Evening falls along the canal. (Photo by The Dylan Amsterdam)

Discover Hidden Gems for Your Fall Travel Bucket List

Evening falls along the canal. (Photo by The Dylan Amsterdam)
 
 

As the world transitions into its golden season, your clients will want experiences that blend fall’s richness with unparalleled comfort and cultural immersion. From urban sanctuaries in historic capitals to secluded retreats surrounded by fall foliage, this season’s standout properties and destinations offer gorgeous immersion in the most colorful time of year.

The Dylan Amsterdam in the Fall

Fall
Canal-side living. (Photo by The Dylan Amsterdam)

As Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary this October, the city comes alive with cultural events and historic tributes. The Dylan, located in the “9 Streets” district, offers a prime location for experiencing these festivities. The hotel’s recent redesign enhances its appeal, blending historic architecture with contemporary minimalism. Serendipity and Loft rooms feature bespoke furnishings by Format Furniture and interiors by Studio Linse. The secluded inner garden provides a tranquil space for guests to unwind.

Culinary offerings at The Dylan are equally impressive. The two-Michelin-starred Vinkeles and the intimate 6-seat chef’s table até offer menus that reflect global influences and local flavors. Bar Brasserie OCCO’s High Wine experience pairs seasonal amuse-bouches with curated wines, offering a taste of the brasserie’s evolving menu. Of note: The concierge team can craft personalized itineraries that balance city-wide celebrations with quieter experiences.

For more information, visit dylanamsterdam.com.

Ananda in the Himalayas

Night falls on the Ananda Palace. (Photo by Ananda in the Himalayas)

Set on a 100-acre estate overlooking the Ganges and Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills, Ananda in the Himalayas wellness retreat offers an integrative approach to health, combining Ayurveda, yoga, Traditional Chinese Medicine and emotional healing.

The retreat’s expanded wellness offerings now address specific health concerns, including diabetes, women’s health, hormonal balance and sleep issues. Signature programs include Panchakarma, Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Dhyana Meditation. The Yogic Detox and Holistic Yoga journeys blend therapeutic asanas, pranayama, and classical yoga paths to support resilience and spiritual growth.

Daily schedules can include sunrise terrace sessions, forest-immersed movement or silent walking meditations. Evenings offer opportunities for reflection through sound healing or candlelit journaling. The retreat’s culinary program complements the healing journey with sattvic meals and herbal infusions, supporting guests’ wellness goals throughout their stay.

For more information, visit anandaspa.com.

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo

Main entrance, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. (Photo by Imperial Hotels)

As Tokyo’s foliage reaches its peak from late October through November, nearby parks transform into brilliant sanctuaries. The Imperial Hotel, steps from Hibiya Park and Ginza, offers a refined perspective on Japanese culture through its culinary offerings and traditional experiences.

The hotel’s dining options showcase the depth of plant-based cuisine. Your clients can explore vegan French dishes at Les Saisons, Teppanyaki-style vegan courses at Kamon and seasonal curries and desserts at Parkside Diner. The menus feature aromatic ingredients like roasted sesame, yuzu and miso, creating dishes that reflect autumn’s essence.

For a deeper cultural immersion, the Toko-an Tea Ceremony Room provides a space for experiencing centuries-old rituals. Tatami mats, soft lantern light and the earthy scent of matcha create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection.

For more information, visit imperialhotel.co.jp/en/tokyo.

Buenos Aires’ Gastronomic Landscape

The food is just one facet of the experience in Buenos Aires. (Photo by Culinary Backstreets)

As Buenos Aires enters spring, it offers a vibrant alternative for travelers seeking warmer climates during this time of year. Culinary Backstreets’ newly launched Backstreet Bites of Buenos Aires: Cafes, Parrillas and Beyond tour provides an in-depth exploration of the city’s layered food culture. This 5.5-hour journey covers four miles of mostly flat terrain, running Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants sample a range of local specialties, including medialunas, empanadas, locro stew, fugazzetta pizza and dulce de leche gelato. Each tasting reveals the city’s immigrant heritage and culinary innovation. The tour includes stops at bodegones, parrillas, spice shops and century-old cafes, where lingering is part of the cultural experience.

