You don’t have to globetrot to stay at some of the most note-worthy resorts in the world. With 2020 being the year where our clients ask “is there anywhere we CAN go right now?,” we quickly turn to our favorite properties that are sure to amaze and transport wanderlusters. We’ve rounded up our top 10 resorts and hotels that deserve a spot on your bucket list that are all right here in the old U.S. of A!
Utah
The Aman brand is known for immersive experiences into scenic landscapes…but this? This is in an world of it’s own.
Amangiri is a 600-acre sanctuary of wilderness in Canyon Point, Southern Utah. The spa has direct views of the rocky terrain, as does the pool, and many of the modernly styled suites.
Need another reason to visit, other than the gasp-worthy views? You get priveleged access to the surrounding national parks and customized adventures to maximize on your time. You can even book a private camp in the middle of the desert for an additional level of isolation.
Blackberry Farm
Tennessee
You may not think that anything with “farm” in the title could possibly climb the ranks of becoming a top “bucket list” property- but then it would be clear that you hadn’t heard about this iconic destination. This intimate property is one of the most celebrated resorts in the country, with its beginning going back to 1939.
Blackberry Farm isn’t the kind of place you go for just a night. It is a full experience. A few activities that you and your family (yes, kids are welcome!) can experience include: archery, farming, paddelboarding, hiking, fly-fishing, wake-surfing, and paintball. Activity not your cup of tea? Then they’ll brew you up a hot cup of spa, gastronomy, and relaxing by the pool.
Florida
Their saying is “once you stay, you’ll understand.” There has never been a more true statement. From the moment that you turn in from the main street riddled with beachfront mansions, and into their red brick driveway, you will immediately be engulfed by the feeling of vacation.
The Breakers originally was a mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. And those Vanderbilts…they just do it up right! The regal style of the foyer is dripping with Italian Renaissance design. Marble was imported from Africa and Italy, just to create the rich aesthetic that the family was seeking. The circular breakfast room will make you believe that you are eating in a palace…and practically, you are!
Paws Up
Montana
This resort sprawls for 37,000 acres. THIRTY. SEVEN. THOUSAND. That’s a lot of room for activities! Paws Up is an authentic cattle ranch in Western Montana that also operates as a family-friendly resort with all the fixin’s.
At Paws Up, you can opt to “glamp” in a safari-style tent or rent a private cabin. While it may sound like a rustic spot, you won’t be roughing it! This resort boasts their incredible bedding and thread count right on their website. Now, those are my kind of bragging rights!
Whether it is spending nights around a firepit with smores, fly-fishing with the family, getting a couples massage, partaking in a real cattle drive, or racing around the go-kart track- there is NEVER a shortage of things to do.
White Elephant
Massachusetts
Let’s be honest- Nantucket speaks for itself. However, if you want to really amp up your New England stay, the White Elephant is the place to be.
The aesthetic here is right out of a postcard. Sailboats bobbing along the water, hydrangea toned cushions, grey shake siding…it’s like coming home (if your home offers cabana service).
This is another family-friendly option, where you can choose to stay in a private cottage with a bit more space, or go for a traditional hotel room. And if you’re wandering what you do here, this spot is about soaking up the coastal vibes. Sip crip Savignon Blanc by the pool, take the ferry to Cape Cod, stroll the street boutiques, or sail in the harbor.
Greyfield Inn
Florida
Sleeping at the Greyfield Inn is sleeping in a piece of history. Still managed by the founding family, this home was built by the Carnegies.
What is even better about the Greyfield Inn, is that the rates are all-inclusive in the sense every meal is already included in your room rate. Other included perks are the roundtrip ferry tickets (this piece of paradise is only accessible by boat), non-alcoholic beverages, parking, and unlimited use of their beach/fishing equipment.
Traditional is the style here, and the escape back in time is worth the ferry ride away from the norm.
Post Ranch Inn
California
A romantic’s dream awaits on the terraces of the Post Ranch Inn’s rooms. Options for rooms include a private pool overlooking the coast and pines of Big Sur, a jacuzzi on your own panoramic two story terrace, and private bungalows tucked into nature.
Yoga, stargazing, hiking, wellness, and reconnection are common themes that thread through visitors’ wishlists. There can be age restrictions on room types here, and we recommend this more for honeymooners, anniversaries, spa getaways, or low key leisure travelers. Being as this property lies in California, it is no shock that their wine cellar is jaw-dropping. If you’re feeling stressed, or want a break from it all, you have found your new panacea.
Little Palm Island
Florida
You know the dream…the one where you rent out a private island? Enter: Little Palm Island. A true dream come true.
You have a few options of arriving here: by private seaplane or the gorgeous resort boat. Whichever you pick- you won’t forget it! The arrival experience is just the beginning.
Each room is a private bungalow, inspired by a combination of British Colonial and Balinese style. Turn off your ringers, get off the Wifi and unplug. While it may be an Insta-worthy resort, use of your cellular devices is not welcome here.
The Point Resort
New York
A few things to inspire your desire to visit The Point: adults-only, all-inclusive, the first Relais & Chateau property in the U.S.A. (meaning great food and authentically styled decor), and originally built by the Rockefellers. Do we have your attention? If the lake views don’t spoil you, the service sure-as-heck will!
If you were turned off by Little Palm’s no cell phone rule, keep scrolling, because The Point has the same mentality when it comes to connecting with your fellow travelers and reconnecting with nature.
Trade the hustle and bustle of the city and head upstate (6 hour drive from NYC) to The Point, where you can enjoy truffle popcorn and a freshly poured scotch, while watching the sunset.
Let’s pause and all take a minute to appreciate the pool views at this resort. Is that real life?!
With 53 acres dedicated to this resort, you are surely going to find yourself lacing up your sneakers, grabbing a canteen and headed out to get (just a little) lost.
With a mixture of suites and casitas to choose from, you can tailor your experience to the exact level of spa vs. landscape that you want. We promise you won’t have to prioritize the two for very long, because there is plenty of both to go around.
If you are traveling for romance, this property does a great job of creating spaces that are adults only. Honeymoon, anyone?
