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Fall is a perfect season for luxury travel – the weather is temperate almost everywhere in the world, and the fall foliage can make for stunning scenery. Whether you’re looking for a rustic hideaway or a sophisticated city vacation, there are lots of great options. After talking with travel experts and well-traveled friends, we’ve curated a list of 9 of the best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico. For even more ideas, have a look at our top picks for luxury travel in September, October and November. And don’t forget about Shelter Island!

what are the best new luxury travel destinations for the Fall season this year?

As the weather turns, many of us just want to get into warm clothes and cuddle up under a blanket on our couch. But fall is a great time to travel! And you won’t be alone. Over 60% of Americans said they plan to travel this fall, compared with 54 percent of respondents in 2021, according to TripAdvisor which surveyed 2,700 travelers in six countries. Brian Hoyt, a spokesman for TripAdvisor, said, “Travel is not going to be one of those things that they pull back on. They’re still going to travel even knowing that they’re going to spend more than the year before.”

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Whether you want to truly experience the peak of fall foliage or you are already to escape somewhere warmer there are plenty of great places to escape. Here are a few places, all over the country, (and one out of the country) that would guarantee you a great fall excursion, even if its just for the weekend. 

9 best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season this year

1. The Alida in Savannah, Georgia

The Alida, Savannah’s award-winning riverfront boutique hotel, has some great fall packages. “It is located in the heart of Savannah’s bustling entertainment district, and we always look to match the vibe of the neighborhood by keeping things fresh and fun at the hotel,” said Michael O’Shaughnessy, area general manager. From parties under the full moon to hauntingly good room packages, The Alida offers a social calendar as full as its drinks at The Lost Square.

Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

Some of the special events and guest packages you’ll find this fall include:

 Wine Crush Weekends – The Alida’s Wine Crush Weekend series will take place at The Lost Square from 2-6 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Guests can enjoy wine and food specials while taking in the stunning views of the Savannah River.

Sparkling Hour at Rhett – Every Monday through Thursday from 5-7 p.m. guests can enjoy an $8 glass of sparkling Brut in the lounge or bar. A variety of Southern costal favorites including oysters and mushroom tartine are available to order at a discounted price.

Full Moon Parties – The fun doesn’t stop after dark. Sip spirits under the full moon at The Lost Square from 8-10 p.m. with a series of celebrations that include lively music and creative cocktails. Upcoming dates include: October 9, November 8 and December 7.

2. Pebble Beach Resorts in Monterey County, California

If you’d rather be in a warmer location this fall, then Pebble Beach Resorts in Monterey County is where to go.

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico. Courtesy Photo.

You’ll still see those gorgeous fall colors – but without having to wear gloves and a hat! If you want to see some leaves and butterflies(!) check out Pebble Beach Resorts’ 17-Mile Drive. Then you can head to the eucalyptus grove in nearby Pacific Grove each October to see clusters of butterflies creating a stunning autumn effect.

3. Fairmont Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico is always near the top of our list for the best luxury vacation destinations. If you’re looking to experience the newest luxury resort there, head to the Fairmont Mayakoba, which just had a multi-million dollar renovation and debuted its new beach club, Maykana. The property features five food and beverage areas, rooftop pools, large terraces, private cabanas, fire pits and more. Oh my!

best luxury travel escapes Fall
Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

Plus you can take boat excursions in the resort’s crystal-clear canals with tropical animal sightings. You can take bike rides through Mayakoba’s 5-mile bike and walking trail. Maybe participate in water activities, take a day trip to Cenote or take a little spa break at the Willow Stream Spa. 

4. Hotel Lilien in Tannersville, NY

Hotel Lilien is a brand new hotel in the Catskills, which has seen a huge revival in the past few years. Located in Tannersville, NY, Hotel Lilien is an 18-room boutique hotel, bar, and lounge located in an 1890’s estate, renovated and redesigned in 2022. You will want to spend hours in the library outfitted with hand-picked Victorian antiques and all your literary desires. 

Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

In addition to the eclectic design of the hotel this property is quite unique as it offers a Artist-in-Residence program showcasing rotating works from local makers. If you want to venture off the property there are nature hikes led by Hotel Lilien’s resident New York state-licensed nature guide. And in the winter you are only minutes from Hunter Mountain’s ski slopes, hiking trails, and summer zip-line. You’re only 8 minutes from hiking at Kaaterskill Falls. 6 minutes from the 178-acre Mountain Top Arboretum. And just a little bit away from downtown Tannersville. Where do we sign up?!

