My mom and I have done an annual girls’ trip for six years running — typically the standard luxury hotel formula: beautiful property, adjacent spa, lovely time. But this year, we wanted something different.

Enter Miraval.

Miraval is a luxury, almost-all-inclusive wellness resort with three properties across the country — Arizona, Massachusetts, and Austin. It’s not your standard resort, and that is entirely the point. It’s the kind of place that meets you exactly where you are and sends you home more energized, more grounded, and more yourself than when you arrived. We chose the Austin location for a combination of price and ease: a direct two-ish hour flight for me from Atlanta, just under three hours for my Mom from Chicago.

We had the time of our lives, and I cannot wait to return.

A note on the service before we get into anything else: everyone — receptionists, bartenders, practitioners, coaches, and servers alike — was warm, convivial, and genuinely lovely. Notably, there is no additional gratuity expected at any point during your stay. It sounds like a small thing, but it creates something remarkable: the feeling that you can simply saunter away from the dinner table or float out of the spa without that familiar reach for your wallet. Even better, it signals that the people who work so hard to make your experience extraordinary are actually being compensated fairly for it.

This is not a trip for everyone. But if you are open to growth, to stillness, to giggling your way through experiences that challenge and restore you in equal measure — I could not recommend it more.

P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.

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When to Go

We spent nearly four full days and three nights in early April, and I’d call it the perfect length of time. It was just long enough to truly unplug and sample the range of what Miraval offer!

One of the great gifts of Miraval Austin is how much of the experience unfolds outdoors — morning movement, afternoon pool time, al fresco dinners, winding walks between activities. So, yes, temperature matters. Early April gave us high 50s to low 60s in the mornings (ideal for a pre-breakfast walk or stretch class), high 70s in the afternoons (beautiful for pool-side reading or happy hour mahjong sessions), and cool evenings that made robed dinners outside feel like the obvious choice.

If your budget has less flexibility, off-season visits come with real savings — and the Black Friday sale is apparently legendary. Worth setting a reminder!

Getting There

Miraval Austin sits about 30 minutes from the Austin-Bergstrom airport — a super easy arrival once you land. My mom and I timed our flights to arrive around the same time; Miraval provides a complimentary hourly shuttle, though we ultimately Ubered so we could get on the road.

The moment you arrive, your reverie begins. You’re greeted in person with a cooled towel, your printed itinerary for the stay, a tote bag, and a reusable water bottle. Staff handles your luggage while you receive a property tour. From that point on, you never have to leave, and you will walk everywhere!

Where to Stay

Miraval assigns your room in proximity to the activities on your itinerary — a thoughtful detail that makes your days feel effortless rather than logistically fraught. Since we leaned heavily into spa bookings, we landed in Building 8, right across from the spa, the serenity pool, the primary restaurant, and the café. It was perfect!

We stayed in a Dreamcatcher Double Queen Room. Suites are also available — I could absolutely imagine a girls’ trip in a suite being a dream! Each room comes with its own tea and coffee, a water carafe, a Himalayan singing bowl, and a meditation pillow. Because it’s Miraval, so of course it does.

But the beds . . . Le sigh. The beds deserve their own paragraph! I have never experienced anything quite like them. There’s a reason people talk about the Miraval bedding experience (and it costs $5,000+ to bring the full set home with you) — you melt into them in a way that is almost disorienting. True Nirvana!

There are TVs with streaming options, but aside from a few episodes of The Office one evening (a fit of giggles, obviously), we never turned it on. The rooms are designed to encourage disconnection, and they succeed beautifully. My personal favorite touch: nightly turndown service, a luxury that seems increasingly rare but that I adore every time I encounter it.

Activities

The activities are the soul of Miraval. The scale and scope of what they offer is genuinely remarkable, and you should absolutely book your schedule well in advance — windows open 60 days out. My mom and I went through the full menu together, flagged our interests, and hopped on a Zoom to map out our itinerary the morning booking opened. I’d strongly recommend this approach, especially for spa appointments, which fill quickly.

While we were on-site, we did make adjustments — canceling one thing, adding another — all with the help of the on-property experience planners, who make shifting logistics effortless. That said, arriving with a foundation in place gives the trip a beautiful shape.

We aimed for roughly two activities per day plus one spa treatment, which left plenty of room for the slower pleasures: reading in a hammock, playing cards, finding a quiet corner to sit in stillness with a cup of tea. Miraval is full of gorgeous pockets to do absolutely nothing, and I’d argue protecting that time is just as important as booking the sessions.

