Where to Go for Thanksgiving: 10 Best Places to Vacation

Knowing where to go for Thanksgiving makes the holiday feel like a proper escape rather than a to-do list, whether your goal is to replace a busy kitchen with a chef-led feast, exchange gray skies for palm trees, or give the kids a parade they won’t soon forget.

This guide compiles ten tried-and-true, travel editor-approved getaways for Thanksgiving, ranging from leaf-studded New England towns to glowing beach villas, each with brief itineraries, where-to-stay notes, and the precise kind of local information that makes a vacation feel planned rather than spontaneous.
Quick tip: If you’re short on time and wondering where to go for Thanksgiving, choose a warm island villa for a no-turkey, yes-ocean reboot, a Southern city for food and history, or a mountain town for cozy fires.

In short — where to go for Thanksgiving right now

• Stowe, Vermont is a family favorite because of its traditional New England charm.
• Pick for food and culture: Charleston, South Carolina; lowcountry cuisine, history.
• Beaches and villas on Maui or Tulum are great choices for warm weather.

Stowe, Vermont — A classic New England Thanksgiving

Stowe answers the question of where to go for Thanksgiving with a classic New England combination: small-town streets, nearby skiable peaks, and inns that know how to roast a bird. This makes for a picture-perfect Thanksgiving that smells of wood smoke and maple.

Why go? Stowe is the epitome of leaf-peeping perfection and has the homey amenities that make a vacation feel effortless and nostalgic, like farm-to-table restaurants, inns with fireplaces, and quick trips to Vermont sugarhouses.

The top five include: booking a farm dinner, exploring local artisan shops, driving Route 100 for foliage, skiing or snowshoeing on Mount Mansfield, and spending hot cocoa mornings at a bed and breakfast.

Day 1: Arrive at noon, stroll Main Street, and have dinner at the inn early. Day 2: Go hiking in the morning, take a drive in the afternoon to see beautiful views, and have dinner at the hotel for Thanksgiving.

Practical: Burlington (BTV), the closest larger airport, is about a 45–60 minute drive away; a car is advised. A hotel’s Thanksgiving menus and rooms sell out quickly, so make reservations for holiday meals in advance.

Tulum & Riviera Maya — barefoot modernism and private chefs

The villas in Tulum’s collection swap the hustle and bustle of hotels for rooftop terraces, private pools, and chefs who will plate fish rather than birds without blinking. A Tulum villa is the ideal place to go for Thanksgiving if you’re looking for warm surf, morning cenote swims, and candlelit dinner on the terrace. With a focus on indoor-outdoor living and a concierge who will plan a holiday menu, Haute Retreats offers fully staffed properties ranging from cozy three-bedroom homes to expansive eight-bedroom estates.

A typical Tulum Thanksgiving includes a midday nap, a morning snorkel, and a private chef who will create a hybrid menu consisting of turkey, grilled fish, or local citrus. If you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving, Tulum takes away your concerns about the weather and replaces them with design-forward living and staff who ensure that the holiday is about people, not pots.

Practical tip: villas in this area frequently provide private drivers, baby supplies, and suggested shopping lists. Find out from the villa manager how groceries and chef fees are managed, as well as whether celebration extras like fireworks and live music are permitted.

Punta Mita — Pacific views and multi-gen scale

With palapa roofs, terraces overlooking the ocean, and living rooms that frame sunset cocktails, Punta Mita’s villas resemble contemporary haciendas. A Punta Mita villa offers several suites, expansive terraces, and staff who prepare an outdoor meal if space is a top consideration when deciding where to go for Thanksgiving for grandparents, cousins, and aunts.

Why a villa here works: the homes have private chefs, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and staff members who take care of cleaning and grocery shopping. Thanksgiving at a villa in Punta Mita turns into a multi-day celebration that includes a twilight meal that lasts until the stars come out, an afternoon nap, and morning paddleboarding. Punta Mita gives visitors who are deciding where to go for Thanksgiving the impression that they are at a private resort.

Booking advice: in order to plan the final budget, find out whether staff fees are included or billed separately, as well as the transfer times from Puerto Vallarta.

Turks & Caicos — Grace Bay calm and white-sand holidays

With water toys, heated pools, and chefs who will prepare a seafood-focused feast, Grace Bay villas provide the atmosphere of a private resort for a white-sand, blue-water Thanksgiving. Turks & Caicos is a sensible choice if you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving and want to avoid the heat of the oven.

