Resorts are destinations unto themselves: Unpack once and have everything you need for a relaxing vacation without necessarily having to leave the boundaries of the property. You’ll often find restaurants, spas, organized activities, and entertainment onsite—not to mention plenty of space to spread out, with many are taking extra health and safety precautions, as well as offering flexible booking options, to provide peace of mind as we continue to navigate a global pandemic. Plus, there’s no need for an overseas flight or passport, as plenty of resorts across the continental United States are ready to pamper you. We’ve curated a small collection of the best.
The Terranea Resort pool. Photo courtesy of Terranea Resort
TERRANEA RESORT
Rancho Palos Verdes, California
This oceanfront luxury resort, an hour south from Los Angeles, provides a pampered respite amidst southern California’s natural beauty. Drop your suitcase in a spacious casita or villa before exploring the nature trails that surround Terranea Resort. With four onsite restaurants and an “Adventure Concierge” to arrange activities such as falconry, horseback riding, and kayaking, you may never want to leave. The resort has begun offering contactless activity kits for DIY fun with themes ranging from stargazing to mandala painting to S’mores—the latter of which takes advantage of the resort’s 228 fire pits and fireplaces.
The Broadmoor Lakeside Suites exterior. Photo Courtesy of The Broadmoor
THE BROADMOOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Escape to the wide-open spaces of Colorado with a vacation at The Broadmoor. The mountain resort resides on 5,000 acres that boast a private lake, private river frontage, and seven waterfalls. It’s an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, with access to epic hiking and biking, as well as unique diversions such as fly fishing, rock climbing, tomahawk throwing, and falconry. For your home base after an active day, take your pick of accommodation: villa, brownstone, or private wilderness cabin.
Hawk’s Cay Resort Tranquility Pool. Photo Courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort
HAWK’S CAY RESORT
Duck Key, Florida
Soak up the Florida sunshine after a year of sheltering in. Hawk’s Cay Resort is the largest resort in the Florida Keys—so there’s plenty of opportunity to practice social distancing across its 60 acres, or with a dip in ocean. The family-friendly resort fosters fun with onsite access to snorkeling, fishing, paddle-boarding, a dolphin experience, and more. Grown-ups can sample local delicacies, such as coriander seared tuna, and cold coconut and pineapple soup, poolside at the adults-only Oasis Cay.
The Greenbrier Resort entrance at night. Photo courtesy of the Greenbrier Resort
THE GREENBRIER
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Located amid the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier is as grand as it is historic. This 11,000-acre resort playground has been welcoming guests since 1778. Explore its restaurants, shops, spa, and casino as well as its myriad of activities, which range from golfing to carriage rides to croquet to tours of a nearby Cold War bunker carved into the mountainside. Recent guests appreciate the strict social distancing that the resort maintains given how sprawling the property is.
Enchantment Resort Pool; photo courtesy of Enchantment Resort
ENCHANTMENT RESORT
Sedona, Arizona
Re-energize the mind, body, and spirit at Enchantment Resort, a luxurious wellness oasis surrounded the Red Rocks of northern Arizona. Fitness, mindfulness, and astronomy programming are among the onsite highlights in this Southwestern nirvana as well as its carefully curated spa treatments. Its two highly acclaimed onsite restaurants, Che Ah Chi and Tii Gavo, are now only open to guests of the resort and are also offering in-room and contactless dining.
The exterior of The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Photo courtesy of The Biltmore Company
THE INN ON BILTMORE ESTATE
Asheville, North Carolina
It’s a luxurious step back in time. A stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate puts you on the grounds of the largest private residence in America: The Biltmore Estate, a French chateau-style home built by George Vanderbilt in the 19th century where celebrated guests of the Gilded Age relaxed and played. Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains cradle the 8,000 estate acres where an Old-World elegance combined with the healing qualities of the mountain air have remained top lures for more than a century. Indulge in fine dining, winery tours, and activities such as guided hikes, horseback riding, biking, carriage rides—and new for 2021, falconry—without leaving the property.
Resort room at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa. Photo courtesy of Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa
HEADLANDS COAST LODGE & SPA
Pacific City, Oregon
Be one with nature in the Pacific Northwest. Situated on Oregon’s central coast and less than 100 miles from Portland, this oceanfront property fuses nature with spa-inspired luxury. Meditative hikes, beach yoga, clamming adventures, and bonfires under the moonlight—these are just some of the experiences that “Adventure Coaches” at Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa can arrange for you. Splurge on a private cottage for the ultimate wellness retreat.
Blackberry Farm. Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm
BLACKBERRY FARM
Walland, Tennessee
Stay at one of the poshest farm-style retreats in the country. Framed by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, the secluded grounds of Blackberry Farm feature expansive lawns, rustic barns, and ponds that bring you close to nature without sacrificing (luxurious) convenience. Seasonal, farm-to-table meals are included in your stay, as are some of the onsite activities. A favorite with food and wine enthusiasts
(there is an 8,000-square-foot wine cellar onsite) and the wellness-conscious (outdoor yoga is included), Blackberry Farm customizes each guest stay. Throughout 2021, it’s also offering a handful of one-of-a-kind, intimate experiences with acclaimed artists, chefs, vintners, authors, and wellness experts.
The exterior of French Lick Resort. Photo courtesy of French Lick Resort
FRENCH LICK RESORT
French Lick, Indiana
This sprawling resort, 100 miles south of Indianapolis, resides on the edge of Hoosier National Forest. A popular getaway spot for couples and families alike, French Lick Resort features several pools, a Vegas-style casino, and three golf courses including the family-friend FootGolf course, which combines elements of soccer and golf into a game all ages can play. Recent guests consistently applaud the peaceful ambience and access to hiking and biking along the nearby Buffalo Trace Trail.
Club Med Sandpiper Bay. Photo courtesy of Club Med Sandpiper Bay
CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Indulge in the quintessential all-inclusive resort experience. Club Med Sandpiper Bay prides itself as the only true all-inclusive in the U.S., where a flat rate bundles in it all: accommodations, food, drinks, and activities. Spend your entire time outdoors under palm trees and blue skies at this expansive property where spreading out is encouraged. Al fresco dining, white sand beaches and water sports are among the many diversions that can bring bliss to a pandemic-riddled mindset.
Note: All travel is subject to changing restrictions by governmental entities, so check local advisories before scheduling trips. For a comprehensive summary of COVID-19 precautions being taken at each resort, please refer to the individual resort websites for the latest updates.
