BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
NEMACOLIN RESORT
Four hours north of DC, in the lovely Laurel Highlands, is a wonderland of possibilities—a boon to families with kids of all ages. From wildlife encounters at the on-site zoo to exhilarating zip lines and rock climbing, no one will get bored here. Kids create art, splash in pools and bond over bowling. Seasonal festivities and curated kids’ camps ensure unforgettable memories in this sprawling mountain playground. 1001 Lafayette Drive, Farmington, Pa.,866.344.6957,nemacolin.com
BEST STAYCATION
FOUR SEASONS WASHINGTON
Set in Georgetown with views of the C&O Canal, the storied property offers refined luxury with a full-service spa, indoor saltwater pool and sunlit fitness center. The on-site restaurant, Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, is known for its modern American steakhouse fare and lush interiors. 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW,202.342.0444,fourseasons.com/washington
Creative cocktails are part of the Silver Lyan’s DNA at the Riggs Hotel.
BEST HOTEL BAR
SILVER LYAN, RIGGS HOTEL
Located in a gorgeous and sexy subterranean space, this crimson cocktail lair is the first U.S. venture by acclaimed British mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, Mr. Lyan. Set within a former bank vault, the lounge’s design features crimson velvet, exposed concrete and vintage trophies, creating an intimate speakeasy ambiance. Named Food & Wine’s Best Hotel Bar in America in 2024, Silver Lyan offers a unique and memorable drinking experience. 900 F St. NW,202.788.2799,silverlyan.com
The stunning Omni Homestead offers year-round weekend getaway activities, including championship golf.
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
OMNI HOMESTEAD
The Omni Homestead Resort blends historic charm with modern luxury. Established in 1766, this National Historic Landmark spans over 2,000 acres and has hosted 23 U.S. presidents. Guests can enjoy two top-ranked golf courses, a full-service spa and the historic warm springs pools. Recent $140 million renovations have revitalized its grandeur, offering refined accommodations and diverse dining options. The resort also features seasonal skiing, equestrian activities and a 2-acre water park. 7696 Sam Snead Highway, Hot Springs, Va.,540.839.1766,omnihotels.com//hotels/homestead-virginia
BEST SKI GETAWAY
MASSANUTTEN RESORT
Nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the resort is a year-round destination offering winter skiing, snowboarding and tubing; the warmer months provide golf, hiking and mountain biking. Families enjoy the indoor-outdoor WaterPark, while adults can unwind at the full-service spa. Accommodations include condos and hotel rooms with mountain views. Bonus for families: The resort also features zip lines, escape rooms and live entertainment. 1822 Resort Drive, Massanutten, Va.,540.289.9441,massresort.com
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT, VA.
WREN, THE WATERMARK HOTEL
Wren, atop Capital One Hall in Tysons, offers refined cocktails and stunning rooftop views. Chef Yo Matsuzaki’s Japanese-inspired menu features standout dishes like Tokyo chicken and flavorful ramen. Integrated into the Watermark’s 11th-floor lobby, it provides an elegant dining experience with a curated selection of shareable plates. 1825 Capital One South Dr., Tysons, Va., 703.655.9527, wrentysons.com
Salamander Resort is nestled into the rolling hills of Middleburg, Va.
BEST SPA
SALAMANDER WASHINGTON DC
The dual-story Salamander Spa is a knockout, thanks to recent $35 million renovations. Forget ordinary pampering. This urban sanctuary elevates wellness with 14 treatment rooms, debuting exclusive, cutting-edge therapies. Dive into the DMV’s first MediSpa or float away with Gharieni Wave’s sonic bliss. 1330 Maryland Ave. SW, 877.401.9818, salamanderdc.com
BEST VISITOR EXPERIENCE
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
The Portrait Gallery holds seminal American treasures like Gilbert Stuart’s “Lansdowne” portrait of George Washington, Alexander Gardner’s “cracked-plate” portrait of Abraham Lincoln, Andy Warhol’s portrait of Michael Jackson, and the portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama. But the new exhibits here challenge guests and showcase the next American master—including Amy Sherald (this fall). Eighth and G streets NW, 202.633.8300, npg.si.edu
BEST ROOFTOP
HOTEL WASHINGTON
Through the years and many administrations, VUE has never lost its groove. The location has something to do with this: across from the White House with bird’s-eye views of the National Mall and the Washington Monument. Insider’s tip: Reserve a table for the Fourth and take in the majesty of the pyrotechnics without the crowds. 515 15th St. NW, 202.661.2400, thehotelwashington.com
BEST LOBBY & ATRIUM TO GATHER
WALDORF ASTORIA WASHINGTON, DC
The Waldorf Astoria DC’s soaring atrium, a neoclassical masterpiece, dazzles. Beneath its grand skylight, the Peacock Alley bar crafts exquisite cocktails, while the adjacent tea salon offers a refined afternoon experience. Elegant surroundings meet impeccable service, creating a luxurious escape downtown. 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202.695.1100, hilton.com
BEST WATERFRONT GETAWAY
THE OAKS WATERFRONT INN
This getaway is a hidden gem near St. Michaels, where tranquility meets effortless elegance. Spacious rooms and event spaces cater to spontaneous road trips and grand celebrations. This locally owned retreat offers a home-away-from-home vibe, creating a private, serene world near minutes from charming towns. 25876 Royal Oak Road, Easton, Md., 410.745.5053, the-oaks.com
