Castello di Reschio

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rosewood Miramar Beach is a bright, airy refresh of a property that dates back to 1876. There’s history here—it was formerly the storied Miramar by the Sea—and so much beauty and comfort you (almost) won’t want to leave the property. Guest rooms are done up in shades of cream and blue, and each has a private terrace with deck chairs made for lounging and ocean-gazing. If you’re coming with kids, go for a bungalow suite.

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.

The andBeyond outfitters have a slew of incredible properties in Africa (they'll typically book visitors to more than one destination in one visit), and while this quiet paradise off the coast of Mozambique makes a great beachy add-on to a safari trip, it's a more than worthy destination in its own right. For starters, there's the idyllic private beach location in the Bazaruto Peninsula, where the already-warm waters of the Indian Ocean are gentle, and swimming and snorkeling is comfortable and easy—those balmy temperatures also attract pods of humpback dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs (the endangered Indian version of a manatee). It's easy to fill the days here lounging in the sun (especially since the West-facing beach means they have gorgeous sunsets), but there's plenty of high-touch staff on hand to organize excursions for sailing, deep sea fishing, and diving. That said, you'd be entirely justified in never leaving your individual cabana—each is decorated in blues and whites, with thatched wooden roofs, gauzy curtains hanging around the four-poster beds, and private open-air showers.

Housed in a renovated lodge on a 123,500-acre reserve, you're in close reach of all of the activities that Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe have to offer. Made up of two camps, each nine rooms strong, the stone-and-thatch facades dot the riverfront and feature all the requisite safari creature comforts: a four-poster bed, indoor-outdoor shower, and a private plunge pool. The team can arrange everything from game drives (there are incredible elephant sightings), birdwatching, canoeing, and boat excursions.

For the better part of a decade owners Koos Bekker and Karen Roos lovingly worked on restoring a 300-year-old farm at the base of the Simonsberg mountains into a wine destination in its own right. There are only thirteen rooms (formerly farm-workers’ cottages) and each one is whitewashed and pristine with an open floor plan and modern furnishings from the likes of Kartell and Bourellec Bros. For those in need of something more generously sized, whether it’s for themselves or for a couples getaway, the five-bedroom Owner’s House is pretty special, and features checkerboard floors in the bathrooms, a soaking tub, and the farm kitchen with its own wood-burning stove. On property, an eight-acre walled garden informs much of the menu at its restaurant, Babel, which churns out deliciously fresh meals. (In the summer months, it's yellow tomatoes, apricots, and gooseberries, while a winter menu may feature, say, a slow-cooked lamb leg in a red wine sauce.) For a bit of pampering, spa treatments can be had in the bamboo pavilion, which also includes a Hammam. Guests can participate in the harvest, pruning, and picking (they provide trowels and gloves), and they also offer wine tastings, though Babylonstoren is also within easy striking distance of South Africa's other celebrated vineyards. If you’re in need of an expert to help you plan a longer Africa trip, consider Deborah Calmeyer, a trip-planning ace at ROAR Africa, who can set you up at Babylonstoren and beyond.

Owned in part by Richard Branson's sister, Vanessa, El Fenn is a bright spot in a city that's already wildly colorful. Years ago, Vanessa and partner Howell James were walking through Marakkech looking for a home to buy when they came across a once stately riad that was desperately in need of a resuscitation. The pair restored it to its former glory, and transformed it into a gorgeously appointed hotel, which now has 41 guest rooms. It has a number of restaurants, bars, and pools, and it's within striking distance of most of Morocco's biggest hits (see our Marrakech guide).

The grounds at the Saxon Hotel are so relaxing and private that Nelson Mandela retreated here to write his memoirs. Located on ten-plus acres, the approach here is zen- and detail-orientated—from the impeccable service to the neutral decor that mirrors the surrounding African landscape. If you're really looking to recharge, it's best to book one of the private villas–and book a sound therapy session at the spa. On the property, high tea–one of the Saxon's specialties–is served daily in one of the six impeccable gardens. And while the hotel's huge pool and rooftop terrace offer even more reasons to stay put, should you want to venture out, Sandton, a neighborhood known for its shopping, is an easy day trip.

"I stayed at the revamped historic La Mamounia Hotel, located in the heart of the imperial city. The Jacques Garcia designed interiors are splendid to say the least, and the hotel’s gardens are out of this world, almost from a fairy tale. The hotel has four restaurants supplying cuisine from around the world—L’Italien, Le Francais, Le Marocain, and Le Pavillion de la Piscine—and five bars to choose from—Le Bar Marocain, Le Bar Italien, Le Bar Churchill, Le Bar de la Piscine, and Le Menzeh 'Glacier & Patissier.' The food and drinks here are elegant and delicious, and with all the choices, it’s easy to stay in the hotel for an entire weekend of relaxation. Speaking of which, I couldn’t resist a daily Hammam treatment at the hotel’s spa. Get this: 15 minutes in a steam room, a full-body lather in black soap, an exfoliating rub down, a Ghassoul (Moroccan clay) body masque, and then a warm shower... Ridiculously lavish!" —Gwyneth, 2019

Surrounded by the hills and vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley, this little boutique hotel (there are only 21 rooms on the property) is just an hour from Cape Town, but it feels worlds away. While the quaint, comfortable suites by themselves justify a trip, this location is really all about the food. Their famous restaurant The Tasting Room has been re-imagined as La Petite Colombe, the second location of a La Colombe, a much-lauded local outfit that made a name for itself with the exquisite tasting menus that perfectly complement the the wine from this region. Note: They're currently closed for almost-finished renovations, and are now taking reservations for their re-opening.

