What transforms a beautiful resort into a truly unforgettable travel experience?
After traveling to more than 150 countries and all seven continents, I have learned that the finest resorts do more than give us a luxurious place to stay—they become part of the travel story.
For this edition of The Elite List, I selected ten ultra-luxury resorts that elevate the all-inclusive experience. Some are wonderfully intimate, with as few as 15 accommodations. Others offer private islands, dramatic mountain landscapes or suites suspended above turquoise water.
This is not a ranking from best to worst. Each resort earned its place for a different reason—but every one offers a setting, experience or level of service that makes it truly extraordinary.
1. Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort
Punta Mita, Mexico | Most Exclusive
Hidden between tropical forest and the Pacific Ocean, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort is the most intimate property on my list. This adults-only retreat has just 15 luxury tented bungalows spread across 48 forested acres. Each freestanding bungalow features indoor-outdoor living, a private plunge pool and beautiful sunset views.
With Four Seasons service, exceptional dining, daily wellness rituals, personalized experiences and even a spa treatment included, Naviva feels less like a traditional resort and more like an exclusive private sanctuary. Guests especially appreciate the privacy, highly personalized service and extraordinary connection to nature.
Why It Made The Elite List: I am always drawn to small, highly personalized properties, and with only 15 bungalows, Naviva is about as exclusive as it gets. Add Four Seasons service, and it would be one of my first choices for a peaceful luxury escape.
2. La Casa de la Playa
Riviera Maya, Mexico | Best Culinary Experience
Located directly on the Caribbean Sea, La Casa de la Playa is an adults-only boutique resort with only 63 spacious suites, all designed to showcase Mexican artistry and culture. Suites begin at approximately 1,065 square feet and feature a private pool, butler service and beautiful indoor-outdoor living.
Its elevated All-Fun Inclusive program combines sophisticated dining with access to Xcaret’s parks, private excursions, catamaran experiences and luxury airport transportation. What guests love most is the combination of remarkable cuisine, personalized service and experiences that extend far beyond the resort.
Why It Made The Elite List: I love resorts that allow you to truly experience the destination—not simply relax beside a beautiful beach. La Casa de la Playa does exactly that by combining exceptional cuisine, Mexican culture and adventure in one intimate luxury experience.
3. Jumby Bay Island
Antigua | Best Private-Island Escape
Reached by private boat from Antigua, Jumby Bay Island occupies a magnificent 300-acre private island with no cars and no crowds. Guests stay in elegant cottages, villas or expansive private residences, some with dedicated butlers and household staff.
Powder-soft beaches, exceptional dining, water sports and conservation experiences are included in the island’s effortless, all-encompassing lifestyle. Families love the freedom and activities, while couples appreciate the privacy and romantic atmosphere.
Why It Made The Elite List: There is something wonderfully special about arriving at a resort by private boat. Jumby Bay delivers the ultimate private-island escape without sacrificing exceptional dining, personalized service or activities.
4. Triple Creek Ranch
Darby, Montana | Best Luxury Ranch
Set among the towering pines of Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains, Triple Creek Ranch offers an entirely different interpretation of all-inclusive luxury. The adults-only Relais & Châteaux ranch has just 25 private log cabins, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
Meals, beverages and most activities are included, with experiences ranging from horseback riding and fly-fishing to hiking, skiing and cattle drives. Guests consistently love the wonderful staff, superb cuisine and balance between authentic Western adventure and luxurious comfort.
Why It Made The Elite List: I love the idea of exploring the Montana wilderness during the day and returning to a fabulous meal and luxurious private cabin at night. This is authentic ranch life without sacrificing comfort or sophistication.
5. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI
South Malé Atoll, Maldives | Best Maldives Escape
Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI features 90 villas and RESERVE residences positioned along the beach or over the water. Every villa has a private pool and direct access to the sand or lagoon, while select overwater villas have their own slides into the Indian Ocean.
The all-inclusive experience begins with a luxury catamaran transfer from Malé and continues with fine dining, premium beverages, wellness and ocean adventures. Couples love the romantic setting, while the larger residences and extensive activities also make it an excellent Maldives choice for families.
Why It Made The Elite List: A private pool, direct access to the Indian Ocean and even a waterslide from an overwater villa—that is exactly the kind of unforgettable experience I look for when creating a bucket-list journey.