We didn’t even scratch the surface of what’s available. Don’t feel limited by our itinerary. The full menu of activities can be found directly on the Miraval Austin website — but here is a direct reflection on what we chose:

Meditation & Self-Discovery

This is the category that distinguishes Miraval from every other luxury resort. Indulge here.

Unlocking Your Chakra Gateway — A journey through the seven chakras and the ways they manifest in daily life. As esoteric as it sounds on paper, the guide led us through genuinely practical and surprisingly tangible ways to identify and remove what she called “the rocks in your stream.” Equal parts spiritual and actionable!

Past Life Regression — In this session, we were tasked with exploring unconscious past-life energy influencing our current life through guided meditation and dialogue with our higher self, to better understand our soul’s journey in this lifetime. Held in a beautiful temple nestled in the Texas Hill Country, this experience was designed to address present-day fears, foster emotional release, and offer a sense of deep grounding.

I especially loved how the guide framed the practice as meaningful and purposeful regardless of your belief system. She explained the range of frameworks: those who believe in persisting energy in the universe, those who believe in reincarnation, and even those who simply hold to the biological fact that we carry DNA that was once in our mother’s eggs, and her mother’s eggs before that — and that DNA carries memory, and sometimes, trauma. Everyone in the room found their own way in.

After the meditation, we shared. One woman fell peacefully asleep. Another found herself watching people play backgammon — everyone with different strategies, everyone winning. My mother saw, with startling clarity, the home she lived in at age two, every wall painted yellow, from before she should have had any real memories. Another woman experienced vivid violet and green imagery, which our guide explained can indicate clairvoyant gifts. Oh!

As for me — I am fairly certain I was an orange fish in Polynesia, living in warm water surrounded by all my friends, right up until a beachfront celebration where my loved ones were fried over a spit. Our guide says this explains my seafood aversion. It tracks completely to me!

Private Clairvoyant Reading — The intention of this experience is to discover the soul’s intuitive message through chakra clearing, spirit guide wisdom, and psychic energy work, offering clarity to release wounds and guidance to serve the highest good.

This was probably the most extraordinary thing I did during the trip, and the one I walked into with the most deliberate openness. I’ll keep the specifics of the conversation private — much of it was deeply personal — but what I can say as someone who has never done anything remotely like this: it was less Long Island Medium and more the most crystallized, tailored, intensive meditation work I have ever experienced. I made breakthroughs in 50 minutes that I think would have taken me six months in therapy to reach.

My personal faith was woven throughout from the start, beginning with an opening prayer to the God I believe in, but there was also Sanskrit chanting and what I’m fairly certain was a (good) spell cast on me? Regardless, the session tethered large esoteric realizations to practical, tactical next steps. One breakthrough in particular: a deeper recognition of my love, dedication, and spiritual need for joy and creativity through writing and storytelling.

She also told me I have tremendous clarity and that my third-eye and crown chakras are exceptionally clear. Not to brag!!!

Movement

In addition to the classes mentioned below, Miraval Austin also features a full 24/7 gym, two gorgeous walking paths integrated into the natural landscape, and a challenge/ropes course — which we drove directly past without a second glance, and zero regrets. :)

Morning Stretch — My favorite movement class of the trip. A gentle stretch class at 8am, seated the entire time, dress code and atmosphere incredibly relaxed (some wore athletic attire; others in loungewear; we were encouraged to sip water and coffee throughout). Stretch bands, a soft wake-up, and the loveliest way to ease into the day.

Barre — More upbeat and technically precise than my usual Pure Barre experience, with classical ballet vocabulary and actual ballet music woven throughout. The teacher’s integration of choreography and terminology was so inspiring — I’ve already started thinking about how to bring some of those elements into classes I teach.

Indoor Fun Flow Aerial Yoga — The closest my mom and I came to losing it entirely (in the best way). A small class of three, which meant the instructor could guide us at exactly our own pace and comfort level. Not recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness — but the cocoon Shavasana at the end, fully encased in silk like a very pampered caterpillar in a chrysalis, was one of the more extraordinary sensory experiences of my life.

Spa & Relaxation

The Miraval spa is unlike anything I’ve encountered. Its breadth spans classic Western massage and skincare all the way through energy healing, Ayurveda, and Eastern modalities. It is genuinely its own world and HUGE.

