Best Luxury Back To Nature Hotels on The East Coast

It’s official, the world has reopened and travel is back with a vengeance. While many travelers eagerly plan international adventures, sometimes we all need a short break closer to home. For those seeking an escape from hectic daily life, our list of the best luxury back-to-nature hotels in the East will appease even the most discerning traveler. Domestic travel can be equally as exciting and freeing as a faraway international trip. Immersing in nature and finding storybook destinations serve as a landscape for creating lasting memories. Local travel results in deepened connections with neighboring cities and states, and visiting off-the-beaten-path locations brings renewed attention and appeal to these destinations.

Whether embarking on a scenic road trip or flying by air, travelers head to mountain reserves, state & national parks, coastal & lake towns, and remote destinations. They are embracing the benefits of outdoor activities and open spaces apart from crowds. Travelers seeking luxury social distancing hotels in the east want spacious rooms, suites, and balcony casitas that offer privacy. Exclusive access to a plethora of dining options and other property activities is also top of mind. If you’re traveling with kids make sure to check our Best Family Vacation Destinations in the US.

We celebrate this return to tourism by highlighting some of the most impressive boutique-style hotels on the East Coast! These luxury social distancing hotels in the east promise an uncompromising vacation allowing each traveler a moment of peace and relaxation.

Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, South Carolina)

Image courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff

Montage properties incorporate natural environments and local culture while focusing on unsurpassed service and personal touches. Voted one of the top ten resort hotels in the South by Travel + Leisure, the luxury brand’s Montage Palmetto Bluff, between Hilton Head Island and Savannah in South Carolina, amazes each arriving guest with its impressive 20,000-acre natural reserve along the May River. Truly one of the most inspiring luxury social distancing hotels on the east coast.

The property provides an authentic experience of the Carolina Lowcountry with eight dining venues, three pools, a spa, a marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Accommodations include spacious cottages as well as luxurious guest rooms and suites.

“I can’t say enough about the Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort. So much southern charm; this property is heaven on earth. Peaceful, romantic, and relaxing… This is a must-do!” – BTA client.

Montage Palmetto Bluff’s focus on recreation makes it a mecca for families and group gatherings. With endless outdoor activities on the property, including boating, fishing, paddle-boarding, golf, clay shooting, horseback riding, bicycling, and more, entertainment is never lacking. Wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation are also essential components of any vacation at Montage Palmetto Bluff—plan on booking a treatment or two at the Spa Montage and Salon before your arrival.

Image courtesy of Montage Palmetto Bluff

This secluded resort is conveniently just a 40-minute drive from the Savannah/Hilton Head Airport. With this proximity, take a day trip to Savannah, where popular activities include biking along Forsythe Park, a ride on the Old Town Trolley, a stroll down River Street, and visiting the town’s historic district and museums.

Savannah is known for its breweries and casual dining scene, where fried green tomatoes and peach pie are menu staples. We recommend a day trip to Hilton Head Island Beach for beachgoers, located just a 45-minute drive away.

Stonewater Cove (Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri)

Image courtesy of Stonewater Cove

Situated on Table Rock Lake’s shores, Stonewater Cove Resort and Spa (a member of the Kiwi Collection) is a luxury lake and forest property limited to just 25 suite-style rooms. This hidden gem introduces modern luxury to the great outdoors by effortlessly combining relaxation and adventure under one roof. The location and ambiance make it one of the best hotels for social distancing in the East.

Stonewater Cove Resort and Spa offer various self-guided activities, including canoeing, dock fishing, swimming, and hiking. The resort features a miniature golf course and a bocce ball court. There are also plenty of guided activities to choose from, including ATV tours, leisure boat rides, zip line experiences, and water sports such as wakeboarding, kneeboarding, skiing, and tubing. Except for fishing excursions, the resort offers flexibility by allowing guided activities to be scheduled after arrival. If you’re interested in more adventurous options consider a Luxury Dude Ranch Vacation.

“We are especially grateful for our 500 acres, few rooms, and secluded location this season. It has allowed us to continue to provide luxury lake and forest retreats for our visitors without taking away from our typical offerings” – Stone Water Cove.

Image courtesy of Stonewater Cove

Guests traveling by air can choose between three neighboring airports: Branson Airport, Springfield-Branson National Airport, and Northwest Arkansas National Airport, which are 58 to 78 miles from the resort, with Branson Airport being the closest and Northwest Arkansas National Airport being the furthest away. Those arriving by vehicle will be welcomed by a scenic drive regardless of their starting point.

Chatham Bars Inn (Chatham, Massachusetts)

Image courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn

Few destinations provide a more quintessential summer getaway than Cape Cod. Guests seeking a luxury social distancing experience stay at the Chatham Bars Inn’s historic 25-acre seaside resort. The property offers over 217 guestrooms and cottages, including rooms equipped with fireplaces and oceanfront balconies.

Image courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn

With four restaurants on the property, a full-service spa, a white-sand private beach, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, tennis, croquet, boating, fishing, bicycling, and golf, this resort offers fun and entertainment for all ages. The inn is only a short stroll from Chatham’s Main Street, where unique shops, galleries, and eateries await. The property is well regarded as being one of the best luxury hotels in the East.

