Top 5 family resorts and hotels in the Northeast
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Top 5 family resorts and hotels in the Northeast, updated for 2025
Every year, FamilyVacationist ranks the top hotels and resorts in the United States based on a variety of factors important to traveling families. In the Northeast, you can have your pick of scenic settings such as mountains, beaches, and picturesque lakes. These are our top hotel and resort choices for a family getaway filled with fun activities and memorable views in this region of the country. You can also discover our picks for the South, Midwest, Southwest, Mountain West, and West Coast in our full report on the best family resorts and hotels across the country for a vacation to remember.
1. Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Set on a stretch of sandy beach and just seven miles from Portland, pet-friendly Inn by the Sea helps families slow down and relax with activities like yoga, beach ecology walks, stargazing, and s'mores. A private boardwalk leads to the beach, and the on-site restaurant serves dishes made with locally caught seafood and ingredients from nearby farms.
There's also a heated pool, bikes to borrow, and a full-service spa offering coastal-inspired treatments like the Sea Waves Massage. One- and two-bedroom suites done up in modern cottage style are ideal for families and include features like balconies and gas fireplaces.
2. Topnotch Resort
Stowe, Vermont
Just minutes from Stowe Mountain, Topnotch Resort offers year-round fun for the whole family. Snowy pursuits might be the focus during a wintertime stay, but at other times of the year you can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding through the on-site Equestrian Center, and a spa offering kid-friendly treatments.
There are seasonal organized activities for kids and teens, lawn games, and outdoor firepits for family s'mores nights. In addition to standard hotel guest rooms, the resort also has one- to three-bedroom resort homes with full kitchens, fireplaces, and washers and dryers, with all the necessary gear for babies and kids readily available.
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3. Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
No matter the season, it's never a bad time to whisk the family away to Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Wintertime means activities like sleigh rides and cross-country and downhill skiing, while hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scenic gondola rides can be enjoyed during other seasons.
The historic resort (three U.S. presidents have stayed there) offers amenities like indoor and outdoor heated pools, 27 holes of golf, a spa, multiple dining options, and supervised kids programs. And it sits within easy driving distance of a slew of family-friendly attractions, like Story Land and the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
4. Weekapaug Inn
Westerly, Rhode Island
Not far from the Atlantic Ocean on the southwestern shores of Rhode Island, Weekapaug Inn gives families a luxurious way to enjoy the outdoors. Complimentary daily activities at the Relais & Chateaux property range from naturalist-led beach walks and birdwatching sessions to s'mores around the firepit.
Kids can head to the Boathouse, where staff lead supervised activities, games, and crafts, and the whole family can gather for pool and beach time, bike rides, kayaking, lawn games, and boat tours of the nearby salt pond. The family pooch also gets pampered here, with welcome treats, a designer dog bed in your guest room, and the option to join the family on a private walk with the on-site naturalist.
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5. The Sagamore Resort
Bolton Landing, New York
Set on a private island on Lake George and dating from 1883, The Sagamore Resort makes for a modern family getaway brimming with historic charm. Families will find multiple dining venues as well as fun amenities like The Rec, a sprawling indoor entertainment zone with a nine-hole mini golf course, climbing wall, basketball courts, and table and video games.
The all-seasons lakefront resort is home to indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a dock where families can go fishing, and a spa featuring the new Salt & Sound Lounge. Rides aboard The Morgan, the resort's replica 19th-century touring vessel, are included in the resort fee and provide stellar views of the lake and the Adirondacks.