Beginning with a morning cortado, the tour winds through Corrientes Avenue, known for its bakeries and pizzerias. Your clients will enjoy vermouth at a classic bar, share milanesa sandwiches with locals and conclude the day in a hidden cellar beneath a flower shop, experiencing flavors that reflect Buenos Aires’ port-city identity.

For more information, visit culinarybackstreets.com.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Fall is lush and green at Monteverde. (Photo by Hotel Belmar)

Fall in Monteverde offers lush landscapes and a quieter atmosphere, ideal for forest bathing, creative pursuits and slow travel. Hotel Belmar, an intimate eco-lodge, has reimagined its rooms in collaboration with Costa Rica’s NAAS Interior Culture. The new design blends mid-century elegance with natural textures and locally crafted art.

Guests can engage in various experiences that connect them with the environment and local culture. These include SAVIA forest bathing, canopy dining and agro-adventures at the carbon-neutral Finca Madre Tierra. For relaxation, the hotel offers craft beer tastings and a spring-fed jet pool.

The hotel’s Artist Residency Program adds a unique dimension to the guest experience. By inviting creatives from around the world to live and work on-site, the program offers visitors a glimpse into the artistic process through open studios, workshops and exhibitions.

For more information, visit hotelbelmar.net.

The Peninsula London

Classic Car Afternoon Tea in the Lobby. (Photo by The Peninsula London)

The Peninsula London is gearing up for an autumn season centered around automotive excellence. Now through Nov. 18, the hotel offers a range of experiences celebrating the artistry and heritage of classic motoring.

The Classic Car Afternoon Tea, available daily until Nov. 18, presents a menu inspired by vintage design. Priced at £85 per person, it features savory bites, scones and sweets like the Race Flag checkerboard sable and Vintage Car mandarin mousse.

A newly restored 1936 Austin 7 taxi, dubbed The Peninsula Pit Stop, serves as a mobile cafe in the hotel’s Courtyard and select London locations.

The Peninsula London Pit Stop rolling cafe. (Photo by The Peninsula London)

Art enthusiasts can view David Hockney’s BMW Art Car in the Lobby from Oct. 14 to Nov. 3. The piece, originally unveiled in 1995, showcases Hockney’s interpretation of the BMW 850CSi’s essence.

For London Motor Week (Oct. 25 – Nov. 3), the hotel offers a special package including flexible check-in/out, daily breakfast, champagne, car care and amenities for the Veteran Car Run. The stay coincides with RM Sotheby’s classic car auction on Oct. 30 and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Nov. 2.

Year-round, guests can enjoy the hotel’s Brewster Green luxury vehicle fleet, secure parking with detailing services and rotating classic car displays from Brooklands Museum. The Brooklands by Claude Bosi restaurant and bar on the eighth floor draws inspiration from British aviation and motorsport heritage.

For more information, visit peninsula.com.

Big Cedar Lodge, Ozark Mountains

Luxury in the Ozarks. (Photo by Big Cedar Lodge)

Located in Missouri’s Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge spans 4,600 acres of Fall splendor. The property offers diverse accommodations, from private cabins with fireplaces to luxury glamping tents at Camp Long Creek. Guests can explore scenic hiking trails, including the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, or enjoy autumn colors from award-winning golf courses. Water enthusiasts can kayak or canoe on Table Rock Lake, while the Lady Liberty dinner cruise provides a unique vantage point of the autumnal landscape. The resort’s proximity to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park further enhances its appeal as a fall destination.

For more information, visit bigcedar.com.

Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado Rockies

Apres Fall… (Photo by Viceroy Snowmass)

Viceroy Snowmass, situated in Snowmass Village near Aspen, provides direct access to iconic fall experiences. The resort’s location is ideal for exploring golden aspen groves and heading out on scenic drives to Maroon Bells and Independence Pass. Contemporary mountain design keeps nature in focus throughout the property. The Snowmass Balloon Festival in September (plan now for next year!) adds a colorful contrast to the fall foliage, with hot air balloons rising against fiery autumn hues and crisp mountain skies.

For more information, visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection, Utah

Luxury yurt for two. (Photo by The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection)

Set on 4,000 private acres near Park City, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection, offers an immersive fall experience in the Wasatch Range. Your clients can enjoy scenic horseback rides, high-alpine hikes and farm-to-table meals featuring autumn ingredients. Accommodations range from creekside suites to mountainside yurts. The property features the Edge Spa for seasonal treatments, an on-site High West Distillery and fall foraging tours, allowing guests to fully embrace the season’s offerings in a luxurious setting.

For more information, visit auberge.com. 

Shore Lodge, McCall, Idaho

Shore Lodge marina. (Photo by Shore Lodge)

McCall, Idaho, at an elevation of 5,000 feet, offers a natural oasis for fall adventures. Lakefront resort, Shore Lodge, captures the destination’s peaceful yet vibrant spirit. The property features 77 mountain-modern guestrooms overlooking Payette Lake and the Salmon River Mountains. Amenities include three restaurants, The Cove spa with indoor/outdoor saltwater pools and access to outdoor activities like kayaking, ATV off-roading and fly fishing, perfect for enjoying autumn’s crisp air and eye-catching foliage.

For more information, visit shorelodge.com.

Hotel Commonwealth, Boston

Boston in style at the Loft Suite. (Photo by Hotel Commonwealth)

For clients seeking an iconic New England fall experience, Hotel Commonwealth in Boston’s Kenmore Square provides an ideal urban base. The hotel offers easy access to autumn landscapes in the Boston Common, Public Garden and Charles River Esplanade. Its recently redesigned lobby reflects the neighborhood’s character with marble accents and locally-inspired art. October visitors can witness the Head of the Charles Regatta (Oct. 17–19), where fall colors create a stunning backdrop for this rowing tradition.

The Ann Savannah and Perry Lane Hotel, Savannah

Rooftop view of Savannah. (Photo by Perry Lane Hotel)

Savannah’s Historic District offers a unique Southern fall experience. The Ann Savannah, with 157 apartment-style suites, provides comfort and local character. Nearby, Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection property, offers 167 artfully designed guestrooms, a rooftop pool and three dining venues celebrating seasonal flavors. Both properties provide unparalleled access to Savannah’s oak-lined squares and parks, allowing your clients to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant seasonal charm.

For more information, visit theannsavannah.com and perrylanehotel.com.

W Scottsdale, Arizona

“Fall” in love with pampering at W Scottsdale. (Photo AWAY Spa)

AWAY Spa at W Scottsdale introduces its Fall Into Spa experience, a limited-time offering available only during October, which includes two 50-minute treatments priced at $200 each and some fun extras.

The Pumpkin Spice Facial uses the Eminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel to refine and brighten skin. The treatment includes a light massage of the neck, arms, and hands using the spa’s signature pumpkin spice oil. The Pumpkin Spice Massage offers full-body relaxation with a medium-pressure Swedish technique, also incorporating the aromatic pumpkin spice oil. Hands and feet receive special attention with a nourishing pumpkin spice body butter application.

This fall-themed spa experience begins with guests selecting a tarot card and autumn-inspired beverage, creating a personalized atmosphere. Post-treatment, your clients can relax in the lounge while enjoying their chosen drink. The experience concludes with a curated gift bag containing a keepsake tarot card and a themed item.

For more information, visit awayspascottsdale.com.

