Far flung adventures are great when you have the time, but what about those of us that want to have an amazingly luxurious vacation close to home? Do I need to go to an island in the Caribbean to be pampered properly? Thankfully, that answer is a resounding NO!
Top 15 East-Coast Luxury Resorts
1.) Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, NY)
Nestled in the Hudson Valley Forest, less than 2 hours outside of New York City, you’ll find this stunning property on the shores of Lake Mohonk. This is one of America’s few all-inclusive resorts which features not only delectable farm-to-table restaurants throughout the resort but many adventure activities as well. You can go on a variety of hikes right from the property, enjoy their private beach, play a round on their 18-hole course, jump in a canoe and explore the lake, go horseback riding, and more. The hotel was built in a Victorian style and many of the rooms have a cozy wood-burning fireplaces right in the room along with balconies overlooking the amazing views. Enjoy a week of relaxation without getting nick and dimed everywhere you go with this truly gorgeous all-inclusive resort!
2.) Ocean House (Westerly, RI)
This hotel is the absolute trifecta with not only the resort earning the coveted Forbes 5-star award, but the on-site restaurant and spa each earning 5-stars on their own merits. This is one of only 13 properties in the world that have ever received this honor!
This luxe hotel is situated on it’s own private beach and includes full butler service while you relax under the New England sun. The hotel offers an array of included activities such as yoga and cooking lessons and has been entertaining guests for over 100 years. Make sure to enjoy one of their signature wine tastings with the in-house sommelier in their 8,000 bottle wine cellar!
3.) Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, MI)
Located at the gateway of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, the Grand Hotel is a historic resort dating back to 1887. Interestingly enough, not much has changed on the island. There are no vehicles allowed on Mackinac Island, so it’s not uncommon to see horse-drawn carriages. The resort also has bicycles you’re welcome to use if you’re feeling a bit more modern. Lastly, it boasts the world longest front porch which conveniently overlooks the beautiful Straights of Mackinac!
4.) The Omni Homestead Resort (Hot Springs, VA)
This resort is the very definition of Southern hospitality. It’s elegant charm has attracted over 23 US Presidents to it’s front door and once you step inside, you’ll understand it’s popularity. The hotel is located by the largest hot spring in the area. These mineral waters are used in the full-service spa to make sure you leave relaxed and refreshed. Lastly, this is a resort for the whole family to enjoy with a huge waterpark covering almost two acres!
5.) The Greenbrier (White Sulfur Springs, WV)
The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1778. It’s surrounded by mountains and sits on over 11,000 acres with activities galore. There are 5 separate golf courses on the property, 19 different restaurants, and a huge casino! You could stay on property for a week without leaving and never get bored!
6.) Primland (Meadows of Dan, VA)
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find Primland. This eco-conscious resort has focused on creating an experience with world-class golf, fine dining, and an extensive list of outdoor activities. You can even enjoy a customized hunting experience to challenge yourself in tracking wild game across Primland’s expansive landscape. Be sure to book early for the Fall if you want a chance to watch the beautiful colors cascade across the mountainside.
7.) Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Enjoy over 4.5 acres of private beachfront property when you stay at the here. “Acqualina is truly unique in many ways and the only resort completely open to the Atlantic Ocean with no barrier in between the lush green grass and the beach” says Christof Pignet, GM. “Aside from the spectacular architecture, lavish accommodations, world-class dining venues, an extravagant spa landscape and ultra-luxurious amenities, Acqualina also offers a wide array of activities for guests of all ages (on and off property).” The resort also boasts 3 oceanfront restaurants including a renowned NY Steakhouse.
8.) Twin Farms (Barnard, VT)
Vermont’s only 5-star all-inclusive resort sits on over 300 acres of rolling hills draped in wildflowers. The property itself is a farmhouse from 1795 that has been transformed into a luxe destination complete with farm-to-table restaurants and premium wines for you to indulge. The 20 unique accommodations are all adorned with an extensive art collection and a private fireplace. There are plenty of activities to help you unwind including the many wandering trails around the property.
9.) The Cloister at Sea Island (Sea Island, GA)
This 5-star resort is the place to be for golf lovers with 3 championship courses and is home to the PGA Tours RSM Classic. But the activities don’t stop there. The resort offers horseback riding, tennis, boating and biking as well! The breathtaking landscape and top instructors make each activity more fun than the last. The resort is located on over 5 miles of private beach and has been the only resort in the US to host the G8 Summit of world leaders.
10.) Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN)
Blackberry Farm sits on 4,200 acres in the Great Smokey Mountains, so there is ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through horseback riding, hiking, biking and more. However, the best feature of the Farm is the Michelin star chefs that have designed wondrously inventive menus for each restaurant on property. All three restaurants are included in the price of the room and offer some of the best food the country has to offer. The farm also offers daily cooking demonstrations, so you can recreate some of your favorite dishes at home!
11.) Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (Farmington, PA)
Situated on 2,000 acres in the bucolic countryside, Nemacolin is a well-kept secret in the Mid-Atlantic. Travelers are spoiled for choice with two championship golf courses, an equestrian center, ski trails, winter and water sports, adventure activities, five restaurants (including a five-star option) and an antique car museum. But the resort is not only for active types, as the area has become a pilgrimage site for architecture and design aficionados; in July 2019, Frank Lloyd Wright’s legendary Fallingwater residence (just 20 minutes from the resort) was named to the UNESCO World Heritage List. To decompress after active days, the spa at Nemacolin offers a spectacular range of treatments – including hydrafacials, hot-stone massages, aromatherapy, reflexology and salon services; while the newly renovated Holistic Healing Center offers expert-developed therapies with virtual reality, energy-balancing crystals and much more.
12.) Old Edwards Inn and Spa (Highlands, NC)
Situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Old Edwards Inn is a fantastic mountaintop resort. It offers luxury guest rooms each decorated uniquely with period antiques for when you return home from a long day of hiking as well as a full-service spa. Their restaurants are farm-to-table utilizing some of the best produce grown int he region. You can also enjoy the 18-hole golf course or take a dip in the outdoor mineral pools while gazing at the dramatic mountain vistas!
13.) Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa (Palm Beach, FL)
This Palm Beach ocean retreat creates the ultimate experience on Florida’s gold coast. This 5-star resort has perfected “relaxed glamour” on it’s 7 acres of private white-sand beaches. Though the real highlight here is the spa. The spa itself has also earned the coveted Forbes 5-star rating and is well known for it’s many products. It has been named one of the top 25 spas in the world! After your treatments are complete, grab an oceanfront cabana and let the Floridian sun melt away your stress.
14.) The American Club (Kohler, WI) (5 Stars!)
This five star resort is a Tudor-style building that was initially built to house immigrant workers for the nearby Kohler factory, but has since been transformed into an ultra-luxe, golf lovers destination. The four championship golf courses and the Kohler Waters Spa are sure to have you rejuvenated in no time. Play a round while gazing out at the beautiful Lake Michigan.
15.) Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)- 4
Visit South Carolina’s low country for a true Southern Experience at the Palmetto Bluff. The resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, two picturesque villages featuring nine Southern-inspired dining options, a riverfront marina and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. It sits on over 20,000 acres on the banks of the May River. You can borrow the resorts kayaks or fishing gear to take full advantage of the surroundings!
Each of these resorts offer a variety of amazing amenities. Here at The Travel Byrds, we can discuss what you’re looking for to narrow down the perfect destination and then use our connections to secure you the best rate!
To begin planning your trip, contact The Travel Byrds today! Our services are completely free and we’re eager to help you and your family experience life!
