GuardaVal: The Swiss Escape Where No Room is the Same

Surprises tend to wait in small towns.

That’s certainly the case with GuardaVal, a four-star boutique hotel located in the Alpine outpost of Scuol. The town is known for its mineral water springs, which visitors can sample in its many public fountains. And the hotel is known for its unique, bespoke design.

More specifically, no two rooms of the GuardaVal are the same. That’s a pretty unique twist in the world of boutique hotels – one that’s made cooler by the fact that it’s set in a farmhouse that dates back to the 17th century.

As someone who loves a good boutique hotel and writes about them from a variety of angles, I’m parting the veil to break down what exactly goes into a great boutique experience. And I’m using the GuardaVal as a case study.

What makes a hotel ’boutique’?

Boutique gets thrown around a lot when it comes to describing hotels.

According to my metrics, a boutique hotel usually has a limited number of rooms and a painstaking attention to detail when it comes to design, style, and extracurriculars.

They should also be unique (even weird, so long as it’s in a cool way) and offer personalized service. Most importantly, they should be located in an enviable spot.

That’s a pretty broad brush to paint with, though.

Most boutique hotels are in the four and five-star space thanks to added amenities like spacious rooms, elevated design and products, on-site activities, and on-site restaurants. These amenities further showcase the boutique hotel’s overall focus.

Most boutique hotels that I cover are about style, flash, and experience. (No need for an extravagant price tag.) My two favorites are located in New Orleans: Hotel Saint Vincent and Maison de la Luz.

But let’s not lose focus of my boutique case study here, the GuardaVal.

It’s part of the Hotel Belvedere Familie, making it one of three hotels located in Scuol, Switzerland. I had a fantastic stay in the Hotel Belvedere, which I highly recommend—but I really need to gush about GuardaVal for two reasons.

First, its bespoke and culturally faithful design. Second, the tunnel that leads to Scuol’s mineral water spa.

No two rooms are the same

GuardaVal is located inside a renovated home that dates back to the 1600s. Scuol is located in the Lower Engadine Valley, which is home to dozens of old villages and their traditional homes.

Those traditional homes aren’t quite like what you’re imagining, as they once functioned as hybrid farmhouses. The first floors were split between the family’s living room and kitchen, along with a smaller barn-like area for their livestock. The second floor consisted of bedrooms.

Most homes are now painted white and detailed with drawings of animals and short phrases. They’re hard to miss thanks to their exterior. The doorways are also broad and arched, designed to fit animals like sheep and cows.

(Most homes also face water fountains, which served as important social and hydration hubs. In Scuol, where the GuardaVal is located, you can still drink from these mineral water fountains throughout the town.)

While locals haven’t shared quarters with their livestock in centuries, many of these traditional homes were renovated over the last century.

GuardaVal is a love letter to these traditional homes.

Every room is located in a distinct part of the home, which is celebrated with design elements. I toured rooms that are located in the former sheep room, kitchen, bedroom, and living room in GuardaVal’s main structure.

Each has been carefully restored to keep the original woodwork and showcase what life in Scuol would have been like in the not-so-distant past. Plus, a bevy of luxury features, including top-tier bedding and linens, along with locally sourced haircare and skincare products.

But keep in mind that if you want to book a specific room, you’re better off calling before booking. Staff are available to help you find the right room that’s available during your stay.

Underground tunnels that lead to spas

You might think that GuardaVal’s main selling point is the fact that it’s converted from a centuries-old home. In reality, I think it’s the underground tunnel that leads from the hotel to Scuol’s main attraction: the public spa, which is fed by local mineral springs.

The spa (Bad Scuol) is open to the public—but all three hotels in the Hotel Belvedere Familie have direct access thanks to a private underground tunnel. (The tunnel was built in 2004 a few years after the Belvedere Familie changed ownership.)

I’m not usually a huge fan of soaking for hours, but that wasn’t the case in Scuol.

