From hidden getaways and world-class spas to exotic safari camps and around-the-world private jet tours, the Modern Luxury editorial team curates the ultimate list for luxury travel.
1. BEST NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
SONDER 907 MAIN
The restored 1867 brick exterior houses a sleek and modern interior complete with a 3,000 square-foot enclosed courtyard. Two onsite restaurants and king size beds in every room make this boutique hotel a welcomed arrival. 907 Main St., Cambridge, sonder.com
2. BEST HOTEL, GENERAL EXCELLENCE
THE NEWBURY
From the wood-burning fireplaces in the large guest suites to dinner at the Ken Fulk-designed Contessa and drinks at the buzzy Street Bar to the central location and high-end amenities, The Newbury takes hotel life to new heights. 1 Newbury St., thenewburyboston.com
3. BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
THE WHITNEY
Nestled among the brownstones in Beacon Hill, The Whitney feels like an elevated home away from home. A welcoming, warm and handsome interior houses quietly luxurious guest rooms and a top notch restaurant where one can spot visiting A-list celebrities. 170 Charles St., whitneyhotelboston.com
4. BEST HOTEL, CAPE COD
CHATHAM BARS INN
The historic luxury hotel features a renovated spa with private outdoor cabanas, four restaurants that source produce from the inn’s eight-acre farm and beach cabanas complete with food and beverage service. Guests can also stay in cottages on a private beach or a three level beachfront home. 297 Shore Road, chathambarsinn.com
5. BEST NEW HOTEL
RAFFLES BOSTON
The storied Singapore luxury hospitality brand chose Boston for its first North American location, and brought with it a slice of internationally renowned elegance and sophistication to the Back Bay. 40 Trinity Place, raffles.com
6. BEST HOTEL, NANTUCKET
GREYDON HOUSE
It’s all in the details at the Greydon House. Thoughtful touches like custom beds and hand-painted tile mosaics make this the most stylish hotel on the island and the high-end amenities, excellent restaurant and ideal location make it the best. 17 Broad St., greydonhouse.com
7. BEST HOTEL, MARTHA’S VINEYARD
HARBOR VIEW HOTEL
This award-winning classic property underwent a renovation in 2020 bringing a contemporary glow-up to the old world elegance. Guests could spend their whole visit strolling the grounds or sitting by the pool, but the centralized location means easy access to all that the captivating island has to offer. 131 North Water St., Edgartown, harborviewhotel.com
8. BEST HOTEL, MAINE
THE CLIFF HOUSE
Perched on an ocean-side cliff, each of the 226 rooms has private terraces to relish the stunning views. But every inch of the property’s 70 acres is just as captivating from the outdoor pool to the 9,000 square-foot spa. 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, cliffhousemaine.com
9. BEST HOTEL, VERMONT
THE WOODSTOCK INN
The incredible spa and outdoor pool with food and beverage service makes this quintessential Vermont inn a destination in and of itself. But its location in the heart of charming Woodstock near hiking trails and ski slopes makes this a go-to place no matter the season. 14 The Green, Woodstock, Vt., woodstockinn.com
10. BEST HOTEL, THE BERKSHIRES
TOURISTS
The 46-room hotel set against the gorgeous green mountain backdrop reinvents the classic American motor lodge with a stylish and environmentally conscious design. The rooms feature high-vaulted ceilings and large windows with built-in daybeds to enjoy the vistas. And when it’s time to get outside there’s a heated saltwater pool and a 220-foot suspension bridge that leads to a 30-acre network of walking trails. 915 State Road, North Adams, touristswelcome.com
11. BEST HOTEL, RHODE ISLAND
THE OCEAN HOUSE
There is perhaps nothing better than enjoying champagne at sunset on the sprawling lawn of the Ocean House, the first and only five star resort in the state. The award-winning Relais and Chateaux property also unveiled their expanded Cottage Collection—renovated historic homes to book with access to all of the amenities offered at the resort. 1 Bluff Ave., Watch Hill, oceanhouseri.com
12. BEST GOLF RESORT
THE PRESERVE