The first hotel from designer Jasper Conran (son of design luminary Sir Terence Conran, and maker of several famous Princess Diana suits), this 19th-century renovated riad is smack dab in the middle of the medina, just a few blocks from Jemaa el-Fnaa. Conran's design scheme is subtly 1930s, featuring whitewashed beds done in clean linens and draped with sheer curtains; meticulously selected antiques and artwork from Conran's own collection; and Moroccan flourishes like tall zouak ceilings, mosaic tiling, and locally made rugs. Despite its close proximity to the lively madness of central Marrakech, the entire operation here, from the five elegant suites to the serene rooftop terrace—which offers gorgeous view of the Atlas mountains—is pure serenity. The central courtyard features a small swimming pool (hard to come by in this part of town, even at luxury hotels) shaded by lush palms and citrus trees, and there's a private hammam with tadelakt walls done in a rich jade green. A simple but satisfying menu of old-school Moroccan dishes like tagines, grilled meats, and locally grown vegetables is served in a lovely little dining room that opens up onto the courtyard in the warmer months.

Part nature and wildlife conservatory, part exclusive resort, North Island is a tropical paradise the likes of which you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Taking up prime real-estate along the shores of the Indian Ocean, the 11 individual villas allow for unlimited access to the crystalline waters. An on-site dive school allows novices to hone their skills while experienced scuba divers explore the legendary coral reefs solo. On their way to or from the restaurant on the western side of the island, guests are encouraged to detour to the Seychelles Historical Museum or visit with the Island’s oldest inhabitants at the tortoise sanctuary.

Londolozi has several camps, all equally luxurious, but for honeymooners it's hard to beat their granite suites, which walk a thin line of luxury while maintaining the feeling that you’re out in nature. Outfitted with wide doors and windows that open to the Sand River, the stone huts (even the slanted roofs are made from granite slabs) feel like they’re part of the land, with private, heated pools that mirror the floor of the riverbed. Of course, the real draw here is the safari adventures in Kruger Park, and Londolozi’s guides have a great track record for finding some of the more difficult animals to see, along with plenty of lions, elephants, hippos, and more. As a bonus, Londolozi has a well-respected reputation for conservation and community support in the area.

Richard Branson's tent camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to only twelve rooms, so the entire experience is very private and intimate. The tents themselves are more architecturally ambitious than what you'll find elsewhere in the region, with curved roofs that swing out of the hillside and around each tent's private deck for maximum viewing of the grasslands. The main lodge, where meals are served, features a warm, open fireplace in the center and an infinity pool with the same sweeping views as those in the rooms. The main attraction, of course, is the wildlife, viewed from jeeps on twice-daily game drives led by local Maasai guides. Lions, wildebeest, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, and buffalo are recurring characters, and skilled guides have also been known to scope out rarer finds, like elusive pangolins. Be sure to ask about night drives, when you'll be more likely to find nocturnal animals like aardvarks and honey badgers. This makes for a particularly great honeymoon after a summer wedding, as the peak season—when guests can get a glimpse of animals moving during the great annual migration—is from July-September.

This crown jewel of Moroccan hospitality is home to 53 separate riads, each with their own courtyard and fountain. Every room, spa, and common space is dripping in elegant Moroccan décor, including intricate tiles, colorful silks, and traditional chandeliers and lanterns. What’s more, the palace has more than 500 staff members, offering service that’s literally fit for royalty. The entire medina is a labyrinth of soothing water sounds (from the aforementioned fountains) and lovely scents that waft up from the well-tended garden, which spreads out over every inch of unclaimed space—it’s especially magical at night, when the winding paths are lit up with candles. When you’re not out exploring the city, book one of the couples’ treatments in the jaw-dropping spa.

Bali’s lush forests and crystal-clear oceans make it a pretty romantic destination regardless, but the accommodations at Amankila take everything next level with isolated, stilted villas that are situated at the perfect height for optimal ocean views. If you take the walkways through the jungle from your room, you’ll find yourself at a three-tiered infinity pool with tiling that perfectly matches the dreamy green-blue hue of the bay it overlooks. The attentive service here is everything you’d expect from an Aman, and the concierge will set up one of the many adventures available from this isolated spot, including trips to a perfect beach, surfing, scuba diving, and more. But with cozy rooms, private patios, a great terrace restaurant, and suites with private pools, you probably won’t want to leave at all.

This Aman holding in the mountains of Bhutan is actually split up between five different properties, each one with its own lodge, in a different alpine valley. A trip here stands out because you’ll have the chance to learn about the unique culture in the area—upon arrival, you’ll be paired with a driver and guide who will show you their country, based on your own curiosity and needs. We definitely recommend hiking to see Tiger’s Nest, a Buddhist monastery built into the mountainside that’s thought to be the first place where Buddhism was practiced in the Kingdom. The lodges themselves are an Aman-take on traditional Bhutanese style, and they’re set up like homes, with 5-8 rooms in each one. Find an evening to stargaze—the sky up here is unmatched.

Many hotels in Tokyo occupy the upper floors of skyscrapers, but none can compete with the majesty of Aman’s first city hotel, which opened in 2014. Step off the elevators and your head will automatically swivel upward to take in the nearly one-hundred-foot atrium that greets you. Once you get over the showstopping entrance, more delights await: 84 rooms designed in Japanese simplicity, with a deep soaking tub in every single one; floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Mount Fuji, the Imperial Palace, and the Tokyo skyline; and a spa and swimming pool that are so high up, they may as well be in the clouds. The hotel’s in a solidly business-oriented neighborhood but is close to Ginza and sits above five subway lines.

Much like Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiaroa while filming Mutiny on the Bounty (he purchased the land for him and his wife Tarita in 1967), guests are instantly charmed by the island’s coconut palm groves and white-sand beaches. To further his commitment to sustainability, Brando enlisted the help of hotelier Richard Bailey to build the world's first ever post-carbon resort. Though by no means cheap (the all-inclusive rates start at $2,700 per night) The Brando’s lengthy list of activities (snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding) and indoor/outdoor accommodations—complete with sleek decor, plunge pools, and outdoor bathtubs—mean the pricetag makes sense. The island’s restaurants serve dishes comprised of ingredients plucked from the resort’s own organic fruit orchard and veggie garden.

