top 5 places for when you don’t have the time

Sometimes you need to get away but all you’ve got to spare is one or two left over vacation days. What’s a person to do? For those of you in the EU – a couple of hours on a plane and you can be in any of a dozen different countries. But in the States, you don’t have to leave the country to get in a few days of relaxation whether it’s west coast ease, desert days or a bit of old school American charm you need. Here’s our US team’s current top five short hops for a few days away from the daily grind.

the maine way of life

We love New England. With steamy summers, colour-drowned autumns, crisp snowy winters and breezy springs, it’s an easy, quick escape all year round. The state of Maine is the perfect example. With dozens of islands, quaint fishing villages and bustling cities, you can get just about everything here. Spend a day visiting galleries in Portland, and for the outdoorsman in you – search for moose and bald eagles in the pine forests (they outnumber humans here), climb Cadillac Mountain or swim in Echo Lake. That should get you looking out your hiking boots in no time.

good old fashioned charm in martha’s vineyard

Just off the coast of Massachusetts’ Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is quaint, small town luxury. Spend a weekend wandering the harbours and beaches, jeans rolled up with a pastel shirt and you’ll fit right in to the ultra laid back vibe this whole island keeps. In the summer, it’s hot, salty weather and in winter, it’s a perfectly peaceful, snowy escape. Staying in the Harbor View hotel overlooking the Edgartown Lighthouse is our little finishing touch.

nantucket’s not just for the juice guys

A short boat ride from the Vineyard, Nantucket is another of New England’s postcard-perfect seaside towns, and The White Elephant is one of our favourite luxury boltholes. Cycle through the small town lanes, snuggle up with a book in an overstuffed library chair, or enjoy an ice cream on a wicker lounger by the water’s side. A classic New England day in anyone’s book. And we hear the Nectar’s pretty good too…

take a mosey down this way

Looking for awe-inspiring canyons and towering plateaus? Then don your cowboy boots and head to the Southwest. In the Four Corners, where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona collide, you can escape to the Amangiri. This is easily one of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, and you can see it all from your bedroom window. Perfect.

a west side vibe

For natural beauty, the American Pacific coast is right up there with the best. Just near Monterey, the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is our favourite place to stay for soaking up the west coast air. Sat on your balcony on the Californian cliffs, there’s not much else you’ll need.