Like a super luxurious camp for adults, this Rhode Island oasis offers experiences and amenities all year round for any type of imaginable activity. The 18-hole championship Mountain Course was designed by award-winning golf architect Robert McNeil and the Northeast Golf Company and stands as one of the most challenging, yet playable, courses in New England. 1 Preserve Blvd., Richmond, thepreserveri.com
13. BEST SKI RESORT
SPRUCE PEAK
The only slopeside ski-in ski-out resort at the base of Stowe mountain, Spruce Peak also keeps the good times rolling after the lifts shut down. Accommodations range from cozy studios to roomy penthouses, and there are restaurants, bars, shopping and even an ice rink all on the resort’s spacious grounds. 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vt., sprucepeak.com
14. BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTEL
BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL
Don’t let the grandeur fool you. Although luxurious enough for the most well-heeled traveler, the Boston Harbor Hotel’s proximity to the Children’s Museum, the Aquarium and Faneuil Hall make it an ideal spot for the whole brood. In the warmer months, spend the evening listening to live music or watching a film outside at the hotel’s movie nights. 70 Rowes Wharf, bostonharborhotel.com
15. BEST DOG FRIENDLY HOTEL
THE LIBERTY
This spot is so dog friendly they have a four-legged friend on staff, a golden retriever named Benny who is the Director of Pet Relations. Upon check in, dogs receive treats, a bed and bowls, and there are pet relief areas throughout the property. Benny also welcomes all his furry friends to weekly Yappier Hours on the patio in the summer months through the end of October. 215 Charles St., libertyhotel.com
16. BEST HOTEL POOL
THE COLONNADE
It’s not the actual pool that’s the allure, but everything that happens around it. There are cabanas you can rent, chairs to lounge on and drinks and snacks to consume, but it’s the people watching that keeps this rooftop pool at the top of the list. 120 Huntington Ave., colonnadehotel.com
17. BEST HOTEL BAR
ROOFTOP AT THE ENVOY
Beloved by hotel guests and locals alike, there is always a reason to climb to the Envoy’s rooftop bar. During the week, there is a lively afterwork crowd, the winter brings cozy igloos, and on evenings with a slight chill, there are glowing fire pits and built-in ceiling mounted heaters. The panoramic view of the city wows no matter the weather. 70 Sleeper St., theenvoyhotel.com
18. BEST CULINARY PROGRAM
THE WHITE BARN INN
The Forbes five-star restaurant serves travel-worthy dishes that showcase the farmers, fishermen and foragers of coastal Maine. In addition to decorative dinners in their iconic barn, the restaurant also hosts events throughout the year. This month, they welcome legendary Montreal culinary institution Joe Beef for an immersive weekend of food and wine. 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, Maine, aubergeresorts.com/whitebarninn
19. BEST HOTEL PROGRAMMING
THE WEQUASSETT RESORT & GOLF CLUB
There is always something happening at the Wequassett. From the supper club that features a rotating lineup of renowned chefs to lighthouse tours, clamming and stargazing. They also bring in incredible celebrity guests like a recent evening with Carla Hall and this summer’s residency with trainer-to- the-stars Isaac Boots. 2173 Head of the Bay Road, Route 28, Harwich, wequassett.com
20. BEST ECO FRIENDLY
THE ELIOT HOTEL
Although it looks classic from the outside, the Eliot Hotel actually takes quite a modern approach to sustainable hospitality. The property features mindful touches like ultra-low flow toilets and a strong recycling program. 370 Commonwealth Ave., eliothotel.com
21. BEST WORKOUT FACILITY
FOUR SEASONS, ONE DALTON
The newest Four Seasons has an entire wellness floor with a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with the latest Precor equipment, a 64-foot lap pool with large windows gazing down at the city below and a spa for post-workout facials and massages. 1 Dalton St., fourseasons.com
22. BEST ART PROGRAM
THE OMNI HOTEL AT THE SEAPORT
