Lush green mountains. Pools. Lakes. Fire pits and s’mores. Soft shell crabs. The seashore. That’s the norm in the Southeast during the summer. But, what about staying at a Southeast luxury resort during COVID?
It’s a time of year when people are normally traveling all over the place. You might be wondering what to do with the rest of your summer. And what about the fall? Or the rest of 2020? 2021?
Where can you vacation in the Southeast during COVID?
As COVID numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction for the United States, we continue to be more limited in where we can travel. This is a dynamic situation, and things are changing daily. But overall, here’s the trend if you are thinking about a vacation during COVID. As a US citizen, if you are going to travel near term, domestic is your safest bet.
If you are thinking about taking a vacation during COVID, I need to tell you something. There are so many amazing properties spread across the US that were designed for social distancing. And that was wayyy before it was the travel industry’s hottest trend! If you don’t believe me, read on.
This article will dive into the region occupying the bottom right corner of the United States. I will share 5 of my favorite Southeast luxury resorts to consider for your Southeast vacation during COVID.
Top 5 Southeast luxury resorts for your post-quarantine vacation
Whether you live in the Southeast, driving distance from the Southeast, or you’re willing to fly to the Southeast, there’s a breathtaking option for you.
And yes, I understand that there are some areas in the Southeast that are seeing spikes in COVID cases. The properties on this list are all in remote locations, have tons of outdoor space, and offer secluded accommodation options. For example, cottages, cabins, villas, bungalows, private homes, or full buyout.
We’ve chosen options at different price points and rounded things out geographically within the Southeast. Everyone has different needs and priorities, so they are not listed in ranking order.
It is also not an end all, be all list. There are too many great properties to include them all. If you do not find something that matches your needs, please reach out and ask (email me directly: jordan@thejourneybound.com). I am happy to have the conversation and guide you in the right direction!
You might be looking for a near term driving distance getaway. Or maybe you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel. Either way, continue reading and use this hand-picked list of Southeast luxury resorts as a starting point.
VIP perks and amenities for you
I am partnered with many of these properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means free stuff and VIP treatment for you! At a minimum, this means:
- Free breakfast daily
- Food, beverage, or spa credits to use during your stay
- Potential room upgrades
Plus, I will always contact the properties directly on behalf of my clients. This ensures they are ready to welcome you personally, and gives you the best chance of receiving extra amenities and room upgrades 🙂
Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain | Walland, TN – Blackberry Farm, one of America’s most celebrated intimate luxury hotels, beckons discerning guests who aspire to escape modern-day frenzy and slip into a Blackberry state of mind. Situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, serving up farm-to-table food and 5-star accommodations, Blackberry will show you the many reasons why it is one of the top rated properties in the world. Choose from estate rooms and suites, uniquely designed cottages, and 3-5 bedroom homes.
Escape. Relax. Evolve. Framed by vast, panoramic vistas, Blackberry Mountain is the younger sister property to Blackberry Farm. It is an immersive experience seamlessly blending outdoor activity, wellness, and thoughtful indulgence. There are endless trails for excursions, tranquil spaces for recharging, and a fitness camp with diverse classes hourly.
Two one-of-a-kind restaurants serving the freshest farm-to-table creations. A seemingly limitless range of activities, from mountain biking to meditation, to time spent simply gazing at the wonders of nature. The only question that remains is how will you describe this place to everyone else? Choose from a variety of cottages, cabins, and homes spread throughout the property.
- Open: Now
- $1795++ per night
Montage Palmetto Bluff | Bluffton, SC – Nestled along the scenic May River in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff is set within a vibrant 20,000-acre community between Hilton Head Island and Savannah.
Providing guests access to all that Palmetto Bluff has to offer, the resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, two picturesque villages featuring eight Southern-inspired dining options, a riverfront marina, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Choose between rooms and suites in the main inn or beautiful homes and cottages spread across the sprawling waterfront property.
- Open: Now
- $495++ per night
Inn at Perry Cabin | St. Michaels, MD – Just across eastern Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay lies a state of calm where leaves rustling in the wind and the water’s constant flow are the only things competing for your attention. You’re free to wander, explore, or settle in a chair and watch the water glide by.
Experience the subtle beauty of eastern Maryland from the meandering banks of the Miles River to the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Relax, rejuvenate, and revive at the Spa at Perry Cabin, or get some time on the golf course or the tennis courts. Oh, and if you’re a fan of Wedding Crashers, you’ll surely recognize this property! Choose from a variety of room and suite style accommodations.
- Open: Now
- $695++ per night
Primland Resort | Meadows of Dan, VA – This is the ultimate luxury mountain getaway. A place of immense beauty that offers its guests a return to simple human pleasures in an environment of refined authenticity and sensuality.
Primland was developed in an eco-conscious and thoughtful manner, as the ultimate retreat for world-class golf, refined dining, and outdoor activities. The extensive efforts to minimize the resort’s impact on nature show in the freshness of the food, the many organic, sustainable ingredients they source locally or grow in their organic garden, and the care with which the staff looks after the guests. Choose from room and suite style accommodations in The Lodge, a variety of cottage style options, mountain homes, and Primland’s signature tree house cabins that offer breathtaking views of the valley.
- Open: Now
- $430++ per night
Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee | Lake Oconee, GA – Along the shores of central Georgia’s Lake Oconee is an opportunity to escape from the noise of the state’s capital city.
At the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, guests are invited into a tranquil world of their own. Deadlines are replaced by tee times and spa appointments, meals feature ingredients from local farmers, family bonding could mean a hotel scavenger hunt or fireworks show, and a romantic, rustic barn can be the backdrop to your wedding day. Choose from a variety of room and suite style accommodations as well as 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom cottages by the lake.
- Open: Now
- $549++ per night
Again, this is not an end all be all list of Southeast luxury resorts. But, whether you’re looking for a Southeast vacation during COVID or if you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel, this hand-picked list is a great place to start.
Most luxury travelers don’t have the time, knowledge, or expertise to plan truly awesome vacations. I offer a personalized travel planning and concierge service to help you save time, access the best travel experiences, and travel hassle free.
I am partnered with many of these luxury properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means VIP perks and amenities for you! To contact me directly, email jordan@thejourneybound.com. To start planning your trip today, click SCHEDULE A CALL below.
