Posted in Bucket List
April 04, 2022
Sometimes you just need to get away, if only for a night or two. But the brevity of your vacation shouldn’t make it any less bucket-list worthy. All across the U.S., there are superb resorts that are truly bucket-list level, sure to fuel and satisfy your wanderlust. And if it’s a luxurious night away you’re seeking, you’ll find those right here, too. Retreats, spas, and boutique hotels; you’ll find the most unbelievably amazing accommodations in America’s most idyllic, wondrous places. Pack an overnight bag and book a flight; here are 15 dreamy vacation spots in America for the ultimate night away.
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Lake Quinault Lodge, 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, USA
Nestled in one of the country’s most beautiful and unspoiled natural areas, Lake Quinault Lodge is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. This grand lodge seems to be suspended in time, offering guests a serene space for unplugged, uninterrupted reflection. Surrounded by the lush, verdant forests of Olympic National Park, and with trails just steps away from the lodge, there’s no better place to fill your bucket than this Pacific Northwest paradise.
The Inn at Death Valley, California 190, Death Valley, CA 92328, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA
A place of immense history and unique identity, Death Valley might be the most underrated, misunderstood, and ironically named place in the country. People come to this national park to discover otherworldly wonder and beauty, and often discover — and rediscover — unknown or forgotten parts of themselves in the process. Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is a land of extremes: it’s the hottest, driest, and lowest-elevation national park in the country. Unique geographical features such as the salt flats, which stretch for 200 square miles, seemingly endless sand dunes, and sedimentary badlands form the landscape of Death Valley, creating a landscape that’s wholly unique and uncanny. And in the heart of it all, the Ranch at Death Valley is an extraordinary oasis, offering guests the opportunity to revel (in the lap of luxury, no less) in this unforgettable place.
Packed with history and culture, surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and home to a seriously delicious dining scene, Santa Fe charms all who visit. Whether your perfect vacation includes museums and galleries or hiking and rock climbing, Santa Fe has what you’re looking for — and so much more. For the perfect weekend getaway, we’re partial to La Posada de Santa Fe, which combines history and luxury in one unforgettable package. The hotel, a member of the Historic Hotels of America, features the stunning adobe architecture for which Santa Fe is famous, with beautiful Native American artwork, intricate tapestries, and historic features, making this a wholly unique and memorable place to stay. Add in spa treatments, world-class Southwestern cuisine, and an acclaimed art gallery, and you have the makings of a very memorable trip in the “The Land of Enchantment.”
Palo Duro Canyon, Texas 79226, USA
The second largest canyon in America after the Grand, Palo Duro Canyon is an epic Panhandle destination that certainly lives up to Texas’ big reputation. A 120-mile gash in the earth that plunges almost 1,000 feet, people come to hike, bike, and ride horses along the almost 90 miles of trails in the state park. Offset the exertion by hunkering down at one of the chic cabins at Dove’s Rest; with a superb view out across the canyon proper, each has a propane grill and fire pit so you can BBQ each night under the stars.
Hoffman Haus Day Spa, 605 E San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
It’s not all beer and barbecue in the Lone Star State; Texas Wine Country is one of the most beautiful places in the state — and the country. A 14,000 square-mile stretch with more than 30 wineries, it’s the second-largest wine region in America after Napa. Within this resplendent region, Fredericksburg make a perfect “home base,” and the Hoffman Haus Day Spa is the perfect accommodation. This German-style B&B is pure rustic luxury — secluded, serene, and blissfully simple — all in the beautiful hills of central Texas.
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa, 1 Knights Key Boulevard MM 47, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
With stunning views of the islands and ocean, nothing beats a getaway to the Florida Keys. The Keys are one of the top vacation destinations in the U.S., proving that you don’t have to leave the country in order to enjoy a tropical paradise. When you visit the Keys, you’ll have a chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures, like flying on seaplanes, scuba diving, and visiting the southernmost part of the country. But the Florida Keys are just as well-suited for a relaxing weekend trip, with an island airport allowing for a quick getaway. And for this kind of short-and-sweet trip, nothing beats a night at the Isla Bella Beach Resort, an extraordinary, 24-acre oasis located right by the the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103, USA
One of the most affluent and lux destinations in Florida, Naples has been lauded as the best beach town in the country, ranking higher than iconic towns in SoCal and even Hawaii! Residents are completely content in Naples, Florida, and visitors too can enjoy this tropical locale at its myriad resorts and hotels. A mix of modern, high-end luxury (see: the Naples Grande Beach Resort), Caribbean coast vibes, and Old Florida charm, Naples is a place sure to sweep you off your feet, no matter how long you stay.
Little Saint Simons Island, Little St Simons Island, Georgia, USA
If your heart is aching for a slice of the South, your best bet is to pack a bag and retreat to The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. This destination resort is peak Southern luxury; built in 1917 as a private hunting lodge, it opened to the public in the late 1970s, and today is accessible via boat. You’re in for the VIP treatment while staying on this private island, from fine dining that includes fresh-caught seafood and farm-to-table fare, to exquisite accommodations with the option of even renting the entire island for your party. In terms of recreation, the property is situated within a 10,000-acre sanctuary that offers amazing bird watching, fishing, boating, and hiking that’s sure to please any outdoor enthusiast. At its core, however, The Lodge is a secluded and scenic retreat that will fill your heart and lift your spirits — no matter how long you choose to stay!
Sanderling Resort, 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949, USA
The Outer Banks is a bucket-list destination, and there are numerous places to stay on this North Carolina island. But the Sanderling Resort in Duck easily ranks at the top of the list. All 123 rooms in this newly renovated resort have a picturesque view of either the Sound or the Atlantic, ensuring perfect panoramas regardless of where you’re staying. When it comes to amenities, it’s hard to deny the obvious allure of the sandy beach and the soft ocean breeze. But that’s not all you’ll find at Sanderling.