Each person receives a $175 spa credit per night of stay (for reference, a standard 50-minute relaxation massage runs around $225). I’d encourage you to use some of that credit on something you wouldn’t find at a traditional luxury spa! All gratuity is included, always.

Even if you book no treatments at all, the spa complex itself is worth the trip: steam rooms, a sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a private meditation garden, a whirlpool, and the most wonderful quiet room with oversized reading chairs overlooking Lake Travis. I could have spent entire afternoons in that chair alone. The adjacent Serenity Pool — an infinity pool with lounge seating overlooking the Hill Country, meditative music, and access directly from the spa — is equally wonderful.

The single best piece of advice I received before the trip (thank you, Rebecca): book at least one massage — ideally your first night — for directly after dinner. The spa stays open late. You will drift back to that extraordinary bed freshly lotioned and completely melted, and you will have the best sleep of your life. Guaranteed.

The treatments I experienced:

• Miraval Relaxation Massage (50 min) — Fully customizable, perfectly classic. My providers set meditation mantras at the start of each session — no small talk, no interruption, just pure focus on your relaxation. Ideal as a late-evening booking.

• Jade Meridian Massage (50 min) — Jade gua shas incorporated over the whole body for lymphatic drainage. More functional than indulgent — a good complement to the purely relaxing treatments.

• Miraval Grounding Massage (50 min) — Focused entirely on the extremities: hands, feet, neck, shoulders, and scalp. Infused with essential oils, finished with a grounding emulsion. The scalp component was so exquisite that I ended up booking this one twice. Would book it a third time without hesitation!

• Nature’s Bounty Facial (50 min) — Seed blends and raw local honey enzymes, a warm nutrient-dense masque, gua sha tool, and Qi-balancing pressure points. The honey is real! A few enthusiastic fly visitors at the pool afterward also confirmed it.

• Aqua Zen (50 min) — My absolute favorite. If you try one thing outside your comfort zone at the spa, let it be this. A practitioner cradles your body as you float in warm water through subtle stretches and guided movements. I spent the first few minutes trying to “help” — anticipating her cues, adjusting preemptively — until she guided me simply to let go. In releasing that impulse to predict and control, I slipped into one of the deepest meditations I’ve ever had. My inner mind was brilliant white rather than dark for the first time I can remember. The realization that came through it was one I will carry with me: that I have always stayed afloat, and that the path to peace is not resistance, but release.

Dining & Beverages

The first question I got from virtually everyone when I described this trip: “But can you drink?” The answer is an unambiguous YES! A full and excellent selection of wine, beer, spirits, and crafted cocktails — plus mocktails and an included specialty seasonal mocktail — is available throughout your stay. (Alcohol is priced separately from your package, for the record.)

The café and bar also offer an impressive selection of teas, coffees, smoothies, and wellness shots. Reusable water bottle fill stations are tucked throughout the property.

As for food: the dining is plentiful, whole, and genuinely delicious. Formal sit-down service is available three times daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — with full menus and strong options for dietary restrictions. The food manages to be healthy and wholesome without ever feeling like it’s punishing you. I rarely finish a full burger, but I finished theirs twice. My mom raved about the pancakes and the full breakfast spread. You will leave feeling inspired rather than sluggish, with a sudden urge to stock your pantry with unprocessed ingredients.

Grab-and-go options are available throughout the day and included in your package — think power oat balls, fresh fruit, premade salads and wraps, and the little avocado chocolate cookies that I am still thinking about. Snacks, drinks, and light bites are also available at the discovery pool, and in-room dining is an option too.

What to Pack

A lot of this will depend on your specific activity lineup, and Miraval is clear about any dress requirements for individual sessions. That said, here is what served me well:

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Each day I rotated through a workout set for morning movement, athleisure for classes and sessions, and a swimsuit for pool or spa time. Think Beyond Yoga, Varley, Frank & Eileen. Fresh LAKE pajamas every night — obviously.

Since we did late-night massages each evening followed by straight-to-bed, I wish I’d packed a few cami-and-shorts options to wear under the robe between dinner and the spa. File that away for your visit!

I did not put on a single drop of makeup or touch my hair the entire trip. It was glorious. This is exactly the time to pack all the self-care indulgences you never make time for at home: ice rollers, LED face devices, your most luxurious skincare and masks.

If you’re a reader, bring books — lots of them. Kindles or paper, your call. A deck of cards also was a fun touch, and we loved playing with my Morningside Mahjong travel set. aIt was the perfect size for happy hour sessions at the restaurant or poolside!