BEST EASTERN SHORE ESCAPE
WILDSET HOTEL
Our team recently attended an event here and fell in love with the place. This haven, lauded by Michelin and Vogue, offers sun-drenched, stylish rooms and tranquil gardens. Sip cocktails, explore St. Michaels’ charm, and savor seasonal delights at Ruse. 209 N Talbot St, St Michaels, Md., 410.745.8004, thewildset.com
BEST WEEKEND WINERY
OTIUM CELLARS
The foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains provide the backdrop for this winery, offering a captivating weekend tasting experience. It’s rooted in Franconian tradition and crafts exceptional wines from its prized Loudoun County estate. Guests savor terroir-driven wines like 2018 cabernet sauvignon, 2019 blaufränkisch and 2019 malbec reserve—a testament to Otium’s vineyard-first philosophy. 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville, Va., 540.338.2027, otiumcellars.com
BEST CURATED GETAWAY EXPERIENCE
GOOD NEIGHBOR
Baltimore’s Good Neighbor is a design lover’s dream. More than a hotel, it’s a curated experience. Seven chic rooms sit above a buzzing cafe, where coffee flows into cocktails. The retail space showcases thoughtful goods, while the Design Garage sparks creativity. It’s a community hub, a stylish stay, and a testament to inspired, neighborly living. 3827 Falls Road, Baltimore, Md., 443.627.8919, goodneighborshop.com
BEST OUTER BANKS GETAWAY
RENOVATIONTHE SANDERLING RESORT
Sanderling Resort, a reimagined Outer Banks icon, unveils a luxurious transformation in 2025. Ward + Gray’s designs elevate 123 rooms, while expansive Residences cater to groups. Culinary brilliance arrives with chef Vivian Howard’s Theodosia, a new dining concept inspired by local lore and flavors. 2 Enjoy waterfront views and innovative Southern fare, complementing the resort’s diverse dining experiences. 1461 Duck Road, Duck, NC, 855.412.7866, thesanderling.com
Expect a creative menu at Alhambra at the St. Regis
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT, DC
ALHAMBRA, ST. REGIS
Alhambra offers a modern Mediterranean and French culinary experience in a stunning setting—a handpainted ceiling, lush red fabrics and cozy booths—close to the White House. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 923 16th St NW, 202.509.8000, marriott.com
The lobby at the Willard Intercontinental.
MOST ICONIC HOTEL
WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL
Talk about historic pedigree—the hotel has hosted nearly every U.S. president since Franklin Pierce. Following a recent renovation led by Swatchroom, its iconic Peacock Alley now boasts a refreshed Beaux-Arts aesthetic with vibrant hues and custom peacock feather-inspired wallpaper. The Crystal and Willard rooms have also been revitalized, blending historical charm with modern elegance. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s renowned afternoon tea in Peacock Alley, a tradition since the 1920s. 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 202.628.9100, washington.intercontinental.com
BEST BEACHFRONT GETAWAY
THE HISTORIC CAVALIER HOTEL & BEACH CLUB
Virginia Beach’s Historic Cavalier Hotel, a 1920s icon, blends timeless elegance with modern luxury. A meticulous restoration revived its grandeur, offering guests a unique coastal escape. Indulge in three restaurants, savor craft spirits from the on-site distillery, unwind at the spa and enjoy exclusive access to the private beach retreat. 4200 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach, Va., 757.425.8555, marriott.com
BEST WATERFRONT GOLF COURSE
QUEENSTOWN HARBOR GOLF & COTTAGES
Queenstown Harbor, a golfer’s paradise near Annapolis, boasts 36 holes across scenic river and lake courses. Beyond the greens, luxurious stays await. Choose from chic bungalows, each with a kitchenette and water views, or the grand Chester Cottage, with its panoramic river vistas. The Corsica Cottage offers ample space and sunset-facing entertainment areas for larger groups. 310 Links Lane, Queenstown, Md., 410.827.6611, qhgolf.com
Sunrise yoga at Lansdowne Resort.
BEST LOUDOUN COUNTY GOLF RESORT
LANSDOWNE RESORT & SPA
This riverside retreat, a AAA Four Diamond gem, offers championship golf with Jones Jr. and Norman designs. Indulge in Spa Minérale’s tranquility, savor diverse dining, and stay active in the 24-hour health club. Pools, trails and sports courts cater to all. It’s ideal for golf getaways, conferences or serene escapes. 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, Va., 703.729.4071, lansdowneresort.com
BEST HORSE & WINE COUNTRY RESORT
SALAMANDER MIDDLEBURG RESORT & SPA
Salamander sits on 340 acres of rolling hills and offers 168 sumptuous rooms and suites. Indulge in the state’s only Forbes Five-Star spa or saddle up at the acclaimed Equestrian Center. Harrimans Grill delivers gourmet dining while zip-lining and archery offer thrilling diversions. 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Va., 540.751.3160, salamanderresort.com
BEST ART EXPERIENCE
ARTECHOUSE
Ready for a mind-blowing, interactive experience? This is the place, and digital art is the medium. Expect to see some of the world’s most impressive, cutting-edge artists who push the boundaries of gallery experiences. 1238 Maryland Ave. SW, artechouse.com
BEST HOTEL POOL
PENDRY—THE WHARF
Guests benefit from the pool’s lofty location with staggering waterfront views, but they also benefit from the property’s countless amenities. We love the rooftop cocktail hot spot Moonraker and the ground floor’s chic Bar Pendry, which has excellent food and service. 655 Water St. SW, 202.843.1111, pendry.com
