USA TODAY 10Best
Discover your dream getaway: 10 best destination resorts in the US
Best Destination Resort (2023)
Sometimes a hotel is simply a place to lay your head at night, but it can also be a destination in its own right. Each of these 10 U.S. resorts, voted as the best in the country by our readers, lavishes guests with plush accommodations, top-notch dining, and a host of activities — a complete vacation in a single package.
- The Wigwam - Litchfield Park, Arizona
- Jekyll Island Club Resort - Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Mohonk Mountain House - New Paltz, New York
- Grand Hotel - Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa - Whitefield, New Hampshire
- Hidden Pond - Kennebunkport, Maine
- The Sagamore Resort - Bolton Landing, New York
- The Broadmoor - Colorado Springs, Colorado
- The Omni Homestead Resort - Hot Springs, Virginia
- Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
No. 10:
Set on 440 lush acres only 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix, The Wigwam is an oasis in the suburbs. Well-appointed guest rooms, casitas, and suites welcome guests, and a plethora of on-siting dining options and activities await. Spend some time on the golf courses or tennis courts, relax in the spa, or lounge by one of the three pools.
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Photo courtesy of BeachcottagePhotography // Getty Images
No. 9:
America's wealthiest families have been vacationing at Jekyll Island Club Resort since the days when getting around on a horse and buggy was more than just a tourist activity. Historic charm and modern luxuries await at this resort on 5,700 Golden Isle acres. Three different accommodations campuses are available to suit all preferences, and activity and dining options abound.
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Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House
No. 8:
This Victorian castle is located along Lake Mohonk in the middle of 40,000 acres of forest, allowing for plenty of space to spread out and enjoy all that this resort has to offer. All-inclusive pricing covers meals, most outdoor activities, and nightly entertainment.
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Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel
No. 7:
Located on a small island off Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this summer resort predates the automobile boom. You won't find any cars on the island, as horse-drawn carriages are the primary mode of transportation. Individually designed accommodations include guest rooms and expansive suites, and activity offerings are abundant. The Victorian-era hotel also claims the world's longest porch.
Photo courtesy of Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa
No. 6:
With views of the White Mountains in northern New Hampshire, the aptly named Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa dates back to the 1860s. Today, the resort includes around 140 guestrooms on 1,700 acres with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, golf, a working farm, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and sledding.
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Photo courtesy of Douglas Friedman
No. 5:
Hidden Pond, a resort nestled amid 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir trees on the southern coast of Maine, invites guests to kick off their shoes and relax by the pool or the fireplace. Travelers who just can't stay still can go stand-up paddleboarding on Goose Rocks Beach, chat with the resort gardener, take a mixology class, or hop on a shuttle into Kennebunkport for further exploration.
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Photo courtesy of Opal Collection
No. 4:
Experience the unmatched beauty of the Adirondacks at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George. On a private 70-acre island just an hour's drive from Albany, this destination resort offers luxurious lakeside accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, renowned dining experiences, and an unmatched selection of water and land activities.
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
No. 3:
The history of The Broadmoor – an iconic hotel in Colorado Springs – dates back to 1918 when it welcomed its first guests. John D. Rockefeller was the hotel's first celebrity guest, staying the night of June 1, 1918. Today, the 5,000-acre resort offers a full-service spa, two golf courses, and stellar hotel restaurants. Accommodations are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of every guest. Zip lining, fly fishing, and falconry are among the favorites of the outdoor excursions offered.
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Photo courtesy of Omni Hotels & Resorts
No. 2:
With more than 2,000 acres of Virginia's scenic landscape, this resort invites guests to experience its timeless comforts and Southern hospitality, making it a premier destination. The Omni Homestead Resort promises a memorable guest experience, offering 483 guest rooms and suites, a full-service luxury spa and salon, several restaurants and dining options, two 18-hole golf courses, a lazy river and two waterslides, a fitness center, and exciting activities such as horseback riding, zip-lining, snow skiing, and kayaking.
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Photo courtesy of Acqualina Resort & Residences
No. 1:
Located on the Florida Riviera, this Florida resort has a vast beachfront and provides luxurious extras like complimentary activities, a marine biology-based children's program, and spa access. Lavish accommodations boast stunning views, while three oceanfront pools add to the appeal.
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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
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels... Read More
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
Amber Gibson
Amber Gibson spends 350 nights a year in hotels searching for the latest and greatest in the travel industry. Her writing and photographs have appeared in print, online, and on the radio for outlets including Forbes, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Four Seasons Magazine, Conde Nast Traveller, NPR, Saveur, Departures, Rhapsody, Hemispheres, American Way, Private Air, and Serious Eats. She graduated as valedictorian from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and received a fellowship to attend the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium at Meadowood Napa Valley. Champagne, dark chocolate and gelato are her biggest weaknesses.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
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).
Jenny Peters
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).
Jillian Dara
Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on... Read More
Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.
Jillian Dara
Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic... Read More
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
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.
Melanie Reffes
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.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist... Read More
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
Robin Raven
Robin Raven is an author and journalist who covers... Read More
Robin Raven is an author and journalist who covers such topics as travel, culture, and vegan dining. Her work can be seen in The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Reader's Digest, and many other publications. Robin is the author of Santa's First Vegan Christmas, The Kindness Workbook: An Interactive Guide for Creating Compassion in Yourself and the World, and The Little Book of Self-Soothing. She also blogs about travel and life at RobinRaven.com.
Robin Raven
Robin Raven is an author and journalist who covers such topics as travel, culture, and vegan dining. Her work can be seen in The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, Reader's Digest, and many other publications. Robin is the author of Santa's First Vegan Christmas, The Kindness Workbook: An Interactive Guide for Creating Compassion in Yourself and the World, and The Little Book of Self-Soothing. She also blogs about travel and life at RobinRaven.com.
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea... Read More
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O'Dea moved to L.A. to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than the traffic, there's not much about California she doesn't love. You can track her gallivanting ways on Instagram via @WendyTravels .
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
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.
10Best Editors
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.
