8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - The Luxury of Space - Wide Open Plains at a Wyoming Ranch
For those seeking wide open spaces and luxurious accommodations, look no further than ranch resorts in Wyoming. This cowboy state offers some of the most stunning scenery in the American West, with its soaring mountains, roaming wildlife, and seemingly endless horizons. Several all-inclusive ranches provide guests with a taste of this quintessential Western experience, blended seamlessly with upscale amenities and service.
The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, nested in the dramatic terrain of Wyoming’s North Platte River Valley, epitomizes this fusion of rugged nature and refined comfort. Its 30,000 acres envelop you in pristine wilderness, with rolling sagebrush hills, wooded aspen groves, and the glistening waters of Brush Creek. Guests stay in lavish log cabins outfitted with stone fireplaces and private hot tubs. Days are filled with horseback riding, sporting clays, fly fishing, rafting, yoga classes, and indulgent spa treatments. Evenings bring multi-course dinners showcasing local and seasonal ingredients. With a maximum of 80 guests across its expansive grounds, Brush Creek delivers privacy and exclusivity. As one recent visitor described it, “I felt like I could breathe for the first time in months.”
For a more intimate experience, consider The Hideout at Sorrel River Ranch in western Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest. Capped at just 20 guests, this Relais & Chateaux property treats you like family while surrounding you with wide open vistas. Spacious suites with wood-burning fireplaces and private decks overlook the rushing Green River. Outdoor adventures abound, from hiking and biking to horseback riding, rafting, and hot air ballooning. End your days in the adults-only lodge sipping cocktails by the cowboy cauldron fireplace or lounging in the stargazing hot tubs. One guest raved, “It's almost too beautiful to put into words. Everywhere you look is postcard perfection.”
What else is in this post?
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - The Luxury of Space - Wide Open Plains at a Wyoming Ranch
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - European Elegance - Classic Luxury Hotels in London, Paris and Rome
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Tropical Tranquility - Relaxation Awaits at a Fiji Private Island Resort
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Hit the Slopes in Style - Ski-In, Ski-Out at a Telluride Chalet
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Live Like Royalty - Palace Hotels Fit for a King and Queen
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Adventure in Luxury - Safari Glamping and Trekking in Africa
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - All-Inclusive Indulgence - Pampering at a Mexican Hacienda Resort
- 8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Secluded Mountain Sanctuary - Private Cabins in the Smoky Mountains
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - European Elegance - Classic Luxury Hotels in London, Paris and Rome
For those who dream of old world refinement and storied luxury, Europe boasts iconic hotels that transport you back through the centuries. In London, Paris, and Rome, lavish palaces cater to discerning guests with impeccable service, sumptuous decor, and undeniable prestige.
Take The Ritz London, an Edwardian institution overlooking Green Park that has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities since 1906. Its palm court serves up decadent afternoon tea beneath twinkling chandeliers, while the opulent guest rooms feature handcrafted furnishings and marble bathrooms. As one recent visitor described, “From the moment I stepped through the revolving door it felt like stepping back in time.”
In Paris, few can compete with the allure of Hotel Crillon. This 18th century palace dazzles along the Place de la Concorde, its facades adorned with elaborate stonework and balustrades. Inside, soaring ceilings, chandeliers and lounges exude Versailles-inspired grandeur. Guests praise the property's “old world luxury” and attentive staff catering to every need. The hotel's Les Ambassadeurs restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower is also considered one of Paris' finest dining experiences.
Rome's Hotel de Russie blends historic charm with a lush secret garden in the heart of the city.Classical sculptures, vaulted ceilings, and terrazzo floors evoke Italian elegance, while bay windows overlook the hotel's legendary courtyard and popular cafe. Guests adore the property's "romantic charm" and praise its prime location between the Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gardens. The hotel's Stravinskij Bar is also a favorite for aperitivo. As one recent guest remarked, “Everything about this hotel whispers la dolce vita."
