Flying into San Diego at sunset, I realize where its cheesy nickname, “America’s Finest City,” originated. Even after visiting this Southern California beauty numerous times, it never gets old taking in the views of the skyline against the sparkling San Diego Bay. Almost as spectacular as the scenery is the airport, which lies mere minutes from downtown—a planning feat I wish every U.S. city had adopted decades ago. 

As I grab a taxi (much quicker than an Uber) and head to my hotel, Pendry San Diego, the landscape shifts from oceanfront to urban. My seventh-floor room, in this chic, 317-room property that still manages to feel boutique, overlooks a bustling nightlife scene in the Gaslamp Quarter below. I can’t catch a glimpse of the water from my window, yet I know it’s there, the last sliver of sunlight glinting off the bay in the distance. 

Tomorrow, I’ll be island bound, exploring the 33-square-mile Coronado Island across the bay that’s been a mecca for sophisticated travelers for decades. 

The History of Coronado Island

In 1885, two visionary businessmen, Elisha Babcock and Hampton Story, purchased a section of land spanning Coronado (which means “crowned” in Spanish), North Island, and Silver Strand adjacent San Diego for $110,000. Their plan: to construct the finest hotel on the Pacific coast, which would live within a master-planned community along the beach. Lot sales began a year later, going for $500 to $1,600 each, which helped to fund the hotel (today, the median home price in Coronado is $2.4 million). 

Hotel del Coronado opened in January 1888 as the largest resort in the world. Around 1900, a community of tents for those who couldn’t afford the opulence of the hotel cropped up south of the property, which would draw some 10,000 people by 1914 to what became known as Tent City. During this time, the island was also becoming an aviation hub; North Island Naval Air Station was commissioned in 1917. (Today, the greater Naval Base Coronado is a consortium of eight Navy installations—so don’t be surprised to see helicopters and flying overhead.) Coronado’s appeal only continued to grow throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood, especially following Marilyn Monroe’s 1959 film, Some Like It Hot, which was filmed at its most famous property.

Coronado Island is now its own resort city within San Diego County and has a population of about 23,700, according to the U.S. Census. Its shining star, Hotel del Coronado, retains all its grandeur as one of the oldest continually operating hotels in the country. It’s more than halfway through a multi-phase, $400 million transformation (to be completed in late 2022) focused on restoration and modernization to help the hotel retain its reputation as a hot spot for visitors and celebrities alike.

Getting There and Getting Around

From downtown San Diego, the easiest and most stylish way to arrive in Coronado is via boat. The Flagship Ferry departs from two different spots downtown: San Diego Convention Center every 30 minutes and Broadway Pier on the hour, for $7 per person each way. It’s best to purchase your tickets online ahead of time (show them on your phone), but you can also use a kiosk at the departure docks for paper tickets. The ride takes less than 15 minutes but provides arresting views of the San Diego skyline. Choose your perch wisely: lower deck for shade (nice when the weather’s hot) or upper deck for the best vantage point for photos (and to soak up the sun on cooler days). 

Once you arrive on the island, you can stroll to many of the main shopping areas if you’re wearing good walking shoes. If you’re traveling to Coronado Beach or Hotel de Coronado, though, hail a taxi or call an Uber to take you across the island, as both are a good 30-minute walk from the ferry landing.

If you’re driving to Coronado, all except the driver can enjoy the views of beach and city from the soaring Coronado Bridge, a 2-mile-long passageway on Highway 75 that jumpstarts the thrill of the island. A vintage toll booth will greet you as you arrive landside, but you can glide on through, as actual tolls here are a thing of the past. Drive mindfully around Coronado, where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour and golf carts sometimes share the road with cars. The island has a variety of free and reasonably priced parking options; however, be sure to fuel up before you go: gas was nearly $5.50 a gallon during my visit in September.

Feeling athletic? You can also reach Coronado Island via the Silver Strand bike path, a 10-mile ride that stretches between Coronado and Imperial Beach in South San Diego.

What to Do on Coronado Island

Your first stop on Coronado Island should be Hotel del Coronado—although, once you set foot on the immaculate grounds, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to leave. Despite being 133 years old, the Del (as it’s known locally) is looking better than ever thanks to masterful recent efforts to preserve its history and modernize its offerings. Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can still enjoy its restaurants and boutiques. 

When I visited, I made a beeline for the Sun Deck, a prime spot for people-watching and ocean gazing in the afternoons or at sunset. One of several dining options at the Del that’s been redesigned in the past year, it offers front-row seating to the Pacific Ocean (including some around cozy firepits), delectable food (try the California mezze plate with whipped goat cheese, lemon hummus, spinach falafel, and local organic vegetables) and refreshing signature cocktails, beer and wine. The giant s’mores cookie dessert is tempting, but for something a bit lighter, pop into Sundaes for a paleta. You can customize these popsicle treats with your own toppings (think mango with Tajin seasoning and chamoy sauce).

Shops at The Del are open to all, and it’s a delight to peruse the curated selections of beach-chic attire and decor that line the lower level beneath the main hotel. They’re bright and fresh, newly revamped as part of the transformation, and a contrast to the dark woods above in the lobby. You can pick up stylish pieces like artful Slowtide beach towels, luxe pool floats and fringed umbrellas (a nod to old Hollywood glamour) from shops like Weekends and Beachouse before hitting the sand just steps from the hotel, or stock up on summery tableware and deliciously scented candles to take home. 

