April 16, 2025
Feature, Features, Featured,
The Modern Luxury editorial team has curated the ultimate list for luxury travel.

PHOTO BY ALEJANDRA MARTINEZ AND MARCO MIGLIONICO
BEST ROMANTIC RETREAT DUNYA CAMP
Summerville, GA’s Dunya Camp offers a sanctuary far removed from life’s hustle, nestled atop a serene hilltop amid 42 acres of pine-filled bliss. It’s an escape where luxury tent suites merge with nature, inviting seclusion with a touch of glamour. Dunya, meaning “earthly world” and “closer,” beckons you to reconnect with nature, loved ones, and yourself. dunyacamp.com
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort offers an exclusive and luxe winery experience PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY THE JOSEPH NASHVILLE
The Joesph Hotel in Nashville offers an experience of Nashville’s refined taste. A Marriot Bonvoy Member, this Luxury Collection Hotel will surely please you on a weekend away. Impeccable experiences await at all the luxury amenities and experiences this hotel offers. During a weekend getaway, lounge in the expansive luxury suites, indulge in a poolside escape and live among the world-class art displayed throughout the hotel. thejosephnashville.com
BEST TRAVEL AGENT CAVINESS DRAKE-TRIPP WITH WHY WE LIVE TRAVEL
Caviness Drake, owner and Operator of Why We Live Travel, curates personalized trips for travelers who love to seize the day, focusing on curating experiences and perspectives that rejuvenate your everyday life. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in pre-planned group trips or plan a personalized escapade tailored to their tastes. whywelivetravel.com
BEST HOTEL WINERY CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT
Experience the peak of luxury wineries at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. Savor the flavors of over 30 home-grown wines with grapes grown on the Georgia property. The Bordeaux tasting room allows you to indulge in five different tasting options. Whether seeking the perfect romantic getaway or celebrating all weekend long, Chateau Elan Winery is the ideal hotel winery to create unforgettable memories. chateauelan.com
MOST ANTICIPATED OPENING MUNICIPAL GRAND SAVANNA
Set to open this spring, Municipal Grand Savanna is situated at the corner of Abercorn and Broughton Streets and seamlessly blends the quaint city of Savanna with a sophisticated retreat. This 44-room luxury boutique hotel features a midcentury modern design and a cocktail-centric experience, built in a reimagined 1960s banking headquarters. This highly anticipated opening is sure to wow visitors and locals alike. municipalgrand.com
Hotel Bardo Savanna is the best destination for a poolside escape. PHOTO: MICHAEL WORTHINGTON
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE GOLDEN ISLES
The Golden Isles beckon with a serene blend of natural beauty and rich history, and only 5-6 hours away, making it the perfect drivable destination for Atlantans. Nestled along the Georgia coast, this enchanting archipelago boasts pristine beaches, lush marshlands, and captivating wildlife, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers. goldenisles.com
BEST HOSPITALITY MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF
The Montage Palmetto Bluff’s tranquil escape is brought to you by incredible Southern hospitality and charm. Brewed in genuine warmth and comfort, the staff at Montage Palmetto Bluff ensures that every stay is nothing short of fantastic. Experience recreational and culinary masterpieces that are spread over 20,000 acres. With every detail curated with you in mind, the Montage Palmetto Bluff and its staff will surely enrich your next vacation. montage.com
BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION
THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA
As the epitome of luxury and style, the St. Regis Atlanta offers an opulent staycation. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Buckhead and retreat to the elegant interiors of the St. Regis. marriott.com
BEST LAKEFRONT RESORT THE RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE
Discover unparalleled luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Georgia’s premier lakeside resort. Set amid serene natural beauty, indulge in lavish accommodations, award-winning dining, and a wealth of recreational activities. Whether golfing on world-class courses or relaxing by the water’s edge, every moment is a testament to refined elegance and unparalleled hospitality. ritzcarlton.com
BEST PLACE FOR A RENDEZVOUS SEA ISLAND RESORT
Commemorating 96 years, Sea Island Resort stands the test of time. Sea Island Resort’s legacy is a beacon for heritage and distinction. Practice the art of leisurely living while staying at any of their three classic accommodations. Sport, shop, or sip to treasure the storied Sea Island Resort. seaisland.com
