weekend getaways for couples
Hi friends! How are you?? How’s the day? Hope you’re having a wonderful week. Thank you so much for all of your beautiful and amazing comments on my last family page post. I’m writing back to them right now — thank you so much to everyone for reading and chiming in. I hope you know how much I appreciate you all. It’s nice to hear we’re all in this together. <3
It’s another hot day over here, so I’m excited to take the girls swimming, and am taking the day off from the gym. I hope you have a happy Thursday!
Weekend Getaways for Couples
Today, I thought it would be fun to talk about weekend getaways for couples. The summer travel bug is definitely kicking in, and I’m and starting to look at some fun things we can do as a family, as well as a weekend getaway for the two of us. Let’s just all go on a virtual vacation together, k?
Here are some of my favorite weekend getaway spots for couples! I’d love to hear about your faves, too, or any suggestions I’m missing from the spots below.
Canyon Ranch in Tucson
This is the perfect wellness-focused getaway for an active couple. Even if you or your partner aren’t super into fitness, put on your spa pants and enjoy the exquisite scenery, relaxation, and spa treatments. I’m a huge fan of Canyon Ranch in general, and love that they promote overall wellness and health. The schedule is packed with health lectures, fitness classes, meditation and mind-body classes, and the food is healthy and delicious. The only bummer: no alcohol, but… um a little bird told me you can sneak it in your suitcase and enjoy it on your patio.
Tips: Don’t go too crazy on the fitness classes the first day, or you won’t be able to walk the rest of the time. I recommend balancing your schedule between gentle exercise (guided walks or hikes, yoga, Pilates, stretch), spa treatments, relaxation (the eucalyptus steam room and the hot tubs are amazing), lectures, and more intense workouts (including strength, cardio, dance, HIIT, treadmill, and aerobics). Extra tip: while there is fruit and trail mix available for snacks, the dining rooms are only open for *real* meal times. I’d ask for a snack to pack up during one of my meals, or take a juice or some extra gluten-free chocolate chip cookies to go.
Las Vegas
We lovingly refer to Vegas as the dirty Adult Disneyland haha. It has a mix of everything you might want, including live shows, clubbing, shopping, restaurants, and of course, gambling.
What to eat: ALLTHETHINGS. There are so many great restaurants in Vegas, but some of our very favorites include Mon Ami Gabi for brunch (get the mimosas and any of their eggs benedict variations), the caviar bar in the Bellagio (amazing cheese boards), Craft Steak at MGM, and Tao at the Venetian.
Where to stay: there are a lot of new, beautiful hotels that we haven’t fully explored yet. We usually stay at the Bellagio and it’s our favorite. It has that old Vegas charm, but has been kept up nicely over the years.
Jacksonville, FL
What to eat: we would usually eat on the street right by One Ocean, but haven’t ventured too far away yet. If you know of any amazing Jacksonville restaurants, please let me know!
Where to stay: One Ocean. It’s been years since we’ve stayed at this charming boutique hotel on the beach, but we’ll definitely make another trip now that we’re here, and report back!
Extras: Jacksonville has a lot of great yoga classes! MBody was my very favorite last time we were there, because they opened the door during savasana and you could hear the waves crash. So peaceful and perfect. I also loved classes at Bikram of Jacksonville with Rob, but a reader friend told me it’s currently under construction.
San Diego, CA
What to eat: so many good spots!! Favorite date night spots are here, as well as the best in Point Loma, La Jolla, and Ocean Beach.
Where to stay: Hotel del Corondao. If you’re going to do it, do it. This hotel is so famous for a reason; the property is expansive, right on their own private beach, and luxurious. The rooms are elegant, and they offer so many amenities, like spin classes on the beach, ice skating during the winter, and delicious food. We’ve been fortunate to stay at the Del a couple of times; recaps are here and here.
There are also tons of Airbnbs in La Jolla and on Mission Bay, which would be a great option if you’re traveling with family, or meeting up with friends.
NYC
NYC will always have a piece of my heart, and it’s one of my very favorite places to visit. The great news is that you can spend as much time there, or as little as you’d like, and still have many opportunities to enjoy art, culture, history, boutique fitness, and cuisine. I’m hoping that now we’re back on the east coast we’ll make our way there. I’d love to catch any of the new shows (what are some favorites right now?? you know, besides Hamilton, which I NEED to see), and check out some of the newer restaurants.
I’ve stayed at a few amazing hotels in NYC, but my very fave is the Plaza.
