The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. That Are Anything but Tacky
Rowdy spring breakers and unlimited watered-down umbrella drinks might be a thing of your past, but that doesn’t mean you need to strike “all-inclusive vacations” from your bucket list. From mountain ranches to poolside oases, these all-inclusive resorts are bringing new meaning to the hospitality game. Best of all: no passport required. (And yes, we snuck a super-kid-friendly one in there, too.)
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The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg, MT)
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.
Rates start at $900 a person per night
Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN)
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.
Rates start at $645 per night
Dunton Hot Springs (Dunton, CO)
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 round. Once an old mining town, the upscale cabins are replete with fireplaces and Wi-Fi, and the kitchens are staffed with gourmet chefs, sourcing and foraging local foods. And psst: If you really want to splurge, you can actually rent the entire town.
Call to inquire for rates
Travaasa Austin (Austin, TX)
No, that’s not some far-flung island view you can see only after a five-hour flight. That’s Texas, baby. Overlooking Lake Travis, this Hill Country resort offers up the best of Austin: great food and music, geocaching, hatchet throwing (yep, y’all), Texas Two-Step classes and, of course, a mechanical bull.
Rates start at $550 per day
Miraval Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
If you knew what a sound bath was five years ago, this is the place for you. Designed to inspire balance and living in the moment, Miraval will have you meditating before you even get your room key. Maybe that’s because all packages include gourmet meals, unlimited smoothies and over 120 complimentary wellness activities weekly. Oh, there are also three gorgeous, serene pools on site—not to mention the surrounding Santa Catalina Mountain views.
Rates start at $399 per day
Tyler Place Family Resort (Highgate Springs, VT)
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.
Rates start at $128 per day for adults; $97 per day for kids and teens
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