Fall colors in Illinois

The Den of the Gods at sunset. (Photo by Illinois Office of Tourism)

Illinois has published its annual Fall Colors Trip Planner and Fall Color Reports, created with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These resources guide visitors to prime fall foliage viewing locations across the state, from Galena in the north to Shawnee National Forest in the south.

Northern Illinois expects peak colors in the second week of October. Galena, tucked away among tree-covered hills, offers autumn vistas via Long Hollow Canopy Tours’ ziplines. Nearby, Horseshoe Mound Preserve and Mississippi Palisades State Park provide scenic outlooks. The historic Aldrich Guest House in Galena offers period accommodations.

Central Illinois anticipates late October for optimal foliage. The region features Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery and The Great Pumpkin Patch. Monticello’s 1,517-acre Allerton Park and Decatur’s Rock Springs Nature Center showcase fall’s palette. Visitors can stay at the Hyatt Place in downtown Champaign.

Southwest Illinois’ Great River Road from Alton to Grafton offers river views framed by autumn hues, peaking in late October. Pere Marquette State Park and Grafton Zipline Adventures offer breathtaking views from elevated vantage points. The vintage Ruebel Hotel in Grafton, with its reported paranormal activity, adds intrigue to a fall stay.

Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest reaches peak colors in late October. Garden of the Gods offers panoramic views, while Giant City State Park provides additional trails. The area’s wine trail complements the season. Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins in Elizabethtown features both historic log cabins and treehouses for unique lodging options.

For more information, visit enjoyillinois.com.

Beyond Las Vegas

Nighttime at CasaBlanca Resort and Casino Pool. (Photo by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau)

As autumn arrives, the regions around Las Vegas offer a diverse array of seasonal experiences. Boulder City, Laughlin and Mesquite present unique opportunities for visitors seeking fall adventures beyond the Strip.

Boulder City embraces the season with its Best Dam Wine Walk, featuring themed events like the Halloween Costume Wine Walk on Oct. 11 and the Disco/Glow Wine Walk on Nov. 8. Families can enjoy the Halloween Express, a 90-minute adventure with train rides and costume contests, running weekends from Oct. 11-26. For sports enthusiasts, the Pumpkinman Triathlon on Oct. 25 provides a challenging course with Lake Mead as its backdrop.

Thrill-seekers can explore Boulder City’s spooky side with the Haunted Boulder City Ghost & UFO Tour or visit The Fright Zone at Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum. Golf enthusiasts have their pick of three courses, including the prestigious Cascata Golf Club and the public Boulder Creek Golf Club.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor activities, from kayaking with companies like Vegas Glass Kayaks to hiking the challenging Gold Strike Hot Springs trail. The 34-mile River Mountains Loop Trail connects Lake Mead to the Las Vegas Valley, offering scenic views for hikers and cyclists.

Laughlin’s fall entertainment lineup includes performances by Trace Adkins, BlackHawk and Kevin Hart. Visitors can experience the Colorado River through jet boat tours or dinner cruises, such as the Line Dancing & BBQ Dinner Cruise on Oct. 21. The Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail provides 10.5 miles of hiking alongside the river.

Mesquite hosts the Nevada Open Golf Tournament from Nov. 4-6, featuring a $150,000 prize purse. The CasaBlanca Fall II-Man Golf Tournament, expanding to accommodate 150 teams, takes place Nov. 7-9. Beer enthusiasts can attend the CasaBlanca BrewFest on Oct. 18, while families might enjoy the SHREEEK-Reeka Annual Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular at Eureka Casino Resort on Oct. 30.

For a unique desert experience, The Desert Ranch Experience by Camel Safari offers tours featuring exotic animals like camels and sloths. Mesquite’s entertainment calendar includes performances by John Caparulo, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap and tribute bands.

Nearby Moapa Valley rounds out the fall offerings with its Corn Maze and the Pomegranate Art Festival on Nov. 7-8, celebrating the harvest season with arts, crafts and live entertainment.

For more information, visit visitlasvegas.com.