Sedona, AZ
Sedona is surrounded by picturesque red rocks, and is ideal for outdoor adventures, hiking, local restaurants, and healthy cafes. I recommend checking out Tlaquepaque village for local goods, art, and food. Sedona is located in between 4 energy vortexes, and I’m convinced you can feel the energy while you’re there. I feel peaceful and energized! Due to its location, you’ll also find a lot of psychics, crystals and Reiki.
Where to stay: L’Auberge de Sedona is one of my all-time favorite hotels. The cottages are located right on the creek, and they’re dedicated to using local ingredients in their food, as well as their spa treatments. One of my recaps of the property is here.
Palm Springs, CA
What to eat: there are a lot of great restaurants. We particularly love Lulu’s for casual and delicious eats, the homemade ice cream at ARRIVE, and breakfast at Cheeky’s. Workshop Kitchen + Bar is supposed to be fantastic, but make sure to get reservations in advance.
Where to stay: an AirBNB with a pool. I’ve stayed at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas (the lazy river is AWESOME if you’re bringing the kiddos) and at a Hilton vacation club. The vacation club was fantastic, and many of my friends also recommend renting a house (through Airbnb or Flipkey) for the weekend so you can lounge by the pool all day and head downtown at night.
The Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, VA
This is for a couple who just wants to get away and relax. This boutique hotel is small, charming, and the cottages are gorgeous. We were greeted with hot beignets and coffee every morning, and the scenery is magical. We went here for a wedding, but would go back in a heartbeat. I have a small recap here, and the property is secluded and lush with greenery. Since there isn’t a ton in the area -I remember the downtown area being small but very unique and cute- I’d recommend wearing a cushy bathrobe all weekend, enjoying spa treatments, and ordering room service.
On our must-visit list:
Miraval Resort in Tucson. My brother Kyle is the Executive Sous Chef at Miraval, so naturally, we need to stay on property eventually and check it out. I’ve heard incredible things about Miraval, and know it’s something we’d love.
Denver, CO. I’ve only been to the Denver airport, but somehow I feel like it would be somewhere I’d love. I know it’s packed with fitness options and healthy restaurants, plus the scenery looks so beautiful.
Wine Country. Can you believe with my obsession with wine, and the fact that I’ve been to San Francisco a handful of times, I’ve never made it up to wine country? We were planning a trip for one of my birthdays, but it ended up falling through. I know we’ll make it up there one of these days!
Blackberry Farm, TN. This one is fairly close to us, and the resort looks insane. Has anyone been?!
So, tell me friends: what are some of your favorite weekend getaways for couples? Any suggestions for the spots I mentioned above? If you could go anywhere this weekend, where would you go?? I ask to go back to Positano every day.
xoxo
Gina
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Omni Resort – Amelia Island, FL!
oh we’ll have to check that out!! it’s so close!
I’m headed there for a conference at the end of June! So excited!
I came to comment the same thing! Just spent the weekend there, loved it!
I came to comment the same thing! Just spent the weekend there, loved it!
Such great ideas! I’m trying to think of somewhere to surprise my husband with for his birthday since it’s right after our son turns one, which seems like a good time to go. Now I’m thinking maybe Sedona, that looks beautiful!
oh my gosh, you would LOVE sedona
I really want to go to Sedona after seeing your posts! We love Monterey for a weekend getaway out here in CA. The Monterey/Pacific Grove/Carmel area is one of the most beautiful places in CA!
You would love Denver! So many fun fitness and healthy eating options and just a short drive to the mountains for hiking, kayaking, skiing, rafting, etc.
There is SO MUCH to do in Denver! It is the perfect mix of fitness (there are literally gyms/studios/trails everywhere), scenery, and delicious food/bevs!
I went to Blackberry Farms last Thanksgiving and it was maybe the most beautiful places I’ve been. The foliage was incredible and the staff was top notch. My favorite part was sitting in the main house drinking (really good) coffee and reading. Also, the massage was great 🙂
Loved this post, Gina! I live in Florida but never ever imagined going to Jacksonville for a getaway. Thank you!
The hubs and I are fans of Vegas for a quick couples getaway. I have been in AZ my whole life and have never actually been to Sedona, I probably need to make that happen.
I’ve been to Miraval a handful of times and it’s great! Super relaxing – great for a couples getaway 🙂 That’s AWESOME your brother is sous chef there – I always love the food. I did an ayurvedic massage there and it was next-level!
so happy to hear you liked it!
This isn’t exactly a weekend getaway but this summer my husband and I are (finally) doing our honeymoon – a trip up the California coast from LA to San Francisco. I tend to like outdoors/relaxing vacations and my husband really likes the city, so we decided on this trip because we can do a bit of both. It’s been a rough year for us, so I’m soooo excited to spend some time adventuring together.