Imagine this: you spend hours floating in mineral water pools, drifting from the salt bath to the sauna to the cold plunge. You’re a little hungry and ready for a nap, having relaxed back into a state of toddlerhood.

You slip on a plush robe and shoes, stop by the mineral fountains to sample their waters, and then head for the tunnel.

But it’s not just any tunnel.

Windows line the passageway, providing a perfect view of the towering Alps outside. You feel like James Bond, except cleaner. On the way back, you have the option of drifting into a state of zen-like enlightenment at one of the private Belvedere lounges that overlook the mountains.

High-Tech Hotels: Coolest Examples of Technology in Hospitality

Technology regularly revolutionizes travel.

While the travel bug predates electricity, the modern industry relies on budding forms of automation. From AI programs that can help tourists plan their next trip to fully-fledged robot concierges, the horizons of techy travel are constantly expanding.

In fact, hotels, airlines, and other hospitality-centric industries are looking closely at how technology can improve the customer experience, streamline operations, and give them an edge over competitors.

The number of initiatives is dizzying—but which forms of technology are actually making an impact?

When it comes to travel and tech, I’m mostly focused on eco-initiatives. Sustainable tech is at the forefront for many luxury hotels and travel brands around the world—and rightfully so, as many tourists are zeroing in on what sustainability looks like in practice.

For now, I’m taking a step back from eco-centric tech in hospitality to focus on the more imaginative and groundbreaking forms of tech.

Think you know about the cutting-edge world of AI and tech-forward hotel stays? Here are a few of the coolest projects I’ve uncovered recently.

Robot Massages at Lotte New York Palace

I’ve seen robots deliver drinks and meals at restaurants. I’ve even seen robots store and manage hefty luggage.

But I was pretty mindblown to learn that robots are also administering massages at Lotte New York Palace. The hotel partnered with Aescape to offer a fully automated massage at its ila Only Spa on-site location.

I’m going to be blunt—the setup looks a little intimidating. The robotic arms look more geared toward a medical procedure. That being said, reviews on the Aescape robot massage are universally positive. Aescape spent around seven years prototyping its robot masseuse with around $80 million in funding to nail the experience.

In fact, Aescape’s early success at Lotte New York Palace is expected to generate interest around the country. Already, Aescape will be selling its massage-bots to select Equinox locations.

Infrared Sensors at Hotel 1000

Not all tech-centric projects in hospitality are focused on robots. Already, robots have proven helpful as concierge support, snack delivery, suitcase storage, and more. But many tech projects are focused on simplifying operations.

Infrared thermal technology is changing how hotels set room temperatures and even how they structure cleaning programs.

For example, Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle uses this type of technology to alert cleaning staff to whether or not guests are in their rooms, generating fewer interruptions for visitors. Infrared technology also automatically changes the room’s temperature based on the number of occupants.

What I like best about this type of technology is that it’s invisible. Guests aren’t aware that their stay is being improved using something as basic as infrared.

Proto M hologram concierge at the Beverly Wilshire

The future of hospitality tech isn’t only based on robots. Some brands are jumping ahead to bring holograms to their staff.

At the Beverly Wilshire, the goal is to offer guests in-room holograms that act as personal concierges. But what does this actually look like?

At their most basic, a hologram might only put out pre-recorded messages. But the Proto M hologram is designed to do way more. The hologram isn’t a generated image—it’s a live video feed to the actual concierge downstairs. No weird automated messages or unhelpful advice.

Think of it like a next-gen version of a telephone.

Jet-Lag Support from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

Jet lag is one of the most enduring problems in the travel world—one that isn’t easily fixed by technology or even sage advice. We all tend to struggle with jet lag for specific reasons.

That might be based on falling or staying asleep, along with other health-related issues like appetite, drowsiness, and even gut-related topics like constipation.

The great minds at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts are looking to revolutionize their approach to guest wellness by offering tailored jet lag services. The company partnered with Timeshifter, a science-based app that offers travelers sleep advice based on a number of factors.

The goal is to align guests with their internal cycles, which might require less artificial light exposure at certain times of day.