Located in the former French Concession neighborhood–a quiet, residential spot with tree-lined brick walkways–this boutique villa hotel is excellent if you're looking for a quieter stay in the city. The grounds are both historic and impressive: the buildings, all of which were built in the 1930's, are of the Shikumen-style architecture distinctive to Shanghai and include elaborate stone gates and brick detailing. Each room is technically a two-story home in which there's at least one bedroom, two baths, and a private patio. The service here is impeccable: a personal assistant contacts you prior to arrival to tailor your stay (say, for gluten-free meals or site-seeing plans), and the staff offers grocery shopping services for longer visits. Given its proximity to the city's stellar food scene, you may want to venture out for dinner, but it's worth booking at least one meal at Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, the hotel's in-house restaurant serving incredible authentic French food.

Cap Karoso is spacious, sleek, and dotted with art. It’s also remote, on a relatively undisturbed stretch of Sumba’s west coast, where cell reception is blessedly spotty. The time it takes to get there is worth it: Guests will find themselves bobbing in the waters of lagoons and saltwater lakes, indulging in spa rituals inspired by Marapu animist traditions and indigenous plants, and enjoying farm-to-table shared plates at the all-day beach club.

With an emphasis on holistic wellness, this stunning retreat calls upon certified specialists in yoga, Pilates and qigong, to personalized mountain biking, hiking and circuit training guides. In the Estate's main kitchen, you can design your own three-course menu (go for an authentically Indonesian dish) to cook with chef. During your stay, you’ll likely live at Glow, an all-day restaurant/café serving pressed juice, organic salads, and fresh Mediterranean fish.

This tented camp in Thailand is an excellent option if you like adventure. A stay here will prominently feature elephant treks, boat outings along the river, and visits to the local Thai market. That said, this isn’t exactly a NOLS outfit—luxury tents feel incredibly isolated in the jungle, yet feature outdoor showers and hot tubs, luxurious bedding, and comfortable porches for sipping your morning tea. The service and in-house restaurant are incredible, and despite being isolated at a tent camp, the spa treatments (guests rave about the massages) want for nothing.

Tucked in the quaint town of Hoi An (just three hours from Singapore and two from Hong Kong), The Nam Hai Hotel has been a favorite of Asian travelers for years—and its transition to a Four Seasons property has given Americans reason to take fresh notice. Located on the tranquil coastline (something of a rarity in this area), each villa has its own expansive ocean view. There are two world class restaurants on site, though you may like to try the local cuisine and explore the historic fishing village. If you’re feeling luxurious, head to the Heart of the Earth Spa for a body scrub and any massage that involves a tuning fork. There are plenty of water sports and children's play space to keep kiddos occupied. The recent addition of a cooking school is a must, where you’ll harvest herbs from their organic garden and learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Malcolm Forbes purchased this Fijian island back in 1972 as a personal retreat, and for many years it was exactly that. It’s actually Dietrich Mateschitz (most famous as the billionaire inventor of Red Bull) who had the vision to turn the island into the exclusive resort it is today. The entire experience here is really intimate, with only 25 residences scattered across the property’s beaches and hills. Each one is more luxurious than the last, with amenities like personal butlers, private swimming pools, and hidden yoga platforms, and service that’s available to meet every possible need. When it comes to the classic private-island, white sand beach, luxury saltwater escape, you really can’t top this place.

With only 21 private villas and even fewer suites, this colonial estate takes up a surprisingly vast stretch of a particularly stunning white–sand beach on the Indonesian island of Bintan. While all modern-day creature comforts are accounted for—an Olympic size infinity pool, Bang & Olufsen in-room gadgets, and a world-class spa that harvests healing herbs from the on-site garden—the communal lounges, libraries, and dining rooms (the Tasanee grill serves up killer Thai street food) are decked out in Southeast Asian antiques and traditional heirlooms. Once you’ve had your fill of uninterrupted down time, consider venturing out to explore the neighboring rainforests.

The Park Hyatt Kyoto is designed in a way that thoughtfully nods to traditional Japanese ryokans, with sloped ceilings and expansive views of Kyoto’s tiled rooftops and pagodas. And the hotel sits right on Ninenzaka, one of two connecting pedestrian alleys lined with traditional wooden houses, souvenir stores, and shops selling specialty snacks. But perhaps the most notable thing about the Park Hyatt, other than its design and excellent service: the main restaurant on site, which predates the hotel by over 140 years. Kyoyamoto is a traditional kaiseki spot and a destination in its own right, with a garden worth spending an afternoon in.

The Banks Peninsula (which is made up of two former volcanoes that have since eroded into a series of bays and harbors) has the advantage of feeling exceedingly remote, though it's just a short drive—and even shorter helicopter trip—from the Christchurch. Annandale is actually a fully functional sheep and cattle farm, with a stunning garden and orchard (needless to say, were sold as soon as we saw the greenhouse) and seemingly endless grounds for exploring on foot, on bikes, or in kayaks. The property itself has a main farmhouse—built in the 1880s and warmly restored—plus four private villas, each on their own section of the island. Food is prepared and delivered ahead of time and prepped for easy heating in the oven—everything is made with ingredients sourced on-site, and the result is immensely intimate dinners without even the interruption of staff. Honeymooners should ask about the Seascape beach cottage, an isolated one-bedroom along the beach with a fireplace, spa pool, and an all-to-yourself-view of Pigeon Bay, where you're all but guaranteed to see adorably miniature Hector's dolphins (seriously, Google them) seeking refuge.

The 18 rooms of this astonishingly unique hotel in Southern Italy (the town, Matera, is located right along the arch of the boot) are situated in ancient caves so old that they’ve actually been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Philanthropist and anthropologist turned hotelier Daniele Kihlgren came upon them in the late 1990s and converted a small section into gorgeous, sparely decorated rooms. Modern tubs, simple white linens, and achingly romantic candles, which local staffers nestle into the nooks and crannies of the Neolithic walls, complement the cavernous, cobblestone-floored spaces. During the day, explore the other historic caves in town; the stunning monastery is decorated with hand-painted murals. Since the region is famously devoid of tourists, you’re all but guaranteed to have them to yourselves.

