23 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S., According to a Finicky Travel Writer

• Best For: health-conscious couples, friend getaways
• Getting There: two-hour drive from Los Angeles International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: serene grounds, detox regimen
• Rates: from $1464 per guest for a two-day stay

Just 20 minutes outside the vibrant community of Palm Springs, I have long heard about this health spa in the desert as being the open secret getaway for rest (and rapid weight loss) for Hollywood celebs. You can read my whole hydrocolonic review, but here's a quick download: I visited and loved its whole set-up: Guests forego solid food for a liquid diet that is closely monitored to keep nutrition and energy levels high and assist in guiding people to eat more healthfully. I got to set my own schedule with dips in the pool, daily yoga classes and educational lectures about digestive health—and I treated myself to optional spa treatments and the spa’s unique hardcore offering: colonic irrigation to help speed up everyone’s sluggish systems. As I did a suggested solo walking mediation, I plotted how to get a pal to join me for an adults-only, serene getaway.

• Best For: outdoorsy types, spiritual seekers, spa lovers
• Getting There: 51 minutes from Tucson International Airport
• Why we recommend it: spa, gourmet food, wellness-focused
• Rates: call to inquire

When I visited Miraval, I was burned out from too much work and too little rest. Then after waking up to the clean air and radiant heat of the Sonoran Desert location and choosing a sampling of activities from the resort's wide selection of activities designed to get you out of your worry-wart head and into your active body. I led a horse though a maze to learn about communication. I heard from some other guests who jumped from a 25-foot pole to explore their fearlessness. And I took a hike in the mountain foothills. Designed to inspire balance and living in the moment, Miraval made me recommit to a daily meditation practice as I floated in one of the three gorgeous, serene pools and looked out on the Santa Catalina Mountains glowing at dusk.

• Best For: going off the grid (with 5-star accommodations)
• Getting There: 2 hours and 15 minutes from Durango Airport
• Why We Recommend It: romantic, hot springs, luxury outdoors
• Rates: starting at $2,721 per night

"One of the coolest weddings I ever went to was at Dunton Hot Springs—the couple booked the entire resort (or ghost town) and it was pretty incredible," says PureWow executive editor Dara Katz. "We walked around in our luxe spa robes, dipped in and out of the natural hot springs, went hiking and ate a ton of incredible food. We even mentioned we loved a certain dessert, and the next morning we found the staff had brought a plate of them to our room. Though it's a bit tricky to get to—we flew into Durango and drove a few hours to Dunton—it's very much worth it." Winter, spring, summer or fall, there’s never a bad time to dip into a natural hot spring (especially when there’s one right outside your cabin). That’s why this resort—er, well, former ghost town—deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies is open all year. Once an old mining town, the upscale cabins are updated with fireplaces and Wi-Fi, and the kitchens are staffed with gourmet chefs who source and forage local foods.

• Best for: dry January, dietary resets, all-seasons nature bliss
• Getting There: 57 minutes from Albany International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: wellness-focused, diverse activities, unlimited access to spa
• Rates: call to inquire

I always thought of all-inclusive vacation spots as warm-weather destinations, until I experienced a late fall trip to Canyon Ranch Lenox. The blazing foliage and snap in the Berkshire Mountain air was simultaneously invigorating and relaxing, as was the resort's more than 35 daily adventures, workshops and presentations helmed by wellness experts. I got unlimited access to the spa and fitness facilities, locker rooms and classes, as well as guidance for the hiking trails around the property and the expansive property. Additionally, I learned so much about healthful cooking in classes held with the exhibition kitchen, as well as by ordering meals, in which less fattening, more nutritious portions are as artfully plated as in a fine-dining restaurant. And, while dining areas don't serve alcohol, it's an unspoken tradition that you find yourself sharing a pre-dinner cocktail with other guests in someone's room.

• Best for: active families, golfers
• Getting There: 46 minutes from Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: year-round fun, family-friendly, affordable
• Rates: call to inquire

"Growing up, I had a friend whose family went to Skytop every year and I was lucky enough to tag along," says PureWow executive managing editor Catrina Yohay. "We spent so many summer weekends up there swimming in the lake, trying our hand at archery and exploring the grounds. In the winter we'd go skiing, snow tubing and ice skating. It honestly felt like summer camp, we made so many friends through other visiting families that I still have today!" That's why to this day, this resort is your family's best bet in getting kids off the electronics to touch grass. Kids are entertained with nightly campfires and marshmallow roasts as well as hiking, biking and other activities. And with a summer vacation package that includes free breakfast and activity credits, plus a loyalty program that rewards repeat guests, it's worth considering this as your new family tradition.

