What’s more appealing: being in a stunningly beautiful place or not having to think about adding up prices once you arrive? Luckily, you don’t have to choose, and the combo of the two is a winning recipe for a relaxing vacation.
To find the best all-inclusive resorts in the country, 10Best editors partnered with a panel of experts to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by readers’ votes.
No. 10: Castle Hot Springs – Morristown, Arizona
Castle Hot Springs in the spectacular Sonoran Desert centers on three hot springs pools tucked into a secluded canyon. Guests of the resort enjoy plenty of inclusive amenities, including farm-to-table meals, gratuities and activities ranging from yoga and guided hikes to archery lessons and farm tours.
No. 9: Magee Homestead – Saratoga, Wyoming
This all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux property in southern Wyoming offers adults-only ranch vacations, complete with a la carte Western-inspired meals from Executive Chef Ulfet Ralph, cocktails served poolside and luxury accommodations within nine historically restored cabins.
No. 8: The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island – Little St. Simons Island, Georgia
Guests of The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island on Georgia’s Golden Isles have 7 miles of pristine beach and 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness to explore. The resort is only accessible by boat, and there are never more than 32 overnight guests, making this a truly serene retreat. Naturalist-led activities include birding, hiking, kayaking, fishing and cycling. Rates include three daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages, boat transfers and all activities on the island.
No. 7: Rocking Horse Ranch – Highland, New York
The family-owned Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is only 90 miles north of New York City, but this modern-day dude ranch/summer camp is the ultimate getaway from city life. Their herd of 120 horses and 500 acres of trails are suitable for all ages and skill levels. A dizzying array of water activities, games and entertainment cover all the bases for the entire family.
No. 6: C Lazy U Ranch – Granby, Colorado
The traditions of the American West are alive and well at C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado. This luxury guest ranch offers 38 accommodations of varying sizes, including three-bedroom cabins ideal for families. Visitors to this four-seasons property can go horseback riding, practice cattle pushing, hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski or go snowshoeing between hearty, family-style meals.
No. 5: Brush Creek Ranch – Saratoga, Wyoming
Award-winning Brush Creek Ranch sits on 30,000 private acres of Wyoming’s Platte River Valley and blends the allure of the American West with the sophistication and comfort of one of the world’s best resorts. Activities include horseback riding, shooting sports, fly fishing, yoga, lawn games and an indoor arcade.
No. 4: Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Guests at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island might find themselves on rocking chairs on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. This historic hotel opened in 1887 to cater to summer vacationers from Chicago, Montreal and Detroit. Room rates are inclusive of two daily meals.
No. 3: The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
Situated in a picturesque Montana valley, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers 29 accommodations during the summer season. Dude ranch guests can learn to fly fish on a Blue Ribbon trout stream, ride on horseback to the Top of the World, go for a swim or soak in the outdoor pool and hot tub, or set out on a geocaching adventure.
No. 2: The Point Resort – Saranac Lake, New York
This New York Adirondack resort was built a century ago, exemplifying the idea of “roughing it” in comfort, style and luxury. The Point is open to guests 21 years and older, with eleven distinct guest accommodations. Activities on the 75-acre resort include boating, tennis, swimming and waterskiing in the warmer months, and cross-country skiing, ice skating and curling during the colder seasons. Or enjoy indoor evenings with classic movies, darts, cards and pool.
Highlights of The Point’s dining experience are a four-course seasonal communal dinner hosted at a formal table in the Great Hall or a seven-course tasting menu black-tie affair on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
No. 1: Triple Creek Ranch – Darby, Montana
A luxury guest ranch in western Montana, Triple Creek Ranch offers an all-inclusive vacation experience complete with stunning scenery, plush accommodations in private log cabins and outdoor activities throughout the year. The menu of activities includes horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, archery, lawn games, skiing, snowshoeing and even equestrian skijoring.
