Rosewood Miramar Beach

Perched on an olive tree-studded hillside overlooking the Pacific ocean, the Belmond El Encanto is more than deserving of its Forbes five-star accolades. The 90-room hotel (consisting of Craftsman-style suites and freestanding bungalows) re-opened in 2013 after undergoing a comprehensive renovation, which added a pool and tricked-out fitness studio to the grounds. Thankfully, the historic property’s architectural integrity and immaculate gardens were kept intact. Complete relaxation is the name of the game at the full-service spa where guests and day-trippers are pampered by way of water therapies, steam rooms, and local ingredient–inspired facials. When planning his California-coastal menu, Executive chef Alex Bollinger took full advantage of Santa Barbara’s bountiful produce offerings—including herbs from the on-site herb garden.

At Craft House Inn, you have the option to book one of the rooms or suites—or take over the entire house (and yard) with friends or family. It’s close enough to downtown to get anywhere quickly, but it feels totally private when you’d rather decamp from it all. When you’re not checking out Santa Barbara’s famously good food scene, the inn can stock the fridge for you or recruit chef Julian Martinez, who heads up the kitchen at Barbareño just a few blocks away, to prepare breakfast spreads, private dinners, and picnic packs, which are convenient for days of hiking and biking.

Made up of cabins and tents (for those who are looking to "glamp" in large decked out tents with a double bed and electric lighting), El Capitan offers a rustic but luxurious way to experience the El Capitan Canyon and beach near Santa Barbara. Perfect for a family trip with kids, choose between doing your own cooking (each cabin has it's own "outdoor kitchen" with a grill/fire pit) and opting for super healthy meals at the Canyon Market and Deli.

Hotel Californian, in all its Spanish-Moroccan glory, is right in the Funk Zone and a minute from the beach. And it’s just a block from the train station, which makes it a convenient landing spot if you’re coming from LA or San Francisco and want to ditch your car for the weekend. (If you want to explore the wineries over in the Santa Ynez Valley, the hotel can book you a driver for the day.) Enjoy plush beds, excellent service, and the hotel’s Hitchcock-inspired restaurant Blackbird, which serves hearty steaks, scallops, braised short rib, and risotto.

The Palihouse Santa Barbara is, in a word, dreamy. Located in the heart of the historic Presidio neighborhood, the hotel is perfect for a quiet, relaxing getaway with the cozy feel only a boutique property can deliver. We love the Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture, warm textiles, and pretty pool area. The swish hotel bar is a great spot to grab a Palisade sangria—peaches and white wine—before heading out for a bite to eat at (die-hard pizza fans should hit up Bettina). Thoughtful amenities like complimentary Linus bicycles, a Palisociety-curated neighborhood guide, SMEG toasters, and hot water bottles (nights can be chilly!) on-demand adds to the boutique, home-away-from-home feel.

With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Santa Ynez Mountains on the other, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, is not lacking in the natural beauty department. And in fact, what sets it apart from the other Santa Barbara hotels is this immediate connection to nature: You can leave your room and walk directly to the beach without dodging traffic or even crossing any streets. It’s the only resort in Santa Barbara with such prime waterfront real estate (seventy-eight acres of it), and it's used to great effect. The hotel will arrange surf or sailing lessons, there are hiking trails to see the region’s flora and fauna firsthand, and tide pools are ready for exploration with one of the expert naturalists. As you’d expect from a Ritz-Carlton, guest rooms are super plush—we love the huge beds with their Frette linens, and the marble bathrooms are the size of some studio apartments.

Inarguably, this is one of our favorite hotels in the world—we're not alone, either, as John and Jackie spent their honeymoon at SYR, and Sir Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh tied the knot in the gardens. Set against the Santa Ynez Mountains, on an olive and lavender tree studded estate that was originally built as a citrus farm in the 19th century, you’ll find 38 secluded bungalows. Each cottage comes equipped with a fireplace, private patio (many have outdoor hot tubs and rain showers), and wonderful extras, like heated bathroom floors. Though it’s big with honeymooners, we never need a big reason to come, as it’s the type of place where the occasion is the stay. Among many other things, the ranch is famous for its impressive collection of rare wine and spirits which can be sipped inside the property's 1920s-inspired speakeasy. Situated in the farm’s former citrus packing house, the stone-walled restaurant offers either creek or ocean views. The menu focuses on fancy comfort food—and revolves around the offerings from the ranch’s gardens. Bonus: The wineries of Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys are less than an hour north, while Santa Barbara is just minutes away.

Inside Rosewood Miramar Beach, AMA Sushi does fantastic sashimi, nigiri, and cut rolls alongside larger plates of black cod and braised pork belly. Ask to sit on the brick patio, which is intimate and pleasant, or sit at the 13-seat omakase counter and let the chef take care of you. Finish things off with tea and dessert—houjicha ice cream and chocolate mousse or pan-roasted mochi cakes.

This old school (i.e., it was established in '37) Italian joint is a huge hit: You get to dig into Spaghetti Alle Vongole, grilled salmon, and a pages-long wine list on the lovely patio out back, while they can spend any downtime playing Bocce on one of the two adjacent courts.

Saturday nights are ripe for pizza and a beer, so Montecitans tend to agree. Bettina’s white subway tile and olive-green shiplap interior hums with chatter and a low-key raucousness that half convinces you you’re in a pizzeria in Brooklyn. (The owners are New York transplants, and the vibe follows.) Call us purists, but we’re partial to their simple margherita pie. Blistered edges, sweet-sour tomato sauce, flecks of basil, and a drizzle of grassy olive oil is even tastier with a green salad and robust glass of Brunello. In our book, a restaurant is only as good as the sides and snacks (or, in this case, spuntini) on the menu. No meal at Bettina is complete without an order of the cacio e pepe arancini to get the Saturday night going.

When Broad Street Oyster Co. debuted in a Malibu strip mall in 2019, we had a feeling the word-of-mouth phenomenon would become a common-knowledge spot. They have several locations now—this one’s on Santa Barbara’s State Street—each doing lobster rolls, seafood towers, and tuna tartare on tortilla chips just as excellently as the last. They lean into retro surfer kitsch and it feels just right.

Located on the waterfront, this is an always packed, lively and fun place to come for great, fresh fish dishes with the family. The clam chowder and fish & chips are especially popular.

Fresh, California cuisine meets American classics at Finch and Fork, where the dishes are prepared simply (think only a few select ingredients each) to perfection. There are different daily specials (i.e. burger and beer, pork and cork) and just-caught seafood on the menu. Although the brunch line-up is particularly awesome, this is a solid choice for any mealtime.

This restaurant is technically part of the Hillstone/Houston’s restaurant chain, but who doesn’t love a Houston’s, right? Being that it’s more bar than restaurant, the menu leans heavily on elevated bar food: The coleslaw-topped burger and crispy chicken sandwich are both insane; the kale chicken salad, though undoubtedly lighter, is just as satisfying. Since reservations are not taken in advance, getting a table—whether outside or in the dimly-lit dining room—can take close to an hour, but the stellar drinks make the wait more than bearable.

Everything about this Santa Barbara institution—including the somewhat unorthodox ordering system—is legendary. Some 30 years ago, Jeannine’s signature scones helped put the original Downtown SB location on the map. These days, the Classic Benedict and Kahlua-soaked banana French toast keep all four locations slammed at brunch time, while crisp salads and fresh, no-frills sandwiches leave lunch crowds happy. That’s not to say the baked goods haven’t held up over the years: The currant scones and homemade cookies are as good as ever.

"One of the best, freshest, most authentic Mexican spots ever. I have been coming here for 20+ years and it is insanely good. The tacos, tostadas, salsas, and specialties are pretty much unmatched. Casual to the max, line up for delicious Mexican food served on plastic plates." -GP

There are three Los Arroyos locations (the Santa Barbara outpost downtown is the one that started it all, though we've only tried the one in Montecito), and they all share a menu of Mexican food that hits the spot—the kind that’s prepped fresh daily, using tried-and-true family recipes and local ingredients. It's all comforting and reliable, though the crab enchiladas and chimichanga are particularly good. There are also eight kinds of salsa, all of which go nicely with their tacos.

The offerings here are blessedly simple: Excellent, wood-fired pizza (interesting flavor combinations, plus all the classics), plus a handful of well-conceived salads. In short, this is exactly the sort of food you want to plow into with a big group of friends, or after an overly raucous night out. They have kid-friendly options as well, and offer takeout.

Lucky's is known for its great American fare, which comes in the form of martinis, grilled artichokes with vinaigrette, lobster tail, and of course, the requisite steaks and chops. It has a great old-world Rat Pack vibe and it's perennially packed, meaning it's always a fun night out.

Before she opened Merci in the lovely Montecito Country Mart, chef and owner Elizabeth Colling cut her teeth at the Ritz Escoffier School in Paris. She followed that with stints at Spago and Bastide. And now, every Saturday, dozens of locals line up to indulge in Colling’s resolutely French brown-butter-soaked waffles Suzette. The café itself is a blush-colored cocoon of wicker seating, marble tables, and the welcoming scent of fresh bread hot out of the oven. Roll up early, commandeer a table, and slowly work your way through the patisserie case alongside what feels like half the town. Our standing order: Merci’s Cali spin on breakfast brioche and runny eggs.

This vegan option arrived to great acclaim, and it's pretty clear why: The fare is both wildly inventive and delicious, pleasing everyone from the gluten-free crowd to carnivores alike. Our picks: The polenta fries, the mushroom umami burger, and, of course, the green plant bowl.

This cafe shares space with an old-timey, packed-to-the-rafters pharmacy, which means that unless you know to look for it, it’s easy to miss. The service here is limited to breakfast and lunch, both of which are pretty basic—really, you want to come for the pancakes. What’s more, is that the pharmacy itself is weirdly great. The shelves are lined with everything from perfume and fancy skin care lines to basics like Advil and shampoo.

A favorite spot for family dinners in Carpinteria (just a few miles from Santa Barbara), Padaro serves up casual food like burgers, quesadillas, nachos, and fish tacos in a beautiful setting. Order your food on arrival and then find seating on their expansive lawn outside and take in the ocean views. This is a super kid-friendly place with a big outdoor area and a sandpit.

"My dad brought me to this Italian trattoria for a special dinner when he came up to visit when I was at UCSB. It still serves all the delicious and seasonal Italian dishes you’d expect in a warm, welcoming setting. Choose between the cozy interior or the vine covered outdoor patio for lunch or dinner." -GP

Sushi purists might find the miles-long menu—rife with elaborate specialty rolls (the merry-go-round is a local favorite) and Asian fusion fare—a bit overwhelming, which is why it’s best to consult a server before committing. But the sashimi is always super fresh and the flavor combinations, though a bit surprising at times (see: blooming onion roll), never disappoint. Don’t skip over the sake list, it’s the best—and deepest—in town.