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Tropical Tranquility - Relaxation Awaits at a Fiji Private Island Resort
For those longing to escape the pace of daily life, Fiji’s private island resorts promise a sublime retreat into tropical tranquility. Far from the stresses of work and routine, you’re transported to a South Pacific paradise of swaying palms, crystalline waters, and warm sea breezes. Luxurious accommodations seamlessly blend indoor refinement with unspoiled natural beauty. Activities range from adrenaline-pumping aquatic adventures to blissfully relaxed spa treatments and beach lounging. Guests consistently describe Fiji’s private islands as "heaven on earth.”
One standout is Turtle Island, acclaimed as one of the world’s most romantic retreats. This 500-acre island accommodates just 14 couples in thatched Fijian "bures” featuring outdoor showers. Dining highlights locally sourced ingredients like fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and organic salads and vegetables. Guests fill their days snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, strolling sugary beaches, indulging in spa treatments, and sunset cruising. As one visitor described it, “Such beauty and serenity – it’s like you have the island all to yourself.”
For families, Namale Resort & Spa Fiji delivers luxury suitable for all ages. Scattered across 525 acres are hilltop villas with private plunge pools overlooking the Koro Sea. Kid-friendly activities include a swimming pool, games room, rock climbing, and marine conservation programs. Parents unwind with massages, yoga, and water sports like sea kayaking and standup paddleboarding. Meals highlight farm-to-table cuisine from the onsite organic garden. “Namale made us slow down and appreciate the simple joys in life,” remarked a recent guest.
Those craving remote luxury will relish Royal Davui Island Resort. This adults-only eco-resort occupies its own 10-acre island off Fiji’s Beqa Island. Its 16 tastefully appointed villas feature private sundecks and infinity-edge pools. Guests indulge in world-class wining and dining, with acclaimed culinary experiences ranging from beachfront dinners to private candlelit soirees. The resort provides personalized activities from snorkeling and scuba diving to spa treatments, tennis, and picnics on secluded sandbars. As one guest put it, “I’ve never been anywhere more beautiful and relaxing - Royal Davui exceeded my wildest dreams."
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Hit the Slopes in Style - Ski-In, Ski-Out at a Telluride Chalet
For skiers and snowboarders who crave luxury and convenience on the slopes, ski-in/ski-out chalets in Telluride, Colorado deliver an unparalleled alpine experience. This charming mountain town boasts world-class terrain for all ability levels. The ski area spans two massive peaks, with groomers and moguls snakes down wide open bowls. Off the beaten path you'll find glades and chutes that challenge the most daring riders. Après-ski brings slopeside entertainment, fine dining, and lively bars and pubs.
Telluride's ski-in/ski-out rentals remove the headache of lugging gear to and from the mountains. You step right outside your door into fresh powder and by end of day ski directly back home. No waiting for shuttles, transporting heavy equipment, or trudging across parking lots in ski boots. These chalets also provide premium amenities like professional chefs, massage therapists, and 24/7 concierge service. You enjoy five-star accommodations and service without leaving your private winter abode.
For example, Madeline Hotel and Residences offers ski-in/ski-out townhomes and condos at the base of Lifts 7 and 8. These multi-level units have stone fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, heated floors, and spacious outdoor hot tubs overlooking the slopes. Property amenities include a fitness center, heated pool, spa, and the acclaimed Siam's Talay Grill & Bar. Guests appreciate the “luxury lodging” and “ski valet” service that stores and delivers your equipment.
Lumière Telluride places you steps from the gondola in the core of Mountain Village. These contemporary residences boast designer furnishings and décor, topped off by rooftop terraces and 10-person hot tubs. The property's ski concierge outfits you each morning before whisking your gear away at afternoon's end. At the base, Black Iron Kitchen & Bar whips up hearty breakfasts and mountain-inspired fare. Visitors love the “gorgeous units” and “white glove service.”
For a secluded mountain experience, Amangani is tucked atop a mesa 5 minutes from Telluride Ski Resort. This exclusive Aman property offers just 40 suites with mesa and waterfall views. Days begin with mountain yoga followed by ski-in/ski-out access via the private gondola. Back at the resort, you recharge in the 25,000 square-foot spa and dine on seasonal cuisine at Amangani's Restaurant and Bar. Recent guests praised Amangani's “understated luxury” and location offering "spectacular skiing without any crowds.”