Bed Bug Fighting Technology from MachineQ

Bed bugs are a huge problem in hospitality—one that many hotels are helpless to fight. For example, bed bugs swept across Paris prior to the Olympic travel season.

The origin isn’t unclean guests or rooms—it’s the simple fact that bed bugs can hide in guests’ luggage and belongings for long periods of time only to emerge, multiply, and lay siege to cities.

So it’s a serious problem, even for five-star brands. The UK’s Spotta technology is designed to identify and fight the spread of bed bugs. This ace project recently announced a partnership with MachineQ, a Philly-based connectivity provider.

Thanks to the partnership, it looks like dozens of major hotel brands across the US will soon adopt Spotta tech.

Smart Showerheads from Oasense

Oopsies, looks like I snuck in an eco-friendly form of tech. Smart showerheads are an emerging form of technology that’s designed to minimize water waste—especially for hotels that shell out millions to heat gallons for every room.

And just like with infrared sensors, this type of tech from Oasense and other brands is invisible.

Smart showerheads automatically reduce and boost the water flow to a room based on live usage. For example, the showerhead will automatically minimize the flow when a guest is waiting for the water to heat up.

These small changes can yield mighty results for hotels, saving them big money and giving guests a more eco-friendly experience.

PCH 101: Best Hotels on the Pacific Coast Highway (Cali Only)

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the US’s most iconic road trip routes.

You might know this classic highway as the 101, which stretches across the West Coast. From Washington State down to San Diego, the two-lane road winds through mountains, forests, and more—usually while offering a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean

In total, the Pacific Coast Highway stretches for 1,675 miles and takes around one week to explore comfortably. That allotment of time for exploring attractions, getting plenty of rest, and taking a few detours along the way.

But most adventurers stick to one segment of the journey—and the most popular is the route that leads from Orange County to Mendocino County in Northern California.

My favorite part of the Pacific Coast Highway is the views and sense of adventure.

Aside from vistas and freedom, something that I love about road trips is the number of boutique inns, hotels, and motels that pop up around the way. With hardly any hotel chains in small towns, routes like the Pacific Coast Highway offer a spotlight on unique mom-and-pop stays.

Though some boutique hotels are more high-production than others, they all deliver (in spades) my favorite feature: a kitschy atmosphere. (I’m talking about the good, charming type of kitsch.)

Looking for a memorable stay along California’s stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway? Start with one of these boutique options. My suggestions are listed starting from the northern stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway down to Santa Barbara.

Lodge at Marconi

West Marin

The Lodge at Marconi is a brand-new project that specializes in retreats, weddings, and similar events. But I think it’s a good fit for just about anyone—so long as you enjoy a remote and rejuvenating stay.

Aside from its focus on gatherings, the Marconi offers a fantastic escape and experience at Tomales Bay. The grounds are immersed in the NorCal forest.

As someone who has spent a good amount of time near Marin County (I worked in Humboldt County for a while), I haven’t forgotten the feel and tranquility of the area’s large-growth forests. At the Marconi, you also get rugged coastal views—and a curated list of on-site activities designed for immersion and recreation.

Book here

Seven Gables Inn

Pacific Grove

A world-class location meets hyper-local charm at the Seven Gables Inn. The grounds remind me of East Coast destinations like Martha’s Vineyard, offering sweeping views of the coast outside through formal sitting rooms.

Like many East Coast spots, Seven Gables Inn also offers a historical angle. The inn was constructed in the 1800s in a Victorian style that’s been carefully maintained and renovated.

Aside from the lovely and coastal-themed design, I like the Seven Gables’ bed-and-breakfast approach, which focuses on slowing down and soaking up the ambiance.

Book here

Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur

We’re heading back into nature at the Post Ranch Inn.

This Big Sur getaway distinguishes itself thanks to its cliff-top location. (It’s a whole 1,200 feet above sea level.) From this perch, you’ll feel like you’re sitting on top of the world. And with luxury features galore, there’s plenty of reason to rejoice and relax.