As part of indie hospitality group Shelter Social Club (Ojai Ranch Inn, Chief’s Peak Bar), it’s not a big surprise this is one of the cooler spots in town. Come here for quality Indonesian food—all made with fresh ingredients sourced solely from local farms—and a solid drink. There's a sprawling bar if you're dining solo and several communal tables for bigger groups. Regardless of where you sit, you'll want to tuck into a share-friendly plate of garlic wings and blistered shishito peppers, followed up by Mie Goreng noodles.

At San Ysidro Ranch—one of the most idyllic hotels ever—Stonehouse Restaurant is gorgeous in every way. It’s housed in a 19th century building that was once the property’s citrus-packing house; now, it’s sought after for romantic evenings and special occasions. Executive chef Matthew Johnson sources from local farms, Santa Barbara fisheries, and the hotel’s own organic gardens. Stonehouse’s 14,000-bottle wine collection is unreal, and a reservation here is an opportunity to try something rare. (Perhaps one of the world’s most expensive and sought-after sweet wines, an 1811 Château d’Yquem, which Stonehouse acquired in 2024.) And the servers are exceptional—helpful, thoughtful, and there when you need them.

Sushi by Scratch is a 10-seat omakase bar where you’ll eat some of the best nigiri of your life, sip fantastic sake, and enjoy warm and thoughtful hospitality. It’s a social atmosphere that’s great with extroverted friends, for date night, or solo.

This popular wine and beer tasting room makes short work of tasting way too many varietals from the Santa Ynez valley—and the best part, is they only source from award-wining wineries, meaning there are no doozies in the flights. Located in The Funk Zone, it's a fun place to go before a dinner reservation—or for a longer, lazier Saturday (they open at 11). They offer beer flights, too.

A local friend let us in on this cute tasting room in Montecito’s Lower Village, a short walk from the Miramar. We like to drop in for a glass after lunch. The family-run Folded Hills winery grows its vines—organically—in the Santa Ynez Valley. Staffers are just as charming as they are knowledgeable, and after tasting a flight or two, signing up for the Folded Hills wine club (expect two six-bottle shipments annually) seems like an entirely reasonable idea.

It may not seem like much from the outside, but there's a dizzying array of foreign and local wines and liquors inside. Don’t know your Malbec from your Merlot? The super helpful staff are all well-versed wine pros and will even restock your home cellar or bar if needed.

At Third Window Brewing, you’ll want to grab a few flights with friends and try as much as you can; they make their beer on site with wheat and barley grown just down the road. Gather in the taproom, which is spacious and convivial, or in the courtyard, which has great views of the hills. The food here is straightforward, and really good—smashburgers smothered in cheese and onions, French fries, sourdough pizza, and white oak–smoked barbecue on Sundays. They’re dog-friendly, too.

Wise people say that everything tastes better in either bowl or smoothie form, which is the abiding philosophy here: Specializing in hot porridge, acai bowls, and every manner of smoothie, this is one of those cheerful joints that entirely revolves around starting days right. They're onto something too, since it's booming: There are now six outposts across California, including a second outpost in Santa Barbara.

Prepare for a little bit of a line at these popular Santa Barbara coffee spots (there are two very close to each other, to accommodate overflow): Besides great almond milk lattes and macchiatos, they serve some pretty mean almond croissants.

Locals swing by the Eddy on their way to a dinner party for nicely-packaged tinned fish, non-alcoholif spirits, and other cute and thoughtful gifts. There’s a wall of boutique magazines (like Mother Tongue, Pipette, and Emocean) and some plastic-free kitchen goods, too.

If Santa Barbara is Mecca for cycling enthusiasts, then Handlebar Coffee Roasters is their temple. The owners, ex-competitive cyclists Aaron Olson and Kim Andersen, took up coffee roasting (using a vintage Probat roaster, no less) after the recession put their cycling careers on hold. Fast forward a few years and their creamy capps, cold brews, and killer almond milk lattes have made their tiny coffee shop the go-to rest stop for riding groups (the wall outside is never without a stack of bikes) and pretty much anyone looking for a quality cup of a coffee and a low-key place to enjoy it.

Juice Ranch checks all the boxes when it comes to doing juice right. It's bottled in glass, cold-pressed, and organic, making it the go-to in Santa Barbara for great greens juices and delicious nut milk based drinks.

Mesa Produce is like a little farmers market you can visit any day of the week. They carry regionally-grown produce, much of it organic. You’ll find the most succulent strawberries here, the snappiest snap peas, the most carrot-y carrots, and so on. This location is in Montecito; the original is in Alta Mesa in Santa Barbara.

Founded in Santa Barbara by a husband and wife team more than 70 years ago, McConnell's still uses many of the same farms and purveyors they did when they first began. You’ll find flavors ranging from sea salt cookies and cream to lemon and marionberry, as well as top-notch traditional flavors like mint chip and vanilla bean. If you can’t make it to this shop, you can find pints in many upscale grocery stores, and also at LA outposts in Studio City and Downtown LA.

Oat Bakery prioritizes organic ingredients and inventive twists on the classics, like loaves baked with charcoal, shiitake mushrooms, sage and garlic, or almonds and dates. They give a health-conscious treatment to classic baked goods, like their crowd-favorite hygge bun: a cinnamon roll that cuts back on white sugar and butter, instead using coconut butter, dates, and hemp-seed sprinkle. Get one of those, a drip coffee (the beans come from Handlebar), and a loaf for your kitchen counter. They have another location on Magnolia Avenue in Goleta.

This family-owned organic market has a great café counter—solid smoothies, sandwiches, salads, and wraps, plus a great wine section.

We love Rori’s for its ultra-creamy ice cream and fresh waffle cones, and we love it even more because they’re so passionate about organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of our favorite flavors include milk and cookies, super-dark dark chocolate, black pepper pistachio, and malted milk ball.

Santa Barbara has the best seafood, caught right off the coast. This is the place to get huge filets of local halibut, mahi mahi, swordfish, king salmon, scallops, the most gorgeous uni you’ve ever seen, and whatever’s just come in this morning. These guys also sell a small selection of prepared and packaged foods, like seaweed salad and crab cakes, plus pantry items that bring the whole feast together. (There’s a second location in Goleta.)

This goldmine of a gourmet market, is comprised of individual artisanal vendors specializing in local and sustainably-sourced fare. This means that it's essentially set up like the perfect pantry. As far as prepared foods go, Wexler's Deli serves up lunchtime classics like bagels and sandwiches, while Empty Bowl is all about steamy noodle bowls and handmade dumplings.

We’ve long had a love affair with Montecito. And there’s no reason to think it will end anytime soon. The beach, those sunsets, the incredible restaurants, and the beachfront hotels add up to the Platonic ideal of a coastal California town. It’s the perfect backdrop for our first hotel retail store. Tucked inside the historic and fantastically renovated Rosewood Miramar Beach, goop Miramar carries everything you could ever want for the dreamiest weekend: an A-plus lineup of meticulously curated clean beauty products (the Ursa Major sunscreen and goop Beauty Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub shampoo are staff favorites), workout clothes, swimsuits and breezy cover-ups, sunglasses, Janesssa Leone hats, and tote bags to hold all that loot. And since you’re on vacation, we also have a special area for those things that never seem make it into your luggage—we’re talking underwear, socks, charcoal toothbrushes, and the rest of the stuff you may have forgotten at home. Find the “goops I forgot” section and stock up.

Diani has been a Santa Barbara mainstay for years, though despite its longevity, it's lost none of its edge: Isabel Marant, Jerome Dreyfuss, and Le Monde Beryl indicate the type of designers you'll find on the racks, which are airy and perfectly curated. There's a Diani shoe boutique in the same complex as well as a Diani Living, which is devoted to really beautiful place settings, linens, and treasures from around the world (the owner, Caroline Diani, was born in Kenya and raised in England, which explains the global slant).

Most of the time, you’ll go to Field + Fort for a latte and something to eat—they serve really good scones at breakfast and sandwiches and salads at lunch. But when you’re done, you’ll probably end up in their immaculately curated home and garden boutique. It’s filled with Flamingo Estate candles, tabletop tic-tac-toe sets, and special little antiques.

Godmothers is the baby of beauty entrepreneur Victoria Jackson and book agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, who’s represented Oprah, Brené Brown, Sheryl Sandberg, and some of the biggest novelists of the past few decades. It’s a bookstore first—well-curated and well-stocked, with a stacked event calendar. Expect visits from big-name authors and new voices, plus a roster of workshops, retreats, and storytime circles. There’s a café on site helmed by chef Miles Robbins, who’s cooked at Carbone, Jon & Vinny’s, Nashville’s HUSK, and London’s Ikoyi.

We always find something to obsess over at Jake & Jones, which carries clothes from emerging brands, pre-owned pieces from big-name designers, and a curated collection of home and beauty products. Perhaps you’ll leave with a bag of Lemaire’s perfectly-made basics, Paracia’s work boot–inspired loafers, Pleats Please pants, and a carved-wood body-massage tool from A.OK.

Kyle Irwin is responsible for the interiors of some of Santa Barbara’s most elegant homes. With a great mix of antiques and contemporary finds, his aesthetic is luxurious but with a light touch.

A fragrant outdoor garden of lavender, agave, and olive trees—planted by owner Kimberly Phillips Hayes years ago—kicks off the transportive experience at this Montecito boutique. Inside you’ll find a considered, travel-inspired collection of home goods (don't leave without picking up a candle or two by Astier de Villatte), airy embroidered dresses, straw hats, Italian leather woven bags, and other luxe imports, plus pieces by the store’s house label. Maison K embodies the Santa Barbara lifestyle perfectly: Plush, textured pillows in warm neutrals rest casually on a sofa that’s chic and actually comfortable, and the racks are flush with resort pieces that work as well with an everyday wardrobe as they do on a European getaway. It’s a vibe so inviting, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday even if you’re a local.

Styled like an old-world ship cabin—complete with wood paneled walls, rope-wrapped surf boards, paintings of light houses, and vintage anchors—Mate Gallery is a pretty adorable addition to the Montecito Country Mart.

This is the coolest spot for hand-shaped surfboards, swimwear, wet suits, and beach staples. If you’re walking through the Funk Zone on the weekend, you might catch art installations, live music, food pop-ups, and movie screenings here, too.

The Montecito Country Mart houses so many of our favorite local spots, like Oat Bakery, Bettina, Caffe Luxxe, Rori’s, Mate Gallery, and Merci. And it’s good for shopping, too: Dôen, Clare V., Hudson Grace, and Malia Mills are all here.

A Santa Barbara classic, this bookstore has been around for almost 100 years and is a local gem. They carry all the standards, and if you’re on the lookout for a book that’s out of print, Tecolote is happy to try and find it for you.

No one does antique farmhouse style better than home and garden store The Well. They go heavy on wood and rough-hewn stone, patinated terra cotta urns, and the kind of plush garden furniture that balances the whole picture. (Plus bedside tables, minimalist art, and lush linens for the rest of the house.) You’re sure to find something completely one-of-a-kind to take home—like a 400-plus year old pot recovered from a shipwreck. This location is the original shop in Summerland; there’s another in Montecito. (Their LA warehouse, Big Daddy’s Antiques, is similarly full of gems.)

