Beyond the Blanket: 8 Luxury Hotels Redefining the Art of the Picnic

As National Picnic Month approaches this July, luxury travelers have more than just gingham blankets and wicker baskets to look forward to. Around the world, resorts and boutique hotels are reimagining the classic picnic with elevated culinary offerings, dreamlike settings, and white-glove touches that go far beyond your local park. Whether you're watching the sun rise on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast or sipping Argos wine amid Cappadocia’s ancient cliffs, these curated experiences prove that the humble picnic has received a luxurious upgrade. Below, discover eight distinctive destinations where dining under the sky is both a feast and a memory in the making.

Located on Kauai’s Eastern Coast—famed for its breathtaking sunrise views—Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort offers a breakfast experience that’s worth setting your alarm for. Their “We Were Up Anyway” sunrise menu caters to early-rising families with a beachside breakfast picnic for four. For just $65, guests receive a blanket, crafts and snacks for the keiki (kids), and coffee for the grown-ups. Island Mimosas are available as an add-on—because sunrise and Champagne should always go hand in hand. It’s an effortless way to welcome the day, Hawaiian-style, with the soft glow of first light over the Royal Coconut Coast.

Tucked on a 1,000-acre peninsula near the base of El Yunque National Forest, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico delivers a tropical escape layered in sensory delights. Their Rainforest Beach Picnic begins with a chef-curated picnic backpack—filled with gourmet bites, wine, and s’mores ingredients—collected from the lobby. A golf cart whisks guests to the beach, where twinkle lights and a fire pit await. As the sun dips behind the rainforest-cloaked hills and the ocean flickers in the twilight, this secluded spot becomes the ultimate setting for an evening well-spent.

A former palm tree farm turned wellness sanctuary, The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta offers a breezy, barefoot escape. Over 600 palm trees—some living right in the pool—provide the perfect frame for its private beach, where guests can enjoy a bespoke boho-style picnic at sunset. Settle into low lounge seating, sip sparkling wine, and indulge in a curated menu while the sun sinks into Banderas Bay. Between the world-class spa, wellness-focused dining, and toes-in-the-sand moments, this property captures coastal Mexican luxury at its most serene.

There’s no need to choose between wine country charm and al fresco indulgence at The Meritage Resort and Spa—Napa’s largest luxury resort. Guests are invited to spread out across the resort’s expansive grand lawn or its private hillside vineyards for a leisurely picnic. Using hand-selected items from the resort’s Fivetown Grocery, you can assemble a basket that feels straight out of a local farmers market: think artisanal cheeses, seasonal fruit, and freshly baked goods. Set against rows of grapevines and under the golden Napa sun, it’s the definition of California dream dining.

At Quintessence Hotel—a five-star Relais & Châteaux gem perched on Anguilla’s Long Bay Beach—picnics are equal parts indulgent and artful. Guests can request a tailored beach picnic menu crafted by Executive Chef Dominique Thevenet, featuring elegant bites like Caribbean fish and chips or grilled lamb chops with pesto. Pair it with a bottle from the property’s award-winning Tuscan wine cellar or select from its upcoming Champagne tasting cave. With its private beach, infinity pool, and museum-worthy Caribbean art collection, this tropical grand mansion transforms seaside snacking into a true culinary event.

Set within the storied landscape of Turkey’s Cappadocia region, Argos in Cappadocia blends ancient history with contemporary luxury. The hotel—carved into the cliffs of a former monastery—offers custom-tailored picnics overlooking the whimsical formations of Pigeon Valley. Every detail is personalized to the occasion and season, whether it’s a summer sunset picnic lit by lanterns or a cozy winter spread with hot drinks and blankets. Baskets come filled with traditional Turkish delicacies, and the house’s award-winning Argos wines round out the experience.

Jackson Hole’s Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa proves that mountain moments can be just as decadent. With the Moon in the Mountains package, couples booking a three-night stay receive both a dining credit at the acclaimed Wild Sage restaurant and a couples’ spa credit—but the standout is the gourmet picnic prepared by Executive Chef Hugo Goodwin. After dinner, guests are handed a picnic basket brimming with artisanal sandwiches, fresh salads, baked treats, and bubbly, along with a curated guide to Jackson Hole’s most scenic spots for dining outdoors—from quiet bends in the Snake River to alpine meadows in full bloom.

If fairytales had a setting in Central America, it might look a lot like Villa Bokéh. This 15-room luxury hacienda, framed by active volcanoes and set amid six acres of gardens in Antigua, offers a curated picnic experience that’s equal parts tranquil and tailored. Starting at $75 per couple, guests can select from options like charcuterie with wine or elegant canapés with sparkling wine. Blankets, tents, and attentive service are all part of the package—perfect for celebrating a special moment, or simply elevating an ordinary afternoon in paradise.

Take It Outside