The day at the villa includes an early paddleboard session, a mid-morning market run, pre-dinner cocktails by the pool, and a chef who prepares a holiday menu featuring island sides, a smaller roast, and local fish. Beachfront Grace Bay homes keep the gathering light and picturesque if you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving and want the table outside.

Practical: To avoid rushing post-meal naps, many Grace Bay villas offer transfer options and staff who can set up in-house childcare or late checkout.

St-Barths & Anguilla — island glamour for a chic holiday

With their infinity pools, fully open glass to the view, and terraces that accommodate lengthy sundown dinners, St-Barths villas are the pinnacle of island glitz. St-Barths offers cinematic meals and staff who prepare elegant multi-course dinners for travelers who are choosing where to spend Thanksgiving and are craving a dressed-up, beachside vacation.

Expect a Thanksgiving meal that includes a perfectly roasted bird with Caribbean spices as the main course, accompanied by estate wines and a slow tide for company. The first course may be ceviche. Choose a home with an indoor dining area for erratic island breezes if you’re unsure where to go for Thanksgiving.

Pro tip: Ask the villa for a provisioning estimate and whether speciality items, such as particular pies or labeled wines, can be sourced in advance. Provisioning to islands can increase costs.

Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast — autumn light and long tables

A Tuscan villa transforms the holiday into a wine-country fiesta if you’re thinking of where to go for Thanksgiving as a slow-food weekend. The meal is given a different shape by the stone kitchens, wood-burning ovens, and cypress-strewn views; some of the typical trimmings are replaced with porcini, chestnuts, and local olive oil.

The way the meal evolves: a villa chef might recommend a roast with chestnut stuffing, porcini jus, and several courses matched with Tuscan wines. Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast transform Thanksgiving into a regional celebration rather than a rerun for anyone looking for a Thanksgiving destination who enjoys cool evenings and strolls along vineyards.

Logistics: Local butchers and grocery provisioning are available at many Italian villas. Verify whether a tasting day at the closest vineyard is feasible during your stay, as well as whether the house manager can arrange transportation from Florence, Pisa, or Naples.

Mexico (Cabo & Riviera) — sunny ease and family flow

Ocean views and indoor/outdoor spaces make hosting easy at Cabo and other Pacific villas. These establishments allow you to substitute grilled fish and mezcal cocktails for pumpkin pie if you’re wondering where to spend Thanksgiving and prefer cozy evenings with a relaxed pace.

Why choose a Mexican villa? The staff model typically consists of a house manager and suggested chefs who will prepare a traditional menu or a more relaxed, regional version. Travel time and the desire for a private, walkable beach are frequently the deciding factors for families still deciding where to go for Thanksgiving.

Practical: to prevent last-minute scrambling, find out if the villa provides a pre-arrival provisioning list and if the chef can accommodate dietary requirements in advance.

Caribbean private-island and Antigua estates — complete removal

Large Antigua estates and private island villas are reserved for groups seeking complete removal. A private estate provides the seclusion and the staff to manage the Thanksgiving holiday for you if your answer to the question of where to go for Thanksgiving is, “Somewhere nobody can reach me.”

Here, a typical day consists of a swim in the morning, a lounge in the middle of the day, and a dinner hosted by the villa staff on the terrace or beach in the evening. When choosing where to go for Thanksgiving, travelers should think about whether they want complete seclusion or easy access to dining options. While private islands are enchanted, they can occasionally require more preparation in terms of provisioning.

Pro tip: when booking private islands, especially for multigenerational groups, make sure to check emergency plans and the closest medical facilities.

Desert & wellness villas — Palm Springs and beyond

A Palm Springs-style villa can provide you with the peace you seek if your idea of where to go for Thanksgiving includes peaceful pools, desert light, and a wellness program. Instead of focusing on just one meal, homes with spas and private teachers transform the vacation into a rejuvenating respite.

What transpires is a guided hike or meditation in the morning, pool time in the afternoon, and a chef who prepares a lighter menu consisting of roasted vegetables, a simple carved bird, and a sophisticated dessert. When asked where to go for Thanksgiving, the best answer isn’t always a beach or a parade, but rather a peaceful home with a hot tub and yoga terrace.

Booking advice: book any spa treatments in advance and find out if the villa recommends the instructors or if they need to be scheduled separately.