At the moment, Post Ranch Inn has one of only eleven Michelin Guide Three-Key distinctions, which celebrate excellent hotel stays. That designation is thanks to next-level features like yoga and meditation courses, along with unexpected (and outright awesome) experiences like falconry.

Book here

Cambria Shores Inn

Cambria

The Cambria Shores Inn offers a deeply charming and homegrown stay on the 101.

Its three-star offerings cover all the basics, including a great view of Moonstone Beach, amenities geared toward families and pets, and lovely grounds. The rooms are designed with organic coastal features, making them quaint, functional, and comfortable.

I love the family-centric vibe, which is palpable thanks to the fact that the Cambria Shores Inn has been family-run for a few decades. The family’s goal isn’t to scale up—it’s to keep doing what they do well, which is offering a home away from home.

Book here

The Pacific Motel

Cayucos

It’s bohemian, it’s beachy, and it’s got all the subtle features you’d expect from a California coastal dream like The Pacific Motel.

I’m a huge fan of the motel’s design and layout, which is focused on individual bungalows, along with its location on the off-the-beaten-path Cayucos.

Many bungalows include gas fireplaces, along with art from local designers and products from local producers. I’m also in love with amenities like the communal fire pits (which include blankets), which make it easy to schmooze with other guests.

Book here

Hotel Californian

Santa Barbara

I covered this hotel during a piece on the best hotels in Santa Barbara—and Hotel Californian hasn’t drifted far from my mind since. It’s luxury, it’s stylish, and it puts a lot of emphasis on its community events. Think: rooftop shows from local DJs that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

The boutique and lux hotel also offers all the basics of a high-end stay. Its on-site spa is highly rated by locals, while its winemaker dinners bring together the area’s top wine producers, sommeliers, and winos. Should I keep going?

Book here

Multigenerational Travel Dreams: Welcome to Graubünden

Multigenerational travel is a tricky subject.

On the one hand, family-oriented travel experts agree that multigenerational travel is one of the most impactful ways for families to bond. Even during long travel days, it’s a chance for grandkids, parents, and grandparents to exchange stories and soak up quality together time.

But planning a seamless trip can be difficult, if not maddening.

Multigenerational travel requires joint scheduling and organizing. On top of that, it’s important to find a kid-friendly destination. Plus, challenges like transportation and questions about meal-time.

Though many families dream of hitting the road together, the stars rarely align.

But what if I told you that there is a near-perfect family destination out there?

Welcome to Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest province (called a canton locally). While few Americans plan multigenerational trips to the Swiss Alps, it’s one of the great summer destinations out there.

No, it’s not too far.

And, no, it’s not too expensive.

Welcome to Graubünden

I’ve touched on Graubünden a few times when covering cool-cation spots. (More on this below.)

This canton is located in the country’s western Alpine region, bordering Austria, Italy, and Liechtenstein. You’ve probably heard of it thanks to its super-lux winter sports destination, St. Moritz.

St. Moritz aside, Graubünden is home to dozens of picturesque villages that dot the steep mountains. Chur, the canton’s capital, is one the oldest towns in Switzerland.

Its history stretches back millennia straight to the Bronze Age; over the centuries, the city served as an important stop on trade routes leading from the Mediterranean into central Europe.

In fact, many of Graubünden’s cutest little villages once offered shelter and nourishment to the thousands of merchants and traders drifting between major settlements.

So you get mountains and history galore… but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s why I think Graubünden is a great destination for multigenerational trips, starting with transportation and ending with cultural delights.

Transportation is insanely convenient

Graubünden is a large region with plenty of hidden valleys and ancient villages—but it’s not hard to get to. During a recent trip to the region, I explored multiple villages, towns, and cities… without spending more than two hours on a train.

A public train from Zurich to Chur only takes around two hours. From Chur, it’s easy to take trains or busses further into the countryside.

I’m talking public transportation that includes bus lines and trains—and even a few shuttles into smaller villages like Guarda and Ftan.

