Parents around the world could use a serious break. One without their kids. And that’s not in or near their house.
And while fathers obviously fall into the “parents” bucket, with Mother’s Day on its way, we decided to focus on escapes for moms who are ready to get together with their friends IRL—not just over Zoom cocktails. Not ready to travel yet? Half the fun is in the planning (or so they say).
Whether you’re looking for pure play, outdoor adventure, a spa trip or something that combines country scenery with some serious strolling, we’ve got options. We know you’ve earned it. Before you book, be sure to look into the Covid restrictions and requirements for the destination.
Walk it Off in Vermont
On this four-night Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tour, travelers explore southern Vermont on foot, strolling country roads and passing serene farms, charming towns and pristine streams while traveling from one B&B to the next. Though the walks aren’t too challenging, distances are up to 13 miles per day. (Distances can be adjusted to accommodate your needs.) Breakfasts, dinners and daily trail snacks are included. Keep in mind that Vermont requires unvaccinated travelers to present a negative Covid test.
From $1,298 per person, vermontinntoinnwalking.com
Enjoy the Outdoors in Big Sky, Montana
It’s one of the biggest ski resorts in the U.S., but Big Sky offers plenty of warm-weather pleasures as well. You can hike, mountain bike, fly fish, golf, or go horseback riding, kayaking or whitewater rafting. The town is also just an hour’s drive from the gates of Yellowstone National Park. The Wilson Hotel, opened just two years ago, is a Marriott Residence Inn—but doesn’t feel like most of the brand’s extended-stay properties. The first four-star hotel in Big Sky, it has an upscale, modern vibe, and one- and two-bedroom suites that are great for small groups. It’s also within walking distance of the Big Sky Town Center’s restaurants, shops and bars.
From $199 a night, thewilsonhotel.com
Get Back to the Beach in South Andros, Bahamas
The Bahamas was one of the few countries to reopen to tourists in 2020. If you want to enjoy the sparkling waters but stay out of the fray, consider the large but quiet “out island” of South Andros. The Caerula Mar Club, which just opened last year, is owned by Canadian HGTV stars Brian and Sarah Baeumler, who gave it a warm yet contemporary style. From there you can kayak, snorkel, dive, and bicycle or hike to blue hole ocean caves.
From $385 a night, caerulamar.com
Spa Out in Cape Neddick, Maine
There may not have been a lot of pampering going on at your house over the last year. You can turn all around at Cliff House, a historic inn that was renovated a few years ago and has one of the largest spas in New England. It spans 9,000 square feet, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers treatment inspired by the natural elements from the region. When you’re not giving yourself some TLC, the charming restaurants, boutiques and Cape Neddick lighthouse will keep the good vibes flowing.
From about $440 a night, cliffhousemaine.com
Go Wild (and Give Back) in Costa Rica
Even if you’re not a group-tour kind of traveler, this might be the year to let someone else handle all the planning. Austin Adventures offers a seven-night itinerary for women that supports female-owned-and-operated local businesses in the country. The trip starts at Arenal Volcano National Park and includes kayaking on the Rio Toro, visiting an organic farm, exploring Monteverde cloud forest, hiking to a waterfall, canoeing, snorkeling, and more. With each booking, $500 will be donated to local Costa Rican women’s nonprofit, the Commission of Artisans of Santa Elena de Monteverde, a cooperative of female artisans who produce textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, and art in their homes to provide for their families.
From $5,458 per person, austinadventures.com
Sip and Browse in Napa, Calif.
This classic escape for wine lovers has an artistic side, too. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train through vineyards and rolling hills, then pamper yourselves at the 22,000-square-foot underground Spa Terra at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Take to the sky with a hot air balloon ride over Mount St. Helena, Palisade Cliffs and Old Faithful Geyser. And back on earth, enjoy the art scene—including the Napa Art Walk, a rotating exhibition of sculptures and RAD Napa, an outdoor museum of murals stretching for two miles along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Downtown is also loaded with antique shops, boutiques, sweets shops, unique markets and galleries. For lodging, check out The George, a new boutique hotel in a restored Queen Anne Victorian home.
From $285 a night, thegeorgenapa.com
