlotte Inn
Billing itself as “behind the times on purpose” the Charlotte Inn consists of five separate dwellings, centered on the grand home of a nineteenth century sea captain, in the village of Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard. Decorated with period antiques, beautiful textiles and carpets, and accessorized with fine art, the guest rooms feel like sumptuous accommodations in the Edwardian era country house of a congenial and wealthy host. If you or your mate is musically inclined, room fourteen in the Summer House has a white baby grand piano, as well as a romantic fireplace in its sitting room. Each of the nineteen rooms is unique and beautiful.
The Inn is so charming and comfortable, and the atmosphere so relaxed, that even if the Martha’s Vineyard weather is less than perfect, you will find the service impeccable and the surroundings flawless. Don’t forget to book your ferry spot (for yourselves and your car, if you’re bringing one) in advance.
Visit thecharlotteinn.com for more information.