Best luxury resorts in the U.S……..You ever scroll through resort photos at 2 a.m. and suddenly convince yourself that you need a getaway? Yeah, that was me last week. I was knee-deep in travel reviews, half-drinking a cold cup of coffee, muttering things like “Wait, why is this place $1,200 a night?” and “But those robes look really soft.”
I’ve been kinda obsessed with figuring out which spots are actually worth the hype. You know, the ones that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie—but without that feeling of “oh cool, I just spent my rent on two nights and a fruit platter.”
So I went through all the expert rankings, personal stories, random Reddit threads, and yes… even asked that one cousin who thinks she’s an “influencer” because she stayed at the Four Seasons once. Here’s what I got.
Spoiler: some of these are jaw-dropping. Some are weirdly chill. And at least one made me consider selling a kidney. Here are best luxury resorts in the U.S.
1. The Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
You know those moments when you realize Earth is way prettier than we deserve? That’s Post Ranch Inn. It’s perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the views are so unreal that you’ll probably forget how to talk for a bit.
I stayed here once—technically, I “visited” because staying was way out of budget—but I did have a drink at the bar (which, by the way, costs more than a pizza back in Queens). The vibe? Quiet luxury. No TVs. No kids. Just ocean waves, fog rolling in like a moody filter, and a fireplace that makes you want to write poetry you’ll never finish.
Expert verdict: consistently ranked #1 on Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure.
My verdict: it’s where your soul goes to nap.
2. The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado
Listen, I’ve never skied. I’ve tried—once—and ended up sliding backwards into a fence like a cartoon character. But if I did ski, I’d want to do it here. The Little Nell is one of those places where everyone looks like they stepped out of a Patagonia ad, but somehow you still feel welcome.
You can ski straight from the lobby onto the slopes. The staff will literally take your boots off for you. I’m not joking. It’s fancy, but not snobby.
The wine list is insane. Like, 20,000 bottles insane. I met a guy there who swore the sommelier changed his life. He didn’t elaborate, but honestly? I believe him.
Expert ranking: often in Forbes’ top 5.
My take: cozy luxury with a side of snow and self-esteem repair.
3. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
Okay, so this one feels like it was built for billionaires who meditate. Amangiri is carved into the desert itself—like it grew out of the sandstone. You wake up surrounded by silence so deep it’s almost spiritual.
One of my friends went there for a “quiet retreat” and came back with an aura of peace that made the rest of us feel loud and unhinged. The spa uses local clay and desert botanicals (whatever that means), and the private villas have plunge pools that overlook rock formations that look straight out of a sci-fi movie.
It’s minimalist but in a wow I might never come back to reality way.
Expert note: ranked by Travel + Leisure as “the most tranquil resort in America.”
My note: probably what heaven smells like.
4. The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
Old-school glam. Like, Gatsby-with-a-cell-phone glam. The Breakers is one of those historic places that just oozes money and confidence. It’s got these Italian Renaissance vibes with massive chandeliers and ocean views that make you forget Florida has humidity.
I saw a wedding there once—by accident, I swear—and it looked like something out of a royal documentary. Guests in pastels. Champagne towers. A violinist who clearly took his job very seriously.
You’ll find families, celebrities trying to be subtle, and that one couple who definitely came for the Instagram shots (we see you).
Expert take: “timeless elegance.”
My take: if old money had a scent, it’d be The Breakers lobby.
5. Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
You ever dream about disappearing into the woods but still having heated floors and gourmet meals? That’s Twin Farms.
Each cabin looks different—like someone designed them while sipping hot cocoa and listening to Bon Iver. There’s art everywhere (actual Picasso pieces, not the Target kind). The food? I still think about that honey-glazed duck.
And the staff? They remember everything. I mentioned once that I liked the smell of pine trees and the next day they left pine-scented oil in my room. Creepy? Maybe. Sweet? Also yes.
Expert ranking: often top 3 in luxury resort lists.
My note: it’s like camping, if your tent came with champagne.
6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii
If I could teleport anywhere right now, it’d be here. This place is the definition of effortless paradise. It’s on the Big Island, surrounded by black lava rock and turquoise water that looks photoshopped.
I went once for a work thing (don’t ask me how), and they upgraded my room because it was my “half birthday.” I didn’t even know that was a thing, but okay, I’ll take it.
The best part? The outdoor showers. There’s something kinda wild about showering under palm trees while birds chirp like you’re in a Disney movie.
Expert ranking: always top-tier for service.
My ranking: if mermaids ran a hotel, this would be it.
7. Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
This one surprised me. It’s a luxury resort—but it’s also a working farm. You get world-class meals made with stuff grown right there. The air smells like a mix of butter and happiness.
I learned how to make biscuits from an actual chef there (I still can’t, but it was fun). And at night, everyone gathers by a fire pit with wine and stories. It’s like summer camp for adults who own cashmere sweaters.
Expert ranking: “Best Culinary Resort in the U.S.” by multiple outlets.
My take: your taste buds will send you thank-you notes.
Bonus Mentions about best luxury resorts in the U.S.
- Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina – like living inside a Nicholas Sparks novel, minus the drama.
- Ocean House, Rhode Island – the kind of place where even the towels feel expensive.
- Enchantment Resort, Arizona – red rocks, starry skies, and spa treatments that make your skin and soul happy.
So… Which One’s The best luxury resorts in the U.S.?
If we’re talking straight-up expert ranking, Post Ranch Inn wins by a hair. But if you’re asking me—which you kinda are—I’d say Amangiri. It’s peaceful in a way that sticks with you. Like, you’ll be stuck in traffic months later and suddenly remember the silence there.
But really, it depends on your vibe. Want glam? Go Breakers. Want nature therapy? Twin Farms. Want “I might just meditate for three hours and call it a day”? Amangiri.
Because here’s the thing—“luxury” isn’t just marble bathrooms and private jets. It’s how a place makes you feel. And if it makes you forget about your inbox for a second? That’s priceless.
Outbound link ideas:
- Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards (for those who like the “official” rankings)
- The Everywhereist Blog — for funny, unfiltered travel stories that’ll make you laugh-snort.