Sited on the Grand Canal, the Palazzo Papadopoli-turned-Aman-resort is hands-down insane: Built in the 16th century, it’s surrounded on both sides by gardens, and topped with Murano glass chandeliers, and ceilings painted by 18th century master painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. With only twenty-four lavishly appointed suites, one restaurant, and a small but excellent Eastern-style spa, Aman Venice is incredibly intimate and romantic. The rooftop bar is one of the prettiest to view a sunset in the city, with it's red-silk walls, ornately carved moldings, and views over the canal. All in, it’s clearly a total once-in-a-lifetime hotel.

Floating high above picturesque Porto Heli, Aman Resort’s Peloponnese outpost, Amanzoe is a love letter to traditional Greek architecture. Private swimming pools, stone courtyards, and sprawling two-person showers come standard with each of the thirty-eight suites. But couples may want to consider splurging on a free-standing villa, where privacy and opulence reign supreme. As frequent Aman Resort visitors will tell you, the Aman Spa is something of a sacred experience. Hydrotherapies, harmonizing body scrubs, and Zone Therapy facials are performed within the confines of eight treatment pavilions. The private beach club in a few minutes away and can be accessed by car or mountain bike.

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.

Just outside of Palma, Cap Rocat has been transformed from a 19th century military fortress to a boutique hotel with just 30 suites. Designed by Mallorcan architect and designer Antonio Obrador, the restrained Moorish décor pairs beautifully with the military features, like ramparts and crenelated gates. The property is expansive, but call a golf cart and you'll whiz you to the infinity pool, movie theater, two restaurants (try the local limited-production wines), and subterranean hammam in minutes.

Portuguese architects and brothers Manuel Aires Mateus designed this stunning beachfront property, which was selected to represent Portugal in the Venice Bienal of Architecture in 2010 (the year the hotel opened). The buildings are decidedly modern—think white linens, sleek bathrooms, and pared-down décor—but the aesthetic draws on the local textures with thatched roofs and sandy floors. The service here, while attentive, is as minimalist as the aesthetic, which only adds to the remarkable seclusion of the entire operation. When you finish ogling the beautiful architecture, wander to the beach to watch dolphins and other wildlife, or organize a beachfront adventure on horseback. Photos: Nelson Garrido.

Though it offers incredible views of the Tuscan countryside and an excellent spa, the 12th-century castle-turned-hotel is really about food. The owner, Aurora Baccheschi Berti, is a world-class chef who specializes in Northern Italian cuisine (check out her cookbook here). In addition to whipping up a daily breakfast spread she holds cooking classes (fresh pasta making, for example) using organic ingredients grown right on property. There’s also a working vineyard and an olive grove where you can witness the harvests firsthand.

Cheval Blanc’s 72 spacious rooms and suites occupy what was once the south end of La Samaritaine, one of Paris’s great department stores, and the hotel retains much of the building’s original Art Deco character. (Samaritaine, also now under LVMH ownership, continues to operate next door.) Rooms on the higher floors enjoy views of more distant monuments; from the terrace garden on the rooftop, guests get all 360 degrees, sweeping from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré Cœur. The mostly-subterranean Dior spa is complete with six lush treatment rooms, a tiled indoor pool that looks out over the Seine, and a hammam, sauna, and snow shower, which is exactly what you think it is. The crown jewel of their culinary program is three-Michelin-starred Plénitude; reservations are difficult to snatch and worth booking your whole trip around.

In past lives, this limestone-clad, neo-Jacobean mansion served as a police academy and maternity ward. English-country-house obsessives, rejoice: In 2021, after a total reimagining by Ennismore, the brand collective responsible for Hoxton Shoreditch and Gleneagles, Estelle Manor opened as a five-star hotel and members club.

Built in 1928, this opulent, eight-story hotel—just steps from the Champs Elysée—is pretty much the gold-standard for city-based, luxury hotels. It’s never a bargain, but if your budget can support the splurge, there’s really no better place to stay. Besides the lavishly-appointed rooms, the service is superb, the restaurant boasts three Michelin-stars, and the location is hard to beat.

Glistening waters, domed ceilings, whitewashed terraces from which to take in awe-inducing sunsets... everything one would expect from a lavish Santorini getaway is right here. For optimal seclusion, book the airy honeymoon suite where your very own plunge pool offers sweeping views of the Aegean sea and the tiled showers are built for two. Mediterranean fusion cuisine can be savored in the intimate setting of the Grace Santorini restaurant (watch Chef Spyros Agious prepare local seafood and tantalizing fresh fare in the open kitchen) or al fresco by the pool. Prep for a day of sightseeing (or doing nothing at all) with a champagne breakfast.

On a vast country estate 25 minutes outside Palma, among verdant gardens and rolling orchards, you’ll find a 17th-century Mallorcan palace that’s been restored and reopened as Grand Hotel Son Net. The central building is flush with charming details: bright-blue-tiled floors, romantic arches, pretty wallpaper, lush linens. Guests stay in lavish suites (each is unique), settle into cottages, or rent a private two-bedroom house with its own garden and swimming pool.

If you book a room at Urso Hotel, consider carving a day out of your sightseeing itinerary to spend exploring everything this five-star property has to offer. Start with breakfast in bed—or, if you splurge on the terrace room, on a private balcony—then head down to the Natura Bissé spa for the kind of groundbreaking treatments (magnet-assisted massages, diamond-dust facials) one wouldn’t normally find at a hotel spa. For dinner, The Table is a revolving pop-up experience that invites chefs from various world-class restaurants around Spain to take over both the kitchen and dining room, meaning that the menu, vibe, and décor change monthly (reserve your spot as early as possible). Meanwhile, The Conservatory is ideal for a more traditional meal and its downstairs Urso Bar the perfect spot for a nightcap. Take note: the hotel doesn’t allow kids.

