12 Best Weekend Getaways
12 of the World’s Most Perfect Resorts for a Weekend Getaway
Need a digital detox, want to see more destinations or just long to spend a few days lounging on a silk-sand beach on your next vacay?
Mini breaks — which are easier to plan and have been proven to be good for your mental health — are the perfect solution. Here are our picks of the best.
As always, check for travel restrictions or closures before planning your trip.
Shop, Spa, Party in Thailand
A five-minute tuk-tuk ride from Koh Samui’s buzzing Chaweng Beach, Sheraton Samui Resort is perfect for weekend breakers seeking a laid-back haven close to the action.
Shop for chic rags at nearby Wharf Samui Mall, lap up soothing treatments in the resort’s Glow Spa, and then head out to party until dawn.
Escape to a Desert Haven near Dubai, UAE
A dune-encircled paradise for weekend vacationers who want to reconnect with the natural world, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert sits at the heart of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve.
Enjoy total desert immersion as you ride out on a camel, go dune-bashing on a fat bike or learn the ancient art of falconry.
Get Pampered in a Beach Resort in Bodrum, Turkey
Fringed by some of the country’s best beaches, Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is your perfect choice for a pampering break.
Relaxation is guaranteed as you lounge on a sunbed with panoramic sea views, soak up luscious spa treatments or sip a sunset cocktail in hip Buddha-Bar Beach.
Indulge in a Bond-Style Break in Venice, Italy
Feel like Bond when you stay at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a private-island resort reached via the resort’s private boat ride across La Serenissima’s storied Laguna.
From supping on Michelin-starred chef Fabio Trabocchi’s culinary marvels to sipping Champagne in the Taittinger Lounge or enjoying spa treatments with views of San Marco’s celebrated campanile, you’ll find indulgences everywhere.
Play the Greens or Take a Dip in Costa Rica
Golf and swimming are top of the menu at exclusive hideaway W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal.
Long-weekenders might want to step out and explore the lively town of Tamarindo, but with a splendid pool, dazzling white sand beach and your own Robert Trent Jones II–designed course at your fingertips, there’s no reason to leave.
Get Active with the Kids in St. Thomas, USVI
The lush and lovely Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is the perfect tropical playground for families seeking an active mini-break.
Toddlers will love the talc-soft beaches, teens will be thrilled by island-hopping trips, and the whole family will adore the resort’s catch-and-cook barbecue nights.
Sea and Sanctuary in Crete, Greece
Birthplace of the legendary Minoans, Crete is home to Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, set on a cricket-serenaded hilltop with stunning vistas over Elounda’s island-dotted bay.
Lazing on a blissfully private beach, lounging in the spa pool or crossing the bay in a traditional caique to explore the island fortress of Spinalonga, are just some of the highlights here.
Get Back to the Future in China
Set your IG feed on fire at Ian Schrager’s futuristic The Sanya EDITION on the tropical island of Hainan.
From indulging in a customized treatment at the spa and cavorting in the fairground-style play area to enjoying fine food at Xian Hai, where guests can dine atop floating platforms in the resort’s artificial “ocean,” you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.
Enjoy Tee Time and Tennis in Victoria, British Columbia
With two Jack Nicklaus–designed 18-hole golf courses and Canada’s largest red-clay tennis center, The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria is perfect for active playcations.
Après sport, soothe those aches and pains in the Amatista Spa, or head underground for a wine pairing dinner in atmospheric wine cave restaurant, The Cellar.
Hike the Heights and See the Sights in Whistler, British Columbia
There’s no fun like snow fun, but even during the balmy summer months, Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites still has plenty to offer.
Must-try treats here include flying high on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to explore a labyrinth of lofty hiking trails in the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and whitewater rafting along the fast-flowing Cheakamus River.
Hang Out with Donald and the Gang in Orlando, Florida
With eagle’s-eye views over the world’s most famous theme park — and a ninth floor restaurant offering front-row seats for Disney World’s celebrated firework displays — families will love JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa.
Add a pool and splash pad where younger ones can burn off that extra energy and you have the perfect recipe for a child-friendly mini-break.
Book into a Putting Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona
A pool- and palm-tree-studded oasis clustered around two championship golf courses, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a golfer’s paradise.
Be warned, however: With a state-of-the-art spa, a lazy river and eight restaurants, there’s plenty to tempt you away from the green.
