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Luxury holidays in the USA: America at its most indulgent
130-foot outdoor swimming pool at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection in Calistoga, California
America is a country of extremes, and its luxury travel experiences are no different. From grey wolf spotting in Yellowstone to front-row seats at New York Fashion Week, these are the experiences that make a USA holiday truly extraordinary
The United States of America is a country of scale. Its physical size, yes. But also, its energy. From New York City’s towering skyscrapers and the bright lights of Broadway, to the spectacle of Las Vegas and the glamour of Hollywood, the USA is larger than life.
Even when her cities – or her people – aren’t projecting big and bold, the sheer diversity of travel experiences across America’s 50 states is vast. And that stands for luxury travel, too.
Find tropical islands, Arctic winters, rugged desert and mountainous beauty in the same breath – and the same nation – as iconic road trips, world-class wine country, global cities and unforgettable dining.
These are some of our favourite luxury travel experiences on offer in the USA.
Four Seasons’ Into the Wild
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, set among some of the nation’s most celebrated mountain peaks and ski runs, is also the launch pad for the luxury brand’s two Into the Wild adventures: Day with the Wolves and American Serengeti. Between November and April, the elusive grey wolf is a defining presence in Greater Yellowstone National Park and to see them in the wild – along with moose, elk, bison and bears – is nothing short of extraordinary. Both Into the Wild journeys begin with a private flight to Yellowstone; the American Serengeti tour, running between May and October, provides opportunities to spot moose, elk, grizzly and black bears, mountain lions, deer, foxes, eagles and more.
Solage, Napa Valley
For a modern take on wine-country charm, Solage, located in California’s bucolic Napa Valley, pairs vineyard living with insider access to the local wine scene. Interspersed with Solage’s vine-covered landscapes, Michelin-recognised dining and geothermal wellness offering, luxury wine experiences can be arranged both on site and on the road. By way of example: the Library Experience with Failla Vineyard provides exclusive access to rare and back vintages at the St Helena estate; Sip & Cycle with a Vintner is a two-wheeled exploration of the Calistoga wine region alongside Ted Osborne, owner and winemaker at Olabisi; and Chateau Montelena After Hours includes an ATV estate tour, a personalised lakeside tasting and exclusive access to purchase limited edition vintages.
EXPLORA III, Alaska
Luxury sailing meets raw wilderness aboard EXPLORA III on Explora Journeys’ Seward to Vancouver voyage. Although it concludes in Canada, this seven-port, seven-night itinerary is centred on the untamed Alaskan coast, threading through glacier-carved fjords, iceberg-dotted waters and remote US ports. Spot whales, bears, sea otters, seabirds and more, all framed by incredible old-growth forests, towering ice walls and pure elemental awe. On board, indulgences are many and include all-balcony suites, five pools, fine and relaxed dining across 19 restaurants, bars and lounges, and a near one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio.
Galatorie’s, New Orleans
New Orleans is one of America’s great cities. Its Mardi Gras is one of America’s great celebrations. And lunch at Galatoire’s on the Friday beforehand is one of America’s most sought-after tickets. Located in the heart of the French Quarter on Bourbon Street, Galatoire’s has embodied New Orleans dining culture for more than a century. Long lunches are fuelled by Champagne, oysters Rockefeller and the spirit of carnival season. Tables for the official Mardi Gras lunch are secured months in advance and only available through high-profile (and highly lucrative) auctions, although a reservation at any time of year will dish up that famous New Orleans haute Creole. And there are plenty of other ways to spoil yourself in the so-called Big Easy.
Canyon Spirit, Southwest
Despite the development of faster alternatives, or perhaps because of it, the romance of rail travel persists. The Canyon Spirit, a luxury passenger train that traverses the remarkable landscapes of America’s southwest, revives the golden age of rail for a modern audience. A sister train to Canada’s iconic Rocky Mountaineer, the Canyon Spirit offers a three-night ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ journey, which runs between Salt Lake City in Utah and Denver, Colorado – or vice versa – with a stop in Moab. Glass-domed carriages allow guests to fully appreciate the unfolding scenery. Five-star amenities, moreish local flavours and warm, knowledgeable service are a worthy complement.
VIP tickets, New York Fashion Week
New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is one of the most influential events in global design. Held twice each year, the event comprises a range of exclusive, invite-only runway show as well as public and ticketed events across Manhattan. For fashion devotees without the celebrity status, premium access can be sourced through insiders such as NYFW production company Runway 7. Packages can include runway access, front-row seats and other luxury perks. Stay at The Mark to be in the thick of the fashion buzz. The sleek Madison Avenue property transforms into a de facto NYFW headquarters for A-list guests, designers, stylists and media.
One&Only Moonlight Basin
In a category stacked with heavy-hitters, One&Only Moonlight Basin is one of America’s premium alpine resorts, located amid the expanse of Montana’s Big Sky country. The first alpine resort for One&Only, the ultra-luxury property spans almost 100 hectares, and is surrounded by close to 7000 hectares of protected wilderness, making it a boon for year-round mountain activities. In winter, groomed and ungroomed trails, accessed via private gondola, are primed for skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. A 1580-square-metre spa awaits weary adventurers.
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