January 6, 2023
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6 Minute Read
Typically, when you think of a getaway, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters come to mind. But you don’t need to jet off to a yoga retreat in Thailand to feel rejuvenated. There are cities across the globe that offer everything you’d want to relax and re-energize.
With culture, cuisine, entertainment, education, pampering and more, urban destinations are primed for wanderlusters seeking a break from the ordinary. So the only question left is, where should you go? Read on for the five best destinations beloved by travelers around the globe and how Venture X cardholders can enjoy Premier Collection benefits (including a $100 experience credit, daily breakfast, and more) when booking through Capital One Travel.
New York City, USA
You could live in New York City for decades and still not experience all it offers. But that’s why it’s such an incredible city to visit, as there’s something to suit every interest and you’ll never get bored.
Book a room at the Pendry Manhattan West to serve as a home base for checking out some of the city’s top attractions. This hotel is located in the Hudson Yards area, a recently expanded section of New York City that offers tons of new restaurants, shopping and performance spaces, like The Shed. The hotel’s warm and inviting interiors offer a reprieve from the noise of the big city—each of the 164 guest rooms is a masterclass in timeless design, with an airy Californian touch.
Kick off your trip with a cocktail at the hotel’s Bar Pendry, or opt for coffee in the Garden Room. When you book your stay with a Capital One Venture X card, you’ll unlock a daily free breakfast for two from Vista Lounge or by ordering in-room dining as part of your Premier Collection benefits. Block off one of your nights for dinner at Bar Primi, an Italian spot beloved by locals and visitors alike. Capital One rewards cardholders can use Capital One Dining to book exclusive reservations here and at other New York City favorites.
To top it all off, the location can’t be beat. Within walking distance, there’s The High Line, a public park built on a historic freight-rail line that leads to the West Village above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. Along the way, you can stop at The Vessel in Hudson Yards, Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum of American Art. In the evening, catch a showing of Sleep No More, an immersive show based on William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Pendry Manhattan West, New York, USA
Barcelona, Spain
With art, architecture and sandy beaches to boot, this coastal city in Spain gives travelers a taste of it all. And you can see a lot of it from the Wittmore Hotel, a Premier Collection property nestled in the historic Gothic Quarter (Venture X cardholders earn 10X miles when booking this hotel through Capital One Travel). From here, you’re moments away from some of the city’s most picturesque shorelines, like Platja de Sant Miquel and Platja del Somorrostro.
The luxe property’s common areas and 22 guest rooms are full of velvet-trimmed nooks and crannies and intimate energy. You’ll find the best view on the patio, where the city’s skyline puts on a show come sunset. On the rooftop, the vistas spread to the sea. Finish up the day with dinner at Contraband, a restaurant and bar from Chef Alain Guiard that serves up a fine-dining experience with a fantastic wine list. Pro tip: When booking a stay at the hotel from the Premier Collection, you’ll be able to use your $100 experience credit toward dinner.
For some action, head out on a Casa Milà Tour; the modernista building is the last private residence designed by Antoni Gaudí. Speaking of Gaudí, you can’t visit Barcelona and not see the Sagrada Família, the unfinished church by the famed architect. While in the area, walk the most famous street in Barcelona—Las Ramblas—and check out over 4,000 Picasso works at the Picasso Museum. Once the sun goes down, take a two-hour Cocktail Masterclass with Tapas and enjoy a flamenco show at City Theatre.
Wittmore Hotel, Barcelona, Spain
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is buzzing with activity—thanks, in part, to its gastronomic landscape and soaring skyscrapers. One such skyscraper is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, Upper House, where you can view the surrounding green mountains from bed.
Architect André Fu designed this hotel to feel like a sanctuary, full of art and comforting interiors that welcome guests like a breath of fresh air (don’t miss Thomas Heatherwick’s “Stone Curtains” installation at the entrance). With in-room wellness treatments, a sky lounge, a rooftop garden and three perfect spaces for drinking and dining—Salisterra, The Continental and The Lawn—it could be easy enough to spend an entire vacation without leaving the property.
But if you want to do more than gaze upon the city’s green space from your room, visit the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, filled with exhibits of tropical flora like orchids, bromeliads and carnivorous plants. Plus, you can hike to Hong Kong’s oldest lighthouse, Cape D’Aguilar, along a stunning trail. You can also mix culture with nature by planning a trip to Po Lin Monastery, located on Lantau Island. For more of a traditional city vibe, plan stops at Hong Kong Arts Centre in trendy Wan Chai, the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC) in Shek Kip Mei and Central Market, where you can sample local delicacies.
Upper House, Honk Kong, GEM
Paris, France
As the famous saying goes, “Paris is always a good idea.” Set yourself up for luxury and retire each night to La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa. Use your Premier Collection $100 experience credit at the hotel’s Restaurant Le Gabriel, a signature restaurant with two Michelin stars. The property has views of the city’s most iconic sights (the Grand Palais, Panthéon and the Eiffel Tower). The hotel’s interiors and exterior are grandiose, from the chaise lounges around the pool to the elegantly outfitted suites. Put your Premier Collection experience credit to good use at La Pagode de Cos, led by Chef Jérôme Banctel, who has two Michelin stars to his name. It’s an ideal setting for soaking in the dreamy, historic atmosphere of the city around you.
While visiting, check off several bucket-list items: See the Mona Lisa at The Louvre, snap photos outside the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris and stroll along the Seine River. For something a bit more off the beaten path, plan a stop at Le Hasard Ludique—a former railway station converted into an arts complex—and Musée de Montmartre to see works by Renoir and the Moulin-Rouge-famous Toulouse-Lautrec. Once you’ve seen the sights, it’s time to indulge in another quintessential Parisian pastime: gourmet dining. For a few suggestions, try the tasting menus at Septime, the many options at the quirky Ground Control Food Hall and Le Syndicat for exceptional cocktails.
La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa, Paris, France
Charleston, South Carolina, USA
If classic charm is what you’re after, head to Charleston. Kick off your getaway with a romantic stay at Hotel Bennett. Known for its grand design, decor and Southern hospitality, this property pairs the city’s top-notch (friendly) service with a playground of dining options and activities. Plus, you can use your $100 experience credit at any of the property’s restaurants, like La Pâtisserie or Camellias. Book one of the hotel’s private cabanas for a relaxing day by the pool or head out on a property-led photo tour of the city. When you need a moment to catch your breath, pay a visit to Gabrielle or Fiat Luxe for a refreshing drink and a meal you won’t soon forget.
Once you’re ready to see the sights, stroll through the historic Battery, home to Charleston City Hall, the Dock Street Theatre, the Old Exchange Building and White Point Garden, while gazing upon the dozens of Georgian and Federal-style houses. Walk over to King Street, filled with vibrant and eclectic shops, for an afternoon of local shopping. Take a 25-minute drive out of the city to check out the Angel Oak—an oak tree thought to be over 500 years old—and Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired in the Civil War. And you can take in the skyline by night by booking a Full Moon Boat Cruise.
Hotel Bennett, South Carolina, USA
Before you go…
Book your trip confidently every step of the way with Capital One Travel. If you’re an eligible cardholder, you can enjoy premium benefits throughout your travel journey. Plus, if you’re a Venture X cardholder, don’t forget to take advantage of the added benefits you get on every Premier Collection stay – 10X miles on every booking, a $100 experience credit and daily breakfast for two, plus the opportunity to maximize vacation time with benefits like room upgrades, early check-in, and late checkout when available.