Carve out downtime to relax in rocking chairs on the hotel’s front porch, which was prominently featured in Some Like It Hot, later lost, and now brand new again. In August, the Del revealed a restoration of its original porch veranda complete with the traditional Haint blue ceiling and Queen Calafia stained glass windows. Inside, the lobby has been brought back to life, with its intricate woodwork re-stained to its original color, a new hand-blown glass chandelier installed, and the birdcage elevator upgraded to modern standards. A round Kelly-green seating area in the center is a focal point, as is the hand-painted silk wallpaper surrounding the front desk. The lobby’s not without a few contemporary touches, however, such as a refreshing new signature scent. 

If you are visiting in the off-season, the Del offers resort day passes (typically Labor Day through early June) that grant you access to the pool (newly renovated with 12 luxury cabanas), Marilyn Monroe-inspired spa and newly expanded fitness center. For a small fee, you can even take a spin class on the beach. 

Shop and Eat on Orange Avenue

A 10-minute walk from the Del is Orange Avenue, the charming main shopping district in Coronado. With dozens of quaint restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops, it’s easy to fill an entire afternoon here. A few favorites I discovered on my visit were Seaside Papery, perfect for unique gifts and cute notebooks; Française, a beautifully curated collection of Parisian home goods; The Henry, with delectable pastries and coffee; and Little Frenchie, an excellent bistro for happy hour with Champagne and cheese.

Ogle Dream Homes

Coronado Island is filled with high-end homes and cottages, many with beautiful gardens and Victorian details that will have you wanting to check out listings. Even if you’re not ready to fork over a few million dollars for a small house, it’s great fun to walk the residential streets and pick out your favorites, imagining what it would be like to reside on Coronado.

Beach It

You’d be remiss to visit Coronado Island and not stick your toes in the sand. Pack a beach bag with your swimsuit and head to Coronado Beach, which spans for almost two miles. And no, it’s not your eyes playing tricks: the sand here really does sparkle, thanks to its mineral mica content. You don’t have to be a Hollywood star to see that this island is truly golden. If you’re up for adventure, the waves here are tame enough for beginner surfers, and you can find various options for lessons. 

Where to Stay on Coronado Island

If a day visit to the Del leaves you wanting to spend the night (or, if you’re like me, several weeks), there are plenty of accommodations options at the hotel to suit your style. Find traditional rooms in the main building; new poolside suites in The Cabanas neighborhood; and modern digs in The Views, a shiny new-build on the beach that feels more Mexican resort than historic hotel.

There’s also the more upscale, private Beach Village, which has a residential feel and has undergone a rejuvenation of its own. And in mid-2022, Shore House at the Del was introduced as an all-new collection of residential villas that serve as a resort within the resort, complete with its own pool. Other upscale hotels on the island include Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa.

While my visit to Coronado Island was only a day trip this time, I was grateful for the quiet ferry ride back across the bay to take in the sunset and feel the cool ocean breeze on my skin. (If you’re planning to head back to downtown San Diego in the evening, be sure to check ferry times so you’re not stuck on the island after dark.)

As I headed back to the Pendry, picking up my stride to match the energetic pace of the Gaslamp Quarter on a Thursday evening, I felt a new appreciation for the easygoing island vibes I’d just experienced. The most perfect part of a visit to San Diego, with Coronado mere minutes from downtown, is that you can experience the best of both worlds.

The post Some Like It Hot on Coronado Island, the Crowning Jewel of America’s Finest City appeared first on Islands.

Pondering an escape to a beachy destination in one of the 50 states? We’ve found an incredible round-up of hard-to-resist rates—as much as 40%-60% off—and extra perks, whether you want to head south to the Sunshine State, book a seaside getaway to New England or channel Pacific surf vibes. 

Here are 40 Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, from Florida to Hawaii and everywhere in between.

Florida

The Boca Raton, Boca Raton

The Deal: Newly refreshed, The Boca Raton is offering A Golden Escape for guests who book a room in any of the property’s five hotels: Beach Club, Yacht Club, Cloister, Tower or Bungalows. Book from Nov. 26  to Dec. 3, 2021 to get a $500 dining credit, $500 spa credit and one-category room upgrade (based on availability on arrival date, value up to $200/night), as well as a pair of handcrafted golden macarons from Maison Rose, the new specialty chocolaterie (value $25). Valid on stays through Nov. 25, 2022, with three-night minimum required. Hotel standard deposit and cancellation policies apply. Not combinable with other offers. No credit for unused portions of the package. Book here or call 855-874-6551.

THesis Hotel Miami, Coral Gables

The Deal: THesis Hotel Miami, a modern property that’s a cultural hub in historic Coral Gables, has a Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer of up to 40% off rates (starting at $109 on certain dates) for guests who book from Nov. 22-29, 2021 for stays from Nov. 22, 2021 to Sept. 5, 2022. Standard cancellation policy applies. 

The Gabriel South Beach, Miami

The Deal: The Gabriel South Beach, a boutique property located on Ocean Drive in South Beach, has a very limited Black Friday deal called “Dream Away at South Beach”: Book online using code BFR between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2021 to get 40% off stays from May 16 to Oct. 31, 2022. 