The 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
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This Luxury Wellness Retreat in Sedona, Arizona, Is the Best Destination Spa in the U.S.—With a Crystal Grotto, Canyon Views, and an Outdoor Pool
The coveted Mii amo resort in Sedona, Arizona, recently reopened after a $40 million renovation—and was just named the No. 1 destination spa in the U.S., according to T+L's 2025 World's Best Awards. The resort's thoughtful desert-chic redesign, led by its original architect Gluckman Tang, optimized its intimacy and enhanced its wellness offerings. Guests can personalize their wellness experience by emphasizing spirituality, physical activity, or relaxation. Mii amo's exclusive location in Boynton Canyon among Sedona's stunning red rocks provides plenty of hiking opportunities right out the door. The crystal grotto, a domed space anchored by a sparkling quartz crystal, is a serene space for daily meditation. From the outside, the curved blue shape of Mii amo's domed crystal grotto stood out against Boynton Canyon's red rocks. Inside, I removed my shoes and felt the red, sandy earth on my toes as I set an intention for my stay. A massive piece of petrified wood stood at the center of the space, holding a sparkling crystal and a small fountain of gurgling water. During the welcome ritual, a practitioner explained that the four different stones lining the circular wall each represented a different phase of life, and where people choose to sit is a window into their life's journey. The grotto set the stage for the rest of my visit: quiet spirituality, relaxation, and self-exploration. Mii amo, the adults-only wellness resort and a member of Relais & Châteaux, along with its family-friendly sibling resort, Enchantment, are the only two hotels within Boynton Canyon, west of Sedona. First opened in 2001, Mii amo underwent a top-to-bottom renovation in February 2023, led by its original architecture firm Gluckman Tang, which expanded its accommodation options, added a new restaurant, and significantly increased the footprint of its wellness spaces. Since its debut, the resort has made T+L's World's Best Awards for U.S. destination spas several times, most recently ranking No. 1 in the 2025 survey. I stayed at Mii amo in the fall of 2024 with my mom and sister. It was a rare occasion when all three of us could spend time together, since my sister lives abroad. The moment we entered Boynton Canyon, I felt my shoulders relax, and when we stepped out of our car at the hotel's architectural entrance, I knew I was in for a memorable experience. Interior of a lounge area at Mii amo. Guests can opt for an à la carte stay, or book an all-inclusive Journey of three, four, seven, or 10 nights, which includes three meals a day at the on-site restaurant, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, a daily credit that can be used at the spa or Trail House for hiking and biking excursions, and access to private lounges and locker rooms at the spa. Additionally, there's a robust daily calendar of fitness classes, workshops, and lectures that could keep anyone busy for hours. And when you need to relax, there's a beautiful new sunken living room-style lounge with a fireplace. We signed up for a three-night Journey, and while I tried to give myself over more fully to the spiritual side of things, my sister remained skeptical and focused on hiking and relaxation. My mom, a bit of a gym rat, embraced the physical and nutrition side of things. Still, all three of us felt restored, and we each had different results—a testament to Mii amo's ability to cater to different types of guests seeking different wellness experiences. The highlight for all of us, though, was our private, guided hike through the canyon, an omnipresence that we could see from nearly any room at Mii amo. While guests can join a complimentary group hike to the nearest energy vortex, which is about a 20-minute walk from the resort (my sister and I easily did it on our own), we opted to use some of our resort credit on a longer hike set up with the Trail House. Our guide, George, was an Apache Native American, whose preferred way to explore the canyon was on a mountain bike. George led us through Boynton Canyon along Deadman's Trail and then to Mescal Trail, which culminated in a sweeping view of the valley. Along the way, we learned about vortexes and hoodoos and their significance to Native Americans, the history of the canyon, and how George helped carve these trails on his mountain bike. At the lookout, he suggested we each find a spot alone and take a few moments to contemplate the nature surrounding us, our lives and the people in it, and ourselves. This was, in a nutshell, like much of the experience at Mii amo: encouragement to make time and space to evaluate our lives within the larger universe. Here's my full review of Mii amo. When my sister and I entered our intimate Casita, the standard accommodation at the resort, we were instantly drawn to the glowing beige adobe fireplace in the corner—a fantastic feature that all rooms share. Our beds were layered with modern, Southwestern-style, geometric quilts. Two terracotta-colored chairs anchored a