On devices: Miraval is intentionally digital-light, and the experience is immeasurably better for it. You won’t see phones out around the property — not because of any formally enforced rule, but because you stop wanting yours. I set mine up so only the camera was accessible, but my goal for the next visit is to bring a dedicated non-phone camera and leave my phone in its room entirely. If you have one, bring it. You’ll be glad you did.

Final Thoughts

Miraval requires and rewards openness. If you arrive skeptical and closed, you’ll find it overpriced and underwhelming — and honestly, there are more straightforward luxury resorts that will serve you better. But if you’re willing to tuck your doubts into your carry-on and actually show up, the return on investment is extraordinary. I left more energized and more at home in my body than when I arrived. That is not something I have ever said about a vacation before.

This is a trip for people moving through something — or simply ready to move forward. I especially think of it for groups of women postpartum, or anyone navigating the physical and emotional toll of caregiving, illness, or one of life’s bigger transitions. Come with a person you love and trust. Giggle through the itinerary every morning. Let yourself be surprised.

The real question now: Which other Miraval property do I visit next!?

We arrived with my parents the Friday after Thanksgiving and stayed through Monday, slipping right into that soft, lingering glow between fall and the fullness of the holiday season. It was magic. Chilly, yes—but Barnsley gives you heaters, fire pits, flickering lanterns, and a schedule so festive you could convince yourself Santa is on staff.

Below, your guide to one of Georgia’s most charming all-season escapes.

When to Go

I first experienced Barnsley in the spring—flowering, green, undeniably lovely. But this year was my first holiday stay, and I cannot recommend it enough.

From the Friday after Thanksgiving onward, the resort transforms into a small, sparkling village.

Wreath-making workshops, story time with elves, a children’s Christmas train, hot chocolate bars with mountains of toppings, and even an elf tuck-in (yes, truly). It’s festivity without frenzy, twinkle lights without the crowds.

The air will be cool, but you’ll barely notice it with all the outdoor heaters, bonfires, and cozy corners to curl up in.

Summer is increasingly calling my name too—Barnsley recently unveiled a major renovation of their pool areas, complete with an adult-only relaxation pool and cabanas, along with a family retreat featuring a lazy river and zero-depth play zones, turning it into a true warm-weather destination. Think lounging, spritzing, reading, and the kind of sun-kissed afternoons that make you forget Atlanta is only an hour away

Getting There

Barnsley is, quite frankly, simple to reach—one of its great strengths.

• From Atlanta: About an hour and fifteen minutes by car. An easy, scenic drive that somehow always feels shorter than it is.

• By Air: Fly into ATL or Chattanooga, grab a rental, and enjoy the quick zip in.

It’s the kind of escape that feels a world away, but is pragmatically close—ideal for families, tired professionals, or anyone who wants a getaway without the emotional labor of true travel.

Where to Stay

We stayed in The Inn, which is beautifully appointed—deep mahogany, crackling flames in the fireplace, comfortable interiors, and effortlessly elegant. Perfect for couples or anyone who wants proximity to the Biergarten and the parlor.

But the real heart of Barnsley? The cottages.

These storybook-style cottages feel like stepping into your own little holiday village. Many are:

• Family-friendly

• Pet-friendly

• Available in multiple configurations—from sweet one-bedrooms to full-blown multi-room houses

• Nestled along paths lined with firepits, rocking chairs, and quiet pockets to wander

They’re ideal for family trips, girls’ weekends, multigenerational gatherings, or simply for anyone who loves the autonomy of a private space with resort amenities.

Dining

The Biergarten

Casual, convivial, and the perfect place to post-up with a beer or a festive cocktail. The menu leans toward German-inspired bar food—pretzels, bratwurst, snacks that pair beautifully with a chill afternoon or football on the 4+ outdoor screens.

It’s where you land when you want something unfussy but delicious while the game plays.

Woodlands Grill

Barnsley’s all-day restaurant, balancing elevated comfort with approachability. Dinner can be as simple or special as you want it to be. The Dougan’s Bar is also a gem—dark, warm, leisurely, the kind of place that invites a second drink.

Jules

A showstopper. Set inside the resort’s historic 19th-century manor home, Jules feels like dining inside a candlelit private residence—a home restaurant of the 1800s, reimagined through a fine-dining lens.

Expect:

• Thoughtful, fine-culinary dishes

• A masterpiece of a bar

• Caviar service

• Low, glowy lighting

• A sense of intimacy while also featuring warm, attentive service

Activites

Here is where Barnsley shines: you can make your stay as active or as beautifully slow as you want.

