BY HERMOINE MACURA-NOBLE
SPECIAL TO THE TIMESKUWAIT
Traveling regularly with your loved one is a big part of the Gulf lifestyle with many couples now choosing to book a vacation more often thanks to accessible flight routes and luxurious boutique hotels on the rise. Hermoine Macura-Noble explores some of the best romantic getaways in the USA that will help rekindle the romance in your life.
They say it is easy to fall in love, but difficult to stay in love which is why a short holiday is a must for those of us who lead busy lifestyles and hectic schedules. Everyone could do with a short break to relax and recharge their batteries once in a while.
With luxury travel destinations on the rise, many hotels are now catering to the discerning Arabian traveler who expects the best when it comes to luxury, hospitality and serendipity.
Here are the top five luxury hotels in the USA that are ideal for a romantic getaway or even just some serious wonder time!
The Surrey, New York
The best hotels in New York offer something for every type of traveler and especially those who are looking for something extraordinary in a small package. Located on a quiet Upper East Side street, the Surrey is a classic Art Deco boutique hotel with a calming interior and a stunning collection of contemporary artworks on display throughout the property.
Designed for the guest who prefers the understated approach to luxury, the hotel offers a unique type of privacy where you feel you are the only one around. Perfect for lovers who want to stay under the radar. Other features include the comfy beds you do not want to get out of, a private rooftop garden and a small-but-luxurious in-house spa.
For something uniquely New York, you can take a long leisurely walk-through Central Park which is a few minutes away. In summer you can rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse and in winter, you can go ice-skating at Wolman’s Rink followed by lunch at any nearby café surrounding the park. Finish the day by watching the city lights from the top of the Empire State Building or a Broadway show a few steps away with your loved one.
Four Seasons, Orlando
There is always an allure to a Presidential Suite, the most coveted, premiere accommodations offered at a property. At the Four Seasons in Orlando, there is not just one top suite, there are two. One of these suites can even be configured to a nine-bedroom residence, creating the ultimate penthouse retreat. There is even the option to buy out the entire 16th floor, for the ultimate in privacy.
From the spacious, open layout, to the opulent design features and breathtaking views, guests will feel like royalty. Dana Berry from the Four Seasons explains why their attention to detail matters. “We love welcoming guests from the Middle East to experience our unique properties…There is even the ability to buy out the entire 16th floor, for the ultimate in privacy.”
Featuring a chic color palette of taupe, ice blue, cream and truffle – the hotel also features jewel-like crystal bangle lighting elements combined with modern furnishings to create a sophisticated aesthetic.
The property which is set amidst lush lakes and 360-degree greenery is the perfect place to stay if you are travelling with or without kids: There is a five-acre water park, including a winding lazy river with a rapids section, two water slides, and an interactive splash zone with water cannons. The adults-only pool and an 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Tranquilo Golf Course means you can keep the kids close while still getting in some couple time.
What makes the hotel ultra-special is the outdoor living space which is ideal for viewing Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park fireworks, which occur nightly. Guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus a twice-weekly on-site character breakfast, with Goofy and his pals at the resort’s Ravello restaurant. It is the perfect place to live out your childhood dream of visiting Disneyworld.
The XV Beacon in Boston, Massachusetts
Located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, The XV Beacon in Boston offers a standard of service that rivals Arabian hospitality. Built-in a 1903 Beaux-Arts building, this cozy, 60-room boutique hotel’s service is outstanding. You can expect to find personalized business cards and homemade desserts, waiting in the room upon arrival as well as music and a crackling fireplace in your room after evening turndown.
The hotel also prides itself on being a dog-friendly hotel. You can pamper your pet with homemade healthy dog biscuits, a plush bed and turndown water. Dog sitting and walking can also be arranged before arrival.
Some romantic ideas dinner at Parker House restaurant where the Boston cream pie was created and where some say JFK proposed to Jackie Bouvier. You can also check out filming locations of your favorite movies such as the bench in Boston Public Garden, where the characters of Matt Damon and Robin Williams sat in Good Will Hunting.
History lovers will be interested to know that Boston’s legacy as one of America’s most famous cities dates back to its role during the American Revolution. Another great idea is to embark on the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail walking route to learn about the nation’s founding with your loved one.
Rosewood in Washington DC
A favorite of several Gulf royals, the Rosewood hotel is ideally located in Georgetown, alongside the historic C&O Canal. Featuring 49 rooms and 12 suites, the hotel offers ample privacy, bespoke guest services and strong affiliation to the culture and traditions of the nation’s capital.
On the rooftop, a wraparound bar and lounge area boast a serene indoor-outdoor swimming pool and majestic views of the Potomac River, Washington Monument, Roosevelt Island and Georgetown University. Fitness and spa services, private dining, meeting venues, and a calendar of intriguing curated events and occasions round out the hotel’s remarkable offerings.
Staying at this hotel guarantees, you will be in the heart of the action. Most landmarks are close by as well as the United States Botanic garden – a living indoor, outdoor museum envisioned by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in the late 18th century. The cute conservatory and butterfly gardens are the perfect place to steal a quiet moment.
The 1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
The 1 Hotel South Beach is the perfect getaway stay if you are looking to get back in touch with nature without venturing too far out of the city. Featuring design elements that showcase graceful twists of driftwood furnishings — the hotel’s open spaces are filled with thousands of artfully placed plants and flowers that are constructed with reclaimed and repurposed wood.
“1 Hotel South Beach was designed to allow humans to reconnect with the most authentic and awe-inspiring experience—nature,” says CEO of 1 Hotel, Barry Sternlicht.
Located right on the beach, guests staying at this hotel enjoy unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and 600-feet of beachfront. From triple-clear water filters in each room to a fleet of chauffeur-driven Tesla electric vehicles available to all hotel guests, the eco-friendly hotel also practices what they preach when it comes to the environment.
Shadi Omeish, General Manager at the hotel, explains. “Our sustainability efforts focus on encouraging travelers to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle while enjoying the ultimate service and attention.”
Featuring halal menus and a unique collection of ultra-luxe suites, THe 1 Hotel truly understands the GCC traveler and offers the best of the city and shore. Every wish, request or enquiry is answered within a few minutes.
Couples can enjoy hours of relaxation time by the pool or even use one of the hotel’s bikes to explore the fantastic track that stretches for kilometers along the beach. Foodie lovers will be delighted to explore the plethora of Cuban restaurants close by or even a shopping spree at the famous Bal Harbor shops nearby.
Hermoine Macura – Noble
First Australian English speaking News Anchor in the Middle East. She is also the Author of Faces of the Middle East and Founder of US based 501c3 charity – The House of Rest which helps to ease the suffering of victims of war.
For more from our Contributing Editor, you can follow her on
Instagram @Hello_Hermoine
