Each autumn, travelers around the country journey to see the leaves changing color and to get into the spirit of the season. This month, Luxe Lavs contributors Angela Fairhurst and Natalie Compagno discovered four hotels where you can take in the changing season, savor oysters on the coast, and celebrate Halloween.
L’Auberge de Sedona in Sedona, Arizona
Set against the backdrop of the Red Rock region, guests of L’Auberge de Sedona can experience fall foliage throughout the property. They can also see the fall colors on the many great hiking trails in Sedona or on the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A. Sedona is ideal for viewing and photographing the beautiful canyon walls and plateau of the Coconino National Forest in autumn because of its moderate temperatures.
The property’s outdoor showers under the Sycamore trees only add to the experience. Each standalone cottage on the property comes with its own private cedar shower, and robes, slippers, and lush towels are provided.
The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans evokes history and ghosts no matter what time of year, which makes an October visit even better if you want to get “spooked.” At the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, you can make a haunted Jack O’Lantern out of gingerbread along with the hotel’s pastry chef—wandering spirit not included. This scary treat is available Saturday October 22, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Want something sweet, yet charmingly creepy? Bring your own tiny ghouls and goblins to the children’s tea where festive holiday snacks are served.
We appreciated the already gothic décor of the bathrooms—white marble with black vein drippings and low lighting. For an added bit of horror, head to the haunted library where you might find Miss Scarlett with the candlestick, or at least the board game!
Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah
Montage Deer Valley has autumn-themed packages, but our favorite is a Hot Air Balloon Ride with Park City Balloon Adventures. You and your partner can soar through the high altitude of Park City’s Aspens, gaining a bird’s-eye view of the Wasatch Mountains with champagne in hand.
Some of the residence’s bathrooms open to guests at Montage Deer Valley have large windows, which give you a chance to enjoy the fall view. The marbled bathrooms come complete with Turkish limestone heated floors, Italian marble countertops, and two enormous steam showers.
Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
What better way to experience fall than on a bike? If you stay at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, you can bike along the Cape Cod Rail Trail and smell the ocean, observe the fall foliage, and cruise by the famous cranberry bogs. Cranberry Harvest runs through October, and you can savor cranberry-flavored treats and attend OysterFest from October 15-16.
The quaint luxury property has a bathroom to match the New England charm. A large white wood vanity is prominent in the entry room, with two inviting bathroom suites. If you need a soak after the long bicycle ride, the oval tub has a book rack complete with a Cape Cod Natural Seashore book.
