While far away places like Bali, Dubai, the Seychelles, Singapore and Switzerland often get credit for being some of the most luxurious destinations in the world, Americans can rest easy knowing they don’t need to jet-set across the globe to find equally lavish experiences in their backyard. From private tours and high-end shopping to swanky accommodations and highly-rated eats, these five U.S. cities offer vacationers a taste of the finer things while remaining close to home. Here are our recommendations on what to do, where to stay and where to eat in each for those seeking an ultra-luxe stateside getaway.
Luxury In NYC
Experience: Shopping on Madison Avenue
Situated on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Madison Avenue is a 30-block stretch of premier luxury shopping. A beacon of style and culture among fans of designer brands like Balenciaga, Chanel, Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Hermès, Michael Kors, Prada, Ralph Lauren and many, many more, if it’s a big name in fashion, visitors will find it on Madison Avenue.
Hotel: The Plaza Hotel
A regular host to “world leaders, dignitaries, captains of industry, Broadway legends, and Hollywood royalty,” according to the hotel’s website, travelers who splurge to stay at The Plaza Hotel, an iconic NYC property just south of Central Park, will feel like a star. Dating to 1907, this hotel is the definition of modern elegance with impeccable service, a world-class spa, onsite fine dining and high-end shopping.
Restaurant: Per Se
Helmed by Thomas Keller, a lauded American chef and restaurateur, Per Se is a three-Michelin-starred French restaurant featuring a daily nine-course tasting menu and a nine-course vegetable tasting menu using classic French technique and fine ingredients. Dating to 2004, Per Se has long-cemented its reputation as one of the most exclusive culinary hotspots in the Big Apple. In addition to incredible food, Per Se boasts an award-winning wine list comprising 2,000+ bottles.
Luxury In Miami
Experience: Private Yacht Charter
A quintessential Miami experience, affluence awaits when travelers charter a private yacht from one of the city’s many local operators. From day boats and luxury yachts to superyachts and beyond, the seas are vacationers’ literal oyster when they step aboard these comfortable and chic vessels. As for where they’ll go, travelers can set their sights on a variety of destinations, whether that means staying close to shore and cruising along the harbor or venturing to nearby sandbars, islands, keys and more, nothing says glamour like sailing in style.
Hotel: 1 Hotel South Beach
Nestled along a 600-foot stretch of sandy shoreline on Miami’s South Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach is an award-winning seaside escape renowned for its wellness offerings, elegant spa, locally sourced culinary offerings and vibrant venues. Inside, suites and guestrooms tout unbeatable ocean views and comfortable decor and furnishings that come together to create a sophisticated, yet beachy vibe.
Restaurant: Recoveco
Literally translating to “nook” or “cranny” in Spanish, Recoveco is a cozy contemporary restaurant in South Miami owned by Chefs Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez. Famed for its inventive and flavorful dishes, Recoveco has a reputation for using the best ingredients and guests love its rotating menu that changes with the seasons. To drink, travelers can choose from a list of carefully curated beers and wines selected to complement entrees and other offerings.
Luxury In Las Vegas
Experience: Exotics Racing at Speed Vegas Motorsport Park
Aston Martin, Audi, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche … travelers can test drive them all when they visit Exotics Racing, the original, highest-rated and largest supercar driving experience in the world. Housed at Speed Vegas Motorsport Park, this multi-hour experience is sure to satiate supercar fans’ fantasies and pump up the adrenaline with each lap around the track. In addition to supercar driving experiences, Exotics Racing offers go-kart racing and a signature dirt track experience.
Hotel: Wynn and Encore Las Vegas
With 22 Five-Star awards across the brand’s hotels, spas and restaurants, the word “luxury’ is synonymous with Wynn Resorts, and its beloved property on the Las Vegas strip is no exception. A place where the accommodations are designed for comfort and convenience, each room and suite at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas “has been designed as a serene and stylish retreat,” according to the brand. On the dining front, world-renowned chefs back many of Wynn and Encore’s culinary concepts which range from fine dining, casual dining, bars and lounges, brunch and late-night spots. As far as things to do, Wynn and Encore are home to an 18-hole championship golf course and two five-star spas.
Restaurant: é by José Andrés
Cooking doubles as entertainment at é by José Andrés, a 20+-course dining experience that’s said to be one of the most exclusive in all of Las Vegas. Nestled within Jaleo’s bar and paella grill, diners won’t be able to get enough of é by José Andrés’ innovative Spanish avant-garde tasting menu. Extremely intimate as the venue doubles as a small private room, tickets to é by José Andrés are available three months in advance, sealing the restaurant’s status as one of the city’s most elite culinary attractions.
Luxury In Chicago
Experience: AIRE Ancient Baths
Inspired by ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman bathhouses, AIRE Ancient Baths in Chicago brings a modern twist to a centuries-old tradition. Housed inside a renovated factory in the city’s River West neighborhood, visitors will find this moody spa has all the makings of a memorable experience thanks to its dim, candle-lit spaces, dreamy underground pools and deeply relaxing services including access to the onsite flotarium, hot and cold baths and propeller-jet bath. Massages and body treatments are also available, while AIRE Ancient Bath’s selection of “rituals and packages” allow visitors to tailor their experience to reflect the level of pampering needed to suit their needs.
Hotel: The Peninsula Chicago
A place where guests can “experience Far Eastern graciousness where it meets Midwestern hospitality,” The Peninsula Chicago is oozing with warmth and hospitality, and it has the accolades to prove it. That’s right, this five-star hotel known for its traditional Asian service has been named the number one hotel in Chicago and the number one hotel in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report. Further, the property has earned a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating each year since opening in 2001.
Restaurant: Cariño
Featuring a droolworthy Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco Omakase crafted by Chef Norman Fenton, Cariño is a 1 Michelin-star concept that doubles as an immersive culinary journey. Made to honor the flavors and ingredients of Latin America, each unique dish at Cariño leaves guests wanting more.
Luxury In Los Angeles
Experience: Private Helicopter Tour
Vacationers can bask in the magic of Los Angeles like never before when they board a private helicopter tour. Perfect for sightseeing, this once-in-a-lifetime experience offers sweeping views of the city and its surrounding landscape — think urban sprawl, soaring hilltops and sparkling ocean waters — while customizable routes offer a rare look at iconic landmarks, celebrity homes, swanky beach clubs and architectural wonders that are difficult to see on foot. Pair this with the option for wine or champagne service, and the ride gets even more luxurious.
Hotel: The Beverly Hills Hotel
A proud representation of LA’s glitz and glamour, a stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel will have travelers feeling like a star as they walk the stretch of red carpet leading to the hotel’s opulent lobby and retire to a room or suite fit for Hollywood royalty. Just a hop, skip and a jump from some of the area’s most high-end shopping, guests who make The Beverly Hills Hotel their homebase will find opportunities for wellness, fine dining and poolside hangs around every corner.
Restaurant: Providence
A fine dining staple in The City of Angels, Providence is a modern American seafood restaurant with a long list of impressive accolades. The establishment is lauded for its commitment to sustainability as Chef Michael Cimarusti only uses wild-caught products, much of which is sourced from American waters, to create his award-winning cuisine.
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