small seating area near the fireplace, along with a curvy floor lamp and an end table made from a live-edge tree trunk. Above the desk hung a locally made textile art piece, while a few tastefully placed potted succulents provided a dash of green in a color palette dominated by black and shades of beige and brown. The spacious bathroom featured heated floors and a glass-walled rain shower looking out onto our private courtyard, a feature that guests will find in all Casitas. Ours was part of a group of recently added accommodations that brought the room count up post-renovation from 16 to 23 (the original Casitas were also fully renovated). Ranging in size between 400 and 450 square feet, this type of room category is set in small groupings that surround large courtyards with cushy seating, outdoor fireplaces, and plants, with the red cliffs looming in the background. Casitas can have either two double beds or a single king bed, with some featuring deep soaking tubs and outdoor fireplaces. Other room options include larger suites and junior suites, all with fireplaces, outdoor terraces, and soaking tubs. The one- and two-bedroom spa suites offer separate living and dining areas with a live-edge wooden table, while the luxury suites also include an outdoor whirlpool on an expansive courtyard and a private massage room. The terrace at the signature restaurant, Hummingbird. Ken Hayden/Courtesy of Mii amo Mii amo's dining program underwent a major revamp, and is now under the purview of chef Nathan Rich, who is also the culinary director of Tanzerra Resorts and the executive chef at Twin Farms in Vermont. (Mii amo, Enchantment, Twin Farms, The Cove, Eleuthera, and Virginia's the Tides Inn are all part of Tanzerra Resorts.) At Mii amo, Rich was tasked with refreshing the dining offerings, and he's done an admirable job. While the offerings have a wellness focus, guests are not deprived of indulgences or alcohol. In fact, the cocktails are excellent, with several margaritas, a Whistle Pig Old-Fashioned, a mezcal negroni, and a cucumber gimlet on the menu. At the on-site restaurant, Hummingbird, chef Zach Woodworth was promoted to executive chef in the fall of 2024. Here, he presents vegetable-forward fare that shows off the bounty of the garden just outside. 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The juice and coffee bar is the only other beverage outlet (it doubles as a wine bar in the evenings). My mom, sister, and I loved the juices, with our favorites being the Arroyo, with orange, apple, prickly pear, and ginger, as well as the Hello Honeydew, with honeydew, celery, aloe vera, parsley, lemon, and ginger. Mii amo's yoga room. Mii amo offers a robust daily schedule of complimentary classes, lectures, and experiences. Guests seeking physical activity can sign up for fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, Zumba, tennis, and water aerobics. And those who like to reconnect with nature can join group hikes in the canyon or go stargazing. Spiritual and meditative activities include sound baths, labyrinth walks, dream interpretation sessions, and discussions on chakras. I found the sound bath in the crystal grotto to be transcendent, especially with the way the sound circulates through the round space. The new movement studio, with a view of the sensory garden and the red rocks beyond, is beautiful, and I appreciated the variety of daily yoga and stretching classes. My mom wanted some high-intensity workout options, which weren't available, but she thought the fitness center was state-of-the-art. Also on the daily calendar: food and nutrition experiences, like a juicing class and nutrition lectures. We tried the chef's garden experience, which included a tour, led by chef Woodworth, followed by a lovely group lunch in the garden featuring dishes prepared with seasonal produce. In addition to what's on the calendar, guests can: schedule spa treatments; book individual coaching sessions with professional practitioners and trainers in meditation, spirituality, fitness, or nutrition; spend time by the outdoor pool or indoor saunas and steam rooms; or visit the Trail House across the road at Enchantment, where guided hikes, trail running, rock climbing, and bike rides can be booked. The entrance to the crystal grotto. Mii amo's renovated spa now includes: 26 treatment rooms and private consultation spaces: 14 single massage rooms, three facial rooms, two wet rooms, a sound lounge room, and a couple's massage room. The resort added an all-new consultation wing with a dedicated relaxation space and five consultation rooms for sessions with Mii amo's mindfulness team and seasoned therapists. Treatments range from classics such as massages, facials, and bodywork to more unconventional options, including energy clearing, sound resonance therapy, and celestial manifesting. I tried the 100-minute Ancestral Stone Massage, which incorporates hot basalt and cold marble stones in a unique take on contrast therapy that also considers Native American beliefs of the power of river rocks and the healing powers of stones. The Healthy Aging facial I had uses marine ingredients for hydration and two specialized masks that left my skin plump and supple. The