You don’t need to rough it to experience fall foliage at its best: Here are three luxury hotels where you can savor the season’s brilliant colors in comfort, from Central Park to the Great Smokies… . The fall package at Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm includes horseback riding through the Smoky Mountains and fly-fishing, plus breakfast, a picnic lunch, and a five-course candlelight dinner ($1,500 for one night; $1,200 each additional night through November 23; 800-648-4252)… . Leaf peepers can hike the Adirondacks near Lake Placid Lodge, where a three-night stay includes boxed lunches for the trails, afternoon tea, and a hearty dinner for two ($2,700 through November; 877-523-2700)… . Of course, you don’t have to travel so far afield – the Ritz-Carlton New York offers prime Central Park views and butler-drawn baths (from $735 per night through December 30; 212-308-9100).
– BETSY GOLDBERG
A dinner reservation in the Hamptons can be as hard to come by as an isolated beach. But, come fall, the crowds ease along with the humidity, and not only will you be able to get a table, your meal is likely to be a bargain. Nick & Toni’s (631-324-3550), where the summertime wait list can be weeks long, will set you up with a two-course prix fixe dinner and a ticket to the movies, all for $22 on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. The elegant Stone Creek Inn (631-653-6770), rated the East End’s No. 1 culinary spot by Zagat, now offers a $27 prix fixe on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Della Femina (631-329-6666) has a three-course dinner for $29 Sunday through Thursday, and Bamboo, this year’s hot spot, is offering three à la carte courses for just $23. Getting there is cheaper, too: The Hampton Luxury Liner has reduced its $37 fare to $24 on select trips.
– BETH LANDMAN KEIL
Body & Soul Adventures, the South American spinoff of California’s Ashram Spa (Hollywood’s secret get-skinny-fast weapon), has decided to make its boot-camp fitness program year-round. So now you can get your butt kicked south of the border all winter long. The six-day program, which takes place on a tiny island in Brazil, 100 miles south of Rio, whips you into shape with a vegetarian diet of just 1,200 calories a day and a challenging regimen of rain-forest hiking, sea kayaking, and yoga. While days can be rough, nights begin with a massage, followed by samba and capoeira performances. Groups are limited to twelve, and guests sleep at a comfortable lodge, in air-conditioned rooms with ocean views and en suite bathrooms. The program costs $2,850 per person until December 15, $3,850 thereafter (866-292-6900).
See Spot Go Madame Paulette, the cleaner of choice for Bergdorf Goodman, Vera Wang, and Chanel, has developed an emergency stain-removal kit for traveling klutzes. The pocket-size packet includes three formulas, three rinses, and a guide explaining how to undo various catastrophes, from pen leaks to red-wine spills (212-838-6827; $5). Keep It In The Family Tour outfitter Tauck World Discovery is adding all-inclusive family trips to its repertoire. Starting this month, families can reserve space on one of twelve new itineraries – ranging from heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies to trekking the jungles of Costa Rica (from $1,780 per person; 866-636-6500). Vine Wisdom The California wine country isn’t just about wine anymore, and Tim and Nina have taken note: Zagat’s latest release is a mini-guide to Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino ($4.95). Hotel California W Hotels conquers another city with the December opening of W San Diego. The 261-room property breaks away from the sleek darkness of its predecessors with pastel décor, and will (of course) feature a cool fusion restaurant, Rice, along with a rooftop bar called Beach – featuring a heated-sand floor and private cabanas (doubles from $209; 877-W-HOTELS).
Deal of the Week
If you’re headed to the Cleveland area – or even if you’re not – make time to stay at Walden Country Inn, a 25-room gem with cedar ceilings and in-room fireplaces. During November and December, New York readers get 20 percent off. Stay a third night, and they’ll toss in a massage or horseback ride (888-808-5003).