By offering things like buy-outs, private villas, and even new enclaves and extended grounds, these re-opened (or soon to re-open) domestic hotels are making it easy to both get away and stay safe this summer.
There’s no doubt that, after months of stay-at-home orders, wanderlust is running high—something that’s being borne out in reports that bookings for summer travel are on the rise and that people are willing to pay more to ensure private experiences. But as hotels and resorts across the country slowly begin to reopen or announce upcoming opening dates for the summer, travelers may still be wary about how they can continue to stay safe while venturing out into the world. In addition to implementing new health and cleanliness programs, many luxury hotels are leaning into the privacy angle by offering buy-out options, secluded suites and residences, and even new sections separate from the main hotel. From Alaska to Rhode Island, here are 12 hotels where you can relax while still maintaining physical distance this summer.
Inns of Aurora
Set in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York, less than a five-hour drive from cities like Boston, Philadelphia and New York City, the Inns of Aurora has always offered an unconventional hotel experience, with rooms and facilities spread out over five separate historic homes. In this current situation, however, the hotel is now offering the chance to privately rent three of their five inns: E.B. Morgan House, with seven guestrooms; Rowland House, with 10 guestrooms; and the brand-new Zabriskie House, with 11 guestrooms. Each house comes with private firepit, lakefront area and dock access, in-residence washer and dryer, and access to kayaks, paddleboards, yoga kits, lawn games, picnic blankets, binoculars, art kits and more. A dedicated innkeeper/concierge will help organize activities like visits to area hiking and biking trails, wineries and historic sites, and can arrange for add-ons like private chefs and grocery stocking services. Rates start at $1,500 per night.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Easily accessible from both Hilton Head and Savannah, this Montage resort (which is re-opening June 4th with a new set of health and safety protocols) is set within the 20,000 acre Palmetto Bluff community, surrounded by miles of riverfront, woodland and marshland—offering easy access to activities like biking, boat rides, golf, walking under cover of ancient oak trees, and kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding through bird sanctuaries. Set up like a small town, complete with central square, the resort is also ideal for guests who want to keep their distance, as the accommodation options include both two-bedroom resort cottages and larger private residences with two- to five-bedrooms, fully-equipped kitchens and other facilities that make it easy to stay put. Cottage rates start at $950 per night, residences start at $1,300 per night.
Sea Island
