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Yoga & Taste in Tuscany

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The Best Resorts in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By CNT Editors

Now in its 36th iteration, our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage . This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Seventy-five percent of you told us that you used up all your vacation days, often to take longer, immersive trips—the kind that resorts on distant plains or stamp-size islands are well-equipped to deliver. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next—these are the best resorts in the world, according to our readers.

View the Reader's Choice Award winners for best hotels in the world here .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Eden Rock - St Barths Arrow

You can become a little numb to beauty in St. Barts , but even after having been on island for days, I think I squealed when I pulled into Eden Rock. It’s just so perfect—so chic, so glamorous, but in this easy, island-appropriate way. It’s the type of place that just being there makes you feel like the most glam, sun-kissed version of yourself. The hotel is almost entirely surrounded by calm, gin-bottle blue water that’s heavenly for a swim. There’s a diving platform a little ways out, and you can take out rafts and paddle around the point, and there’s a reef if you want to snorkel. The rooms are lovely and elegant, with a subtle Carib-meets-nautical vibe, at once bright and airy. When it comes to the food, rockstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in charge of the menu at the main restaurant, and the resort’s breakfast spread is insane in scope and quality; don’t miss it. Sure, you could have a delightful breakfast by your private pool, but the people-watching here is too good—you’d be missing an opportunity if you stayed in. It’s a pretty diverse crowd in some ways, but the common denominator, to tell it straight, is money. This place is not cheap, but it’s one of the rare hotels that is absolutely worth it. The setting is unparalleled and the food, service, and design are top of the top. There is no way you’ll go and not dream (maybe nightly) about going back—it’s that special. From $1,554. —Rebecca Misner

Troutbeck Arrow

It's the country retreat you wish your multi-millionaire great aunt invited you to every weekend. This historic inn about two hours north of NYC has been pulling in the literati and politicos for more than two centuries, but it only just expanded and seriously stepped up the vibe. This is still a country inn (tick off the reading nooks: the fireplace, the bar, the library) but one you'll absolutely hate to leave on Sunday night.

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Arrow

One of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection of retreats, this private game reserve has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges. At the Rock Lodge, enjoy a post-game drive cocktail with panoramic views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Just 500 meters away at the Safari Lodge, walk between treehouse-style rooms on swinging rope bridges or just watch the zebras and impala stroll by on their way to the nearby watering hole.

Nita Lake Lodge Arrow

Comfort is paramount at this lakeside property in British Columbia 's fun-loving mountain resort town: double-soaker tubs, basalt-rock fireplaces, and heated floors offer an intimate counterpoint to the town's sportier side. The lodge is a short jaunt from the Creekside lifts and offers free shuttles and ski storage lockers at the base of Whistler Mountain; come summertime, you'll have your pick of complimentary cruiser bikes, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. The spa makes use of the surroundings with rooftop hot tubs overlooking the mountains. When it comes time for meals, the Lakeside Restaurant serves modern alpine cuisine, while the Cure Lounge & Patio is the place to go for a chorizo-topped Caesar (this is Canada, after all), a barrel-aged old fashioned, or a local spin on a gin fizz made with spruce tip syrup.

Liz Humphreys

Todd Plummer

Wharekauhau Country Estate Arrow

This upscale Relais & Châteaux property, popular with Dutch and British royals, is worth the 45-minute drive southwest of Martinborough for the green setting alone. The luxurious farm stay sits on 3,000 acres abutting Palliser Bay's Pacific coastline in one direction, and soaring New Zealand mountainscapes in the other. Edwardian cottage suites and villas with beamed ceilings, private kitchens, and fireplaces give it a luxe lodge feel, while heated indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and gym, and flatscreen TVs keep comfort top of mind. The on-site farm-to-table restaurant offers a four-course degustation-style tasting menu powered by the wine country land around you, and activity options include horseback riding, wine tasting, archery, stargazing, and coastal e-bike tours.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Arrow

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more elegant and well-equipped place to stay by the water than at the 92-room Beach Club , which opened in October 2016. Directly across the harbor from downtown Charleston on Patriots Point in historic Mount Pleasant, the resort is just a free, fifteen-minute trolley shuttle and seasonal water taxi ride from this Southern foodie haven. Modern meals are served in the Fish House, occupying the same building as the creatively-curated Marina Store, which sells everything from scented soaps to tomes on local history.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa Arrow

Set on a secluded private beach on seven acres of the Atlantic coast with breathtaking ocean views and lush tropical gardens, the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is true Florida gold coast. Spacious accommodations offer a Capri-meets-Santorini-meets-Palm Beach vibe, and feature private balconies with hanging chairs to enjoy ocean views. The resort includes the Forbes Five-Star, award-winning 42,000 square foot Eau Spa, three Har-tru tennis courts, two pools, and outstanding child and teen clubs and programs. There are also four restaurants on site, and it's just minutes from lively Palm Beach nightlife and shopping.

Vermejo Arrow

Ted Turner’s Vermejo is the closest thing to a private national park. Roughly 550,000 acres draped across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Vermejo is the largest privately owned ranch in the U.S., spanning two states (New Mexico and Colorado) and encompassing several early 1900’s coal-mining and saw-mill towns, as well as Anasazi-era cliff dwellings. The recently restored Casa Grande, a stone-walled, seven-bedroom mansion, is one of nine lodgings on the ranch, and its most storied. Built in 1909 for a Chicago businessman, it was sold after his death to Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler in 1926, whose regular guests included Herbert Hoover, Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. The grandeur of the mansion hearkens back to this era, from the marble-pillared great room’s dining room table outfitted in china and crystal to the grand piano. The property languished between several owners, and it was Turner who had the vision to turn the sprawling property into a modern-day conservation-minded ranch. Fly-fishing season is from May to September and the property offers endless amounts of hiking. Staying at Casa Grande gives you a taste of what Fairbanks et al. might have experienced back in the mansion’s heyday; rooms are impeccably done in European antiques and toiles, private dining room service is available if you don’t want to join the others at the main lodge (the bison burger, crispy buttermilk marinated quail, and fresh-caught trout are musts), and staff can bring you a G+T on the porch as you watch the wildlife creep out of the woods at sundown.

Sanctuary Olonana Arrow

This camp , named for a Masai warrior, sits on acacia-dotted plains and prides itself on its eco-friendliness, using solar power and recycled water. Watch hippos wallow in the Mara River from one of 14 luxury tents with canopied beds, writing tables, screened windows, and verandas with daybeds. For meals, expect dishes such as Malindi sole, prepared with ingredients picked directly from the camp’s garden and served on the main deck—or book a picnic meal in the bush. Available activities include game drives in specially designed jeeps that offer 360-degree views of the savannah (and its inhabitants), visits to a local Masai village, and hot air balloon rides over the plains for a bird’s-eye view of the migrating herds.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Arrow

Kauaui 's 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has all the ingredients you might want to cook up a truly magical Hawaiian getaway—a swimmable beach right out front, a legendary surf break a short paddle away, a stunning main pool (and a sleek adults-only one), great onsite bars and restaurants, a cute town nearby for exploring, and easy access to excellent hiking. But what makes this property truly stand out in an archipelago dotted with luxe oceanfront resorts is that it’s also a legitimate wellness destination, with cutting-edge medi-spa offerings as well as serious fitness and mind/body programming. Guest rooms are a study in neutrals—sand-hued walls, reclaimed teak ceilings and furniture with rope and reed accents. Potted plants live in woven baskets and stag ferns are mounted on the walls, dried grass skirts are hung like pieces of art, the bathroom walls are lined with lava stone, and the island’s seafaring history comes through in the most subtle of ways—sconces that almost resemble fishing nets, or a single conch shell displayed on a shelf. The service on-site is casual but professional, and everyone from the concierge to the person helping you get set up at the pool is incredibly friendly and more than happy to share their favorite spots around the island. As for the Bamford Wellness Spa, I'm not exaggerating when I say the treatments are transcendent. Menu highlights include treatments that incorporate native Hawaiian medicinal plants like kava and noni, massages on a quartz bed (it’s like lying in warm sand while getting your kinks and knots worked out), and floats in the sensory deprivation tank, where you lose track of time and space in the best way possible: A single 60-minute session can be the equivalent of four hours of REM sleep. From $1,200. —Rebecca Misner

JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa Arrow

El Nido Resorts (Lagen, Miniloc & Pangulasian) Arrow

W Costa Navarino Arrow

A chug through Messinia’s olive-dotted countryside, past bare-chested octogenarians driving ancient tractors, brings you to this 32-acre waterfront property, designed in the form of a Greek coastal village. The first W hotel in Greece offers everything you’d expect from the famously fun, tongue-in-cheek brand—poolside DJs, geometric cushions, a central infinity pool begging to be Instagrammed—plus some added doses of wellness, eco-consciousness, and inclusivity. In line with the rather chummy W vernacular (staff quarters are labeled “Talent”), there are 246 Fabulous, Spectacular, and Wow! room options spread throughout the property—try to book one of the infinity swim-up rooms, which grants access to a shared ground-level 90-meter pool. Like the other hotels in the Costa Navarino collection, there is a true sense of warmth at the heart of the hotel from the 350 staff members—even though it is a big brand hotel, ultimately this is a family-run business, and that hospitable embrace is felt throughout.

Rosewood Miramar Beach Arrow

Arriving at Rosewood Miramar Beach, with its military-straight rows of white roses and pristine clapboard cottages, feels like landing on a postcard-perfect street in Cape Cod . If it all seems a little too perfect, well, there was time to get things right. The former Miramar by the Sea Hotel occupied these 16 oceanfront acres from 1889 until it closed for renovations in 2000. The hotel sat half-demolished for years, its second act tangled in red tape. It took SoCal billionaire developer Rick Caruso and the Hong Kong–based Rosewood Hotel Group to push the project through. And while it may have been tempting to scrap the past after such a treacherous road to reopening, the new Miramar deliberately throws back. Lemon-yellow-and-white striped umbrellas flank a rectangular pool where the Scoop Shop serves up fountain drinks, ice cream cones, and burgers. Overlooking the ocean, there’s Caruso’s, the type of place where you order a martini with your cacio e pepe alongside a heaping dollop of la dolce vita (the chef hails from Harry’s Bar in Rome )—and, in a state where “formal flip-flops'' are a thing, one that blessedly enforces a dress code. In case you start to feel too lost in the 1950s, an outpost from Malibu Farm and a Goop boutique remind you that this is indeed modern-day Cali.

Salish Lodge & Spa Arrow

Built in 1916 as a rest stop for travelers, this Cascade Mountains lodge is set above 268-foot-high Snoqualmie Falls. The setting for the TV series Twin Peaks , the mountain lodge offers rooms in blues, emeralds, and turquoises (to mirror the colors of the sky, the Snoqualmie River, and Puget Sound) with custom-built furniture. A honeybee apiary on the hillside by the lodge produces honey for the spa and the Dining Room, where local artisanal cheeses are also served.