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Live Like Royalty - Palace Hotels Fit for a King and Queen
For those who've always dreamed of living like royalty, India's palace hotels allow you to inhabit the lavish abodes of maharajas and maharanis. Scattered across Rajasthan and other regal destinations, these converted palaces transport you back to the opulence of historic Indian nobility. You reside in the same palatial suites, dine in the ornate halls, and wander the lush gardens where kings and queens once hosted extravagant affairs. The ambiance drips with the richness of a bygone era, aided by attentive service fit for a monarch. As one recent guest described, “I’ve never felt more like royalty - it was a vacation fit for a queen!"
The Raj Palace in Jaipur, originally built in 1727, exemplifies this regal treatment.Spread across 50 acres are courtyards, gardens, pools, and 200+ guest rooms and suites furnished with rare antiques, intricate marblework, mirrored ceilings, and lavish textiles.The in-house restaurant serves up royal Rajasthani cuisine, with entertainment including folk dances, puppet shows, astrologers, snake charmers, and elephant polo on the palace lawns. As a recent visitor raved, "The most magical experience - I felt like a princess swept back in time."
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur provides another portal into royal Indian heritage. Its 347 art deco rooms were originally designed for the Maharaja of Jodhpur and his family.The Throne Room displays one of the world's longest dining tables, where royals once hosted lavish banquets. Guests can dine like kings at the hotel's restaurants, which serve traditional Rajasthani and western cuisines. The spectacular Baradari Lawns host special events like music and dance performances. As one guest described, “I’ve never stayed anywhere so grand - it was an unforgettable royal experience."
Further south, Bangalore Palace marries British Colonial and Tudor styles that served as a residence for the Wodeyar Dynasty. Its lavish interior includes a durbar hall with stained glass, lavish carpets, Belgian crystal chandeliers, and a Renaissance-style ballroom. Just next door is the more intimate Taj West End, spread across 20 acres of luxurious gardens. Dating back to 1887, this hotel hosted royalty, viceroys and famous personalities over its long history. Guests stay in palace view rooms and suites, dine at the all-day restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisine, and enjoy traditional high teas. As a recent visitor remarked, “Taj West End made me feel like royalty - I cannot recommend it enough."
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Adventure in Luxury - Safari Glamping and Trekking in Africa
For intrepid travelers who crave both adventure and indulgence, Africa beckons with a range of luxury safari and trekking experiences. These lavish excursions allow you to witness incredible wildlife up-close while retiring each evening to five-star accommodations and cuisine. You follow in the footsteps of famed explorers and naturalists, immersed in raw natural beauty and untouched landscapes. Yet your campsites provide epicurean feasts, personalized service, and amenities more akin to a boutique hotel than roughing it in the bush. As one recent guest described, "the adventures felt so authentic while the accommodations pampered me at every turn."
One iconic way to safari in style is glamping in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Singita Grumeti Reserves provides mobile camps that follow the Great Migration across 350,000 acres of wilderness. Guests stay in lavish tents with four-poster beds, deep soaking tubs, and roaring campfires. Days offer 4X4 wildlife drives spotting lions, leopards, elephants and more. You return to candleslit dinners like seared tuna with avocado salsa, paired with South African wines. As a recent visitor raved, "From the bush walks to the spa tent, Singita Grumeti makes the Serengeti impossibly luxurious."
For a more active way to explore Africa in luxury, Volcanoes Safaris offers gorilla trekking in Rwanda's Parc Nacional des Volcans. Guides lead you each morning on a mountain trek to view these magnificent primates up-close. You return for farm-fresh meals at Bisate Lodge's opulent thatched suites overlooking the Virunga's dramatic peaks. Treatments at the on-site spa soothe muscle aches, or unwind beside the infinity pool. A recent trekker described Bisate Lodge as "the perfect place to recover from the day's adventure in sublime comfort."
