Barbecuing in your backyard for Memorial Day is fun and all, but thereâs really no better way to kick off the summer season than a trip to the beach. Havenât made plans yet? Itâs not too late. From quaint New England inns to glitzy luxury resorts in the Caribbean, these 11 luxury beach escapes are only a short drive or flight from major U.S. cities, making them perfect for a last-minute weekend getaway.
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Drive Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes from Los Angeles
The 120-room LâAuberge Del Mar is one of the top hotels on the Southern California coastline. Itâs located in beautiful Del Mar Village, right next to the beach, and its farm-to-table restaurant is exceptional. Rooms are homey and have high-tech amenities, and there are a number of terraces scattered around the property, all of them with great views of the ocean.
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Drive Time: 2 hours and 25 minutes from New York City
This sprawling resort tucked away on scenic Old Montauk Highway takes the word âpanoramicâ seriously: Every room comes with a direct ocean view and private patio or balcony. The 10-acre site is situated on a hillside and includes pretty walkways, an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and private beach access. Rooms are large and lovely, and amenities are plentifulâbut youâll need a car to get to restaurants and nightlife.
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Flight Time: 3 hours from Los Angeles
This luxury resort stands on a secluded stretch of beach on Bahia Banderasâ south shore, which offers stunning views of the ocean and jungle-covered hills that surround it. Built on the site of a former hotel that was the playground of Hollywood stars in the 1960s, the Garza Blanca features spacious guest rooms, an exquisite pool, private beach, and a gourmet restaurant with extensive wine cellar.
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Flight Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes from Washington, D.C.; 3 hours and 30 minutes from New York City
The vibe at the 382-room El San Juan Hotel & Casino is that of a fun, self-contained, relaxed party. The property features a lively lobby, a sprawling free-form pool with swim-up bar, and a location right on the white-sand Isla Verde Beach. Rooms are stylish and beachy, with white bedding and furniture, light wood, bright, tropical accents, and modern touches such as clear lamps and chairs.
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Flight Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes from Washington, D.C.
This 96-room, 30-acre resort trumps almost every other resort in Bermuda as far as style and sophistication are concerned. Of course, youâll pay some of the islandâs highest rates to enjoy it. But with its two stunning pools, expansive spa, four private beaches, three restaurants, and some of the most beautifully landscaped grounds around, you might just consider it a worthwhile investment.
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Flight Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes from San Francisco
A true jewel, this historic grand hotel is world-class yet refreshingly unpretentious (unless you count the Hollywood crowd at the popular lobby bar). But there is nothing modest about its spacious, elegant rooms, ocean-view pool, and commanding location right on the beachâa rarity in L.A. Itâs one of the best luxury hotels in town.
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Drive Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes from Boston
The Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport blends cozy New England charm with trendy, South Beach-esque style. The ocean views are spectacular, the contemporary restaurant serves local seafood, and guests get access to activities at the hotelâs sister resort, Hidden Pond. The prices are a bit more Manhattan than Maine, but if itâs beachfront luxury youâre after, this is it; the Tides sits on a semi-private three-mile stretch of Goose Rocks Beach.
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Flight Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes from Los Angeles
This beautiful, luxurious 57-room resort is one of the nicest in Los Cabos and offers a more home-y vibe than other high-end properties in the area. Handsome, tasteful rooms start at 925 square feet, and are decorated in traditional Baja style, with authentic artwork and wood detailing. They come with high-end electronics and decadent bathrooms, but the private terraces are arguably the highlight; some have jaw-dropping ocean views and whirlpools. The beach is secluded and gorgeous, but the large waves and rough reefs make it unfit for swimming.
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Flight Time: 3 hours from New York City
The stunning 312-room W South Beachâlocated on the beach, on the northern outskirts of South Beachâblends intricate design and flawless service. Large, modern rooms; terraces angled to overlook the ocean; elegant landscaping around the pool; a lush Bliss spaâthe W tops the Miami greats.
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Drive Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes from Boston
Nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 scenic acres overlooking Pleasant Bay, Chatham Bars Inn has been a local staple since 1914. The true Cape Codâstyle architecture is complemented by lovely interiors to matchâupholstered wingback chairs, antique-style turned-leg furnishings, and seafaring decor. But donât let the term âinnâ fool you; this property is big and amenities-packed, with a beautiful spa, modern fitness center, scenic beach, fine dining, private chartered boats, and classic clay tennis courts.
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Flight Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Bringing tranquility to otherwise-crowded Paradise Island, the 105-room One&Only Ocean Clubâs personal butlers, beautiful pools (one for adults, one for families), restaurant from Jean-Georges, and access to Atlantisâ water park, casino, and other attractions make it one of the Caribbeanâs best resorts.
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