Honor The Activist Roots of Labor Day Celebrating at These Resorts
| 09/03/21
Labor Day Is About More Than a Vacay
For many, Labor Day just represents the end of summer celebrated with the ritual of barbecuing meat. But the holiday orginally dates back to the late 1800s, where worker rights advocates started it as a day to unify union workers and increasing time off of work. In that spirit we present a handful of Labor Day getaways that allow travelers to come together, reconnect with loved ones, and fully disconnect from work. From a wellness retreat in Costa Rica to a whimsical tech-free treehouse and Apple Festival in South Carolina to a special NASCAR deal for RVers, these resorts are sure to give you a labor-free Labor Day.
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Arenal Costa Rica
Let the work stress dissolve in these hot pools. Best known for its amazing natural beauty, the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a picturesque and quaint town featuring breathtaking mountain and volcano vistas. Located right at the base of the Arenal Volcano, and home to Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally flowing thermal mineral rivers is Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Arguably one of the best spa and wellness getaways on the planet, this LGBTQ+ inclusive retreat is just the ticket for a relaxing Labor Day reprieve. Water from the 100+ degree thermal rivers are redirected using an underground, gravity-fed system and is the only source of water used throughout the property. Spa treatments at Tabacón are designed to connect guests with nature through outdoor bungalows tucked away among the trees for added privacy. Guests seeking an even more wellness-focused escape can take advantage of the resort’s three-night Namaste in Nature package which includes a nonalcoholic welcome drink, daily breakfast, welcome amenity, one dinner at Ave Restaurant, $75 spa credit, and unlimited access to the natural hot springs and Shangri-La Gardens.
The Majestic Treehouse, Oconee County, South Carolina
Take a tech-vacation in Walhalla, known as “Garden of Gods,” which lies in the upstate of South Carolina in Oconee County, where a movement among German settlers began in the 1850s. Today, the town is known for its antique and specialty gift shops, breathtaking oak tree-lined Main Street, and is just minutes away from a variety of outdoor activities. For the ultimate technology detox experience surrounded by nature stay at the Bolt Farm Treehouse – The Majestic Treehouse. This one-of-a-kind treehouse is hidden within 40 acres of Oconee County forest in Walhalla. Nestled under the Blue Ridge Mountains, Oconee County is a forested paradise with abundant natural beauty, offering guests of The Majestic Treehouse the tranquility of untouched forest, songbirds, beautiful white and red oaks, hickory and dogwood trees, creeks, and 2.5 miles of trails suitable for walking, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The award-winning eco-friendly, adults-only treehouse was designed by Seth and Tori Bolt to be the ultimate blend of childhood fun and grown-up luxury, to provide a special tech-free nature retreat up in the trees. Immersed in nature and surrounded by comfort, the whimsical treehouse features one bedroom, two baths, and two connecting treehouse decks where guests can rest, reconnect and have an unforgettable experience. With no TVs, no complimentary access to Wi-fi, and limited cell phone reception, guests will immediately be enveloped by the stillness of nature. For an extended Labor Day escape in Oconee County, travelers will not be let down by the annual South Carolina Apple Festival in the nearby town Westminster. Beginning the Thursday after Labor Day and running through the weekend, the festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple-producing area in the state with varied activities such as apple pie-baking contests, whitewater rafting, shopping for arts and crafts, browsing antique shops, or just kicking back and listening to live musical entertainment.
Kimpton Goodland Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Forget all about work on the beaches of one of the most LGBTQ-inclusive vacation destinations in the world. Located on Florida’s Southeastern coast, Fort Lauderdale is best known for its stunning 24-mile span of golden beaches -- and sprawling out under a beach umbrella with the calming sounds of crashing waves is just what the doctor ordered for a relaxing Labor Day escape. Visitors will find a plethora of accommodation options in the area, but none quite like the brand-new Kimpton Goodland Hotel - Fort Lauderdale Beach. Tucked just one block from the beach in the North Beach Village, the property is the area’s first-ever branded boutique hotel. The 96-key property, blends in with the mid-century, nostalgic look and feel of its original structure and the neighborhood, offering a cool and carefree Fort Lauderdale experience. An iconic addition to the area, The Goodland spans three two-story buildings, inclusive of signature restaurant Botanic at The Goodland, on-site state-of-the-art fitness center, and two private pools, one on the ground level and the other atop the 8th-floor rooftop, each complete with an activated pool bar.
The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Experience life like The Man, instead of a lowly laborer at The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas, located in the Lesser Antilles between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, is a mountainous island with shimmering bays, powdery white beaches, flowing green hills, and a near-perfect climate year-round. St. Thomas is an American overseas territory — as such, Americans do not need to worry about bringing along a passport or worry about immigration on the return home. Additionally, visitors will find exquisite dining, spectacular nightlife, and luxury accommodations here. Among one of the best places to stay is The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Following a $100-million renovation (aka about a thousand times the money you'll ever spend on a renovation), the property features an alluring blend of sea-inspired luxury and resort amenities, including locally sourced cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, a remodeled infinity pool, renovated Club Lounge with marine-inspired décor, and much more. For the ultimate indulgence, set sail aboard the property’s luxury 60-ft sailing vessel, Lady Lynsey II, that offers island-hopping excursions, snorkeling tours, champagne sunset sails, and more.
CrossRoads Coach Resort, Darlington, South Carolina
There are parts of this country where "workers" is almost synonymous with NASCAR race fans. For those who are, and who are traveling through South Carolina by RV, we give you the CrossRoads Coach Resort in Darlington County, located in the Pee Dee region, the heart of the state's agricultural belt. Visitors find the area rich with historic sites, beautiful gardens, colorful festivals, museums, and recreational activities. Darlington County will host a number of exciting events over the holiday weekend including a bluegrass jam session and concert at the Grand Old Post Office, a free concert series on Darlington Public Square featuring Level 10 Band, a classic car show, a cornhole tournament, and much more. The area is actually best known as the home of the Darlington Raceway, a major stop on the NASCAR circuit since 1950! This year, NASCAR has expanded races and will return to Darlington Raceway for the second three-race weekend of the year on Sept. 4-5. A can’t miss event for NASCAR-aficionados and a thrilling experience for curious newcomers. For those seeking an exciting RV lodging experience while in town, look no further than to CrossRoads Coach Resort at the ROB, a quaint and charming RV park located in the heart of Darlington. Visitors can take advantage of the Darlington Raceway special, which includes a free night when staying at least two nights from July - September 2021.
