Yearning to get away from LA? We have our top pics for you.
An LA getaway is what you’re craving, admit it. We know the slogan “West Coast Best Coast” is extraordinarily accurate. However, sometimes an escape from the City of Angels is welcomed. Here are our hot picks for those itching for last-minute weekend getaways as spring approaches:
LA Getaway: Denver, Colorado
Denver has grown exponentially within the last half-decade, emphasized by the development of neighborhoods such as “RiNo” –River District North—a creative mélange of some of the country’s most unique natural phenomenons, music, and culinary creations. It is the ultimate getaway, just a few hours flight away.
In addition to its innovations in food truck culture, elaborate street art visions, and its ever-growing cannabis tourism industry, Denver is also a mecca for live music: The Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which produces arguably the most exceptional natural sound in the state, is only 20 minutes outside of the city.
After rocking out at a live show, spend one night of your weekend getaway at the newly debuted Origin Hotel Red Rocks. Of course, Denver’s proximity to nature is an enormous draw for an escape–fresh air and trees, oh my! Just minutes outside the city center are trails for hiking and running, opportunities for kayaking, and even 85 miles of bike paths.
The craft beer scene in Denver is unparalleled—with almost 200 breweries and more popping up each day, there is always a reason to cheers for a drink with friends. The Mile High City’s chef-driven cuisine is also continually expanding—momentarily transport yourself to the south with a Sunday brunch at Julip, a sophisticated restaurant that honors the history and traditions of southern hospitality through fresh ingredients and innovative recipes.
For a multi-sensory experience, book a dinner at Il Posto, a restaurant that harmoniously pairs Italian wines and dishes. Denver combines historic Victorian brick buildings in Larimer Square and LoDo (Lower Downtown) with the bold architecture of today, all within a laid-back, walkable city center.
The Ritz-Carlton Denver is, true to the brand, the quintessential five-star urban escape that seamlessly combines Denver’s stunning natural landscape and metropolitan energy with views of both the city skyline and the Rocky Mountains. The hotel features stunning residential-style suites and the most spacious guest rooms in Denver. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton Denver is the optimal serene weekend retreat, with a spa menu aligned with the specialties of the city, like a signature treatment creatively utilizing craft beers to tighten and hydrate the skin.
Denver is known for its fine and innovative cuisine and The Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant, ELWAY’S Downtown, is no exception. There’s a rumor the hand-cut steak at ELWAY’s, named after NFL Hall of Famer John Elway, is the best in Denver. (And we have much reason to believe this rumor is true!)
And for a boutique hotel experience in the trendy Cherry Creek neighborhood, check out the hospitable service (and rooftop pool views!) at The Halcyon.
LA Getaway: Miami, Florida
From exploring the graffiti walls of the hip and trendy Wynwood district to the constant rhythm and pulse of Cuban flavors in Little Havana, Miami feels like a whole new world from the pace of Los Angeles. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (one of Miami’s posh, more suburban neighborhoods) is a weekend destination in itself. It’s enticing year-round with activity and culture.
Guests can participate in everything from cooking to yoga and aerobics classes, book a tennis workshop or play 18 holes of golf. It became instantly famous after opening its doors in 1926, hosting the glitterati of the decade at multiple galas, fashion shows, and golf tournaments. The massive swimming pool — which is a truly grand affair with marble statues under a promenade, private cabanas, and its own bar and restaurant.
LA Getaway: Sun Valley, Idaho
Though it seems secluded and remote, Sun Valley is incredibly convenient to access with airlines such as United, which provide direct flights from Los Angeles and other western cities. While Sun Valley is famous for its epic ski areas during the long winters, the resort town is just as spectacular for early spring escapes.
A haven for nature lovers, the diversity in terrain and landscape is perfect for skiing or hiking the labyrinth of rails, riding on equestrian routes and dancing through wildflower meadows—all with stunning views of the valley. It’s also important to remember to look up at night and becomes entranced by the clear skies and constellations over Sun Valley, feeling gratitude for the lack of light pollution.
Hotel Ketchum, the newly opened boutique hotel in the town Ketchum, was very much worth the wait. The hotel boasts many new facilities including an outdoor pool and hot tub, an on-site ski shop, and healthy and inspired locally sourced meals. Centrally located on Main Street, it is the perfect home-base for launching adventure in the area over a long weekend. It makes sense that their slogan is: ‘Settle in, set out,” indeed!
Another new property in the area, The Limelight Hotel Ketchum is home to 99 rooms and prides itself on a vibrant atmosphere, spacious guestrooms and hands-on adventure programming for guests.
LA Getaway: Manhattan, New York
While escaping to another city may not initially be your idea of bliss, a weekend getaway to Manhattan can be a culinary, cultural adventure. Midtown is home to some of New York’s most famous and mouthwatering restaurants—and they often come with a spectacular view.
The luxury EDITION Hotel in Times Square, for example, has something for all palates. While The Terrace Restaurant is a casual, all-day eatery that elicits a French brasserie feel (think elegant cocktails and a variety of chops), stepping into EDITION’s 701 West restaurant is reminiscent of a 1950’s Hollywood film set, with large blue drapes overlooking Times Square.
Luxurious yet modern, the aptly named and recently re-opened Luxe Life Hotel is perfectly located in NoMad (“North of Madison Square Park”) for a Manhattan adventure weekend. History is at the forefront in this 98-room, pet-friendly boutique hotel, which is housed in the former headquarters of LIFE magazine. Creatives have flocked these hallways for decades and the history is alive everywhere–from the prohibition era bar to local artist’s art collections. (And fun fact: this is Luxe Hotels first NYC property, after many successful LA hotels.)
Your culinary Manhattan weekend continues at the property’s signature destination restaurant, The Marilyn, which packs a punch with delectable, modern American cuisine. In line with the hotel’s tribute to history, The Marilyn transports guests to another era by creating timeless yet modern bites.
Enjoy these travel guides? Check out Olivia’s LA Style guide to South Africa or Estonia!
