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Travel like America's elite to these Gilded Age getaways

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. merica-s-elite-to-these-gilded-age-getaways.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 6:24 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Gilded Age Getaways: Where Modern Travelers Can Channel Old‑Money Glamour

When the Gilded Age rolled in, a glittering new class of American elites—steel magnates, railroad tycoons, and industrial titans—began to re‑imagine what luxury meant. They were no longer content with the humdrum of city life or the modest seaside cottage that had been the holiday standard for the middle class. Instead, they sought a lifestyle that blended refined elegance with unrivaled extravagance, and they built it on the foundations of historic hotels, exclusive country clubs, and carefully curated destinations that still echo the opulence of a bygone era. Today’s traveler who craves that same sense of old‑money sophistication can follow the footsteps of these titans to a handful of modern destinations that have preserved the essence of that era’s grandeur.

1. Palm Beach, Florida – The Southern Riviera

The article opens on the sun‑kissed sands of Palm Beach, a place that has long been the playground of the American aristocracy. Since the 1890s, the town has been a magnet for the wealthy, who arrived in gilded yachts and left behind a legacy of palatial estates and the iconic “Palm Beach style” of architecture. Visitors today can stay at the historic Breakers Palm Beach—a hotel that still retains its 1916 façade, marble lobby, and a collection of 19th‑century art. The hotel’s famed “White House” room, once a private space for the “big four” of the era, now offers guests an indulgent retreat surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

The Breakers hosts a “Summer Concert Series” that brings contemporary musicians to the grand piano, while the Palm Beach Yacht Club’s regatta still captures the spirit of the original “Sea Island” tournaments. Tourists are encouraged to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in a glass‑enclosed salon that offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic.

2. Newport, Rhode Island – The “Summer White House”

Next, the piece turns to Newport, Rhode Island, a town where the opulent summer “cottages” of the Gilded Age still stand. Here, the Bristol Hotel—once the residence of the Woolworth family—now offers guests a private balcony overlooking the harbor, a living testament to the era’s penchant for lavish seaside retreats. The historic The Breakers Hotel, a 10‑story marvel designed by McKim, Mead & White, is a must‑visit for its marble staircases, gilded chandeliers, and an impressive art collection that traces the lineage of American wealth.

The article suggests a “Gilded Age Night” walk through the town’s famous “summer promenade.” By evening, the streets are illuminated by gas lamps—exactly as they would have been in the 1890s—while local restaurants serve classic dishes such as lobster bisque and baked Alaska, a dessert that has been a staple at high‑society banquets for over a century.

3. Bar Harbor, Maine – The Rustic Riviera

In a twist from the more polished coastal towns, the article explores the rugged allure of Bar Harbor. The Gilded Age saw industrial magnates like the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers taking in the breathtaking views of Acadia National Park, using the area as a retreat from the frenetic pace of New York. Today, travelers can stay at the Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, a property that preserves many of the original clapboard‑shuttered rooms that once housed those high‑profile guests. The inn offers guided walks up Mount Desert Island, a tradition that continues from the original “Grand Tour” of the region’s natural wonders.

The article stresses the importance of “slow luxury” in Bar Harbor: a leisurely morning of blueberry picking, followed by a private seaplane tour that showcases the same scenic views that once inspired the era’s greatest patrons of the arts.

4. St. Moritz, Switzerland – Alpine Nobility

While the Gilded Age was largely an American phenomenon, its influence reached Europe. The alpine resort of St. Moritz was frequented by families like the Vanderbilts, who celebrated the era’s fascination with snow and ice. Today, the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel—originally built in 1896—continues to serve as a symbol of European elegance. Visitors are encouraged to stay in the hotel’s “Royal Suite,” which houses antiques that date back to the hotel’s early days. The “Château de Trésor” within the hotel’s atrium offers a glass‑covered garden, a nod to the lavish summer gardens of the era.

The article points out the enduring tradition of the St. Moritz Polo Club and the Ski Club, activities that echo the Gilded Age’s love for sport and competition. Whether you take a sled down the alpine slopes or play a round of polo at the club, the experience is steeped in a sense of old‑money leisure.

5. Lake Como, Italy – Mediterranean Splendor

The article also ventures into the heart of Italy, where the Gilded Age’s fascination with European culture found a natural home. Villa Carlotta, perched on the shores of Lake Como, was once a summer residence of industrialist families who sought to blend Italian architecture with the elegance of their homeland. The villa’s gardens are filled with Mediterranean flora, while its art collection boasts works by Botticelli and Raphael—pieces that the original patrons would have admired.

Modern travelers can experience this heritage by staying at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a luxury resort that offers a view of the lake, an infinity pool that looks like a window into the past, and a “Polo Day” where guests can ride horses along the lakeside. Dining at the Ristorante La Terrazza provides an authentic Italian menu that has remained largely unchanged since the Gilded Age, featuring truffle risotto and freshly baked focaccia.

6. The Hamptons, New York – Coastal Aristocracy

Finally, the article brings us to the Hamptons, a region that has long attracted affluent travelers from New York City. The Great Hall Hotel & Spa in Montauk—founded in the late 1800s—still offers a taste of the old‑money lifestyle. The hotel’s “Grand Ballroom” has hosted a variety of Gilded Age gatherings and now hosts a curated “Old‑World Gala” each summer. The article suggests that travelers stay in the “Estate Suite,” which has a private balcony overlooking the Long Island Sound.

The Hamptons also offers the Wickham Estate, a historic home that was a favorite of the Vanderbilt family. The estate’s gardens are open for tours, and the surrounding area offers a network of exclusive country clubs and private marinas that still preserve the essence of the Gilded Age.

How to Channel Old‑Money Glamour

The article goes beyond destination lists to provide actionable tips for modern travelers who want to emulate the era’s sophistication:

• Dress the part: Vintage‑inspired outfits—tailored suits, cloche hats, silk scarves—are a key part of the aesthetic. Some hotels even offer styling services for guests.
• Engage in classic leisure activities: Polo, yachting, golf, and horse‑drawn carriage rides remain the go‑to activities for those looking to experience a life of leisure. Many hotels now partner with local sports clubs to provide private sessions.
• Enjoy curated dining experiences: Fine‑table dining, afternoon tea, and wine tastings are offered in historically themed settings. Restaurants often serve menus that have been part of the Gilded Age’s culinary repertoire.
• Explore heritage tours: Guided tours that highlight the history of the property, the architecture, and the stories of the people who once lived there provide context for the luxury experience.

The Enduring Allure of the Gilded Age

The article’s overarching narrative is one of enduring allure. Despite the passage of a century, the Gilded Age’s opulence and taste continue to resonate with modern sensibilities. Whether it’s the sun‑lit halls of the Breakers, the snow‑capped slopes of St. Moritz, or the emerald waters of Lake Como, these destinations preserve the charm of a time when luxury was measured by the size of a house and the scale of a social event.

For those who seek more than a vacation—those who want a taste of history, a window into the lifestyles of America’s original “old money”—these Gilded Age getaways offer a portal to a world that still feels as relevant as it is mesmerizing. The article invites travelers to step into the past while enjoying the comforts of today, to channel the elegance, the poise, and the understated extravagance that defined a generation. In doing so, we not only honor the legacy of the Gilded Age but also ensure that its glamour continues to inspire new generations of travelers.