From the design eye that brought you red bottoms, Hotel Vermelho is an eclectic new boutique hotel in the quiet artists’ village of Melides. Christian Louboutin first arrived here over a decade ago and quickly adopted the town as a retreat: It’s removed from both the buzz of Lisbon, which is a little over an hour north, and the busier beach town of Comporta.

Step back in time and settle into a restored Byzantine mansion on an eighteen-acre estate perched overlooking the castle rock of Monemvasia in East Peloponnese, Greece. Log some serious hours in the Ottoman-style Hammam and try treatments that incorporate local olive oil, honey, and ingredients derived from grapes or fill your schedule with activities like hiking, biking, and wine tasting—depending on the time of year, you can even join the grape or olive harvest efforts. Or, there's also the very appealing idea of just doing nothing at all.

Six miles from Saint-Tropez but set high above the coastline, La Réserve Ramatuelle overlooks the brilliant sweep of Pampelonne Bay. Its Philippe Starck–conceived beach club on Pampelonne is outfitted with 75 sun beds, and this past summer the loungers were dressed in Loro Piana’s signature stripes. The menu runs to Mediterranean lightness—salads, grilled fish, Provençal classics—meant to be lingered over between swims.

When it comes to romance, you can’t do much better than pastel-hued Positano, and Le Sirenuse—one of its most historic (since opening in 1951, it famously hosted John Steinbeck and many other notables) and glamorous hotels—takes full advantage of the storybook setting. Each of the beautifully appointed guestrooms boasts killer views of either the sea or the lush courtyards and is designed to keep the hustle and bustle of the pool and on-site restaurants (get to know the Mediterranean-flavored menu at Michelin-star La Sponda) and bars at bay. Once you’re done wandering the picturesque streets and soaking up the sun on the pebbled beaches, book a day trip to nearby Naples, Capri, Pompei, and Sorrento, or, explore by sea via the Saint’Antonio—the hotel’s vintage wooden fishing boat.

Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Val D’Orcia, this centuries-old estate south of Siena is truly incredible: Beyond the fact that you walk amidst remnants of walls from the 1100s, it’s surrounded by Brunello di Montalcino vineyards, there’s a world-class golf course, on-site truffle hunting, and the food is unbelievable. There’s a fancy restaurant, but there’s also a casual pizzeria—and kitchens in the villas where you can feast on bread and incomparably sweet tomatoes. While it's plenty romantic, they have a lot of activities (including cooking classes) for kids.

On the south end of Lake Como, Passalacqua’s 24 rooms are spread among three buildings. In the central villa, expect Italian opulence: gleaming golden chandeliers, Venetian terrazzo, and a vast collection of antiques. Up at the Palazz, it’s all antique beams, standing tubs, and warm country house details. And nestled between the gardens and the shore, the lake house offers wide views of the glimmering waters of Lake Como. At the restaurant, traditional ingredients and simple preparations take center stage. Anyone who's visited Passalacqua comes home raving about the spa; it's distinctly modern, and includes a sauna, steam room, cold plunge, ice bath, and lounge.

If you're of the mindset that gorgeous landscapes are the best starting point for romance, then it's hard to beat Norway's fjords. Norwegian industrialist Knut Flakk felt that this part of the Sunnmøre region was radically undervisited and built a full-service travel experience company—62°Nord, which plans personalized trips throughout the area. This sweetly intimate, family-owned hotel (there are only 23 rooms) makes an excellent jumping-off point for adventures in the nearby, UNESCO-protected Gerangerfjord. In the summer, there's plenty of trekking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking (there's even a golf course) to take advantage of, and while winters can get chilly, you're in close proximity to great skiing and an excellent vantage point for seeing the Northern lights. The cozy rooms have a luxurious, modern farmhouse vibe, with plenty of nods to their Norwegian heritage, like simple Scandinavian furniture design; hardwood floors, walls, and ceilings; and subtle floral accents. Food-wise, it's hard to find reason to dine anywhere but the excellent little restaurant on site, which serves locally made cheese, hearty dishes, and exclusive beers. Also of interest: the green roof. Images courtesy of @ingallsphoto and Margaret de Lange.

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.

Anguilla isn’t the easiest spot to access by any stretch—after a flight from Miami to St. Maarten, you’ll need to board a boat to transfer you to the island—but that’s actually the point. Cap Juluca has all of the amenities you’d expect from a luxury Carribbean resort (comfortable décor, excellent service, top-notch spa, and a lovely pool), but when it comes down to it, this spot is really all about the beach. The rooms are stretched along on that's both private and a mile long; so each room looks out over the dreamy white sand and classic, brilliantly blue water. The white-washed, Moroccan style buildings each have double doors that open up to the ocean, so you can hear the sound of the waves and feel the Caribbean trade winds wash through the room as you snuggle up under the Frette linens.

Originally built as a private retreat for British billionaire Sir James Goldsmith, this Moorish-style, sustainability-minded manor is spread out over 25,000 acres of lush Costa Alegre beach and jungle, which you’ll share with the resident zebras, antelope, tropical birds, and other wildlife (guests are also encouraged to take part in Cuixmala’s Turtle Protection Program). Technically, there are only thirteen rooms on property, but four of them are group-friendly palatial villas that come with pools, multiple bedrooms, and private chefs. For a more economical and decidedly more romantic option, the nine secluded garden casitas, with their private terraces and access to the stunning pool, are a great choice. The regional fare served at any of the multiple on-site restaurants either comes from Cuixmala’s own organic farm or sourced from neighboring farms.

Hotel Esencia was originally built as the private getaway of an Italian duchess. Now, it buzzes with chic clientele who choose the resort for its privacy and discretion. (The current owner is an art collector, whose connections and influence are apparent in the crowd and art curation on the property.) The beach is swimmable, although seaweed blooms might hinder that effort if you’re here in the spring in the early summer; the pools, in any case, are lovely, and divided between family-friendly and adults-only. And on top of daily breakfast baskets delivered to your room, there’s a café and juice bar, a sushi spot with Mexican inflections, a seafood grill under a grand palapa, an outpost of a Monaco steakhouse, and a beachside spot for margaritas.