Alila Villas Uluwatu Arrow

The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, has become an icon for contemporary Bali. This Indonesian island is less about the beaches, more about the balés—sure, you can find tempting stretches of sand, but you couldn’t do better than settling into a cabana by the infinity pool here to enjoy those Indian Ocean panoramas. And if you do need to dip your feet into the sea, it’s only 600 steps down the cliff-hugging stairway to get to it. Spacious stand-alone suites have inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which open out to private pools. Bathroom are outfitted with a large tub, his-and-hers toiletries, and all the amenities you could dream of. Service here is inspired; at check-in, you'll be asked whether you’d like it invisible or extra-attentive—categorized into "private," "discreet," or "indulgent." Your private butler is a tablet click away.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Arrow

Winding along the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton, you’ll notice the topography looks different from the coastal scenery you’ve passed en route from Maui’s main airport. Kapalua is marked by lush, towering pine trees and windy weather; it might even be raining when you pull up to the hotel, giving the place a mountain-lodge feel. Indeed, if you’re aiming for seclusion and relaxation, rather than sunny beach days, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is just the spot. And if you’re staying a while or traveling with children, opt for a residential suite which has a full kitchen and up to two bedrooms. Just be sure to reserve your chairs in advance before you go to the pool. 

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico Arrow

At this 1,500-acre hidden oasis north of Puerto Vallarta , no request is too outlandish—readers have shared stories of dedicated servers, like one who walked into the ocean, in his uniform, to bring them their drinks. Red-roof garden casitas are done in a sea-and-sand palette, with Mexican art and louvered doors. Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art 18-hole Jack Nicklaus course at Pacifico takes the game to the extreme: Be prepared to swing for a hole that's on an island 200 yards offshore.

The Point Arrow

There’s that moment, on every trip, when your mindset switches from “everyday, real life” to “blissed out, vacation life.” At The Point, it happens on the approach. You’ll turn off one country road, and onto another that takes you deeper into the woods. After a few minutes, you’ll come to a log gate, the words "The Point" spelled out (in all caps) in the archway in a tangle of branches. As the gate swings open and you slowly drive through, it feels like you’re entering another world. Or, at the very least, leaving this one behind. Built in the early 1930s as a private retreat for William Avery Rockefeller Jr. (John D. Rockefeller's grand-nephew), it was purchased in 2016 by two of its longtime guests, Laurie and Pierre Lapeyre, who set about refreshing—not redoing—the property. The kitchen (which has a 24/7 open door policy) is run by Chef Loic Leperlier, who spent time at multi-Michelin starred restaurants; and if guests get curious about what he's cooking up, they can even tag along as he forages nearby for Chanterelle mushrooms or birch syrup. A heads-up: There's no wifi on the property (you can only access it in the front office which houses the shop and gallery). But after a few hours, you're too busy taking hikes, kayaking, boating, reading books, and enjoying cocktail hour to even notice.

Blackberry Mountain Arrow

While every hotel now trades on its experiential offerings, only the very best have the talent to follow through with resonance and meaning. Blackberry Mountain, a ground-breaking adventure-and-wellness retreat in rural Tennessee, knows that experiences alone aren’t enough; experienced people are crucial, too. This property comes from the family behind the wholesomely ground-breaking Blackberry Farm , which transformed the U.S.’s foodie-escape scene. And like its sister hotel, this 36-room mountain retreat makes a point of hiring staffers who are extremely good at what they do, whether trail running or vinyasa yoga, mountain-biking or mushroom foraging. Naturalist Boyd Hopkins has traced every corner of the 5,200-acre Smoky Mountain wilderness—he takes guests scrambling up, up, up to Cat’s Paw Ridge in search of bobcat and black bear. Master potter Polly Ann Martin can teach even the clumsiest newbie to throw a near-perfect vase, while a deep-dive consultation with Dr. Jill Beasley, Blackberry’s naturopath, will have guests wishing they could get her on speed-dial for when they return home. Inside the stone-and-timber cottages are roaring fires and floor-to-ceiling windows for gazing at the misty blue peaks of the Smokies. But the most memorable part of this singular playground—even more than the unspoiled surroundings—are the unforgettable people who bring it to life.

The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes Arrow

Rows of palm trees herald the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, a towering, Italian-inspired resort where attentive staff greets you at the porte-cochère and welcomes you into the marble lobby with a glass of sparkling wine. Guest rooms are modern and subdued with private balconies and ultra-plush bedding, and the large, marble bathrooms have plush terry-cloth robes, oversize towels, and Asprey Purple Water toiletries. If you can fit it in, make time to check out the spa: The Ritz-Carlton’s massive, 40,000-square-foot space has 40 private treatment rooms, a cafe, and a serene outdoor pool. The Grand Citrus Escape treatment uses herbs and citrus grown onsite and honey from the resort’s bees to hydrate and soothe your skin from head to toe.

Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara Arrow

If you really want to be surrounded by nature on safari, this tented camp with just eight suites is the way to go. With no fences or boundaries, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of lions, leopards, and hyenas making their way across the Maasai Mara. (Don’t be surprised if you spot animals wandering through in the daytime from your tent’s veranda, too.) The experience here leans more towards the glamping side of safari lodges—but you won’t be without creature comforts, as the tents are fully furnished with indoor plumbing and hot showers. You won’t have to jockey for a view of the wildlife on game drives or bush walks either, since Elewana’s location and surrounding savannah is only accessible to the 11 other nearby lodges, keeping Land Cruiser traffic down.

Tetherow Lodges Arrow

Located just 10 minutes outside of downtown Bend, Tetherow is a complex of vacation rental homes, event spaces, and a golf course that has all the amenities and comforts of a larger resort, but the intimacy and personality of a smaller hotel—since the Lodges only contain 50 rooms. It's no secret that Tetherow attracts a particularly outdoorsy and active set, and especially golf fanatics. But if you're the type to just sit in the hot tub with a glass of wine while your partner hits the links, that's alright, too. Golf is the name of the game here, and Tetherow Golf Club is a 7,298-yard Scottish links-style course that has won numerous accolades and consistently lands at the top of critics' lists. The pros in the golf shop are happy to get anyone and everyone setup with the right instructor for a proper golf lesson. "Tetherow Sport," the property's new fitness center features the best in workout equipment, as well as a huge selection of group workout classes, activity gear, a year-round outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pits, and plenty of fabulous views. And being only 20 minutes from Mount Bachelor, there are ample opportunities for mountain sports at all times of year.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Arrow

It stands to reason that the Cheval Blanc Randheli , a relatively recent resort from luxury conglomerate LVMH (owners of Louis Vuitton, Céline, Dior, etc.), would set the bar high. The white sands and turquoise waters of the Noonu Atoll, in the northwest Maldives, are the backdrop for 45 one- and two-bedroom villas. As looks go, it doesn’t get chicer than this, but the whimsical touches—turtles drawn in the sand along the path to the villa, thoughtful little notes from your butler left alongside the pitchers of fresh juice—are what truly give this place its character.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai Arrow

The lush tropical paradise is akin to a real-life version of Fantasy Island. With everything you could possibly want in one oceanfront destination, it's a place you'll never have to leave, unless of course, you want to. Apart from the on-site fitness center with ocean views, a private beach, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, there's no shortage of activities with up to 22 daily offerings. Complimentary classes include lei-making, a rancher's experience, and a resort cultural tour. There are 26 room types, including garden view rooms with modern-meets-island-style decor and private terraces, and Ohana suites that are best suited for families. The grande dame here is the two-bedroom Alii Royal suite with an open living and dining space, a formal seating area, a library, and three private balconies.

Hermann Bungalows Arrow

This is the place for ultimate Palm Springs mid-century luxury, designed with the most sumptuous details and suited for the natural landscape—including prime poolside San Jacinto Mountain views. It's also an uncommon experience: a resort within a resort. One is luxury while the other is “ultra-luxury.” The latter is Hermann Bungalows, a uniquely chic 24-suite lodge opened by designer-hotelier Steve Hermann in 2022. It’s adjacent to L’Horizon Resort & Spa (25 rooms), which Hermann opened in 2015 after a $10 million renovation of an existing mid-century property. Bungalow guests enter through L’Horizon’s lobby to reach their own fully contained hotel , whose design inspiration is rooted in the mid-century-modernism architecture of Richard Nuetra. Guests can stay in the privacy of the Hermann Bungalows, or access all of the amenities of L’Horizon Resort, including its pool, the Spa, and the elegant SO.PA restaurant.

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Arrow

This coastal getaway is located on sugar-sand beaches, and offers sparkling pools, delicious dining, and three championship golf courses. Located in the Palmetto Dunes beachfront community, several dining options are on-site and private balconies overlook the oceanfront. Rooms options feature sofa beds, kitchenettes, and additional living space for families. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort provides 14,000 square feet of meeting space. The poolside Buoy Bar brings tiki vibes to the lowcountry, and famed Arthur Hills Golf Course is less than two miles away.

One&Only Mandarina Arrow

This glossy, globetrotting hotel group might pick up new destinations as if they were passport stamps, but each is uniquely rooted in place. Here, along the Riviera Nayarit on the wild Pacific coast, that means drawing deeply on Mexico’s magic, with considered references to the Indigenous Cora and Huichol people. Bedrooms, whether oversized treehouses or ocean-facing villas, are a celebration of local culture, from the traditional textiles and pottery to the robes by contemporary Mexico-based label Candor. The spa, set in a natural volcanic-rock garden, is based on ancient healing practices and offers treatments including temazcal sweat-lodge rituals. The hotel has also tapped the country’s top chef, Enrique Olvera—of Mexico City’s Pujol —for Carao, where feasts begin with fresh ceviche and end on homemade cinnamon buñuelos. Meanwhile Alma, an open-air, garden-to-plate spot helmed by French-Mexican Olivier Deboise, is centered around wood-fired, Pan-American-meets-Mediterranean dishes. It might be a step up from the surf hotels down the road, but one that still feels very much in step with Nayarit’s spirit. 

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Arrow

Two words: lazy river. Kids and kids at heart will fall hard for this multi-functional resort spread across 600-plus acres. During the day, 40 event spaces (capable of hosting more than 6,000 people) make networking easy, but once you’re off the clock, there’s a Pete Dye–designed golf course, expansive water park, adults-only spa, and high-tech sports bar. Not that you’d want to but if you ever decide to leave, the resort is within an hour drive of Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and the Lone Star State’s up-and-coming wine country .