6. Hermitage Bay
Antigua | Best Wellness Retreat
Tucked into a secluded bay on Antigua’s west coast, Hermitage Bay is an intimate retreat with only 30 private villa-suites. Many have their own plunge pools, while all offer private terraces, ocean views and generous outdoor living spaces.
The resort’s all-inclusive option features seasonal cuisine, premium beverages and select water sports, all delivered in a relaxed, unhurried setting. Following an extensive renovation, it now offers refreshed villas, an updated spa and a new beach-club experience. Guests love its peaceful atmosphere, warm service and secluded beach.
Why It Made The Elite List: Hermitage Bay is the resort I would choose when the goal is complete relaxation, personal renewal and quiet time beside the Caribbean.
7. Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets
Isla Mujeres, Mexico | Best Boutique-Style Luxury
Although larger than some of the retreats on this list, Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets maintains a boutique atmosphere with 125 suites and personalized butler service. Guests arrive from Cancun aboard the resort’s private catamaran, immediately setting the tone for the escape.
The adults-only property offers rooftop infinity pools, overwater cabanas, a waterslide leading directly into the sea, extensive dining and spa experiences. Travelers especially enjoy the panoramic water views, beautiful design and elevated level of service.
Why It Made The Elite List: I particularly like that this resort feels remote and exclusive yet remains relatively easy to reach from Cancun. It combines the ease of a sophisticated all-inclusive resort with the beauty and intimacy of an island escape.
8. Jade Mountain
Soufrière, Saint Lucia | Most Romantic
Jade Mountain may be one of the most instantly recognizable resorts in the Caribbean. Perched above the 600-acre Anse Chastanet beachfront estate, it has only 29 enormous accommodations known as “sanctuaries.” Each is reached by a private bridge, and 24 feature expansive infinity pools.
The missing fourth wall completely opens each sanctuary to dramatic views of the Caribbean and Saint Lucia’s iconic Pitons. Guests love the privacy, round-the-clock Major Domo service and feeling of sleeping almost entirely within the landscape. All-inclusive plans are available.
Why It Made The Elite List: Jade Mountain has been on my radar for years because there is simply nothing else quite like its open-air sanctuaries, dramatic architecture and extraordinary views of the Pitons.
9. Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur, California | Best Coastal Retreat
Set across 160 secluded acres high above California’s rugged coastline, Alila Ventana Big Sur is surrounded by towering redwoods, ocean views and some of America’s most dramatic scenery. The intimate resort has 59 rooms and suites, many with fireplaces, outdoor spaces and soaking tubs.
Dining, nonalcoholic beverages, wellness programming and select experiences are included with each stay. Guests particularly appreciate the tranquil setting, excellent meals, Japanese baths, guided nature walks and opportunity to completely disconnect.
Why It Made The Elite List: I would choose Ventana when the goal is to disconnect, immerse myself in nature and spend meaningful time together surrounded by some of America’s most dramatic coastal scenery.
10. Refugia Chiloé, Formerly Tierra Chiloé
Chiloé Island, Chile | Best Adventure Resort
Located on a remote island in northern Patagonia, Refugia Chiloé—the property formerly known as Tierra Chiloé—is an intimate, 24-room lodge overlooking the inland Pacific Ocean and Pullao wetlands. Every room has a water view, and the architecture draws inspiration from the island’s traditional wooden buildings.
Its immersive all-inclusive programs introduce guests to Chiloé through horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, local cuisine, colorful villages and visits to the island’s UNESCO-listed wooden churches. Travelers love its remoteness, authentic cultural experiences and wild, windswept scenery.
Why It Made The Elite List: After traveling to more than 150 countries, I am increasingly drawn to lesser-known destinations that still feel genuinely undiscovered. Refugia Chiloé offers exactly that, along with an authentic introduction to one of South America’s most fascinating cultures and landscapes.
What Makes an Elite Resort?
To me, true luxury is not defined by marble lobbies, thread counts or price alone. It is found in privacy, exceptional service, extraordinary surroundings and the ability to experience a destination in a meaningful way.
These ten properties may be wildly different—from an overwater villa in the Maldives to a log cabin in Montana—but they share one important quality: the resort itself becomes an unforgettable part of the journey.
Which one belongs at the top of your personal Elite List?
When you are ready to discover which property is the perfect match for your travel style, I would love to help you plan it.
Travel Better. Travel Smarter. Travel Elite.