By Norah Bradford
What better way to celebrate your bond and sneak in some quality time with the leading lady of your life? To help, here are six awesome mother-daughter getaway ideas, from relaxing spa days to exploring ancient monuments and beyond.
USA
Aspen offers your mother a vacation experience that will create lasting memories for years to come. Relax and unwind at Remède Aspen Luxury Spa located at the St. Regis Aspen. Spa guests enjoy complimentary access to all Remède areas including a newly refreshed oxygen lounge, steam caves, cold plunges, hot tubs, fitness center, and waterfall. For dinner, go to chic neighborhood hotspot, Clark’s Oyster Bar offering the country’s very best oyster and caviar selections from its marble raw bar, freshly baked sourdough, overflowing lobster rolls, and so much more. Tap the night off with some cocktails at Bad Harriet, a speakeasy adjacent to the Hotel Jerome serving craft cocktails and small bites. Info: stregisaspen.com; clarksaspen.com.
Experience absolute serenity at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. Inspired by Palm Beach’s relaxed yet glamorous resort style and the heritage of the famously elegant island, the beachfront resort combines the allure of Palm Beach with the easygoing pace by the water. Recently renovated, be among the first to discover this gem on the island’s widest stretch of sand. Dine at Florie’s, the first restaurant and bar in the U.S. in partnership with three-star Michelin Chef Mauro Colagreco. Info: fourseasons.com/palmbeach.
ENGLAND
Celebrate at London’s Corinthia Hotel, a luxury hotel with a unique location nestled not too far away from the Thames, the iconic structures of British government, and Trafalgar Square. ESPA Life is quite simply the next generation of spa and is one of the largest and most exclusive in central London, making it the ideal spot for mom to relax. The Corinthia is also a dining destination, courtesy of Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill. While in London, be sure to take your mom to experience the traditional afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. Info: corinthia.com; fortnumandmason.com.
GREECE
Take your mom to a piece of Greek history at Citta dei Nicliani, a designated ancient monument nestled on the Mani Peninsula in Koita. The historic structure spans centuries. In fact, it’s what makes this hotel so unique with open stone walls and engravings from its long history. Thankfully, modern amenities have been enjoyed by guests. In the room or in the patio, guests favor an enriched breakfast which includes fresh bread, homemade jams, the famous lalaggia of Mani, as well as cheese, olives, and cakes. Drinks, homemade liqueurs and various snacks can also be enjoyed during the day. Area activities include horse riding, hiking and walking. Mani has more than 20 hiking trails, with paths leading to Byzantine and ancient monuments and lovely beaches. Info: cittadeiinicliani.com.
CANADA
Located in Vancouver’s historic and fashionable Yaletown, steps away from the inner harbor, entertainment, shopping, spas and twenty-five minutes from international airport, is Canada’s luxurious Opus Hotel Vancouver. Uniquely stylish and always fresh, Opus offers guests an unmatched boutique hotel experience. The hotel features 96 guestrooms that blend contemporary design with warm vibrant colors. Experience a relaxing and rejuvenating facial treatment at Skoah Spa at Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Finish the night at Victor featuring a contemporary and seasonally inspired menu highlighting a wide array of Pacific Northwest seafood and a tiered selection of specialty steaks. Info: vancouver.opushotel.com; skoah.com; parqvancouver.com/restaurants/the-victor.
FRANCE
Set atop a rocky outcrop at the heart of the Luberon in Provence, the village of Gordes offers exceptional views. At the heart of the village is La Bastide de Gordes which offers all the splendor of a former stately home. Carved into the very rock face of the hill, and built on 12th-century ramparts, the chateau is integrated into fortifications of the village. The fine art of receiving guests is evident throughout the rooms and suites, three of which boast private terraces. Accommodations are immaculately restored and will transport you to another era. The hotel’s restaurants, L’Orangerie and La Citadelle, both feature Provençal cuisine made with local and seasonal products and also offer regional wines. Meals can be enjoyed in the vaulted dining room or on the shaded terrace with its view of the valley. The Sisley Paris spa offers massages and features a hot tub, massage whirlpools, a hammam, an indoor chromatic pool and a solarium. There are two outdoor pools in the gardens which are surrounded by a sun deck and offer unrestricted views of the valley. Info: labastidedegordes.com; airellescollection.com.
PORTUGAL
The Alma Lusa is a boutique hotel which has garnered a number of awards and is centrally located in Lisbon’s historic Praça do Município, close to the city’s most famous attractions, including historical monuments, the Terreiro do Paço square, the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, not to mention the shopping boulevards, world-class nightlife and trendy restaurants and bars. The Alma Lusa’s Delfina Restaurant features an à la carte service, boasting a wide range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international specialties, along with a vast wine selection. A snack-bar is also available for guests craving a lighter meal or snack. Rossio Square is steps aways from the hotel, while the Chiado and its famed shops and cafés are conveniently located as well. Make time for a night out at Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s premier nightlife area. Info: almalusahotels.com.