For the Adventurous (or Adventurous-Curious)

• Golf

• Horseback riding

• Archery

• Beretta Shooting Grounds – exceptionally friendly to total beginners (we felt so comfortable!) yet satisfying for pros

• Biking

• Canoeing

• Lawn games

• Pickleball

• Hiking & walking paths

• Bourbon tasting

For the Leisure Lovers

• The Spa

• Reading by the fire

• Mahjong in the parlor (my personal signature recommendation)

• Cards & football at the Biergarten

• Wandering through the Barnsley Museum & ruins

• Watching the sunset over the village at one of the many fire pits

For Festive Families

This is where the holiday season becomes pure delight:

• Wreath-making workshops

• Kids’ Christmas train

• Elf story time

• Brunch with Santa

• Hot chocolate bars

• S’mores stations

• Elf tuck-in

Final Thoughts

Barnsley Resort is a rare blend of storybook charm, approachable luxury, and genuinely restorative energy. For families—especially during the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas stretch—it’s a dream. Magical, easy, and full of the small pleasures that make memories feel effortless.

If you’re someone who needs nonstop stimulation and constant motion, Barnsley may not be your match. (I always think back to our honeymoon in Bora Bora—ten days of bliss for us, but a couple we met were stir-crazy by day two.) Different travelers crave different rhythms.

But if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a slow down—with pockets of activity and discovery sprinkled throughout—Barnsley is perfection.

For Atlanta families wanting an escape without the chaos of airports, for couples wanting a cozy retreat, or for friends wanting a place where “let’s just hang out” turns into a weekend well-lived, Barnsley delivers.

Warmth, whimsy, and a touch of wonder—just a short drive from home.

When to Go

We spent four nights here in mid-July, during the off-season, and it was quiet in the best way—no crowds, no waiting, no need to book or reserve activities in advance. The weather was hot (it is Jamaica in July, after all), but the ocean breeze was a great way to cool down. There’s A/C in the rooms, but much of the resort is designed around open-air living, which could lead to some admittedly toasty cocktail hours and meals. All that to be said, we had no issue enjoying our mornings and evenings despite the heat, and, during the day, it was easy to cool off with a dip in the pool, wading in the ocean, or sitting under the shade of a tropical tree.

Round Hill is intentionally small and I’ve been told never feels crowded, even in peak season. Friends who have visited during winter and early spring have shared they still never had to fight for a beach chair or navigating large groups, and absoloutely savored their mornings and evenings al fresco. If you can swing the price increase associated with a visit in January or February, as well as taking time off outside of summertime, I think that would be the most ideal time of year to find yourself at Round Hill.

Getting There

Flights from the East Coast are easy—we flew nonstop from Atlanta to MBJ in under three hours.

Round Hill is just a quick 25-minute drive from the Montego Bay airport, and we booked private transportation directly through the hotel, which made everything seamless. For tipping throughout the trip, we used U.S. dollars, which are widely accepted, but I recommend pulling out plenty of small bills in advance to make it easy for gratuities for your transportation and at the hotel.

We also highly recommend adding Club Mobay to your itinerary—it gave us fast-track service through customs on arrival, and expedited security with access to a comfortable lounge on the way home (with drinks, snacks, and Wi-Fi while you wait for your flight). It’s well worth it, especially during busier travel times.

Where to Stay

We booked an Oceanfront Room in the 36-room Pineapple House, designed by Ralph Lauren (who also owns a villa on property—the only one not available to rent!). Think whitewashed walls, shuttered windows, dark wood finishes, and uninterrupted ocean views. The shuttered doors open wide, making indoor/outdoor living completely seamless—I spent slow mornings sipping coffee on the private patio and lazy late afternoons after showering reading on the room’s cozy built-in daybed. There are no TVs in the Pineapple House rooms, which I genuinely appreciated—it made it that much easier to unwind, unplug, and be present. It was perfect for two people looking to slow down and stay put.

If you’re traveling with a group or family, the private villas are truly something special. Round Hill has 27 villas, each one individually owned and uniquely designed, ranging from two to six bedrooms. Many come with private pools, expansive verandas, lush tropical gardens, and incredible ocean views. Each villa includes a dedicated staff, including a housekeeper, cook, and landscapers.