In South Africa, andBeyond's Phinda Mountain Lodge blends wildlife viewing with a stay in the remote Drakensberg Mountains. Stone and glass suites feature plunge pools and mesmerizing mountain panoramas. Game drives spot elephants, rhinos, lions on the reserve's diverse habitats. Back at the lodge, you replenish with gourmet cuisine and award-winning wines before retiring to your sprawling veranda. A recent guest remarked, "The luxury touches made roughing it in the bush an absolute joy."
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - All-Inclusive Indulgence - Pampering at a Mexican Hacienda Resort
For those seeking sunshine, tequila, and nonstop pampering, Mexico’s hacienda resorts deliver vibrant culture and service fit for royalty. You inhabit meticulously restored colonial estates in settings from seaside to desert to rainforest. Talented staff cater to your every need while surrounding you with authentic arts, flavors, and natural beauty. As one guest put it, “I left filled to the brim with joy and without a care in the world.”
Rosewood Mayakoba, nested in the Riviera Maya jungle, exemplifies this blissful experience. Its 126 suites boast private plunge pools, rooftop sundecks, and oversized bathrooms with indoor-outdoor rain showers. Your personal Butler coordinates bespoke excursions, in-suite spa treatments, and candlelit dinners on the beach. The resort boasts a world-class spa, championship golf course, beach club, and farm-to-table Mexican eateries. As a recent visitor described, “I cannot rave enough about the beauty and service - pure luxury from sunrise to sunset.”
Further south, Las Ventanas al Paraíso envelops you in laidback luxury on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Airy hacienda-style suites have personal butler service, fireplaces, and infinity pools facing the Sea of Cortez. The spa is considered one of the world's finest, with treatments ranging from desert clay wraps to healing sounds therapy. Private yacht excursions beckon, as do rounds on the resort’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Guests consistently praise the “magical experience” and “impeccable” staff attending to every detail.
In colonial San Miguel de Allende, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende transformed a former convent into 67 elegant guestrooms and suites. The sensory spa incorporates indigenous herbs, fruits, resins and oils into treatments based on ancient healing traditions. Guests take art and cooking classes, browse colorful craft markets, and feast on boldly flavored regional cuisine with zeroes in on fresh, seasonal ingredients. As one visitor remarked, “The cultural experiences and top-notch service made me feel like royalty.”
8 Opulent Retreats for Your Next Family Vacation or Romantic Escape - Secluded Mountain Sanctuary - Private Cabins in the Smoky Mountains
Tucked within the lush forests and rolling peaks of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains lie secluded log cabin escapes that offer sanctuary from the grind of daily life. Far from crowded cities and highways, you’re immersed in the tranquility of nature - yet with every modern indulgence ensuring your comfort. The Smokies contain some of the most diverse flora and fauna in America, with scenic rivers, waterfalls, and lush green valleys begging to be explored. After days spent hiking trails, paddling, or fly fishing, you return to the embrace of your private mountain abode. Crackling fires, deep soaking tubs, and sweeping views of the mist-veiled ridgelines rejuvenate the spirit. As one recent guest remarked, “Our cabin was an oasis of luxury in the middle of breathtaking wilderness.”
These hideaways cater to couples seeking romance, families hoping to disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other, and solo travelers needing respite from the demands of work and routine. The upscale amenities, plush bedding, chef’s kitchens, and outdoor living spaces bring home-like comforts, while the isolation fosters bonding and presence in each moment. Most cabins offer access to the area’s top attractions, like Dollywood, Maggie Valley, Pigeon Forge, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park while remaining sequestered on several private acres. As one visitor described it, “The beauty of feeling so far away, yet minutes from anything we wanted to experience - a real mountain paradise!”
Black Bear Resort exemplifies these private escapes, with 22 luxury cabins scattered near Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park and Pigeon Forge. Ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms, these log homes and chalets feature stacked stone fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, jetted tubs, pool tables, and hot tubs. After days spent rafting down the Pigeon River or riding roller coasters in Pigeon Forge, you can barbecue on the deck and share stories under the stars. A recent guest remarked, “Our cabin had absolutely everything we needed for an unforgettable family vacation.”