What impresses us about Whistle Club is their range. They stock swishy linen skirts, no-fuss summer sweaters, and the kind of recycled-cotton totes you can stuff with beach blankets and sunscreen bottles without a worry in the world—as well as Rachel Comey party dresses, Proenza Schouler slingbacks, and Lizzie Fortunato necklaces made with a million sapphire stones.

If you poll the locals, they always cite Butterfly Beach and Hendry's Beach as the two favorites (which means that they're also popular). Butterfly Beach is in Montecito, directly across the road from The Biltmore: Parking spots are hard-won and there aren't a lot of amenities around, so bring a lunch and anything else you might need for the day. Hendry's on the other hand, is next to The Boathouse, which makes it ideal if you don't like to plan ahead (they have kid-friendly food, plus really solid drinks).

Inspiration Point is a relatively short hike that doesn't require a huge climb, making it a good option for kids—as its name suggests, there's pay-off for making it to the top, which include great views of the city, the ocean, and The Channel Islands. It's also dog friendly. Meanwhile, Lizard's Mouth is up by Goleta, and is less of a hike and more of a place to go climb around on rocks by the ocean and take in the views (kids love it).

Lotusland is a truly unique botanical garden founded by singer turned botanical gardener Ganna Walska. She bought the property in 1941 and over the years transformed it with the help of several world-renowned landscape designers. Today, the garden continues her work by preserving her singular designs and continually expanding the stunning collections of plants from all over the world. It’s located in a private residential neighborhood, with a private entrance. Reservations are limited and necessary for both self-guided and docent-led tours, and tickets often sell out well in advance. (Also note that they're closed mid-November through mid-February.)

You can rent a bicycle—a 7-speed, or an electric pedal-assist or throttle bike—from Mad Dogs & Englishmen and spend the day cycling through the Montecito hills, along the coast, and into downtown Santa Barbara. If you book a tour, a guide will point out all the best local spots and hard-to-spot wildlife. But the real treat is what Mad Dogs is named for: bikes with sidecars, where your dog can ride along with you. (If they like the windows down in the car, they’ll love this.)

This music conservatory welcomes talented young musicians every summer for classical training, and they run a free after-school choral program the rest of the year. But anyone can come enjoy the annual Summer Festival here, which typically runs for eight weeks over June and July, and their Mariposa Concert Series, which runs in the fall and winter. When you buy summer tickets, be sure to snag a reservation for a pre-concert picnic in the gardens; the school occupies the 10-acre grounds of the old Santa Barbara Country Club, which are filled with manicured hedges, koi ponds, and a huge old fig tree. (It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk, too.)

A true Santa Barbara landmark, this historic building, 10-acre garden, active parish, and mausoleum, is still home to a group of Franciscan friars as it was when it was built by the Spanish in 1786. It’s a great and scenic place to take kids to learn about California’s history.

For nearly a century, these gardens have been preserving and celebrating California's endemic plant life, which spans over 78 acres, thanks to numerous gifts of land over the years. It is a great place to walk and wander, though they offer plenty of more structured, docent-led tours. There's also a Japanese teahouse on-site.

Santa Barbara is a hotbed of creatives, and so it's not too shocking that the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has a deep and wonderful collection: Established in 1941, they have everything from Chagalls and Kandinskys to Rauschenbergs and Monets. But that's just a backdrop to excellent lectures, exhibits, and events, as well as lots of activities geared toward kids: There are after school classes, along with Thursday and Sunday workshops where little ones can roll up their sleeves and learn how to paint and draw.

Housed in Spanish Revival-style buildings on an extensive property with lush gardens, the museum is the home of an extensive collection of artifacts including a fantastic bird collection, a 72-foot Blue Whale skeleton that greets you upon entrance, and a planetarium. A relatively small museum, it’s not overwhelming, and perfect for a visit with kids. The Natural History museum also owns the Sea Center, which is located on the water and worth a visit on another day.

"Our friends, who have kids with similar ages to ours, took us to this fantastic rock climbing place for an afternoon of fun. That's Moses on the wall..." - GP

Located on 30 acres of botanic gardens overlooking the ocean, this is one of the most beautiful zoos, housing more than 500 animals in faithfully recreated natural habitats. Programs like Safari Sleepovers and Wildlife Encounters give visitors the chance to get even closer to the animals and see the inner workings of the zoo alongside a zookeeper.

The B Boutique is known for organic spray tans and bikini waxes, but the facials (which they don’t advertise) are great.

These subterranean caves are lined in Himalayan salt, which, according to Salt's website, contain the 94 "natural minerals and trace elements that are found in the human body." All that fun stuff aside, a 45-minute session sounds pretty great: You relax in a zero gravity chair while they play music and you breathe in mineral-rich air. They also offer more traditional treatments, like scrubs and massages. We've heard it's all good.

Auberge has certainly staked a claim in wine country resorts up in Napa—it has three up there—but the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern marks their first in southern California. Here, the bright, airy farmhouse cottages are outfitted with gas fireplaces, cushy four-poster beds, and claw-foot soaking tubs. Settle in, have the concierge book you winery tours all over the Santa Ynez Valley, and let yourself take on the pace of the place: leisurely.

Go to Bar Le Côte to sip Spanish and Santa Barbara wines, slurp east and west coast oysters from the half shell, and dig into scallops, paella, and whole grilled fish. Once you try the saffron buns and uni butter, you’ll want to spread uni butter on everything you eat, forever.

Chef Daisy Ryan and her husband Greg Ryan run Michelin-starred Bell’s, which serves à la carte lunches and prix fixe dinners, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and French techniques. The menu changes daily, depending on what’s fresh at the farmers market and what Daisy feels like making. That said, you can expect some killer seafood. The service here is warm and inviting, and the vibe is immaculately low-key—the kind of fine dining that works perfectly in Los Alamos.

Ask anyone—Bob’s Well Bread makes the best sourdough and pastries in the Santa Ynez Valley. Get cappuccinos, eggs benedict, and more blueberry scones than you can eat today (they freeze well). Their lunch menu is great, too. There’s another location in Ballard.

On Saturdays in Los Alamos, Priedite Barbecue pops up behind Bodega, and they make a kind of magic you don’t often find west of Texas. The smoker runs for days. If you get here right at opening, you’ll arrive to a line around the block; get here early for brisket, spare ribs, and pork shoulder by the pound, plus generous sides of baked beans, potato salad, slaw, and pickles. They do burgers on Sundays and tri-tip sandwiches on Thursdays.

This famous (and Robert Parker approved) winery has a busy tasting room that’s open daily. Beyond their own wines, the owners have collected some of the best wines from California and all over the world for guests to try.

When you’ve had your fill of formal tasting rooms and vineyard tours, pop into Bodega to buy a bottle of organic or biodynamic wine and lounge at a picnic table, in a hammock, or around a fire pit. Their wine list changes from week to week, and they never miss. And they make their own coloring books—great if you like to hang out and scribble while you sip. On Saturdays, Priedite Barbecue pops up with their famous adobo brisket tacos and spicy fennel slaw.

Some of the best wine in the area comes from this winery in the Santa Rita Hills. Produced by a small team, the winery does not offer tastings, however they do recommend visiting Taste of Santa Rita Hills in nearby Lompoc to try Sea Smoke’s Pinot Noir and other hard-to-get wines of the area.

Tucked away on an outcropping of limestone, this family-owned vineyard focuses on Syrah and Roussanne grapes, which they tend through sustainable and natural dry farming techniques. They take just as much care post harvest, using native fermentation techniques whenever possible. While they only offer private tours of the vineyard, they have a tasting room in Los Olivos.

While we’re big fans of this hotel all-year-long, it’s pretty great when the weather warms up. Grace Kelly’s favorite private beach is on premises—along with a 19th-century lighthouse—and you can rent the hotel’s yacht to picnic on a nearby island. Whether you opt for a room perched on the hill (beware, the walls in the hotel-proper are thin), a chalet by the harbor, or a beachside cottage, they are all beautifully appointed (and individually decorated) with stunning water views. Perks vary from room to cottage, including gas fireplaces, under-floor heating, whirlpool tubs, and private beaches/harbors. The two hotel restaurants—which source ingredients from on-property—are some of Newport’s best.

The recently re-opened, historic White Hart Inn, located right on the town green in Salisbury, Connecticut, is poised to retake its place as a central fixture of town life after closing for five years. For one, the historic Tap Room will once again serve local spirits, as it has for literally two centuries. Plus, the new restaurant will lean heavily on local produce from nearby farms and growers. While there’s plenty to see and do in the Connecticut countryside, the Inn itself is set up to provide a cozy, luxurious getaway should you choose to spend most of your time reading in your room. If you want to get out, you can walk to the Appalachian Trail straight from the inn, so bring your hiking boots. The beautiful Bash Bish falls are also within striking distance: You’ll be in Hudson River School country, so breathtaking views are a given. There's always a lot of fun, family friendly stuff going on in the nearby villages (hay rides, animal judging, iron skillet tosses), and great antiquing and shopping. Privet House, owned by Richard Lambertson (of Lambertson Truex), is particularly wonderful. Meanwhile, British Chef Annie Wayte of Nicole’s and Café 202 fame is taking the helm at the restaurant. For this new venture, she’s logged some serious time in the vicinity building a network of local farms where she’ll be sourcing all her ingredients.

For hard-earned weekend getaways, hop on MetroNorth to find yourself in the midst of this historic properties’ rustic grounds in little more than an hour. The eight, surprisingly spacious rooms (many have exposed beams, reclaimed wood furniture, and walk-in showers) are outfitted with all the modern trappings of a luxury hotel—Frette sheets, claw-foot tubs, and a room service menu—without sacrificing the inn’s understated aesthetic. Pry yourself from the comfort of your plush bed and working fireplace to take advantage of on-site yoga and other wellness-centric happening (guests can enjoy complimentary classes). For casual snacking and relaxed farm-to-table meals, The Barn serves up a seasonal menu in a no-frills, homey atmosphere. For a more inventive dining experience, head to Altamarea Group’s Italian eatery Campagna, where you can feast on a la carte, hand-made pasta dishes or a thoughtful prix fix menu designed by award-winning chef and restauranteur, Michael White.

The Mayflower Inn & Spa is one of those resorts that is a consistent siren song for worn-out New Yorkers. Overstuffed chairs, feather-topped beds, and softly printed toile wallpapers are design hallmarks here, which all add to the feeling that you’ve descended upon the guestroom of your most hospitable aunt. In short: You won’t want to leave. The spa is one of Connecticut's best, though for those who are more inclined to be outside, the resort sits on 58 acres. There’s a tap room for casual eats, as well as a more formal restaurant, The Mayflower Dining Room. There's plenty of antiquing and good eating in the surrounding villages. (Don't miss Privet House.)