Montage Palmetto Bluff is renowned for its hospitality and exquisite views over 20,000 stunning acres. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF
BEST DRIVABLE DESTINATION FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE
Just a step away from Nashville’s vibrant music, sports, and entertainment venues, the Four Seasons Atlanta offers an authentic experience of music city. Enjoy breakfast in bed, luxurious accommodations, or escape to the seventh-level terrace for a “resort in the city” experience. fourseasons.com/nashville
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL THE HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE + OUTPOST INN
These eclectic and design-centric retreats encourage visitors to reconnect with the extraordinary nature of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Highlander Mountain House and sister property, Outpost Inn, have become treasures to visitors of Highlands—complete with babbling brooks, roaring fireplaces and cozy, retro interiors. From the mind of Jason Reeves, these two quaint yet luxurious inns offer much-needed respite after a long hike, whether with a meal at The Ruffed Grouse Tavern or a cocktail on the patio. highlandermountainhouse.com
BEST LUXURY MOUNTAIN RESORT OLD EDWARDS INN & SPA
Nestled in the scenic Highlands of North Carolina, Old Edwards Inn & Spa beckons with its exquisite blend of luxury and mountain charm. Indulge in lavish accommodations, exquisite dining, and rejuvenating spa treatments. Explore nature’s wonders, then unwind in elegant comfort, making every moment an unforgettable retreat into serenity and sophistication. oldedwardshospitality.com
BEST OCEANFRONT PROPERTY PONTE VERDA INN & CLUB
Just steps away from the beautiful, sandy beach stands the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. For almost a decade now, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has been defining oceanfront excellence. A vast stretch of soft, white sand provides miles of Atlantic beach for guests of the property to explore— or simply sit back and watch the waves lap and crash. pontevedra.com
BEST GOLF RESORT PURSELL FARMS
Tee off your best getaway yet at Pursell Farms! Pursell Farms is the premier golf resort, offering courses that are carefully fleshed out of the Alabama countryside. The considerable elevation changes and fresh fairways make Pursell Farms the true golfer’s paradise. Golfers of all skill levels will flourish while golfing at the FarmLinks club, which is consistently ranked among the elites. Play, then stay to enjoy a buffet lunch accompanied by a custom score sheet of your round. pursellfarms.com
BEST PLANNED COMMUNITY WATERSOUND TOWN CENTER BY THE ST. JOE COMPANY
WaterSound Town Center, a visionary of The St. Joe Company, sets the standard for planned beach communities. Residents and beachgoers alike can bask in the WaterSound Town Center’s amenities. Offering a rolodex of facilities all conveniently located near each other, the Town Center provides access to a grocery store, restaurants, and office spaces. watersoundtowncenter.com
BEST CULINARY PROGRAM ZERO GEORGE
Celebrating fine dining, Zero George is sure to delight! From the mind of chef Vinson Petrillo comes The Restaurant at Zero George. Heralding from the Big Apple, chef Vinson elevates every plate to satiate every taste bud. The Caviar Bar enhances your meal with Regiis Ova caviar paired with crème fraîche, house-baked brioche, and potato chips. Also offering cooking classes, Zero George’s culinary program is perfect for any fête! zerogeorge.com
BEST POOLSIDE ESCAPE HOTEL BARDO SAVANNAH
Basking in the sun has never been cooler. As a sanctuary for sunseekers, Hotel Bardo Savannah offers the best poolside experience inspired by the aesthetics of an Italian coastal holiday. The Bardo pool sets the scene for a revitalizing respite from the hustle and bustle. Meer steps away, Bar Bibi enhances your experience with curated cocktails and light bites. staybardo.com
BEST LUXURY TRAVEL RESOURCE VISIT SOUTH WALTON
Visit South Walton offers all the resources you need to plan the picture-perfect beach vacation with extensive guides to exclusive beaches, including Rosemary, Sandestin, Watercolor, and Seaside. Extensive information exists at your fingertips, from entertainment, luxe culinary experiences and even beach conditions. visitsouthwalton.com
BEST RESORT ACTIVITIES HIGH HAMPTON RESORT
High Hampton stands out for its unrivaled resort activities, offering guests an unforgettable experience amid the breathtaking beauty of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. From hiking scenic trails to boating on the pristine lake and indulging in golf, tennis or pickleball, every moment is a captivating adventure at High Hampton. highhampton.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARNSLEY RESORT
LATEST INNOVATIONS BARNSLEY RESORT