Todos Santos has long had a quiet appeal for both artists and surfers who have appreciated the town’s understated, laid-back vibe. So it’s no surprise that finger-on-the-pulse hotelier Liz Lambert (of Austin’s Hotel San José and Hotel St. Cecilia) would head south of the border before everyone else caught on. About fifty miles north of Cabo San Lucas, this thirty-two-room beachfront property is a thoughtful reflection of its surroundings: Stamped concrete tiles, locally made furnishings, and colorful Guatemalan fabrics anchor much of the inside-meets-out design. (A tip: The ocean king has a beautifully tiled, generously sized soaking tub that looks out onto the ocean.) The infinity swimming pool has an unobstructed view of Playa Punta Lobos, and there are plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces and hammocks meant for whiling away the afternoon, plus fire pits for gathering when the sun goes down. Benno, the restaurant on the property, expertly melds Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, while relying heavily on the freshly caught fish of the day that comes in by the truckload. Also standouts: The cocktail list, which centers around small-batch mezcal and tequila, and the wine list, with some surprisingly good Mexican wines.

Iman means magnet in Spanish, and Imanta really does draw you in. It’s one of the best resorts we have ever been to—totally secluded and authentic. Located in a perfectly remote area outside Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Gold Coast, where the softest sand beach meets 250-acres of dense tropical rainforest on the ocean. It’s the kind of place where you can horseback ride through the jungle and end up on the beach. It feels truly one of a kind here, with no hint of commercial chain. Fish dishes are based on what is caught fresh that day. All the rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that open up to beautiful outdoor stone bathtubs and showers.

The all-inclusive Impressions Moxché is part of a larger Secrets complex, and guests benefit from everything the wider property has to offer: several pools, tons of restaurants, and a location on the edge of Playa del Carmen. But Impressions itself is more luxurious and intimate than its parent resort; it’s sequestered away from the rest of the hotel, and its pools and restaurants are exclusive to Impressions guests. Every room is a suite with plenty of room to spread out, with a private pool or hot tub on each terrace.

Don’t be put off by the outdated website—this is one of the best small resorts for romance we’ve found. Every single one of the intimate, terra-cotta-colored villas at La Casa que Canta has incredible views of the sea from the cliffs they’re perched on, and almost half the suites have private plunge pools. If yours doesn’t, the saltwater infinity pool looking down on Zihuatanejo Bay will not disappoint. From the flower-petal designs on the bed for turn down to the many nooks and crannies throughout the property, to the candlelit dinners, this is an ideal getaway for two.

The crown jewel of the Rosewood resort family, Las Ventanas is situated between the historic town of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The limestone suites are outfitted with original artwork, wood-burning fireplaces, and ample outdoor space. Up the romance quotient by consulting the appropriately named Department of Romance—a group of specialists dedicated to infusing your holiday with extra special touches (couples massages, elaborate moonlit dinners). At the spa, guests adhere to a four elements-themed treatment menu: grounding Earth, nurturing Water, balancing Fire, and energizing Air.

Perched on the raw, wild cliff overlooking the Pacific, Mukul brings a dose of open-air luxury to this quiet stretch of Nicaragua’s coastline. There are twelve beachside villas and twenty-three treehouse-like bohios, on the property— both styles do a great job of bringing the outdoors in. (Think sugarcane twig headboards, carved teak tables—a private plunge pool and ocean views come standard.) If you really want to spread out, the six-bedroom, 20,000-square foot Casona Don Carlos compound can be booked when the resort owners family isn’t in residence. The spa is top-notch with its Turkish baths and Indonesian massages For meals, the hotel has several dining options on site, ranging from canopy dining on the beach to fine dining at La Mesa, where Nicaraguan-inflected dishes include a yellow fin tuna confit with chili oil and blue crab ceviche.

Fans of Harbour Island who are likely familiar with the storied Ocean View Club, will be delighted to know that its charming proprietors Ben Simmons and Charlie Phelan have quietly opened a new spot just across the way in Eleuthera. The Other Side has a decidedly different feel—it’s luxuriously nomadic, a bit more wild, and blessedly unplugged, making it perfect for those who truly want to disconnect. The design, which centers around communal and private sleeping tents, hardwood floors, and four-poster beds, and sundecks, is reminiscent of a scene from Out of Africa, and it's the kind of place where you can fall asleep to the sound of the water lapping in the distance. There’s plenty to do on the property, including morning yoga, paddle boarding, diving into swimming holes or even tend to the on-site vegetable garden if you wish, but you can also just relax at the swimming pool, which is pretty enticing on its own. The Other Side, like many other spots on Eleuthera and Harbour Island, is open from November through August.

On Dominican Republic’s slightly more wild north shore, interior designer Celerie Kemble and her financier husband wanted to create a low-key beach retreat that had the intimacy of a friend’s private home. Here, Kemble applies her playful aesthetic, a kind of Palm-Beach-meets-island-living-vibe to the immaculate grounds: there are high-back wicker chairs, ikat throw pillows, copper bathtubs, seagrass rugs and cane furniture. Each white-washed bungalow (there are six one-bedrooms and three three-bedrooms, best suited for families traveling together) has its own distinct feel and is lovingly curated with vintage pieces Kemble has hand-picked on her travels as well as those designed by local craftsman. Cool lattice-framed cabanas dot the lap pool, should you tire of the views on the mile-long private beach. Come evening, much of the activity centers around the Beach Club, which serves up a Caribbean-inflected menu and, of course, strong cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

On the volcanic island of Dominica—less touristy than nearby Antigua and St. Lucia, due to the fact that it’s harder to reach—Secret Bay is so private you might never run into other hotel guests. Very little of the property is shared space. Instead, visitors settle into one of the 25 villas on site, each perched on a rocky sea cliff or nestled into the jungle, with private plunge pools, open-air terraces, mattress and pillow menus, and views of the Carribean.