Image courtesy of Chatham Bars Inn

Chatham Bars currently offers outdoor dining, take-out service, picnic-style meals, and other creative dining ways. The resort provides a morning kids club, evening childcare, and other organized family activities such as scavenger hunts and lawn games, making it one of the best luxury social distancing hotels in the East for families.

Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain (Walland, Tennessee)

Photo Courtesy of Blackberry Mountain/Ingalls Photography

Widely renowned Blackberry Farm and the newly opened Blackberry Mountain are ideal destinations, appealing to discerning guests. The properties aspire to evoke harmony, relaxation, and tranquility.

Nestled in the Smokey Mountains foothills, Blackberry Farm is a magical place where guests trade their modern lives for a majestic experience in a countryside filled with elegance, serenity, and natural beauty. Offering over 4,200 acres of greenery, farmstead, and forest terrain, this luxury resort estate is worthy of being called a private national park.

Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm/Beall Thomas Photography

Blackberry Farm has 68 guest accommodations, beautifully arranged with beautiful antiques and other decor. Freestanding private accommodations with multiple bedrooms and gathering areas are also available.

Guests can wander and walk the property to explore the wildlife, vegetation, scenic trails, and other hidden gems. The resort offers countless activities and adventures, including horseback riding, archery, clay courses, culinary experiences, fly fishing, and hiking. For wellness-minded travelers, the spa beckons with a variety of rejuvenating treatments.

A Relais & Chateaux collection member, Southern tradition and charm influence Blackberry Farm’s hospitality. The resort prides itself on creative gourmet cuisine. The property invites guests to participate in farmstead tasting tours, cooking demonstrations, and gardening classes. Rates are based on double occupancy and include three meals per day plus snacks.

Blackberry Mountain is an ideal escape for couples, groups, and families seeking a blend of adventure and wellness. Situated on Blackberry Mountain, the spacious property provides ample opportunities for activities. Some of our favorite Blackberry Mountain activities include aerial yoga, Naturopathic spa services, rock climbing, Raku pottery, complimentary morning group fitness, and wellness classes.

Photo courtesy of Blackberry Mountain/Ingalls Photography

There are over 25 cities with direct flights to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa/Maryville, Tennessee. The airport is approximately 25 minutes from your Blackberry state of mind, making it a top choice for luxury social distancing hotels in the East. It’s easy to get to but difficult to leave this luxury hotel!

Twin Farms (Barnard, Vermont)

Image courtesy of Twin Farms

Twin Farms is an all-inclusive luxury resort in Barnard, Vermont. With meals, wine pairings, and spirits included as part of the package, culinary festivities are an essential component of every visit to Twin Farms. Chef Nathan Rich and his team customize dining experiences to align with dietary preferences and restrictions.

This 5-star resort has over 20 distinctive accommodations ranging from rooms, cottages, farmhouses, and lodges. Twin Farms is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. Open year-round. The resort offers a variety of fun activities suitable for all seasons.

Image courtesy of Twin Farms

We believe Twin Farms is an ideal vacation destination for small gatherings, whether traveling with friends and family or as a group of professionals on a work-related retreat. Travelers who struggle to leave their furry dog friends behind will be happy to know that Twin Farms is dog friendly, although an additional $75 service fee applies.

Image courtesy of Twin Farms

Twin Farms is located 90 minutes from the nearest commercial airport in Burlington.

Driving times for travelers nearby are as follows:
Albany, NY: 3 hours
Boston, MA: 3 hours
Burlington, VT: 1 hour 15 minutes
Hartford, CT: 3 hours
Lebanon, NH: 45 minutes
Manchester, NH: 2 hours
Montreal: 3 hours
New York City: 5 hours

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa (Little Torch Key, Florida)

Image courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort

Suppose an adult getaway is on your summer agenda. May we suggest the irresistible vibe of the Florida Keys complemented by a luxury stay at the tucked-away islands of The Palm Island Resort? Guests typically arrive by seaplane or private boat, situated on a stretch of uninhabited island property.

This impressive island resort has 30 luxurious bungalow-style suites decorated and furnished based on British West Indies-inspired designs. White sandy beaches and turquoise water surround this paradise. The resort is an open concept, and its stunning views from any direction on the 5.5-acre property make it one of the best luxury social distancing hotels on the east coast.

Image courtesy of Little Palm Island

Guests are beckoned to relax while enjoying a spa treatment or sipping cocktails in a private cabana beside the oceanfront pool. The property is well known for natural wildlife sightings, such as the endangered Key Deer and other land and sea creatures.

“Little Palm Island provided exactly the type of romantic getaway we needed. Everything from food to service and, of course, the views were incredible! This is one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S.” – BTA client.

Image courtesy of Little Palm Island Resort

Water enthusiasts can soak up daily by snorkeling, scuba diving, or sailing. The resort’s award-winning restaurant, the Dining Room, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Little Palm Island Resort’s awards include being ranked as one of Florida’s top resorts by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler in 2018. For more information, check out this brochure.

If you are looking for more inspiration, how about exploring the beauty and natural wonders of the Southwest in a luxury resort?   Of course, if you want to venture a bit further while remaining within the US consider planning a perfect trip to Maui. 

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