Originally a country home for journalist Dorothy Thompson and her novelist husband Sinclair Lewis, this adults-only, all-inclusive luxury hotel still has the feel of a bohemian writer’s retreat. Woodsy, outdoor activities including cycling, canoeing, and picnicking (skiing in the winter) are all on offer. Indoors, Twin Farms’ art collection, which includes pieces from David Hockney and Jasper Johns, is outstanding. You’ll find ten individually themed cottages dotted throughout the Vermont forest, which means that you might end up in a fisherman’s lodge, or a Moroccan respite with mosaics and a tented ceiling. Meanwhile, the chef prepares a fresh, set menu daily, and consults you on your preferences before you arrive. The customized meals and wine pairings are part of the all-inclusive package. You can eat at the Main House, or in your cottage. Take note: This is a special place for a romantic getaway, not for kids.

Admittedly not one of the most exciting getaway options, the Ritz in Naples is a classic, large-scale resort experience without the international flight. You can check in and pretty much never leave, with seven different dining options, beach sports, extensive spa and a really great kids program called ‘Nature’s Wonders’ that features an in-house aquarium and classes on natural sciences, sea creatures, and ecosystems for ages five to twelve years old.

Lush tropical plants tower over the thatched-roof bungalows on the private white sand beach of this luxury resort on Little Palm Island. No phones, TVs, or kids under sixteen make it a romantic, secluded retreat with not much else to do besides lounge or learn how to deep sea fish or sky dive. The resort’s SpaTerre offers delicious sounding treatments inspired by the area, like coconut sugar scrubs and margarita-infused pedicures. They also offer massages on the beach for optimal relaxation.

This place oozes Nantucket-style, shingle-lodge B&B charm—only you’re on the beach in Florida. Small antique-y rooms feature oversized tubs and flannel blankets while rocking chairs are set up in front of a brick–lined fireplace in the reception room where you can take your evening drink and hors d’oeuvres during social hour. The ‘innkeepers’ make you feel like you’re a guest in their house, and we hear the homestyle breakfast is a real highlight.

Originally built in 1901, Blantyre was modeled after the owner’s family’s ancestral Scottish castle, complete with ivy-covered turrets, towers, and gargoyles. It didn’t become a hotel until 1981, when the house was restored by Ann Fitzpatrick Brown—and reinstated as a tribute to the Gilded Age. The décor here is fittingly lush, i.e. exactly what you’d expect to find in an English country manor. You’re supposed to spend your days relaxing in overstuffed armchairs by the fire, before descending to the dining room for canapés and champagne, and then a long, formal dinner (the dining room calls for jackets for gentlemen, and something a bit dressy for ladies). While high season here is spring-through-fall (in fact, the hotel was only winterized in 2005), if you come during the colder months, you’ll find a quieter stay—plus, they provide equipment for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. The Edith Wharton House, an estate the writer built, then lived and wrote in for many years, is just a mile away and open daily for visits. If you’re willing to go two miles, you’ll find The Shakespeare & Company playhouse, which hosts evening performances on weekends.

Staying at Villa Mara feels like staying in a luxurious private home—one that’s beautifully designed, adults-only, and 100 yards from the Pacific Ocean. There’s really no better place to land in Carmel, whether you’re there for a week or for a weekend: The location is notable for its proximity to the beach, yes, but also for being just far enough from the part of town that can feel crowded with tourists. In the mornings, the guests-only hotel bar serves juice shots, pastries, quiches, and excellent coffee. In the evening, it’s a relaxing place to gather for a cocktail or a glass of wine. Secluded firepits and cypress trees give the property magical—and elite—coastal grandmother vibes.

It feels more like Tangier than Palm Springs at this family-run pensione that channels the rustic romance of Morocco and the Mediterranean. Villas are filled with hand-carved wooden furniture, with lemon and olive trees right outside your window. Fountains, fire pits, and colored glass lanterns decorate the outdoor courtyard where group yoga and evening screenings of old movies happen (there are no TVs or phones otherwise). Ask for the Moroccan villa.

Situated just off Palm Springs’ main drag, this Spanish colonial hotel revolves around the main pool (trust us, it’s a good pool). It’s kind of a party hotel, but in a nice way, which means that while there’s generally always a scene, it’s not particularly loud and the hotel itself is really charming. As an adults only hotel, you won’t see any Swimmies in the pool. All of the guest rooms are lovely and done up in eye-pleasing neutrals and pops of print. That said, the freestanding bungalows are a worthy splurge for romantically inclined couples—they're quite a bit more private and some come with an outdoor bathtub sized for two.

Before you set up camp by one of the resort’s retro-glam pools, be sure to explore the winding pathways and sprawling grounds of this desert oasis: You’ll find outdoor fire pits, hammocks, cricket courts, and the Gene Autry Villa (the cowboy crooner’s former residence is always available, for a sizable fee). Much like the rest of the property, each of the 131 guest rooms and 14 suites are decked out in color-happy accessories, geometric throw pillows, and other mid-century elements, courtesy of Jonathan Adler’s interior decor skills. The spa and its Moroccan-themed indoor pool (no kids allowed) are the ideal sanctuary for whiling away a rainy afternoon with the hotel’s signature Pimm’s Cup in hand.

Forty-five pristine, highly manicured acres of gardens, olive groves, and luxury: That’s Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in a nutshell. The forty-nine suites are more like private casitas. And the amenities are plentiful: private gardens and patios, fireplaces, beds with astronomically high thread counts, espresso machines, marble bathrooms, plunge pools, the paper delivered to your door, and gorgeous views of the surrounding canyons (if you can call Mother Nature an amenity). The food is spectacular, the spa is one of the best we’ve ever tried, the private cabanas are dreamy, and everything about the resort—which is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Southern California—is truly sublime.

Balanced between the woods and Tomales Bay, Manka Inverness Lodge feels like a tucked-away time capsule—in the best possible way. This is one of those spots where you can pass an entire weekend without running into anyone else: Marin is sleepy, sure, but this place feels even more remote. Manka’s is made up of three separate properties—boat houses on the bay, complete with cathedral doors that open right onto the water; cabins tucked away up high on a ridge; and the main quarters, which revolve around a 1917 hunting and fishing lodge. The accommodations are reminiscent of (luxury) log cabin camping: Pendleton blankets, log post beds, stone slab fronted fireplaces, and taxidermy are all design hallmarks. Breakfast is brought to your room each morning. The proprietors are fanatical about local sourcing, so pretty much everything—from the butter on the toast to the honey—comes from Marin County. Their restaurant down the street, Sir and Star at the Olema, abides by a similar theme. There’s much to explore in West Marin. Check out how we spent 24 hours here.

While Malibu has long had a shortage of places to stay, that’s all changing now and a prime stretch of PCH is getting a modern update with the arrival of the Nobu Ryokan (a new hotel concept for the brand), just a few yards up the street from its namesake restaurant on Carbon Beach. Here, the intimate 16-room hotel is done up in a minimalist Ryokan-style. This translates to wraparound terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows meant to maximize ocean views, and teak, bronze and limestone detailing. The generously-sized rooms are a nod to both California and Japanese design with clean lines, tatami mats, and outdoor teak soaking tub. Guests naturally have priority booking at the restaurant next door, but there’s also a special in-room dining menu for those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their kimono robe, either.

This 20-room hotel is luxurious, airy, and light-filled. The rooms are thoughtfully laid out and beautifully appointed, each with its own ocean-facing balcony and hammocks, plus Grown Alchemist toiletries in the bathroom and Parachute waffle robes. (For a real treat, book the Surfrider Suite, which at 500 square feet feels like a serious home away from home thanks to a generously sized balcony, separate sitting area, and kitchenette.) There’s a guests-only roof deck bar and restaurant, which has uninterrupted views of Surfrider Beach across the street and a killer fire pit.

Having recently undergone extensive renovation, this 1840s neo-Gothic hideaway—just thirty minutes from Shannon airport—sits on 842 acres of manicured gardens, lush rolling fields, and medieval ruins; it's reason alone to travel to Ireland's verdant southwest (although the dozens of nearby historical sites, lively pubs, and quaint villages don't hurt, either). Each individually designed room is palatial in size, decked out with authentic mahogany Georgian-era furniture, sumptuous fabrics, nineteenth-century artwork, and a roaring open fireplace to ward off the inevitable Irish chill. The generously sized marble bathrooms are finished in vintage wallpaper and include deep stand-alone tubs, many of which overlook the grounds. As far as dining goes, there are two solid options on the property, but the Oak Room is hard to beat. The elegantly appointed Drawing Room is the perfect spot for morning coffee or a pre-dinner aperitif by the fire, while the subterranean David Collins–designed, vault-ceilinged Tack Room is the spot for wine and whiskey connoisseurs (Guinness lovers, too) to retreat for a few drinks. Activity-wise, choose from golfing, fishing, archery, and horseback riding, alongside dozens of country hikes and cycle trails. The spa (stocked with 111SKIN) is a tranquil space to indulge and unwind after a long day, accompanied by the comforting scent of autumnal fig that pervades the entire property.

A mere hour from Dublin, this lavish, lovingly-restored, Regency mansion has a pretty insane land-to-guest ratio. While there are only twenty bedrooms (beautifully appointed with four-poster beds, antique furniture, and open fireplaces), they sit on a lush, 600-acre estate replete with rolling fields, lakes, and plenty of Irish wildlife. This will matter to you if you ever opt to leave the house, which is inarguably epic—it boasts an incredible art collection, a well-stocked library, and billiards room, along with one of Ireland’s best organic farm-to-table restaurants with much of the food grown on the estate itself (guests are encouraged to collect their own breakfast eggs). Booze enthusiasts can avail of wine and rare Irish whiskey tastings (also known as “uisce beatha” or the water of life in Gaelic) hosted by the in-house sommelier in the cozy Cellar Bar. Should you want to stretch your legs, there are acres of immaculate gardens, rolling fields, lake fishing, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, falconry, and easy access to golf, not to mention an indoor pool and spa (try the healing Irish seaweed bath, a centuries-old traditional skin remedy). The nearby Slieve Bloom mountains are covered in trails and slopes ideal for hiking, biking, or just soaking up the region's natural beauty.

Spread across 400 bright green, undulating acres of farmland, this country house in rural East Cork looks straight out of central casting. Owned and run by the Allens–the reigning first family of the Irish food scene—Ballymaloe House itself is matriarch Myrtle Allen's former family-residence-turned-hotel. Staying here feels like coming home, the accommodations are supremely comfortable with Irish linen sheets, vintage wallpaper, and fresh vases of wildflowers delivered daily. The on-site restaurant features a menu inspired by the nearby world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School, and showcases the best of Irish produce, most of it sourced within a few miles of the house itself. The full Irish breakfast, including warm scones fresh from the oven and traditional delicacies like black pudding and kippers, washed down with several cups of strong tea, is a quintessential Irish experience not to be missed. We recommend booking in during the annual summer Litfest, a week-long food and drinks literary festival with industry speakers that have included Madhur Jaffrey, Alice Waters, and Francis Mallmann among others. Cooking enthusiasts will relish booking into the cookery school for workshops on everything from bread-baking to Asian cuisine, with all the ingredients foraged by the students themselves from the immaculate walled gardens and fields that surround the school and house.

