Our Editors' Top 12 Luxury Resorts in the U.S. Promise the Ultimate Escape
Amangiri
Courtesy of the propertyImmersed in Utah’s breathtaking red rocks, Amangiri has established itself as an aspirational wellness resort that emphasizes tranquility. Guests stay in understated, modern pavilions and suites, which overlook the cliffs and desert. The hotel recently added Camp Sarika by Amangiri, featuring 10 chic safari tents with private plunge pools. The stays are inclusive of meals, wellness classes, guided hikes, and non-alcoholic drinks, although it’s worth the additional splurge for spa treatments, which focus on grounding, purifying, and nourishing. Nearby, visitors can explore the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, or Bryce Canyon. Amangiri will arrange private helicopter tours from their own helipad for those who are so inclined.
Post Ranch Inn
Courtesy of the propertyPost Ranch Inn overlooks Big Sur from a hilltop, resulting in breathtaking views of the California coast and a sense of unparalleled serenity. The resort focuses on digital detox by removing TVs and alarm clocks from guestrooms and maintains the quiet with an adults-only policy. The rooms and suites, which showcase local décor and wood flourishes, overlook the sea or the mountains (the hotel also features two private houses). Stays include breakfast, wellness classes, guided hikes, and complimentary minibars, as well as access to the pools and fitness center. The onsite restaurant, Sierra Mar, serves lunch and dinner with a farm-focused, sustainable approach and an impressive wine cellar. The experience is designed to get you to slow down and unwind, whether at the spa or a nearby beach.
The Royal Hawaiian Resort
Courtesy of the propertyLocated on Waikiki Beach, The Royal Hawaiian Resort is infamous for its Barbie-pink facade and its unparalleled oceanfront luxury. The hotel, which opened in 1927, features a mix of colorful historic rooms and vibrant contemporary additions. Besides its beach access, The Royal Hawaiian has two swimming pools, yoga and wellness offerings, a spa, Hawaiian-themed activities, and multiple dining options, including the beachfront restaurant Azure. The resort caters as much to couples as it does to families, and those with kids will find plenty to entertain young guests both onsite and around Waikiki. To take full advantage of the location, book into one of the Prestige Suites, which offer panoramic views of the Pacific.
Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa
Courtesy of the propertyMental wellbeing and relaxation are at the heart of Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa. The serenely designed rooms and suites are all-inclusive, with meals and a resort credit as part of the package. There’s a lot to experience onsite and in the surrounding area, from daily workshops and classes, to horseback riding and hiking, to outdoor adventures. The spa, which embraces desert aesthetics and ingredients, is a highlight for many guests. The resort’s Retreat suites are perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for extra solace and privacy.
The Little Nell
Courtesy of The Little NellThe Little Nell welcomes guests to the high-end destination of Aspen year-round, with a premium on the winter season with ski-in/ski-out amenities. The five-star hotel boasts mountain views in many rooms and suites, with the addition of the Residences at The Little Nell for those who prefer a little extra privacy. The luxe spa features a holistic treatment menu, including a partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm, and there are two restaurants, one of which serves a daily après-ski. Summer visitors can enlist the resort’s Adventure Center to book off-road excursions or fly-fishing expeditions, while hiking is popular on the many trails in Maroon Bells. A stay includes a complimentary minibar, ski concierge service, and airport transportation, making The Little Nell the easiest vacation you’ve ever planned.
Twin Farms
Courtesy of the propertyAll-inclusive isn’t just for cruise ships and Caribbean resorts. Twin Farms, a Relais & Chateaux property, takes the all-inclusive concept up a notch with a luxury-oriented experience that emphasizes the picturesque, peaceful countryside of rural Vermont. It encompasses 300 acres, which means guests can hike, cross-country ski, and cycle to their heart's content, and even swim in the resort’s own Copper Pond. Accommodation ranges from chic treehouses to stylish cottages to farmhouse guest rooms, all of which come equipped with top-end amenities like same-day laundry service, a complimentary minibar, and a fireplace. All meals, wine pairings, and drinks are part of the package, as are fitness classes and the gym. The spa costs extra, although it’s entirely worth it. The resort is open year-round and each season brings its own unique perks.
