Many of us, no matter what side we’re on, are getting a little weary of the mudslinging, talk of leaked tapes and e-mails and ugly debates that have come with this year’s presidential election. It’s gotten so bad a Washington therapist is calling it “Election Stress Disorder.”
For those of you starting to think this might be a really good time to just get away, you’re not alone. A travel trend has emerged: election hotel packages that give guests pampering, not politics. From private boat charters and personal butlers to on-demand designer duds, hotels from Dallas to the Caribbean are offering a haute hiatus from the nonstop campaign coverage, timed from now through the swearing in.
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Elect to Escape Package
Harbour Village Beach Club
Bonaire
Guests will find enough diversions on this southern Caribbean island to keep their minds off the polls. Included are four nights in a one-bedroom beachfront suite, massages, a torch-lit dinner on the beach and a private boat charter for a day on Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island that’s off the grid (squashing any temptation to peek at CNN). In November, the resort is offering small-group adventures on an NOAA submarine, led by a marine researcher from the Smithsonian Institution. Available now through November 30; starting at $2,590 per person
Commander In Sleep and The First Ladies Getaway Packages
Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, Virginia
The Commander in Sleep Package includes a two-night stay in a suite with a fireplace, massages, “non-partisan nightcaps” at the Gold Cup Wine Bar and non-delivery of the morning newspapers. Spending the weekend with an equally news-weary girlfriend? The First Ladies Getaway features an 80-minute crushed cabernet spa treatment, stress burner yoga sessions (apropos, no?) and chilled wine waiting in guestrooms. Both available now through the inauguration (January 20, 2017); starting at $1,460 for two for Commander in Sleep and $1,360 for The First Ladies Getaway.
Presidential Pampering in Palm Beach Package
The Brazilian Court Hotel
Palm Beach, Florida
If your candidate loses, this over-the-top getaway will help you forget the disappointment fast. I’m talking round-trip air in a private jet to Palm Beach, which whisks guests off in a chauffeured Cadillac Escalade. When guests arrive in the Katharine Hepburn suite, a personal butler will be on call around the clock. A styling session at Frederic Fekkai by Frederic himself gets people ready for a private dinner for two at Café Boulud. Sure, this kind of luxury comes at a price—but guests get to take the monogrammed robes and slippers home! Available now through the inauguration (January 20, 2017); starting at $21,750
Presidential Stay & Play Package
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando, Florida
Golfers wishing for a casual, fast breakaway may want to look to the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed international and national courses here. Snag perks such as a complimentary golf cart, rental clubs and range balls, a dining credit at Piper’s Grill and breakfast at Trevi’s. And the manager clearly has a sense of humor, gifting all election escapees with a bucket of Presidente Beer and “left or right?” wings. Available now through December 31, starting at $275 a night
Presidential Panache Package
Hotel Crescent Court
Uptown Dallas, Texas
The Grand Presidential Suite, all 3,035 square feet of it, is installed with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spiral staircase leading up to two separate guest retreats. Guests and their partners in politics—or disdain thereof—come and go in a private jet, then are driven around town like one of the candidates in a bullet-proof black Escalade. When they’re ready to head out for the night, a “glam squad” descends upon rooms to style hair, apply makeup and give mani-pedis. Nothing to wear? No worries. High-end designer looks from Dallas clothier Stanley Korshak arrive on request. On-the-spot tailoring included, naturally. Take a nibble of the 24-carat gold caviar, pop the vintage label Dom Perignon, and toast the evening ahead. Hey, a girl can dream, right? Available now through the inauguration (January 20, 2017); starting at….wait for it….$32,000 a night
Running Mates Package
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
Amelia Island, Florida
The resort—with a preponderance of lush jogging trails for those who really are visiting with their running mate—greets guests with a build-your-own martini bar in their oceanfront rooms, and set them up with unlimited rounds of golf on Ocean Links or Oak Marsh course.
Another option is the “Stay Like a President” rate: 20.16 percent off the best available rate for the presidential suite. Available now through December 31, starting at $489 a night. Stay Like a President rate good through Election Day, November 8