The 25 Best Resorts in the US

Whether oceanside or tucked into spectacular mountain scenery, these resorts across the country offer something for everyone, with rates ranging from affordable to luxury.

By: Mariette Williams

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Photo By: The Ritz Carlton Kapalua

Photo By: The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Photo By: The Phoenician

Photo By: Sea Island

Photo By: Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa

Photo By: Wild Dunes Resort

Photo By: Salamander Resort and Spa

Photo By: Salamander Resort

Photo By: Topnotch Resort

Photo By: Outrigger

Photo By: Ocean House

Photo By: The Marker Resort

Photo By: Garden of the Gods

Photo By: CliffHouse

Photo By: Congress Hall

Photo By: Arizona Biltmore

Photo By: Grand Geneva

Photo By: Carneros Resort and Spa

Photo By: Hidden Pond Resort

Photo By: Hawk's Cay Resort

Photo By: Hotel Del Coronado

Photo By: La Playa Resort

Photo By: Sun Valley Resort

Photo By: Sun Valley

Photo By: Sanderling Resort

Top Resorts

Are you longing for an indulgent vacation in a beautiful location where ample amenities and activities are all right outside your door? HGTV has rounded up the 25 best resorts in the country from affordable (under $250 a night) to moderately priced ($250-399) to expensive ($400+) to luxury ($600+) to help in planning your next getaway.

Before booking, check with each resort for specific info about cleaning and social distancing standards.

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua - Maui, Hawaii

Maui is home to The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, a special property located on the North Shore. The secluded resort reopened in 2020 and features stately guest rooms and residences. The resort also has a special OOO (Out of Ordinary) program for families that includes educational activities for kids at the Aloha Learning Lab. There’s also a 10,000-square-foot tri-level pool, ocean-front dining, and championship golf courses. Guests can also explore the resort’s surrounding 22,000 acres via the hiking trails or opt to lay out on the resort’s beautiful beach. Luxury

The Ranch at Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach, California

This coastal ranch style resort offers both canyon views and ocean access. The Ranch at Laguna Beach is located on 87 acres in California’s famed Laguna Beach and has 97 rooms and suites. The two on-site restaurants, Harvest Restaurant and Lost Pier Cafe, serve food with a seasonal California menu using ingredients from local family farms and Orange County fishermen. Moderate

Time for Nature

The Ranch at Laguna Beach property also has a 3,000-foot indoor/outdoor spa, access to hiking trails, and excursions to nearby whale watching, dolphin safaris, and wildlife encounters with the Orange County Birds of Prey.

The Phoenician - Scottsdale, Arizona

Head to the base of the Camelback mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, to find The Phoenician, a resort that offers views of both the Sonoran Desert and Necklace Lake. The Phoenician spa was added in 2018, and here guests can book a customized massage before dining at Mowry & Cotton, one of the three restaurants at the hotel. Expensive

Choose Your Adventure

There are over 500 different accommodations to choose from at the Phoenician, including 450 guestrooms, 107 casitas, 26 luxury suites and two presidential suites. The indoor spaces are decorated in rich earth tones that mirror the surrounding desert setting.

Sea Island - Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island boasts five miles of private beach, and its location on the southeastern coast of Georgia makes the resort feel miles away from civilization. There are three championship golf courses, and guests can also bike ride on the beach or use a golf cart to cruise around the property’s trails. Expensive

Luxe Getaway

There are several types of accommodations on the property ranging from The Cloister with its impeccably decorated suites to four-bedroom townhome residences.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa - Point Clear, Alabama

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa lies on the Gulf Coast in Alabama. The resort has over 170 years of history and enjoys a prime location on 550 acres on the Mobile Bay. The property has over 405 newly renovated rooms and suites and lots of dining and entertainment options. Affordable

The Active Life

At the Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa guests can choose from nine bars and restaurants, two 18 hole golf courses, and 10 tennis courts with LED lighting to get in those late-night tennis matches.