The Gabriel Miami, Miami

The Deal: Sister property The Gabriel Miami, a 129-key downtown lifestyle hotel, also has a Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer: Book anytime during Nov. 16-30, 2021 to receive up to 35% off the best available rate (discounts can be as low as $129 per night) for stays from Nov. 16, 2021 to Sept. 30, 2022. Full pre-payment is required at the time of booking and reservations are non-cancellable. Offer is subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Discounted rate is exclusive of taxes and fees. 

The Shelborne South Beach, Miami

The Deal: The Shelborne , an Art Deco South Beach hotel with an iconic pool, is offering guests who book its Black Friday/Cyber Monday offer up to 60% off, with rates starting at $199.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The Deal: The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is offering guests who book between Nov. 22-29, 2021 a 30% discount off stays of at least three nights, plus a $50 resort credit. The deal is valid on stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here. 

The Beaches of Fort Meyers & Sanibel

The Deal: Multiple resorts located along The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel have a 4th night for free deal for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Book a stay Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2021 for travel from May 5, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2022 to get a fourth night free. The deal is available starting Nov. 26 at DiamondHead Beach Resort (book here), GullWing Beach Resort (book here), Pointe Estero Beach Resort (book here), Lovers Key Resort (book here) and Casa Playa Resort (book here). All reservations are subject to availability and blackout dates apply. Valid for new reservations only and may not be combined with other offers. Minimum stay required.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Sandestin

The Deal: Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, located on 2,400 acres in Florida’s Emerald Coast, has a Cyber Monday deal offering savings of up to 40% for bookings made Nov. 29–Dec. 2, 2021 for stays from Nov. 29, 2021 to March 11, 2022. Blackout dates and exclusions may apply. 

Hotel Effie, Sandestin

The Deal: Hotel Effie, also situated on Florida’s Emerald Coast and offering access to the amenities at Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort, also has Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals of 40% off booking for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022 (blackout dates apply).

The Ray Hotel, Delray Beach

The Deal: The Ray, a 141-room design-focused luxury hotel located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District in downtown Delray Beach, is offering 33% off the best rates available when booked Nov. 26 – Dec. 3, 2021 for stays between Jan. 1, 2022 and Nov. 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). A minimum of three nights (maximum of seven nights) is required, with a one-night deposit collected at the time of booking and free cancellation available up to 72 hours prior to arrival. 

Book here.

Luminary Hotel & Co., Fort Myers

The Deal: Situated on the Caloosahatchee riverfront in downtown Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co. is offering a $50 dining credit per night for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. The offer must be booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021 and the credit can be used at any of the hotel’s five food and beverage outlets. Use promo code FOO here or call 833-918-1512.

Epicurean, Tampa

The Deal: Situated in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of Tampa, food-focused Epicurean Hotel is offering a $50 food and beverage credit per night for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022 when booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021. Credit can be used for classes in the Epicurean’s state-of-the-art culinary classroom or dining in the Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar signature restaurant and EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge. Book here with promo code FOO or call 855-829-2536

Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River

The Deal: Plantation on Crystal River, located on Florida’s Nature Coast where you can legally swim among and interact with West Indian Manatees, is offering a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal of 35% off Sunday-Thursday stays and 25% off stays Friday-Saturday stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Feb. 28, 2022 (prime manatee viewing season). Rates are as low as $109/night and must be booked Nov. 26-29, 2021 via phone only at 800-632-6262. Use promo code LCYBER for the midweek stays and LBLKFD for weekend stays. 

The Don CeSar & Beach House Suites by the Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach

The Deal: The Don CeSar & Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar, located on St. Pete Beach and opened at the height of the Great Gatsby era in 1928, has the following offer: Book between Nov. 23 – Nov. 30, 2021 and save 30% off three-night stays between Nov. 23, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). Tip: Sign up for The Don’s monthly email offers to receive early access and more value. Book three nights between Nov. 16 – Nov. 22, 2021 and save 40% off stays between Nov. 16, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022. (the pre-sale is accessed only through the hotel’s eNewsletter and blackout dates apply). Book here. Sign up for The Don CeSar’s eNewsletter here.

Omni Amelia Island Resort, Amelia Island 

The Deal: At the oceanfront Omni Amelia Island Resort, enjoy weekday rates of $289/night and weekend rates of $299/night from Nov. 22, 2021 through Feb. 27, 2022 (based on availability) when booking during the Nov. 22 – Dec. 5, 2021 window. Book via OmniHotels.com or call 904-261-6161.

RumFish Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach

The Deal: Located on the sugary white sands of St. Pete Beach, RumFish Beach Resort (a TradeWinds Island Resorts property) is offering discounts—30% off Sunday-Thursday stays and 15% off Friday-Saturday stays—on its best available rates for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Feb. 17, 2022. Rates are as low as $182/night (not including nightly resort amenity fee) and must be booked Nov. 26-29, 2021 via phone or online with the code CYBER21. Book here or call 888-974-3095.

The Karol Hotel, Clearwater

The Deal: Centrally located in Clearwater’s beautiful Feather Sound neighborhood The Karol Hotel (the first member of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio in Pinellas County) is offering a $50 per night food and beverage credit for reservations made between Nov. 26-29, 2021 for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. The credit can be used at the popular Vantage Rooftop Bar overlooking Tampa Bay or the signature K Club Bar & Bistro. Book here using promo Code 7YM or call 833-928-1437.

