As the ongoing pandemic continues to impact our way of life, both hotel owners and travelers are adapting and reshaping the future of travel. For some, this shift means staying closer to home, but for those who can safely venture farther afield, the concept of booking an entire hotel is emerging as the latest trend in luxury travel. Offering a unique blend of safety, exclusivity, and the ability to maintain optimal social distancing, reserving an entire hotel for your closest companions provides an exceptional way to indulge in a lavish travel experience with all the lavish extras. These upscale hotels, varying in size from those with dozens to hundreds of rooms to more intimate ones with only a few, offer guests the privilege of enjoying amenities such as private pools and beaches, personal chefs and butlers, and exclusive access to spas and restaurants. Here, we present a curated list of the top luxury hotel buyouts to consider for your upcoming vacation.
Dive Palm Springs
This charming former motel, transformed into a chic Palm Springs retreat, offers the opportunity to book the entire property at standard room rates, plus a $5,000 event fee, to turn your desert dreams into reality. With nine uniquely designed rooms and suites adorned with hand-painted tiles, rattan furniture, original murals, and vintage posters, Dive Palm Springs provides a distinctive and immersive experience. Two exceptional rooms stand out, featuring a Parisian elevator converted into a canopy bed and custom Christian LaCroix wallpaper and ceiling murals. Guests can spend their days lounging by the 1960s-era tiled pool, designed by renowned pool designer Maurice Libbot, complete with fringed umbrellas and striped cabanas. Alternatively, they can gather around the fire pit, relax on rattan swings, and even try their hand at a secret three-hole putting green. Don’t forget to inquire about the enticing “Magic Menu” for additional enhancements to your stay.
The Maker
Ideal for weekend getaways from New York City, this newly opened gem in the Hudson Valley offers eleven inviting rooms, perfect for intimate group takeovers. Situated amidst the vibrant Warren Street, known for its array of restaurants and shops, The Maker spans across three meticulously restored historic buildings: an 1800s-era carriage house, a Georgian mansion, and a Greek revival building. These structures seamlessly blend original architecture with intricate craftsmanship by local artisans, celebrating the world of artisans and makers. Each room boasts a unique design, drawing inspiration from various eras, including the belle époque, art deco, and mid-century modern periods. Guests are bound to compete for the four maker studios, each named after a different creative figure: the Architect, the Artist, the Writer, and the Gardner. The hotel also features a European-style café, a full-service restaurant housed in a glass conservatory, an inviting cocktail lounge, a well-curated library with books selected by New York City’s Strand Book Store, and the first hotel pool in Hudson.
Sheldon Chalet
For those seeking the ultimate escape, Sheldon Chalet offers an unparalleled experience perched atop a glacier in Denali, accessible only by helicopter. This five-bedroom chalet accommodates up to ten people (starting at $35,000 per couple for three nights) and promises an extraordinary exploration of Denali’s pristine wilderness. The buyout package encompasses all essential gear, two experienced adventure guides, a dedicated concierge, a personal chef preparing gourmet meals complemented by premium wine pairings, guided glacier expeditions, snowshoe excursions, gourmet picnics within an igloo, ice cave exploration, and helicopter transportation to and from the chalet. Guests will revel in the five acres of private scenic property, offering breathtaking vistas of the Alaska Range and, if lucky, a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. To enhance your adventure, consider adding flight-seeing tours and other exciting activities to your itinerary.
Life House, Nantucket
The latest addition to the chic lifestyle hotel brand Life House, this Nantucket property extends the brand’s aesthetic to Cape Cod and New England for the first time. Nestled within a meticulously restored Coastal Federal-style mansion dating back to the 1830s, originally owned and operated as an inn by Captain Robert Calder, the hotel pays homage to the region’s heritage. The property is adorned with local art, vintage artifacts, and details such as raffia writing desks. A complete buyout (starting at $3,000 per night during the low season) grants exclusive access to all 14 thoughtfully appointed rooms, equipped with luxurious amenities including Le Labo bath products, Marshall speakers, and Revival luxury linens. The lush garden terrace, featuring daybed loungers and a fire pit, invites relaxation, while a cozy living area with a fireplace adds to the ambiance. A well-stocked kitchen provides a selection of grab-and-go delights to savor during your stay.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this fall, the iconic Santa Fe hotel offers a range of special experiences, including the option to reserve the entire property (starting at $30,000 for a two-night stay). This comprehensive package comprises 30 of the hotel’s deluxe rooms and suites, an exclusive tequila tasting experience at the Anasazi Restaurant’s Tequila Table, and the opportunity to customize your culinary journey with private meals crafted by Executive Chef de Cuisine Julio Cabrera. The rooms at Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi feature gas-lit traditional adobe kiva fireplaces, hardwood floors, and exquisite Southwestern-style textiles. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa room to cater to your wellness needs.