Switzerland’s public transportation schedules and routes are straightforward, and the timetables are rigid. While I can’t promise traveling with a multigenerational family will be easy, I was traveling in a group of six and didn’t face any issues using public transportation.

Kids are welcome

Traveling with kids is difficult, from surviving long plane trips to making reservations at fine dining establishments.

I was pretty floored to see such a kid-friendly atmosphere throughout Graubünden. To be blunt, I associate kid-friendly travel with bright and over-the-top cruise lines more than relaxing Alpine trips.

But there’s a welcoming approach to family time in this canton. The vast majority of restaurants and establishments are open to children. No need for shushing, no need for nervous glances. Though some spots are adult-only, most locations were built with children in mind.

For example, the National Park Centre in Zernez includes a highly interactive and engaging museum exhibit. There are two separate tours, one geared toward children and another for adults.

These types of integrated experiences allow parents and grandparents to unwind and relax at the same time, but at separate paces.

It’s not overly expensive (in summertime)

Graubunden’s high season starts in October before lulling in November and then picking back up in winter. I can’t guarantee you’ll find any deals in the canton during the colder months.

But I was surprised to learn how affordable many three and four-star hotels are during summertime. Despite the fact that summer is ‘off-season’ in the Alps, visitors really aren’t sacrificing views or natural wonders.

In fact, for people who have never skied (like me) and don’t own a winter coat (I borrow when necessary), a summer cool-cation is ideal.

The cherry on top is that even pricy and high-end hotels, like GuardaVal in Scuol or Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Arosa, drop in price. GuardaVal—which is easily one of the coolest boutique hotels I’ve explored—costs less than other three-star legacy boutique hotels in European hotspots, like Seventy Barcelona in Barcelona.

No, Graubünden isn’t cheap. But it’s also not nearly as expensive as you might assume from the Swiss Alps.

Nature, nature, nature

I’d compare Graubünden to the Rockies, but they’re simply not the same.

As I wandered around the Alps, I was reminded instead of the Himalayan foothills. The mountains are steep and close together, often rimmed with mist. (Graubünden in German translates to ‘grey leagues’.)

If you want to explore the mountains, it’s not difficult. Some ski lifts are active year-round, serving visitors throughout summer, letting you explore these giant mountains when they’re green instead of white.

All the necessary infrastructure for exploring is present, making it relatively easy to hop on a bus or train, and then take a ski lift straight into the sky.

And don’t forget about the National Park in Zernez.

Swiss culture—as you’ve never seen

Heading into Switzerland, my understanding of the country was pretty limited.

I knew that my dad’s family came from Ticino and Graubünden, that the alphorn is important, and that my euros would be no good. That’s about it.

During my trip, I was treated to many new and unexpected experiences. First and foremost, my ears were tickled by all the Romansh language. It’s similar enough to Spanish and Italian that I could piece together some words—but it also has a lot of German influence, which kept me on my toes.

I also encountered dozens of interesting sites and practices.

Scuol, which I’ve mentioned a few times in this article, is home to twenty mineral water springs. These springs have kept this town on the map, attracting people who want to heal by soaking in and drinking its mineral-laden waters.

Honeymoon Bundles: What Features Should You Prioritize?

Want to know the key ingredient for a great honeymoon?

It’s probably the person you take with you. But assuming you’ve made a great selection in life partner, the metrics open up quite a bit. Aside from good company, the two most important features of a great honeymoon are location and ambiance.

It takes a bit of research and self-knowledge to find the perfect honeymoon location. But that’s just the start of the challenge. Once you’ve nailed down where you want to go, you need to think about the atmosphere at the resort.

Not all hotels are geared toward a private, sensual stay, after all. (Family-friendly resorts, for example—those come later on in a marriage.)

And even once you’ve found a solid honeymoon destination, you need to find the right resort. Some go above and beyond to create memorable honeymoon packages.

These types of bundles are designed to let newlyweds show up and start relaxing—no strings attached.

