When it comes to hospitality, it might as well be in our blood. With some of the biggest attractions, largest cities, and diverse cultures one can experience here in the United States, our hospitality industry is booming with incredible service, over the top amenities, and once in a lifetime experience. But for those of us who live the city life day in and day out, we may need a little change of pace, maybe even an opportunity to reconnect with our roots and get out into nature.
Some of the fanciest hotels in America may not be quite the Hollywood glamour we may be imagining. These hotels have traded in the gaudy, over the top gold and mahogany decorations for calm, cool tones, letting nature seep into the interior design. The most luxurious hotels in the United States are not in the hustle and bustle of the city life, but rather built to be little paradises in the middle of magnificent landscapes.
The Point – Saranac Lake, New York
The Point prides themselves on being ‘simple, splendid, and authentic’. The Point is the first and only hotel to make it on the Forbes top 10 Five Star properties list from the Northeast. Nestled along upstate New York’s Upper Saranac Lake, this gorgeous wood lodge sits right on the lake and only offers 11 rooms, making it an extremely exclusive and private getaway (1).
This luxury lodge was built by William Avery Rockefeller II over a century ago. The lodge, although it has been updated since then, holds on to its original and historical aesthetic, giving it a warm, cozy feel with luxury and style in mind. This beautiful lodge fully embodies the 19th Century picturesque rustically. Each room is distinctly decorated with ceiling to floor wood, while offering soft decorations and bright colors to compliment the log cabin aesthetic.
Priced at an upwards of $2,327 per night, you can enjoy amenities such as seasonal outdoor activities, complimentary boats and canoes, complimentary bars throughout the lodge, 24-hour service to ensure your best experience, fireplace lounges, and much more. Nature is the backdrop and sets the tone for your entire vacation.
One thing that stood out to us in particular about this lodge was their limited wi-fi, with exception for their main office. The reason for this is to encourage guests to completely unplug, relax, and enjoy the time to refresh and reflect, and ultimately, take in life’s beauty. I guess you could say ‘The Point’ is to have a private, distraction free vacation to truly unwind from the hustle of life and see that once again, life can be beautiful.
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch – Saratoga, Wyoming
Another gorgeous lodge option is the Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch. Notorious for its Great American West aesthetic, this hotel features luxurious cabins, nature inspired lodge and homestead, and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, archery, shooting, and even fly fishing (2). They also offer seasonal activities such as ice fishing, winter horse drawn sleigh, ice skating, cross country skiing, and more.
The beautiful part about this hotel is not only that you are fully immersed in nature during your stay, but you also have the opportunity to enjoy relaxing leisure time outside of the Great American West. The lodge also offers a gorgeous cabin-inspired pool, a full spa service, golf, and morning yoga sessions.
On 30,000 acres of land, the lodge only includes 33 units, 11 of which are elegant 2-3 bedroom suites. Not only are you nestled in the heart of the American West, but it is extremely private, serene, and quiet, making for a relaxing vacation. Priced at an upwards of $2,337 per night, this gorgeous cabin style lodge is the ultimate getaway to a simpler time on a massive, untouched plot of land for you to enjoy and freely roam.
Amangiri – Canyon Point, Utah
Taking a step back from the Great American West, Amangiri drops us into the beautiful desert scenery of Canyon Point, Utah (3). Settled on 600 acres of land, this breathtaking hotel pulls influences from the desert landscape and the Navajo culture. From its wellness amenities to the interior design of its lobby, suites, rooms, and tents, we can see historical and carefully preserved influences throughout this incredible Utah getaway.
At an upwards of $2,661 per night, you can enjoy the privileged access to Utah’s Canyon Point National Park, as well as a heated step pool, full service spa that include private outdoor treatment terraces, steam rooms, and saunas. Their spa treatments are all derived from the Navajo traditions and offer treatments such as Hózhó healing, water therapy, and Aman skincare treatments.
With nothing around for miles, this resort sits right in the valley of surrounding mountains. The hotel is brilliantly designed, letting nature in as part of its interior. The walls and floors are made of concrete, with each opening, window, and entrance carefully framing a part of the scenery. There are multiple lookout points, desert influences, and even some of their buildings and main pool have been built into or around the surrounding rocks and mountains.
The rooms are softly designed, letting natural rocks, stones, and concrete accents find their place in the decorations. They take on a modern minimal aesthetic and offer splashes of bright colors, warm desert tones, and of course, gorgeous views of the surrounding desert landscape.
The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
Diving back into the heart of mother nature, The Ranch takes us to the height of lodge luxury. Starting at $3,600 per night, making it the most expensive hotel in the United States, The Ranch offers an unbelievably gorgeous cabin style lodge, signature spa services, unmatched fine dining, and a plethora of outdoor activities to warm the outdoor hearts (4).
The Ranch prides itself on its authentic 19th century feel, carefully balancing Western America with lavish amenities. Nestled in the valley of Philipsburg, Montana, this lodge offers spectacular views of the local mountains, wildflower fields, and a peak into simpler times. They offer seasonal activities year round, horseback riding trails through the mountains, wildlife classes and lectures, and mind & body wellness treatments.
Due to their authentic hospitality, amazing entertainment options, and greeting guests with their Western charism and white glove service, The Ranch quickly earned its spot as the World’s first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Guest Ranch. They offer accommodation options including nine lodge room options, glamping cabins, historic 3 bedroom barn, and private luxury 2-story homes in case you are looking for some extra privacy on your hideaway.
Final Thoughts
When we think of ‘fancy hotels’ we may be thinking of white interiors, gold accents, and over the top lavish amenities that no one actually needs. The beautiful thing about these hotels is they strip away everything from the modern life. From minimal wi-fi to open acres of land, these hotels take us back to simpler lifestyles to help us live more present to the moment and truly relax and unwind.
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