array of meditative healing rituals and energy sessions, such as a medicine wheel ceremony, aura photography, past life regression session, hypnosis, and reiki, takes full advantage of local Sedona experts in these areas. Somehow, my past life regression session turned more into a therapy talk with some reiki, which I was somewhat bummed about because I had been looking forward to getting a glimpse at my past lives. Overall, though, the treatments are excellent and give the opportunity to experience new methods of healing and relaxation. Mii amo features one ADA-compliant 400-square-foot Casita, complete with a king-size bed, a roll-in shower, a tub with a permanent seat, and an accessible double vanity. Additionally, guests can book accessible hiking tours with the Trail House, such as a Grand Canyon Above the Rim tour, a trip to Red Rock State Park, and driving tours. The resort's sustainability efforts are wide-ranging. Hummingbird restaurant collaborates with local Arizona farmers and purveyors, in addition to using produce from its on-site garden. The hotel also partners with the international nonprofit organization Join the Pipe, providing each guest with a reusable water bottle made from biodegradable sugarcane that can be filled at one of the resort's several water stations. Mii amo has a private on-site wastewater treatment plant to supply reclaimed water for irrigation, while the landscaping team has phased out non-native plants to minimize water usage. All rooms are equipped with water-efficient showerheads and toilets. Finally, a portion of any Trail House excursion fee goes to the Boynton Canyon Preservation Fund. As the only hotels inside Boynton Canyon, Mii amo and its sibling resort, Enchantment, are surrounded by the towering red rocks of Sedona. So if guests want to hike the canyon, all they need to do is step outside. Boynton Canyon, a scenic box canyon, is located in West Sedona and is part of the Coconino National Forest. Sedona's downtown is a quick ten-minute drive. To get to the hotel, guests can fly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is 34 miles away. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers more direct flights and connections, but is about 125 miles from the resort. Mii amo doesn't offer a dedicated loyalty program. The resort is part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, offering card members perks such as 4 p.m. check-out, $100 resort credit, and early check-in, subject to availability. Nightly rates at Mii amo start from $4,600 for a three-night Journey (includes all meals, daily stipend for treatments, and full access to classes and lectures; the rate excludes alcohol). Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
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A new study set out to find the best spa cities in the world using data from Yelp and Google. One destination in the U.K. took the top spot for its high density of spas and luxury offerings. Cities like Palm Springs, California, and Miami also ranked highly, with standout scores in search interest and spa density. Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to vacations—some may want an adrenaline rush, others a deep cultural experience, and some people really just want to relax. For the true relaxation connoisseurs, spa cloud software company Zenoti's 2025 report on the best cities in the world for spas has all the details on where to find the most spas, the best-reviewed ones, and even where to find the most affordable spas. For its study, Zenoti used a combination of Yelp and Google search data (specifically, the phrase "spas near me"), and each city had to meet a few requirements in order to be included on the list. Each destination needed to have at least 20 spa listings on Yelp, and there needed to be population data available to calculate spa density per capita. After cities ticked off all the requirements, they were judged by a weighted index according to five factors: the number of spas per capita, average Yelp ratings, the percentage of luxury spas in the area, the percentage of affordable spas, and the volume of Google searches for 'spas near me' in 2025. With all of that information factored in, Bath, U.K., came out as the best spa city in the world. For fans of historical romance novels, it's not too much of a surprise that Bath came in first place. Not only is it the most spa-dense city in the world, but it also ranks high for spa-related searches and luxury spa offerings. With mineral-rich hot springs, Bath has long been a favorite spa town, with an ancient history that dates back to the days of the Roman Empire. However, you won't even need a passport to visit the second location on the list. Palm Springs, California, a longtime favorite wellness destination, ranked highly for both spa density and search volume, so you'll definitely be in the company of other travelers looking for cupping, deep tissue massages, and facials. The third-place spot also went to another domestic destination: Miami, Florida. The South Florida city ranks high in spa density, search volume, and affordable spas, so seeking out a wellness-focused retreat here should be relatively stress-free. Here are the top 10 