Step into History at One of These Hotels

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

AndBeyond Phinda

The flagship game reserve of one of Africa’s most bespoke safari luxury camp companies, Phinda stretches over 78,300 acres of South African wilderness. Guests are treated to exclusive Jeep tours to view the continent's Big Five — lions, buffalos, leopards, elephants and rhinos — among myriad other species of animals and more than 436 species of birds. In between game drives, repose in a number of lodges, all with open access to the wilds of the surrounding reserve. Although not one of the country’s oldest, Phinda’s land protection partnership with the local community was historically significant (room rates start $710 a night and are all inclusive).

Jared Coffin House

Off the coast of Cape Cod, the tiny island of Nantucket was once the nation's richest port. The cobblestone streets were illuminated by whale oil that the seafaring islanders gathered, the clapboard homes that lined them all grew in size thanks to expanding riches, and brick mansions were built by a growing merchant class. The Jared Coffin House, which has stood for 175 years, is one of those grand structures from that era. The year-round hideaway boasts 33 period-appointed rooms across two buildings; four are expansive suites named for influential Nantucket women (room rates start at $220 a night.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

This waterfront Sorrento hotel, which has been run by the same family since 1834, dazzles not only with its historic amenities but also with an impressive guest list that includes Princess Margaret, Luciano Pavarotti, Oscar Wilde and Sophia Loren. Rooms here are individually appointed and some are influenced by their famous fans. Reigning details include touches such as linen sheets, porcelain espresso cups with delicate covers and pizza-making classes hosted at an outdoor oven in a lemon grove. In addition to the Michelin-starred, only-in-Italy haute cuisine, the property’s pool, which sits on the site where Emperor Augustus kept his pool is an unparalleled hallmark (room rates start at about $906 a night).

Congress Hall

A stay at this landmark property in Cape May located on the edge of New Jersey’s seashore is like stepping into a storybook. Called the country’s fi rst seaside resort, the charming town—and this stately property—has been welcoming guests for more than a century. Congress Hall was fi rst built in 1816, and its offerings are wholly modern while still celebrating its rich history. The main eatery, the Blue Tavern is a former gaming hall, and there’s a subterranean pizzeria called the Boiler room that occupies what was once the hotel’s enormous laundry facility. Beach cabanas and umbrella set-ups are popular in summer (room rates start at $170 a night).

The Hermitage Inn

This pastoral property in Vermont is a classic New England hideaway whose 112 acres encompass hiking trails, apple trees, a trout pond, a covered bridge and a cluster of charming white buildings. The expanse at the base of Haystack Mountain all began with a farmhouse in 1842. The sheep-and-cattle estate then became the summer home of Bertha Eastman Berry, editor of the Social Register. Over the years, buildings including a carriage house and the inn were added and opened to guests in 1962. In 1971, it became a hunting lodge. The property was recently refurbished by a local couple (room rates start at $450 a night).

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club

This grande dame has been welcoming guests to the pink shores of Bermuda since 1885. The 410-room hotel, which is also known as “the Pink Palace,” sits on an Insta-perfect harbor that can be viewed from a spectacular infinity pool and many of the sumptuous guest rooms. In World War II, the site was an intelligence center for Britain and the Allies. It is also said that Intrepid, the property’s elevated eatery, got its name from the British Intelligence agent who was the inspiration for the character James Bond. Another restaurant, the 1609, recently opened and offers a Latin menu (room rates start at $485 a night).