This is another Chris Blackwell property (the other is GoldenEye), and as the founder of Island Records, Blackwell keeps the walls of these white wooden cottages lined with an array of historic rock-and-roll memorabilia. (This is the place Bob Marley chose as an escape when he faced threats to his life in the mid-1970s.) It feels like a secluded mountain village tucked high in the contours of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain Range, over 3,000 feet above sea level. The nineteenth-century Georgian architecture has a sophisticated, laid-back charm, matched by hand-dyed batik linens and four-poster beds with billowing drapes. And it’s almost a magical experience to stroll through the morning mist in the private gardens before breakfast. The hikes (led by expert staff members) give you a real sense of what the interior of the island is all about; afterward, unwind with an aloe wrap at the spa. But our favorite thing to do was to take in the views—every last heart-stopping one of them.

Granada, where the majority travelers fly in and out of to go anywhere in Nicaragua (from here, it’s fifty minutes to the airport), has plenty of old-world charms—tree-filled plazas, cobblestoned streets, a saffron-hued cathedral, and a promenade overlooking Lake Nicaragua, the country’s biggest lake. On a quiet block in town, the seven-room, expat-run Tribal Hotel is full of global influences: White-washed walls are inspired by the oldest house in Granada, a black-and-white patterned staircase is reminiscent of fabric the owners found in Kenya. Rooms are small, but you’ll want to spend most of your time hanging around the palm-lined pool in one of the lobby’s day beds. Breakfast includes coffee, tropical fruit, and locally baked bread. More adventurous couples will enjoy using Granada as a jumping off point for their travels, and can easily access Mukhul in Tola further south for some blissed-out pampering and, of course, surf.

Uruguay isn’t usually on the short list for secluded beach vacations, but the sleepy beach town of José Ignacio (just a few beaches away from the louder, better-known beach town of Punta del Este) makes a convincing argument for adding it. Bahia Vik's sleek, modern bungalows sidle right up to the beach, with wide windows looking out over the ocean. And while those bungalows offer private pools and manicured lawns as communal hang-out space suited to families or small groups, the couples-focused rooms in the main lodge are perfectly romantic. While it’s not likely that you’ll tire of lounging on the idyllic beach, the hotel’s significant art collection could keep you occupied all afternoon.

There’s something inherently nostalgic, and albeit downright romantic about train travel (when done right that is). Leave it to the Belmond, which already runs six properties throughout Peru, to spearhead the launch of South America’s first luxury tricked out sleeper train, which includes 24 cabins and the option for a one- or two-night journey departing from Cusco to Arequipa. (There’s the option to stop in places like Colca Canyon and take a stopover and take a boat ride on Lake Titcaca, South America’s largest lake, while you’re at it, too.) While en route, there are two dining cars for meals, as well as 360-observation deck stocked with alpaca wool blankets to take in your surroundings.

Fasano has hotels all over Brazil (you'll find them in Rio, Sao Paolo, Boa Vista, and more), but their property in the Uruguay beach town of Punta Del Este, opened in 2010, is their first international project. Nestled alongside the Maldonado River, the 20 bungalows and ten suites were designed by architect Isay Weinfeld in sleek, square shapes that are high-design and a completely refreshing aesthetic for a beach vacation. The interiors are suited to the modernist exterior without feeling cold—rooms are done in soft, cozy neutrals with pristine marble and limestone bathrooms, and porches that look out over the landscape. Also on-site, you'll find two incredible restaurants: Las Piedras, a casual café, and Fasano, their more formal dining experience, which occupies a large, view-happy sunroom. Of course, the main attraction here is the beach, accessed through Fasano's high-touch Beach club, but there's also a very cool onsite pool (carved into a naturally occurring rock formation), and concierge can arrange tennis, golf, horseback riding, and reservations at restaurants in the area's quaint town.

As far as classic neighborhoods go, few can really top BA’s Recoleta, and no place better captures the glamour and history quite like the Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Its imposing façade, in a Neoclassical style, was inspired by grand European architecture, and is made up of two buildings, a 1930's Palace and a more contemporary building called Posadas. While there are 165 rooms in total, it’s best to request one of the 23 rooms in the original palace. The rooms on the palace side tend to be more of a balance between old a new: there are stucco fireplaces, French windows, and crystal fixtures. The rooms in Posadas have a minimalist bent, with pale wood flooring, a soothing neutral palette punctuated by jewel tones, and black-and-white photographs of old BA in addition to unbeatable views. The two buildings are connected by an underground gallery lined with an impressive collection of important Latin American art. Between the two towers, a beautifully manicured garden terrace and patio serve as one of the very best seats in the house. Particularly charming is La Floreria del Duhau, on the ground level, where you can see some of the hotel’s grand arrangements being put together as well as pack up your own bouquet to take away.

The Purcell family were the long-time owners of Ski Portillo, Chile's most famous ski resort, before they expanded their hospitality company to include properties in Patagonia, Chiloé, and the Atacama Desert—each of which prove that great design hotels can exist far outside city limits. The best itinerary here is to have Tierra book you a period of time at two (or all four) of their hotels, but if you only have one week, it's hard to beat the Atacama property for romance. The Chilean architects designed the property so every room (each of which is equipped with an outdoor shower) would have spectacular views of the Licancabur Volcano during the day, and patios for enjoying the incredible night sky here at night—that is, if you're not watching it from one of the property's fire pits, glass of wine in hand. During the day, Tierra's staff organizes desert outings in cars, on foot, or by horse to explore local towns, hot springs, and the nearby mountains. In the evenings, they'll welcome you home with a series of incredible spa treatments—the spa has both an indoor and outdoor pool—and meals made with ingredients grown in on-site orchards and gardens.