The Boca Raton
Courtesy of the propertyA private beach is just one of the perks of staying at The Boca Raton, a waterfront resort that comprises five different hotels. The 1926 Cloister building is the most historic, with perfectly manicured gardens and classically elegant rooms and suites. The Beach Club is best for those looking to lay on the sand or enjoy the three oceanfront swimming pools. While relaxation is readily available, there’s also a lot to see around the hotel grounds. Guests can enjoy the spa pool or treatments at Spa Palmera, play a round of golf on the championship-level course, charter a yacht for the afternoon, or drop the young ones off at the resort’s kids' club. There are also 16 restaurants, bars, and cafés throughout the resorts, including the fine-dining spot Flybridge and old-school chophouse The Flamingo Grill.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Courtesy of the propertyPark City is a highly sought-after destination for skiing, but the destination has its benefits year-round, especially if you’re at the right hotel. The Waldorf Astoria Park City, located steps from the mountain’s Frostwood Gondola, pairs luxury with comfort. The rooms and suites, well-suited to families and groups, evoke a stylish Western vibe and feature gas fireplaces that add to the cozy aesthetic. Powder Restaurant is open for three meals a day, and guests can unwind in the spa or take classes at the top-of-the-line fitness center. Park City Mountain, the largest ski resort in the U.S., is the primary draw, but there are also plenty of other activities available, including hiking, golf, fly fishing, and snowshoeing.
Casa Marina
Courtesy of the propertyCasa Marina has been a Key West mainstay since 1920, boasting many famous guests over the past century. The resort, located on an expansive private beach, was recently renovated to incorporate modern touches into its classic Floridian aesthetic. This includes the rooms and suites, some of which have oceanfront balconies, as well as the pools, Spa al Maré, high-tech fitness center, and charming open-air restaurant. While guests are invited to relax during their stay, there are a lot of activities on offer, from snorkeling to fishing to boating. Nearby, travelers can take advantage of The Key West Golf Club and the amenities at sister property, The Reach Key West.
Wynn Las Vegas
Courtesy of the propertyAmong many resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, the Wynn stands out with its luxury amenities and elegantly designed rooms and suites. There are, of course, several casinos, and the resort is home to some of the city’s top restaurants, including Cipriani, Wing Lei, and Mizumi. It also boasts the Wynn Golf Club, a chic pool with private cabanas, and The Spa at Wynn, the first spa in Las Vegas to receive a Forbes Five-Star Award. The rooms are notably spacious and modern, with many promising panoramic skyline views. Guests of the resort get access to the spa and pool as well as a dedicated concierge who can help with golf and restaurant reservations. The Encore Resort is adjacent to the Wynn and the two resorts share amenities.
Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort
Courtesy of the propertyThe Hawaiian island of Lanai is home to Sensei Lanai, an adults-only wellness resort where getting away from it all takes on a whole new meaning. Rooms and suites are refined and elegant while the hotel itself embodies calm and healing with a spa, fitness and wellness classes, and a weekly calendar of activities. Guests can hop on a complimentary shuttle to the waterfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai or to the beach, and the hotel offers private flights from Honolulu. Onsite, the dining is as high-end as the rest of the resort, with the primary restaurant by Nobu.
Auberge Du Soleil
Courtesy of the propertyAlthough Auberge Du Soleil is in the heart of Napa Valley, the luxury resort takes its inspiration from France, bringing the Provence countryside to California. The rooms and suites are sophisticated but comfortable, with private terraces and balconies on which to embrace the sunshine. The hotel is known for its restaurant, helmed by executive chef Robert Curry, where guests and day-trippers can indulge in tasting menus and local wine pairings. Relaxation and wellness are a priority as well, with a spa, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and golf among the many activities available. The resort is best experienced during warmer weather when Napa’s outdoors can be fully explored.