• Best For: foodies/mother-daughter trip/outdoors Lite
• Getting There: 25 minutes from Knoxville Airport
• Why We Recommend It: spa, fine dining, guided activities
• Rates: call to inquire

"I went to Blackberry Farm with my mom, and it was spectacular. The food is out of this world--every bite of breakfast, lunch and dinner is thoughtful and delicious. We're not the most outdoorsy people, but we got to cosplay living the great outdoors life by hiking in the Smokies on property, going trout fishing and birdwatching!" says Katz. "We also lounged by the pool, got massages and ate our faces off. It was such a treat since every detail is taken care of here—including the mattress, which I still dream about." You’ll swear you stepped into a painting at this 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, but those views are 100 percent real. As are the chef, master gardener, baker, cheese maker, forager, butcher, preservationist, restaurant manager and sommelier—yep, when you’re not in your charming suite, journaling from your bed in a plush robe, you’ll be working your way through the unique “Foothills” cuisine. Foodies: Rev your appetites.

• Best For: work retreats wit major fun components, hikers, New York City workaholics who can only spare limited days
• Getting There: 43 minutes from New York Stewart International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: vintage aesthetic, historic, relaxing
• Rates: call to inquire

“Have you seen Dirty Dancing? I have — a few hundred times. Going to Mohonk for a few days feels like the closest you could get to that experience of a grand resort tucked away in the trees but now with wifi and a spa. It's a 262-room manse high above a little lake, surrounded by forest and gorges that scream 'hike me after breakfast and before a massage,'" says PureWow Chief Brand Officer Mary Kate McGrath. "There’s plenty of programming including wellness, archery and arts and crafts, but you’d be silly to not spend an afternoon rocking in one of the dozens of rocking chairs on the expansive porch overlooking the property. I’m a fan of  “dressing for dinner” so walking down the long halls at Mohonk in La Double J to the big dining room for dinner is an end in itself. Try to snag a seat overlooking the mountains; I did, and this could have been my second glass from the impressive wine list, but I swear I saw two hawks soar like Jennifer Grey." This longstanding resort has been welcoming guests since 1869—that’s a whopping 153 years offering solace to city-dwelling New Yorkers and out-of-towners alike. The historic estate is still thriving, offering an inclusive package featuring three meals, afternoon tea yoga, meditation, fitness classes, as well as lake and winter activities. Amateur athletes can break a sweat playing basketball, tennis or keep things nice and steady while golfing.

• Best For: spiritual seekers, spa collectors, architecture buffs
• Getting There: 2 hours north of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
• Why We Recommend It: spa, fine dining, guided activities
• Rates: call to inquire

The mark of a really elegant spa? Treatment rooms that have windows. A massage gazing out at the dusk falling over the red rocks was one of the peak parts of my stay at Mii Amo. A recent expansion refreshed this magically sited place—it's set in the horseshoe of Boynton Canyon, one of Sedona's faved energetic vortexes that magnify the natural magnetic charge of the iron-rich mountains. But it retains the gorgeous Brutalist-by-way-of-adobe architecture, three-to-10-night package options and four elevated dining options (including poolside meals). Choose among scores of treatment options at the spa, including couples' communication sessions and seasonally tailored facials...or just loll by the pool while your companion plays golf or joins one of the dozens of fitness, mediation or yoga classes held daily.

• Best for: hiking buffs, a fast fitness reset
• Getting There: hour away from Los Angeles International Airport
• Why we recommend it: personalized attention, intense
• Rates: from $7,600 per week, double occupancy

Want to reinvent your relationship to your body, using just the sun, the sea and nature's bounty (plus a big chunk of moolah)? That's the program at The Ranch Malibu, a charming collection of renovated cabins set on a hill over the Pacific Ocean that's serene to look at, but frankly brutal to experience. (And I mean that in the best way possible.) Daily 10-mile hikes, low-calorie vegetable meals and a no electronics in the public areas policy are the rules here; when I went, I had barely ever hiked for 10 minutes much less 10 miles. After an uncomfortably fast detox (no caffeine, nicotine or processed foods are allowed) aided by the grueling group hikes and uber-clean meals, I found my footing thanks to the careful blister care afforded by the hike leader and the bonhomie of the fellow guests. By the end of the week, I didn't want to smoke, drink a Diet Coke or stop hiking, and I'd lost 5 pounds that stayed off. Want to see what you're made of, and what you can be? The Ranch Malibu is here to challenge you.

