The Most Luxurious Nature Getaways in the US

Red Mountain Resort beckons to adventure enthusiasts. From here, you can discover Snow Canyon State Park, Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park, complete with activities such as cycling, hiking, golfing, kayaking, rock climbing and horseback riding. Afterward, you can head back to the resort’s relaxing grounds, backed by a landscape of red-tinged rocks, cliffs and the steep canyons of southern Utah. If you prefer to catch some R&R, Red Mountain Resort has plenty of offerings, including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and salon, yoga, fitness classes and wellness programs.

Tucked away along the Colorado River, Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is a sprawling 240-acre (97ha) ranch meant for a luxurious escape. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy experiencing Moab’s wealth of natural beauty – Arches and Canyonland National Parks are within the vicinity – via horseback riding, skydiving, hot-air ballooning, zip-lining, hiking, mountain biking and rafting. But if you prefer something more relaxing, spa services, poolside sunbathing and on-site stables are also available. The resort also offers activities such as astronomy nights, lawn games and evening campfires. And with some of the best farm-to-table cuisine in Moab, Sorrel River Ranch is a winner.

Amangani, nestled on 2,471 acres (1,000ha) above Jackson Hole, embraces all that is Wyoming. The resort features a massive spa, yoga, pilates, holistic programs, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a heated pool and Jacuzzi accompanied by panoramic views of the majestic, snow-capped Grand Tetons. Activities include whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hiking, nature treks and photography tours. And for the winter vacationers, there’s a private ski lodge on-site and many snow-centered activities, such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.

Nestled 1,200ft (366m) above sea level in Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is a cliffside ranch-style resort offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. There are 39 architecturally designed rooms and suites, each situated along the ridge with views of the ocean or the surrounding mountains. Each room features a fireplace, an indoor spa tub, a private deck and a stereo. However, there’s no TV here; this space is for maximizing relaxation. The resort offers yoga and meditation classes, nature hikes, spa treatments, star gazing, heated infinity pools and a renowned restaurant, Sierra Mar. For a unique experience, book a Tree House for stilt-elevated rooms that stand 9ft (3m) above the ground.

A turn-of-the-century hidden gem, Blantyre is brimming with character and history. The Manor House, which features luxurious suites and rooms, is furnished with an old-world, quaint feel. The grounds also include a pool and spa, a restored 19th-century Carriage House and a potting shed – which serves as the spa center – as well as private cottages for guests seeking more solitude. This castle-like resort is open year-round, with summer and winter activities, such as golf, tennis, hiking, cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. And for the food lovers, Blantyre’s farm-to-table restaurant makes for a noteworthy experience that is worth the trip.