Tucked in the heart of Chilean wine country, Viña Vik is a hideaway just two hours south of Santiago. The ultra-modern design, which offers wholly uninterrupted views of your surroundings—amidst some 11,000 acres of unspoiled land—is reminiscent of Frank Gehry. Winemaking is the primary focus here, and the Vik family (which also has Estancia Vik and Playa Vik in Uruguay), but the organic garden, which cultivates more than 250 different varieties of fruits and vegetables (kale, mint, lavender, peaches, and avocados, among them) is equally notable. There's a dedicated culinary education program for guests around harvesting and cooking the produce. Come December, well-known Argentinean pastry chef Osvaldo Gross will host a series of classes for guests, too.

Located in the remote canyonlands of Utah, Amangiri has some of the best sunsets we’ve seen anywhere—and for good reason: The sky constantly changes as the sun shifts across the desert, bathing the already-dramatic buttes and mesas in pink and purple light. The resort itself is built into the landscape, and though the architecture is sleek and modern (the corresponding interiors are classic examples of the Aman’s brand of neutral, pared-down luxury), it all essentially blends into the rock. The surrounding desert offers plenty of activities, from rafting to horseback riding to hiking—even private plane rides over Lake Powell. If the food were just a little bit better, it would be one of the more perfect stays in the United States (and there aren’t really any other options nearby).

Stay at the Faraway: a 300-year-old Edgartown hotel, recently renovated, and skillfully balanced between a New England sense of propriety and a chic, modern sense of ease. The beachy interiors open onto private decks for lounging, the public spaces are high-ceilinged and swank, and the staff is friendly. It’s also right in the center of town, so you can walk or bike to everything.

Built on the grounds of a working cattle ranch in Greenough, Montana, the Green O falls somewhere between ritzy and roughing it: By day, you’ll rove around 37,000 expansive acres of Rocky Mountain property (in your own Lexus SUV, provided by the hotel) for guided rappelling tours, whitewater rafting excursions on the Blackfoot River, and—if you want to live out some Wild West dreams—hands-on lessons in driving cattle. Sunset drinks on a private island more your speed? Arranged. By night, you’ll stay in a spacious, modern cabin made for two and pop into the restaurant, Social Haus, for an eight-course tasting menu that changes daily. Or relish in room service: a spin on pizza delivery by some big culinary brains. Chef Brandon Cunningham is a master with seasonal, hyperlocal ingredients.

Founded over a century ago as family estate, vineyard, and working ranch, this newly remodeled property is a bucolic, low-key-luxurious landing spot for visiting oenophiles. Each of its 64 rooms—some are nestled in private farmhouse-style cottages—is appointed with custom furnishings, cloudlike linens, and in some cases, stunning outdoor showers or baths. The whole property is dotted with art. But the true beauty is in the grounds, which boast lush lawns and gardens, winding flagstone paths, verdant archways, and cozy firepits to unwind by after a day of tastings.

Originally built in 1881, this boutique hotel, newly remodeled by San Francisco-based designer and co-owner Jay Jeffers, blends contemporary elements and charms of the past with remarkable attention to detail. There are 24 completely unique rooms distributed between the main house, the carriage house, and free-standing bungalows. (Indulge in crisp linens and heated tile floors.)

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.

360-degree coastal views and the wild mountain terrain of Big Sur provide a fitting backdrop for Post Ranch Inn (the property is powered by sun panels year-round and guests are chauffeured in Lexus hybrid vehicles). Though the area faced devastating flooding and mudslides earlier this year, as of October 2017, the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge on Highway 1, just north of the property, reopened to cars and the area is excitedly ushering in travelers once again. As picturesque as ever, Post Ranch is situated on jagged cliffs—it’s a 1,200-foot drop to the Pacific Ocean—and shrouded in semi-permanent fog. Also, of note: the dining experience at Sierra Mar, an ingredient-driven restaurant which is open to the public for a prix-fixe lunch and dinner. The beautifully plated dishes are matched only by the killer views. Fair warning: Securing one of the 39 rooms requires quite a bit of patience and planning ahead. (Kiddos aren’t allowed.)

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.

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.

Recently reopened after major renovation, the Sea Ranch Lodge is built to blend with the nature—miles of cliffy northern California coastline—that surrounds it. And it invites guests to do the same. (Sea Ranch is a sustainable-lifestyle legend; the community was planned under the ethos of “living lightly on the land” in the ‘60s.) This is where people go to spend their morning in the sunroom with an especially engrossing novel, take a hike along ocean bluffs in the afternoon, and lounge by a crackling fireplace and sip cocktails as the sun sets. It doesn’t hurt that the on-site restaurant, helmed by chef Eric Piacentine of Big Sur Bakery fame, is fantastic—or that the rooms look like that, with Brooklinen sheets, Bathing Culture toiletries, and a pair of binoculars in lieu of a TV.

Kennebunkport is sort of the quintessential New England hamlet—and the beaches of Maine, while not the best for swimming, are stunning in their own way. The award-winning restaurant here is located in a historic barn that’s been on the property since colonial days, and is staffed by old-school, tuxedoed waiters. During the day, you can explore the town or check out the surrounding area by bike or canoe. Ask the concierge to arrange for a picnic basket, which you can bring along for a beachside lunch near one of the area’s idyllic lighthouses. While summer is peak season in Maine, it’s pretty great in the fall too.

Nestled amongst the Redwoods on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, is kind of hard to beat. While the beaches and hikes of Big Sur are a bit of a siren song, it’s hard to budge from the property’s two on-site pools, Japanese soaking tubs, and nap-inducing hammocks. The restaurant, admittedly, is not Big Sur’s best: Fortunately, Post Ranch Inn, Deetjen’s, and Big Sur Bakery are all nearby. There are tons of trails to pick from—redwood forests, waterfalls, and paths along the coast—meaning that hiking boots are an essential. The hotel runs a one-hour walk each day around the property starting at 10 a.m., and you can also book more challenging hikes with local guides. While the recently-refreshed rooms are modern in look and feel, the wood-panelled interiors and redwood floors are a constant reminder that you’re in the woods. Most rooms and suites come with a private deck and fireplace, and some include a hot tub. The views of the Pacific and through the hills are spectacular. Take note: Ventana is adults-only.