USA TODAY 10Best
The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort voted Best Destination Resort
Best Destination Resort (2021)
Sometimes a hotel is simply a place to lay your head at night, and sometimes it's a destination in its own right. Each of these U.S. resorts, chosen by a panel of 10Best travel experts, is totally travel-worthy, complete with plush accommodations, world-class dining, relaxing spa treatments and a host of indoor and outdoor activities – a complete vacation in a single package.
- Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - Big Island
- Barnsley Resort - Adairsville, Ga.
- French Lick Resort - French Lick, Ind.
- Montage Palmetto Bluff - Bluffton, SC
- Omni Mount Washington Resort - Bretton Woods, N.H.
- Primland - Meadows of Dan, Va.
- Garden of the Gods Resort - Colorado Springs, CO
- Acqualina Resort & Residences - Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.
- Hidden Pond - Kennebunkport, Maine
- The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort - Solvang, CA
Photo courtesy of Historic Hotels Worldwide
No. 10:
Praised by architects for its understated design, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was the first destination resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. With 252 rooms on eight floors and private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort pampers its guests with water and beach activities, golf, fitness, shopping, and programs for children.
Photo courtesy of Barnsley Resort
No. 9:
Just an hour from Chattanooga and Atlanta, Barnsley Resort is a historic North Georgian estate filled with Southern charm. Golf, horseback riding, archery, ax throwing, tennis, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities appeal to those wanting to connect with nature or be inspired by history. Exceptional cuisine, a relaxing spa, cozy accommodations, shops, and more add to the appeal that draws guests back over and over again.
Photo courtesy of Historic Hotels of America
No. 8:
The mineral springs around French Lick have attracted guests for almost two centuries. A $600 million investment combined two historic resorts with three golf courses, two spas, a casino, a kids’ activity center, hiking, biking, and horse trails on 3,200 acres.
Photo courtesy of Philip Rozenski // Getty Images
No. 7:
Montage Palmetto Bluff is part of a 20,000-acre community between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. Accommodations range from rooms and suites to four-bedroom freestanding homes. The resort features a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, spa, a shooting club, freshwater and saltwater fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Photo courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
No. 6:
In any season, there's a lot to do at this historic resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, which first opened in 1902. Golf, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, canopy tours, fly fishing and rock climbing or snow skiing, and sleigh rides - any time is a great time to enjoy this destination landmark with 269 guestrooms and suites.
Photo courtesy of Primland, Auberge Resorts Collection
No. 5:
Located on 12,000 acres of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Primland is a luxury retreat for every type of traveler. Active types can participate in disc golf, geocaching, horseback riding, hunting, hunting, fishing, mountain biking or paddle boarding (to name a few), while those who prefer to sit back and relax can do so at the full service spa. The resort also houses an Observatory Dome with a Celestron CGE Pro 1400 series telescope, where guests can explore the night sky.
Photo courtesy of Garden of the Gods Resort and Club
No. 4:
Seeing Garden of the Gods Resort for the first time is an experience guests will never forget. Overlooking the National Park in Colorado Springs, the resort provides luxurious accommodations, with rooms and suites including private balconies or patios overlooking impressive mountain vistas. Exciting experiences such as falconry, ziplining, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paintballing are available for the more adventurous. For those seeking a more relaxing vacation, they can enjoy pools, golf, tennis, and a world-class spa.
Photo courtesy of Acqualina Resort & Residences
No. 3:
Located on the Florida Riviera, this award-winning Miami resort's setting resembles an all-inclusive villa, with a vast tropical beachfront and luxurious extras like fresh fruit and homemade biscotti delivered to the rooms, a marine biology-based children's program and heavenly spa access. Lavish accommodations boast stunning views, while three pools add to the appeal.
No. 2:
Hidden Pond, a resort nestled amid 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir trees on the southern coast of Maine, invites guests to kick off their shoes and relax by the pool, the fireplace or an al fresco bar. Travelers who just can't stay still can go stand-up paddleboarding on Goose Rocks Beach, chat with the resort gardener, take a mixology class or hop on a shuttle into Kennebunkport for further exploration.
Photo courtesy of The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
No. 1:
Guests can experience the Old West’s majesty and romance at California’s Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort. This one-of-a-kind resort, located in the renowned Santa Barbara wine country, is set on a 10,000-acre working cattle ranch and offers amenities such as tennis, golf, horseback riding, fishing on a private lake, and fitness center and spa. All guest rooms, suites, and cottages are decorated in authentic Western-style and come with wood-burning fireplaces but no televisions or telephones. Come back to a simpler time and bring your taste for adventure.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning resorts!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Anne Dimon
A 25 plus year travel writer and... Read More
A 25 plus year travel writer and journalist, Anne Dimon is Co-Founder and President /CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association and owner/ editor of TravelToWellness.com launched in 2004 as the first online resource for the wellness-minded traveler. Prior to her life as a journalist, Anne was president of her own public relations company specializing in hospitality. She has also worked in the hotel industry as a director of public relations. An acknowledged wellness travel expert and industry consultant, Anne is also the co-author of The Travel Institute’s new Wellness Travel Specialist Course, a collaboration with the WTA.
Anne Dimon
A 25 plus year travel writer and journalist, Anne Dimon is Co-Founder and President /CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association and owner/ editor of TravelToWellness.com launched in 2004 as the first online resource for the wellness-minded traveler. Prior to her life as a journalist, Anne was president of her own public relations company specializing in hospitality. She has also worked in the hotel industry as a director of public relations. An acknowledged wellness travel expert and industry consultant, Anne is also the co-author of The Travel Institute’s new Wellness Travel Specialist Course, a collaboration with the WTA.
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic... Read More
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Lawrence Horwitz
Lawrence Horwitz is Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. Based in Washington DC, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, the official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, include more than 300 of America’s most prominent historic hotels and more than 300 of the finest historic hotels in 45 countries worldwide. As the leader in marketing to the global historic, heritage and cultural travel market, both programs include historic hotels from more than 40 of the finest global chains, brands, and collections. As active partners of organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, White House Historical Association, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Organization of American Historians, and National Park Foundation, Horwitz leads a global marketing and tourism organization dedicated to increasing the recognition and celebration of the finest historic hotels and to promoting cultural and heritage travel to the world’s greatest prestigious treasures.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