But what separates a good honeymoon package from a great one?

I’ve uncovered three top-tier honeymoon packages:

Now, let’s take a closer look at the types of next-level honeymoon features that these locations exemplify.

Customization

Savasi Island is a hidden Fijian gem that specializes in honeymoon getaways. Given its location on a remote island, guests are truly able to soak up private moments as they start a new chapter together.

But here’s where Savasi excels: management knows how to give each couple the care and customization they deserve.

For example, couples are treated to bespoke dining experiences that are based on their preferences. Other scheduled activities can also be personalized as needed. Even nightly turndown services are geared toward romance, making every step of the stay feel highly curated.

Special touches

Customization gives honeymooners control over their trip—but what about all the finer details?

HOSHINOYA Bali’s intimate dreamscape honeymoon package goes above and beyond when it comes to special touches and unique experiences. (I think the name ‘intimate dreamscape’ paints a fairly strong picture here.)

It also has one of the coolest activities I’ve seen offered to newlyweds. Honeymooners can schedule photo shoots that include traditional Balinese wedding attire. That lets them continue the more magical elements of their wedding.

Other experiences, like afternoon tea in a jungle treehouse and batik saya (a traditional woodworking art form), are equally immersive for guests. These special touches are important, as I believe they’re what makes a vacation memorable further down the line.

All-inclusive options

The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana isn’t short on all-inclusive resorts. But Hyatt’s Zilara Cap Cana experience is one that I’d sell to just about anyone.

The adults-only Zilara Cap Canada resort is vast, letting honeymooners explore a whopping total of 25 restaurants and bars. There’s even a water park on the grounds.

Despite the emphasis on options, this Hyatt stay also offers a focus on romance and ambiance. In fact, the Zilara even lets honeymooners create a registry for things like spa treatments, restaurant vouchers, and more. I’ve yet to see that offered elsewhere.

For fans of all-inclusive, no-thoughts-necessary honeymoon packages, this is a pretty top-tier option.

Off-resort options

Aside from its all-inclusive options, the Zilara Cap Cana is also perfectly placed for off-the-grounds adventures.

Punta Cana offers dozens of adventures for visitors, from catamaran tours around the tropical waters to excursions to islands like Saona. Even golfing is on the docket with multiple full courses available in the area.

The same is true for HOSHINOYA Bali. Bali is laden with cultural activities, relaxing experiences, and water-based and jungle-based adventures. The resort is also ready to help honeymooners book additional experience, which is always a plus.

Romance

I’m focusing again on the HOSHINOYA thanks to its intimate dreamscape approach.

While every honeymoon package includes extras like roses on the bed, champagne upon arrival, and similar offers, the location’s intrinsically romantic atmosphere makes its bundle even more impactful.

The resort offers things like Royal Lurur rituals at the on-site spa and sunset aperitifs that lead to dinners overlooking the jungle. Best of all, these experiences are scheduled over a three-day period, letting guests relax and unwind while they’re spoiled rotten.

East Coast Glamping: Top Picks by State

Glamping is on the rise—and it’s not hard to see why.

Glamping combines the best of both worlds when it comes to the great outdoors and modern amenities. Not only can glampers get up-close and personal with Mother Nature, but they can also have a nice hot shower at the end of a long day spent hiking.

Sounds almost too good to be true, right?

Well, there is a catch. Some locations billed as ‘glamping’ might actually include cabins and similarly permanent structures.

While glamping is seeing an uptick in interest, there aren’t too many established providers in the US. What I mean is—most glamping projects are small-scale and homegrown.

And that’s not exactly much of a trade-off if you like privacy, quiet hours, and immersive jaunts into nature.

In honor of the incoming fall season, I’m covering some of my favorite glamping projects on the East Coast. If you’re looking to camp with some swanky amenities at your disposal, then start with one of these glamping grounds.

I’ve got options close to Asheville, North Carolina all the way up to Sanford, Maine. (Just keep in mind that most glamping spots are open from around April until around October.)

