While there are countless picturesque places to visit, one California beachside resort has captured the number one spot for 2024. Offering breathtaking ocean views, unparalleled access to sandy shores, and incredible dining experiences — including a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant — this resort is redefining what a perfect American getaway can look like.

How Voting Was Organized

Each year, Travel + Leisure asks its readers to share their insights on the best travel experiences across the globe. In 2024, over 186,000 dedicated travelers participated, submitting more than 700,000 votes across approximately 8,700 hotels, resorts, cities, cruise lines, and other travel-related properties. Respondents rated hotels based on specific criteria: rooms and facilities, location, service, food, and overall value for money.

Survey participants had the option to rate each feature as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. These responses were then averaged to generate the final scores. Hotels were also categorized depending on their primary features and location — whether they functioned as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final results genuinely reflect the voice and experiences of real travelers.

What Readers Loved Most About This Year’s Winners

The 2024 list of top resorts brings attention to some of the most charming destinations along America’s coastlines and within its mountainous regions. While beautiful beaches and lively urban hubs continue to be popular, it is clear that the American West remains the true highlight. Out of the 15 properties honored, nine are situated west of the Mississippi River, showcasing the natural beauty and luxury offerings of places like Colorado and California. In particular, these two states had a strong showing, each claiming three spots on the list.

Several beloved resorts that have earned accolades in past years made their return to the 2024 rankings. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, located in Aspen, Colorado, once again captured hearts with its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, earning the No. 4 spot. Quisisana Resort in Lovell, Maine, an adults-only summer camp getaway, also returned to the rankings, beloved for its whimsical atmosphere and lakeside entertainment.

Yet despite these returning favorites, it was a brand-new entry that rose straight to the top of this year’s survey. The new champion is located just a few steps from the pristine sands of a little-known California beach — a property that offers guests luxury without pretension and immediate access to stunning natural beauty. Curious to find out which resort captured the top spot for 2024? Read on to learn more about the place you should be booking for your next escape.

The No. 1 Resort in the Continental U.S.: Mission Pacific Beach Resort, Oceanside, California

Claiming the highest honor in this year’s World’s Best Awards, Mission Pacific Beach Resort has made a grand entrance onto the travel scene. Located in the picturesque city of Oceanside, California, the hotel allows guests to seamlessly transition between luxurious accommodations and sandy beach adventures. Guests barely need to lift a finger — or even wear shoes — to find themselves standing right on the shore.

Each guest room at Mission Pacific Beach Resort features private balconies, inviting the soothing sound and scent of the Pacific Ocean to flow inside. Whether relaxing with a morning coffee or winding down after a full day of exploration, guests can savor unparalleled ocean views at any time of the day. For those looking for activities beyond beach lounging, the resort offers everything from craft cocktails at a rooftop bar to world-class dining at Valle, the on-site Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant renowned for its vibrant flavors and creative dishes.

Additionally, movie buffs will be thrilled to visit the “Top Gun” house — the original Victorian cottage that famously appeared in the 1986 blockbuster film — now fully restored and situated right on the hotel grounds. Between beach walks, culinary adventures, and cinematic nostalgia, Mission Pacific Beach Resort promises a truly unforgettable California getaway without ever feeling overcrowded or commercialized.

The Full List of the Best Resorts in the Continental U.S.

• 1. Mission Pacific Beach Resort – Oceanside, California
  
  Perfectly combining laid-back Southern California vibes with luxury, Mission Pacific Beach Resort delivers an exceptional beachfront experience. Stunning ocean views, an award-winning restaurant, and unbeatable beach access helped it secure the highest reader score of the year.
  Reader Score: 99.17
• 2. The Winnetu Oceanside Resort – Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
  
  Experience New England charm at The Winnetu Oceanside Resort. This family-friendly destination offers immediate access to the beach, charming clambakes, and a welcoming atmosphere that captures the spirit of Martha’s Vineyard.
  Reader Score: 99.00
• 3. Hotel Hartness – Greenville, South Carolina
  
  Located on a sprawling private estate, Hotel Hartness is a haven of tranquility and Southern hospitality. Its state-of-the-art Spa H and beautiful grounds offer a peaceful escape just minutes from the city.
  Reader Score: 98.80
• 4. Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection – Aspen, Colorado
  
