The US hospitality industry is booming as we head into 2025. With U.S. hotel occupancy forecast to hit 62.9% in 2025, travelers have more reason than ever to explore top-tier resorts. This guide highlights the 15 best resorts in the US for 2025, covering luxury and affordable stays alike. From the desert oasis of Palm Springs to beachfront escapes in Hawaii and Florida, each resort offers unique amenities (spas, pools, golf, etc.) tailored to guests’ needs. Whether you’re seeking a romantic couples retreat, a family adventure, or a pet-friendly escape, our list has something for everyone best resorts in the us

- Booming Travel Trends: The US hotel industry is growing. Recent reports show major chains reporting record revenues and a +2.0% YoY growth in demand. Leisure travel is surging: 41% of American parents now prefer splurging on a “trip of a lifetime” over leaving an inheritance. This means more families and couples are seeking those unforgettable resort experiences.
- Diverse Resort Features: Top resorts now emphasize wellness and luxury. For example, Palm Springs’ new Terra Palm Springs (a 13-room boutique) offers Himalayan salt saunas, cold plunges and a “rain forest” rain-shower spa. Many resorts have expansive pools, gourmet dining, and extensive spa services best resorts in the us
- Family-Friendly Options: Families can expect a wealth of kid-friendly activities and amenities. Resorts like La Quinta Resort & Club in California boast dozens of pools (42 in total), family water slides, and on-site kids’ programs. Even ultra-luxury resorts include family experiences (e.g. the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui has a 10,000 sq.ft tri-level pool and a children’s learning lab).
- LGBTQ+ Friendly: The US remains a welcoming destination. In Palm Springs, longtime favorites like Colony Palms Hotel (57 rooms on 3 acres) pride themselves on inclusivity and luxury. Guides often list it among the best gay hotels in Palm Springs.
- Budget and Luxury: Whether you search for best affordable hotels in Palm Springs or best luxury resorts in the US, options abound. Palm Springs even has stylish midrange picks (Holiday House, Avalon) for value seekers, while ultra-luxe retreats cater to high-end tastes best resorts in the us
Among the 15 best resorts in the US for 2025 are a mix of new openings and classic favorites. The following resorts stand out, organized by region and resort type: best resorts in the us.
Discover 15 best resorts in the us
Palm Springs Area – Desert Luxury & Wellness
Cocktails and a tropical pool at a Palm Springs resort. The Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, etc.) is famed for its sunshine and poolside luxury. Resorts here cover all categories: spa-focused, family-friendly, boutique-chic, and LGBTQ+-friendly. Travel guides often list Parker Palm Springs (13 acres, two pools, croquet lawn) as one of the best hotels in Palm Springs for couples. Its Jonathan Adler–designed interiors and sprawling gardens epitomize Palm Springs glamour. Newcomer Terra Palm Springs, a 13-room wellness resort, has already been hailed as a top spa hotel in Palm Springs; it features a Himalayan salt sauna, cold plunge and garden soaking tubs. Nearby, the Colony Palms Hotel underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to emerge as a luxury boutique – 57 rooms over 3 lush acres – and is often cited among the best gay hotels in Palm Springs for its inclusive vibe.
The broader area adds more highlights. Just 10 minutes from downtown, La Quinta Resort & Club (Indian Wells) is an iconic family resort with 42 climate‑controlled pools and 5 championship golf courses. It’s a family-friendly oasis with Spanish-style casitas and endless amenities. In Rancho Mirage, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage perches on a bluff overlooking the valley; it boasts a world-class spa, 30,000+ sq.ft of meeting space, and poolside cabanas. These are among the best spa hotels in Palm Springs and offer an upscale retreat feel best resorts in the us
For those chasing Palm Springs-specific searches, the city delivers: keywords like best hotels in downtown Palm Springs often surface boutique stays like Avalon Hotel & Bungalows (chic retro vibe) or the Kimpton Rowan (rooftop pool). The phrase best hotel pools in Palm Springs will point you back to the Parker’s adults-only pools and La Quinta’s sprawling swim areas. Budget-conscious travelers searching best cheap hotels in Palm Springs can find comfortable inns (Holiday House, Desert Lodge, etc.) that still capture the desert charm. Importantly, every visitor finds Palm Springs resorts excel at pool culture, whether it’s cocktails by a pool cabana, spa treatments under palms, or daytime DJ pool parties best resorts in the us
Beach and Island Resorts – Ocean Views & Luxury
The continental US and its islands also boast top resort experiences. On the west coast, The Ranch at Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, CA) is a 97-room coastal ranch spread over 87 acres. As HGTV reports, it features two farm-to-table restaurants and a unique 3,000+ sq.ft indoor/outdoor spa. It blends canyon views, beach access, and rustic luxury in one stay. Farther north, Ventana Big Sur (Big Sur, CA) is an award‑winning cliffside retreat set on redwood-covered hillsides overlooking the Pacific (a Relais & Châteaux property). It offers glamping options and infinity pools facing the ocean – a quintessential West Coast hideaway.