Spread out over 18 acres of lush English countryside, Babington House, the thirty-two room Somerset outpost of London’s Soho House, is a two-hour drive from the city but feels worlds away. The Main House—a sprawling Georgian structure complete with a well-stocked library, cinema, and lounge—is home to 11 guest rooms, each boasting traditional décor, thoughtful modern tweaks, and freestanding claw-foot tubs. The Cowshed Spa offers signature treatments (the all-natural mud-soaks and massages are favorites), waxing services as well as access to both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and saunas. Though several on-site eateries (The Log Room is ideal for leisurely fireside dinners), a lengthy cocktail menu, and winding gardens have all the makings of a romantic getaway, kids are welcome. Teeny House (catering to the one-and-up crowd) and The Loft (outfitted with books, TVs, and gaming consoles for older kids) keep little ones busy while R&R-starved parents enjoy adults-only amenities stress-free. City-dwellers craving close-to-total seclusion are encouraged to hunker down in one of three split-level Walled Garden Rooms and indulge in a room-service menu that’s a far cry from standard hotel fare (think crispy oysters and buffalo mozzarella salad). For an extended stay, consider The Lodge, a stand-alone cottage with a full kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room.

This is one of those hotels that manages to make itself the destination, rather than Florence ( check out our winter guide to the city here)—while the city is within striking distance (15-minutes away by car), you won’t really want to leave the hotel’s gorgeous terraced gardens, stunning city views, and chic suites. The villa—which dates back to the 15th century—used to be a monastery, and it is said that Michelangelo carved its façade. There's also a fantastic cookery school on site where guests can partake in immersive cooking lessons taught by Executive Chef Attilio Di Fabrizio. For littles, the Young Chefs Academy is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Don’t be fooled by Cowley Manor’s stately stone facade, 55 acres of manicured pastures and its resident swans, the hotel’s interior is as contemporary as it gets. In the Main House you’ll find a leather-walled billiards room, a technicolor sitting room, and The Bar—a modern, wood-paneled venue ideal for working your way through the mile-long cocktail menu. The hotel’s star eatery, The Restaurant at Cowley Manor, is situated in a grand ballroom-like space and in contrast, serves up locally-sourced, modern iterations of British cuisine, plus a separate kid-friendly menu. Split between the Main House and the Stable Block, the airy guest rooms (thirty all together), are labeled Good, Better, Great, Exceptional, and Best; each one staying true to the hotel’s light-hearted vibe with retro furniture and splashy color palettes. The massive C-Side Spa includes two pool areas (one indoor, one outdoor), a gym, sauna, and steam rooms, in addition to a dedicated mani/pedi area. And though children are welcome at both pools and throughout the property, babysitting services are also available.

With roots that date all the way back to the 13th century, this country manor-turned-luxury hotel is a prime candidate for weekends away from London. It's just 20 minutes from the coast and steps from the rural beauty of the New Forest, which, in addition to providing guests with eye candy and roaming space, supplies the hotel’s eateries with freshly foraged fare. With chefs Luke Holder and Angela Hartnett at the helm, Hartnett Holder & Co serves up traditional English dishes letting locally-sourced ingredients shine while the health-focused Raw & Cured—as the name suggests, most of the menu is raw or cured. Spanning three floors and overlooking the ground, the spa, Herb House, is hailed as one of the best in the country. It offers a slew of stress-melting treatmentsa and a caldarium. What’s a caldarium? A piping-hot plunge pool inspired by ancient Roman baths.

This isn’t the fanciest hotel on the list, but we hear that it’s incredibly special and cool: It sits on the stunning Lake Garda, the restaurant focuses on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and its close to Verona, one of the cultural hearts of Italy.

Tucked in the rolling fields of Oxfordshire, members-only Soho Farmhouse is a compound that includes a, well...farmhouse, several luxury cabins, stables, and a velvet-laden screening room. The décor mirrors the other branches–so members will feel instantly at home–with plenty of country-chic details thrown in (note: green hunter Wellies at guests’ disposal). There’s a ton to do here, from swimming in the heated outdoor pools or lake (the latter is stocked with row-boats for day use), to indulging in the spa. For total privacy, book one of the cottages, equipped with bicycles, rainforest showers, and wood burning stoves, all of which make it pretty hard to leave.

There’s a reason why Stoke Park and its accompanying expanse of rich parkland look familiar: The Harry Colt-designed golf course (lessons are available upon request) had a starring role in two James Bond films, while one of the 14 suites (that’s in addition to 35 antique-clad guest rooms) stole the scene in Bridget Jones’ Diary. Established as the first British country club in 1908 under the watchful eye of King George III’s royal architect, this impressive mansion has been spiffed to boast all the creature comforts posh vacationers come to expect from a weekend in the country, with or without the kids. The world-class Stoke Park Spa is home to an indoor pool, marble steam rooms, and an awe-inducing tropical aquarium. Even if an overnight stay isn’t on the agenda, a celebratory meal at Humphry’s—Chef Chris Wheeler’s modern-British fine dining experience—is well worth the 45-minute drive from London. A three-course dinner may include such local delicacies as quail confit, artichoke tartlets, and English raspberry soufflé.

Lake Como—hugged tight by green mountains and pastel palazzi—is unabashedly old-school glamorous. Despite the hum of homeowners, holidayers, and the odd seaplane, the lake exudes a dolce far niente sundress-and-Aperol-spritz calm. A stay at the intimate Villa Làrio feels like floating around your own exquisitely restored palazzo, replete with lush gardens, contemporary interiors, and a mega view. We loved diving off the private jetty, laps in the pool, morning cooking classes, and finding cozy, manicured corners to enjoy the panoramic lake vistas. Da Luciano across the water for a Negroni, shellfish cavatelli in Cernobbio, daily dips, and Riva boat trips are the way to go. Pro tip: to really explore the little villages nestled around the lake, rent a car.

Thyme—a newish Cotswolds destination in tiny Southrop—wraps everything you could want into one tidy, Georgian bundle. Guest rooms are palatial, some with four-poster beds, others with vintage wallpaper and clawfoot tubs. The entire property is an ode to good, old-fashioned Englishness, where champagne is poured into proper crystal coupes, organic gardens are meticulously landscaped, medieval barns come cloaked in ivy, and afternoon scones are heaped with jam and clotted cream. Eat as many of Ballymaloe alum (and local son) Charlie Hibbert’s meals as possible in the Ox Barn. And book a few master classes at Thyme’s superb cooking school to take a taste of the Gloucestershire countryside home with you. For a change of scenery, a few steps through the gate and across the street is the Swan, Southrop’s charming pub: a roaring fire, a robust wine list, convivial locals, the works.

This stunning ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the west of Kyoto is for those looking to unplug and relax. You get to the resort by boat, and the ride over on the river between the mountains is just breathtaking. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a welcome song of chimes and led to one of the luxury ryokan style rooms overlooking the water. In the morning, have a Japanese breakfast in the room before joining in on breathing exercises. This is a really unique place.

Located in Ise-Shima National Park, just above Ago Bay (home to some of the most unreal pearls in the world), a visit to Amanemu feels a little bit otherworldly. The property, just three hours by train from Kyoto, is dotted with hot springs, and its minimalist rooms are done up in the ryokan-style, include soaking tubs (with separate faucets for cold, hot, or mineral hot springs water). The surroundings are just as tranquil—think, wood, bamboo, and stone structures marked by low-hanging tiled roofs and sliding screens, plus beautiful hand-carved traditional motifs. There's an outdoor infinity pool, which you'll be hard pressed to actually get out of (it's pretty incredible for stargazing), and a 22,000-square foot spa with outdoor onsen baths, a yoga studio, and four treatment rooms tucked into the forest. Meals are taken at at the aptly named Restaurant, where a team of 12 chefs trained by the Masanobu Inaba of Conrad Tokyo spotlight the region's izakaya-style seafood offerings and bento boxes of sashimi and tempura come lunch.

Situated on the banks of the Kamogawa river and overlooking a cluster of mountains, the Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto provides all the swanky amenities (spa, fine dining, impeccable service) one might expect, plus a slew of unexpected extras. While it’s the perfect home base from which to venture out into downtown Kyoto and surrounding districts, the hotel’s roster of activities offers plenty of reasons to hang around the property. Here, you can try your hand at Japanese floral design, soap making, traditional origami, and more. Sake tastings, matcha tea ceremonies, and master sushi classes can also be arranged for anyone who’s interested.

The Soneva family of resorts may be situated on some of the most gorgeous land in the world, sure, but what really gets our hearts beating faster is their dedication to a form of tourism that goes even beyond sustainable. It’s called Slow Life, which breaks down to: Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wellness Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences. Here, you truly disconnect from all the business at home, and connect instead with a stunningly, pristine landscape (including a UNESCO protected coral reef). There are 55 villas here, which have anything from three to nine bedrooms (making this epic for a big group of friends or family reunion), and the focus is equally on ensuring that kids have a great time, whether it’s in the open-air cinema, at the observatory, or riding bikes around the island. (It doesn’t hurt that they offer 60 kinds of ice cream.)

At Soneva Jani, zipping across the island on bikes, barefoot, is the norm. The spa occupies two complexes, one perched over the jungle and the other over the sea. (You can do a full-on panchakarma program with the resort’s resident Ayurveda experts, or follow up your massage with an hour in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.) Every accommodation is a one-to four-bedroom house on the beach or over the water, with private pools and full kitchens. In the master bedrooms, retractable roofs allow for stargazing from bed. Restaurant options abound.

GP took a family trip here a few years ago that she still talks about today. It was incredible. First, Soneva is a wonderful company (see Soneva Fushi). Second, you can pick from 24 villas or 11 private residences, which all boast infinity pools and access to both beach and rainforest. But for kids, it’s a real freak out. There was a water slide in GP's villa, there’s an open-air cinema, and you can eat in the trees. (There’s also an ice cream parlor.)

This might just be the most stunning stretch of sand—coupled with a warm, cerulean sea—in the world. The fact that it's an Aman just makes it even better. Like all its counterparts around the world, the resort essentially disappears into the surroundings, but in the most luxurious way. For one, it's set far away from the (very busy) Eastern part of the island. And for two, the rooms are simple and pristine. Besides a great spa and excellent food, there's tennis, reef diving, and plenty of other thrills to fill the days.

On Costa Rica’s Pacific side—the drier side, FYI—the Andaz is a great landing spot for those seeking a chill pace and family-friendly amenities. Rooms have pebbled rainfall showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and, depending on the floor, plunge pools or balconies overlooking the forest or bay. There are four restaurants; the highlight is Ostra, which features spins on traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado croquettes.

