Summer is upon us. The kids are at sleep away, traveling, or Grandma and Grandpa have been sweet enough to offer to watch the tots for a night or two (gotta love em). You are finally being granted the wish you have been fantasizing about all year, some much needed alone time with your man. And that brings us to the task of figuring out where. ...Somewhere you can be chill, not too far, but still luxe.
Can anyone say second honeymoon?!!
Not to worry. We’ve done some recon work and came up with a few options, all within 3 hours. Now make those reservations, and get that much needed R&R.
Just a hop across the Tappan Zee
Check out the cozy Inn at Bedford Post, the 8 room luxury inn designed by Carey Lowel (wife of Richard Gere) in picturesque Bedford, New York. Choose your room layout when you book - most have fireplaces, some have terraces and all have sinfully soft Frette linens to ensure you sleep like a baby. Rise and shine to in-house Yoga at the Loft. Wait, is that the smell of fresh baked bread in the air or a meditation gone too far? No, you’re not dreaming. There is also a fully operable bakery on the premises open daily. At days end, unwind at the Inn’s award winning Farmhouse restaurant featuring a contemporary American menu. Don’t pinch yourself too hard, you may wake up.
Bedford Post Inn
Bedford, NY
(914) 234-7800
Rooms from $350/night
A one hour cruise on the Garden State
You’re finally getting that weekend away and mellow is just not your scene. Wanna kick it up and live like the hipster you, ahem, used to be? Book a room at Long Branch’s Bungalow Hotel. This stylish, boutique hotel is as close as you are going to get to Miami within an earshot of Bergen. All rooms are oversized with ipod docks, flat screens and include kitchenettes and fireplaces. Guests have access to LeClub Beach Club, a private beach and pool club, for a nominal fee and can grab a massage at nearby Aquamedicaspa. Dine at Long Branch’s Avenue restaurant featuring some of the best French cuisine down the shore. Now who said Jersey wasn’t chic?
Bungalow
Long Branch, NJ
(732) 229-3700
Rooms from $450/night
Jump the Pennsylvania Border
We know the Poconos conjures up images of campy family reunions where roughing it is just “so fun”. But there is one respite in this sea of camp lodges and bungalows - The Lodge at Woodloch - A destination spa. To call it a lodge is really a misnomer. Besides being built from wood and having wood beams, there is only one other lodge-like quality of this destination spa-it’s so quiet. You will get the most restful sleep you’ve ever had. In addition to the obvious spa services such as massages, facials and body treatments, the Lodge offers hiking, biking and kayaking. The spa’s Tree restaurant features delicious healthy meals that won’t leave you longing for a second dinner. Oh, and the restaurant serves wine too, so order yourself that glass of vino and really unwind.
The Lodge at Woodloch
Hawley, PA (2.5 hour drive)
866-953-8500
Rooms from $249
Just Head East
Hamptons overdone? No, it’s still fabulous. And worth the traffic on Route 27. Or go at an off-time and cut your drive in half. Book a cottage at the tony Reform Club in Amagansett for a beachy, chic vibe. The beautiful shingled traditional inn features some of the nicest rooms on the east end. With Duxiana beds (yes, we’ve always wanted to try one too), fireplaces, and oversized marble baths, you will not miss the comforts of your own home. Beckon the 24 hour concierge and get your beach passes for the Amagansett dunes. Once you’ve gotten your tan on, hail a ride on the shuttle and hit Nick and Toni’s or Navy Beach for dinner and a scene.
The Reform Club
Amagansett, NY (2.5 hour drive off hours)
631-267-8500
Suites from $1500
C’mon mama, just get a room already!
