Things to Do

July Travel Deals

Summer is here—time for a vacation. Book one of these and you’ll get a deal just for Washingtonian readers.

At the adults-only Villa Buena Onda in Costa Rica, readers can save more than $600 off a four-night stay. Photo courtesy of Villa Buena Onda.

George Washington Slept Here

Where: Hotel Monaco Alexandria, 480 King St., Alexandria; 703-549-6080.

What’s special: This newly renovated luxury hotel reflects Alexandria’s historic character with its Colonial-inspired decor. Amenities include an indoor pool, a fitness center, free use of bikes, a complimentary nightly wine hour, a shuttle to Reagan National Airport, and a pet-friendly policy. Become a member of the free Kimpton Karma Rewards program and get a $10 Raid the Bar credit and free wi-fi. The hotel, in the heart of Old Town, is within walking distance of the waterfront, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, restaurants, and shops, as well as a short drive to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

The deal: The Venture to Mount Vernon package includes accommodations, two round-trip tickets for the Potomac Riverboat Company cruise from the Alexandria waterfront to Mount Vernon, a pair of tickets for Mount Vernon, and two cocktails from Jackson 20, the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, upon return. Washingtonian readers also receive free parking for one vehicle per night. Rates start at $219. To book, click here and enter the rate code MOUNTV, or call 703-549-6080 and request the Mount Vernon Package. Mention Washingtonian at check-in to get the free parking.

When: Valid for stays through July 2015.

Mountains of Fun

Where: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, Pa.; 724-329-8555.

What’s special: Nemacolin recently underwent a $30-million renovation that spiffed up guest rooms at the elegant Chateau Lafayette as well as meeting rooms and public spaces. Guests can enjoy more than 70 outdoor and indoor diversions, including tennis and golf, a shooting academy, a climbing wall and a zipline, miniature golf, off-road driving in a Jeep Rubicon, bowling, a tour of the $45-million Hardy Family Art Collection, two outdoor and two indoor swimming pools, a 2,400-square-foot fitness center and a spa, and the Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin, with nearly 600 slot machines and 28 table games.

The deal: The Three Night Summer Vacation Package includes accommodations and a $300-a-night resort credit for dining and activities. Rates start at $650 a day, a savings of up to 20 percent. Mention Washingtonian when booking to also get one Adventure Pass per person (a $25 value per pass), which gets you access to, among other things, the climbing wall, disc golf, miniature golf, and $5 bowling, plus $5, $10, or $20 off other resort activities.

When: Valid for stays Sunday through Thursday, through August 2015.

New York, New York

Where: 70 Park Avenue, 70 Park Ave., New York, N.Y.; 212-973-2400.

What’s special: This pet-friendly boutique hotel puts you in the middle of New York City but not in the middle of the tumult. It’s an easy walk from Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, and the Empire State building. The hotel has a fitness center, luxurious Frette linens, a free evening wine hour, and on-the-house morning coffee and tea service. Become a member of the free Kimpton Karma Rewards and receive a $10 Raid the Bar credit and complimentary wi-fi.

The deal: A Piece of Park Avenue, the package exclusive to Washingtonian readers, includes a guest-room upgrade (based on availability), welcome cocktails for two at the on-site Silverleaf Tavern, a $100 gift card toward lunch for two at Park Avenue Tavern, tickets for two to the Morgan Library & Museum, and complimentary bikes to explore the neighborhood (must be booked 24 hours in advance). Rates start at $310, a 15-percent savings. To book, e-mail packagesny@kimptonhotels.com and mention Washingtonian’s A Piece of Park Avenue package.

When: Valid for stays through September 7, 2015.

Down South

Where: Wild Dunes Resort, 1 Sundial Cir., Isle of Palms, S.C.; 866-359-5593.

What’s special: Wild Dunes Resort is on Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the South Carolina coast. The oceanfront property on 1,600 acres offers a wide array of activities including championship golf, tennis, spa services, two fitness centers, restaurants, biking, four swimming pools, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. It’s just 30 minutes from historic Charleston and its great restaurants.

The deal: The Home Away From Home package offers 15 percent off vacation rental homes and starts at $800 a night for a five-bedroom. Readers also receive a free bottle of Champagne, a $20 value. To get this deal, call 844-391-5697 and use the promo code HOMEDC.

When: Valid for stays through August 31, 2015.

Florida Keys

Where: Casa Marina Resort, 1500 Reynolds St., Key West, Fla.; 305-296-3535.

What’s special: Opened in 1920, Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria resort on the National Register for Historic Places, combines the ambience of old Key West with modern luxury. Located along the southern edge of the island, the property features the largest private beach in Key West. You can swim in one of two oceanfront pools, scuba-dive, snorkel, sail, kayak, take a sunset cruise, jet-ski, bike, or ride a scooter to explore the area. The resort is three miles from the airport, a short drive to both the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and minutes from historic Old Town and nightlife.

The deal: The Best of Waldorf Astoria promotion includes a $100 resort credit, based on a two-night minimum stay, and a $50 credit for each additional night. Washingtonian readers also get two complimentary cocktails, a $30 value. Rates start at $304. For reservations, click here and use the booking code PBBWAS.

When: Valid for stays through August 31, 2015.

Kicking Back

Where: Las Terrazas Resort & Residences, Ambergris Caye, Belize; 800-447-1553.

What’s special: Enjoy the laid-back elegance of Belize’s Ambergris Caye at this exclusive and intimate luxury hotel with 37 private townhouses. Just steps from a private beach and the Caribbean Sea, the Preferred Boutique Hotel is on the pristine coastline of the world’s second-largest living barrier reef.

The deal: Readers receive a complimentary snorkel trip for two to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, a $140 value. For reservations, call 800-447-1553 and mention Washingtonian. Prices start at $279 a night.

When: Valid for stays through September 6, 2015.

Living the Life

Where: Villa Buena Onda, Guanacaste, Costa Rica; 800-414-0159.

What’s special: This adults-only (ages 16 and older) luxury boutique hotel on the Golden Coast of Guanacaste is perched on a hillside overlooking Playas del Coco. Enjoy cooking classes, yoga, a spa, and the two-tier, ocean-view saltwater swimming pool. The rate includes three meals each day featuring fresh, local ingredients. It’s 30 minutes from the airport, in an area where guests can sail, go sport-fishing, hike, horseback-ride, or venture out on a zipline or on a cruise to see crocodiles and monkeys.

The deal: Stay four nights and get a 50-minute couples massage as well as a cruise in a private boat to the Papagayo Gulf to visit secluded beaches and to fish, snorkel, swim, or relax. The trip includes a naturalist guide, lunch, and beer. Readers also receive a free bottle of wine, a $35 value. Prices start at $161 per person per night, a savings of $600. To book, call and mention Washingtonian and the Stay Four Night Deal, or book online and mention the magazine and the Stay Four Night Deal in the comment section.

When: Valid for stays through Labor Day 2015.