Readers' Choice 2015: Top 20 United States Hideaways

For an unprecedented eighth year in a row, no U.S. hideaway with 50 rooms or fewer has managed to dislodge the Post Ranch Inn from the top of the list. With Calistoga Ranch moving from ninth to second place and the Château du Sureau rocketing from unranked into third, four of the top five subscriber-favorite hideaways of 2015 cluster in northern California.

1. Post Ranch Inn

Big Sur, California — Unique coastal resort set along a bluff directly above the Pacific in Big Sur, 45 minutes south of Carmel. The Sierra Mar restaurant is backed by an impressive wine cellar. The property features two clifftop basking pools, a full-service spa and guided nature hikes.

2. Calistoga Ranch

Calistoga, California — Tranquil 157-acre resort of 50 freestanding guest lodges in a wooded canyon at the northern edge of the Napa Valley. The property features a superb lakeview restaurant and small spa complex with a natural spring-fed mineral pool at the other.

3. Château du Sureau

Oakhurst, California — This Provençal-style manor sits on a knoll above the small Sierra town of Oakhurst near the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. The auberge contains 10 guest quarters with king-size feather beds, fireplaces and lavish marble baths.

4. Auberge du Soleil

Rutherford, California — Cosmopolitan resort terraced into a hillside overlooking Napa Valley vineyards in Rutherford. Fifty villa-style lodgings feature terra-cotta floors, woodburning fireplaces, oversize baths with skylit soaking tubs, and picturesque verandas.

5. Little Palm Island

Little Torch Key, Florida — Tropical retreat occupying lush five-acre Little Torch Key, a half-hour north of Key West. Thirty accommodations in thatched bungalow suites feature four-poster canopy beds, separate living areas, indoor/outdoor showers and private verandas.

6. Twin Farms

Barnard, Vermont — Intimate country retreat amid 300 acres of meadows and woodlands in an unspoiled valley with an exceptional restaurant. Twenty distinctive lodgings feature king-size feather beds and sitting areas with fireplaces that open onto screened porches.

7. Amangiri

Canyon Point, Utah — Exceptional resort set amid 600 acres of stupendous desert landscape close to Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. Austere yet appropriate concrete structures contain 34 rooms, some with plunge pools, in two wings.

8. Triple Creek Ranch

Darby, Montana — Romantic mountain resort in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. Twenty-three log cabins overlook a rushing creek and fir forest. Each comes with a woodburning fireplace and massive king bed.

9. San Ysidro Ranch

Santa Barbara, California — Sophisticated 500-acre cottage-style resort in the leafy foothills of Montecito. Landscaped grounds contain 41 handsome lodgings in peaked-roof cottages. Dining venues include the award-winning indoor/outdoor Stonehouse restaurant.

10. The Inn at Little Washington

Washington, Virginia — This smartly appointed country inn and gourmet sanctuary occupies an unassuming white building in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Twenty-four guest rooms and suites contain antiques, plush fabrics and marble baths.

11. Rancho Valencia

Rancho Santa Fe, California — Spanish hacienda-style resort enclave 30 minutes north of San Diego in Rancho Santa Fe. Lush grounds contain 49 lodgings with cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, colorfully tiled baths with soaking tubs and private garden patios.

12. Ocean House

Watch Hill, Rhode Island — Gracious and charming re-creation of an original Victorian mansion-style hotel, with wide verandas, soaring mansard roof and 65 rooms and suites, all with sea views. The property features a lovely indoor pool, inviting spa and gorgeous private beach.

13. Blantyre

Lenox, Massachusetts — Tudor-style mansion set on 117 acres of grounds near Tanglewood, summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Twenty-one beautifully decorated guest quarters are housed within The Main House, The Carriage House and several secluded cottages.

14. Amangani

Jackson, Wyoming — Stylish resort atop 7,000-foot East Gros Ventre Butte, 15 minutes from downtown Jackson. A low-profile sandstone structure houses 40 guest suites featuring sitting areas with fireplaces, large redwood baths and covered decks.

15. The Lodge at Sea Island

St. Simons Island, Georgia — Tranquil golf-oriented oceanfront hotel situated at the end of an avenue of live oaks, adjacent to the spectacular 18-hole championship Plantation links. Forty luxurious guest quarters have been designed to resemble an English manor house.

16. Hidden Pond

Kennebunkport, Maine — Delightful enclave of 36 lodgings nestled into 60 acres of seaside forest. *Earth* restaurant features a locally sourced menu that primarily uses ingredients from the hotel’s organic farm. Activities include paddleboarding, kayaking and nature walks.

17. Rosewood CordeValle

San Martin, California — Exclusive golfing sanctuary in a secluded valley 20 miles south of San Jose. Many of the 45 accommodations feature sitting areas, jetted tubs and private patios. The property offers a splendid spa, a tennis center and an 85-acre winery and vineyard.

18. Poetry Inn

Napa, California — This dramatic sanctuary in the Stags Leap District is perched on a hilltop providing spectacular views of the valley below. Five sumptuous rooms and suites feature king beds, woodburning fireplaces, private furnished balconies and original artwork.

19. The Wauwinet

Nantucket, Massachusetts — Idyllic refuge set on a peninsula between a protected bay and a long, unspoiled Atlantic beach on Nantucket. The lavishly restored landmark hotel offers 32 generally small but distinctively appointed guest quarters, plus several cottage suites.

20. Lake Austin Spa Resort

Austin, Texas — Splendid 40-room destination spa on 19 lakeside acres in the Hill Country outside of Austin. The 25,000-square-foot limestone-and-cedar spa features 30 indoor and outdoor treatment spaces; more than 20 fitness classes and activities are offered daily.

1. Post Ranch Inn - ©Kodiak Greenwood 2. Calistoga Ranch - © Erhard Pfeiffer 3. Chateau du Sureau - © Terrance Reimer 4. Auberge du Soleil - © Trinette Reed Photography 7. Amangiri - Courtesy of Amanresorts 10. The Inn at Little Washington - © Gordon Beall 11. Rancho Valencia - © Rouse Photography 14. Amangani - Courtesy of Amanresorts 15. The Lodge at Sea Island - © Al Payne 17. Rosewood CordeValle - © Don Riddle