North Carolina: Glamping Collective

This luxury glamping site is set on 160 acres of unspoiled forest. Best of all, it’s located a short drive from Smoky Mountain National Park—the US’s most-traveled national park.

This is one of the more developed and extensive glamping sites I’ve seen offered, which includes dome options and glass cabins.

The domes would be my focus. Though they aren’t nearly as ‘campy’ as yurts, teepees, and other canvas-material lodgings, domes are a top-tier way to sleep while immersed nature… just without all the bugs.

And with views of the Smoky Mountains nearby, you’ll want to really soak up every single vista.

Book here

Virginia: The Depot Lodge in Paint Bank

The Depot Lodge is one of the coolest small-town stays I’ve ever uncovered.

Paint Bank is a quiet mountain town in Virginia that was once an important stop on the railway line. As of 2024, it’s been restored with remote vacations in mind. Guests at the Depot Lodge can choose from dozens of lodgings—from restored train cars to top-tier glamping options.

Glamping rentals are located in Creekside Camp, which offers a great view of Pott’s Creek and the mountainside. There, you can stay in a really cute and homely canvas glamping tent or a massive teepee. At both, you can enjoy a sprawling patio that’s perfect for soaking up the great outdoors.

Book here

Maryland: Savage River Lodge in Frostburg

Enter the world of luxury yurts at Savage River Lodge.

This heavily forested campground is home to a picturesque and grand lodge, just like the name suggests. Guests stay in one of eight beautiful yurts. Each is designed for total comfort, including newly renovated bathrooms and wood furnaces.

What I like about this glamping setup is that guests have all the great amenities from the lodge’s expansive grounds. That includes dining and bar options, along with a seasonal event calendar. Every Saturday, for example, the lodge offers a ‘wine in the woods’ experience.

Book here

New Jersey: Moon Valley Campground in Vernon

Moon Valley campground is one of the more basic options on this list—but the views are enough for me to schedule a trip.

Along with plenty of forested trails, guests have access to sprawling farmland views. It’s a popular stopover for those hiking the Appalachian Trail, as well, as the campsite is located between the Stairway to Heaven and Pochuk Boardwalk hikes.

Best of all, guests have options to choose from. Moon Valley offers four distinct glamping experiences that offer different views and comfort levels.

Book here

Rhode Island: The Conjuring House Glamping

In case you missed my article on how to get off the beaten path in Rhode Island, it involved both ghosts and glamping… something that, together, creates a GHamping experience.

If you’re a fan of night terrors and ghostly visitations, I suggest heading to this paranormal hotspot.

The Conjuring House is a destination made famous thanks to the Hollywood horror franchise. The grounds are the actual place of the original (and alleged) haunting.

But all you need to do to start glamping here is choose from one of eight sites that are all designed for different types of GHamping experiences—ranging from alien abduction sites to pet cemeteries.

Book here

New York: Glampful in Broadalbin

Glampful is one of the most high-end glamping experiences I’ve seen offered on the East Coast.

The campground is located at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains on a private plot of land—which means all your hikes and adventures will be entirely private.

Plus, you’ll have all the finest trappings of luxury. Not only are glamping tents decked out with luxury towels and bedding, but every plot has access to a BBQ Grill, flush toilets, hot water, and is served a continental breakfast.

Some tents are even large enough to host families, which should clue you into the scale, experience, and skill at Glampful.

Book here

Maine: Huttopia

Tents or tiny homes—it doesn’t matter how you’d prefer to glamp. Huttopia offers an extended ‘sleep under canvas’ listing that includes three rentals of varying sizes.

But this isn’t quite like other glamping spots, as it’s arranged like a resort-style campground. That means there’s a large outdoor pool available, along with other amenities like fishing in the nearby pond (and swimming), a kid’s playground, ping pong, cornhole, canoeing, and activities like maple syrup tasting and forest storytelling.

You really get the best of the camping world blended with a hotel-esque rural stay.

Book here