Exciting developments abound at Barnsley Resort, the classically Southern Retreat on 3000 acres of pristine estate, just 60 miles outside Atlanta. The getaway is well-known for its 39 picturesque free-standing cottages, newly renovated by renowned interior designer Charlotte Lucas. This re-design honors Barnsley Resort’s southern charm while incorporating a fresh, sophisticated appeal. Additional enhancements include the newly completed Biergarten and the Beretta Shooting Grounds for an even more elevated resort experience. Highly anticipated projects include a second resort-style zero-entry pool and a dramatic interior redesign of the resort’s third restaurant by architecture and design firm David Thompson Studio. barnsleyresort.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HERMITAGE HOTEL
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT DRUSIE & DARR AT THE HERMITAGE HOTEL NASHVILLE
Thanks to the expertise of international culinary star Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Drusie & Darr’s glamorous yet understated space sets the tone for your meal. Named after the children of Hermitage Hotel’s former general manager, Dick Hall, Jean-Georges’ first restaurant in the Southeast exudes sophistication and charm. Enjoy buzzy cocktails and a produce-forward menu honoring the culinary heritage of Tennessee. thehermitagehotel.com
BEST HOTEL LOUNGE HOTEL BENNETT
Enter a marvel of design and architecture at Hotel Bennett’s Camellias, drawing inspiration from the illustrious Fabergé jewels. The etched-mirror ceiling and crystal chandelier craft an unparalleled Champagne lounge. Indulge in an extensive array of bottle and by-the-glass drinks paired with decadent caviar, charcuterie, seafood, and La Pâtisserie’s homemade desserts. hotelbennett.com
BEST FARM-TO-TABLE CULINARY PROGRAM SOUTHHALL FARM & INN
The farm-to-table concept at Franklin, TN’s Southall Farm & Inn goes beyond just food—it’s a philosophy deeply rooted in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Dining at Southall Farm & Inn is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through the flavors of Tennessee’s countryside, where every bite tells a story of dedication to quality, community, and the land. southalltn.com
BEST HOTEL BAR WHITE LIMOZEEN AT THE GRADUATE NASHVILLE
The iconic aesthetic of Dolly Parton inspires this perfectly over-the-top rooftop bar in the Graduate Hotel Nashville and, of course, pays homage to her 1999 album “White Limozeen.” Perfectly whimsy and oozing pink from every corner. The elevated yet approachable menu is available daily for lunch, dinner, drinks, and a weekend brunch. Enjoy the secret caviar service from the pool while sipping on craft cocktails. hilton.com
BEST VIEWS THE SWAG
Settled on the Great Smoky Mountains summit, The Swag boasts gorgeous vistas of North Carolina’s natural beauty. Stay in one of The Swag’s private cabins or main lodges, all showcasing magical views of the mountains. With a private entrance to your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, find a snug nook or cozy retreat to take in the panoramic views. theswag.com
Sea Island Resort’s tranquil spa is the perfect place for a rendezvous PHOTO COURTESY OF: SEA ISLAND
BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL KIMPTON SYLVAN
There has never been a better place for your furry friend to tag along on your next adventure! Tucked away in the Buckhead neighborhood, The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel is steps away from Fetch Park, the perfect place for your 4-legged friend to release their energy. Tails will wag when your pet is welcomed with their cozy bed, and their water bowl is delivered straight to your room. thesylvanhotel.com
BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE MSC CRUISES
Set sail on your next voyage with MSC Cruises! Dedicated to luxurious adventures, the state-of-the-art MSC Yacht Club offers 24-hour butler service and private lounge spaces. With curated sailing locations distinct from other lines, navigate to the crystal shoreline of the Bahamas and enjoy MSC’s private island, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. msccruisesusa.com
Stop at the Four Seasons Nashville as a driveable destination. PHOTO COURTESY OF: THE FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE
BEST ADULT-ORIENTED RESORT THE PEARL
Nestled steps away from the clear water and sandy beaches of Rosemary Beach in 30A, The Pearl is the ultimate resort for an adult-only getaway. Pamper yourself with a couples massage at Spa Pearl or grab a nightcap at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Enjoy two complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, perfect for a pair. Let the cocktails upon arrival and sweet treats before bed speak for themselves. The Pearl provides an intimate, romantic stay for you and your partner. thepearlrb.com
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