Image courtesy of White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection
Cuffing season extends from October to Valentine’s Day. It’s the time of year when the temperature drops, sweaters are donned and coziness reigns. By necessity, more time is spent inside. As a result, it’s a popular time to couple up — hence the “cuffing.”
For new and existing couples (or friend groups, or relationships with anyone you love), cuffing season is also the perfect time for a cozy domestic getaway. Below, we’ve listed five of our favorites, from luxury mountain escapes to posh New England estates.
When you’re ready, connect with Fora to plan and book your dream romantic trip.
White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection
Image courtesy of White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection
White Barn Inn, in Kennebunk, Maine, is the epitome of New England charm. You and your significant other will love its cozy, rustic-chic, preppy vibe. Another plus, it’s one of the only local properties within walking distance to the beach and downtown, Fora Advisor Hayley Mirza said. Although, if you’re not up for a walk (about 10 minutes), they offer complimentary shuttles to and from the beach.
Every day, take advantage of trips to nearby vintage and antique shops. A savvy local tastemaker will point you in the right direction. Back at the hotel, schedule a treatment at the spa, which offers Eminence facials and rejuvenating treatments incorporating Native American traditions and alternative healing components like tuning forks and aromatherapy. Afterward, play chess by the fire, or learn how to make beeswax candles and seasonal floral arrangements with an in-house expert, a former TV producer for Martha Stewart.
Spend the evening at the hotel’s eponymous restaurant. Choose from a locally sourced prix fixe menu, a lobster tasting menu or an elaborate eighth-course “blind tasting,” where the chef takes you on a culinary journey (you can trust him). It feels fancy and romantic. For something a bit more casual (but no less delicious), opt for Little Barn, where you can indulge in elevated classics like lobster rolls and crispy brussel sprouts. End the night by the fire pits, and make use of your complimentary daily s’mores kit.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, a turndown amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Image courtesy of Alila Ventana Big Sur
There’s something especially romantic about Big Sur, where mountains meet rugged coastline. And the all-inclusive, adults-only Alila Ventana is the alpine-rustic-chic cabin you always wanted. Knotty exposed wood, heavy blankets, leather and spacious balconies amid the redwoods make each of the 54 suites feel extra welcoming. The romance is dialed up further by the in-room record players (and there’s a record library in the lobby).
Even better, because of the property’s cliffside location, you’ll be able to see above the foggy marine layer blanketing the ocean each morning.
“The above-the-clouds views make you feel like you've climbed Jack's beanstalk,” Fora Advisor Laura Allen said, adding how “the sunsets create magical cotton candy clouds, so the restaurant at night is super special and very romantic.”
The aforementioned restaurant is Sur House. Here, meticulously crafted dishes use ingredients sourced from the on-site garden and local producers. The wine list, too, highlights local, small-scale producers. Every evening begins with a complimentary cocktail hour and ends with post-dinner s’mores.
“You get to hike through redwoods for every meal, which is so special (and helps with digestion),” Laura added. “Make sure you pack flats!”
Laura acknowledged that there are tons of coastal hiking trails and beach coves to explore, “but one of the best hikes in the area is actually in the forest set among the redwoods,” she said. “Don't miss the Tan Bark trail.”
In between hikes and meals, learn how to make your own knife, cold plunge in a mountain stream, go on a trail run or partake in “Wine Down Yoga” (a flow followed by wine).
Laura says to consult a star-gazing book before your trip. “There are binoculars in the rooms and the stars are spectacular,” she said.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Related article: Destination Debrief: California Coast Road Trip
Blackberry Farm
Image courtesy of Blackberry Farm
Anyone looking for a foodie-wellness getaway should head to Blackberry Farm, in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. The 4,200-acre property hosts a variety of activities, from fly fishing and mountain biking to yoga and meditation. There are numerous opportunities for adventure here, but if you’re really up for an active romantic getaway, consider starting your trip at the Farm’s sister property, Blackberry Mountain, Fora Advisor Stephanie Cavazuti, who just returned from a trip there, said.