• Best For: wholesome family retreats, beleagured parents who need a break
• Getting There: 46 minutes from Burlington International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: kid-friendly, onsite babysitters, creative activities
• Rates: starting at $160 per day for adults; $121 per day for kids and teens

One word: babysitters. This all-inclusive resort off Lake Champlain takes family-friendly to the next level. While the hiking, crafts, sports, biking and more will keep your kids busy during the day, real, live humans will watch your children as you enjoy your nightly farm-to-table dinner (this is Vermont, after all). But best of all, it’s not just the great food you can enjoy—there are arts and crafts for adults, too. From papier-mâché and jewelry making to kiln pottery and woodworking, you can channel your inner kiddo while someone else watches yours.

• Best For: sports fans, wife'd up tech bros
• Getting There: 11 minutes from Palo Alto Airport
• Why We Recommend It: great packages, romantic, lively location
• Rates: call to inquire

Rarely does one venue ever double as a romantic getaway or a site to watch a college football game, but the Clement Palo Alto pulls it off. Treat your S.O. to a dreamy weekend with the hotel’s anniversary or birthday packages. The former includes a lush floral arrangement, box of chocolate and a bottle of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut Champagne, while the birthday package comes with a fully decorated suite, a customized birthday cake and some Champagne as well. The Clement Palo Alto is also within walking distance of Stanford University's football stadium, so if your person would love to catch a game, the hotel’s football package comes with a box lunch for two.

• Best For: elementary-age kids and older who crave new friends, multi-generational family trips
• Getting There: 1 hour from Yampa Valley Airport
• Why We Recommend It: family-friendly, luxury, season outdoor activities
• Rates: starting at $1,995 per person for a three-night stay

Whether you’re escaping the madness of your children or you’re bringing the entire brood along, the Vista Verde Guest Ranch has got you covered. In addition to luxe accommodations, their packages also include three meals per day, guided seasonal activities on and off the ranch, kids, tween and teens’ programs, weekly yoga classes, among tons of other perks. There’s bit of a caveat, however: The ranch has an age minimum of 6-years-old.

• Best For: tireless outdoorspeople, family reunions
• Getting There: 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: beach vacation, unlimited drinks, family-friendly
• Rates: starting at $i96 per night per adult

If you and your family’s bonding method is being active, look no further than this resort. Located on the banks of the Saint Lucie River, there are dozens of water sports to partake in—from sailing to windsurfing and water-skiing—and an infinite variety of land sports including volleyball, tennis and golfing, just to name a few. If you want to take things a little slower, you can schedule a spa day for you and your gang, take a yoga class together or spend the day just lounging by the pool and sipping mojitos and other beverages. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.

• Best For: personal growth enthusiasts, professional burnout recovery
• Getting There: 21 minutes from Cherry Ridge Airport
• Why We Recommend It: adults-only, mountainous, spa
• Rates: starting at $774 per night

City dwellers love the Poconos for their serene and woodsy vibes that bring nothing but peace and quiet and the Lodge at Woodloch won’t disappoint on that front. Located at the northernmost end of Lake Wallenpaupack, this lodge has everything one needs to completely unwind and forget about their busy life. Packages at this adults-only resort include three gourmet meals per day, stimulating workshops, creative arts, cooking and baking classes, outdoor excursions—biking, birdwatching, hiking—and full access to health and fitness amenities.

• Best For: horse lovers, Yellowstone fans
• Getting There: 1 hour 17 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport
• Why We Recommend It: rustic, spa, adventurous activities
• Rates: starting at $670 per night for adults; $383 per night for kids

Ditch the hustle and bustle of your everyday life and tuck away in this rustic lodge hidden in Wyoming's Rocky Mountains. A package at this quiet resort includes three meals per day—featuring foods farmed locally—plus a teatime to hold you over between lunch and dinner. When it comes to activities, trust this Wyoming staple to provide all your adventurous needs. You can go hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, skiing and snowshoeing under one rate.

• Best For: foodies, luxe room lovers
• Getting There: 90 minutes from Burlington Airpot
• Why We Recommend It: artsy, farm-to-table dining, luxurious
• Rates: call to inquire

Artsy folk will love this sprawling venue housing a sophisticated, yet eccentric private art collection within its cottages and suites. Twin Farms is the epitome of luxury, with all-inclusive packages that include Vermont house-made breakfasts, prepared-to-order lunches, picnics anywhere on the property, multi-course farm-to-table dinner served every night, as well as cocktails and canapés each evening.