Wild Dunes Resort - Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Only a 30-minute drive from downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort is an oceanfront island getaway in South Carolina. The resort rests on over 1,600 acres with accommodations ranging from suites, condos and vacation homes. Moderate

Make It a Wellness Vacay

One of Wild Dunes Resort's standout amenities is a 10,000-square-foot spa with 14 treatment rooms and a lineup of fitness classes including beachside yoga. There are seven different dining options, including a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Salamander Resort & Spa - Middleburg, Virginia

Located in the heart of Virginia horse country, Salamander Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort owned by the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, Sheila Johnson. Salamander offers a place to unwind and participate in unique outdoor activities. The resort offers on-site activities like axe throwing, archery, ziplining, horseback riding and falconry. There’s also a full service spa, cooking classes in a private cooking studio and a resident sushi chef. Luxury

Horse Country

All 168 classically decorated rooms and suites at Salamander Resort and Spa include an outdoor patio or balcony to appreciate the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Topnotch Resort - Stowe, Vermont

Topnotch Resort is located at the base of Mount Mansfield, and the resort has 168 rooms and 17 two- to three-bedroom vacation homes. Some of the amenities include the nationally recognized Topnotch Tennis Academy, three indoor/outdoor heated pools and a state of the art equestrian center. Affordable

Top for Pets

The 35,000-square-foot Topnotch spa offers 10 different styles of massages along with reiki and energy healing sessions. The resort is also pet friendly — the property has dog beds, canine friendly turn down service, and spa treatments tailor-made for pets.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort - Waikiki, Hawaii

The iconic Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort stands out among the hotels in the area because of its incredible ocean views. The resort is one of the only beachfront properties in Waikiki. Surf lovers can take advantage of the hotel’s Surfer’s in Residence program which allows experienced surfers to surf alongside professionals, and offers lessons to beginners. Moderate

Food for Thought

The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort offers nightly entertainment and guests can enjoy an ice cream and chocolate fudge covered Hula Pie at Duke’s Waikiki while watching a glorious Hawaiian sunset.

Ocean House - Watch Hill, Rhode Island

The acclaimed 149-year-old Ocean House was built just after the Civil War, and sits on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Rhode Island. There are only 49 guestrooms and 18 suites, ensuring an intimate and personal stay. Expensive

Top of the Heap

The 18 signature multiple bedroom suites at the Ocean House are all uniquely decorated and come with full kitchens. The resort offers activities that range from art classes and croquet clinics to culinary classes.

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort - Key West, Florida

The Marker has the distinction of being in the heart of Old Town in Key West, while offering all of the amenities of a modern resort. The property is just steps away from the center of the action on Duval Street and Mallory Square, but it feels like a secluded Caribbean resort. Guests can choose from 96 different guest rooms, all with a balcony to enjoy the Florida breeze. The property also has three pools, beautiful manicured tropical grounds and a waterfront restaurant. Moderate

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club - Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods Resort and Club is perched on top of the mountains of Colorado Springs. Guests can choose between one- to three-bedroom suites and most have views of the Garden of the Gods park. Affordable

Your Best Self

The Rocky Mountain Garden of the Gods Resort and Club takes wellness to the next level. The onsite spa, Strata Integrated Wellness and Spa, employs a team of physicians and therapists who offer nutrition, fitness and mindfulness coaching. The resort also has three swimming pools, a 27-hole championship golf course, and an array of restaurants that all come with stunning views of the Garden of Gods Park and Pike’s Peak.

Cliffhouse - Maine

Nestled in the southern tip of Maine, Cliff House is a charming resort with 186 guest rooms and 40 luxury suites. The property’s clean, nautical decor reflects the impressive cliffside location that includes direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. Expensive

Art Centric

Cliff House has strong ties to the local art community. Seasonal, curated art exhibitions are presented on site and the resort offers group and private lessons with an artist-in-residence. As for dining, there are four restaurant options that serve farm fresh produce, locally raised steaks and famous Maine lobsters.

Congress Hall Resort - Cape May, New Jersey

Celebrating over 200 years in operation, Congress Hall Resort is located in New Jersey’s Cape May. The resort is only a few steps from the ocean and underwent a recent renovation to add four new suites, named after the presidents who stayed there. Guests who dine at the restaurant's farm-to-table restaurant, The Blue Pig Tavern, will get to enjoy meals made from ingredients from Congress Hall's 62-acre Beach Plum farm, located about a mile from the resort. Affordable

Arizona Biltmore - Phoenix Arizona

The Arizona Biltmore has just undergone several property enhancements like the addition of an adults-only pool, upgraded cabanas and for the kids, a 65-foot water slide and splash pad. Moderate

Historic Stay

The Arizona Biltmore dates back to 1929, and the property's architecture was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Today guests can choose from elegantly decorated guest rooms, cottages and villas. Guests can also explore the surrounding area - in one excursion, an astrologer will drive guests through the Four Peaks in Tonto National Forest to stargaze in the Sonoran Desert.

