Three U.S. resorts just ranked among the best luxury hotels in the world
Topping the North American entries is Blackberry Farm, the iconic East Tennessee retreat that pioneered five-star farm stays long before they were trendy. Spread across 4,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, this Relais & Châteaux property offers just 68 rooms, but delivers on every front: service, cuisine and setting. "They've redefined farm-to-table,' says Robb Report Travel Master Kevin Jackson, pointing to the legendary wine cellar, chef-driven dining and meticulous attention to detail. But what truly sets it apart is the warmth. Guests rave about the staff's Southern hospitality and a deeply rooted sense of place that no copycat has managed to replicate.
A newer entry, Smith Fork Ranch in Colorado, delivers pure exclusivity. Set in a million-acre national forest, this historic dude ranch now operates as a buyout-only experience. This is billionaire-style privacy featuring six restored log cabins, a six-suite lodge, a chef's kitchen and a gym, all reimagined for 2025. With only 19 bedrooms total, the ranch caters to families, corporate retreats or ultra-private getaways. The buzz has been swift: Bookings for 2025 are nearly gone, and guests can look forward to luxe glamping options and custom outdoor adventures rolling out next year.
Rounding out the U.S. destinations is Big Sur's legendary Post Ranch Inn. Once a humble motel on the Pacific Coast Highway, the property has evolved into a 40-room sanctuary perched 1,200 feet above the ocean. Rooms come with private hot tubs and floor-to-ceiling views, but it's the raw, natural beauty of the cliffs and sea that make this place unforgettable. The restaurant leans into refined Californian fare, and GM Tim Lee is known for handling every guest need with grace.
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