Several of the villas have ties to notable names and longtime guests—the Kennedy family members, Paul McCartney, and Grace Kelly over the decades. Timeless and secluded, these villas are a perfect setup for a multi-generational trip, girls’ getaway, or an extraordinarily luxurious and romantic celebration.

Dining

The food here is a standout—award-winning, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Jamaican flavors. Round Hill has received accolades for its cuisine, and it shows in everything from the fresh juices at breakfast to the beautifully plated dinners under the stars. You can choose between a dining plan (which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a fixed price daily) or go à la carte, depending on how much flexibility you want. We passed on the dining plan since our travel advisor, Grey, secured us free breakfast with our reservation!

Breakfasts were a continental spread with fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, pastries (including gluten free toast!), a variety of egg based dishes, and other morning time sweet meals like pancakes or waffles. I obsessed over the strong Blue Mountain coffee and freshly blended smoothies.

Lunch could be enjoyed in a few different settings—the elegant white-tablecloth terrace, poolside under striped umbrellas, or casually at the beach bar with your toes in the sand. The menu offered a thoughtful mix of classic seaside favorites like lobster rolls and jerk chicken nachos, alongside lighter bites such as grilled chicken spring rolls.

One of our favorite touches was the beachfront cart, where you could sip fresh coconuts, cut open right in front of you (and spiked with a splash of rum if you were feeling frisky!) and try house-made ice cream featuring Jamaican fruits like soursop and mango. Throughout the day, the staff would occasionally pass around surprise afternoon treats, like frozen bananas dipped in chocolate—a nostalgic and perfect pick-me-up between swims.

Of course, a favorite touch of mine was the Afternoon Tea held every afternoon at 4pm. This was yet another classic callback to holidays of yore, and the selection of beverages and bites was exquisite (gluten free cookies were available, too!).

Dinners were relaxed and candlelit, with rotating menus featuring classic Jamaican cuisine, along with other fine dining specialties. There’s a touch of formality in the evenings—after 7:30pm, men are required to wear pants in the dining room, which adds to the resort’s classic, refined feel. One standout was the Monday night beach barbecue, a Round Hill tradition for over 70 years, complete with live music. It was festive, casual, and clearly a beloved highlight for both new and returning guests.

For those slow, stay-in nights, there’s also a full room service menu available throughout the day, making it easy to enjoy a private dinner on your patio or breakfast in bed with an ocean view.

Activites

At Round Hill, there’s as much—or as little—to do as you’d like. Whether you’re craving quiet rest or a day full of activities, the resort makes it easy to follow your own pace. We started each morning with coffee and fresh fruit on the balcony, followed by a leisurely breakfast on the oceanfront terrace. From there, we rotated between lounging at the pool and the beach, with short walks, swims, and rounds of travel mahjong on the terrace in between.

In the afternoons, we’d read, nap, and order drinks from the beach bar, where the view alone feels like a luxury. We also made time to shop the local artisan market set up on the property—filled with handwoven baskets, art, and ceramics that made for meaningful keepsakes and gifts.

One day, we booked a romantic couples massage at the secluded spa, tucked into the jungle hillside. You could hear the waves crashing and birds calling as you completely melted into the experience—truly one of the most peaceful hours of the trip, with a finale of champagne as we watched the sunset off a rocky pier.

While we relished in doing absolutely nothing, if you are a vacationer that needs a little activity, the resort is known for its tennis and pickleball offerings, and the resort also offers excursions, water sports, and plenty of off-the-beach snorkeling for the more adventurous.

Evenings were often spent unwinding on the lobby lanai with a game of cards, or tucked away enjoying a libation in the Ralph Lauren designed cocktail bar, with all the elegance of an old school New York City haunt, but overlooking paradise, peppered with photographs from the resort’s star-studded history.

Our absolute favorite experience, however, was the historic villa tour, led by Junior, a longtime staff member with over 40 years at Round Hill. He shared the resort’s rich history while guiding us through some of the most historic and architecturally stunning villas—including those where John F. Kennedy drafted his inaugural address and Oscar Hammerstein wrote The Sound of Music. It was an unforgettable glimpse into the old-world glamour and legacy of the resort, along with some of the most magnificent architecture, design, and views that I think this world has to offer.

Final Thoughts

We absolutely would return to Round Hill—it’s one of those places that lingers with you long after you’ve left. It’s so easy to get to from the East Coast, making it perfect for a mini-moon, anniversary trip, or just a luxurious long weekend.