Even if you’re not in Cusco preparing for the journey up to Machu Picchu, this beautiful, cobbled city is well worth the visit. The Belmond Hotel Monasterio, a former monastery and now national monument—built in 1592 on the site of an Inca palace—turned luxury hotel brimming with character is, without question the most atmospherically beautiful spot to room in Cusco. The candlelit, cloistered courtyard is perfect for a pre-dinner pisco sour or morning coffee surrounded by trees. Be sure to wander into the restored Baroque chapel as you make your way to one of the hotel's two excellent restaurants nestled in the cloisters (Illariy is the Peruvian fine-dining option, while the more laid-back El Tupay hosts live opera a few nights a week). Besides visiting Machu Picchu, the hotel can arrange any number of activities, from white water rafting to cooking classes (Peru is a hotbed of culinary activity, after all). An additional draw is the live oxygen pumped into each room, a godsend for those adjusting to the altitude.

This brand-spanking new, Belmond-owned hotel in Cusco can proudly say it has the only outdoor swimming pool in all the land (heated, of course) and, with the building having been so beautifully restored from the Colonial palace and convent it once was, you can relax in luxury. Private butlers are available at the touch of a button through each room's souped-up iPad. Those suffering from altitude sickness (Cusco soars a head-spinning 11,152 feet above sea level) can request their rooms be pumped with extra oxygen or gently scented with Andean flowers and herbs which are believed to wield healing powers. The property is walking distance to the main square of the city, which is rife with up-and-coming restaurants, museums, and inviting little shops.

If you're looking for a serene spot to gather your thoughts before climbing Machu Picchu, hiking Sacred Valley, or from which to explore historic Cusco, look no further than Inkaterra La Casona (it's built on ancient Inca training grounds, after all). It's a Relais & Châteaux hotel (the first in Peru), so even though it’s housed in a 16th century mansion, the five-star amenities—heated floors, an eco-conscious Yaku spa—are plentiful. The 11 guest rooms are strategically placed overlooking a private courtyard and done up in traditional Peruvian style (Colonial furnishings, handwoven tapestries). The house restaurant serves up traditional Peruvian delicacies and delicious breads. For breakfast, the eggs Benedict are made to order and the staff will gladly pack a to-go picnic if a day of sightseeing is on the agenda.

The main building could use a bit of sprucing up, but the resort is one of the largest, most-inclusive on the island and a reliable full-service option for families. (It's also just two hours from New York.) There’s a big focus here on kids activities and golf, and the course is pretty immaculate, with views of the water and towering coconut palms overhead. The rooms are standard and comfortable with balconies overlooking the beach and mellow, tropical patterns throughout.

Situated along Mexico's stunning Riviera Nayarit, this big-ish resort offers multiple pools, multiple private beaches, one of the Four Season's fabled clubs for kids, and access to some of Mexico's best snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. There's also whale watching in Banderas Bay and a great spa, as well as plenty of locally-sourced seafood and Mexican fare on the menu.

If the words “Cabo San Lucas” conjure visions of college kids doing tequila shots, let the words “One&Only Palmilla” replace those visions with palm trees, hummingbirds, and flowers the size of dinner plates. The property’s history goes back to 1956, when it served as a 15-room luxury escape for the president of Mexico. Since then, it’s been transformed into a 174-room resort with lush gardens, a pristine waterfront, top-notch service, and amenities that have their own amenities (everything from a welcome drink to turn-down service menus and personal butlers). And if you rent out one of the two private villas on the grounds, you get a whole team of personal butlers. And if that isn’t quite enough to send you running to the airport: The One&Only has one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, a spa featuring a shaman-led sweat lodge called a temazcal, and—if you’re planning a special occasion of the very special type—a historic chapel with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.

In general, if you want to visit the Galapagos Islands, you have to be prepared to live on a boat while you sail around to see the region's incredible treasures—either a giant cruise ship, or a smaller yacht. Understandably, there's minimal infrastructure in this ecologically-imperiled region, which makes this environmentally-conscious arrival on Santa Cruz Island particularly special. Every day, you'll set out for naturalist-led excursions, either on Pikaia's yacht, or by land, and then return to the resort at night, where you'll find a pool, a spa, and a handful of restaurants to choose from. While the lodge invites kids ages 12-and-up, they'll likely make exceptions if you have a curious young one on your hands, as long as they're aware that the days are long (and start early). It's essentially akin to being on safari.

Rosewood Mayakoba is a huge resort that’s very well run and well-manicured. You’re surrounded by water, with the Caribbean on one side and freshwater lagoons on the other, which you traverse by boat. (You can always get around by bike or hitch a ride on a golf cart.) The suites have private plunge pools, sun decks, and outdoor showers; they’re spacious and great for friends traveling together. By day, Zapote Bar is a chill spot for a drink; it really turns up at night. Be sure to book a spot at La Ceiba—a dining experience under a large Ceiba tree on the property’s 20,000-square foot garden, where hotel guests and staff dine together on a menu crafted from locally-sourced produce and regional wines and tequilas. But if you want to hole up at the spa every day of your visit, you wouldn’t be blamed—it’s a totally special space, housed on a private island overlooking limestone lagoons and offering up an extensive menu of Mayan-influenced spa treatments and rituals.

Round Hill has long been a landing spot for starlets and artists: Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, Ian Fleming, Oscar Hammerstein, the list goes on. The Kennedys took their honeymoon here. But it’s Ralph Lauren (he bought a home here in the ‘80s, and describes the property as Eden) who’s left an indelible mark on the place: He designed the rooms.

Right in the middle of the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas lies the Sol y Luna lodge, a collection of color-happy luxury casitas spread out over beautiful gardens peppered with exquisite flowerbeds. We’re told this is the ideal base from which to go riding (on Peruvian Paso horses from the hotel's own stables), river rafting, trekking, or just simply wandering around the endless Inca ruins and villages dotted about. The Killa Wasi restaurant specializes in authentic Peruvian cuisine reimagined by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffin using only the freshest, tastiest locally sourced ingredients.

Despite the name, the tropical rainforest this resort is set inside is the bigger draw. This is a place to come if you’re into guided tours through the forest led by local marine biologists, a bird sanctuary, bike paths, etc. Kids can hang out in the Iguana Club if they don't want to trek. It has all the upscale amenities you’d expect from a St. Regis property, including their signature butler service (they unpack your bags), a Remède Spa, an oceanfront golf course, and good food.

One you arrive to Sugar Beach, you won't really want to leave—and that's kind of the point. Flanked by St. Lucia's twin volcanic Pitons, the property, tucked away on the island's west coast, is set amongst 100 acres of rainforest (meaning hummingbirds and butterflies are par for the course). Admittedly, it's a bit of a journey to get here, whether you fly in from the north or the south of the island, the road is steep and windy, but it's well worth the hour-long-drive. The recently renovated colonial-style cottages are the move—they're perched on the hillside and have their own claw-foot tubs, terraces as big as New York apartments, and are swathed in entirely in white from the slipcovered furniture to the four-poster beds. Each room has a private plunge pool,if you’re feel too lazy to wander down to the Caribbean, but should you make the effort, it’s one of those resorts where the main activity is ordering piña coladas to your beach chair while taking in the epic view. The spa is a necessary indulgence here, as the seven treatment rooms are tucked into private thatched-roof tree houses, and are the perfect spot for a bamboo massage or hot rock therapy.

With unobstructed views of Umbria’s rolling hillside and access to chefs, drivers, stables, and tennis courts, Castello di Reschio is the epitome of secluded luxury. Count Antonio Bolza and his architecturally inclined family spent decades restoring this 2,700 acre estate to its former glory (the main castle and about 50 farmhouses date all the way back to 1202). The rentable cottages, palazzos, and for-sale villas are meticulously furnished with modern pieces and artful details designed by Italy’s top artisans. The infinity pool overlooks ancient mulberry tree groves and fragrant lavender fields. The Reschio vineyard is famous for producing rosés which, along with expertly-prepared, locally sourced meals, you can sample at the property’s private restaurant.

At barely a year old, this five-star Swiss chalet has already gained a pretty impressive reputation as one of the best new hotels in Europe. It takes no more than two hours to get here from Zurich or Milan, but the picturesque ski-town locale is just remote enough to feel worlds away. The “Asian-Alpine” vibe (wood-paneled walls, dim lighting, soaring ceilings) is the doing of architect Jean-Michel Gathy and feels refreshingly cool rather than overdone. Each of the 105 iPad-controlled rooms has its very own fireplace, cashmere throws, and a sprawling bath stocked with Aqua di Parma products. While it's obviously the ideal spot for skiing (and après-ski), snow-boarding, and other snow-centric activities, summertime in Andermatt has its own charms (hiking, golfing, fishing, cycling...) The spa—it’s more of a separate wellness compound, really—is home to Finnish saunas, a gorgeous swimming pool, steam baths, and a lengthy treatment menu. Stop by the massive humidor cheese room or wander the spectacular wine library before hitting up the larger of the two on-site eateries for a stellar assortment of traditional Asian, European, and Swiss fare (we hear the daily breakfast spread is no joke). The 40-seat sushi restaurant offers a deep Japanese beer menu to round out a meal of super fresh sushi, sashimi, and tempura.

The Four Seasons Megève offers all the trappings you'd expect from a Four Season's property (heated indoor/outdoor pool, an 18-hole golf course and, obviously, a ski concierge and valet) with the French Alps as its background. (Blessedly, it's also a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Courchevel). Each of the 55 rooms is thoughtfully considered, done up in dark wood, crisp linens, and heated floors in the bathroom, each one with its own stunning mountain views as well as ski-in/ski-out access to Mont d’Arbois. The concierge can set you up with a wide range of year-round activities, from golf and hiking in the spring, to skiing and dogsledding in the winter. Should you wish to venture outside of the hotel, Megève is a great place to explore and get your picturesque French village fix. Note the hotel is open from the beginning of December to April, and again from June to September.

Built in 1920, Gleneagles feels like the world's most sprawling manor house. The surrounding countryside, meanwhile, is 850 acres of pure rural bliss. There are pristine rivers teeming with trout, bridle paths, and long, meandering trails through untouched meadows for walking and biking (plus four golf courses that regularly host championship tournaments). But maybe the best thing to do (indoors or out) is to claim a cozy corner of the hotel’s Century Bar, a grand dining room with velvet banquettes and club chairs. It’s here you’ll find guests leafing through newspapers with a Scotch whisky in hand. Have at least one meal at Andrew Fairlie—the only restaurant in Scotland with two Michelin stars—known for its smoked lobster, an aromatic dish that incorporates a five-hour infusion over whisky barrel chips. Your other option is the Strathearn, a cavernous, chandelier-studded venue for old-school dinners (beef Wellington sliced tableside, flambéed crepes). Grab a nightcap afterward (or a predinner cocktail) at the elegant, David Collins–designed American Bar. It has glamour in spades: Walls are clad in lavender cashmere, and the menu is given mostly to champagne and caviar. Need we say more.

Originally built in 1891 in a beautiful, remote region of Norway, Hotel Union Øye is stunning in its own right: The historic inn has 30 guestrooms outfitted with antique tapestries and clawfoot tubs, a verdant conservatory restaurant, and lushly appointed common rooms, including a working library dedicated to mountaineering and exploration. But it’s the surrounding landscape—dramatic alpine peaks and a vast fjord—that makes this property breathtaking.

