10 Design-Forward Escapes to Enjoy Peak Fall Foliage

The leaves are changing. The temperatures are dropping. That means only one thing: Fall is officially upon us. Serving as a preparation for the chillier days to come, many across the country are seeking refuge to fully embrace the gorgeous nature that befalls during this time of year. To celebrate this tepid interim, Galerie has compiled their favorite stays to sit back, relax, take part in an outdoor activity or two, and truly appreciate Mother Nature’s beauty.

1. Scribner’s Catskill Lodge | Hunter, New York

Widely regarded by New Yorkers as “the” escape during the Fall season, the state’s Catskills region offers visitors activities ranging from rest and relaxation to hikes suited for all levels. For a more luxurious stay still in close proximity to hiking trails, breweries, and small shops, Scribner’s Catskill Lodge stands as a property boasting 38 rooms in the main property as well as 11 luxury cabins known as the “Rounds,” perfectly situated amongst the mountains, lake, or main hotel trail. In addition to dining options including their award-winning restaurant Prospect, the hotel has recently launched a new custom-built sauna as part of their spa packages—allowing for the ultimate relaxation while taking in the changing leaves.

2. Omni Homestead Resort & Spa | Hot Springs, Virginia

Settled upon an impressive 2,000 acres of scenic Virginia landscape, Omni Homestead Resort & Spa serves as one of the most picturesque Fall escapes. Featuring offerings including a full-service spa, natural hot spring, and world-renowned golf course, guests can take advantage of these one-of-a-kind amenities or instead opt to simply relax and take in the property’s sweeping Allegheny Mountains views. For those seeking more adventure-minded activities, guests can learn more about the surrounding landscape courtesy of the Cascades Gorge Hike’s professional naturalists or through the resort’s 40 outdoor activity options, including biking routes, horseback riding, and more.

3. Twin Farms | Barnard, Vermont

A one-of-a-kind adults-only inclusive resort nestled on 300 acres of woods and meadows, Vermont’s Twin Farms brings classic New England charm to those seeking an ultimate nature escape this season. With nearly 30 uniquely designed rooms, from intimate cottages and rustic farmhouses to Japanese wabi-sabi-inspired treehouses, this all-in-one escape offers seasonal Fall fare that highlights the property’s on-site honey and maple syrup, plus a range of nature-inspired activities, including kayaking, tennis, hiking, archery, and more. Following your great adventure outdoors, find time to relax at the on-site spa.

4. Cliff House Maine | Cape Neddick, Maine

Known for some of the country’s freshest seafood and sweeping cliffside views, Maine is an ideal destination for those seeking peak rest and relaxation away from bustling city life. One of the state’s most luxurious stays, 226-room Cliff House Maine invites visitors to enjoy crisp coastal air and oceanfront views from the cliff. In addition to the year-round heated infinity pool, this property invites guests to truly enjoy ultimate leisure through the property’s full-service luxury wellness spa, which features botanic and locally inspired treatment options inspired by the flora and fauna surrounding it.

5. Dexter Hotel | Elk Rapids, Michigan

Situated a short walk from Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, design-forward boutique stay Dexter Hotel is an intimate 29-room property where guests enjoy nature-inspired relaxation in a more relaxed environment. Its dimly lit ambiance allows for a chic drink inside the property’s on-site cocktail area, The Noble Lounge, or on the terrace boasting shoreline views. Relaxed hotel grounds or Elk Rapids’ lineup of shops, restaurants, and nearby beach are ideal daytime escapes.

6. Kohler, Wisconsin

One of the most expansive properties where becoming one with nature reaches new heights, Kohler is a one-stop shop for those who appreciate striking design alongside scenic surrounding landscapes. Choose from a number of private cabin collections near the pond, sandhill, woods, or even a specially designed property by artist Daniel Arsham; guests can walk among the sprawling grounds, which allow for ultimate privacy, as well as enjoy world-class amenities including award-winning golf, gourmet dining, and the iconic Forbes 5-star Kohler Waters Spa. For nature enthusiasts, the 800-acre River Wildlife Nature Preserve showcases a breathtaking canvas of blazing autumn colors, winding rivers, and peaceful meadows, perfect for reconnecting with the great outdoors.

7. Blackberry Farm | Walland, Tennessee

Standing at the foothills of Tennessee’s famous Rocky Mountains, five-star retreat Blackberry Farm holds nearly 70 rooms on its vast 4,200-acre land. In addition to picturesque mountain views, guests can enjoy the property’s fine-dining restaurant, which spotlights seasonal ingredients and flavors complemented by its on-site artisanal brewery for local craft beers. To fully embrace the large grounds, activities including fly fishing on Hesse Creek, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, clay shooting at the Smoky Mountain Sports Club, and tennis are the perfect way to spend the afternoon before winding down in the full-service wellness spa or heated pool area.

8. High Hampton Resort | Cashiers, North Carolina

Located nearly 4,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic mountain resort High Hampton has gained new life since its revitalization under new management. Boasting a 15-acre private lake, guests can opt to stay in standard room options or in more private cabin collections, including Mayapple Cottage, log cabins, Thorpe Cottage, and Hawthorn House. Avid golfers, or those trying to get into the sport, can enjoy the resort’s 18-hole golf course originally designed by George Cobb and later redesigned by Tom Fazio, or those seeking more adventurous outdoor experiences can take advantage of the hotel’s 15 miles of hiking trails, fly fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming in the private lake, tennis, pickleball courts, and croquet. Wind down in the evening by booking a reservation at one of the property’s multiple Southern-inspired farm-to-table dining options.

9. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch | Avon, Colorado

There are few brands that bring the term “getaway” to new levels, but Ritz-Carlton is certainly one of them. Known as the largest luxury log cabin in North America, Colorado’s Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is not just the ideal getaway for ski season, but to take in the sweeping treelined surroundings of orange, red, and brown. Outside, the expansive grounds allow for ideal nature observation, while inside, a 21,000-square-foot wellness facility featuring a grotto, saunas, steam rooms, cold and hot plunge pools, a manicure/salon, and a 24-hour fitness center makes leaving the property itself nearly impossible.

10. Peninsula New York

When one thinks of lush foliage, perhaps bustling New York City doesn’t immediately come to mind. However, the five-star Peninsula New York has introduced a Fall-inspired special package that allows guests to enjoy city life as well as art-filled nature adventures. Building on the property’s existing “Peninsula Academy” offerings, exclusively designed for guests in an effort to provide unique and unprecedented access to experiences in New York and beyond, the hotel has just launched a Hudson Valley Art Immersion experience. The experience includes a full-day itinerary outside the city, beginning with a private tour of Urban Art Projects (UAP) in Rock Tavern, a renowned contemporary art foundry where artists, engineers, and master craftspeople bring monumental works to life. Guests then continue to Storm King Art Center for a private walking tour of the 500-acre outdoor sculpture park, home to monumental and site-specific works by leading contemporary artists, with time to explore the grounds at leisure. The experience is designed only for hotel guests and includes round-trip transportation from The Peninsula New York and is available on select Wednesdays and Thursdays, with advance reservations required.