Mainsail Beach Inn, Anna Maria Island 

The Deal: For guests looking for an extended stay on Anna Maria Island, Mainsail Beach Inn is offering a fourth night free when guests reserve three nights at the beachfront property from Dec. 1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022. The offer must be booked between Nov. 26-29, 2021. Valid only for new reservations, based on availability, and blackout dates apply. Book here or call 888-416-3751.

Hawaii

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Maui

The Deal: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa will be taking part in Hyatt’s Global offer with guests receiving 10% off their stay when they book between Nov. 9 – Dec. 21, 2021 for stays from now until April 30, 2022. Book online here.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, Kauai

The Deal: At Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort, a boutique resort on Poipu Beach, guests can enjoy 22% off the best available rate on rooms, $100 resort credit and $100 spa credit per stay when booking from Nov. 26-29, 2021. The resort will also make a $10 donation per reservation to the Surfrider Foundation. This deal requires a minimum stay of three nights and is valid on stays through Dec. 17, 2022; blackout dates apply. Book here. 

Prince Waikiki, Oahu

The Deal: Prince Waikiki is offering the following deals, bookable Nov. 16 – 30, 2021 for stays from Nov. 16, 2021 to December 22, 2022: 30% off best available rates for non-residents; rooms starting at $199/night for local kamaaina residents; and a special suite offering that includes $100 in resort credits per day (two-night minimum stay required). Book here.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki, Oahu

The Deal: Alohilani Resort, a newly transformed hotel in the heart of Waikiki Beach, is offering 25% off on nightly rates (starting at $279/night) along with free daily breakfast for two at Longboard Club, 25% off daily retail rates, guaranteed late departure at 2 p.m. and VIP shopping and dining pass to the Shops at ‘Alohilani, including discounts at Kolohe, Beachside Luxe, Swell Restaurant & Bar and O Bar. A minimum four-night stay required and the package  must be booked Nov. 25–Dec. 1, 2021 for stays between Dec. 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 (blackout dates are Dec. 24, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022). Book here using code FRIDAY21 or CYBER21 or call 808-922-1233. 

Hanalei Colony Resort, Kauai

The Deal: Hanalei Colony Resort, located on Kauai’s scenic North Shore, is offering 25% off best available rates (excluding oceanfront & premium oceanfront suites) plus a free room upgrade based on availability at check-in on bookings made Nov. 24-30, 2021 for stays through Dec. 15, 2022 (blackout dates: Dec. 24, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022, and January 14-17, 2022). Extended booking dates are available through the resort’s booking engine from Nov. 17 – Dec. 5, 2021; use promo code FRIDAY25.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu

The Deal: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort , set on 22 acres amid lively Waikiki Beach, is offering guests an opportunity to book rooms at up to 50% off now through Nov. 29, 2021 for stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here.

Hilton Waikoloa Village, Island of Hawaii

The Deal: Hilton Waikoloa Village, a 62-acre resort enclave located along the Kahala Coast on the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island), is also offering rates that are up to 50% off now through Nov. 29, 2021 for stays through Oct. 31, 2022. Book here. 

Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, Oahu

The Deal: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Honolulu, featuring mid-century-inspired rooms and a pet-friendly policy, is offering 21% off all rooms (excluding penthouses and 3-bedroom suites), no amenity fees and free off-site self-parking. The deal is open to the general public Nov. 24-29, 2021 (Surfjack VIPs and email subscribers have access from Nov. 11-30, 2021; sign up at the bottom of the website) for stays from Dec. 1-23, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 23, 2022). Use code CYBER2021 to book here. 

California

Pasea Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach

The Deal: Pasea Hotel & Spa, located steps from the sand and upscale shopping and eateries of Huntington Beach, is offering a special Black Friday deal that includes 21% off accommodations with $21 from each reservation donated to the Surfrider Foundation. Book from Nov. 26-29, 2021 for stays through Feb. 28, 2022 using promo code GREENFRIDAY (blackout dates apply).

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, La Jolla

The Deal: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, a hacienda-style resort located on the coast north of San Diego, is offering a package deal of 21% off the best available room rates, a $21 daily food and beverage credit and a $21 donation per stay to Just In Time. Book now through Dec. 1, 2021 for stays through April 30, 2022 (blackout dates apply). 

Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach

The Deal: Surf & Sand Resort, located on 500 feet of Laguna Beach’s white-sand shoreline, is offering a 50/50 Cyber Sale: From Nov. 15 – Dec. 5, 2021 enjoy 50% off the resort’s best available rate, along with a daily $50 food and beverage credit. Valid on new reservations for travel through March 31, 2022. This offer is not combinable with other offers and not valid on group bookings. Subject to availability and holidays and blackout dates may apply. 

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point

The Deal: Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, which offers private access to the Monarch Bay Beach Club, oceanfront golf and more, is offering a special Cyber Sale: Reserve two nights or more from Nov. 15-28, 2021 to unlock up to 25% off of the resort’s best available rate (up to 30% off for Hilton Honors members). The deal is valid for stays between Jan. 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022.