Mohonk Mountain House Arrow

If you're looking to escape, come here. It's the purest form of relaxation, and you can make as much of everything it offers as you like. A secluded sanctuary, the hotel itself resides on a spectacular mountain preserve and looks out onto a large lake. Rooms are homey and classic, with porches outfitted with rocking chairs. Mohonk provides a daily schedule with something to do at any and every hour. Best of all, there's something for everyone, from yoga to golf, archery to horseback riding, and even wine tasting. Food is included in your daily room rate, and there's daily afternoon tea and cookies, as well as a library (complete with complementary reading glasses, just in case you've misplaced yours) where you can read the paper in front of a warm fire.

Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach Arrow

Two oceanfront pools, an expansive beach, and a restaurant and bar built up in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco—these are the pillars of the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach. While it’s no daunting task to beautify the Florida island ’s landscape (Mother Nature has handled that herself), this resort takes that perfection and compounds it with stunning design and an overarching aura of enchantment. Pool service is on point, as are the activities on offer for when lounging in the sun feels a little too intense. Water and beach sports, cooking classes, biking, and more: the six-acre spread has it all.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Arrow

At this decade-old resort in a gated community along the Pacific, the tile-roofed casitas have Mediterranean-Mexican style with creamy whites accented by lime green and fuchsia tones and colorful handcrafted tiles. There’s a wide array of restaurants and bars, from the fine-dining Carolina to Sea Breeze for fish tacos and ceviche to the Avocado Vegan Bar. The staff here seems to work magic, whether that's charging taxi fares to your hotel bill or getting a doctor to make a house call to your room.

La Cantera Resort & Spa Arrow

Built atop one of the highest points in San Antonio , the resort boasts views that truly can't be beat, which is why we recommend booking a room with a balcony. In addition to an adults-only floor and luxe villas perfect for large groups, guests will delight in the exclusive spa treatments and memorable dining options—from a concept dedicated entirely to charcuterie boards to a juicery that offers mood-enhancing Lotus Wei elixirs. The star, however, is Signature, a restaurant that is a feast for the senses, serving up seafood and wild game in an old-world setting.

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi Arrow

There are myriad reasons why The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi could be considered the ultimate luxurious hideaway to reconnect with nature. The resort's location—nestled in Malaysia's 10-million-year-old rainforest right on the beaches of the Andaman Sea; its spa—a collection of six overwater pavilions with a menu of treatments inspired by the island's generations of shamans and midwives; its four beachfront restaurants and bars, featuring classic Malaysian design elements right on the shores of the sea. But we think the magic lies in how the resort captures the island's character. Jungle flora and fauna beckon from the windows of each of the 90 suites and 29 villas (which also offer beachfront views). Guests can participate in traditional jewelry making or textile printing, or opt for more adventurous activities like a hike through the rain forest or water skiing on a nearby volcanic lake. Of course, flopping down on nearby Pantai Cenang Beach for the entirety of your stay is also an option.

Banyan Tree Veya Phuket Arrow

This resort, designed as a Thai village and built on rehabilitated wasteland, has "perfect, private luxury villas" that fringe a saltwater lagoon and the beaches of Bang Tao Bay. Each low-rise villa is set next to a private landscaped garden and has his-and-hers dressing areas, an open-air sunken bath, teak-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, and dominant colors of black, gold, and red. The 24 two-bedroom pool villas have private infinity pools along the lagoon, plus 24-hour butler and in-villa chef services and a separate check-in lobby. Multiple dining options include fresh fish served at the lagoon-facing Sala Terrace.

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection Arrow

Cabo San Lucas is a town full of resorts that are either too fusty, too fancy, or too family-friendly, but Chileno Bay is the rare option that feels both sophisticated and hip. Follow the throng of weekending thirty-somethings to the resort's cool open-air restaurant, or to a little taco shack on the beach with an excellent selection of small-batch mezcal. The beach that the hotel is on is probably the only real swimming beach in Cabo—no small thing, since it can be kind of painful to be at a "beach resort" and not be able to take a dip in the ocean. (Cabo's waters are notoriously choppy, rough, and not swimmer-friendly).

Montage Palmetto Bluff Arrow

Never mind that Justin Bieber had his wedding here—Palmetto Bluff is nothing if not lost in time, and that’s precisely the appeal. Set on 20,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary on South Carolina’s May River, it’s a romantically haunting landscape of Southern oaks draped in Spanish moss, the iconic state palmetto, cranes flying overhead, and live gators sunning on the banks in the hazy early morning. (Cautionary note when fishing—gators also love large-mouth bass and will snap them right off your line). Technically, Montage Palmetto Bluff is a resort, with the archetypal Southern mansion or inn acting as its anchor, but in reality it’s a small, charming village—albeit one with multiple pools, restaurants, bars, and a spa that the resort manages. Kids play wiffle ball in the main square at dusk, couples walk their dogs with a drink in hand and say hello as you pass them; there’s even a daily late afternoon “porching” session with drinks and s’mores at the fire pits. It’s slow, languid living in the best possible way.

Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge Arrow

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Meru, 30 cottages are surrounded by one of Tanzania's largest coffee plantations for an ideal pre- or post-safari stopover near the town of Arusha. The aroma of freshly ground beans wafts over the rooms and suites' wood-beamed interiors. Don't miss the coffee-making experience—beans are cooked in a skillet to release their oils, and then ground using a massive mortar and pestle—to have fresh Tanzanian coffee with the local villagers and learn more about the area firsthand. A private swimming pool, garden terrace, and indoor-outdoor restaurant serving up meals and picnic lunches (or 24-hour room service if you prefer) make it a cozy stay with impeccable service.

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes Arrow

The towering JW Marriott Orlando sits on 500 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Step through the grand, marble-tiled lobby to the outdoor patio and relax with a glass of wine by the firepit. Rooms are spacious and serene, with neutral decor and pastel highlights. Business travelers will appreciate the large desk and ergonomic chair; the pillowtop mattress and superb bedding guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. The JW Marriott also happens to have one of the best hotel pools in Orlando; float past waterfalls and under bridges on the lazy river, or take a dip in one of the many onsite pools. Lounge chairs and shade umbrellas are plentiful.

Lolebezi Arrow

The Lower Zambezi National Park has long been a pilgrimage for safari-goers seeking natural drama on water as well as land. So when this new lodge was opened in 2022 on a formerly wild 12-acre concession on the banks of the Zambezi River, conservationists’ eyes were firmly turned. Owned by Dubai-based businessman Irfaan Yousuf for his wildlife-loving wife Shahida and son Lole (hence the name), Lolebezi is surrounded by game—which can be seen from kayaks (keeping a watch out for monster crocodiles and irritable hippo), sundowner cruises, walks and game drives. Built in partnership with respected African Bush Camps’ founder Beks Ndlovu, the six suites and double-height living space were designed by South Africa-based Fox Browne Creative and Jack Alexander Studio to feel like an indulgent contemporary boutique hotel, with curvaceous banquettes alongside calabash-strung art installations; reed ceilings above opulent green Italian marble. Considering the remote location, the food is remarkably inventive and fresh. There might be an Indian tandoori feast in the evening, Ottolenghi-style vegan tapas for lunch and spirulina- and baobab-spiked juices at dawn. With an Africology and Healing Earth spa set among giant leadwood trees (and, sometimes, wandering lions), a glass-walled gym, games room and velvet-seated cocktail bar, this is the most glamorous camp in Zambia. An instant classic on the African continent. From $1,375. —Lisa Grainger

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection Arrow

For ages, Santa Fe has lured visitors with its rich history, cultural diversity, mystical landscape, and extraordinary art scene. All of these charms combine at Bishop’s Lodge, a century-old resort that reopened in the summer of 2021 after a $75 million renovation. It’s a high-end yet unpretentious place to immerse oneself in nature, adventure , spiritual healing, and local traditions, bundled in the signature comfort of the Auberge Resorts Collection. The Stream Dance Spa, with treatments rooted in ancient rituals and holistic treatments, like sacred sound therapy, is sure to be the highlight of any visit.

Cottar's 1920s Camp Arrow

On arrival at Cottar's 1920s Camp in your open-air Land Rover, you immediately feel you’ve stepped back in time. It was established by the grandfather of the current owner, Calvin Cottar, and today, it has the highest number of Gold Level guides of any safari property in Africa. The camp has great traditional interiors, full of campaign and colonial antiques and lined with kilims, cotton dhurries, and paraphernalia from decades of African safaris. There are nine tents in total (two honeymoon tents, four double tents, and three family suites), all with bathrooms, and some even have living rooms with fireplaces. 

Chatham Bars Inn Arrow

Eevery inch of the property’s 25 acres (CBI has quietly picked up more throughout the years) is intoxicating. There’s the cool Atlantic breeze hitting the bluff, a sand-swept wedding in the distance ( remember when? ), a private beach launch to a secluded sandy spot. Scattered atop a seaside bluff, the "charming New England–style cottages" have bay windows, fireplaces, and private decks or patios with views of the ocean, grounds, or golf course. There’s an oceanfront pool, downtown Chatham steps away, a lobby fireplace roaring upon your return. It oozes nostalgia, and that’s why guests return—kids a little older, parents a little wiser, grandparents in pearls taking in the view a little bit longer—to summer on the Cape. CBI has perfected the good stuff: views ( see the fishing boats at the pier, fog sitting on the water? ), a seaside spot to rest your head (nothing beats the ocean view cottages), and family fun. And that’s what the Cape is all about.

Elewana Elsa's Kopje Meru Arrow

Meru National Park has it all: lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, kudus, and even a sanctuary filled with black and white rhino. One of the best home bases to see it all? Elewana Elsa's Kopje, named after the real-life orphaned lion cub Elsa, whose rescue and return to the wild was dramatized in the 1966 movie Born Free . Built up on a hill with a full view over Meru’s savannah, the lodge offers game drives, fishing in Meru’s rivers, and bush walks for those looking to explore, as well as an infinity pool, private decks for each suite, and massages by appointment for those who don’t want to stray far from the lodge. You can also set up breakfasts out in the bush—and sundowners, too, before it’s time to turn in.