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa - Geneva, Wisconsin

The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa features 355 guestrooms, along with 29 new villas, and the top rated resort is located on 13,000 acres of woods in Wisconsin. In the winter months, the resort offers skiing and snowboarding, and in the warmer months, thousands of blooming tulips and daffodils transform the property. Affordable

Year-Round Fun

During the summer months, the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa operates a water park that features 50,000 square feet of indoor/indoor aquatic fun.

Carneros Resort and Spa - Napa Valley, California

Carneros Resort and Spa is uniquely created with 103 stand alone cottages and residences that each come with their own backyard and outdoor living spaces. The resort redefines the “home away from home” concept, and the property is divided into 17 different neighborhoods with walking paths and trails. Luxury

Stay Well Fed

The Carneros Resort and Spa also offers an option for guests to visit nearby wineries for a private tasting, and the three restaurants on site are managed by a Napa born chef who presents a seasonally changing menu made from local ingredients.

Hidden Pond Resort - Kennebunkport, Maine

Located on 60 acres of lush forest, Hidden Pond Resort is a luxury resort in the small coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine. The resort has upscale cottages, bungalows, Treetop Lodges, each with a unique design. The resort also has a spa, two pools, and two restaurants on the property, Earth and The Back Porch. Luxury

Family Time

Guests at Hidden Pond Resort can enjoy hiking trails, biking and yoga. A program for kids includes s'mores kits and exploration trips to nearby Goose Beach with Marine Science Camp.

Hawk’s Cay Resort - Duck Key, Florida

Hawk’s Cay is a standout waterfront resort in the Florida Keys perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. There’s a full service marina and guests have access to snorkeling and fishing charters, kayaking and paddle boarding. The resort also has five pools, and there is a mix of accomodations. Guests can choose from one of the 177 hotel rooms or one of the 250 townhome style villas. Moderate

Local Catch

Hawk's Cay boasts six different restaurants and bars on site, including Sixty One Prime and Angler and Ale where you can bring your own fresh caught fish to the restaurant for the chefs to prepare.

Hotel Del Coronado - San Diego, California

Experience a bit of history with a stay at Hotel Del Coronado. The San Diego resort is an historic California property that first opened in 1888. Over the years the hotel has hosted countless celebrities, royalty and U.S. politicians. Today, guests can opt to stay in the original hotel or in The Beach Village, an oceanfront gated community of cottages and villas. Guests at The Beach Village have access to their own concierge as well as access to all of the amenities of the resort including surf lessons, yoga and outdoor spin classes. Moderate

LaPlaya Resort - Naples, Florida

The rooms at LaPlaya Resort are generous, measuring up to 850 square feet, giving guests plenty of room to spread out. The 189-room resort sits on a private beach, and one of the standout features of the property is Baleen, the oceanfront restaurant with views of spectacular sunsets. Baleen serves Florida favorites like cold water oysters and Key lime pie. Luxury

Sun and Spa

Another standout feature of LaPlaya Resort is SpaTerre which features over 4,500 feet of indoor and outdoor space for pampering. The only resort in Naples that has access to a private beach, LaPlaya also offers jet ski, paddleboarding and parasailing adventures.

Sun Valley Resort - Sun Valley, Idaho

Ernest Hemingway is reported to have fallen in love with Sun Valley and eventually made the area his home. The famed resort is located in the Idaho mountains, and in the winter it’s a playground for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Affordable

Sports Paradise

In the summer, the resort buzzes with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golfing and fishing. Accommodations include townhomes, condos, cottages and the main Sun Valley Lodge.

Sanderling Resort - Outer Banks, North Carolina

Among the dunes and marsh grasses of the Outer Banks, Sanderling Resort awaits guests wanting a secluded and relaxing vacation. The resort offers spacious suites and vacation home rentals that can sleep up to 16 people. At the resort's fine dining restaurant, Kimbell’s Kitchen, guests can enjoy handmade pastas and local oysters, along with views of Currituck Sound. The Spa at Sanderling offers a sea creation facial that includes heated obsidian stones. Moderate