Georgia 

Sea Island

The Deal: To honor the more than 100 Sea Island team members who belong to the Quarter Century Club (having worked at the resort for at least 25 years), the property is offering guests who book on Nov. 29, 2021 the chance to book the third night of any January or February 2022 stay for $25 when choosing accommodations at The Cloister or The Lodge. 

Massachusetts 

Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod, MA

The Deal: Chatham Bars Inn, located on the beach in Cape Cod, has two offers. BLACK FRIDAY: Receive up to 40% off your reservation for select spring and fall dates in 2022. Book Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 4, 2021 (valid for new reservations only). CYBER MONDAY: Receive up to 40% off your reservation on select dates between Nov. 30, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Book Nov. 29, 2021 – Dec. 4, 2021. 

North Carolina

The Sanderling Resort, Duck

The Deal: A full-service resort located on 13 acres in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, The Sanderling Resort is offering 30% off the best available retail rate to guests who reserve Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2021 for stays through May 31, 2022. Book here.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Hotel Month

The Deal: Rhode Island’s annual Hotel Week RI is being expanded to Hotel Month RI with discounts available Nov. 26, 2021 for travel dates throughout January 2022 at a wide variety of accommodations: luxury hotels, historic inns and cozy B&Bs. Participating properties are offering up to 40% savings all month long. Book here starting Nov. 26, 2021.

Hotel Viking, Newport

The Deal: Hotel Viking in Newport is offering guests up to 40% off the best flexible rate for a stay through March 31, 2022 if booked directly between Nov. 29, 2021 and Dec. 5, 2021. Book here, using code CYBER1. 

Ocean House, Westerly

The Deal: Reserve between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 10, 15 and 25% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) for a stay at luxury waterfront resort Ocean House from Dec. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. To book call 844-742-0140.

Weekapaug Inn, Westerly

The Deal: At the Weekapaug Inn, a quintessentially New England historic inn, book between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 10, 20 and 30% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) for stays from Dec. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. To book call 844-742-0140.

Watch Hill Inn, Watch Hill

The Deal: At Watch Hill Inn, located in the heart of Watch Hill village, book between Nov. 26-29, 2021 to receive 15, 25 and 30% off (for one, two or three consecutive days) on stays throughout May 2022 and Sundays to Thursdays in June 2022. Book by calling 844-742-0140.

The Wayfinder Hotel, Newport

The Deal: The Wayfinder, a boutique hotel created by a group of Newport chefs, bartenders, artists, designers and entrepreneurs and located near the city’s beaches and famous Cliff Walk, is offering 25% off best available rates, plus two complimentary cocktails from onsite restaurant Nomi Park, when a booking is made Nov. 29 – Dec. 12, 2021 for stays from Nov. 30, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2022. Use promo code CYBER.

South Carolina

Hilton Head Health, Hilton Head Island
The Deal: Hilton Head Health, an all-inclusive wellness retreat on Hilton Head Island that offers custom fitness plans, nutritional workshops, a wellness spa and gourmet cuisine, is offering 25% off current rates, plus a $150 resort cash credit that can be used toward cooking classes, spa treatments and more. The sale runs from Nov. 22 –Dec. 3, 2021 and is valid for stays from Dec. 26, 2021 through April 2, 2022. 

The post 40 More Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals from Florida to Hawaii (and a Few Places in Between) appeared first on Islands.

Set on a pristine, private quarter-mile beach on Aunt Lydia’s Cove, and tucked between the natural beauty of the Tern Island Sanctuary and North Beach Island, Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod is the kind of place you can escape to for a long weekend, only to find yourself wondering why you didn’t stay longer. From private beach cabanas and the heated outdoor pool to whale watching and fishing trips, this is a property boasting the same luxuries and amenities as your favorite international destinations, but with the advantage of being so close to home.

But don’t think you won’t find a little global flavor here. While the Inn’s world-class dining options draw inspiration from the region and ingredients from the on-site farm, some of the Veranda’s specialty cocktails will make you feel like you were whisked away to the Caribbean. Tequila lovers can’t go wrong with the Salted Watermelon Margarita, but the Latitude 41 brings attitude to the cool Massachusetts breeze.

We’re very lucky that the inn’s Master Mixologist Adam Couto shared this delicious recipe so we can all try it at home, but the really good news is that Chatham Bars Inn reopened this week and has implemented a “Wellbeing Plan” to ensure the safety of all guests.

Chatham Bars Inn’s Latitude 41

Ingredients:

This recipe calls for CBI’s own El Tesoro Reposado Barrel Select. To make at home, substitute with regular El Tesoro Reposado or your own favorite tequila.

• 1.5 oz of CBI Reposado
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz ginger simple syrup
• 0.5 oz Ancho Reyes Verde
• Garnish with Thai Chili Mix and a lime wheel

How to Make the Ginger Simple Syrup:

Combine a half cup of sugar with a half cup of water in a saucepan with 1-inch peeled ginger (grated or diced small). Simmer for at least 10 minutes or until all sugar is dissolved. Let cool and run through mesh strainer. Store in refrigerator for up to 10 days.

How to Make the Thai Chili Salt Mix:

Add 1 tsp of salt and 3 Thai chilis (dried) to a spice grinder and grind until it is incorporated and the consistency desired. Store in airtight container. This will last a long time.

How to Make the Cocktail:

Brush simple syrup on a bias on the outside of the glass, about 1/3 around the glass, sprinkle Thai chili and salt mix over brushed simple. Then fill the glass with ice.

