The United States boasts a diverse collection of world-class resorts, ranging from secluded mountain retreats and historic grand hotels to ultra-luxury beachfront havens. The “top” resorts are consistently defined by their impeccable service, unique ambiance, destination-specific activities, and exceptional dining.
This list compiles 20 of the highest-rated and most celebrated resorts across the U.S., categorized by their dominant geography and style, based on recent traveler reviews, industry awards, and luxury rankings.
☀️ Coastal & Tropical Havens (Florida, California & Hawaii)
These resorts are famous for their ocean views, pristine beaches, and world-class spa facilities.
| Rank | Resort Name | Location | Key Feature & Ambiance |
| 1 | Four Seasons Resort Hualalai | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | Legendary service; unique ocean pool and access to the Big Island’s best snorkeling. |
| 2 | Acqualina Resort & Residences | Miami Beach, Florida | Mediterranean villa styling; five-star service on a private stretch of beach. |
| 3 | Alila Ventana Big Sur | Big Sur, California | Adults-only, all-inclusive luxury in the Redwood forests overlooking the Pacific; celebrated for its tranquility. |
| 4 | The Breakers Palm Beach | Palm Beach, Florida | Historic Italian Renaissance grandeur; multiple oceanfront pools and championship golf. |
| 5 | Halekulani | Waikiki, Hawaii | Iconic, tranquil oasis on Waikiki Beach known for understated elegance and classic architecture. |
| 6 | Little Palm Island Resort & Spa | Little Torch Key, Florida | America’s only private island resort; exclusive, adults-only, thatched-roof bungalow experience. |
| 7 | Rosewood Miramar Beach | Montecito, California | Elegant beachfront property mixing classic California design with high-end modern luxury. |
🏔️ Mountain & Wilderness Retreats (West & Southwest)
These resorts offer immersive experiences focused on outdoor adventure, rustic elegance, and supreme solitude.
| Rank | Resort Name | Location | Key Feature & Ambiance |
| 8 | Amangiri | Canyon Point, Utah | Architecturally stunning minimalist resort blending seamlessly into the vast desert landscape; ultra-exclusive. |
| 9 | The Ranch at Rock Creek | Philipsburg, Montana | Ultra-luxe, all-inclusive dude ranch experience; combines authentic Western life with Relais & Châteaux dining. |
| 10 | Amangani | Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Sophisticated alpine retreat with panoramic views of the Tetons; famous for skiing and wildlife safaris. |
| 11 | Dunton Hot Springs | Dolores, Colorado | Restored 19th-century ghost town turned all-inclusive luxury resort; natural hot springs and cozy cabins. |
| 12 | L’Auberge de Sedona | Sedona, Arizona | Secluded cottages nestled along the tranquil Oak Creek, offering a world-renowned wellness and spiritual experience. |
| 13 | The Greenbrier | White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia | National Historic Landmark known as “America’s Resort”; grand, Dorothy Draper-designed interiors, and a hidden Cold War bunker. |
| 14 | The Broadmoor | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Historic, multi-generational luxury resort offering activities from golf to falconry in the shadow of the Rockies. |
🌿 Southern Charm & Wine Country Escapes
Focusing on culinary excellence, refined service, and idyllic surroundings.
| Rank | Resort Name | Location | Key Feature & Ambiance |
| 15 | Blackberry Farm | Walland, Tennessee | Celebrated as one of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.; a luxury farm-to-table experience in the Smoky Mountains. |
| 16 | Farmhouse Inn | Sonoma, California | Charming, high-end Wine Country retreat known for its Michelin-starred restaurant and intimate setting. |
| 17 | The Cloister at Sea Island | Sea Island, Georgia | Quintessential Southern luxury; part of a five-mile private island resort with extensive family activities and championship golf. |
| 18 | Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa | Rancho Santa Fe, California | Mediterranean-inspired all-suite resort renowned for its world-class tennis and highly rated spa. |
🏙️ Boutique & Unique Experiences
These properties stand out for their singular concepts, technology, or historic importance.
| Rank | Resort Name | Location | Key Feature & Ambiance |
| 19 | Twin Farms | Barnard, Vermont | All-inclusive, adults-only property on 300 acres; each of its 20 accommodations is uniquely designed with art and luxury. |
| 20 | Bungalows Key Largo | Key Largo, Florida | Adults-only, all-inclusive resort where guests stay in private bungalows; ideal for a stress-free, laid-back tropical escape. |
🌟 Key Trends in U.S. Resort Luxury
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The Rise of All-Inclusive: While traditionally common in the Caribbean, luxury, high-end all-inclusive resorts (like Alila Ventana and Little Palm Island) are now extremely popular in the U.S., allowing guests to fully relax without worrying about the bill.
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Immersive Wilderness: The demand for authentic, non-traditional luxury is booming. “Glamping” and luxury ranch resorts (like The Ranch at Rock Creek) offer high-end comfort paired with genuine adventure and nature immersion.
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Wellness Focus: Resorts are now built around wellness programs, farm-to-table dining, and unique spa treatments, making them destinations for both relaxation and personal enrichment.