Londolozi Game Reserve Arrow

Even if you’ve never been, Londolozi exists in the imagination: a sprawling cluster of five thatched-roof safari camps, in varying sizes and shades of taupe and beige, built in an ancient riverine forest around waterfalls and tangled vines. Londolozi has been owned and run by the Varty family for nearly 100 years. The word  londolozi  comes from the Zulu language and means “protector of all living things”. Nelson Mandela, who recovered from imprisonment on Robben Island at the family camp, described it as “a dream I cherish for a model of nature preservation in our country”. The camps feel like deeply stylish African homes, layered in natural clay, khaki and sand-coloured linens. Each has its own communal open-air lobby, with plunge pools and various rooms and suites attached. All have wide views across the bush or river, some are wrapped around ancient trees, others flanked by granite rocks. Like on most top-notch safaris, you are fed well here, from the sunrise treats at early morning pre-game drives to the big breakfasts and suppers. The Varty family have been spearheading the emotional wellness trend in Africa, offering multi-day wildlife wellness retreats which involve silent treks and life-coaching sessions. Beyond just a game lodge, Londolozi sees itself as a platform to restore and heal the land. With a jovial family ethos and unbelievable wildlife (you’re pretty much guaranteed to see the waddle of big beasts and furry creatures), this is one of the world’s best safari outposts. From $1,060. — Chloe Sachdev

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort Arrow

Hawaiian hotels may differ in size and price, but most have a pretty predictable common denominator, the beach . Which is why the opening of this hotel is such a major shakeup. For starters, it’s 1,800 feet above sea level and a 20-minute drive to the nearest sandy stretch. Then there’s the fact that it’s on Lanai, the smallest and least-visited of Hawaii’s inhabited islands. And it’s an adults-only wellness retreat, meaning the usual lounging in the sun while alternating between shave ice and spam musubi snacks doesn’t make it onto the daily schedule. All to say, Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort is about as niche as it gets. It’s also quite possibly the loveliest spot to give mind-body wellness a real shot. 

Wentworth by the Sea Arrow

Old-world luxury abounds at Wentworth by the Sea, a grand, nineteenth-century estate on the Atlantic. The coastal retreat has a red mansard roof and three towers, and looks out on granite outcroppings. If you're really interested in feeling like you've gone back in time, you're in luck: Interiors brandished with such details as traditional damasks, intricate woodwork, brass accents, and pinstriped wallpaper will make you feel like you've wound back the clock. The dining room at Latitudes, through which waiters navigate with platters of Prince Edward Island mussels and lobster rolls, overlooks the marina.

Twin Farms Arrow

Twin Farms, an 18th-century Southern Vermont farmhouse that once belonged to Nobel Prize–winning writer Sinclair Lewis, is the perfect spot to get away from the city and relax amid maple and pine trees. Our readers laud the first-rate service at this rural retreat. One of only a handful of Relais & Chateaux properties in New England, the food here is superb, with chef Nathan Rich putting together a highly seasonal menu drawn from Vermont produce, meats, and dairy. Beyond the dining room, there’s a guide readily available for walks through the surrounding woods, an on-call chauffeur for local outings, and even someone to bring you milk and cookies at any hour.

Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa Arrow

Surrounded by dense rainforest and teetering high on a ridge overlooking the powder-sand-fringed Atlantic, Uxua fits right into the post-hippie utopia of Trancoso . Working with local artisans, Dutch owner Wilbert Das (Diesel’s former creative director) has turned the hotel into a collection of rustic renovated casas, cottages, an intimate treehouse, and a tribal-inspired spa. All are cloaked by hummingbird-flecked tropical gardens and centered around a pool lined with green aventurine quartz, which, for those not up on their healing crystals, is said to be very therapeutic. Interiors are haute-boho: roomy indoor-outdoor sitting rooms and airy living spaces with dazzling-white walls and muslin-canopied beds, accented with lots of reclaimed wood, antiques, and vintage finds including brightly painted Virgin Mary statuettes. A decked path runs through mangrove forests to the beach, where there are enormous day beds for post-breakfast snoozing and a beach bar fashioned from an old fishing boat—just stay horizontal and another Caipirinha will soon find its way to you.

L'Horizon Resort & Spa Arrow

L.A.-based residential designer Steve Hermann spent two years (and millions of dollars) turning the historic William F. Cody–designed L’Horizon into a luxurious boutique hotel. He didn’t alter the footprint much—the main house and 25 bungalows were built in 1952—but he added an open-air spa and an alfresco restaurant and gut-renovated the interiors. Hermann wanted the decor to work with the mid-century architecture without creating a time warp. As such, each bungalow is a mix of modern (custom hair-on-hide rugs, industrial-chic machined brass lighting and fixtures) and vintage (furniture from Percival Lafer, Mullhauser, Knoll, and Katavolos). And while it is a fun hotel, more private club than frat party, it’s also a place for quiet indulgences: The pool is guests-only; unexpected treats are brought to your room every afternoon (could be a scoop of ice cream, could be a shot of tequila); and roaming poolside therapists offer complimentary foot and shoulder massages. Request a west-facing bungalow with an outdoor shower and watch the sun go down over the San Jacinto Mountains while shampooing.

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Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul

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• The Billionaire Buyout: Publicity Stunt or Ultimate Luxury Travel Triumph?

Resorts around the world are promoting highly priced buyouts designed to go viral. But are they worth the money?

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The video got over seven million views. 

“It happened organically,” said Juan Vela Ruiz, vice president of Velas Resorts. “When we saw and heard what he was saying about having it all for yourself, we were thrilled. They didn’t know they would be alone. We had just opened, and there happened to be no other guests.”

Even if it hadn’t masterminded the event, the resort was quick to capitalize on it. Soon after, it began advertising a Billionaire Buyout , where you can have the entire resort to yourself for three nights for $600,000. 

The buyout puts the all-inclusive hotel’s staff of 180 at your service—that includes two-star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte. The spa and pool are all yours. You’ll arrive from the airport via helicopter and enjoy a sunset tour on the resort’s private yacht. There’s personal training sessions and after, all the Dom Pérignon you can drink.

Moreover Ruiz notes this is not a wedding buyout package nor is it for groups—it’s aimed at (and priced for) couples. 

“The price would be double for a group,” he said. “This is a unique experience for couples, geared to your needs. All the attention is on you. Many of our guests appreciate that.”

With designed-for-social-media gimmicks like a $25,000 taco , at Grand Velas, being noticed is the point. It’s privacy as ultra-conspicuous consumption. Not only does the resort get a more than half-million dollar payday, but it catches the attention of millions of eyes on social media. Double win. 

In real estate, sensational pricing is a common marketing tool. A $45 million mansion in Manhattan may not win headlines, while a $100 million mansion will. So why not price the spread at $100 million, scoop up those headlines and then sell it for whatever you can?

Is a $600,000 buyout in Los Cabos anything different? (We’re talking about it now, aren’t we?) And perhaps that’s why, the number of highly priced, non-island, non-wedding resort buyouts is booming around the world right now.

For example, the 33-room, Relais & Chateaux-endorsed Weekapaug Inn in Watch Hill, R.I., has long been a quiet, weekend escape for New Yorkers. Now, its owners—Weekapaug resident and investment tycoon Lang Wheeler and Watch Hill resident and hedge fund head Chuck Royce—are offering the entire resort as a two-night buyout for $125,000. Dubbed the Milestone Getaway, the deal commemorates the Inn’s 125th anniversary this year.

“We are naturally romantic,” Weekapaug Inn’s general manager Daniel Abrashoff tells Robb Report. “We call ourselves barefoot elegance.”

Friends and family are also welcome to join the barefoot romance. They’ll be cared for by the resort’s 130-strong staff, along with its chefs and in-house naturalist (who leads guided walks, kayak trips, and stargazing).

Equally understated is Naviva, the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, where you can now cough up $195,000 for three nights and all 15 luxury tents on its 48-acres of jungle.

Sure, big numbers make a splash, but further evidence of the buyout’s reinvention as a marketing tool is demonstrated by attempts at relative democratization. After all, why limit your customer base to the world’s roughly 2,640 billionaires?

In the mountains in Costa Rica, the Hacienda AltaGracia from Auberge Resorts is now advertising the All-About-You buyout, which takes you out into nature with an “experience designer” to tailor your stay. You might call it “baby’s first buyout,” as it gives a taste of the real thing for just $1,500 a night. And at the Wilburton Destination Resort in Vermont, an early 20th-century mansion in the Taconics you can play billionaire for only $5,000. 

“JP Morgan’s family stays every Christmas,” said Melissa Levis, whose family owns and runs the resort. “A certain billionaire who made a fortune in electric cars, not Elon Musk,” she noted, “rented the 15 bedroom mansion and only used three rooms: one for his friends, one for his wife, and one for him because he snores!”

Levis says the buyout allows them to offer guests private ski lessons at Stratton, massages, and fireside dinners.

So is the buyout still about buying absolute privacy? Or is it about social media infamy? A crass attempt at guerrilla marketing? All of the above?

Back in 1933, banking scion William Avery Rockefeller built t he Point Resort as a private retreat for his family in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York. Today, the 11-room, 22-guest all-inclusive is getting back to those roots. It’s offering a $37,600 per night buyout for families or groups of friends. 

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Exquisite Escapes: 10 Adventure-Infused Luxury Hotels for 2024

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

In travel, luxury and adventure are often seen as different paths. However, this guide aims to bridge that gap, showcasing destinations where opulence meets the thrill of exploration. For those seeking the comfort of high-end accommodations without sacrificing the excitement of adventure, these hotels worldwide offer the perfect blend. Each destination combines the best of both worlds, from the lush landscapes surrounding Intercontinental Khao Yai to the wild terrains of Shinta Mani Wild.

1. Intercontinental Khao Yai, Thailand

In the serene settings of Thailand’s Khao Yai, the Intercontinental Khao Yai stands as a unique blend of luxury and natural exploration. This hotel, crafted under the visionary design of Bill Bensley, integrates the rich railway history of the region with the opulence of modern accommodations.

Offering more than just a stay, it invites guests to delve into the local wilderness with guided jungle treks and bird watching excursions, perfect for nature enthusiasts. After a day of adventure, unwind in the beautifully themed rooms or private villas, each reflecting a bygone era of luxurious rail travel.

The hotel’s state-of-the-art amenities, including a sprawling outdoor pool and a top-tier spa, cater to your relaxation needs. The proximity to the Khao Yai National Park, a haven of biodiversity and natural beauty, adds to the allure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Take the hotel’s custom-designed train tour through the picturesque landscapes of Khao Yai.

When To Travel: The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to February.

How To Get There: Located two hours from Bangkok, it’s accessible by car or hotel shuttle service.

2. Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

Shinta Mani Wild is a luxury tented camp nestled in the Cambodian wilderness, designed by Bill Bensley. This exclusive retreat offers an adventure in conservation, with activities like jungle trekking, river kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Each tent is lavishly designed, offering unobstructed views of the river and rainforest.

The camp’s commitment to sustainability and conservation makes it a unique luxury destination. Guests can participate in wildlife research and protection projects, adding a meaningful layer to their adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Book the Boulders Spa for a massage amidst the sounds of the flowing river and wildlife.

When To Travel: Visit from November to April during the dry season for the best wildlife viewing.