Combine all other ingredients in shaker with ice, shake well and strain over the fresh ice in the glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

To add a little more heat, add a pinch of the Thai chili to the mix, and double strain in the glass.

The post How to Make the Latitude 41 from Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod appeared first on Islands.

Located right between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island might just be the perfect southern getaway. We’re sure the 400 or so residents would agree—even if they’re content not to draw large swaths of tourists like their neighbors—but it is impossible to ignore the unique charm of this island that is only accessible by ferry and (mostly) relies on golf carts for transportation.

And when it comes to lodging, Haig Point turns the charm up to 11. Built on St. Simons island in Georgia more than a century ago, the Strachan Mansion was moved to and rebuilt in Haig Point in 1986, and today offers four suites for guests seeking a little history in between trips to the beach or many rounds of golf on the signature course. Or, if visitors require a paranormal element, the 1873 Lighthouse offers two bedrooms, a kitchen and porch with idyllic views of Calibogue Sound, as well as the purported friendly spirit of Maggie, the daughter of the lighthouse’s first keeper.

As for food and drink, people come from all over just to enjoy the happy hour parties at the Calibogue Club at Haig Point. Hopefully they stay for dinner, because when chef Taylor Griffin passed along his recipe for shrimp and grits, we couldn’t imagine eating anything else.

Shrimp and Grits from the Calibogue Club at Haig Point

(Serving 2-3 people)

Ingredients for the Grits:

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup stone ground grits
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for the Shrimp Sauce:

• 1 lb. of fresh local shrimp, peeled and deveined (you can leave tails on for presentation if you like)
• 4 slices of thick bacon, chopped into quarter pieces
• 6 cloves of garlic, sliced long ways
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 cup of good white wine
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (Chef Taylor uses Chef Paul Prudhomme’s blackened redfish magic blend)
• 1 tbsp chopped green onion for garnish

How to Make It:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring water to a boil. Add salt and grits and stir. Reduce heat and skim any floating chaff from the mixture. Continue to stir, and as soon as the grits begin to thicken add the heavy cream. Continue to cook grits on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. When grits are at desired tenderness, add the butter and stir.

Place the chopped bacon in a large frying pan and set over medium heat. Toss the shrimp in the Cajun seasoning mixture. When bacon is rendered, increase heat to medium high and add shrimp to pan with the garlic and shallot. Sauté and stir for 2-3 minutes allowing shrimp to get a nice on both sides. Add the white wine to deglaze the pan. Once wine is mostly reduced, add the heavy cream and allow it to reduce for 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Remove shrimp from the pan when fully cooked and allow sauce to thicken fully.

To serve, portion out a scoop of grits on a large plate or bowl. Arrange shrimp on top of the grits and pour the sauce over.

Garnish with chopped green onion.

The post How to Make the Shrimp and Grits from Haig Point on Daufuskie Island appeared first on Islands.

Known for its charming, rugged style and spacious cottages that are ideal for nature-oriented family getaways, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Islands in Georgia offers an all-inclusive visit with seed-to-table meals cultivated by Executive Chef Renée Rigaud Everett. Her team pulls fresh produce and herbs right from the property’s organic garden, while the other ingredients are obtained from a variety of local companies, farms and fishermen. The result is a southern island culinary experience unlike any other.

Some chefs, no matter how generous they might be in sharing recipes, are reluctant to give away their best-kept secrets and special ingredients. That’s not the case here, though, as sous chef Mike is more than willing to gift us the recipe for a chimichurri sauce that the Lodge’s chefs use on pretty much anything.

Mention chimichurri and most carnivores picture a mouth-watering hanger or skirt steak (or both if it’s before dinner and I’m hungry enough) or maybe a juicy pork tenderloin. But the Lodge’s chefs love this sauce so much they’ll put it on fresh-caught Little St. Simons redfish, flounder and trout, or even a plate of grilled vegetables, like eggplant, squash and as asparagus. And they must be right, because just thinking about it makes me eyeball the clock for dinnertime.

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island’s Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients (for one cup):

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (Canola, soy, etc.)
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 cup chopped dill
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley
• 3 tbsp chopped oregano
• 1 lime juiced
• 2 tsp sherry vinegar
• 2 tsp soy sauce/tamari
• 1 tbsp agave
• 1/4 to 1/8 tsp chili flakes

How to Make It:

1. Add vegetable oil and olive oil to a mixing bowl.
2. Finely chop cilantro, dill and parsley. Add to oil mixture.
3. Add lime juice, sherry vinegar, soy sauce, agave and chili flakes to bowl.
4. Stir to combine ingredients.
5. Store in a mason jar or similar container. Keep refrigerated.

The post How to Make the Chimichurri from The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island appeared first on Islands.

While it doesn’t have the name recognition of neighboring Hilton Head Island, the town of Bluffton, South Carolina, has quietly and deservedly developed into a classic Southern vacation destination. Thanks to its deep history and celebrated arts scene, Bluffton has evolved from playing second fiddle to Hilton Head and Savannah to the perfect place for a weekend road trip or even a week spent enjoying local festivals and the area’s vast natural beauty.