Sister property to South Africa’s Babylonstoren, the Newt in Somerset is a country hotel on an 800-acre cider-making estate. The gorgeous limestone main house—the Hadspen—was originally built in the seventeenth century and remodeled for Georgian sensibilities in the next. Half a mile away in the Farmyard house, accommodations are a little more rustic, but still luxurious and considered. There’s a private cabin, too, built into the stone wall that surrounds the property. The restaurant menu features Babylonstoren wine and whatever is fresh picked from the garden, and the spa offers yoga, sound baths, a hammam, and a very cool indoor-outdoor pool.

When Ritz Paris opened in 2016 after four years of renovations—the first closure in the hotel’s storied history—loyalists appreciated that the designers kept the hotel’s charming, traditional style firmly intact (if a bit spruced up), down to the grand window treatments, gilded frames, and copious chandeliers. As ever, the rooms are exceptionally luxurious: Each is outfitted with a marble bathroom, generous windows, and famously soft sheets, with many boasting antique furnishings. The hotel is also home to three restaurants, two of which now have retractable glass ceilings on their patios: L’Espadon, for a traditional, white-tablecloth French dining experience, including breakfast and lunch; Bar Vendôme, a moody brasserie with red velvet booths; and the Ritz Bar, a more casual spot with shared plates and an Art Deco design palette. The hotel is home to a stunning fitness center—also available to private club members—where guests can swim laps in a gorgeous tiled pool or sign up for a day of pampering in the Chanel spa. But we’re probably most excited about the reopening of Bar Hemingway, the old author’s historic haunt that’s now famous for some of the world’s best cocktails.

Four Seasons Lanai is even more breathtaking in person: The championship golf course bumps up against steep ocean cliffs. There’s an observatory for guided stargazing and a lesson in traditional wayfinding—delightful for little ones. The Nobu and Malibu Farm on site are particularly thrilling if you’re a fan of outposts elsewhere. But perhaps what’s most notable is the sense of seclusion; the extra effort it takes to get here (by seaplane or ferry) pays off. The island’s second Four Seasons property, which lies inland, is recently reimagined as part of Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s wellness hospitality venture, Sensei.

One excellent hotel option—particularly for families, or anyone traveling with other couples—is the Lodge at Kukui'ula, a private club in Poʻipū that stretches across 1,010 acres, and was included in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hawaiian Resorts. Comprised of multi-bedroom homes—most with adjacent guest houses—it has plenty of high-end touches and amenities. While all the homes are equipped with lavish kitchens, the club restaurant, ʻUmeke Kitchen + Bar is excellent, and serviced by an on-site garden. There's a multi-level pool complete with hot tubs, a water slide, and a beach (the real beach is just across the road), a keiki play room, and the on-site Huakaʻi Outfitters staffed by locals who know all the island's secrets—what's better is that they'll take you there, or pack you a cooler and bag of equipment and send you on your way. For those otherwise inclined, there is a Tom-Weiskopf-designed golf course, tennis courts, and the award-winning Hiʻilani Spa and Fitness Center, home to a gym, yoga studio, and more.

Those in the know agree that a trip to Utah isn’t complete without a stay at Sorrel River Ranch. Located right in the middle of dramatic cliff tops, this resort has farm-to-food plates, a great spa as well as national park walking, river rafting, off road touring, and family friendly activities. Check into one of the 55 wood-beamed suites and feast your eyes on dramatic views of the Colorado River. Or better yet, come with family and friends and stay at the 2,000-square-foot Ranch House.

We have it on good authority that Zion Mountain Ranch is a total gem. Go here for canyoneering, night campfires, and horse back riding, as well as the incredible, life-changing landscapes and scenery. In fact, this National Register of Historic Places member is the only place to stay within the confines of Zion National Park. Top-notch restaurants and modern amenities are above and beyond what one might expect from such a remote location.

Since 1927, adventurous types who like to kick off their boots at the end of a long excursion have used this hotel (formerly known as the Majestic) as their base camp in Yosemite. Watch out for bears as you make your way to the park's main attractions like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, or Glacier Point. When you've had your fill of the great outdoors, head indoors to a room in the lodge, many of which can be combined to accommodate big groups; they also have rustic cabins in the pines.

Aman resorts are known for impeccable service and some of the most stunning (and remote) locations in the world—no big surprise, but this one fits the mold perfectly. Set into a butte overlooking Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons, it’s a pretty ideal venue for skiing, though during warmer months, it offers great hiking, rafting, and horseback riding, where you might happen upon deer, bald eagles, and even black bears. It also has an excellent spa. If you come in the summer, pack jeans, a cowboy hat, and boots for horseback riding, along with hiking boots and river gear. Because the views of the Rocky mountains and the plains below are the focal point, all 40 suites are decorated in neutral tones that won’t distract you from the outdoors. Along with decks and outdoor seating, each suite features a daybed in the bedroom, and a soaking tub that’s positioned next to floor-to-ceiling windows. Don’t skip out on the heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking the surrounding plains. Keep in mind that Amangani is also within striking distance of Yellowstone National Park.

Kids will go nuts for this hip, affordable, inn-like spot in South Lake Tahoe, and for good reason: You’ll find forest wallpaper, fake campfires, tented beds, Coleman-style lanterns, steel bunk beds and... Xboxes. Each of the 50 rooms has a different look, but they all revolve around a cabin-like theme—with plenty of modern (and eco) flourishes. The emphasis is on shared experiences here, as many of the rooms come with bunks, and you’re encouraged to mingle with the other guests at communal dinners, the fire pits, and in the rooftop hot tub. Rooms start at $89 a night, which tends to attract a younger crowd. Definitely pack ski gear, as it’s a few short paces to the Heavenly Gondola; and a Swiss army knife, for hikes, adventures, and getting lost (a “Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” comes with every room).

With a coveted location right by Jackson’s tram, Caldera House has just eight suites, each with two or four bedrooms. It’s worth noting that nothing comes cheap here—during peak season, four-bedroom suites go for upwards of $20,000 per night. But if you’re traveling with a couple of families and would have rented a house in the area, the location alone makes it a compelling option. Coveted amenities don’t hurt, either: namely valet parking, which is otherwise nonexistent here. The team here keeps a low profile, and you won’t see much of them if you’re not seeking out their (excellent) services; they can set up a day of heli-skiing, a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, or naturalist-guided snowshoeing through the Tetons.

Beyond the high-tech camping fabrics and unglamorous tents, this is our pick for the most design-worthy camping site out there. Located about an hour west of the park’s boundaries, beneath Lone Peak, this collective of beautifully built canvas tents is roughing it at its best (and to say roughing it is a stretch). Each teepee-like tent is outfitted with chic, rustic furniture, a plush king-sized bed, and tribal decor. To make the entire camping experience pretty much labor-free, the full-service company schedules farm-to-table breakfasts and dinners cooked on site by a nearby chef.

Occupying a long-abandoned ghost town in the Colorado Rockies, this luxe spin on a dude ranch offers everything you'd expect from a trip to the mountains. You can go on long trail rides, fly fish in the Dolores, or hike, mountain bike, or mountain climb (for those truly vertically inclined). They also offer white water rafting and archeological day trips to the desert. All the activity is met with welcoming luxury back home in camp, whether you're staying in a log cabin, a perma-tent, or a tipi. You'll find cozy beds outfitted with high-thread count sheets and Pendleton blankets, fireplaces, and a well-appointed spa. Obviously, there's a saloon, and plenty of barbecue, too.

Sprawled out over 20 acres of woods on the outskirts of the park (not nearly as touristy as the center), Evergreen isn’t so much a hotel as it is a cluster of adorably rustic cabins surrounding a communal main plaza...kind of like summer camp. You can easily daytrip down to Yosemite Valley, but with a pool, pop-up BBQs, two restaurants, an old-timey general store, and a slew of throwback activities (outdoor film screening, s’mores, bingo) offered right on property, you might not want to ever leave. There’s even a youth program to keep little ones occupied.

Located on the other end of the Going to the Sun Road on the eastern edge of the park, this is inarguably one of our favorite hotels in the world. There are few amenities—the towels are more like washcloths and you won’t find fancy shampoo in the shower—but the Alpen-themed lodge, which dates back to 1915, sits on the edge of the surreally beautiful, glacial Swiftcurrent Lake. While rooms here tend to book up far in advance, it’s a sprawling place, and if you’re persistent, something usually opens up. The food is not going to blow your socks off, but it’s pretty much the only option, and after a long day of hiking, it’s totally sufficient. You can leave from here, on foot, for a handful of the park’s best hikes, including Grinnell Glacier and Iceberg Lake, though the lodge lobby, complete with a gigantic fireplace, is a nice place to read away the better part of an afternoon, too. Like with all the Glacier lodges, there are no TVs in the rooms, and there’s no cell service throughout the park, making this one of the few places where you can truly check out.

Just 40-minutes east of Missoula, we came to affectionately call this 37,000-acre spread Montanaland: Paws Up is a bit like a theme park set against some truly majestic country. There's ATV-ing, go-carts, a gun range, archery, paintball, a kids camp (where they took the kiddos on a legitimate hike), horses galore, plus ample opportunity to river raft, fly fish, and work a cattle drive. The on-site spa is excellent, the food is good, and the accommodations—which range from log cabin homes to tented yurts perched on a cliff above the Blackfoot river—will leave little doubt in your mind that this is the West. The only real drawback is that it's not all-inclusive, which can make it harder to completely disconnect. Ultimately, though, it's kid heaven, where blessedly, iPads probably won't come out of the suitcase. Every morning brought new adventures, and by the end of the day they were ready to pass out in front of the fire.

If you were to drum up an image in your mind of what an Old West homestead should look like, you’d probably conjure up The Ranch at Rock Creek. And for good reason, as it was one, dating back to its original function as a mining claim in the 1800s (nearby Philipsburg was home to a major silver boom). It was homesteaded in the early 1900s and has been a working cattle ranch since, though it now doubles as a luxury guest ranch—and it is really, really well done. Though it’s been tastefully rehabilitated, much of the main lodge is original, and the log homes and tent-style accommodations that dot the valley seem like they could have been from that era as well, thanks to period-appropriate (though cushy) fixtures, and an incredible body of photography, all sourced from the state archives in Helena (19th century boy with pet bear? Check.). It’s all-inclusive here, and you can pick from a range of activities every morning, so if your kid falls in love with a particular horse, he can ride that horse everyday. (As a nice extra, they accommodate more advanced riders, too, which means you can actually get out and run.) There’s fly fishing, paint ball, shooting, archery, an on-site spa, and a rodeo every Tuesday night—they can also arrange for rafting, helicopter trips to Glacier or Yellowstone, or heli-hiking into the back country (those cost extra). And the food? The food is the perfect balance between comfort ranch and modern healthy— and all as locally sourced as possible. There’s a weekly post-rodeo barbecue, an evening of cooking outside in Dutch Ovens (a neat culinary trick that the chef, Josh Drage, picked up from his grandmother), interesting spins like sweet potato sandwiches, and the occasional night of wine pairings and fancy food.