Two outdoor pools (plus a double hot tub) offer a peaceful seaside escape, and a third indoor pool provides ample exercise during cold or rainy weather. For more R&R, the Sanderling Spa features high-end treatments with the Currituck Sound in sight, and Kimball’s Kitchen is waterfront dining at its finest. If you’re looking for an inclusive getaway to The Outer Banks, this is it.
Two outdoor pools (plus a double hot tub) offer a peaceful seaside escape, and a third indoor pool provides ample exercise during cold or rainy weather. For more R&R, the Sanderling Spa features high-end treatments with the Currituck Sound in sight, and Kimball’s Kitchen is waterfront dining at its finest. If you’re looking for an inclusive getaway to The Outer Banks, this is it.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate, 1 Antler Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
There’s nowhere more grand than The Biltmore, America’s real-life castle nestled in the idyllic hills of Asheville, North Carolina. The largest privately-owned home in America, it’s a place of stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance. Attracting over a million visitors each year, the Biltmore is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appetite for wanderlust. And if you want to take your bucket-list experience of this bucket-list destination to the next level, opt to spend the night at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. With over 200 rooms adorned with antique furnishings, bespoke decor, and sumptuous extras, there’s no place in the country quite like this well-appointed inn. And the opportunity to see the sun rise over the kingdom built by American royalty? That’s something you shouldn’t pass up.
The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
A place of great historic significance and stature, Alexandria is the perfect weekend retreat for anyone looking to experience Colonial Virginia. Historic architecture and cobbled streets transport visitors back to the days of the American Revolution; an amazing riverwalk affords million-dollar views of the charming Alexandra riverfront; and the Old Town district is home to one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, antique shops, and theaters. In the midst of this happening hub, The Alexandrian is a refined boutique hotel that overlooks the Potomac River from National Harbor. The Alexandrian is beautiful, historic, and stately, just like this charming city herself.
Where to begin with Columbus, Ohio, except to say that this Midwest town is full of surprises, and absolutely not what you’d expect. Unless, that is, you were expecting a magnificent metropolis with world-class attractions and accommodations, immensely charming historic neighborhoods, buzzing craft brewery and cutting-edge culinary scenes, and some of the most jaw-dropping natural and manmade wonders of any major city. Yes, this is the magic of Columbus, Ohio, and whether you opt for a swanky weekend downtown where you’ll be in the midst of some the best restaurants and museums in the country, or you’d rather rent an Airbnb in historic German Village where you can walk down cobblestone streets to local pubs, shops, bookstores, and parks, you’re sure to have the time of your life.
The Baker House 1650, 181 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA
There’s nothing quite like an escape to the Hamptons. East Hampton, Southampton, and Montauk are among the most popular destinations on this New York isle, and they’re all worth visiting, thanks to their beautiful hotels, stellar shopping, delicious food, and beautiful beaches. The juxtaposition of rugged, weather-worn lighthouses and million-dollar mansions is unique to The Hamptons; a beautiful dissonance that defines the area. If you’re looking for an intimate, B&B kind of experience on this iconic island, The Baker House 1650 is a charming choice that’s located on East Hampton. For those looking to “get away from it all,” Southampton’s Cooper’s Beach has some of the most serene, pristine shoreline on the island, and offers visitors a quiet and relaxing retreat. Though if you’re looking for an au natural Hamptons experience, book a luxury glamping tent instead.
Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Perched regally atop a bluff overlooking the sea in Watch Hill, Ocean House is quintessential New England: historic, stately, and a bit regal. The resort offers guests a five-star seaside experience, complete with a full-service spa, highly-rated restaurant, and a private beach with complimentary butler service. In terms of accommodations, Ocean House has 49 gorgeous guest rooms and 20 luxurious signature suites, many of which feature private balconies opening out to the captivating Rhode Island coastline. Whether you check in for a night, a weekend, or something a bit longer, this is a place sure to fill you with awe and appreciation for the rugged beauty of coastal New England.
Assateague Island, United States
A beautiful, 37-mile isle off the coast of Maryland, Assateague Island is an enchanting place where wild horses roam free and rumors of buried treasure abound. Whether or not the stories hold true, the wild horses are wholly real, with two handsome herds roaming free on the island. Beautiful beaches, stately stallions, and some of the most stunning sunsets and stargazing in the country, while there are many amazing accommodations on the island, we highly recommend pitching a tent and camping right on the beach. Camping is available in the Maryland district of Assateague Island, and with a little advanced planning, you can enjoy a serene, seaside retreat that’s about as immersive and intimate as it gets.
A vacation doesn’t need to be a big ordeal; sometimes a night or two away is really all you need. So make it a memorable, bucket-list-worthy little getaway!
Address: The Inn on Biltmore Estate, 1 Antler Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
Address: Little Saint Simons Island, Little St Simons Island, Georgia, USA
Address: The Inn at Death Valley, California 190, Death Valley, CA 92328, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA
Address: The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection, 480 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Address: Sanderling Resort, 1461 Duck Rd, Duck, NC 27949, USA
Address: Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103, USA
Address: Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa, 1 Knights Key Boulevard MM 47, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
Address: Hoffman Haus Day Spa, 605 E San Antonio St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Address: Palo Duro Canyon, Texas 79226, USA
Address: Lake Quinault Lodge, 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, USA
Address: The Baker House 1650, 181 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, USA
Address: Assateague Island, United States
Address: Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Ocean House, 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
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