Set right in the heart of Bluffton, Montage Palmetto Bluff offers guests world-class accommodations with vintage Southern charm, and a bevy of water-based adventures and activities on the May River. This includes water skiing, paddleboarding, private beach tours, trips to Daufuskie Island, and, of course, salt- and fresh-water fishing. And land lovers don’t need to worry, because there is also the May River Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.

With so much to do, unwinding will undoubtedly be on the day’s itinerary, so we asked the resort’s bar staff to name a cocktail that pairs well with putting your feet up and/or sitting next to a fire pit in the backyard as the sun bids farewell. Undoubtedly, they said, it is the River House Lounge’s Peaches and Bourbon, and they were kind enough to share the recipe.

Montage Palmetto Bluff’s Peaches and Bourbon

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Maker’s Mark
• 3 oz. lemonade
• 3 oz. peach cider
• Garnish: peach or lemon wedge

How to Make It:

1. Combine all ingredients into a shaker and mix vigorously.
2. Pour ingredients into a Collins glass filled with ice, and garnish with a slice of peach or lemon wedge.

The post How to Make Montage Palmetto Bluff’s Peaches and Bourbon appeared first on Islands.

You’ve been talking about it for ages — planning that epic girlfriend getaway. It’s time for less talk and more action. We found 14 beaches, islands and coastal enclaves for your perfect women’s weekend. From spa treatments and sunset sails to wineries and wellness classes, here’s where to relax, make memories, and catch each other up on months of stories.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Barbados

Santorini, Greece

Turks and Caicos Islands

Miami, Florida

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Sanibel and Captiva Island, Florida

Puerto Rico

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Guana Island, British Virgin Islands

Related: This All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica Offers Unlimited Spa Treatments

Los Cabos, Mexico

Casco Bay, Maine

The post 14 Ideas for Your Next Girlfriend Getaway appeared first on Islands.

Ocean’s Edge Key West Hotel & Marina – Key West

Snug on 20 acres on Stock Island, this 175-room hotel opened in January. Six pools line the resort and rooms flaunt balconies with ocean. Sculptures, literature and art by locals are fanned throughout the resort. All-day dining at Yellow Fin Bar & Grille ranges from golden malted waffles for breakfast to Caribbean jerk chicken for dinner.

The Gates Hotel Key West – Key West

Opened in 2015, digs at this 100-room boutique hotel feature photos of the Keys’ beaches (by local Jorge de la Torriente), paired with whitewashed beams and platform beds crafted just for the property. The hotel’s partnership with a local rum distillery and a cigar factory means private-label spirits at the Rum Row bar, and an onsite cigar lounge and garden. Delicacies like conch salad and duck-fat grilled-cheese sandwiches are served from The Blind Pig, the resort’s permanently parked food truck. When wanderlust calls, hop on a Martone-bicycle cruiser or call for the complimentary shuttle to Old Town.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa – Key Largo

Opened fall 2016, Playa Largo is set on 14 blissful acres — including a 750-foot sandy beach, rare for Key Largo. The 144-room property boasts a spa and open-air eatery Sol by the Sea. Pro tip: Friday stays include fun all-ages activities like Happy Hour Paddle or learning to cast on for fly-fishing. Other family-friendly amenities: a saltwater pool, bocce ball and tennis courts, fire pits and tons of water sports like snorkeling and paddle boarding.

The Perry Hotel – Key West

Channeling nautical architecture (think outdoor showers and shiplap half-walls), this 100-room resort is perched on Stock Island Marina (cue yacht views) only 4 miles from downtown Key West. Open since May, cabanas and hammocks, plus paddleboard-yoga classes, help guests unwind. Get on the water via fishing, kayaking or a sunset sail, all departing from the property. Key West pink shrimp at Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Bar is the definition of boat-to-table comfort food.

24° North, Key West

Bridging Florida and Cuban culture, this 145-room resort opened in late 2015. Toasted Coconut, the poolside bar, hosts live music and DJs, and unique amenities include monthly dominos nights and premium cigars. Jorge de la Torriente’s photos of Havana and the Keys are hung throughout — guests even receive a luggage tag featuring his photography upon checkout. Like sister property The Gates Hotel Key West, there is a partnership with a local cigar company.

The Marker Waterfront Resort, Key West

Celebrating its three-year anniversary in December, this 96-room resort hugs four acres on the waterfront in Old Town Key West, and all rooms have a private balcony. Three pools (including the adults-only Serenity), along with bicycle rentals ensure there’s a good mix of R&R. Cero Bodega fuses California and Mexican cuisine in dishes like pollo a la plancha while the poolside bar expands beyond tropical drinks by serving Spanish wines.

The post Best New Florida Keys Hotels appeared first on Islands.

Mount Desert Island, Maine

Over 50 miles of this island is covered by Acadia National Park, one of the country’s most loved. Thick woodlands and rugged mountains hug miles of the Atlantic coastline surrounding an island studded with picturesque harbors like bustling Bar Harbor, quaint towns and country lanes lined by swaths of pastel colored lupines. Drive up to the summit of the famed Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise before anyone else in the country. Hike the Bubble Rock Trail and relax afterward with tea on the lawn at Jordan Pond. In Southwest Harbor, grab a picnic table at Beal’s Lobster Pier where just-pulled-from-the-trap lobsters are boiled to succulent perfection in seawater.