How To Get There: It is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Phnom Penh or a scenic helicopter transfer directly to the camp.

3. The Awasi Patagonia, Chile

The Awasi Patagonia in Chile is a secluded luxury lodge situated in the heart of Patagonia, offering personalized adventure experiences. Overlooking the Torres del Paine National Park, each private villa provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Guests can enjoy bespoke excursions like horseback riding, hiking in the national park, or exploring the pampas. The lodge’s commitment to privacy and personalized service ensures a unique adventure tailored to each guest’s preferences.

Insider’s Tip: Request a private excursion to the less-visited parts of Torres del Paine for a unique experience.

When To Travel: The Patagonian summer (November to March) offers the best weather for outdoor activities.

How To Get There: Fly to Punta Arenas and then take a scenic drive to the lodge, arranged by Awasi.

4. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Arizona, USA

The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain is an oasis of luxury in the Arizona desert, offering a blend of high-end comfort and outdoor adventures. Guests can enjoy activities like mountain biking, hiking, and even stargazing in the clear desert skies.

The hotel’s rooms and suites offer stunning views of the Sonoran Desert, and the spa provides treatments using local desert botanicals. The resort also boasts world-class golf courses, adding another dimension to its adventure offerings.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to experience a guided night hike to see the desert’s nocturnal life.

When To Travel: Visit in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for ideal weather.

How To Get There: The resort is a short drive from Tucson International Airport.

5. Explora Patagonia, Chile

Explora Patagonia, situated in the midst of the Torres del Paine National Park, stands as a beacon of luxury in the wild Chilean landscape. This hotel is designed for those who seek adventure in the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Guests can partake in over 40 explorations, including trekking the famous W trail, horseback riding, or glacier navigation.

The hotel itself, with its minimalist design, ensures that the focus remains on the breathtaking views outside. Each room offers a panoramic view of the Salto Chico waterfall or the Paine Massif.

Insider’s Tip: Opt for a full-day trek to the base of the Torres del Paine towers, a signature experience of the region.

When To Travel: Visit during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months, from November to March, for the best weather.

How To Get There: The hotel arranges transfers from Punta Arenas, which is accessible by air from Santiago de Chile.

6. Huka Lodge, New Zealand

Huka Lodge in New Zealand epitomizes the fusion of luxury accommodation and adventure in the great outdoors. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, near the magnificent Huka Falls, this lodge is a sanctuary of comfort in a breathtaking natural setting. Guests can indulge in activities like trout fishing, hiking, and exploring the geothermal wonders of the region.

The lodge’s rooms and suites, designed with elegance and an understated luxury, offer serene views of the surrounding landscapes. With its award-winning cuisine and exceptional service, Huka Lodge provides an exclusive retreat where adventure meets relaxation.

Insider’s Tip: Experience a helicopter tour arranged by the lodge for an unforgettable view of the volcanic landscape.

When To Travel: Visit during New Zealand’s summer months, December to February, for the best outdoor conditions.

How To Get There: Huka Lodge is a short drive from Taupo Airport, with transfers available upon request.

7. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Utah, USA

The Lodge at Blue Sky, set in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, offers a unique blend of luxury and outdoor adventure. This ranch-style hotel provides guests with experiences such as horseback riding, fly fishing, and hiking in the vast natural surroundings.

The rooms and suites are designed with an emphasis on natural materials, reflecting the rugged beauty of Utah. The hotel’s wellness program, including yoga and spa treatments, ensures relaxation after a day of adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Try the hotel’s unique ‘High West Whiskey’ experience for a taste of local culture.

When To Travel: Visit in summer for outdoor activities or winter for a snowy retreat.

How To Get There: The Lodge is a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.

8. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania combines the opulence of a luxury lodge with the thrill of African safari adventure. Perched on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lodge offers spectacular views and direct access to the crater floor for game drives.

The design of the lodge is a fusion of African art and baroque décor, creating a unique and lavish atmosphere. Safari experiences here include viewing the Big Five, Maasai village visits, and crater picnics.

Insider’s Tip: Schedule a private crater safari for an exclusive and intimate wildlife experience.

When To Travel: Wildlife viewing is best from June to September.

How To Get There: The lodge is a 3-hour drive from Arusha Airport, with scenic views along the way.

9. Montage Deer Valley, Utah, USA

Montage Deer Valley, nestled in the lofty Park City mountains, is a haven for ski enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This luxury resort offers direct ski-in, ski-out access to one of America’s premier ski resorts. Beyond skiing, guests can enjoy snowshoeing, bobsledding, and even dog sledding in the winter.

Inspired by the natural surroundings, the resort’s design features elegant stone finishes and warm wood accents. The rooms and suites offer stunning mountain views, and the resort’s spa is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.

Insider’s Tip: In summer, take advantage of the guided mountain biking tours through the scenic trails.

When To Travel: Winter (December to February) for skiing or summer (June to August) for hiking and biking.

How To Get There: The resort is a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport.

10. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, located in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, marries luxury with the ruggedness of the Canadian wilderness. Accessible only by seaplane, this eco-safari resort offers extravagantly furnished tents and a range of outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation enhances the adventure, making it both luxurious and responsible. Dining here is a farm-to-table experience, with organic ingredients sourced locally.

Insider’s Tip: Book a heli-adventure for a breathtaking aerial view of the unspoiled wilderness.

When To Travel: The resort is open from May to September, the best time to enjoy the outdoor activities.

How To Get There: Access is via a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver.

The Bottom Line

Your journey through these luxury hotels with adventure has not only been about experiencing the finer things in life but also about pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons. These destinations cater to those who seek the thrill of adventure by day and the comfort of luxury by night. As you reminisce about your travels, remember the exhilarating experiences, the breathtaking landscapes, and the exquisite comfort that each hotel provided.

As you plan your future trips, consider these destinations as examples of how travel can be both luxurious and adventurous. Let them inspire you to continue seeking out experiences that offer the best of both worlds, reminding you that in travel, as in life, you don’t have to choose between comfort and adventure. You can have it all.

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The post Exquisite Escapes: 10 Adventure-Infused Luxury Hotels for 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nick Starichenko.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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You can book luxury hotels, cruises, and vacation packages through Costco for a fraction of the cost

• Costco offers steep discounts on hotels, cruises, rental cars, and vacation packages for members.
• Members can book travel through the Costco Travel website.
• Costco offers perks such as waived fees for additional drivers on rental cars.

Your Costco membership can get you more than bulk packages of toilet paper and $5 rotisserie chickens.

If you're a Costco member, you can book hotels, cruises, rental cars, and all-inclusive packages online through Costco Travel .

The Costco Travel website offers vacation packages at luxury resorts in destinations including Tahiti, French Polynesia; Cancún, Mexico; Costa Rica, and Hawaii, and cruises with companies such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean , and Princess, at heavily discounted prices.

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A Costco Travel vacation package at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii, offers five nights for the price of four and includes the flight, rental car, a room with a partial ocean view, and the hotel's daily breakfast buffet.

The entire vacation package costs $4,851.45 when booked through Costco Travel. When booking the same room and dates directly through the Hyatt Regency's website, the hotel reservation costs $5,331.78 — without airfare to Maui or a rental car.

For smaller-scale trips, if you rent a car through Costco, additional driver fees are waived when renters book through Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, or Avis, Costco Travel's rental-car FAQs page says .

To book a trip, members need to make a profile on Costco Travel's website separate from the one they use to shop for other items.

Booking trips through any third-party website is inherently riskier than booking directly. If any unforeseen circumstances come up, it can be difficult to make changes or receive refunds.

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10 Luxury Wellness Retreats That Only the Rich Can Afford

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According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism industry is booming and is projected to surpass the $1 trillion mark in 2024. Post-pandemic, they say, is when things really started to heat up. So, perhaps it’s unsurprising to find so many wellness retreats catering to the wealthy. From splashy resorts where you’ll be guided through a psychedelic trip to monistic getaways where yoga and meditation add to your spa experience.

Here are 10 wellness retreats where stress relief will stress your wallet — no wonder the very wealthy live up to 15 years longer than the very poor.

Naviva, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

It might seem crazy that the wealthy are paying thousands of dollars a night to stay in tents–but have you seen the tents? These open-air luxury “tent” villas feature outdoor showers, plunge pools, hammocks and many other niceties. The all-inclusive resort features just 15 tents, located adjacent to the mentally healing waters of the Pacific and surrounded by 48 acres of jungle. Naviva also offers spas with gardens and timber soaking tubs, yoga classes and a sweat lodge where a local healer guides guests in mindfulness practice.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Texas

It’s in Texas, so it’s no wonder that this all-inclusive resort has a sizable spa. The 25,000-square-foot LakeHouse Spa is one of its biggest draws, with a menu of more than 100 treatments and therapies. The spa treatments, as well as the impressive culinary experiences, utilize organic herbs from the resort’s expansive garden. In addition to wellness activities and events, guests are treated to celebrity chef demonstrations and lessons. Not that the wealthy need to learn to cook for themselves.

BodyHoliday Cariblue Beach, St. Lucia

For the more active wellness retreat, the wealthy could do worse than BodyHoliday Cariblue Beach’s all-inclusive resort, which offers everything from archery and tennis to tai chi and Spoga–spinning and yoga. Fronting a crescent white sand beach and founded on the four pillars of relaxation, restoration, exercise, and healthy eating, the resort features daily spa treatments, classes, and adventure programs.

Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan, Northern India

Located in “the land of kings,” this converted 14th-century fortress overlooks the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple. Once the sanctuary of a Rajasthani royal family, now it’s the sanctuary of the very wealthy, who come to the resort to fend off stress and rejuvenate in the plentiful Ayurveda and yoga offerings. Spa treatments feature local ingredients like saffron, Kashmir lavender, and mogra, while suites range from 878 square feet to over 3,000. Which, frankly, might be cramped for many guests of this resort.

COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

This exclusive wellness resort is on its own private Caribbean island. It features four miles of white sand beaches, crystal clear ocean waters and their signature COMO Shambhala wellness program, which incorporates nutrition, yoga, fitness and hands-on healing. Yoga and pilates feature heavily, as do specialty enzyme-rich dishes and holistic therapies such as reflexology and Ayurveda. A host of other adventures are available as well, such as fishing, biking and diving. However, you might not want to leave this resort for such a “common” fare.

Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal

If going alcohol-free isn’t your idea of a wellness resort, a Six Senses Douro Valley escape is for you. The resort has a well-stocked wine cellar and wine-on-tap at the bar. It is located in a restored 19th-century manor among one of the world’s most respected wine regions. Of course, at some point, the party has to end. The resort boasts acupuncture, yoga, and a full spa for the rich’s recovery. Cheers.

