Leef Peeping at Luxury Hotels this Fall

FOLIAGE FOR FOODIES

Twin Farms - Barnard, VT

Situated on 300 acres of lush meadowlands in Barnard, Vermont, Twin Farms provides the ultimate fall escape for foodie lovers. Executive Chef Nathan Rich heads up the incredibly culinary program where guests forgo menus and trust chef and his team to exceed their culinary expectations with specially curated meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cuisine reflects the changing seasons, inspired by Vermont's finest produce, and Twin Farms' estate-grown herbs, fruits and vegetables.

The all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux property and only five-star resort in Vermont features twenty distinctive lodgings that features king-size feather beds and sitting areas with wood-burning fireplaces that open onto screened porches. Whimsical cottages are tucked away in the property's secluded woodlands. The property also offers a fitness center, Japanese-style soaking tub (Furo) and The Bridge House Spa.

White Barn Inn - Kennebunkport, ME

Fall is an exciting time in New England and White Barn Inn offers more than just views of beautiful foliage. Known for its lobster, the property offers foodies the experience of a lifetime as they bike through the Maine foliage during the Crustacean Crawl. Chef Derek Bissonnette, who was just appointed executive chef, meets guests on property before departing on the Inn's bikes for a leisurely 6 mile tour. First stop is at the local marina where they meet Chef's trusted fishermen for a guided lesson on selecting the best lobster, which will be cooked for dinner at White Barn Inn Restaurant that evening. Next, Chef brings his guests to sample the best of Kennebunk's crustacean creations at locations somewhat unknown to tourists - his personal favorite locales. The experience culminates with a full multi-course dinner - either 4 or 9 prix fixed courses - in the acclaimed White Barn Inn Restaurant, featuring, of course, the chosen lobster.

ISLAND PEEPING

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort - Nantucket, MA

Shoulder season is stunning on Nantucket with it's sweeping beaches and weatherbeaten facades. The blustery island spirit and its colonial heritage appeals to both sea- and scene-loving urbanites (and the swanky retailers and restaurateurs who cater to them) but there's also the island's romantic beautiful dunes and moors which in fall feel almost as remote as they must have a century or four ago. This fall The Nantucket unveils its ‘Art of Cabin Fever' package that is focused on bringing the mind & body together through a cozy hunker down and hibernation program. The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is the island's only all-season destination resort owned by husband and wife team Gwenn and Mark Snider. Nestled in the heart of the island within walking distances of beaches, shopping and restaurants, The Nantucket is a host of wellness and active/outdoor fall/winter activities.

Mission Point Resort- Mackinac Island, MI

Set on 18 acres of lakefront property on the east end where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, lies the 239 room Mission Point Resort. Enjoy the vibrant fall colors before the resort closes for the season in mid-October on the sweeping lawn dotted with Adirondack chairs, which is the centerpiece of the property. Start off the day with Mission Point's Sun-Up Session, a true Mackinac experience and the best way to view the foliage while taking in the sunrise over Lake Huron, from either high up on the bluffs overlooking the lake or from the shoreline where the waves lap gently on the rocks. Following the sunrise, return to Mission Point where blankets are laid out on the sweeping front lawn so guests may relax and enjoy the first part of the new day eating a variety of locally sourced & house-created breakfast specialties, including: whitefish benedict, house-made croissants with artisinal lavender and Michigan Peach jam, maple-syrup glazed bacon, local apple,peach, and pear salad, and steaming Michigan roasted coffee. Optional yoga following on the Courtside Patio.

ROOFTOP PEEPING

The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester - Westchester, NY

Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester is the perfect fall getaway, whether for a short overnight stay for those traveling from New York City or a long weekend escape. Combining modern luxury with timeless sophistication, the hotel offers award winning dining at BLT Steak and 42 The Restaurant, the largest spa in Westchester County, state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor rooftop pool perfect for checking out the fall foliage from indoors. An abundance of activities ideal for fall are just a short distance away from the property such as apple picking, nearby historic mansions, farmers markets, and parks to picnic and watch the leaves change.

