At the midpoint of the frenzied awards season, it seems appropriate to consider places to explore once that last envelope is opened and the final category announced. Offering respite and inspiration, these near and far getaways and spas are the cure for the frayed nerves and fatigue caused by the season’s endless meeting-and-greeting. Use Variety’s guide to unwind in style.
EAST
Southern charmer: Belmond Charleston Place, Charleston, S.C.
Gracious and steeped in history, Charleston is renowned for its exquisitely preserved, pre-Civil War architecture and inspired low country cuisine. (Anthony Bourdain recently profiled the scene on CNN’s “Parts Unknown”; Bill Murray is the town’s most high-profile showbizzer.) In the center of the historic district, the Belmond Charleston Place (Pharrell’s a fan) is by far the city’s best hotel. Stay on the club level for all inclusive cocktails and bites; check out the rooftop pool and patio for skyline views. Belmond Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St., Charleston, S.C., 843-722-4900
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Historic and sporty: The Biltmore, Coral Gables, Fla.
It’s not all South Beach madness in Florida: the leafy city of Coral Gables is home the storied Biltmore Hotel, which since its opening in 1926 has welcomed royalty, celebrities and a fair share of politicos. Many guests come to play the par-71 championship Biltmore Golf Course (Bill Clinton’s go-course) where Jeb Bush has a weekly game. Legend has it the frescoed, two-story Everglades Suite was a favorite of Al Capone. The Biltmore, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 855-311-6903
WEST
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Surfside Getaway: The Malibu Beach Inn, Malibu
Parachute into the Malibu lifestyle at the Malibu Beach Inn, now under new management (g.m. Gregory Day hails from Shutters, Santa Monica) and ownership (the Mani Bros. also own SoHo House’s building on Sunset Boulevard). Each of the 47 rooms (most with balconies and fireplaces) face the Pacific Ocean — there’s no hotel closer to the waves. The hotel’s view-rich restaurant serves all day weekend brunch. Designer-to-the-stars Waldo Hernandez is inked to remake the hotel in the coming months. The Malibu Beach Inn, 22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310-651-7777
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| Courtesy of David Tsay |
Scandinavian modern in wine country: The Landsby, Solvang
Kitsch and windmills abound in the faux-Danish town of Solvang. But the look is toned down thoroughly at the 41-room the Landsby, designed by L.A.-based Studio Collective, a re-do of the former Petersen Village Inn. Blonde woods and neutral-toned textiles now infuse the property, located in the heart of northern Santa Barbara County’s wine country. It’s a convenient jumping-off point for winery tours and tastings and a short jaunt to Santa Ynez’s tasty S.Y. Kitchen (from the team at Brentwood’s Toscana, sykitchen.com). The Landsby, 1576 Mission Drive, Solvang, California, 805-688-3121
Island Escape: Inn on Mt. Ada, Catalina Island
Imagine Capri without the jet lag: Los Angeles’ own semi-tropical island is just offshore — a quick ferry (via Catalina Express from San Pedro, Long Beach or Dana Point) or helicopter ride. Overlooking the scenic harbor and out to sea, the Inn on Mt. Ada was once the Wrigley Mansion (the island’s former owners). With only six rooms (each with a golf cart; breakfast and lunch included) the Inn is ultra-exclusive. The setting and traditional décor combine so that modern life’s woes feel a world away. Inn on Mt. Ada, 398 Wrigley Road, Avalon, Calif., 877-778-9395
California dreamin’: Glen Oaks, Big Sur
A Big Sur road trip, even in midwinter, inspires with cliffhanger vistas and super-sized redwoods. Just off Highway 1, the 26 rooms and private cabins at Glen Oaks were remodeled to take in the wooded seclusion and outfitted with designer mid-century furnishings. Some cabins have fireplaces and outdoor soaking tubs; the spring-fed Big Sur River meanders through the property. On site, the hotel’s Big Sur Roadhouse has a seasonally changing menu. Glen Oaks Big Sur, 47080 Highway 1, Big Sur, California, 831.667.2105
MOUNTAIN
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| Courtesy of Whit Richardson |
High-altitude resort: Madeline Hotel & Residences, Telluride, Colo.