In their ever deepening commitment to the arts, the Omni Hotel at the Seaport has an artwork collection on the first, second, third and fifth floors on view 24/7. They also offer a package with the Museum of Fine Arts, have a sneaker gallery showcasing brands founded in Boston and they recently announced a music series at the jazz lounge at Kestra carefully selected by the hotel’s artist in-residence musician Will Dailey. 450 Summer St., omnihotels.com
23. BEST SKI MOUNTAIN
KILLINGTON MOUNTAIN
Seven distinct mountain areas make this the largest mountain in New England and the second highest at 4,241 feet. Skiers of all skill levels will find their perfect trail from the 1,977 skiable acres, including the Woodward Mountain Park that offers a variety of experiences and freestyle zones. And the dozen or so dining outlets make the aprés ski scene just as big. 4763 Killington Road, Killington, Vt., killington.com
24. BEST SPOT FOR LEAF PEEPING
OMNI MOUNT WASHINGTON RESORT
Enjoy the bright colors of the fall foliage from way up high at the Mount Washington Resort. Dare devils can sail through the trees on the resort’s nine zip lines or have their breath taken away by the views from the Skyway Gondola. Those who wish to stay on the ground can still enjoy stunning mountain views, cocktail in hand, at the Observatory Bar. 310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, N.H., omnihotels.com
25. BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
HIDDEN POND
Be as active or as idle as you please at Hidden Pond, nestled in 60 acres of forest just minutes from Goose Rocks beach. Enjoy biking, kayaking, hiking or any of the daily classes from painting to mixology. Or have a treatment at the treetop spa and curl up with a book in a bucolic cottage or bungalow. When hunger strikes, just amble down to the picturesque restaurant Earth for renowned farm-to-table cuisine. 354 Goose Rocks Road, Kennebunkport, Maine, hiddenpondmaine.com
26. BEST SPOT FOR A ROMANTIC WEEKEND
XV BEACON
Treat your honey to a weekend at XV Beacon where guest rooms have fireplaces, rainforest showers and soaking tubs. The pillow-top mattresses and cashmere throws will give you an excuse to spend the entire weekend in bed. If and when you do emerge, enjoy a dreamy dinner at the hotel’s upscale steakhouse Mooo..... 15 Beacon St., xvbeacon.com
27. BEST STAYCATION
ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR
Go to Vegas in just 10 minutes from the city center. Take a spin at the glamorous casino, go for a food and drink crawl through the over a dozen restaurants and bars, spend the afternoon at the 19,000 square-foot spa, take in a show at Mémoire, shop at the boutiques or stroll the grounds along the waterfront. 1 Broadway, Everett, encorebostonharbor.com
28. BEST WINTER GETAWAY
MOUNTAIN TOP RESORT
For those of us who don’t love to hit slopes, but still want to play in the snow, there’s the Mountain Top Resort which offers an abundance of outdoor activities from sleigh rides to cross country skiing, a sledding hill and snowshoeing. After all that action, unwind in the outdoor, year-round hot tub. 195 Mountain Top Road, Chittenden, Vt., mountaintopinn.com
29. BEST TRAVEL AGENT
JULIE PALO HAYES, SMARTFLYER
Feel like a VIP on a trip planned by Julie Palo Hayes who will ensure there is no snag, hiccup, or detail left unattended to. Her connection with full-service, luxury outlet SmartFlyer means personal relationships worldwide that grant upgrades, exclusive amenities and industry clout. smartflyer.com
30. BEST QUINTESSENTIAL BOSTON HOTEL
THE LENOX HOTEL
For those who have lived here for decades and for those who are visiting for the first time, the Lenox Hotel is the perfect base camp for experiencing the city. Its location in the heart of Back Bay makes all of Boston easily accessible by train or by foot, the holidays are made extra festive with the hotel’s iconic decor and during the marathon, they have a private viewing area right near the finish line. 61 Exeter St., lenoxhotel.com
31. BEST HOTEL GROUP
BLUE FLAG PARTNERS
Every travel need is catered to at Blue Flag Partners’ properties, including the modern Autocamp Cape Cod, historic Kelley House, luxurious Life House Nantucket and Faraway Nantucket. At these stunning, yet comforting escapes, experience exceptional hospitality, eye-catching interiors and more. blueflagpartners.com
Photography by: courtesy of brands
