Where to Go for a Long Weekend in October

Image courtesy of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

There’s something special about October. The leaves turn orange and crunchy, the air turns crisp and a pervasive coziness reigns. It’s the perfect time to take a few days off for a long weekend to experience fall (and maximize your PTO). 

We’ve collated a few getaways perfect for a long weekend, whether you want to go full fall or venture off somewhere warm and more tropical. When you’re ready, connect with Fora to plan, book and get the most out of your trip.

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

Image courtesy of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

Auberge’s latest addition to their ever-impressive portfolio is this Southern getaway, which opened August 1. The resort sits on the banks of South Carolina’s Kiawah River, and is a mere 45 minutes from Charleston International Airport. 

The property consists of seventy-two cottage-chic rooms and suites. All are outfitted with honey-hued wooden floors, cozy textures and spacious porches overlooking the river. The whitewashed aesthetic accented with charming minty green only adds to the overall sense of serenity and Lowcountry breeziness.

In typical Auberge fashion, the activities available are fun, immersive and hyper-local. Embark on a sunrise kayak tour followed by an al-fresco Southern breakfast, a favorite of Heather Williams, who oversees both Dunlin and Primland Resort, in Virginia. Learn how to fish and crab from local anglers. Make craft cocktails with ingredients sourced from The Dunlin’s farm. And don’t miss a treatment at Aster, the resort’s holistic spa. 

Skincare is top of mind here. Treatments incorporate organic plants, herbs and oils, plus The Dunlin’s locally harvested honey (Heather said the spa has a “hive-to-table” concept). 

Fora Perks:

• $100 hotel / resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

One&Only Palmilla

Image courtesy of One&Only Palmilla

If Mexico feels ambitious for a long weekend getaway, not to worry. Los Cabos is surprisingly easy to get to, and One&Only Palmilla more than makes up for any travel time. All of the well-appointed rooms and suites face the ocean, which is especially ideal, considering you’ll get your own terrace or balcony. Fora Advisor Claire Ruscitti has both stayed at and booked the resort. She shared how the hotel rooms are spacious and luxe, with a warm, authentic hacienda-inspired aesthetic. 

Claire added that the hotel’s service is unmatched.

“Each room gets a butler, who will do almost anything to make your stay extra special, from unpacking your bag to bringing you snacks every afternoon,” she said, adding how some of her clients request the same butler, who meticulously minds all the special details, each time they return.

The beachfront location is prime, filled with secluded areas equipped with hammocks, day beds and cabanas, which, Claire added, come with agave-scented mist for keeping cool. Pro tip from Claire: Book a complimentary oceanfront foot massage.

Fora Advisor Amy Shamus also loved the service, describing how it was “like nothing else I have ever experienced; the staff at the One&Only Palmilla is first-class all the way.”

Other delightful details await, like the “to-die-for” shrimp quesadillas served exclusively by the adult pool, per Amy, or the incredible coconut margaritas, a favorite of Claire’s.

Fora Perks:

• $150 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

Image courtesy of Christian Horan for Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

This Southwestern getaway sits at the base of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains. And although you’re only a 10-minute drive away from downtown, you still experience blissful seclusion, said Fora Advisor Jill Albino. Even better, the Four Seasons offers a complimentary shuttle to and from town — no need to worry about parking.

Jill cited the resort’s spa and wellness facilities as one of the highlights. Customized treatments center on spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing, utilizing nourishing ingredients like macadamia nut oil, jasmine honeysuckle, cacao and adobe clay. The Altitude Adjustment Massage (Santa Fe’s elevation is over 7,000 feet) is especially ideal for anyone flying in from lower climes.

In the evening, grab dinner at Terra, where you can savor elevated regional cuisine — green chile corn chowder, roasted poblano pepper with avocado, local game — amongst sweeping mountain views.  