Soltara Healing Center, Playa Blanca, Costa Rica

If wine’s not your jam, but you still want to find an altered state as you pamper yourself, all-inclusive luxury resorts such as Soltara Healing Center offer psychedelic-infused wellness retreats in awe-inspiring natural surroundings. Soltara, which also operates a resort in Peru, offers guests ayahuasca healing experiences for prices ranging from $3,375 to $12,900. The psychedelic adventures do include guidance from an indigenous Peruvian Shipibo healer and clinical psychologist–because the last thing you want is a high-priced bad trip.

Arctic Bath Hotel, Lapland, Sweden

Not all wellness retreats are in sunny tropical locations. Proof? Take the Nordic wonder, the Arctic Bath Hotel, in Sweden’s frozen northern region. Featuring minimalist cabins that float on the Lule River and forest-nestled suites, the resort plunges guests into a winter wonderland to reflect and heal. And, if you’re so inclined, you can do some icy swimming before taking in the summer midnight sun or the winter aurora borealis. Outings include moose safaris, snowshoe hiking, dog-sledding and ice-fishing, which are sure to work up an appetite for the unique local fare: reindeer, oysters and, of course, caviar.

Ananda Resort, Himalayas, India

Housed in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal among 100 acres of gardens and forests, the Ananda Resort is for serious seekers of Eastern-influenced healing. With programs focused on a combination of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and healthy eating, the resort is designed as much for spiritual wellbeing as physical rejuvenation. Guests choose specially designed programs such as panchakarma, yogic detox, stress management, fertility enhancement, or design their own high-altitude retreat.

VIVAMAYR Health Resort, Austria

For those looking for a more medically-based wellness journey, VIVAMYR, located on the shores of Lake Altaussee in Austria, fits the prescription. This resort has five-star accommodations with a modern medical center; guests are evaluated upon check-in so a wellness program can be tailored to their needs. With onsite doctors and therapists, programs concentrate on overall health, including stress management and preventative care. All while providing world-class pampering and activities, of course.

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Jalan Danau Tamblingan 89a, Sanur, Bali, 80228, Indonesia

+62 361 320 1234

A Luxury Beachfront Resort Offering a Distinctively Sanur Experience

This luxe beachfront resort—a modern interpretation of a Balinese village—in Sanur invites you to experience an eclectic mix of old and new. Andaz Bali has been carefully built around the lush natural landscape, creating a welcoming ambiance in a beautiful, immersive setting, much like Sanur itself. It provides a canvas for exploring who you are.

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Our beautifully designed rooms, suites and villas are spread around clusters of courtyards, each with its own character and charm. Rooms and suites boast a spacious balcony and upscale amenities you'll love, while the stunning Garden and Beach Villas offer added privacy and tranquility.

1 / 17 Room Type 1 of 17 Rooms

Village Square

The dining experience starts in the heart of the resort at Village Square, with four intertwining restaurants: Wok Wok, featuring Indonesian favorites, Blue Oven that offers Mediterranean cuisines, Fire Fox that is an Asian steakhouse and Deli & Bakery that serves coffee, tea, dessert and more.

Fisherman’s Club

Our chic beachfront restaurant offers a refreshing, contemporary take on classic Jimbaran cuisine. Discover an inspiring selection of light bites, meat and the freshest seafood catch of the day by local fishermen, grilled on coconut husks the traditional way. As the sun goes down, chill out with craft cocktails as the restaurant buzzes with a lively beach club vibe.

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Loosen up in the comfort of your room and indulge in a selection of sumptuous dishes from our EAT IN menu. From breakfast to late-night munchies, enjoy food delivered right to your guestroom door. To order, dial 0 through the guestroom phone.

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Pura Besakih Temple

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On'kor

Ubud Monkey Forest

Kevala Studio

East Bali Surf & Sail

Balinese Music and Dance

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Bali from the Sky

Sea Turtle Village Conservation Program

Kemu Mai – Kids Club

A Delightful Stay | Nikstartravels

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Pets are not permitted at Andaz Bali.

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We are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The features also make this hotel more accessible for older individuals with changing abilities to ensure a seamless experience. Our overall goal is to improve usability throughout the hotel for all guests.

Stay, Play, and Indulge

Elevate your 3-night stay with daily breakfast and dive into relaxation with USD 50 Resort Activities Credit & USD 50 F&B Credit per stay. Treat yourself to the ultimate getaway with our Stay, Play & Indulge offer, where every moment is infused with indulgence and unforgettable experiences await

INDULGE LIKE NO ONE’S WATCHING

In collaboration with Kevala—Bali’s leading ceramic producer—Andaz Bali invites you to experience the art of hand-built coral restoration. Create your own coral sculptures, later to be donated to Indonesia Biru Foundation as a way of giving back to the ocean and Mother Nature.

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Unlock the beauty of every sunrise and extend your stay in paradise with our exclusive offer. Enjoy a complimentary 5th night with breakfast included, tailored for guests who relish in the tranquility of longer resort stays. Book now and make unforgettable memories at our serene retreat.

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Earn 3,000 Bonus Points every three qualifying nights, up to 21 nights completed after registration and between March 1 and April 30, 2024. Register by April 15, 2024.

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Stay a minimum of two nights in a one-bedroom Garden Villa or a two-bedroom Beach Villa and enjoy resort benefits such as daily breakfast, a USD 200 food and beverage resort credit at Village Square, and a return airport transfer per stay.

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Woks Around the World

Indulge in authentic Thai cuisine from 16–23 February, featuring guest Chef Pantit Jindajitawat from the esteemed Erawan Tea Room at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, from noon to 10:00 PM at Village Square.

Local News | A $1.5 billion ultra-luxury resort in Boca…

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Local news | a $1.5 billion ultra-luxury resort in boca raton: ‘it better be the best thing that’s ever been done’.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences in Boca Raton is expected to be completed some time in the first half of next year.

Once open in 2025, the project, at the corner of Federal Highway and Camino Real in downtown Boca Raton, will unveil a 164-room hotel and 85 luxury units, most of which have already sold.

Amenities will include a downtown golf and city club, restaurants and retail spots — the “kind of stores you find in Paris or Milan,” said Albert Piazza, the president of development for Penn-Florida Companies, the developer behind the project.

Piazza said he started designing the project in 2015. He said the project’s primary delay can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply constraints that followed.

“We’re part of the real world,” he said. “We were interrupted by the pandemic.”

He added: “We have what is going to be one of the most expensive hotels in the United States. We want make sure that when we deliver it, that the designs are in fact current.”

They did not want their designs to be dated, he said, which also spurred delays.

“If we’re going to be putting a billion-dollar project in the middle of Boca Raton, it better be the best thing that’s ever been done,” he said.

Elizabeth Cross, Penn-Florida’s vice president of marketing, emphasized that sentiment, saying they are taking time to ensure quality.

“It’s more important to us than timing,” she said.

The $1.5 billion-project also has been refinanced, which is “extremely complex,” Piazza said. Refinancing is just financing something with a new loan, sometimes with a lower interest rate.

“Because of the long-term nature of it, it’s typical and quite natural that the loan structure changes as the project moves forward,” he said. “The loans typically have a shorter time period than the overall construction of the project may take. So loans in their normal life cycle are modified as you go through or extended.”

Cross said the project is “fully capitalized,” and they “have ample funding” to finish it.

A Mandarin Oriental Hotel exists in Miami, but Piazza said it will be closed down soon for new construction, further placing pressure on the Boca Raton location to open its doors.

“The Mandarin is very anxious for us to get our hotel open because we’ll be opening here just about the time they’re closing the hotel down there,” he said. “So they’re looking at us being their footprint here in South Florida.”

The hotel is designed as a “ultra-luxury resort in of itself,” Piazza said, with features including Michelin-star restaurants, a prohibition-style bar, a ballroom, a “rooftop resort experience” with pools, a children’s activity center and a meditation garden.

The hotel will be one of 36 in 24 different countries, and the residences will be one of 10 worldwide, according to Penn-Florida.

Scott Gerow, the director of luxury sales for the CBG Luxury Team at Compass in Boca Raton, said people are excited to have the Mandarin brand associated with the city.

“I think it’s a great privilege to have them as part of the community,” Gerow said. “So many people in the city are excited to see the finished product.”

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The Top 15 Resorts in California in 2021

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite resorts in California.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The Golden State hasn't lost a bit of luster in travelers' minds, despite the compounding hardships of wildfires, mudslides, and the pandemic. Through it all, California has provided the perfect outlets for open-air relaxation — and, yes, social distancing — that we've needed during stressful times, whether that's time spent on the spectacular coast or in the High Sierra. The people and hospitality businesses of California have proven resilient as they've adapted to welcome guests in COVID-conscious ways, and the properties that T+L readers voted as the best resorts in California deeply embody this style of hospitality.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

The resorts that readers found most compelling excel in providing a sense of tranquility and privacy, no matter the surroundings. That said, the majority can be found along the Pacific Coast. Brewery Gulch Inn (No. 6) takes full advantage of its position on a craggy NorCal bluff and its proximity to both the Mendocino National Forest and the vineyards of Anderson Valley. Almost every room offers an ocean view, and activities include mushroom foraging, kayaking, wine tours , and shinrin yoku (forest bathing). "The setting for this inn is just glorious. The service was outstanding and the food and drink way above average," wrote one frequent guest, whose most recent visits happened during COVID. "We stayed twice during the pandemic, had a wonderful time, and felt 100 percent safe."

To the south, in Sonoma County, Farmhouse Inn (No. 13) also impressed with its thoughtful service. "The food, the rooms, the pool, the extra special touches like cookies and milk and the s'mores," enthused a reader. "Everything about this place is wonderful!"

Three properties affected by the state's natural disasters — Meadowood Napa Valley (No. 10), Post Ranch Inn (No. 3), and San Ysidro Ranch (No. 9) — demonstrate the power of persistence and patience. Each had to navigate the tricky path of rebuilding and reopening in various stages, but loyal guests helped provide motivation and were enthusiastic about the return of each. "The most rustic and quiet and romantic property in beautiful Montecito," said one voter who stayed at San Ysidro Ranch. "Both restaurants are outstanding, and the cottages are comfortable and immaculate. Wonderful if you're looking for quiet and isolation. Just perfection!"