We stayed four nights, which was lovely, but I think five would have been the sweet spot—long enough to fully settle in, unwind, and still leave on a high note (I was actively begging Carter to tack on another night while our departure car was pulling up . . . so do with that what you will). We also noticed plenty of families with young children, and heard wonderful things about the on-site childcare and nanny program, which makes sense—everything about the resort feels intentionally designed to be both relaxing and easy, no matter your stage of life.

What surprised me at first, but makes absolute sense upon leaving, was how many guests we met who had been returning to Round Hill for decades. It’s a vacation spot that feels more akin to a country club—private, elevated, elegant, but lived in. It’s the kind of place where you’re just as comfortable in a linen cover-up as you are in eveningwear, where the staff knows your name by the second day, and where time somehow slows down in the best way.

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When to Go

Late spring through early fall is peak Vineyard season, but we discovered that Memorial Day weekend truly is an insider’s sweet spot. The island is officially awake—shops stocked, restaurants humming—but still deliciously quiet. The weather is that perfect blend of sunny and sweater-y, and with New England schools still in session, you get all the charm without the chaos. It’s like slipping into summer through a side door.

A Beat in Boston

As a spoiler, my only critique of this destination is it is a bit of a hop, skip, and a jump to find your way there. However, rather than rush through a full day of travel, we made a mini-adventure out of the journey.

We landed at Logan Airport, rented a car, and checked into our hotel—Hotel AKA Boston Common—which made for a stylish and centrally located home base. Since Carter had never been to Boston, we set off to explore Beacon Hill, starting with brunch and coffee at 75 Chestnut before diving into the literary wonderland that is Beacon Hill Books & Café. It felt like a little jewelry box of my book-loving heart’s desires.

From there, we strolled through the Public Garden, soaking in the swan boats and spring blooms, then grabbed chic pre-ballgame cocktails at the gorgeous Contessa, high above the city. We enjoyed seven innings at the historic Fenway Park before capping off the night with fresh oysters and laid-back elegance at Union Oyster House. Then, it was time to turn in early for our coastal adventure.

Getting There

The next morning, we hit the road for Woods Hole, which is about a 90-minute drive from Boston. Once there, we parked and hopped on a short shuttle bus (say, 20 minutes) to the ferry terminal. The ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard took about 45 minutes—I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online beforehand and having them ready in your digital wallet. After docking in Vineyard Haven, we took a taxi to Edgartown, our charming home base for the next few days.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the iconic Harbor View Hotel, and it exceeded every hope I had for a sophisticated, boutique, and cozy New England stay. Perched perfectly by the water, with views of the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse, it felt like we were on the set of a Nancy Meyers film. There’s a historic presence to the property that adds a rich sense of place (it was opened over 130 years ago) , and the service? Impeccable—from reception to concierge to waitstaff, everyone made us feel like old friends coming home. It was the kind of accommodation where the staff knows your name and you become friends with the other guests naturally.

Thanks to our Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts booking, we were treated to a suite of dreamy perks: early check-in, late check-out, complimentary breakfast each morning (which was both elegant and satisfying), and a generous credit we happily used at the appointed hotel bar.

The interiors were meticulously crafted: copper lantern fixtures, rich herringbone wallpaper, and the most striking glossy lacquered trim that made every hallway feel photo-worthy. We spent golden hour playing cards on the wraparound porch with drinks in hand, watching the lighthouse glow against the evening sky. And don’t even get me started on the pool—fizzy and fabulous with its peach and ivory stripes, fire pits flickering, and attended to by spectacular staff.

Our Itinerary

SUNDAY

After a smooth morning of travel, we arrived in Edgartown and made our way to the Harbor View Hotel, where we were greeted with warm hospitality and early check-in thanks to our Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts perks. We settled in, dropped our bags, and headed straight to the hotel’s wraparound porch for a deliciously unfussy lunch of sandwich fare with a side of harbor breeze.

Post-lunch, we strolled across the street to the Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse and dipped our toes in the sand at Lighthouse Beach, taking in the natural terrain of our surroundings amidst the water and sand.

Afterwards, we walked down Water Street, popping into a handful of local gems. The Vineyard Vines flagship store was perfection, and The Christina Gallery made my fine art-loving heart skip a beat—especially when I spotted a Duane Alt piece that made me melt. But the star of the afternoon? Nell—a contemporary women’s boutique that was as charming as it was curated. The owner was an absolute delight, and her shop pup, Bosun, stole the show. I walked out with my new favorite cashmere sweater and a pair of perfect white jeans. Across the road, her sister store for home goods was equally dreamy.