  A blend of classic Western style and contemporary luxury, Hotel Jerome invites guests to live out cowboy dreams with horseback riding and ghost town explorations. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy cocktails at the legendary Bad Harriet bar.
  Reader Score: 98.24
• 5. Cedar Lakes Estate – Port Jervis, New York
  
  Escape to the Hudson Valley at Cedar Lakes Estate, where outdoor activities like boating, tennis, and lawn games combine with farm-to-table dining crafted from the chef’s own garden.
  Reader Score: 98.20
• 6. Deer Path Inn – Lake Forest, Illinois
  
  A Tudor-style English country inn right in the heart of Illinois, Deer Path Inn enchants guests with ivy-covered walls, elegant interiors, cozy fireplaces, and authentic afternoon tea service in the English Room.
  Reader Score: 98.11
• 7. Triple Creek Ranch – Darby, Montana
  
  An exclusive Montana ranch experience, Triple Creek Ranch invites guests to relax in private cabins, explore nature trails, go horseback riding, and even try sapphire panning straight from the local river.
  Reader Score: 97.87
• 8. Quisisana Resort – Lovell, Maine
  
  Inspired by classic summer camps, Quisisana offers lakeside musical entertainment, family-friendly activities, and an inviting community atmosphere on the peaceful shores of Lake Kezar.
  Reader Score: 97.77
• 9. Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection – Telluride, Colorado
  
  Located at the base of a mountain, this resort is perfect for year-round adventures — from winter skiing to summer mountain biking and hiking.
  Reader Score: 96.67
• 10. Sonnenalp Hotel – Vail, Colorado
  
  Winter enthusiasts will adore Sonnenalp Hotel, which offers luxurious accommodations close to Vail’s slopes, plus perks like a ski concierge service and a cozy private ski lounge serving endless hot cocoa.
  Reader Score: 96.47
• 11. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa – Rancho Santa Fe, California
  
  Set on 45 acres of pristine land, Rancho Valencia is a wellness paradise featuring fitness classes, yoga sessions, and personalized spa experiences in a peaceful setting.
  Reader Score: 96.44
• 12. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – Little Torch Key, Florida
  
  This private island retreat, accessible only by boat or seaplane, invites guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature among swinging hammocks and vibrant sunset views.
  Reader Score: 96.29
• 13. The Ranch at Rock Creek – Philipsburg, Montana
  
  An all-inclusive luxury ranch, The Ranch at Rock Creek offers guests the choice between glamping tents, rustic cabins, and elegantly restored accommodations in a historic barn setting.
  Reader Score: 96.22
• 14. The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa – Oceanside, California
  
  Just steps from the ocean, The Seabird combines coastal chic interiors with amenities like live music, fire pits, and a relaxed, beachside atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.
  Reader Score: 96.15
• 15. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection – Park City, Utah
  
  Tucked away in the mountains of Utah, The Lodge at Blue Sky offers guests Earth Suites and Sky Lodge rooms with sweeping views, outdoor adventures like horseback riding, and wellness programs for all ages.
  Reader Score: 96.13

Where Will Your Next Getaway Take You?

The 2024 World’s Best Awards prove once again that the United States is home to some of the most spectacular resorts in the world. From serene beachfront escapes in California to cozy mountain retreats in Colorado and Montana, there’s truly something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, culinary excellence, or pure relaxation, this year’s winners offer a range of incredible experiences that cater to families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

Mission Pacific Beach Resort’s top ranking highlights the growing appeal of California’s less crowded coastal destinations, where luxury meets casual comfort and every sunset feels like a private show. Meanwhile, classic favorites like Hotel Jerome and Triple Creek Ranch continue to demonstrate that timeless hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and a commitment to personalized service never go out of style.

As travel continues to evolve, American resorts are stepping up with innovative offerings that focus on wellness, sustainability, and immersive local experiences. From farm-to-table dining at Cedar Lakes Estate to the tech-free tranquility of Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, these properties are redefining what it means to take a vacation.

Whether you crave the soothing ocean breeze, the crisp mountain air, or a lakeside summer filled with music and camaraderie, the resorts on this year’s list promise to deliver unforgettable moments. With so many exceptional options to explore, your next dream vacation might just be closer than you think.

The post This California Beach Resort Crowned Best in the Continental U.S. with a Michelin-Starred Restaurant first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.