Santa Catalina, California

For those looking to escape the buzz and sprawl of the Southern California mainland, head to the craggy, jasmine-scented island of Santa Catalina, just an hour’s ferry ride from Long Beach. The bulk of the island, which is part of the Channel Islands archipelago, is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a nonprofit that has worked to preserve Santa Catalina’s natural beauty. Tiny Avalon is the island’s main town and serves as the hub for visitors and locals alike with its charming, Mediterranean vibe and easy walking. Beach lovers can indulge in a day spent relaxing at the Descanso Beach Club, where both lounge chairs and cabanas are available to rent. To explore the mostly car-free island, rent a golf cart in Avalon for a fun jaunt and spectacular views.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This tiny slice of turn-of-the-century life is nestled within Lake Huron, where cars have been outlawed since 1898. A favorite summer resort since the Victorian era, Mackinac Island is just 4 square miles and was a national park until 1895 when it became a Michigan State Park. In 1966, the island found it’s way onto the country’s National Register of Historic Places and the island is home to numerous elegant cottages and hotels encompassing myriad architectural styles. Visitors to the island are known fondly as “fudgies,” since no one leaves Mackinac without a taste of the local confectionary, and bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the primary means of transportation.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island’s quaint, laid-back character and natural beauty transports visitors to a simpler time. Located 13 miles south of mainland Rhode Island, much of the island is managed by conservation groups and remains largely undeveloped. Hop the ferry in Port Judith and step off an hour later onto charming Water Street with its down-home vibe and historic ambience. Rent a bike from one of the many shops in town and pedal away from the Old Harbor along country lanes, past peaceful ponds and farmland, to one of the island’s many isolated beaches, all of which are free.

Longboat Key, Florida

This secluded Florida island is a peaceful alternative to Sarasota County’s more popular destinations like Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island. The crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap gently along the shore of 10 miles of pristine, white sandy beach. Since much of the beach is private and only accessible via the condos and hotels that line the shore, book a stay at The Resort at Longboat Key Club to enjoy it. Bonus: the vibrant hub of Sarasota’s famed St. Armands Circle is less than two-miles away as are all the rich cultural experiences of the county, like The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Cedar shingled homes, widows’ walks and a whaling museum give visitors to this New England island a hefty dose of seafaring history. Part of what makes this storybook-perfect island so special is its remoteness in comparison to other islands in the region. Still, despite being located 25 miles off the mainland of Cape Cod, Nantucket is relatively easy to reach by ferry from Hyannis. Cobblestone streets and chic shops fill the downtown area and the only Starbucks reference you’ll find is the name of one of Nantucket’s original whaling families. With the highest point on the island only 110 feet, leave your car on the mainland and spend your time coasting along the island’s extensive network of paved paths between the harbor and beautiful beaches.

Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Accommodating just 32 visitors per night and accessible only by boat, Little St. Simons is a privately owned, 11,000-acre barrier island with an intriguing history. Purchased in the early 1900s by a company intending to turn the island’s proliferation of red cedar trees into pencils, the company’s owner instead established a personal hunting retreat. Opened to the public in 1979, the island is a nature-lover’s paradise, with a staff of talented on-site naturalists who lead a variety of activities, from kayaking through untouched tidal marshlands to creek fishing and wildlife hikes. Grab one of the beach cruisers propped up along the fence and pedal out to the island’s 7-mile long private beach where you’ll find chairs and towels waiting. Share your adventures with the other guests at a late afternoon cocktail hour while watching the sunset over the river.

San Juan Islands, Washington

This verdant archipelago is clustered throughout the waters of Puget Sound between Washington and British Columbia. The number of islands in the San Juan cluster depends upon the tides, with a smattering over 700 peeking above the surface when the sea at its lowest. Of these, 172 are named, a few dozen are inhabited, and just four — San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw — are accessible by public transport aboard the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. On Lopez, gentle slopes are ideal for biking and you’ll lose count of the number of locals who give you a friendly wave. Orcas’ calm waters invite even beginning paddlers to explore the spectacular coastline from a kayak. In San Juan, Friday Harbor is where the action is, if you can call it action, with the largest collection of galleries, hotels, and restaurants. Lime Kiln State Park is considered one of the best spots to view the islands’ three resident pods of orca whales.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Just 3 miles along the causeway from Fort Myers in southwest Florida, you’ll find this sleepy Florida island boating more than 250 different varieties of shells — and only one traffic light. Development is prohibited on two-thirds of the unspoiled barrier island, which has no roads wider than two lanes and 25-miles of bike paths. Kayak through secluded estuaries, visit the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge to spy over 245 species of birds, bask on the white sands of Bowman’s Beach, or watch dolphins playfully jumping through the waves on a sunset cocktail cruise.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Immerse yourself in low-country bliss on this private island just an hour south of Charleston. Though many visitors come to enjoy Kiawah’s five championship golf courses, the island is also home to 10 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline bordered by windswept dunes, 30 miles of bicycle paths that wind beneath moss-laden live oaks, plentiful wildlife, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort. The sublime hotel offers a mecca of recreational activities, villa rentals and a luxe spa. During the summer months, don’t miss the Monday night oyster roast and barbecue at Mingo Point, nestled on the banks of the Kiawah River.

The post 10 Amazing U.S. Islands Close to Home appeared first on Islands.