spa cities in the world according to the Zenoti study, for all your travel planning and wanderlust needs. Bath, United Kingdom Palm Springs, California Miami, Florida Toronto, Canada Scottsdale, Arizoma Honolulu, Hawaii Vancouver, Canada Boston, Massachusetts Seattle, Washington New York City, New York Some other interesting tidbits? The most affordable spa cities in the world didn't make it to the top 10. The most affordable spa cities are Osaka and Kyoto in Japan. Conversely, if you're looking for the best luxury experiences, your best bets are Milan, Italy, and Geneva, Switzerland. Kyoto is also home to some of the best-rated spas in the world, alongside Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Scottsdale, Arizona. You can check out the full list and find more info on
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If you like the idea of slipping into warm mineral waters under vaulted ceilings or wandering through historic towns with no agenda, Germany is calling. Home to more than 350 spa towns, Germany has long blended natural healing traditions with refined wellness. These towns are recognized for their restorative therapies, including thermal springs, salt mines, alpine air, and hydrotherapy. Even better, most spa towns offer a Kurkarte, or spa guest card, giving visitors perks like free transport, walking tours, and discounts on spa treatments. As a top travel advisor who specializes in Germany, here are my four favorite spa towns that showcase the best of Germany's wellness culture—and everything you need to see, do, and savor while you're there. Baden-Baden Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa's sunbathing treatment center. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa Nestled alongside Germany's southwestern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant town that has been attracting wellness lovers since the Roman times. Indulge in a historic bathing ritual at Friedrichsbad Spa, which combines Roman and Irish traditions in a 17-step thermal bath circuit. For a more contemporary soak, head to Caracalla Spa, which features open-air pools and forest views. Outside of the spa, stroll the Lichtentaler Allee, a famous park dotted with sculptures, rose gardens, and Belle Époque architecture. Where to Stay: The iconic Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is a sanctuary of refined luxury with a holistic medical spa and private park. It also offers a kids club and babysitting for maximal relaxation. Where to Eat: Rizzi offers upscale Mediterranean dining and a wide range of wines in a relaxed setting. Bad Wörishofen The pool at Therme Bad Wörishofen. Therme Bad Wörishofen Bad Wörishofen is the birthplace of Sebastian Kneipp, the 19th-century Catholic priest who developed the water-cure—a hydrotherapy-based healing system. At Therme Bad Wörishofen, which was designed to look like a tropical oasis, visitors can experience Kneipp's methods firsthand with its barefoot walking paths, cold-water foot baths, and hydrotherapy circuits. Visit the Kneipp Museum to dive deeper into his life and findings, and afterward, stroll the town's serene spa gardens. Where to Stay: Steigenberger Hotel Der Sonnenhof delivers a blend of modern wellness programs and Bavarian charm, complete with yoga, detox menus, and an outdoor infinity pool. Where to Eat: Try the hotel's bistro, Petit Plaisir, for seasonal French cuisine, or enjoy local specialties and beer at Gasthof Adler. Bad Reichenhall Set in a basin in the Alps, this picturesque town on the border of Austria is known for its saltwater therapies and fresh mountain air. Unwind at Rupertus Therme, where salt-infused pools and saunas promote deep relaxation. For a natural respiratory detox, visit the Gradierhaus, a massive open-air salt inhalation wall. Afterwards, tour the ornate Alte Saline, a 19th-century saltworks complex complete with a salt museum, or take a cable car to the summit of Predigtstuhl, a mountain just south of Bad Reichenhall. Where to Stay: Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa is an artfully designed, eco-friendly retreat with panoramic views, a wellness library, and a healing spa menu. Where to Eat: Head to Brauereigasthof Bürgerbräu, an authentic Bavarian pub, for traditional dishes and house-brewed beer. Bad Ems An aerial view of Bad Ems and the Lahn River. Hans-Once a favorite of Kaiser Wilhelm and Russian czars, Bad Ems, a town set on the river Lahn in western Germany, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can bathe in the soothing thermal waters of Emser Therme, where riverfront saunas and salt steam rooms offer true tranquility. Be sure to sip from the historic Emser Kränchen mineral spring, which is said to benefit the respiratory system. Afterward, explore the town on foot and admire its pastel-hued buildings along the river. Where to Stay: Just steps from the river promenade, the family-run Häcker's Grand Hotel combines classic elegance with direct spa access and its own thermal pool. Where to Eat: Sample Rhenish classics at Gasthaus Alt Ems, from cordon bleu to Jägerschnitzel. Sofia Markovich is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Markovich by contacting her at [email protected].
