The Top 8 Luxury Destinations in the USA Revealed

Not all travel destinations are created equal. Some require deep pockets to experience the best they have to offer. However, if you have cash to spend, there’s no limit to the kind of trip of a lifetime you can plan. From a prestigious summer colony in New England to mountain and wine country escapes near the West Coast, these luxury vacation destinations in the USA deliver comfort, opulence, exclusivity, and more.

When New York City’s elite want to get away, they escape east to a cluster of villages on the tip of Long Island, collectively known as the Hamptons. Here, fine-sand beaches and quaint hamlets are scattered with millionaire estates, exclusive beach clubs, oceanfront vacation homes, and a thriving social scene bolstered by high-profile stars including Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Highlights

Reservations are famously tricky to secure at the Hamptons’ top tables. Il Buco Al Mare in Amagansett and Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton are two institutions worth the wait.

Montauk Point Lighthouse has guided ships into New York Harbor since its lamps were first lit back in 1797. Climbs to the top of the 110-foot-tall tower afford sweeping views of Montauk Point.

During a tour of the Pollock-Krasner House and Studio in East Hampton, where famous abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock and his wife lived during the 1940s and 50s, you can see the original barn floors and walls where stray paint fell while he worked.

Places to stay

Splurging on the five-bedroom Waterfront Oasis will allow you to enjoy Southampton’s sea breezes from the comfort of your own heated pool, garden, and hot tub.

Large groups will have plenty of room to spread out at Rosemorran Retreat in Sag Harbor, which features six bedrooms, a garden, a pool, and a tennis court.  

This charming Hampton Bays home offers three bedrooms, an outdoor dining area, and complimentary bikes for exploring the area.

Some of Hawaii’s grandest experiences take place on Maui. Luxury properties line the island’s top beaches, while adventure tours – rainforest hikes, horseback rides on the beach, helicopter flights over the volcanic crater – get you close to the island’s natural riches. This level of luxury, paired with the typical Hawaiian allures – swaying palm trees, stunning sunsets, the spirit of ‘aloha’ – makes Maui so sought-after.

Highlights

The clear blue waters off Ka’anapali Beach and Wailea Beach are ideal for spotting marine life while swimming and sailing. Rent a private catamaran for a memorable sunset or snorkeling adventure.

During a beachfront luau, you can watch hula and fire dancers perform while sampling poke, poi, kalua pig, and other traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Reservations are essential to witness a sunrise from the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala, a dormant volcano that comprises most of the island.

Places to stay

The infinity pool and hot tub with sweeping ocean views are just two highlights of this three-bedroom vacation home in Lahaina.

This secluded four-bedroom holiday home in Wailea has a terrace, pool, and satellite TV.  Located in Paia, this two-bedroom apartment features a balcony overlooking a garden, an outdoor dining area, and a location close to Mama’s Fish House – one of Maui’s top restaurants.

The cost to stay in Aspen – one of the country's glitziest ski resort towns – can be dizzying, but that’s what it takes to rub shoulders with the billionaires who live and vacation here. Celebrities come to see and be seen during Aspen’s world-famous après-ski scene, while hardcore skiers make the most of the area’s numerous slopes. Add luxury shopping and dining experiences to the mix, and this mountain town has all the ingredients for the ultimate outdoor getaway.

Highlights

Aspen offers four separate mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – where you can splurge on private lessons, VIP lift access, and meals at slopeside lounges.

Cross-country skiing and hiking tours can bring you closer to other scenic attractions such as Independence Pass and Maroon Bells – twin peaks in the Elk Mountains.

Few spots in Aspen do après-ski better than Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell, where you can enjoy truffle fries and wine with a view of the slopes.

Places to stay

The rustic Mountain Valley Hideaway features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a stone fireplace, and a balcony with mountain views.

If you care about ski-in/ski-out access, this two-bedroom apartment delivers, along with laundry facilities and free on-site parking. Located nearby in Snowmass Village, 162 View Ridge is a highly rated five-bedroom vacation home with its own garden, pool table, and furnished terrace.

This hilly, fertile region north of San Francisco is blessed with a temperature climate and sunshine year-round – perfect conditions for grape growing. Beyond the region’s esteemed wine estates, Napa Valley is also home to a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, five-star hotels, and spas, earning its reputation as one of the top luxury vacation destinations in the US for indulgence and relaxation.

Highlights

There are more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley, and many offer add-ons to the traditional wine-tasting experience, such as gourmet lunches or lessons in creating a personal blend.

Some of Napa Valley’s top hotels are known for their wellness programs. At Meadowood Spa, you can take a milk, mustard, or sea salt bath inside a treehouse.

A sunrise hot-air balloon ride will give you a bird’s-eye view of the region’s verdant wine estates and opulent mansions.

Places to stay

Regal Victorian Home in Downtown Calistoga offers a home away from home with its fireplace, patio, and lots of space to cook and sip wine in comfort.

Augusta Dreams offers three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a furnished patio, and an outdoor pool. In nearby Sonoma, Bungalows 313 provides kitchens or kitchenettes, access to a central courtyard and fire pit, and a complimentary bottle of local wine.

Wedged between two mountain ranges, this valley town is a gateway to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. Some of the world’s best skiers and snowboarders seek out the challenging terrain of Jackson’s leading resort, while America’s upper class comes to enjoy the next-level luxury offered by the area’s lodges, restaurants, and untouched wilderness.

Highlights

Jackson Hole is less than a two-hour drive from two iconic national parks – Yellowstone and Grand Teton – where luxury tours include private bike rides, guided hikes, and wildlife safaris to spot bison, elk, grizzly bears, and more.