How the Spas Were Rated

For the annual survey, more than 186,000 T+L readers rated over 8,700 travel experiences, casting upwards of 700,000 individual votes. When it came to destination spas, each was judged across five specific criteria:

• Accommodations and facilities
• Quality of treatments
• Service
• Food
• Value

The final rankings reflect the average scores across all categories — and the results reveal some familiar favorites, along with a few delightful surprises.

America’s Most Beloved Retreats

This year’s domestic list is dominated by tried-and-true wellness destinations in the Southwest and California, with Arizona claiming three top spots. Yet, in a twist few saw coming, the No. 1 destination spa in the U.S. wasn’t in the desert — it was nestled deep in the forests of Wisconsin.

No. 1 — Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Tucked into 80 acres of pine forest, Sundara Inn & Spa has been a quiet favorite since 2003. Adults-only and free from the distraction of electronic devices, this serene retreat focuses on mental and physical rejuvenation. Guests love the property’s range of treatments, from ancient Ayurvedic practices to modern modalities like Cryo T-Shock. With recent expansions — including new suites with private hot tubs and fireplaces — Sundara has transformed into a Midwest sanctuary for those seeking peace and holistic healing. One returning guest praised it as “an amazing hidden gem” that continues to evolve beautifully.

Other U.S. Standouts

Rounding out the top five:

• Mii Amo in Sedona, Arizona — Recently refreshed, guests describe a deeply spiritual energy among the red rocks.
• CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa in Carefree, Arizona — A newcomer that wowed readers with its programs and value.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas — Loved for its scenic lakeside location and thoughtful wellness programming.
• Golden Door in San Marcos, California — Known for its exclusivity and personalized approach to health and healing.

Other perennial favorites included Miraval Arizona, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs in New Mexico, and The Lodge at Woodloch in Pennsylvania — all known for their restorative settings and returning clientele.

Complete U.S. Top 15

1. Sundara Inn & Spa, WI – 94.19
2. Mii Amo, AZ – 93.73
3. CIVANA Wellness Resort, AZ – 93.71
4. Lake Austin Spa Resort, TX – 93.54
5. Golden Door, CA – 93.52
6. The Lodge at Woodloch, PA – 92.92
7. Cal-a-Vie, CA – 92.71
8. Canyon Ranch Lenox, MA – 92.60
9. Sensei Lanai, HI – 91.81
10. The Ranch Malibu, CA – 91.70
11. Miraval Austin, TX – 91.64
12. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs, NM – 91.32
13. Miraval Arizona, AZ – 91.11
14. Ten Thousand Waves, NM – 90.51
15. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, FL – 90.17

The Global Gold Standard in Wellness

While the U.S. spas garnered high praise, Travel + Leisure readers also celebrated international escapes, especially those that balance holistic healing with nature immersion. This year, all three global winners were located in the Americas — underscoring how tropical serenity and spiritual rejuvenation often go hand in hand.

No. 1 — Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Mexico

For decades, Rancho La Puerta has defined the destination spa experience. Set on 4,000 private acres in Baja California, the family-owned retreat continues to dazzle readers year after year. Guests described it as “authentic,” “life-changing,” and “magical,” citing the 40 miles of hiking trails, dozens of daily fitness classes, and spiritual treatments like craniosacral therapy and reiki. One guest who’s been visiting for over three decades said simply: “It just gets better every time.”

More Global Favorites

• Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica — Nestled in La Fortuna, this resort is famous for its volcanic hot springs and rainforest setting.
• The BodyHoliday, St. Lucia — A Caribbean wellness powerhouse offering an all-inclusive experience where guests can do everything — or nothing at all — at their own pace.

Complete International Top 3

1. Rancho La Puerta, Mexico – 95.89
2. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Costa Rica – 92.38
3. BodyHoliday, St. Lucia – 92.30

Final Thoughts

As the wellness travel sector continues to grow, these destination spas are offering more than just massages and yoga — they’re curating complete physical, mental, and emotional resets. Whether you’re seeking reconnection in the red rocks of Sedona or soul-soothing thermal springs in Costa Rica, the best destination spas in the world prove that true relaxation is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity.

The post Travel + Leisure Readers’ 18 Favorite Destination Spas in the World first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.