The Winston
A boutique hotel of discerning taste, The Winston, opened its doors in July in Santa Barbara wine country, housed within the historic Old Mill Clock Tower. Its 14 rooms, many with exposed wooden beams, exude an eclectic and bohemian ambiance, thanks to furnishings collected from around the world, striking colors, diverse textures, and contrasting patterns. Buyout options start at $5,000 per night and include the convenience of breakfast delivered to your room, as well as access to an honor bar stocked with local wines and snacks, making it an ideal choice for a girlfriend getaway.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, The Lake House on Canandaigua, a property designed by Studio Tack, offers 125 chic rooms that can be exclusively reserved (starting at $102,000 per night) for a serene lakefront retreat. The buyout package encompasses rejuvenating spa treatments at the wellness center, artfully crafted by British skincare expert Alexandra Soveral. Guests can indulge in delectable dining experiences at either the seasonal Rose Tavern restaurant or the poolside Sand Bar, which serves casual fare. The itinerary includes boat excursions, invigorating hikes, yoga classes, and access to the inviting pool and hot tub. For expeditious travel, consider booking a seaplane transfer directly from New York City’s East River to the property.
Four Seasons Philadelphia
For an opulent city escape, consider reserving the entire Four Seasons Philadelphia, a stunning hotel-in-the-sky that opened its doors in 2019 in the heart of Philadelphia. Occupying the uppermost 12 floors of the new Comcast Technology Center, a 60-story masterpiece designed by Norman Foster, this establishment stands as the tallest hotel in North America. In addition to plush rooms offering breathtaking views, guests can access the 57th floor’s crystal-themed spa and an indoor infinity pool that provides an unparalleled sensation of swimming amidst the clouds. Culinary delights await at Jean-Georges Philadelphia and Vernick Fish, overseen by James Beard award-winning chef Greg Vernick, while the 60th floor’s JG Skyhigh invites you to enjoy a drink with panoramic vistas.
The Wheatleigh
For a touch of European elegance, The Wheatleigh, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, graces the heart of the Berkshires. Built in 1893 and inspired by Italian palazzo architecture, this stately mansion features 19 rooms adorned with marble, Tiffany stained glass, and original molding. The property offers an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room, bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, a tennis court, and spa services. Buyouts, commencing at $24,000 per night, grant you exclusive use of the entire estate, along with tailored menus by Forbes Five-Star Chef Jeffrey Thompson, daily breakfast, a welcoming champagne reception, and a selection of soft beverages.
Lumière with Inspirato
For the ultimate Telluride ski vacation, consider reserving all 18 deluxe residences at Lumière with Inspirato, ranging from one to five bedrooms (from $20,500 per night). Here, guests can relish personalized service delivered by an attentive staff. Begin your mornings with a locally sourced organic breakfast hamper placed in each residence, which also come equipped with full kitchens, providing the option for private chefs upon request. Take advantage of in-residence ski and boot fittings, followed by adventures on the slopes, or unwind at the private pool and fitness center. Private guides are available for backcountry skiing or snowmobile excursions, and heliski adventures can be arranged for the ultimate thrill. For expedited travel, private charter flights are also available.
Espacio
While this luxurious Waikiki hotel already guarantees privacy with each suite occupying its entire floor and only nine suites in total, a full buyout (starting at $45,000 per night) offers an idyllic Hawaiian escape. Each suite features two or three bedrooms, four bathrooms, private elevator entry, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a dry sauna, and a Jacuzzi-clad balcony overlooking Waikiki Beach. The ultra-private experience extends to contactless personal styling services, facilitated by the hotel’s partnership with Neiman Marcus, as well as dedicated butler service and personal use of the hotel’s fleet of luxury vehicles.
Mustang Monument
Imagine an exclusive retreat where you and up to 20 companions can immerse yourselves in the company of 1,000 rescued wild mustangs. This dream can become a reality with a buyout (starting at $26,000 per night) of Mustang Monument, an eco-reserve sanctuary nestled in northern Nevada. Spanning over 900 square miles of pristine wilderness, the property includes 10 homestead safari-style cottages and an array of outdoor activities, from ATV rides and rappelling to archery and horseback riding. Guests can partake in horse-drawn wagon rides, sunrise horse feedings, and wild mustang safari adventures. Most notably, every stay contributes to the noble cause of Saving America’s Mustangs organization.
Bungalows Key Largo
For a lavish escape to the Florida Keys, consider booking this swanky resort for you and up to 270 of your friends. Starting at just $135,000 per night, the buyout option grants you exclusive access to the property’s 12 acres of tropical paradise, 1,000 feet of waterfront shoreline, and all its lavish amenities. Guests can luxuriate in 135 private bungalows, each featuring a bougainvillea-draped veranda, alfresco soaking tub, and outdoor garden shower. The resort also offers three restaurants, two bars, two pools with Jacuzzis, a fitness center equipped with Peloton equipment, cruiser bicycles, paddleboards, and kayaks. If that’s not enough, you can enhance your stay with seaplane excursions, sunset cruises, and spa treatments.
In conclusion, these exclusive luxury hotel buyouts offer an exceptional opportunity to create unforgettable memories with loved ones in truly remarkable settings. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural exploration, or simply a break from the ordinary, these properties cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring a tailored experience like no other.