Fora Perks:

• When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
  
  

Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Image courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe Resort

Lake Tahoe is beautiful in the fall. The Sierra Nevadas become a sea of orange and reds, and the crisp mountain air makes everything feel especially cozy. Edgewood Tahoe is the perfect place to experience the turn of the season. Fora Advisor Nancy Deane stressed that Edgewood is the only true lakefront property in Lake Tahoe; its prime location makes for especially stunning views. (The hotel’s design wisely includes tons of giant windows.)

For an especially exclusive (and spacious) stay, consider booking one of the resort’s sprawling Villa Suites, which Fora Advisor Alli Widman can’t recommend highly enough. 

Each villa comes with outdoor spaces equipped with hot tubs and lake views. Inside, Alli said to expect beautiful modern kitchens, “spa-like bathrooms” and the best entertainment spaces and systems. Plus, you’ll still be able to access all the amenities of the hotel proper, like its heavenly spa and gourmet dining options.

Fora Perks:

• $100 hotel / resort credit, $60 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Hotel Valley Ho

Image courtesy of Hotel Valley Ho

Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is fun and playful, a mid-century modern delight in the desert. Scottsdale can be lovely in October, when it’s still nice and warm but not uncomfortably so. 

The décor is bright, funky and eclectic: retro furniture, vivid colors, a tasteful air of 60s glam. Fora Advisor Kara Kassuba has both booked and stayed at this gem of a hotel. She said the ground-floor rooms with private patios are especially lovely. 

The hotel is right on the edge of old-town Phoenix, where fun restaurants, bars and shops await. But the on-site ZuZu restaurant is worthy of a visit; it’s fun and vibrant, just like the Valley Ho. Savor a varied menu — and killer milkshakes — in a lively space brimming with good vibes.

Fora Perks:

• A welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade & waived early check-in/late check-out fees.
  
  

Related Article: A Local's Guide to the Best Bars and Restaurants in Phoenix & Scottsdale

Le Mount Stephen 

Image courtesy of Le Mount Stephen

For a French moment minus the transatlantic flight, head to Montréal. In particular, head to Le Mount Stephen, a luxury boutique hotel in the city’s vibrant and sophisticated Golden Square Mile.

The hotel is housed in a stately 19th-century mansion, which is fitting considering the area is known for its handsome Victorian architecture. 

“The hotel stands out with its beautiful façade and grand staircases lined with red carpets as you enter,” said Fora Advisor Dahlia Swerdloff, who has booked and stayed at the hotel. “It is as if you are going back in time, and about to experience something really special. You are.”

Dahlia added that while the old-school feel of the hotel is part of the charm, the rooms are more contemporary: “For those seeking a hotel with a sense of place and yet the modern amenities of a new luxury property, Le Mount Stephen fits the bill,” she said.

Another property highlight is the bustling Bar George, where traditional British fare gets a modern twist. 

“The oval bar is buzzing in the evening with locals and guests alike dressed impeccably and enjoying craft cocktails,” Dahlia said. “The feel is rich, historic, cool and full of energy.”

Fora Perks:

• $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Images courtesy of Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Fora Advisor Claire Ruscitti has personally stayed at this playful hotel that’s located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District. Upon entering the hip lobby, you’re immediately hit with the sweet, grounding scent of palo santo, she said, plus a warm welcome from the friendly staff. 

“It sets the perfect vibe for a weekend in NOLA — beautiful, colorful, eclectic and fun,” Claire said.

The rooms reflect the playful overall aestehtic.

“I love the layout of these rooms,” Fora Advisor Jessica Rogers shared. “They efficiently use the square footage so you can maximize the bedroom space. Plus, they have stylish touches like SMEG fridges and super comfy beds. My clients loved it!”

The overall sense of play extends to the effortlessly cool rooftop pool and main bar, where hotel guests can enjoy free drinks from 5 to 6 pm. Claire recommends their Sazerac. Another plus: The hotel is pet-friendly. And they offer the best dog treats, Fora Advisor Ronit Margolis shared.

Fora Perks:

• $25 food / beverage credit, a welcome amenity, an upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.
  
  

Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your long-weekend getaway today.