The U.S. has some of the most beautiful beaches and weekend resorts in the world. Wherever you are in the country, there’s a getaway one plane ride (sometimes just a car ride) away. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion with your significant other, or just want to enjoy some fun in the sun with friends, there are plenty of places to choose from that will offer the relaxation you’ve been looking for. Pack your favorite designer swimwear and plan for an unforgettable beach resort vacation.
Romantic Weekend Resorts for Couples
Of all the 50 states, Hawaii is one of the most romantic getaways for a weekend away for two. Every island has its own unique appeal and sense of adventure. For a balanced mix of relaxation and activity, many opt for Maui’s shores. There’s a row of hotels that line the beach in Kaanapali, a go-to resort destination on the island.
Among the various oceanfront locations to choose from are the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, which sit right on the sand. You can rent snorkeling gear, beach chairs, and other water activity equipment by the day and head straight out from your hotel room to the ocean nearby.
Another popular option is Kauai, nicknamed The Garden Isle. It’s an ideal destination for romantic honeymooners because of its lush surroundings, breathtaking views, and quieter atmosphere than the tourist-heavy Big Island. It’s full of serene beaches, waterfall hiking trails, and exciting excursions available for couples who want to spend time together. Favored weekend resorts are the quieter Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach and the ultra-luxurious Princeville Resort Kauai.
You can’t go wrong when you’re in Hawaii. Most of the resorts on any of the islands have weekly luaus, pools, tiki bars, and other onsite accommodations and amenities to make your stay extra enjoyable.
What to Pack for Hawaii
Hawaii has year-round tropical temperatures, which can reach up to the high 90s and beyond in some months. It’s not the heat that will take your breath away though. It’s the humidity! You’ll feel like you’ve just walked into an actual rainforest whenever you step outside of your air-conditioned guest room. That means less is more when it comes to packing for Hawaii.
In addition to your favorite swimwear, you’ll want to pack a couple of beach cover ups, as well. The resort way of life means that many of the activities are available on property or within walking distance from where you’re staying. If not, then the activities involve time spent in the water or on a boat where cover ups come in handy. Short cover ups are chic and comfortable enough to wear during tropical temperatures and easy to pull on and off.
In addition to trendy swimwear and cover ups, you’ll want to pack beach sandals and also a pair of tennis shoes if you plan on hiking or biking during your time on the island. Also, for a celebration dinner or listening to live music in the evening, adding a few maxi resort dresses to your suitcase easily meets an evening resort wear dress code. They have the comfort of a cover up but let you dress up a little more to enjoy Hawaii’s nightlife.
To make the most of your packing list, the Ventana Ocean Pareo Skirt and Vanilla Ruffle Pareo Skirt doubles as cover ups during the day and can be adjusted to fit as tie-front dresses for the evening. With a few staple pieces, like these, you can easily create various resort outfit ideas.
Weekend Getaway Resorts for a Girls Trip
When it comes to planning a memorable trip with your best group of girlfriends, there’s no place quite like Miami. Much like the weather in Hawaii, you can expect sky-high temperatures and humidity that lasts throughout the night. The steamy atmosphere and vibrant nightlife make it a perfect getaway to lounge by the beach, explore the unique Art Deco architecture, and dance the night away.
Since you can’t go far without being near the water, there are a slew of beachfront weekend getaway resorts to choose from depending on what’s on the itinerary for the girls trip. Fontainebleau remains one of Miami’s most popular beach resorts, sitting right along the famed Collins Avenue strip. Share one of their suites here for easy access to the beach, in addition to fine dining, pulsating nightlife, and cabana rentals to rest and recuperate from all the activities.
For a more low-key girls getaway, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort (also located along Collins Ave.) has everything you need for a rejuvenating weekend with friends. Enjoy apartment-style accommodations and amenities with treatments for the mind, body, and spirit, including weekly fitness classes, a thermal experience, and a juice bar onsite. Schedule several spa treatments and then spend time by the oceanfront pools to soak it all in.
What to Pack for Miami
When it comes to a spa-fueled weekend, ideal for bachelorette parties or birthday celebrations, think swimwear with a sophisticated twist. Pack lightweight caftans to take you from the resort spa to the pool and from the pool to lunch. The Lola Amber Tunic is made of a deep burgundy fabric sprinkled with a fun polka dot pattern to make a fashionable statement, while still staying within resort casual dress code for hanging out at the property. Pair with neutral resort wear sandals and you have a tastefully sexy staple that will serve you well for the whole weekend.
For a classic look that is both sophisticated and stylish, the Black Malia Caftan is sheer, lightweight, and will help protect you from Miami’s harsh sun. Ideal daytime resort wear calls for sexy, yet tasteful coverage that’s effortlessly elegant. Also, don’t forget to pack a beach hat to wear during the day to help shield your skin and keep the vacation vibes going strong.
After you’ve been pampered and are fully blissed out, head to one of Miami’s many fine dining restaurants for dinner or take an evening boat cruise. Jumpsuits have quickly become a fashion staple and pieces like the Periwinkle Madi Jumpsuit are perfect for traveling. Also, you can never go wrong with a maxi dress like the Black Fran Long Dress. It's simple, chic and will look great when paired with ankle tie wedges. For occasions that are a little more dressy, the detailed fabric and scalloped hemlines of the White Cordon Midi Dress delivers a sophisticated look that makes a statement on its own.
Weekend Resorts for All Occasions
While Hawaii is ideal for an extended weekend away for two and Miami is a central spot for a girls trip, each is interchangeable based on what you plan to do. These are only two of the numerous destinations that top the list if you’re looking for a weekend resort getaway for any sized group or situation.
San Diego, California also tops the list, thanks to its endless number of beaches and a variety of activities. It has everything from surfing, historical landmarks, and global cuisine available within its city limits. A stay at the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Beach or the Hotel Del Coronado provides a pathway directly to the sand, in addition to boardwalk biking, paddle boarding, beach umbrellas and loungers, and everything that would make a resort getaway complete.
On the other side of the country is the idyllic island of Nantucket off Cape Cod that’s also an ideal getaway for a holiday weekend or summer trip. Grab a group of friends and stay in one of the cottages at The Nantucket Hotel & Resort and benefit from the onsite heated swimming pool, hot tub, and spa, as well as free shuttle service to and from the beach and ferry. Spend time exploring the historic downtown and enjoy plenty of fresh seafood as part of this East Coast excursion.
Nights can get cooler in San Diego and Nantucket as opposed to Hawaii and Miami where weather stays warm. Cover ups and caftans work during the day but pack a few long dresses for evening wear.
Regardless of where you go, it always feels good to get a little bit dressed up when on vacation. It’s a time to break out the clothes you don’t have a chance to wear at home. Fortunately, resort wear is easily foldable without getting too wrinkled and can seamlessly fit into a weekend carry-on suitcase to jet set to your favorite beach destination.
A Packing Plan for Your Next Vacation
Packing is the least of your worries when it comes to planning your next weekend vacation. The most difficult part is narrowing down where you want to go and getting everyone on board. Consider all the destinations from coast-to-coast and settle on the perfect place for you. Once you have a spot mapped out and a loose itinerary of things you want to do, all that’s left is filling your suitcase with resort wear that will last you for a few days of fun and adventure.
Life on the beach always seems much simpler than anywhere else in the world. And the attire matches the laid-back feeling of spending days with your toes in the sand and the sun on your face. It’s easy to take your look from resort casual to resort elegant attire with only a few pieces and accessories, which packs up nicely for the weekend.
