travel – éclat collective

Escape the Crowds: New England’s Charming Summer’s End

When most travelers picture New England, they think of crisp October air, blazing red maple leaves, and apple cider donuts on winding country roads. But for those in the know, the true magic happens before the foliage crowds roll in.

Late summer in New England is an elegant, sun-drenched secret — where breezy yacht days meet quiet coastal towns, and the region’s iconic charm is paired with off-season serenity and five-star experiences. From private sailing excursions in Newport to oceanfront dining in Nantucket and spa weekends tucked into the Berkshires, August offers a curated blend of warmth, exclusivity, and timeless East Coast glamour.

In this guide, we’re sharing the top luxury reasons to visit New England before fall — whether you’re chasing culinary excellence, coastal escapes, or simply the joy of discovering classic destinations without the crowds.

Signature Experiences & Activities

1. Private Yacht Charters in Newport, RI
Explore Narragansett Bay aboard a captained sailboat or luxury motor yacht. Book a sunset champagne cruise or a full-day coastal escape with catered lunch and water toys.

2. Vineyard Tours & Tastings in Martha’s Vineyard
Savor crisp rosés and coastal blends at local vineyards like Shepherd’s Run Winery or Isle of Shoals. Add a private chef picnic among the vines.

3. Spa & Wellness Retreats in the Berkshires, MA
Unplug in the rolling hills with a custom retreat at Miraval Berkshires. Think forest bathing, equine meditation, and farm-to-table cooking classes.

4. Beach Days & Boutique Biking in Nantucket
Cruise to Sconset or Madaket Beach via vintage-inspired bikes. Stop for lobster rolls and shop at upscale local boutiques like CJ Laing or Serenella.

5. Jazz & Classical Evenings in Newport
Attend intimate garden concerts or the Newport Jazz Festival. Book VIP passes or private viewing from historic mansions.

Where to Stay: Refined Retreats

Chatham Bars Inn — Chatham, MA
Iconic beachfront elegance on Cape Cod with private cabanas, world-class dining, and spa cottages.

The Wauwinet — Nantucket, MA
Relais & Châteaux property offering exclusive beach access, top-rated seafood, and a private launch from downtown.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection — Newport, RI
A former mansion turned stylish hideaway, featuring rooftop cocktails and curated cultural experiences.

Mayflower Inn & Spa — Washington, CT
Country estate vibes with English gardens, marble bathrooms, and an award-winning culinary program.

Fine Dining by the Coast (and Country)

The Proprietors Bar & Table — Nantucket, MA
Globally inspired, hyper-local cuisine served in a stylish, cozy atmosphere. Seasonal tasting menus available.

White Barn Inn Restaurant — Kennebunk, ME
Michelin-starred experience known for its classic New England ingredients presented with French finesse.

The Port Hunter — Edgartown, MA (Martha’s Vineyard)
Fresh seafood, lively energy, and a curated wine list in one of the island’s most sought-after dinner spots.

Cara at The Chanler — Newport, RI
Elegant tasting menus with ocean views. Opt for the chef’s wine pairing to elevate the experience.

Mezze Bistro + Bar — Williamstown, MA
Modern American cuisine with a strong focus on local farms and sustainability, nestled in the Berkshires.

August in New England offers a golden window for luxury travelers: the weather is idyllic, the crowds are thinner, and the experiences are rich in refinement and charm. Whether you’re drawn to coastal indulgence or countryside calm, now is the moment to soak up the soft luxury of the Northeast before the leaves (and tourists) fall.

BÉIS – Anything but Basic

Our *Friday Feature* for travel must-haves of the year and well into the future is our favorite (for so many reasons!), BÉIS Travel luggage and accessories.

No stranger to this brand, BÉIS has been taking us from Sky Club to Sky Club and beyond since actress Shay Mitchell launched the lifestyle and travel brand in 2018. From the beginning, the quality of the luggage has maintained it’s superior quality including the materials, smooth navigating, inside capacity and variety of compartments. The color options are so sophisticated, it’s hard to choose. Our obsessions for this holiday season are the newly released Maple and Atlas Pink.