I’ve been to Denver, but only in the central part of the city for a conference. I loved the botanical gardens there and there’s a lot of good food, and I’d love to go back for a real getaway so I could visit some more of the outdoorsy attractions outside of town.
This summer we’re moving and I made a list of driveable or easily flyable weekend getaways – we’re planning on visiting Minneapolis and Chicago from our new location.
I lived in Tucson for 10 yrs and never once made it to Miraval. Would love to go someday!
I was reading through and so surprised not to see wine country…until I got to the very bottom 😉 You must go…it is totally perfect for a couple’s getaway or a girls’ weekend! Bungalows 313 in Sonoma is great, and I had awesome luck with Platypus Tours in both Sonoma and Napa (no one needs to be driving and tasting!)
ok, this needs to happen
Some favorites — Hilton Head Island; Charleston; Charlottesville; Portland, ME
ALso 30A beaches – Rosemary Beach especially.
I told your hubby this when he was here at DM and I knew you guys were moving to Valdosta, but you have to visit St. Augustine, Florida. It is super cute and reminded me of Savannah, but it didn’t feel as sticky, sweaty hot. We stayed at a cute B&B there called the Inn on Charlotte, which had yummy breakfast and was walkable to the downtown stuff. Also, since you like sangria and guacamole, you have to eat lunch at Casa Maya which is right in the middle of the adorable historic downtown. Best guac we’ve ever eaten, hands down! Seriously, it’s not THAT far from Vdizzle, and they have the beach driving distance away from downtown as well as a cool fort that your girls will probably think is cool too if you took them. It is a super cute town and a romantic weekend getaway you will both love!
ok we need to check out all of these. thank you!!!
Girl! Get your tail up to Hilton Head Island SC and Charleston SC for coastal. And then Greenville SC for Upstate SC! Y’all will love it all!
ok happening. one of my best friends is in greenville, so i’d love to go visit!
Yes! Please let us know because I’d love to meet you at an OTF class 🙂
yay, i will!
Denver is great. Crawford Hotel is a great location in Union Station. I like Boulder even better and I love the Saint Julian Hotel and Spa! I also loved the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
Headed to Napa in 2 weeks with my boyfriend for a long weekend. So excited for our trip!
drink all the wine for me!
This is such a great guide! My husband and I were in San Diego for my sister’s wedding (my first time there), but I would love to go back and explore more.
https://jonandaudadventure.wordpress.com/
Awesome suggestions! I’m from the east coast and some of our favorite weekend getaways are the beaches in Delaware or the one of the national parks near us! Perfect to disconnect from the world and enjoy each other’s company!
Woohoo! Was going to say wine country better be on it! iM lucky I live in SF– we go to napa and sonoma all the time and we are heading to headlsburg for memorial day weekend!
ahhh i ‘m so jealous
Yes to Blackberry Farms! I’ve been there and it’s incredible. I think you would love it.
ahhhh we definitely need to check it out!
Hi Gina, I have now been reading your blog since 3ys+ and love it 🙂
I live in Jax (after living in LA and NYC) and love it. I would recommend checking out Orsay (French restaurant) either for dinner or for brunch (known as the best brunch in town!). There are a lot of good restaurants in Jax now, especially in the San Marco/Riverside area (Biscotti’s, Taverna, etc). One other restaurant to recommend is south of Jax, closer to St. Augustine, this is called Caps on the water, this is literally by the river, with oak trees and lights at night. The food is amazing as well as the cocktails and the venue 🙂
Hope I can meet you in person one day 🙂
Corinne
i will check out all of these! thank you so much!! and yes! maybe i can set up a yoga meetup or something fun when we go for the weekend
I’m always down for travel! I’ll be looking forward to seeing what your East coast recommendations are as you settle into life that way! PS Toats sending this to the hubby, we love to travel but often just forget to make plans… then we sit around like oh we should have gone to x
Since my husband and I live in Northern CA, we do alot of date “day trips.” along the coast.
Fun fact-The Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield, CA does a wine pairing/tasting with their Jelly Beans
Also, Reno/Tahoe is a great place for couples. Downtown Reno is gotten ALOT better and you.can.eat.all.the.things and it can be cheaper than Vegas!
These are some cool places to check out! Always down to a nice little getaway, this has definitely inspired me to plan something soon. Thanks for the share.
New Orleans! The other adult Disneyland 🙂
In Jacksonville, try Mambo’s Cuban! Yum. Been to Blackberry Farms for my husband’s holiday party and it was so lovely! Everything was planned events so I’m not sure about the amenities or restaurants but the resort and scenery are gorgeous!