• Best For: natural park buffs, serious adrenaline junkies
• Getting There: 30 minutes from St. George Airport
• Why We Recommend It: adventure activities, spa, proximity to Zion
• Rates: call to inquire

This adventure resort allows you to enjoy Utah and all its glory. You can be as active or relaxed, social or private as you want as Red Mountain offers personal discovery as well as group activities. Embark on a guided hike (hello, Zion National Park), kayaking adventure or go rock climbing. For some R&R, treat yourself to a warm Himalayan salt stone massage, nurse any sore muscles with the Red Rock hiker’s massage and fully unwind with a calming organic facial.

• Best For: Old West fans, glamping lovers, extended families with a range of comfort standards
• Getting There: 1.5 hours from Missoula International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: Outdoor activities, nature, mountains, family-friendly
• Rates: from $1,400 per covered wagon per person

For those in need of a break from civilization—at least the annoying parts—this secluded five-star ranch in the mountains is the perfect place to escape for all the hiking, mountain biking, wildlife or poolside time you need (by the 25,000-gallon outdoor heated pool, of course). And at night, hit up the Silver Dollar Saloon for billiards and bowling, or attend a screening in the private movie theater to recharge from all that nature. What's especially nice about the Ranch at Rock Creek is that you can have members of your group that want to stay in lodge comfort (here's to you, Gram) while teens will enjoy solo lodgings in primped up canvas-covered wagons.

• Best for: active types, multi-generational groups
• Getting There: 19 minutes from Detroit Lakes Becker County Airport
• Why we recommend it: Kid-friendly, facilitated activites, family fun
• Rates: Starting at $675 for three nights for adults; $382 for kids

Simultaneously unleash your inner kid while giving your own brood some once-in-lifetime memories at this family-oriented resort. The Sports Weeks package, for example, runs from June 19 to August 26, and includes facilitated daily activities for all ages, sports lessons in water-skiing, tennis, golf, sailing and swimming, as well as full access to the resort’s amenities.

• Best For: beach lovers, quiet getaways
• Getting There: 30 minutes from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
• Why We Recommend It: beach vacation, adults-only, scenic views
• Rates: starting at $749 per night

This breathtaking inn located on the shores of the Emerald Coast welcomes guests with a complimentary bottle of wine, roses and chocolates, so you’re in treated like VIP as soon as you touch down. Since Henderson Park Inn is a bed and breakfast venue, your rate doesn’t cover dinner. However, your breakfast and lunch are included, plus you have access to community snacks and a complimentary happy hour. Guests do have access to the inn’s in-house, restaurant—Beach Walk Café—so if you don’t have to leave the premises if you don’t want to.

• Best For: birders, Old South buffs
• Getting There: 1.5 hours from Jacksonville International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: secluded, seasonal outdoor activities
• Rates: starting at $700 per person per night, two night minimum

Welcome to Georgia’s Golden Isles, 11,000 secluded acres of natural beauty and wonder. At The Lodge, you have the option of choosing a cozy room, entire cabin or renting the entire property. In the remote wilderness of the South, you’ll find serenity in the great outdoors. Activities like birding, fishing, hiking, and eco-safaris take you off the property to learn about the region's cultural and natural history, while day trips will have you venturing to old-grown Live Oak forests and untouched coastlines.

• Best For: outdoors lovers, dancing couples
• Getting There: 20 minute ferry ride from Mackinac City
• Why We Recommend It: fun themed packages cater to a variety of interests for families and couples
• Rates: call to inquire

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a sight to behold, perched over the shores of Lake Huron. You immediately slow down when you vacay at this five-square-mile island where no cars are permitted. At the hotel, pick any of the myriad packages, which cater to couples and families alike. Kids (which here means anyone 17 or younger) will love Camp Grand, aka the fanciest glamping experience you’ll ever have. It includes outdoor activities like swimming, bike rental and hiking, plus a voucher for the beloved Sadie’s Ice Cream parlor, which you can enjoy as you rock on the porch. Meanwhile, couples may appreciate the Ballroom Dance Weekend with dance classes and an evening twirling away to live music from The Grand Hotel Orchestra.

• Best For: mineral springs lovers, desert hikers
• Getting There: 1.5 hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Why We Recommend It: mineral hot springs, adults-only (16+), myriad outdoor activities
• Rates: from $1,925 per couple per night

Castle Hot Springs was one of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards winners in 2022. Come for the mineral hot springs and stay for all the activities. Relax in the spa, clear your mind with a paddle board yoga or meditation class, go on a guided hike and explore Crater Canyon, take a farm tour and try your hand at a mixology class.