We slipped into Atlantic Fish & Chop House next and went full vacation decadence: champagne and caviar with a side of truffle fries. Indulgent? Completely. Worth it? Absolutely.

Bubbly and content, we grabbed a coffee from Toccopuro, then took the most glamorous 10-minute walk back to the hotel—passing some of the most stately and historic homes that line North Water Street. We freshened up and headed back into town for dinner at Alchemy, which was all dim lighting, cozy corners, elevated yet approachable dishes, and a spectacular wine list that had us lingering long past the last bite.

MONDAY

We let ourselves sleep in after a cozy, firelit night playing Spades in the hotel lobby—exactly the kind of slow morning that makes a vacation feel like a true escape. Once we finally stirred, we made our way to Behind the Bookstore, a darling café tucked just behind Edgartown Books.

With coffees in hand and a table full of light bites, we lingered in the garden before wandering into the bookstore itself. Carter picked out a Malcom Gladwell essay collection while I went straight for a mystery novel set right here on Martha’s Vineyard. Naturally.

We meandered our way through downtown Edgartown after that, popping into little shops and stocking up on snacks and a few libations for later at Rosewater Wine & Spirits. The weather was perfect—sunny with a salty breeze, just a light sweater needed—and we let ourselves wander without agenda.

Eventually, we landed at The Seafood Shanty, perched above the harbor, where we fully leaned into island life: sipping cold beer, splitting a basket of fries, and playing cards for hours while watching sailboats drift by. It was the kind of carefree, sun-soaked afternoon that felt like a true summer escape personified.

A scoop of ice cream from The Ice Cream and Candy Bazaar was our next indulgence, because no seaside town day is complete without one. And, as we meandered back to the hotel, I stumbled upon Erica Wilson, the most darling needlepoint shop featuring a slew of bespoke canvases inspired by Martha’s Vineyard.

Later, back at Harbor View Hotel, Carter slipped into a nap while I curled up on the porch with a light blanket and my new book. I watched the sun shift over the harbor, listening to the birds, the breeze, and the gentle lull of the day.

That evening brought the crown jewel of our trip: a private sunset sail with Catboat Charters. The beautifully restored Catboat was pure old-world charm with modern hospitality—Captain Alex made us feel instantly at home. We queued up my favorite yacht rock playlist, popped open some bubbles, and dug into delivery pizza from Edgartown Pizza (they have a fantastic gluten-free crust, by the way). As the sun sank into the water and the crisp evening wind filled the sails, we both agreed: this was one of the most magical experiences we’ve ever shared. If you find yourself on Martha’s Vineyard, book this charter.

We disembarked around 9 p.m. and strolled back to the hotel for a nightcap, hearts full and hair full of salt air, already dreaming of returning.

TUESDAY

We woke up to our final morning on the island and headed downstairs to Bettini, the hotel’s signature restaurant, for breakfast. It was every bit as delicious as it was beautifully designed—think honey-toned wood, soaring skylights, and that breezy elegance that Martha’s Vineyard does so well. We lingered over coffee and eggs, soaking in the last bits of harbor light from our table.

After breakfast, we took one last, unhurried stroll through Edgartown, letting ourselves get lost among the breathtaking homes and leafy streets that felt straight out of a coastal New England dream. It was the perfect farewell—a quiet goodbye to a place that already felt like a future tradition.

Then, it was off to the ferry and back to reality, full of good wine, salt air, and so many stories to tell.

Next Time

We stayed exclusively local to Edgartown this time, soaking in all its postcard-perfect charm. But next time? We’re renting a Jeep and heading to Oak Bluffs and Aquinnah. Think colorful Gingerbread Cottages, cocktails at Donovan’s Reef, and sunset from the Cliffs. We’re also eager to take the little ferry across to Chappaquiddick for a day of exploring the serene, off-the-beaten-path side of the island. And while we loved our meals this trip, we already have our eye on a return to The Newes from America Pub—our Catboat Charter captain, Alex, highly recommended it as the perfect cozy local spot for a drink or bite, especially with a fire going on a chilly summer night. Sadly, it was closed on the Monday night we attempted to go in, but it’s at the top of our list for next time.

If you’ve ever longed for a weekend that feels like a wistful, coastal novel come to life—rosé, romance, sea breeze, and all—Martha’s Vineyard is calling. Just don’t be surprised if you’re planning your return before the ferry even leaves the dock.

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