20 U.S. Luxury Resorts That Feel Like a Private Island Escape

There’s something about the island state of mind — that moment when the world slows, the air softens, and your only agenda is to watch the horizon change color. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to cross oceans to find that feeling.

Across the United States, a collection of extraordinary resorts — some perched on actual islands, others hidden in the mountains or along remote coastlines — offer the same sense of sanctuary and solitude. From the tropical calm of Hawaii to the serene waters of Lake George, these 20 destinations promise the kind of “away-from-it-all” luxury that feels like your very own private island.

1. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort — Florida

Set on a private, three-mile stretch of powder-white sand, this sprawling resort combines coastal chic with endless adventure. Guests can kayak among dolphins, play championship golf, or sip a sunset cocktail from their ocean-view lanai suite.

2. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa — Florida Keys

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this adults-only hideaway is a fantasy of thatched bungalows and turquoise tides. No phones. No TVs. Just the gentle rhythm of waves and the scent of salt in the air.

3. The Cloister at Sea Island — Georgia

A grand Southern retreat wrapped in Mediterranean-inspired elegance, The Cloister blends old-world grace with oceanfront adventure — from salt marsh kayaking to fine dining under moss-draped oaks.

4. The Sagamore Resort — Lake George, New York

Perched on its own private island in Lake George, The Sagamore mixes Gilded Age glamour with lakeside leisure. Think boat rides, spa days, and twilight dinners with mountain views.

5. Inn at Perry Cabin — Maryland

A Chesapeake Bay classic, this nautical inn — made famous by Wedding Crashers — channels understated elegance with sailboat excursions, waterside dining, and intimate East Coast charm.

6. The Lodge at Little St. Simons Island — Georgia

Accessible to only 32 guests at a time, this eco-luxury haven offers pristine beaches, guided nature walks, and candlelit farm-to-table dining in complete harmony with its untouched surroundings.

7. Montage Kapalua Bay — Maui, Hawaii

Framed by lush gardens and golden beaches, Montage Kapalua Bay embodies Hawaiian luxury. Guests can snorkel in coral coves, join hula lessons, or unwind at one of the island’s best spas.

8. Four Seasons Resort Lanai — Hawaii

Lanai is Hawaii’s quietest gem, and the Four Seasons its crown jewel — a masterpiece of modern island design with orchid-filled courtyards, infinity pools, and oceanfront dining overlooking Hulopoe Bay.

9. The Lodge at Kukui’ula — Kauai, Hawaii

Tucked into Kauai’s lush South Shore, this private club resort invites guests to live like locals — foraging, sailing, and relaxing in luxury cottages surrounded by the Garden Isle’s endless green.

10. Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California

Suspended between sea and sky, this adults-only sanctuary redefines serenity. Organic architecture blends with raw Pacific views, making every sunrise feel spiritual.

11. Chatham Bars Inn — Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A century-old seaside icon, Chatham Bars Inn pairs New England elegance with beachfront bliss. Private cabanas, ocean-to-table dining, and summer sunsets paint a timeless picture.

12. The Wauwinet — Nantucket, Massachusetts

Whisper-quiet and windswept, The Wauwinet captures Nantucket’s genteel charm. Guests arrive by ferry or yacht and indulge in coastal cuisine, sailing, and tranquil beach walks between two bays.

13. The Palmetto Bluff Montage — Bluffton, South Carolina

Although technically mainland, Palmetto Bluff feels like its own island — a realm of moss-draped oaks, river breezes, and understated Southern luxury. Perfect for golf, boating, or quiet reflection.

14. Kiawah Island Golf Resort — South Carolina

Kiawah Island blends five-star refinement with pristine natural beauty. Between rounds on world-famous fairways, enjoy Lowcountry dining and barefoot strolls along ten miles of beach.

15. The Lodge at Sea Island — Georgia

A sibling to The Cloister, this intimate, English-style retreat is famed for its golf, private butlers, and sunset bagpipe serenades — a rare mix of Southern tradition and seaside sophistication.

16. Friday Harbor House — San Juan Islands, Washington

Overlooking the tranquil harbor, this boutique gem offers Northwest luxury at its coziest. Kayak with orcas, dine on local oysters, and soak up the serenity of the Salish Sea.

17. Roche Harbor Resort — San Juan Island, Washington

Historic charm meets modern indulgence at Roche Harbor. From its marina to its sculpture park, every corner feels steeped in maritime romance and Pacific serenity.

18. The Resort at Paws Up — Montana (Private-Island Feel)

Though landlocked, this vast wilderness retreat evokes that “island” feeling of total isolation. Luxury tents and riverside lodges offer a rare balance of adventure and opulence.

19. The Inn at Spanish Bay — Pebble Beach, California

Oceanfront golf, dramatic cliffs, and nightly bagpipe serenades set the scene at this Monterey Peninsula icon — a destination that redefines coastal grandeur.

20. The Inn on Biltmore Estate — North Carolina

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this estate retreat offers vineyard views, fine wines, and the tranquil feeling of a world apart — proof that isolation can also be elegance.

The Takeaway: Escape Isn’t Always an Ocean Away

Whether surrounded by the Pacific, the Atlantic, or simply a sea of tranquility, these resorts offer that elusive feeling of distance — the quiet luxury of being completely elsewhere. In a world that never stops, they remind us that sometimes, the greatest journey is simply the one that takes you away from it all.