Built in 1909, The Stanley was famously the inspiration for The Shining, and the hotel plays right into its reputation, offering a “night spirit tour” that features dark corners of the property where paranormal activity has been recorded. If you can get past the haunted element, it really is by far the nicest place to stay in Estes Park, especially if travelling with kids. Plus, it’s only a few miles from the park entrance, and a partnership with Kent Mountain Adventure Center means you can actually book guided hikes and other park activities along with your room. For the littles (and the grown-ups), there’s snowshoeing, back-country and cross country skiing in winter, while in the summer the hiking and wildlife viewing is just out of this world.

Incredibly well-situated with views of downtown Boulder and the mountains, St Julien is the best of both worlds one typically comes to Denver for: the great outdoors and luxuriously cozy accommodations. On offer are both outdoor adventure packages and ski escapes (thanks to a partnership with Eldora Mountain), full-service on-site spa, and afternoon tea in The Onyx Room—a stunningly gorgeous, private dining room—of the hotel’s modern, organic-and-sustainable-centric restaurant and bistro, Jill’s. In addition to the spa, a lap pool, whirlpool, and fitness center are available to guests; and (if you feel compelled to leave this has-it-all haven) it’s just a five-minute walk to the Pearl Street Mall.

While we couldn’t be bigger fans of the Montage Deer Valley, the St. Regis is a great option too, with tons of bells and whistles—from their signature butler service to a funicular that brings guests from the valet to the main lobby. Kids love the big swimming pool, and the fire pits on the terrace, where you can roast s’mores under the astonishingly starry sky. For parents, their impeccable service makes planning activities and getting around the town incredibly easy.

Nestled at the base of Snowmass and fully ski-in/ski-out, The Viceroy is one of the best stays for families coming to the Aspen area. Ski valet, spacious multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens, and in-room washer/dryers take the stress out of gearing up for ski school. There’s also full-time childcare available on site and a heated outdoor pool that stays open year-round, making it easy to keep little ones entertained off the slopes. Adults have plenty to enjoy too. This winter, the hotel debuts Lift Line—a lively, slope-side après and dining spot —serving hearty tavern favorites like a signature double cheeseburger and creamy tomato soup. Cocktails, craft beers, and fireplace lounges give the grown-up set their own version of mountain relaxation. New additions at the Snowmass base area, including Elk Camp Sixpack and the Cirque T-Bar, make the Viceroy an even more convenient launch point for exploring the mountain all day long.

Buttermilk biscuits with a view. Equal parts luxury hotel, world-class kitchen, and working farm, this 4,200 acre foodie resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains is a slice of heaven for those hungry for rest, relaxation, good music, and, of course, incredible Southern cooking. Check their calendar before booking for events that may be of interest like truffle hunts, photography workshops, wellness weekends, and featured celeb chefs like Joanne Weir and Daniel Boulud.

Blackberry Farm’s sister resort, Blackberry Mountain, is the brand’s wellness-focused concept. And every aspect of the experience here is supportive of those ends. The culinary program (fantastic) is rooted in nourishing, farm-fresh meals. Activities center around mindfulness, from meditative watercolor and forest bathing to trail running and ropes courses. Guests stay in stony cottages, intimate treehouses, and multi-bedroom homes, which are clutch if you’re coming with friends. And the Joanna Czech–certified spa, the Nest, offers facials with cult-status skin care, like Biologique Recherche and Augustinus Bader.

This oceanside resort, complete with tennis courts, spa, and a fleet of charter boats, has been around for over a century and luckily, the main house has retained its understated glamour even after several updates. Whether you’re staying in the original main house or the newer stand-alone cottages or spa suites, the vibes are distinctly Cape Cod, with huge paned windows (a good chunk of the rooms have ocean views), plush beds, and shades of blue. The property is operational year-round and the deserted beach (the hotels sits on a private stretch) and ample roaring fireplaces make it an unforgettable stay off-season.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean, this historic, Victorian hotel was rescued from demolition in 2005 and lovingly restored by husband-and-wife team, Charles and Deborah Royce. In just a few years, it’s become one of the East Coast’s most favored retreats, thanks to its modern rooms, water views, cabanas, surf lessons, and fleet of yachts. The seafood-centric, on-site restaurant, Verandah—which overlooks Naragansett Bay and the Atlantic—is great, too, making for a pretty classic seaside stay. There's a lot for kids, including a kids-club if you want some alone time.

This historic landmark hotel sits on a sprawling expanse right on the Nantucket harbor. Each of the plush rooms, suites, and cottages are light and airy with elegant beachy touches. Most have a fireplace, which makes them nicely cozy for off-season stays. You can sunbathe on the lawn, or head to a nearby beach (they’ll provide the beach chairs, towels, and kids toys should you need them), or better yet, hire a Barton & Gray yacht from the hotel’s dock. The hotel is known for Brant Point Grill (the seafood is excellent), along with its spa, but if you want to get out and go to town, they provide a car service. Bring your kids! This is a family oriented hotel that provides babysitting service referrals, DVDs for little ones, a kids menu at the restaurant, and an “adventure guide” and beach toys at check-in.

The Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful wildlife habitats in the world. Right in the heart of this wetland paradise lies Little Vumbura, a six-room camp nestled in lush greenery. The property is understated yet thoughtfully appointed with a plunge pool, star deck, and comfortable dining area—perfect for families or honeymooners. Ideally situated for elephant, lion, and hippo sighting, the little island is an animal-lover’s paradise. With your knowledgable guide in tow, you can approach the plentiful game by traditional canoe (mokoro) as well as by motor boat and 4x4. During the wet season, when the waters are high, the campgrounds can only be accessed by boat. It’s truly as authentic as it gets.

If ever there was a word to describe the fusion of glamping and safari, “San Camp” would most definitely be it. The retro-tinged tented camp is on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans in the Kalahari desert in Botswana. Recently refurbished, San Camp evokes a feeling of Morocco meeting India in the African desert. Leave the serene comfort of your spacious sleeping quarters and venture into the grand mess tent, where decadent culinary masterpieces are served family style. Explore the salt pans by quad bike in the day or spend time with the meerkats. At night, soak up the retro-chic atmosphere in the warm glow of paraffin lanterns. Here, solar energy is the main source of power.

Everything about this safari camp is achingly chic (to the extent that it's Michael Kors' favorite vacation destination), from the leather and canvas washed interiors, to the long pool. Of course, that's kind of just a side note to the fact that it's in the middle of South Africa's Kreuger National Park, meaning that you get to take your laps in the morning to the sound of giraffes tussling nearby. There are also incredible views of the N'wanetsi river. While they allow kids over 10, keep in mind that a safari isn't for those who don't want to wake up early in the morning (or hate being confined to a car for most of the day). Rates include two game drives per day, walking safaris, and all meals and drinks (there's a great wine cellar).

Sitting in what is known as the Southern Alps, this New Zealand resort truly makes you feel like you've reached the edge of the earth. While you could sit and stare at the view all day, Queenstown adventures beckon, making this a really good choice if you have teens. You can take heli tours of the glaciers, bungee jump, mountain bike, or hike—and then round out your busy days with delicious meals by the fire.

This Rosewood-managed property is located in Hawke's Bay, deep in the heart of New Zealand's rich wine country—which, geographically speaking, looks as if one took the rolling hills of the Napa Valley and set them down on the edge of a dramatic seaside cliff. The internationally known golf course (which meanders its way along the aforesaid cliffs) is part of the draw here, but guests also spend their time exploring the 6,000 acres of pasture—The Farm is actually a working sheep and beef operation, and touring around by foot or on a four-wheeler, to see the full acreage and get a glimpse of the sheepdogs at work, is highly recommended. The architecture features worn wood panels on the inland side and glass, view-facing windows on the other, achieving a barn-like effect that's tempered by modern features like a sleek infinity pool. Interiors echo the modern farmhouse vibe, with cozy wooden fireplaces in every room, rustic beams crossing the vaulted ceilings, and curtains done in soft blue French ticking. The owners have two other properties in New Zealand (Matakauri, a lakeside retreat a short drive from Queenstown, and Kauri Cliffs, which has beach access in Mauri Bay), so if you're making the trek from the United States, it's worth hitting more than one over the course of the trip. P.S. Everyone's obsessed with the chocolate chip cookies from the kitchen here, for good reason.

Hailed as the Galapagos Islands of Australia, we've heard that Kangaroo Island—and more specifically, the Southern Ocean Lodge—are insane. Cantilevered out over the ocean, not only are the views epic, but you get to take them in while drinking some of Southern Australia's best wines—and after a day spent with seals, kangaroos, and any number of aquatic creatures. There's sea kayaking, hiking, and an on-site spa, with a mile-long menu of indulgences. While we can imagine checking in for a full week, this seems like a great add-on to a city adventure in Sydney.

This sustainability-minded, hyper-luxe hotel-slash-campsite nestled into the stunning UNESCO Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experience. The team does everything for you, from picking you upon arrival via a floatplane to catering to every hospitality need when you're staying in your own private–and lavish–safari-style tent. The daily activities are seemingly endless, from hiking to horseback riding to salmon fishing–all of which leave you hungry and even more appreciative of the decadent, local, chef-prepared meals served daily. There's even a spa on location, offering restorative massages and yoga.

The relationship between the Fogo Island Inn and the beautiful community and physical landscape in which it exists is pretty incredible. Conceived as a social enterprise to support the tiny, yet sturdy outport community on the island, it provides jobs, celebrates local cuisine, and donates all of its proceeds to community programming. The inn itself is a gorgeous, simple, modern building that juts out in juxtaposition to, yet somehow at harmony with, the rocky outcroppings of the landscape. For visitors, the quaint quality of the place inspires plenty of hand holding: In the summer and fall, you can hike the idyllic trails in search of wild berries and local wildlife, like caribou, foxes, puffins, and migrating whales—in the winter, you'll find ice fishing, picturesque snowfall, and plenty of cozy fires. The décor (not surprisingly, all of the furniture was built by the locals) is modern but cozy, with Scandinavian-feeling wooden shapes and warm, hand-made quilts. As you might expect, the views out of the wide, modern windows are nothing less than jaw-dropping.

With the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean out front, a dense rainforest in the back, and jagged cliffs or beaches on either side, family-owned hotel The Wickaninnish Inn is about as close to nature as you can get without pitching a tent among the pine trees. Though overused, in the context of its driftwood-dotted interiors, ample fireplaces (there’s one in every room), and on-site woodcarving shed, “rustic” is by far the best adjective for describing the inn’s warm, welcoming personality. For storm chasers, observation points to take in the drama from a comfortable distance are scattered throughout the property, including the guestrooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows, overstuffed chairs, and binoculars are worked into the minimalist décor for that very purpose. (For those hell-bent on experiencing some weather first hand, each room comes with rain gear and wellies). Best of all, you can get a view from the top before you even step foot on the grounds by hopping on a seaplane over from the mainland.