The 8 Best USA Honeymoon Resorts of 2023

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The Rundown

Best Overall: San Ysidro Ranch, California

San Ysidro Ranch, California

 Courtesy of San Ysidro Ranch, California

John and Jackie Kennedy chose San Ysidro Ranch as their honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why. Sprawled across 550 acres of fertile land in the Montecito foothills, the ranch is fragrant with the scent of magnolia, lavender and orange blossom. Each of its 41 cottages and hideaways are uniquely decorated with polished oak floors and carefully selected antiques. Whichever room you choose, you and your new spouse will experience the romance of a four-poster king bed and stone fireplace. Cottages include private patios complete with a hot tub and outdoor rain shower.

During your stay, soak up the sunshine by the heated pool or strike out on 17 miles of scenic hiking trails. There's also the spa, which harnesses the ranch’s abundant plants and herbs in its treatments. In the evening, find out why The Stonehouse was named the number one restaurant in Santa Barbara by Open Table. Here, farm-fresh Californian cuisine is served by the crackling fireplace or beneath the stars on the ocean-view deck.

Best Beach: Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach, Florida

Acqualina Resort & Spa

 Corutesy of Acqualina Resort & Spa

If it's sun and sand you’re after, where better to celebrate your honeymoon than a property that has been named TripAdvisor's "#1 Luxury Beachfront Resort in the U.S." six years in a row? Acqualina Resort & Spa occupies 4.5 acres of Miami’s beautiful Sunny Isles Beach and blends 5-star luxury with elegant Mediterranean style. Make the most of your location with romantic Acqua Experiences, ranging from scuba diving classes to yacht cruises and kayaking tours. Spend lazy hours enjoying each other's company by one of three oceanfront swimming pools, or order a gourmet picnic basket for a quiet afternoon on the beach.

The resort also has a magnificent 20,000-square-foot spa. The Royal Spa Suite is the ultimate indulgence for couples, complete with a private lounge, oceanfront treatment room and steam shower for two. World-class dining options include award-winning Il Mulino New York (for fine Italian cuisine and premium wines) and Costa Grill (for casual dining and cocktails on the beachfront). For the most romantic meal of your stay, book a private candlelit dinner on the water’s edge. There's also 98 rooms and suites at Acqualina, all with a private terrace and his-and-her marble bathrooms. 

Check out our other reviews of the best Miami beachfront hotels.

Best Mountain: Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

Courtesy of Sundance Mountain Resort

Located on the picturesque slopes of Mount Timpanogos in northern Utah, Robert Redford’s Sundance Mountain Resort is a top choice for couples with a passion for skiing or snowboarding. It’s also a vibrant arts community with a packed schedule full of art classes and festivals, concerts, craft markets and theater productions. During winter, snowy slopes set the scene for fairytale romance. And in summer, activities range from alpine zip-line tours to horse-riding. In between adventures, spend a moment focusing on each other with a Time Together Massage at the spa.

Of all the rooms and suites, the Sundance Suites are best for honeymooners. Expect luxurious, rustic decor, exposed timber beams and a grand stone fireplace. There’s even a private deck or patio for sipping mugs of hot chocolate and apple cider. The resort’s dining outlets are diverse, including hearty down-home restaurant The Foundry Grill and restored 1890s Owl Bar (home of regular live music). For sheer romance though, you can’t beat the Tree Room, where candlelight illuminates Native American artwork from Redford’s private collection and gourmet mountain fare showcases the best seasonal ingredients. 

Best Desert: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Arizona

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

 Courtesy of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa

For a different kind of mountain retreat, head to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa on the edge of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Set amidst 53 private acres, the resort offers a range of casitas, suites and villas. All of them complement spectacular Paradise Valley views with desert-inspired artwork, but Terrace Casitas go the extra mile to pamper honeymooners. Unwind together in the oversized soaking tub or spend special moments on the private patio with its day bed and fireplace. Romance in Paradise packages are also available and include chocolate-covered strawberries, Champagne and a rose-petal turndown service.

During the day, discover starkly beautiful desert scenery on the resort’s hiking, biking and running trails, or indulge your competitive side with a game on the championship tennis courts. The main infinity pool features private cabanas and is adults-only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Sanctuary Spa is famous for its Asian-inspired treatments and adds to your experience with a Zen meditation garden and reflection pool. In the evening, dine on fine American cuisine with an Asian twist at elements restaurant, followed by craft cocktails and live music at trendy jade bar. 

Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best Arizona hotels.

Best Wine Country: Auberge du Soleil, California

Auberge du Soleil

 Courtesy of Auberge du Soleil

Auberge du Soleil is the ultimate honeymoon destination for foodies and wine lovers. Inspired by the rustic elegance of Southern France, the resort resides at the heart of Napa Valley on a terraced hillside planted with oak and olive trees. Its pride and joy is The Restaurant with 15 consecutive Michelin stars and an award-winning, 15,000 bottle wine cellar. From the terrace, panoramic views of the region’s vineyards await. For a more laid-back dining experience, head to The Bar for house-made charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and oysters.

Activities at Auberge du Soleil are inspired by its surroundings. Embark on a personalized wine tasting tour, enjoy a French picnic in a romantic olive grove or soar over Napa Valley on a dawn hot air balloon ride. If simple relaxation is more your scene, spend leisurely days by the pool or at the spa with its decadent list of couples treatments. All 50 rooms and suites are also the embodiment of Provençal chic. Deluxe Private Garden Suites are particularly romantic, with an outdoor soaking tub, rain shower and a fireplace in the king bedroom. This resort is adults-only.

Best Southern Charm: Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

Courtesy of Blackberry Farm

If you and your partner dream of an idyllic Southern getaway defined by wholesome food, scenic beauty and charming hospitality, look no further than Blackberry Farm. An 4,200-acre estate in the mist-covered foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the resort is also a fully operational farmstead. Resident artisans include gardeners, butchers, bakers, cheese makers, sommeliers and brewers – all of whom work together to deliver mouthwatering Foothills Cuisine in each of the farm’s three restaurants. You can also get involved with a farmstead tasting tour or cooking demonstration.

Other activities make the most of Blackberry Farm’s Arcadian setting. Try your hand at fly fishing or clay shooting, explore the countryside on foot or horseback, or take a trip to the lake for a wake surfing session. The cure for aching muscles can be found at The Wellhouse, an immersive spa with a long list of treatments and massages in addition to spiritual rituals conducted in the mystical Deep Healing Woods. When it comes to accommodations, there are several options. For unparalleled romance, choose a Farmstead Cottage complete with a wood-burning fireplace, whirlpool tub and rocking chairs on the porch. 

Best Themed: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Florida

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

 Courtesy of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Who says that Walt Disney World is just for kids? Honeymooners flock to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for its 5-star luxury and romantic Victorian theme. Its location on the Seven Seas Lagoon means you’ll have first-class seats for the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display and the Electrical Water Pageant. The resort features a smorgasbord of themed restaurants catering to every taste. Opt for a romantic afternoon tea at Garden View Tea Room, or experience the height of 19th-century sophistication at Victoria & Albert’s.

For passionate Disney fans, nothing beats the character breakfast buffet at 1900 Park Fare (although you’ll share the experience with scores of excited children). When you’re not in the park, chill out in a private cabana by the Beach Pool, take a romantic cruise on the lagoon or settle in for 'Movies Under the Stars.' Senses Spa also offers a full range of pampering massages. There are several accommodation categories to choose from, but nothing beats a room with a theme park view. Spend unforgettable evenings on your private balcony watching the fireworks over Cinderella Castle. 

Read reviews of the best Walt Disney World resort hotels you can book today.

Best Glamping: The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up is the perfect solution for couples who want the romance of sleeping under canvas without sacrificing any of their creature comforts. Part of a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch in the unspoiled wilderness of western Montana, the resort features luxury safari-style tents — some of which are specially designed for honeymoons. Imagine gorgeous rustic decor and antique furnishings, a claw-foot tub big enough for two , and a private deck for admiring the resort’s breathtaking scenery.

Take part in an endless array of seasonal activities, from fly-fishing to cross-country skiing. Live like a real cowboy on a cattle drive, or opt for pure romance with a starlight wagon ride or hot air balloon flight. After an exhilarating day on the saddle, have a deserved, side-by-side massage at the spa. Most of the refined ranch-style meals are served at the camp in a communal dining pavilion, while the camp butler stokes the fire for after-dinner s’mores. Alternatively, book a table by the grand fireplace at romantic Pomp Restaurant. This resort also offers a Honeymoon Package as well as weddings.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts.

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