“End your trip relaxing and luxuriating at the Farm,” she added.
Several things set Blackberry Farm apart, but they really shine when it comes to food and hospitality, which Stephanie said is unmatched.
“You can request a bottle of wine to be sent to you literally anywhere on the property,” she said, “so if you’re feeling a romantic happy hour down by the boat house, they’ll set you up with something special right there on the dock. The staff was truly so accommodating, we felt like VIPs the entire time.”
As for the food, savor farm-to-table Appalachian cuisine at the James-Beard-award-winning Barn, which offers over 9,000 wines and 300 brandies and whiskies. Expect an elegant, dimly lit atmosphere with sterling silver and delicate linens. It’s the perfect spot for an elevated, fancy evening. For a more casual, shorter prix fixe menu, try The Dogwood. You’ll have breakfast and lunch — biscuits and gravy, griddle cakes, hearty salads — at the Main House.
Stephanie said to request a room near the Main House so you can watch the “epic sunrises.”
“It will be hard to forget waking up, opening our massive window and seeing the amazing sunrise over the Smoky Mountains,” she said.
Related article: 7 Romantic Getaways for the Perfect Mini-Moon
The Inn of the Five Graces
Image courtesy of The Inn of the Five Graces
The Inn of the Five Graces comprises 17th-century adobe homes, and is located in the United States’ oldest neighborhood. Every room of the Santa Fe gem is uniquely designed, and took over a year to assemble, Fora Advisor Jane Henzerling said. You’ll find bright colorful patterns, mosaics made from precious stones, tribal art, earth tones, exposed wooden beams and fireplaces throughout. Jane highlighted the décor’s “unbelievable attention to detail,” achieved in part using materials from the owners' travels throughout Asia.
“The inn's location somehow feels secluded despite being in the heart of the historic area of Santa Fe,” Jane added. “It's the perfect place to hide away and then be able to walk to exceptional restaurants, galleries and museums when you want to emerge from your elegant cocoon.”
A few of Jane’s favorite nearby attractions include the 400-year-old San Miguel Chapel, just across the street and the neighboring community theater, Santa Fe Playhouse. But don’t miss what’s offered on site — like the spa.
“The spa feels like another universe thanks to its stunning décor and enveloping privacy,” Jane said.
In addition to treatments inspired by the various cultures along the Silk Road, you’ll also find a meditation and shrine room, a soaking pool and a sun-and-moon deck. In the evenings, grab a drink (especially something containing tequila or mezcal) at the Dragon Room, “a storied bar that often offers live music and has wood-burning kiva fireplaces for cool winter nights,” Jane said. (Robert Redford and Georgia O’Keeffe were regulars.) End the night with a romantic farm-to-table dinner at Pink Adobe, the inn’s elevated New Mexican-Cajun restaurant.
Fora Perks:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Roundtree Amagansett
Image courtesy of The Roundtree Amagansett
The 14-room Roundtree Amagansett is a dreamy, sophisticated Hamptons hideaway. Choose from coastal-chic rooms and suites in the property’s restored century-old barn; a two-story historic home that sleeps up to eight; and a chic, modern private beach house a few minutes away from the main property.
Everything here is whimsical and playful. Embracing your inner child is very much encouraged. There is afternoon tea and bonfires complete with s’mores, made-to-order late-night snacks (popcorn, sundaes) and ice cream happy hour featuring scoops from a local creamery.
Hop on one of Roundtree’s complimentary bikes to explore the nearby museums and galleries, or to head down to the beach for a leisurely stroll with your plus-one. Cuffing season is the perfect time to visit; cozy activities abound. Go apple or pumpkin picking, go wine tasting or curl up in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate. After a day soaking up all the homey vibes, retreat to your zen oasis of a room, and wash the day away with the beautifully aromatic Grown Alchemist bath amenities.
Fora Perks:
$80 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Connect with Fora to plan and book your cuffing season escape.