Elsewhere, Palm Springs has seen a flurry of petite resort openings, including a handful that have breathed new life into retro motels. Sparrows Lodge (No. 14) puts a rustic twist on an old 1950s setup, tricking out its 20 rooms with beamed ceilings, concrete floors, and funky horse-trough bathtubs. "Very zen vibe with a fantastic heated pool," noted one reader, who appreciated the complimentary cocktails upon arrival. "Beautiful, adult camp–themed rooms. There's a lovely, low-key vibe, but celebrity sightings are also frequent." The 28-room Holiday House (No. 7) exudes a punchier, Midcentury Modern vibe, with bright colors, bold textiles from decorator Mark D. Sikes, and artwork from David Hockney and Herb Ritts. "This is my favorite hotel in Palm Springs," enthused one reader. "Right in the center of town but one block off the main strip so there is absolutely no noise from nightlife. The attention to the room décor and details is impeccable. Breakfast is included, and the outdoor dining area is very chill and pleasant."

For all the competition, it was a subdued coastal property, Nobu Ryokan Malibu, that ran away with the No. 1 spot. Find out what set it apart — and see which other properties readers voted onto this year's list of the best resorts in California.

1. Nobu Ryokan Malibu, Malibu

Just off the bustling Pacific Coast Highway, this exclusive haven with 11 rooms and five bungalows overlooks Carbon Beach and pays tribute to traditional Japanese inns while taking a sleek, modern approach befitting its glamorous location in Malibu — and its $2,000-per-night price tag. The aesthetic is serene and minimalist without being ascetic; accommodations feature neutral-toned linens, teak soaking tubs, and custom yukatas to wear while lounging or enjoying in-room dining from the brand's restaurant, which is located across the street. Guests can also request in-room spa treatments from partner spa Cure. One voter called it "the No. 1 in Malibu" but clearly many other readers hold it in even higher esteem as the best in all of California.

Score: 98.59 More information: malibu.nobuhotels.com

2. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego

Score: 98.03 More information: ranchovalencia.com

3. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

Score: 96.18 More information: postranchinn.com

4. The Surfrider, Malibu

Score: 95.50 More information: thesurfridermalibu.com

5. The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach

Score: 95.36 More information: theranchlb.com

6. Brewery Gulch Inn, Mendocino

Score: 94.97 More information: brewerygulchinn.com

7. Holiday House, Palm Springs

Score: 94.78 More information: holidayhouseps.com

8. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Calistoga

Score: 94.53 More information: aubergeresorts.com

9. San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

Score: 94.50 More information: sanysidroranch.com

10. Meadowood Napa Valley, St. Helena

Score: 94.33 More information: meadowood.com

11. Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach

Score: 94.14 More information: pebblebeach.com

12. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Carlsbad

Score: 93.86 More information: hyatt.com

13. Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

Score: 93.81 More information: farmhouseinn.com

14. Sparrows Lodge, Palm Springs

Score: 93.78 More information: sparrowslodge.com

15. Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, Huntington Beach

Score: 93.56 More information: shorebreakhotel.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far beyond full hookups and Wi-Fi; many include extras like swimming pools, movie theaters, tennis courts, private docks, and full-service spas.  Which luxury RV resort would you most like to visit? Vote for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, May 6 at noon ET. We'll announce the 10 winners on Wednesday, May 15.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

A stay at these 20 luxury RV resorts, nominated by an expert panel as the best in the U.S, gives you the best of both worlds — the comforts of your own RV with the amenities of a five-star resort. The perks go far...   Read More

Best Luxury RV Resort Nominees

Photo courtesy of Denise Barlock

Bluewater Key RV Resort

Key West, Florida

Bluewater Key RV Resort in Key West welcomes RVers with near-perfect weather throughout the year, easy access to nearby attractions and golf courses, and stellar amenities. Enjoy conveniences like a temperature-controlled swimming pool, private tropical tiki huts, a dog park, clubhouse, private docks, and high-speed fiber internet.

Photo courtesy of Camp Fimfo

Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country

New Braunfels, Texas

Located in scenic Texas Hill Country, Camp Fimfo aptly describes itself as “a Texas-sized retreat on the Guadalupe River," with 1,000 feet of river frontage. The luxury campsite is family friendly and has monthly rates for those who want to make it a real home away from home. Some on-site amenities include a heated pool, water playground, hot tubs, mini golf, waterslides, and pickleball courts.

Photo courtesy of Matt Theriault

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins

Auburndale, Florida

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort invites guests to “get into the island state of mind” in central Florida. Located conveniently between Orlando and Tampa, their oversized sites have plenty of room to accommodate all RV sizes and include full hookups, free Wi-Fi and cable access, a charcoal grill, and a picnic table. Each week, the resort features live music and entertainment with delicious food trucks and fun activities for all family members.

Photo courtesy of Disney

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Orlando, Florida

Equipped with 750 acres of lush Sunshine State land, The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort are perfect for a little relaxation in between hitting the parks. While wildlife and walking trails abound across the area, guests can also take advantage of the archery classes, canoeing sessions, and on-site pool complete with a lengthy waterslide.

Photo courtesy of Vima Productions

Dark Sky RV Campground

Kanab, Utah

A paradise for astronomy aficionados, Dark Sky RV Campground offers a spectacular perspective on the scenic Utah city of Kanab. In addition to amenities like private bathroom suites and an outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, the site offers 40 acres of pristine land that are almost totally free of light pollution, providing the perfect opportunity for stargazing on clear nights.

Photo courtesy of Austin Marvel

Firefly Resort

Fredericksburg, Texas

During a lengthy journey across Texas Hill Country, Firefly Resort serves as the perfect base for a few days of relaxation. While the massive two-tiered pool complex serves as its centerpiece, there's a wealth of other amenities to enjoy during a stay, with options spanning from a bookable private chef experience to a playground for younger guests to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Drazen Zigic / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground

Buellton, California

Fire pits, massive pools, and a sprawling playground are just a few of the amenities that await guests at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, a lauded property in the heart of Santa Ynez wine country. Visitors can swing by on-property dining venue Feather & Fire for some ultra-flavorful pizza, and any canine pals can enjoy the dog park.

Photo courtesy of skynesher / E+ Getty Images

Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is renowned for its incredible golf courses, but there's a lot more to do across the island than just hit the driving range. For those who prefer to stay in, the on-property spa tub, pool, and gym are all top spots, while bike rentals and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts are available for anyone in need of some fresh air.

Photo courtesy of Nena Quick

Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Motorcoach (LVM) Resort offers Class A Motorcoach facilities across 41 acres in the heart of Las Vegas. Some 400 landscaped sites are shaded with more than 1,000 palm trees, while amenities include a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort-style swimming pools, a spa, pickleball courts, and a fitness center.

Photo courtesy of Inside Creative House / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Townsend, Tennessee

Located on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is a top spot for basking in the verdant beauty of Appalachia. Incredible hiking opportunities abound all around the site, while activities like bingo and trivia are perfect for befriending fellow travelers — and to sweeten the deal, spa services can be booked for guests as well.

Photo courtesy of Irina Velichkina / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Luxury RV Resort

Gulf Shores, Alabama

The southern shores of Alabama are renowned for their idyllic beauty, and Luxury RV Resort is perfectly equipped to showcase its wonders. Beyond the 97 RV sites scattered across the property, visitors can play a few rounds of cornhole or shuffleboard, use the kitchen in the on-site clubhouse, or do a few loads of laundry after a long day lounging at the beach.

Photo courtesy of Motorcoach Country Club

Motorcoach Country Club

Indio, California

The Motorcoach Country Club in the Palm Springs area features scenic beauty and the amenities of a five-star resort. Regular activities and events — like bocce ball tournaments, billiards nights, pickleball, and golf outings — keep the community active and engaged.

Photo courtesy of Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Mountain Falls Luxury Motorcoach Resort, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, gives visitors easy access to Lake Toxaway and the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, streams, and parklands. On-site amenities include pickleball courts, bocce ball, a fitness facility, two swimming pools, and a dog park.

Photo courtesy of Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples Motorcoach Resort

Naples, Florida

The Naples Motorcoach Resort is one of the only motorcoach resorts with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Features like a large infinity pool, spa, fitness center, dog park, private theater, two card rooms, and outdoor pickleball courts lend the feeling of a five-star resort.

Photo courtesy of Kristine Daniels

Normandy Farms

Foxboro, Massachusetts

Normandy Farms, deep in the woods between Boston and Cape Cod, has been serving RVers since 1971. Facilities include a bike park, creative arts center, disc golf course, dog park, fitness center, playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a wellness center.

Photo courtesy of welcomia // Getty Images

Resort at Canopy Oaks

Lake Wales, Florida

Featuring 200 acres of green space, Resort at Canopy Oaks hosts five styles of RV sites, including waterfront, premium, and platinum. All sites come with concrete pads, full hookups, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Visitors can enjoy amenities like a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, clubhouse, tiki bar, and an on-site pizza and sandwich shop.

Photo courtesy of Kampgrounds of America, Inc.

Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday

Summerland Key, Florida

For visitors exploring the beauty of the Florida Keys via RV, Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday offers particularly lavish accommodations. Rental boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for guests who want to explore the sparkling shores, while those who prefer to stay inland can hop on a rental bike or spend their time lounging by the property's pool.

Photo courtesy of Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains

Granby, Colorado

Kayaking, bowling, and gold panning are just a few of the activities available for guests at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a sprawling RV camping site in Colorado's Grand County. During the warmer months, guests can take full advantage of the rushing Colorado River with fly-fishing and bocce ball, while skiing is a top activity for visitors during the winter.

Photo courtesy of The Waves Signature RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort offers guests easy access to the Gulf Cost’s nearby white sand beaches. As a 55+ active lifestyle resort, the gated, 56-acre RV destination has amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness center, billiard room, and a tiki lounge with fire pits. Lakefront RV sites offer full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi.

Photo courtesy of SeventyFour // Getty Images

Winding River Resort

Grand Lake, Colorado

Just west of Rocky Mountain National Park, Winding River Resort highlights the spectacular beauty of the Centennial State at its best. All throughout the year, RV owners arrive in droves to take advantage of the massive array of outdoor activities, with fishing, hiking, farm visits, snowmobiling, and horseback trail rides all available for guests.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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• Excellent 18
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" DIR: West; bigger nice evening sun but louder due to main street DIR:East; Quiter, very bright in the morning if sun rises "

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APELSIN HOTEL - Reviews (Elektrostal, Russia)

Why We're Checking Into this Luxury, Eco-Forward Hotel

For 1 Hotels, eco-conscious travel isn’t just a trend.

Being a sustainable tourist means you're committed to going the extra mile to limit your carbon footprint while planning your vacations. And you know all too well that, on top of the hours spent surfing hotel sites and reading guest reviews, it can be time-consuming to find accommodations that don't just use environmentally friendly talk, but actually walk the minimal-impact walk.

Repurposed Materials

The hotel properties reduce carbon emissions from implementing energy efficiency measures such as occupancy-based HVAC systems, energy-efficient LED lighting etc. Additionally, properties offset carbon emissions from investing in reforestation and renewable energy projects. The brand's ethically sourced building and design materials are an extension of this ethos as well.

