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.

by Rachelle Lucas

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

Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is home to a renowned collection that includes 19th and 20th century American and decorative art, modern and contemporary art, European pieces, and African and folk art. Photography courtesy High Museum of Art

Held every spring, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival features fine art exhibitions, musical performances, dining experiences and a 5K race. Photography courtesy Rafterman Photography

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.

Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Steal a scene from a blockbuster movie in London

The National Theatre showcases new plays and classic works in its three distinct theatres on London’s South Bank.

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.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

Sample funky foods in Vancouver

On a foodie vacation to Vancouver, don’t miss the opportunity to try a hot dog at Japadogs, where the classic American food comes topped with Japanese ingredients and flavours such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed and black sesame. Photography courtesy Eric Sison

From its location at the peak of Grouse Mountain, The Observatory restaurant serves a fine dining menu complemented by excellent views of Vancouver in the distance. Photography courtesy Grouse Mountain

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.

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Relax on a Caribbean vacation

Soak in the sunshine as you enjoy the soft sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean during a weekend escape to Nevis, West Indies.

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.

Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Taste Tuscan flavours in Florence

Make the most of a quick Italian vacation by taking in all of the flavours of Florence during wine tastings, food tours or cooking classes.

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.

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Get good vibes in Hawaii

Embrace the laid-back pace of island life on the beaches of Hawaii during a weekend stay at Four Seasons Resort Hualala’i.

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.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Go on an urban walkabout in Sydney

During a private tour with Sydney Art Tours, explore the best of the city’s contemporary art scene at local galleries and studios. Photography courtesy Rachelle Lucas

End your artistic exploration of the city with an expertly prepared chai latte and delicious local fare at The Grounds of Alexandria, a Sydney landmark.

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.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Go hiking in Hong Kong

In spite of the large population, much of Hong Kong’s land mass is undeveloped, with conservation areas offering 300 kilometres (186 miles) of lush wilderness and hiking trails that are ripe for exploration.

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).

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Explore the booming Miami Design District

Shop luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Christian Louboutin in Miami’s fashionable 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.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami