(a 8 minute read)

If sleeping bags and bug spray aren’t your idea of fun, you’re not alone. Luckily, the U.S. is full of retreats where you can enjoy nature’s beauty without giving up plush beds, gourmet dining, or spa bliss. From lakeside lodges and mountain hideaways to oceanside resorts, these destinations deliver peace, scenery, and comfort in equal measure. Whether you crave cozy fireplaces or infinity pools, these twelve weekend escapes prove that luxury and the outdoors can coexist beautifully.

1. Lake Placid Lodge, New York

Lake Placid Lodge, New York
Opal Collection

Tucked deep in the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid Lodge blends rustic charm with world-class comfort. Every room features a stone fireplace, hand-carved furniture, and sweeping views of Lake Placid. Guests can kayak, hike through forest trails, or unwind by the water with a glass of wine in hand. Evenings bring gourmet dining beside crackling fires. It’s a serene escape where mountain tranquility meets five-star hospitality, the perfect antidote to traditional camping.

2. Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee

Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee
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At the foot of the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm offers refined country living surrounded by rolling meadows and misty hills. Guests are treated to farm-to-table feasts, horseback rides, fly-fishing, and wine tastings. Cottages and estate suites feature plush linens and elegant touches. The on-site spa and garden-to-plate dining elevate every stay. Here, the outdoors is experienced in comfort and style, where Southern charm and rustic luxury blend seamlessly.

3. The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania

The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania
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Set in the tranquil forests of the Poconos, The Lodge at Woodloch offers peace, pampering, and polished relaxation. The adults-only retreat includes private balconies, nature trails, and an award-winning spa. Guests can practice yoga by the lake, kayak through misty mornings, or savor seasonal cuisine from local farms. Evenings invite quiet reflection by outdoor fire pits. It’s a place where luxury and wilderness coexist in soothing, restorative harmony.

4. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
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Perched high above California’s Pacific cliffs, Post Ranch Inn delivers one of the most breathtaking luxury escapes in the world. Every suite is a masterpiece of organic design, featuring wood, glass, and stone that blend seamlessly into the rugged landscape. Guests can soak in infinity pools suspended over the ocean, stargaze through in-room telescopes, or dine at the award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant. With eco-conscious architecture, holistic spa treatments, and unrivaled privacy, it’s where serenity meets pure sophistication.

5. Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont
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Twin Farms transforms Vermont’s countryside into a luxurious retreat for those who crave comfort and calm. Spread across 300 acres, this adults-only resort features art-filled cottages, crackling fireplaces, and chef-prepared meals made from local ingredients. Guests can bike country lanes, picnic by a pond, or indulge in spa treatments beneath timber beams. Personalized service and seasonal beauty make Twin Farms the definition of refined rustic elegance.

6. Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah

Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Carved into Utah’s desert landscape, Amangiri is minimalist luxury at its most dramatic. Surrounded by sandstone mesas, this secluded resort merges modern architecture with nature’s raw power. Guests can unwind in infinity pools, hike through sculpted canyons, or dine beneath the stars. Suites open directly onto the desert, offering private terraces and panoramic views. Tranquil, spiritual, and utterly indulgent, Amangiri turns the wilderness into a sanctuary of calm.

7. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Bobak Ha’Eri, CC BY 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

A legend of Southern hospitality, The Greenbrier has been pampering guests since the 18th century. This grand resort features mineral spas, golf courses, and gardens framed by the Allegheny Mountains. Guests can enjoy fine dining, carriage rides, or explore the fascinating Cold War-era bunker beneath the property. Rooms are elegantly styled in vibrant décor by Dorothy Draper. With history, charm, and refinement, The Greenbrier makes every stay unforgettable.

8. Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California

Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito, California
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Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point Lodge pairs California comfort with striking San Francisco Bay views. The property’s historic buildings, once military quarters, now host modern rooms with soaking tubs and fireplaces. Guests can take cooking classes, practice yoga, or unwind at the world-class spa. The restaurant’s organic cuisine and sunset views make every meal special. Blending city sophistication and natural serenity, it’s an escape with character.

9. The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia

The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, Virginia
The Ninjaneer, CC0/Wikimedia Commons

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead combines centuries of tradition with modern elegance. Its natural hot springs, championship golf courses, and grand architecture set the tone for timeless relaxation. Guests can hike mountain trails, soak in thermal pools, or enjoy afternoon tea beneath chandeliers. Each suite offers classic style with cozy luxury. With a rich history and scenic tranquility, the Homestead feels like stepping into a refined mountain era.

10. Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington

Salish Lodge & Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington
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Overlooking the iconic Snoqualmie Falls, Salish Lodge offers the ultimate in Pacific Northwest comfort. Rooms feature stone fireplaces, oversized tubs, and views of rushing waterfalls just beyond your window. The spa incorporates local honey in signature treatments, while the restaurant serves regional fare with a view. Trails and scenic overlooks are steps away, yet the lodge’s cozy interiors make staying in just as rewarding. It’s pure wilderness luxury.

11. Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona

Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona
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Cradled by Tucson’s Santa Catalina Mountains, Miraval Arizona is a wellness retreat that transforms self-care into art. The resort’s desert-inspired design merges seamlessly with its surroundings, encouraging mindfulness from the moment you arrive. Guests can join meditation and yoga sessions, hike scenic desert trails, or unwind with award-winning spa therapies. Organic meals, outdoor hammocks, and reflective spaces nurture balance and renewal. Ideal for those who crave nature’s calm without sacrificing comfort, Miraval feels like a peaceful awakening.

12. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
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Rising gracefully above the Atlantic coastline, Ocean House evokes Gilded Age grandeur paired with modern seaside luxury. Each room overlooks the ocean, blending soft coastal tones with timeless New England charm. Guests can enjoy sunrise yoga, afternoon tea, or strolls along the private beach before indulging in spa treatments or fine dining. The property’s iconic yellow façade and impeccable service make every stay feel cinematic. Romantic, elegant, and restorative, Ocean House defines effortless coastal perfection.