Spring Break Escape

Move over Mexico. This month, with help from our expert friends at Indagare, we’ve gone in search of Spring Break's unsung heroes. From the Chilean desert to our very own Charleston, we bring you 5 unexpected places perfectly suited to the upcoming vacation. 

Charleston

Charleston (one of America's oldest cities) remains a living museum of Southern hospitality. But its lively restaurant and arts scene make it a buzzy cultural destination, too.

Stay: The Dewberry, a high-design hub popular with cool locals and visitors.

See and Do: Head over to Drayton Hall plantation house to see a prime example of Georgian Palladian architecture. Make sure you save time for a spot of antique-ing (look for Fritz Porter and John Pope).

Eat: Leon’s recreates a New Orleans oyster house.

Charleston

Portugal

Meet the continent’s next big thing. “Portugal is newly energized with a young and diverse population,” says Indagare's Amelia Osborne Scott, “There’s a renaissance happening—and well-heeled travelers are taking notice.”

Stay: The renowned Six Senses resort, not least because of its world-class spa.

See and Do: Indulge! The resort, known for its cuisine, has exceptional wine tastings and cooking classes.

Eat: Savor a glass of port and tapas and take in the hilltop views from the terrace.

Portugal

St. Barth's

Famous for ultra-luxurious hotels, insiders love St. Barth's for its mix of l’art de vivre with a laid-back tropical ease. “Thankfully, much of what I love doesn’t change: Saline beach, the two-hour lunch custom and its sophisticated yet bohemian French spirit.”—Melissa Biggs Bradley

Stay: The tropical hideout Le Guanahani.

See and Do: Pay an early morning visit to Salines (it's the only time you can enjoy it all to yourself!).

Eat: 1 year-old Shellona immediately became an island classic. Expect live music and Mediterranean fare.

St. Barth's 

Atacama Desert

It's the world’s smallest, highest and driest desert. In other words: you’ll find few places on earth as dramatic. Red rock canyons, vast sand dunes, crystalline salt flats and hidden hot springs make it a true adventurer’s (not to mention Instagrammer’s) paradise.

Stay: With o nly 8 rooms, the authentic Awasi is also super exclusive.

See and Do: Visit the spectacular Moon Valley. Spend the rest of your time stargazing the crystal-clear constellations.

Eat: Local Chilean cuisine at Awasi’s restaurant.

Atacama Desert

Dominican Republic

A distinctive Spanish influence differentiates the Dominican Republicfrom its Caribbean cousins. Picture pristine beaches, untouched jungle, merengue music and excellent hand-rolled cigars.

Stay: Playa Grande Beach Club is a love letter to the country.

See and Do: Relax on world-class white sand beaches. Sporty types should make the most of the wind with a kite surfing lesson.

Eat: Be sure to order the grilled parrotfish from the club restaurant.

Dominican Republic

Courtesy of M'oda 'Operandi