Villa deep-dive: Casa Tres Soles — Punta Mita

A Haute Retreats favorite for gatherings of several generations, Casa Tres Soles is a contemporary hacienda on the Pacific coast. If you want terraces, staff, and space for everyone to spread out when choosing where to go for Thanksgiving, choose a home like this. The villa features an infinity-edge pool that hosts late-afternoon cocktails, several dining areas, and the option of a private chef. This property takes care of the majority of the work for travelers who are still unsure of where to go for Thanksgiving: staff members can take care of grocery shopping, preparation, and cleanup, allowing family members to join in as guests.

Activities include an alfresco Thanksgiving where the chef pairs local seafood with a simple roast, a sunrise paddle, and an afternoon pool library. Punta Mita provides a convincing answer to the practical question of whether you want room for your grandchildren to run while adults sip wine.

Sample 3-day villa Thanksgiving itinerary

Day 1: Get settled in and meet the villa manager. The chef will give you a tour of the kitchen and pantry. This check-in explains who will be cooking, what will be sourced locally, and if any special equipment is needed if you’re still unsure of where to go for Thanksgiving. Beach or pool time in the afternoon; staff-prepared light welcome dinner in the evening to allow for early sleep.

Day 2: Market morning and a leisurely preparation day: either let the villa staff take care of provisioning or accompany the chef to the local market to select fresh ingredients. This market run frequently settles the menu—local fish, seasonal vegetables, and specialty breads—if you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving. In the afternoon, take a nap or get pampered; in the evening, have a family-style rehearsal dinner.

Day 3: The holiday: leisurely morning, a swim or stroll at dawn, and a mid-afternoon meal that is planned by the chef to ensure that nobody is hurried. After dessert, let the staff handle the kitchen and spend the rest of the evening on the terrace. This three-day model demonstrates how a villa can transform a single meal into an unforgettable weekend if you’re still unsure of where to go for Thanksgiving.

After Thanksgiving: a leisurely departure or, if possible, a late checkout; many villas allow for leisurely departures so that the final day feels like a continuation rather than a rush.

How to plan a villa Thanksgiving

Answer the following three questions first: how many people are traveling, how many bedrooms are needed, and do you want a house that is fully staffed? If you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving, start by picturing the food. Lock the airline seats after booking the villa; many villas have cancellation windows and demand a deposit. Request sample menus and grocery and chef fee estimates for homes that are advertised as fully staffed.

Make an early reservation because villas in well-liked locations fill up fast. To prevent last-minute markups, reserve a chef or house in advance and ask for a provisioning list.

What to expect from a villa Thanksgiving

A villa You can have a formal or informal Thanksgiving. A typical Thanksgiving menu might include turkey, stuffing, and pies, but many villa chefs will adapt it to local tastes by serving roast turkey with citrus mojo, gravy with a mole influence, or a holiday that emphasizes seafood. Choose between hiring a private chef who will take care of everything from preparation to cleanup or a hotel backup if you’re still unsure about where to go for Thanksgiving. Additionally, find out if the villa has enameled roasting pans, serving platters, and cookware.

A Tuscan chef might recommend porcini jus and chestnut stuffing, while a St-Barths chef might highlight local seafood with a smaller bird. Using local ingredients often makes the menu more interesting and simpler to prepare.

Packing and logistics

Consider the weather when deciding where to go for Thanksgiving. Pack comfortable shoes for the villa grounds and local markets, layers for Italian evenings, and reef-safe sunscreen for tropical villas. Check airline regulations if you intend to bring perishables on your flight; most passengers prefer to purchase pies and sides locally from the villa concierge. Verify transportation from the closest airport; many upscale villas offer a transfer service.

A small first-aid kit, your favorite spices, if you have any, and kid-friendly entertainment are also essentials because villa living frequently features spacious common areas that encourage socializing and lounging.

Final thought: pick the mood, then the villa

If you’re wondering where to go for Thanksgiving, keep in mind this: pick a villa that provides the space, the table, and the chef after deciding on the mood first, such as beachside comfort, island glitz, rustic Italian warmth, or desert stillness. Thanksgiving in a villa is intended to allow you to focus on the people, not the details. Make your reservation in advance, confirm chef services, and leave the rest to the house staff. Have a pleasant journey.

Turn this Thanksgiving into an unforgettable escape: private villas with chefs, dedicated concierge service, and tailored menus. Contact Haute Retreats team for custom quotes and sample holiday menus.