For example, urban lumber created from recovered fallen trees is used in a variety of ways throughout the property at 1 Hotel West Hollywood . And as you check in at the 1 Hotel So uth Beach lobby, you'll stand beneath ceiling beams made of timber reclaimed from old Alaskan water towers and rest on furniture crafted from fallen trees in South American rainforests. You'll even pad across guest-room rugs crafted with fibers recycled from rescued ocean plastics.

Locally Sourced Food

The celebrated 1 Hotels chefs cook with natural fuel, harvest ingredients from on-site organic gardens, choose regionally procured and seasonal components for their menu offerings, and avoid items with unethical production methods. They even observe a sustainable cocktail practice, making use of leftover citrus rinds and coffee grounds for infusing and garnishing.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay 's seven dining venues, for instance, incorporate traditional ingredients from local Hawaiian suppliers—from edible flowers to Kilauea-raised poultry and eggs to volcanic soil-grown fruits to kanpachi fish from Kona. And 1 Hotel Central Park in New York City features nourishing fare like Lancaster butternut-squash risotto, Berkshire pork chops, and Hudson Valley trout with ingredients from nearby growers, from which lauded chef Jonathan Waxman whips up modern American meals in an open-air kitchen.

Zero-Waste Programs

1 Hotels has an ambitious goal of reaching 90 percent waste diversion from landfills within the next five years. This means it'll have implemented zero waste programs, eliminated single-use plastics, and recycled all possible waste materials.

That effort is extended through a special program for guests at each location. Rooms are equipped with a wooden "1 Less Thing" block, under which overpackers can leave an item or two of clothing for donation to a local charity—for example, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge partners with Housing Works. For leftover food scraps, 1 Hotel Toronto has an organic composter that transforms organic waste into 1,300 pounds of compost each year—which is then used to feed the on-site plants or have the team use in their personal gardens.

Nature-Framing Aesthetic

The decor at 1 Hotels keeps biophilic design top of mind—which is to say that by simply navigating its rooms and shared spaces, you're meant to feel a greater connection to the natural world. Skylights, verdant canopies, sculptural plant panels, and unfinished wood elements impart a meditative feel, urging you to slow down.

1 Hotel Nashville accomplishes this by rolling out an impressively sustainable green carpet—the hotel's facade is covered with 56,000 ivy plants, which work to move heat from the sidewalk and transform it into cool, clean air. Plus, because these plants are easy to care for, no chemicals or fertilizers are needed to maintain them. The stunning exterior of 1 Hotel Haitang Bay in Sanya, China, is crafted from native materials including red cedar and lava stone, and the common areas within are filled with lush greenery to mirror the island's flourishing vegetation.

Water Responsibility

In order to be proper stewards of the land surrounding its properties—whether they're drought- or flood-prone—1 Hotels implements efficient irrigation tactics, uses local landscaping elements, and installs water-saving plumbing fixtures. All rooms contain filtered water systems and refillable recycled "wine-into-water" bottles. At 1 Hotel Mayfair in London, even the plants drink sustainably—the roof rainwater runoff is filtered through an irrigation system to maintain the building’s living exterior walls. For its part, 1 Hotel San Francisco helps guests conserve water by offering a small flippable hourglass timer mounted on the bathroom wall to aid in keeping showers under five minutes.

Thanks to 1 Hotels , it truly is possible to find vacation accommodations that align with your planet-friendly values without scouring the internet for days. Which means you don't have to compromise one bit on luxury to embrace sustainability.

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Hilton makes a splash in luxury lifestyle travel with its plan to grow NoMad by 100 hotels

Hilton has arisen from its slumber on luxury and lifestyle brands.

The hotel giant is taking a majority stake in Sydell Group, the parent company of the NoMad Hotels brand, both companies announced Wednesday. The deal puts Hilton in charge of expanding the NoMad brand, currently limited to hotels in London and Las Vegas. The plan is to eventually expand NoMad up to 100 hotels, with deals for 10 hotels in "advanced stages of discussion."

While the deal was only announced this week, Hilton leaders had been teasing for months that some play for a luxury lifestyle brand was in the works.

"Adding NoMad to our growing brand portfolio will create new offerings for guests seeking unique luxury experiences in some of the world's most desirable locations," Chris Silcock, Hilton's president of global brands and commercial services, said in a statement . "By pairing an already proven brand concept that's ready for expansion with the power of Hilton's commercial engine, we are accelerating our ability to drive growth in the luxury lifestyle segment."

If you're not familiar with NoMad, you're not the only one: It is only a two-hotel brand, after all. But this also enables Hilton to have more influence in the overall vibe as it beefs up the brand into its offering in the competitive luxury lifestyle space, which counts brands like Marriott's Edition and W, and Hyatt's Thompson Hotels as leading players.

Hilton's "buy small" is a similar growth strategy to what IHG Hotels & Resorts did with the smaller Regent brand , which the company took a majority stake of in 2018. Regent was an established brand before IHG came knocking, but IHG now has the final say in what it looks like as it goes global. Expect Hilton to do the same with NoMad.

The brand aesthetic NoMad is going for as it grows into the Hilton ecosystem will be to provide guests with a residential feel in some of the world's most desirable neighborhoods, per the company announcement. Expect a mix of "grand and intimate," "classic and playful" and "fun and elegant," per the adjectives Hilton uses to depict the soon-to-grow brand.

Details on the full lineup of amenities travelers should expect from a more robust NoMad portfolio with Hilton's involvement remain scarce, but the important thing is Hilton Honors members will now have an option in the popular luxury lifestyle space where Marriott, Hyatt and Accor's Ennismore offshoot currently dominate.

"We're excited to begin this new phase for Sydell, as we enter into a partnership with Hilton to expand the NoMad brand around the world," Andrew Zobler, Sydell Group founder and CEO, said in a statement. "Grounded in the idea of the hotel as a great home, the NoMad brand is dedicated to providing guests with accessible luxury, exceptional design and award-winning food and beverage. Hilton's expertise in both luxury and lifestyle, paired with its track record in scaling brands, makes for an exciting opportunity."

The flagship NoMad London hotel — a TPG favorite for its rich, moody furnishings, spacious accommodations and atrium restaurant — will appear on Hilton booking platforms later this year. The NoMad Las Vegas, which is part of the MGM Resorts and Marriott-affiliated Park MGM complex, is not included in the deal and will reflag to a different brand identity in the coming months.

"By fusing Sydell's chic hospitality with Hilton's unrivaled distribution and loyalty programs, we have created the perfect partnership — a marriage of Andrew Zobler's pioneering creativity with Hilton's best-in-class leadership," Jeremy Cooper, Sydell Group's chief investment officer, told TPG. "This unprecedented collaboration sets a new benchmark in the luxury-lifestyle hotel sector."

A new day at Hilton

The NoMad deal is a departure from Hilton's longtime "build, don't buy" growth strategy of organically developing brands instead of acquiring existing hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Accor are known to do .

But in the last month, Hilton has acquired two: Graduate Hotels and now NoMad.

There have been swelling murmurs in the hotel orbit in recent months over Hilton's ambition to snatch the world's largest hotel company crown from Marriott, especially as the gap narrows between each company's development pipeline and loyalty program membership count. For a while, it seemed like Hilton was focusing on the affordable end of the spectrum by developing new budget-friendly brands like Spark and LivSmart Studios to fuel more hotel growth.

But the company can't ignore the luxury and lifestyle end of the spectrum, where Hilton has lagged behind its competitors.

Hilton appears ready to put that line of thought in the rearview mirror, as Graduate Hotels will give the brand a viable lifestyle hotel product in various towns and cities with ties to a college or university. NoMad can be the glitzy luxury lifestyle sibling in some of the most popular destinations in the world.

Further, Hilton's upcoming partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World — with the expected snatch from Hyatt slated to finalize later this year — provides Hilton Honors members with a wide array of new options in the boutique luxury space.

Consider this a new day for luxury at Hilton — one that can play a vital part in making this company vault to the top position in the hotel conglomerate food chain.

Related reading:

• The award travelers guide to Hilton Honors
• How to choose the best Hilton credit card for you
• Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Which credit cards offer the most lucrative rewards for hotel stays?
• The best hotel rewards programs in the world
• Best hotel credit cards

The Keys to Luxury: Michelin Debuts New Rating System For France’s Finest Hotels

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 8th, 2024 at 12:08 PM EDT

Michelin’s new Key ranking system is out in full force with 189 French hotels receiving an honor.

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Michelin on Monday awarded 24 French hotels with “Three Keys” – its highest rating in a new hotel rating system that will be rolling out globally this year.   

The “key” system mirrors Michelin’s restaurant star system, with one key denoting a “special” hotel, two keys for “exceptional,” and the coveted three keys awarded to “extraordinary” establishments.

Michelin named 38 Two Key hotels, and 127 One Key hotels. Several palace hotels received three keys, including the Four Seasons George V. Chateau. The list also covers country accommodations, including Lafauri-Peyraguey and Chateau de la Gaude, which earned two stars, and several quirky boutique hotels dotted the one key list, including Hôtel Le Ballu, La Fantaisie, and Les Bains. See Michelin’s full list .

Michelin said that its goal is to evaluate hotels beyond basic amenities, placing a premium on their restaurants, design, and service. It said it is focusing on the local character, individuality, and an overall memorable guest experience. 

Michelin plans to reveal its picks for top U.S. luxury hotels on April 24, for Spain on April 29, for Italy in early May, and for Japan and Korea in July.

Helping Classify Luxury Hotels

The luxury hotel industry is closely watching how Michelin will go about evaluating hotels and the potential impact on business. Some are hopeful.

“I welcome any organization that has the ambition to bring clarity in this world of confusion in how to evaluate true luxury hotels,” said Valeriano Antonioli, the CEO of the Lungarno Collection, a collection of small luxury hotels owned by the Ferragamo family and that include the Portrait brand hotels.

“If you’re a small player like us, you are an unknown brand to, say, a Chinese customer visiting Europe for the first time. A rating system that’s well known could help the customer recognize the brand that truly delivers the best experience for the money,” Antonioli said.

Antonioli also says that the guide could help create a more globally recognized framework for comparing hotels across different countries.

“There’s a certain level of confusion from the regulatory standpoint that makes it very difficult to compare a five-star hotel in, say, the United States with one in Italy and even between regions within Italy,” he said. 

The biggest player in the field currently is Forbes Travel Guide, and Michelin’s new ratings will provide new competition in the space.

While it remains to be seen how the hotel ratings will be adopted globally, the established brand recognition and focus on quality positions Michelin to be a significant player. 

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Tags: France tourism , hotels , luxury , michelin , tourism