The next best thing to teleporting is hopping a nonstop flight to somewhere truly transporting. As Tampa International Airport continues to expand, the country’s friendliest and easiest airport in a major city adds new nonstop flights to domestic and international destinations (case in point, Delta’s daily nonstop service between Tampa and Amsterdam, starting back up at the end of October). Break out your passport for a luxury escape to four of our favorite nonstop destinations from Tampa.
Zurich
Edelweiss Air connects Tampa in one easy overnight flight of just over nine hours to the heart of Europe and Switzerland’s largest city. Zurich is a year-round destination offering easy onward access by train to the Alps, Italy (Milan is just four hours away) and popular ski and hiking destinations in famed locales like Zermatt and St. Moritz. The city is also worthy of a stay on its own, especially if you’re checking into a storied five-star property. Consider the grand villa hotel Baur au Lac, which dates to 1844 and overlooks Lake Zurich in the heart of the city, or The Dolder GrandThe Dolder Grand—an art-filled oasis perched on a hillside with the city’s finest spa and sweeping alpine and forest views.
>Insider tip: You can go sledding right in the city during the winter months by taking a tram from central Zurich to the urban mountain above town called the Uetliberg.
Dominican Republic
The Caribbean’s second-largest country (after Cuba) offers Atlantic and Caribbean coastlines, ultra-luxury hotels, family resorts, world-class golf and Santo Domingo’s history and architecture. While a private jet is preferred for such a short hop east, you can fly nonstop from Tampa on Frontier Airlines, too, landing in the capital or Punta Cana. Among the many luxury properties to consider for a quick weekend escape are Relais & Châteaux, Eden Roc Cap Cana and, on the country’s north coast, the inimitable Amenera, which overlooks the entire sweep of Playa Grande and has two-bedroom casitas with panoramic ocean views and private pools.
>Insider tip: Scuba divers head to Bayahibe and Catalina Island, a short cruise offshore, for coral-carpeted walls and the country’s most colorful reefs.
Mexico City
Aeromexico launched a new nonstop flight between Tampa and Mexico City earlier this year. In roughly 3.5 hours from wheels-up to touchdown, you can land in Mexico’s undisputed culinary capital and largest city. Narrow your explorations to park-lined neighborhoods like La Condesa and Roma Norte and stroll from your hotel to restaurants, bars, boutiques and museums. The Andaz Mexico City Condesa opened in early 2023 as the luxury brand’s first urban property. It’s the ultimate city escape with beach club-inspired rooftop restaurant Cabuya Rooftop (with a dedicated area for pets) and wellness area and spa, Pasana, where body treatments incorporate agave and volcanic salt.
>Insider tip: Tuscan-inspired recipes and exquisite charcuterie plates await in Condesa at Lardo, helmed by the 2023 Best Female Chef in the World, Elena Reygadas
Toronto (featured photo)
Touch down in Canada’s largest city in under three hours with nonstop flights to Toronto from three Canadian airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter). Among the city’s most luxurious options for a stay, the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto emerged from a comprehensive renovation earlier this year and is perfectly positioned for exploring the historic Yorkville neighborhood as well as vibey enclaves like Queen West and Kensington Market, packed with street art and indie boutiques.
>Insider tip: The city surprises visitors with its slew of sandy beaches along Lake Ontario. Hop a ferry from downtown to Centre Island Beach or stroll the lakefront boardwalk in any season at Sunnyside Beach.
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