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Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips.

While the thought of hopping on a plane and traveling to a new destination may seem daunting right now, so many of us can’t help fantasizing about the days when the pandemic will be a distant memory. Many hotels, glampgrounds, overwater bungalows, and resorts in the United States, Caribbean, and Mexico are currently open to international travel, and combine the best of both worlds—a way to become one with nature while also serving up a heavy dose of luxury. Be sure to add these seven properties to your ever-increasing list of places to go once you’re ready to travel again.

RELATED: 13 hotels with in-room cocktail (and beer) programs

Jade Mountain Resort: St. Lucia

Photo courtesy of Jade Mountain

With stunning views of the twin Piton Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, a stay at Jade Mountain is an experience that can’t be duplicated. Check into this beachside resort and make your way to your room—a three-walled, cliffside open-air “sanctuary.” Enjoy a refreshing dip in your private infinity pool, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a constellation or a shooting star from your bed at night. By day, soak up the sun in your open-air living area or outdoor deck. For a special treat, order the “Six in Your Sanctuary”—a six-course chef’s tasting menu that is served in the privacy of your guest room.

Book Jade Mountain here!

 

Las Ventanas al Paraiso: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

Photo courtesy of Las Ventanas

 The name of this hotel translates to “the windows to paradise,” and upon arrival you’ll realize that this description could not be more accurate. Known for its exquisite service and accommodations, Las Ventanas al Paraiso is perched on the tip of the Baja peninsula. Enjoy stunning views of a desert landscape surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, where you’ll likely spot a whale or dolphins frolicking in the water. Choose between the bed on your spacious terrace, or move indoors where another comfy accommodation awaits. And for those who adore stargazing, all of the suites are equipped with telescopes and guides to the constellations.

Book Las Ventanas al Paraiso here!

 

Beverly Wilshire: Beverly Hills, California

Photo courtesy of Beverly Wilshire

Known as one of the most iconic hotels in the 90210 zip code, the Beverly Wilshire takes urban glamping to new heights. Take a hidden entrance to the legendary Veranda Suite and enjoy a “Night With the Stars” experience, which includes a luxurious tent for two, which is situated on a 2,140 square-foot terrace overlooking the Hollywood Hills. This is a Four Seasons property after all, so each tent is decked out with a crystal chandelier, marble lamps, a cozy queen bed, and fur rugs. As part of this experience, you can arrange for an al fresco meal on your terrace, complete with the property’s legendary s’mores that are made with 24-karat gold leaf and paired with a vintage champagne flight.

Book the Beverly Wilshire here!

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Little Palm Island Resort & Spa: Little Torch Key, Florida

Photo courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort

Reachable only by boat, seaplane, or one of the resort’s two ferries, this adults-only oasis is located on a private island off the Florida Keys coastline. Each of the bungalow suites at Little Palm Island have thatched roofs and ocean views that evoke a sense of the Caribbean. Take a soak in a copper tub on your private outdoor deck while sipping the island’s signature cocktail, the Gumby Slumber. Some of the suites even have their own exclusive sand beach with a fire pit. This resort is consistently recognized as one of the top destination resorts in the world, and after a visit here it’s easy to understand why.

Book Little Palm Island Resort & Spa here!

 

Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Maroma

Fancy a stay at a luxury overwater bungalow? Set above the waters of Maroma Beach in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the thatched-roof suites at El Dorado Maroma are the star of the show, complete with a glass floor so that you can gaze down at the water below. At this adults-only enclave you will enjoy your own balcony with a private infinity plunge pool, beach beds, outdoor showers, and a ladder that leads directly into the water. And if that wasn’t enough, each bungalow comes with a private butler who is ready to attend to your every need, including cocktails and customized beach picnics.

Book Palafitos Overwater Bungalows here!

 

La Tourelle Resort & Spa: Finger Lakes, New York

Photo courtesy of La Tourelle

If you’re already thinking ahead to summer,  consider the Finger Lakes region as an ideal location for an immersion into nature, the outdoors, and picturesque landscapes. Fortunately, this is all achievable with the abundance of gorgeous “glampgrounds” that feature ultra-luxe amenities. Explore the 70-acre property at La Tourelle, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can hike to Ithaca’s famous gorge waterfalls. Plan to stay in one of the private safari-style tents provided by Firelight Camps, which have hardwood floors and a covered sitting porch. Complimentary s’mores kits made from scratch are available for nightly roasting by the fire, which are served with their signature campfire cocktails.

Book La Tourelle here!

 

La Valise: South Tulum, Mexico

Photo courtesy of La Valise

This open-air 11-room boutique hotel was forced to close last summer due to a fire, and after undergoing extensive renovations, La Valise reopened in November 2020. One of the highlights of these revamped accommodations is a master suite with elevated palapa roofs and expansive private terraces that offer unobstructed views of the ocean. Relax in an outdoor hammock on your private jungle terrace and inhale the scent of copal incense, luring you into a relaxed state of bliss. Roll your bed out to the balcony, and enjoy breakfast in bed or an evening of stargazing. The hotel also offers a variety of custom-made experiences—from sound healing to a Mezcal tasting to a Mayan canal adventure.

Book La Valise here!

 

Tagged: California, Caribbean, Florida, Key West, Los Angeles, Los Cabos, Mexico, New York

Note: Orbitz compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site.

Danielle Bauter

Danielle Bauter

Based in Southern California, Danielle Bauter is a freelance travel writer who focuses on LGBTQIA, wellness, and culinary topics. Her writing has appeared in a variety of print and digital publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, Fodor's Travel, ZAGAT, and Wine Enthusiast. Follow her travels on IG @missbauterfly and read more of her work at daniellebauter.com.

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