Quentin Tarantino’s “The Hateful Eight” captures Telluride’s Wilson range in 70mm cinematic glory. While the peaks provide a majestic scenic backdrop, the town’s winter allure (accessible via United, American and Allegiant flights into Montrose) comes from an unpretentious attitude and uncrowded slopes. A $15 million renovation has gussied up the family-friendly Madeline Hotel & Residences: there’s a newly opened sky terrace with pool, hot tubs and fire pits. The deluxe resort is ski in/ski out; an ice rink in the Madeline’s atrium completes the wintry wonderland. Madeline Hotel & Residences, 568 Mountain Village Blvd., Telluride, Colo., 855-923-7640
Snowy Paradise: Ranch at Rock Creek, Mont.
Well-known to showbizzers seeking paparazzi-free privacy (both Scarlett Johansson and Kate Bosworth were married here; producer Donald De Line, Tommy Lee Jones and Zac Efron have bunked here too), the Ranch at Rock Creek is an all-inclusive, upscale Westerns-style dude ranch. Winter activities vary from nearby downhill skiing to yoga on the snow. Fly into Missoula or one of several private airstrips close by. 79 Carriage House Lane, Philipsburg, Mont., 877-786-1545
TROPICAL
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| Courtesy of Magda Biernat |
San Juan remixed: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico
As winter unfolds, Puerto Rico’s windswept beaches beckon. After a spiffy $200 million revitalization, the former Vanderbilt mansion in San Juan is now the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel with two newly built towers (319 rooms total), spa, sea-facing pool and terrace perched at the ocean’s edge. Corner suites have both city and ocean views. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, 1055 Ashford Ave., San Juan, Puerto Rico 787-721-5500
Cabo San Lucas Reborn: One&Only Palmilla, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Hurricane Odile punished Los Cabos’ resort corridor, but the storm had a silver lining: the One&Only Palmilla is back, better than ever. The tony resort on the Sea of Cortez re-opened in April after a complete room renovation and spa expansion. The onsite steakhouse (Seared overseen by Gotham’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten) and adjacent sushi bar specialize in locally caught seafood. The hotel’s four-bedroom Villa Cortez has its own 12-seat screening room. One&Only Palmilla, Km 7.5 Carretera Transpeninsular,
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, 52-624-146-7000
SPECTACULAR SPAS:
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| Courtesy of casey figlewicz/santa catalina island co |
Offshore relaxation: Island Spa Catalina, Catalina Island
A favored showbiz destination since Hollywood’s earliest days, the latest addition to Catalina’s diversions is a full-service spa facing the green-hued Avalon harbor. Soaking pool, steam room and ocean breezes await. Try a massage on the spa’s sand table, which envelopes the body; the red carpet ready facial utilizes diamond powder to brighten the skin. Island Spa Catalina,163 Crescent Ave., Avalon, 310-510-7300
Just opened: Meadowood Spa, St. Helena
Wind down in Napa Valley at the newly built, all-suite spa at Meadowood. The spa is state-of-the-art from the men and women’s relaxation gardens (each with its own mineral pool) to the prevalence of natural materials throughout. Look for Napa’s largest crop — grapes — in the vinotherapy skin treatments. Meadowood Napa Valley, 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, 877-963-3646
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| courtesy of dorado beach |
Spa Botanico: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado, Puerto Rico
Book one of the Dorado Beach Spa Botanico’s two open-air treehouse treatment spaces for an elevated massage. Lushly landscaped, the spa is infused with dried herbs and other scents from its dramatic entrance throughout the luxurious tropical refuge. Outdoor showers and private plunge pools complete the exceptional experience. Spa Botanico at Dorado Beach, 100 Dorado Beach Dr., Dorado, Puerto Rico, 787-278-7227
The Living Spa: El Monte Sagrado, Taos, New Mexico
New Mexico hotelier Heritage Hotels & Resorts (well know to showbizzers who work on location) are the new owners behind Taos’ top property. El Monte Sagrado’s Living spa incorporates Native American rituals and indigenous plants and products in their calming treatments. Tarot card and astrological chart readings are available too. El Monte Sagrado, 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos, New Mexico, 575-758-3502
Healing waters: Miracle Manor Retreat, Desert Hot Springs
The heated mineral water pools at the Miracle Manor Retreat are the main event at this zen-like, eight-room designer envisioned desert hide-away. The in-water massage is a sensory delight. All spa lotions and oils are made inhouse; overnight stays come with a healthy breakfast. Miracle Manor Retreat, 12589 Reposo Way, Desert Hot Springs, 760-329-6641