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From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, and the sun-kissed shores of Hilton Head Island, there’s a perfect getaway for every traveler in your group. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, or a well-deserved dose of relaxation, these one-of-a-kind properties have you covered.
Blackberry Mountain: Walland, Tennessee
Beauty touches every aspect of the Blackberry Mountain experience. Spanning 5,200 unspoiled acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, this hospitality-focused haven is designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
The Watchman Cabins, perched atop the mountain peak, offer a secluded sanctuary to ground your stay. Each cabin seamlessly blends refined rustic charm — reclaimed wood walls, handwoven rugs, and wood-burning fireplaces — with luxurious touches like Egyptian cotton bedding, Bose smart speakers, and deep soaking tubs with plush spa robes.
The concierge team is available to plan days that are as active or restful as you like. There’s no shame in settling into the comfort of the cabin, but the magic of Blackberry Mountain lies in the boundless natural playground just beyond your doorstep.
Fill your mornings with guided scenic hikes, bike rides, and trail runs — or explore the more than 36 miles of private trails at your leisure. You can book a fly-fishing experience, enjoy time on the courts or the water, and, if rain rolls in, head to the indoor climbing wall to keep your adrenaline pumping.
For art lovers, a catalog of classes — held indoors and out — awaits, from acrylic painting to tile making and crochet. There are meditation and forest bathing sessions, as well as yoga classes beneath a canopy of trees, all designed to foster inner harmony and a deeper connection with nature. And after a full day outdoors, Nest (home to the first Joanna Czech-certified spa in the U.S.) beckons with spa treatments inspired by the natural world.
From morning to night, the culinary team — led by Executive Chefs Joel Werner, Joey Edwards, and Phillip Hare, along with Director of Food and Beverage Logan Griffin, and sommelier and Vice President of Food and Beverage Andy Chabot — delivers menus rooted in local ingredients with global influences. At Three Sisters, breakfast might include buttermilk biscuits, or local greens with a sunny egg. Midday, the Lodge smashburger is a must. Each night, dinner is a truly memorable affair. Whether you return to Three Sisters or head up the mountain to Firetower, you’ll savor innovative dishes (Think: Joyce Farms guinea hen with giant corona bean ragout or seared Red Gulf snapper with Carolina Gold rice, beets, and dill) paired with curated wines from small, family-run vintners and creative cocktails. It won’t take long to fall into the relaxing mountain rhythm of explore, eat, sleep, repeat. (blackberrymountain.com)
The Chloe: New Orleans, Louisiana
The Chloe, a vibrant 14-room hotel housed in a restored 19th-century mansion in New Orleans’ leafy Uptown neighborhood, captures the city’s spirit with thoughtful design and a prime location along the St. Charles streetcar line — with direct access to the French Quarter. It delivers everything you’d expect from a boutique stay: an exceptional culinary program, striking design, and impeccable service, all infused with New Orleans’ unmistakable energy.
Local touches elevate the experience, from vinyl records sourced from New Orleans’ own Peaches Records to handcrafted details throughout the hotel. Custom robes, bath salts, hand-thrown toiletry holders, and artisanal lighting fixtures showcase the talents of local makers, many based just down the road.
Spend an afternoon by the inviting pool, framed in checkerboard travertine and tucked into lush gardens, complete with an outdoor bar. Tropical palmettos cast cool shade over hidden gems like a sunken pea gravel garden with cozy seating, an elevated front porch, and a breezy dining patio. For a true VIP experience, reserve a Cabana on the covered deck, where groups can lounge away the day with a dedicated server, perfect for a relaxed brunch or sunset cocktails.
Be sure to reserve at least one evening at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Chloe Restaurant. Tufted floral and leather booths set a dreamy stage for reimagined Creole classics from acclaimed Chef Ben Triola. Highlights include shrimp and pork dumplings in a dark roux and redfish stuffed with crab.
Staying close by, Mahony’s serves up hearty po’ boys and perfectly seasoned red beans and rice. For a well-crafted cocktail, slip into Bouligny Tavern, a beloved neighborhood spot known for timeless drinks and inventive small plates. Before or after, take time to stroll the tree-lined streets and admire the historic homes and architecture that define the area.
New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, pulses with music on every corner. Spend an evening in the vibrant French Quarter, where the sounds of brass bands echo through historic streets. Drop by Hex: Old World Witchery for a psychic reading, then wander over to the colorful Faubourg Marigny neighborhood to explore iconic music venues like Preservation Hall, Snug Harbor, or any of the spirited clubs on Frenchmen Street and dance the night away.
Of course, no visit to New Orleans is complete without a leisurely brunch. Iconic spots like Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace often book out months in advance, but the experience is well worth it for those craving classic New Orleans flair. For something entirely unexpected, head to Mister Mao. You won’t find white tablecloths or shrimp and grits, but you will discover bottomless mimosas and globally inspired dim sum, bursting with bold, layered flavors. Both the menu and the eclectic décor draw influence from cultures around the world, much like the vibrant city of New Orleans itself. (thechloenola.com)
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Gather the gals for a healthy dose of vitamin sea on the oceanfront of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Check into paradise as a calming coastal color palette and luxe amenities of The Westin Hilton Head signal the start of your dream beach vacation. The hotel boasts beautifully renovated rooms and suites along the breathtaking beachfront of the Atlantic Ocean for some seriously swoon-worthy views. Inspired by the stunning landscape that surrounds the property, each abode welcomes you to unwind on island time. With a variety of spacious rooms and suites to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for any girls’ trip.
Of course, you’ll want to spend most of your time outdoors soaking up the sun. Located on the northern end of Hilton Head Island, hotel guests can enjoy private beach access with chairs and umbrellas available to bask in the white-sand beach and pristine ocean views. The property also features three outdoor pools. Reserve a cabana, day bed, or double lounger to make your pool days even more lavish.
The hotel’s dining options are equally enticing. Snack on light bites and sip refreshing cocktails at Splash, the hotel’s poolside bar and grill offering seaside dining mere steps from the beach. Or head over to the al fresco restaurant, View 32, located above the pool courtyard for a laid-back lunch or dinner overlooking the ocean and resort. And for a more elevated dinner, the hotel’s signature seafood restaurant, The Carolina Room, is not to be missed. Using locally sourced ingredients to create a “farm-and-sea-totable” experience, the restaurant serves delectable seafood and specialties that you’ll be dreaming about long after the vacation ends. After dinner, end the evening with a night cap at Oceans, the hotel’s sophisticated yet lively bar, for cocktails paired with oceanfront views.
If you define a perfect trip by the letters R&R, a visit to The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a must. With services and treatments, including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, lip treatments, a steam room, and so much more, it’s the ultimate way to unwind after a fun-filled day.
And there’s plenty to discover beyond the property as well with a plethora of restaurants, shopping, and activities throughout Hilton Head. Tour the charming historic neighborhoods of Bluffton, or simply take in all the beauty of moss-draped, oak-lined roads, tropical marshes, and Palmetto trees that give Hilton Head its undeniable beach town charm. The Westin Hilton Head even has on-site bike rentals to make exploring the 12 miles of Hilton Head Island beachfront and over 60 miles of public pathways and nature trails a breeze. Or, head to the nearby Shelter Cove for incredible shopping, dining, community events, and plenty of boating and water sports. (marriott.com)