At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, you can take a private lesson or go heli-skiing in the Teton Range’s upper reaches. The area also offers tandem paragliding flights, horseback trail rides, and snowcat tours into the area’s backcountry.

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a Jackson stalwart with saddle seats at the bar, is the place to go for swing dancing and live music.

Places to stay

The Clymer House is a rustic-chic escape with wooden architecture, a large stone fireplace, and a hot tub.

Book Bray House in Teton Village to secure ski-in/ski-out access, free private parking, and a furnished balcony.

This two-bedroom apartment puts a luxurious spin on log-cabin living with three bathrooms, a full kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling views of Snow King Mountain.

It all started in the late 1800s when oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler began building grand hotels that lured high society figures, including presidents and nobility. Today, Palm Beach is among the top luxury vacation destinations in the USA and comprises one of its most affluent ZIP codes. People come here to recharge on their mega yachts, enjoy next-level golf, and indulge at some of the country’s best restaurants and spas.

Highlights

Palm Beach has so many waterfront mansions and lavish estates that an entire section of town is nicknamed ‘Billionaire’s Row’.

Visiting The Breakers is like stepping back in time to old-world Palm Beach. The sprawling oceanfront resort features ten restaurants, four pools, a championship golf course, and its own beach club.

Worth Avenue is Palm Beach's most exclusive shopping street. Its 250 upscale stores include well-known brands like Hermès and smaller names such as Kassatly's – local purveyors of fine fabrics since 1923.

Places to stay

Condos are among Palm Beach’s most popular rental options. This one-bedroom condo features a kitchenette, living room, and access to a shared pool.

At The Palm Beach House, you’ll be steps from the beach and have access to two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private entrance. Across the Intercoastal Waterway, this three-bedroom villa comes with its own hot tub, outdoor dining area, and complimentary bicycles for pedaling around the neighborhood.

Time stands still on Nantucket, a 19th-century whaling capital turned summer residence for the ultra-wealthy. Strict building codes protect the island's gray shingled buildings and sloping cobbled streets. Visits here are about life’s simple (albeit pricey) pleasures – think gallery-hopping, sailing lessons, and lengthy meals spotlighting sea-to-table cuisine.

Highlights

Every beach along Nantucket’s 80 miles of shoreline is open to the public. Jetties Beach features gentle waves and seasonal lifeguards, while surfers love Cisco Beach’s strong currents. Private yacht charters will get you out on the water for fishing, sunset viewing, and more.

The Jethro Coffin House, a National Historic Landmark, has stood since 1686. Its lean-to kitchen and reconstructed 18th-century garden provide a glimpse of what life was like for the island's earliest English settlers.

Dining out is a buttoned-up affair on Nantucket. The Pearl and Topper’s, two landmarks in the Nantucket dining scene, deliver gourmet fine dining and waterfront views.

Places to stay

About Time is a five-bedroom holiday home in central Nantucket with five bathrooms, a garden, and an outdoor dining area.

Less than one mile from the beach, this one-bedroom guest house includes a pool and a balcony with ocean views. Sail Away Cottage is a tranquil retreat with three bedrooms, a garden, and a furnished backyard patio where you can enjoy meals in the sun.

If you’re planning a luxury trip to New York City, you'll be spoiled for choice. From opulent hotels and award-winning restaurants to top-tier museums and architectural marvels, this diverse, cosmopolitan, energetic city delivers unforgettable experiences.

Highlights

New York City’s top restaurants also happen to be some of the best in the world. Everything from the uniforms to the décor is bespoke at Eleven Madison Park, which holds three Michelin stars for its plant-based menu.

Shopping along Fifth Avenue is a quintessential Manhattan experience. The strip is lined with flagship stores of designer brands like Tiffany & Co and Bergdorf Goodman. For an expert opinion, hire a personal shopper.

Seats are highly coveted for Broadway shows, where some of the world’s most talented singers, dancers, and actors perform. Upgrade your experience with private box seats or a backstage tour.

Places to stay

This two-bedroom penthouse in Hell’s Kitchen features views of the Empire State Building and is within walking distance of Pier 84, the Intrepid Museum, and the Jacob Javits Center.

Located in Tribeca, this airy two-bedroom townhouse offers a private entrance, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, and laundry facilities. Highlights at this four-bedroom apartment in Midtown West include full-day security and a central location near Rockefeller Center and Times Square.

What makes a hotel, resort, or vacation rental 5-star?

A 5-star property is the most luxurious accommodation experience money can buy. Although specific amenities vary between properties, in general, 5-star stays often feature the following:

• Exceptional service that anticipates guest needs and personalizes experiences

• Spacious guest rooms, suites, villas, etc., fitted with high-end furniture and amenities

• Fine-dining restaurants, some of which may be awarded a Michelin star

• Premium facilities, such as a spa, gym, pool, beach, etc.

• An exclusive address, such as one with a view or historical location

Separately, Booking.com employs its own quality rating system, which awards home and apartment-like properties 1–5 yellow squares based on 400+ factors, including facilities, service, and average guest review score.

Where is best for a luxury honeymoon?

For many, a honeymoon is the best opportunity to go all out and plan a trip of a lifetime. However, the right destination depends on your interests as a couple. Consider whether you’d like to relax on a beach, experience a cultural destination, or be more adventurous together. Certain destinations like Jackson Hole offer more activities than a secluded location like Nantucket.

What luxury travel destinations are the least crowded?

Off-season travel is one of the best ways to experience luxury destinations in the US without the crowds. Napa Valley, for example, welcomes fewer visitors outside its harvest season. You can also avoid wait times by visiting some of the area’s lesser-known wineries and tasting rooms. Similarly, most snowbirds have long since left Aspen by summertime, which means more room for you to enjoy the area’s trails and seasonal festivals.