In Hawaii, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui’s north shore is a brand-new (2020) oceanfront resort. It boasts stately rooms, a special family “Out of Ordinary” kids program, and a massive tri-level 10,000 sq.ft pool. Guests can golf championship courses and hike through its 22,000‑acre preserve. On Maui’s south shore, Montage Kapalua Bay (not pictured here) is another top luxury pick with private beach coves and a 10,000 sq.ft spa best resorts in the us
On the East Coast, The Breakers (Palm Beach, FL) and newer properties like Palm House, Palm Beach add tropical luxury. HGTV notes Palm House’s whimsical pink-decor beach vibes and palm-fringed pool deck. One of the country’s most renowned resorts is Little Palm Island (Florida Keys) – a private, adults-only island retreat with thatched-roof bungalows. Although it’s ultra-exclusive (and pricey), it frequently appears on lists of romantic or secluded luxury resorts in the US. Another Florida gem is Little Whale Cay in the Exumas (private-island resort, adults-only) for those seeking absolute privacy best resorts in the us
Mountain and Ski Resorts – Alpine Retreats
The US mountains offer resorts that combine outdoor adventure with luxury. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (Park City, UT) opened alongside a brand-new ski village and features 436 rooms, firepit terraces, and an outdoor heated pool looking over snowcapped peaks. It anchors Utah’s Deer Valley East Village development, bringing a Ritz-Carlton-style ski experience to Park City. In Colorado, The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs) is an historic 5-star resort (1888 vintage) on 3,000 acres, with mountains, lakes, and multiple golf courses. Its European-style grounds and updated spa have long made it a perennial “best US resort.” Stein Eriksen Lodge (Deer Valley, UT) and Aspen’s Auberge Resorts (like Hotel Jerome) also belong on any mountain-resort shortlist.
Luxury and All-Inclusive Escapes
Some resorts double as all-inclusive paradises. Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, CA) offers beachfront luxury with all-inclusive packages. Little Palm Island (mentioned above) effectively operates all-inclusive on its island. In New England, Twin Farms (Vermont) is a private, all-inclusive estate with 20 cottages on 300 acres – ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking seclusion. Twin Farms is often cited among the best luxury resorts in the US for its understated charm and inclusivity of all amenities best resorts in the us
Conversely, all-inclusive resort chains like Club Med Sandpiper (Florida) and various Hawaiian resorts cater to families on fixed budgets. Cruise-lovers and beach-goers sometimes consider Hawaiian plantation resorts or Florida Keys retreats to get a mix of inclusive meals and activities best resorts in the us
Unique Retreats and Hidden Gems
Beyond the obvious destinations, the US has many off-the-beaten-path resorts. For instance, The Dunlin (Auberge Resorts Collection, Johns Island, SC) is a brand-new Lowcountry resort (72 rooms) blending Southern charm with pastel decor. Travel + Leisure praises its marshfront setting, Aster Spa, and 1950s-style pool. In Texas, Hotel Saint Augustine (Houston) opened with 71 boutique rooms and a rooftop pool, earning praise for its local flair (Houston’s official bird even inspired a cocktail). That’s a reminder that the best resorts aren’t only by the beach or mountains – even urban escapes are rising on “best of” lists best resorts in the us
Conclusion
In summary, the 15 best resorts in the US for 2025 span coast-to-coast: from the dreamy desert oases of Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage to oceanfront havens in Hawaii and Florida, from ski-in/ski-out lodges in Utah to Lowcountry retreats in the Carolinas. We’ve highlighted both new openings (like Terra Palm Springs and Grand Hyatt Deer Valley) and classic favorites (like The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and La Quinta Resort). Each resort was chosen for outstanding amenities – whether it’s an award-winning spa, multiple pools, gourmet dining, or family activities – and for glowing reviews from travel experts best resorts in the us