The hotel opened for weekend bookings in August and officially opens in November. 

5. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge

And while we are on a Catskills kick you may as well check out Scribner’s, the iconic Catskills lodge. This place always has the goods for fall. It was pretty much created for you to wear flannels and hats and take photos. They have something extra special going on this fall! Starting on October 7th, guests can experience The Citizenry’s collection of handcrafted luxuries in one of the signature rooms fully outfitted with the brand’s iconic designs. From cozying up by the fire to adventuring in the Catskills mountains, this retreat invites you to take in the natural beauty and calm of the season.

Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

Products will also be available for purchase in the hotel gift shop as part of the collaboration. But it gets better! Guests will leave with a set of The Citizenry’s linen bedding for them to enjoy the luxury at home. 

6. The Abbey Inn & Spa in Westchester County, NY

OK it is now time to get your official leaf peepin’ on. The Abbey Inn & Spa’s Leaf Peepers package is absolutely ideal if all you want is that beautiful fall foliage.

Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

You can catch the late afternoon fall light at Croton Gorge Park in Cortlandt. It is an easy two-mile hike that includes gorgeous vistas of the New Croton Dam and its autumnal color palette. Follow that with a quick 3-mile bike ride from Croton Gorge Park to Thompson’s Cider Mill for a sampling of freshly pressed old-fashioned apple cider. Other locally crafted spots to try while in Westchester include Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, Wolf & Warrior Brewing Company and Hardscrabble Cider.

7. The Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, New York

Nothing says fall quite like the Adirondacks. The luxury mountain retreat is the perfect place to watch the seasons change. It is right near popular hiking destinations like High Falls Gorge, Whiteface Landing, Catamount Mountain and Whiteface Mountain. If leaves aren’t your thing, then check out The Spa.They have some major fall specials – a Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Facial or a Pumpkin Latte Hydrating Wrap.

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico. Courtesy Photo.

After exploring the mountains, explore the Lake Placid Craft Beer Trail. You could then head to the Big Slide Brewery & Public House, which has its own fermentation room for sour and wild-fermented beers. Lake Placid Pub & Brewery is home to the famous English-style Ubu Ale, and the Great Adirondack Brewing Company, which won silver at the World Beer Cup for its Whiteface Stout.

8. The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa in Burlington, VT

If you are a beer fan, and you want to keep the spirit of fall Oktoberfest alive, then The Essex’s Bed & Brew Vermont Beer Trail package is for you.

Fall travel luxury escapes this year. Courtesy Photo.

You can check out The Burlington Greenway for all the foliage or the Burlington Beer Co., a short drive from the resort. There are plenty of other Burlington breweries to consider. There are Zero Gravity Craft Brewery, Foam Brewers, Queen City Brewing, and Switchback Brewing Company.

9. Hotel Selina in Chelsea, New York City

Or perhaps you want to be in the greatest city on earth in the fall? According to a new study by Bounce, New York was revealed as the 7th best city for an autumn getaway.

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico

The best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico. Courtesy Photo.

Hotel Selina in Chelsea is the perfect boutique hotel to escape and see the sights. Selina is one of the world’s largest hospitality brands. It is built to address the needs of millennial and Gen Z travelers, blending beautifully designed accommodation with coworking, recreation, wellness,and local experiences. Founded in 2014, each Selina property-they have locations all over the world. It is designed in partnership with local artists, creators, and tastemakers, breathing new life into existing buildings in interesting locations around the world. The hotel has weekly happy hours and events happening all the time on its lovely rooftop. There are also plenty of cozy, quiet corners to get your work done. 

best luxury travel escapes for the Fall season this year

That’s our take on the best new romantic luxury travel escapes for the Fall season, both in the U.S. and Mexico, perfect for couples, families and adventure. Which one sounds best to you?

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Meredith Lepore

Meredith Lepore is a travel and luxury writer and editor whose work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, InStyle.com, Marie Claire, Self and more. She’s visited many top hotels and restaurants (although she’s still waiting on that private jet ride, which she insists would help her get over her fear of flying.) Her personal definition of luxury is Doritos and The Gilmore Girls, plus the occasional meal at Per Se. Meredith resides in New York City with her Yorkie, Otis; her preferred home décor vibe channels Valley of the Dolls.