10 Weekend Getaways for Couples, Friends and Solo Travellers

Whether travelling with loved ones or on your own, relax, escape your routine and embark on an adventure with one of these quick vacation ideas.

Sometimes you only need a quick escape to relax, recharge and find adventure. A few days away can be as refreshing—and low stress—as an extended holiday, if you know how to plan. Our recommendation: Select a destination within your reach and explore a specific aspect of that place that interests you. Have a history weekend in Washington, DC, or spend two days browsing the antique and vintage shops of Paris. By focusing your short holiday, you’ll spend less time wandering and more time doing what you love.

For inspiration, we’ve selected our top 10 weekend getaways for couples, friends and solo travellers. Pick the one that’s right for you, and all you have to do is pack.

 Add to your art collection in Atlanta

Georgia’s capital is known for creativity and with music moguls, fashion designers and fine artists call this southern U.S. city home, it’s no surprise that the art scene is booming. Stroll through one of Atlanta’s many art festivals and find unique pieces to add to your home collection. Only a few blocks from Piedmont Park, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta puts you within walking distance of two legendary events: Piedmont Park Arts Festival and the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (held annually usually in April). Contemporary and fine art galleries are the main attractions in Castleberry Hill and the Westside Arts District. In downtown Atlanta, you could easily spend a full day at the High Museum of Art, one of the country’s leading art museums.

Steal a scene from a blockbuster movie in London

London has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, which means you can easily spend a weekend tracing the steps of your favourite stars. Head to the River Thames for a James Bond–inspired RIB boat ride. After you’ve worked up an appetite, have lunch at the modern brasserie OXO, where scenes from the movie Thor were filmed. Finish the evening with a live performance in West End or at the National Theatre. For a true movie-star experience, let Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane chauffeur you for the weekend in a Rolls-Royce.

Sample funky foods in Vancouver

The city’s Japanese cuisine is having a particularly delicious moment. Izakaya, casual Japanese pub food, is a favourite among locals who like to sample from a selection of small plates. Try Hapa Izakaya, with four locations in Vancouver this eatery was among the first to set up shop. The street food scene in this British Columbia city is among the best in the world. Seek out Japadog, which serves Japanese-style hot dogs served with condiments such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed and kimchi. For a broader take on the city’s food scene, sign up for a guided food tour of Granville Island, and make reservations for dinner at Grouse Mountain’s Observatory Restaurant, which offers great views of downtown Vancouver.

Relax on a Caribbean vacation

Get away from it all at a private beach house in the West Indies. You can find direct flights to Nevis and St Kitts from several U.S. cities, making these sister islands ideal destinations for a long weekend away. (Travellers coming from afar should plan to stay longer.) On the quiet, friendly island of Nevis, Four Seasons Resort Nevis invites you to play a round of golf on the Resort’s private course, spend an afternoon sailing on a catamaran, or drift away in a beach hammock. The property also offers private vacation home rentals steps away from the Caribbean Sea.

Taste Tuscan flavours in Florence

Artistic masterpieces and historical wonders abound in this Renaissance city, but it’s also the perfect place for a culinary escapade. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze can arrange tours of the city’s food markets, Italian cooking classes and even a day trip to countryside vineyards for wine tastings. The food, wine and romance of this city make it an ideal weekend getaway for couples.

Get good vibes in Hawaii

The word aloha means much more than “hello” or “goodbye” to Hawaiians. It’s a way of life that embodies a peaceful, spiritual connection with the land. You’ll feel the aloha vibe when you visit Four Seasons Resort Hualala’i at Historic Ka‘upulehu, whether you’re listening to the sound of ocean waves, spotting a sea turtle resting on the shore, or dining under the stars at ‘ULU Ocean Grill. Immerse yourself in the island lifestyle at the Resort’s Ka‘upulehu Cultural Center, where you can learn how to make leis or strum a ukulele.

Go on an urban walkabout in Sydney

Sydney’s emerging art scene, trendy shopping districts and legendary coffee culture are well worth exploring. Pick a few neighbourhoods and set out on your own, or have Four Seasons Hotel Sydney arrange a private guide with Sydney Art Tours. Our can’t-miss spot: The Grounds of Alexandria, located close to the arts district of Surry Hills, serves up some of the city’s best coffee and farm-to-table fare. For a perfect end to your tour, schedule a helicopter ride over the harbour.

Go hiking in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s green spaces and variety of hiking trails make it an excellent weekend getaway spot for active travellers. Picturesque walks abound—Dragon’s Back, Lamma Island, Lantau Peak—but serious hikers head to the MacLehose Trail, which stretches 100 kilometres (62 miles) across the New Territories. A few sections of the trail traverse beautiful beaches and cliffs and can be completed in a day, even with a swim break (or two).

Explore the booming Miami Design District

An epicentre of art, fashion and luxury, the Miami Design District has evolved into one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. Spend the weekend at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, which is well situated for art and design fans looking to spend time browsing the district’s boutiques, contemporary furniture stores and modern art galleries. Dine and dance the night away in nearby South Beach, where Art Deco architecture still dominates the skyline.