BÉIS offers a variety of sizes for your Travel needs from the mini roller (great for your tiny travel too!) to the large check-in roller.

We can’t feature BÉIS without also mentioning the super-versatile Weekender Bag, a seriously swoon-worth travel accessory ranging from mini to regular sized. The mini will definitely fit beneath your seat on a plane, while the regular size may fit depending on the airline. We plan to test our recently-purchased regular-size weekender on our upcoming Delta flights.

Another great feature of this brand is very user-friendly App, making is so easy to track your purchases and receive notifications of sales, promotions and new releases.

*Happy Jet-Setting*

Gothic Luxury at The Witchery, Edinburgh

With spooky season upon us, we’re featuring the most perfect destination for a moody, gothic, luxe (and at the same time, romantic) stay in Edinburgh, Scotland. On the doorstep of the famed Edinburgh Castle, no less.

*SPOOKY SWOON*

The Witchery by the Castle is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh, just steps from the historic Edinburgh Castle, in a collection of buildings built around 1595. Known for its opulent decor and enchanting atmosphere, the hotel features richly adorned rooms, each uniquely designed with lavish furnishings, deep colors, and elegant touches that evoke a sense of magic and history.

The Witchery combines elements of Gothic architecture with modern comforts, and boasts a renowned restaurant that serves exquisite Scottish cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list. The ambiance is both romantic and mysterious, making it a popular choice for couples and travelers seeking a unique experience in one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations.

We can’t get enough of this moody, maximalist decor!

A stay at The Witchery starts around $550 with a choice of nine unique suites with breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Visiting Edinburgh without adding The Witchery to your itinerary would simply be… creepy.

Skybox Loft at Ludlow Hotel: Spacious NYC Accommodation with Stunning City Views

In honor of this years NYFW, let’s review The Ludlow Hotel in NYC’s storied Lower East Side!

Our review begins with two words: Skybox Loft. The loft spans 325 square feet with separated rooms for the queen bed and sitting area. The sitting area boasts an incredible 180 degree view of the city. It’s difficult to find an NYC hotel room this spacious and with this kind of view (it’s stunning). We can’t recommend the Ludlow, specifically the Skybox Loft, enough. If you’re traveling with a mini, the Loft has been reviewed as an ideal accommodation due to the separate area for a travel crib or cot. Yes, there are other accommodation levels including rooms with an outdoor terrace – need we say more?

The Ludlow is one of New York’s most effortlessly cool, unique hotels. The lobby is large & dimly lit boasting a huge fireplace and a chic bar. During our stay it was constantly buzzing with people from Noon to the the early morning hours.

We can’t review the Ludlow without mentioning it’s equally as notable restaurant, Dirty French. Offering French cuisine with a modern twist and an energetic bistro atmosphere, Dirty French offers something delicious for everyone from brunch to late-night cocktails.

Some snaps below of our most recent visit while we await our next…

Join SLH Invited: Exclusive Loyalty Club for Hotel Deals and Perks

If there’s a company I have a major crush on, it’s SLH. Small Luxury Hotels has very user-friendly site allowing you search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for around the world. Categories range from adult-only, michelin-starred restaurants, pool resorts, wine experiences, historic, adventure & activity, and so many more!

The idea of a boutique, personal style hotel is my absolute favorite, and this is the first place I’d start my search for the perfect place to holiday.

Planning a trip to Croatia for example? You can search by city (let’s dream of Dubrovnik for a moment) and you’ll see two beautiful hotels to choose from, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik and Villa Orsula Dubrovnik – how could we even choose between the two? On the right side you will usually see ratings and key features of each hotel to help you choose the best option for you.

Another amazing feature (there’s so many!) of SLH is the SLH loyalty club, Invited. By signing up for the FREE membership, you have access to atleast 10% off hotel bookings and sometimes deals up to 30% off! Other benefits include early check-in & late check-out, rewards vouchers and room upgrades. Is there any reason not to join? The answer is a hard no.