Vanderbilt Grace - Newport, RI

Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt in 1909, Vanderbilt Grace is a vintage Newport mansion that has been restored to its former glory and today operates as a 33 room luxury hotel. For amazing views of the famed New England foliage, Vanderbilt Grace's roof deck is open for cocktails and light bites while overlooking the entire Newport harbor. Catch the vibrant fall foliage with breathtaking views of the city and waterfront. Additionally, the property offers award-winning cuisine, lavish spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and lies just minutes from the waterfront and many cultural attractions of Newport.

FOREST BATHING PEEPING

L'Auberge de Sedona - Sedona, AZ

L'Auberge de Sedona has recently introduced an expert-led Forest Bathing program, designed to help guests connect with nature on a greater level by inviting them to experience their surroundings in new ways. An ideal activity to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in Sedona, this wellness destination is nestled within the enchanting Red Rocks of Sedona, Ariz., the property has long been a destination sought after for the naturally healing benefits of its environment. Forest Bathing, also know as “Shinrin-Yoku,” draws on the traditions of mindfulness and is rooted in a range of transcultural practices that recognize the benefits that time in nature can have a positive and healing effect on human health and happiness. Guests will find a true sense of connection with the earth that will not only deepen their relationship with nature, but with themselves as well. From healing invitations, to practicing gratitude - L'Auberge de Sedona's creekside location provides the perfect arena for guests to take a step back and re-connect with the earth and themselves. Guests will be led by certified forest bathing experts at the resort on a gentle, guided walk along the Oak Creek, that will support well-being through sensory immersion in the naturally healing environment. This service is offered complimentary to guests each week, or private sessions can be scheduled, starting at $195 per session.

Mayflower Grace - Washington, CT

Nestled on 58 acres of gardens and woodlands lies the 30-room property, known for its award winning 20,000 sq. ft. spa. The spa just introduced Forest Bathing (or Shinrin-yoku) which promotes health and wellness by integrating the natural outdoor world with the mindful practice of present moment hiking by engaging all the senses (sight, smell, sound, etc.) There is no better time to enjoy Forest Bathing than the fall, when the beautiful foliage is at its peak and forest bather's can truly embrace the changing leaves and colors. Studies have shown Forest Bathing can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels as well as boost immunity. Deepen yourself in the present moment while embracing the mind, body, spirit and soul connection in nature and experience the healing effects that only a “bath” in nature can provide. At Mayflower Grace, guests can experience Forest Bathing for 2 hours for $110 or $80/person if there are 2 ore more people.

PICNIC PEEPING

Sips & Saddles at Toll House Hotel - Los Gatos,CA

Enjoy the picturesque fall foliage with vino and adventure at Toll House Hotel. Enjoy a scenic horseback ride just 25 minutes from downtown San Jose in the Saratoga foothills and sip on some of the finest wines in the country. Enjoy a guided horseback ride through Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards and the Fremont Older Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserve on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains facing San Jose. Our trails wander through vineyards and oak chaparral forests teeming with wildlife. Garrod Farms, at a thousand-foot elevation, features spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and Santa Clara Valley. The esteemed winery's label recalls glorious apricot and prune blossoms, which enhanced spring views from the location's hillside early in the previous century. Since 1972, aging orchards have been replaced with grapes, which thrive in this microclimate. Package Includes:

- Scenic horseback ride (approx. 90 minutes)
- 5-flight wine tasting
- Room accommodations
- Rates starting from $457 per night. Taxes and fees are additional. Other restrictions may apply.

The Lodge at Glendorn - Bradford, PA

Situated in picturesque Northwest Pennsylvania along the Allegheny National Forest, The Lodge at Glendorn provides 16 private accommodations and an abundance of custom experiences for each guest to have a one-of-a-kind fall weekend. Spend an afternoon apple picking then enjoy a picnic looking out over the vibrant fall colors complete with freshly made warm apple cider and gourmet treats from the culinary team. Fish for trout along Glendorn's private brooks, streams and lakes where guests can even learn how to cook their catch with Executive Chef Joe Schafer. Surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, The Lodge at Glendorn provides an ideal setting for taking in the beautiful fall foliage.

The Ivy Hotel - Baltimore, MD

The Ivy Hotel opened in June 2015, as the premiere luxury hotel in Baltimore's historic Mt. Vernon neighborhood. The Ivy is located just a short distance away from some of Baltimore's most beautiful parks, which are perfect for enjoying the beautiful foliage this fall. Guests can head to Oregon Ridge Park or Robert E Lee Park and nature trail just outside of the city in The Ivy's antique black London taxi house car equipped with packed meals to go from Magdalena, the hotel's fine dining bistro. The Ivy's eighteen guest accommodations – 9 suites and 9 rooms - each have a fireplace, a wonderful private bathroom, and are each a bit different. Some have balconies, and others, easy access to the boutique Ivy spa, where all treatments are customized. The Ivy experience is like staying in the magnificent private home this historic brownstone mansion once was.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City - Washington, DC

Located in Arlington, Virginia, The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is just a quick Metro ride to the heart of Washington, DC and their beautiful parks such as The National Zoo and East Potomac Park. Alternatively, guests can take a quick fifteen-minute drive to Founders Park if they would like to remain in Virginia for a foliage drive. Picnic in the park with a basket packed by The Ritz-Carlton including favorites such as a charcuterie plate with organic, local, in-house made jams, bottled water, a bottle of wine, granola bars made by Chef Steven Sechoka, and a specially monogrammed picnic blanket. Baskets are priced at $99.

PHOTOGENIC HOTELS

Capture the Color at L'Auberge de Sedona - Sedona, AZ (pictured at top)

Each year, seasonal travelers fall in love with Sedona as the foliage of Oak Creek Canyon changes from the green of summer to the yellow, gold and red of Autumn. This fall, guests of L'Auberge de Sedona can experience the fall foliage set amongst the enchanting Red Rocks with the Capture the Color Package. Guests who choose to Capture the Color at L'Auberge will receive a Selfie Stick to capture seasonal moments set amongst the inspirational beauty of fall foliage, a $150 resort credit and a bottle champagne to toast to their stay and their first selfie stick snapshot. Guests can easily access views of foliage throughout the property, on the many great hiking trails that Sedona offers or on a scenic drive though Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A. Given its moderate temperatures and beauty, Sedona is perfect for viewing and photographing the canyon walls and plateau of the Coconino National Forest in all their autumnal glory.

San Diego Bay Photography Walking Tour at Manchester Grand Hyatt - San Diego, CA

Grand Hyatt San Diego has partnered with world-renowned photographer, Aaron Chang and created a one-of-a-kind photography walking tour and package of the San Diego Bay that will get visitors up close and personal with the fall foliage and some of San Diego's top attractions like The Star of India, The Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Coronado Island and more. Upon check-in, guests will receive their photo walking tour map of San Diego's waterfront. At each stop on the map, Aaron and his team have created “how-to” videos for guests, detailing his expert tips and tricks to get the best shots of each destination. Everyone from novice photographers with an iPhone to those with professional camera can enjoy and benefit from the unique and fun experience.

Grace Hotels Polaroid Program

Grace Hotels is rolling out a Polaroid program in their suites brandwide, offering complimentary use of refurbished (i.e. Original!) Polaroid cameras and one complimentary roll of film during their stay - allowing them to capture the beautiful fall foliage around their 3 New England Hotels - White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, ME, Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, RI and Mayflower Grace in Washington, CT. For guests not staying in suites, Polaroid cameras will be available for use with the purchase of a roll of film at the front desk. Guests are encouraged to take pictures with the Polaroids of their time on property as well as upload the pictures to their social channels with the hashtag #GracePolaroid.