We hope this guide helps you plan your next getaway. Feel free to share this article with fellow travelers or comment below with your favorite pick. Your dream vacation could be at one of these top-ranked resorts – from luxury spa retreats to affordable family resorts – and 2025 is the year to book it. (Let us know your own top resort or any hidden gem we missed!)best resorts in the us
FAQs
- Q: What are the best resorts in the US for 2025? A: Based on industry reviews and travel awards, top picks include Parker Palm Springs (CA), Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (Maui, HI), Grand Hyatt Deer Valley (UT), The Ranch at Laguna Beach (CA), and La Quinta Resort & Club (CA), among others. These resorts offer standout features like luxury spa services, beachfront or mountain views, and extensive pools and activities best resorts in the us
- Q: Which resorts in Palm Springs are highly rated? A: In the Palm Springs area, favorites include Parker Palm Springs (adults-only luxury), Terra Palm Springs (wellness-focused boutique), L’Horizon Resort & Spa (historic luxury), and La Quinta Resort & Club (family-friendly). The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is also nearby, known for its spa and panoramic valley views. These often top local “best hotels in Palm Springs” and “best hotel pools in Palm Springs” lists.
- Q: What is the best family-friendly resort near Palm Springs? A: La Quinta Resort & Club is legendary for families, with 42 pools and kids’ programs. Other family favorites include Omni Rancho Las Palmas (Palm Springs area) and Atlantis The Palm (Paradise Island, Bahamas) if you’re open to international.
- Q: Are there affordable or “cheap” resorts in Palm Springs? A: Palm Springs is mostly known for mid-to-high-end hotels, but there are budget-friendly stays. Smaller boutique motels like Desert Lodge or chain options (Aloft, Marriott Residence Inn) offer lower rates. However, most “best cheap hotels in Palm Springs” lists still lean towards quality brands that include pool access and breakfast.
- Q: Which Palm Springs resort is best for couples? A: Couples often seek romantic or adults-only resorts. Korakia Pensione (a Mediterranean-style inn) and Terra Palm Springs (wellness spa hotel) are frequently named best hotels in Palm Springs for couples. Parker Palm Springs also caters well to couples with its whimsical suites and private pools.
- Q: Which resorts have the best spa services? A: Many top resorts feature spas. Palm Springs’ L’Horizon and Terra, and Rancho Mirage’s Ritz-Carlton spa, are celebrated spa-hotels. Across the US, resorts like Montage Laguna Beach (CA), Four Seasons Hualalai (HI), and The Spa at The Broadmoor (CO) earn high marks for wellness.
- Q: Which Palm Springs resort is LGBT-friendly? A: Palm Springs is very LGBT-welcoming. The Colony Palms Hotel is a known gay-friendly boutique resort. Other inclusive picks include Aqua Soleil Boutique Hotel (formerly a gay pool resort) and many of the boutique inns downtown.
- Q: What factors should I consider when choosing a resort? A: Key factors include location (beach, desert, mountain), amenities (spa, kids’ programs, golf, dining), room types, and price. Check reviews and official info: for example, many resorts now list cleanliness and family policies due to health guidelines. Consider the type of experience you want (romantic getaway vs. family fun) and see if the resort specializes in that area.
Sources: Authoritative travel publications and hospitality industry data were used, including Travel + Leisure’s It List 2025, HGTV’s “25 Best Resorts in the US”, Palm Springs travel guides, and industry reports. These sources detail amenities, new openings, and trends that informed our picks. The goal is to provide genuine, up-to-date value to readers planning their 2025 vacations. Enjoy your trip!
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