5 boutique hotels to book for an all-American adventure

Think ‘Wild West’ ranching, California dreaming, and moving to Miami Beach beats

Avast and varied landscape of soaring mountains, golden beaches, vibrant cities, and everything in between, knowing where to start when it comes to planning your stateside holiday can feel like an impossible task. Whether you’re looking to unleash your inner cowboy in the Montana wilderness, discover the Southern charms of Charleston, or sip local vintages in the sun-soaked vineyards of Napa Valley, our perfectly placed boutique hotels have got all the best US bases covered.

1. Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

Reconnect with nature at Castle Hot Springs with the rustic Bradshaw Mountains as the breathtaking backdrop. The resort’s remote location, tucked in a rugged canyon surrounded by Saguaro Cacti, makes it an oasis in every sense of the word. With its digital detox philosophy, guests are encouraged to take in the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert including the resort’s three hot springs which offer pristine 115-degree waters filled with revitalising minerals. The waters are also piped through for guests to enjoy in their rooms and to feed the three-acre sustainable farm.

Spa services come in the form of custom cabanas set along the spring water creek under towering palm trees, with fully customised treatments using hot stones from the springs. Included in every stay is a whole host of immersive activities, from paddleboard yoga and guided hikes to mind and body classes and farm tours.

2. Wentworth Mansion, Charleston

Built as a 19th-century private residence in historic central Charleston, Wentworth Mansion is brimming with period charm, including original stained glass on the entrance doors, intricate woodwork, and marble fireplaces – with modern comforts like oversized whirlpool tubs in some of the rooms and suites. With all the architectural heritage of Charleston on the mansion’s doorstep, from grand houses with colourful shutters to flowering magnolia gardens, days can be spent simply strolling the streets before returning for a relaxing massage in the eucalyptus-scented spa, which were formerly the mansion’s stables.

Sit down to reimagined Southern cuisine at Circa 1886, an intimate restaurant set in the elegantly restored carriage house in the rear gardens of Wentworth Mansion, for a lighter, brighter take on classic Lowcountry fare.

3. Riverview Ranch, Montana

Perched above the banks of the Clark Fork River, Riverview Ranch is a back-to-nature bolthole where each experience is an authentic Western adventure. The hotel’s connection to the vast Montana landscape greets you at every turn, whether you’re toasting marshmallows around the firepit or enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in the Lodge Great Room.

When the charms of Big Sky Country beckon, there are ample opportunities to immerse yourself in ranch life – from horseback cattle drives, team penning, and scenic trail rides through the nearby Lolo National Forest, to horse-drawn sleigh rides with hot cocoa in hand during the winter. This is the place for year-round, ‘yee-haw’ adventures, wrapped up in some of the most spectacular stateside scenery.

4. Southbridge Napa Valley, California

Nestled among ivy-draped walls and bubbling fountains in the heart of downtown St. Helena, Southbridge Napa Valley houses country manor-style rooms which feature vaulted ceilings, elegant fireplaces, and French doors which open onto Juliet balconies. When you’re not swimming laps in the heated pool or indulging in a sugar honey glow body scrub in the spa, guests are encouraged to make the most of Southbridge’s prime wine country location by visiting one of the many local wineries within walking distance of the hotel.

Stroll through pretty St. Helena and browse art galleries and independent boutiques, or travel along a winding mountain road to Oakville, home to the famous Oakville Grocery. Stock up on delicious local produce and choose a perfect picnic spot overlooking the vineyards.

5. Lennox Miami Beach, Florida

Get into the sunshine state of mind at the Lennox Miami Beach, a modernist masterpiece in SoBe’s Deco district. With interiors by Argentinian designer Juan Ciavarella, the Lennox Hotel embodies the art and soul of Miami Beach – think hand-crafted Patagonian wooden furnishings, leafy green accents and upcycled detailing. Life here revolves around the pool with its sushi-serving bar and the sugar-white beach with its colour-popping cabanas. Simply hop on the hotel’s straight-to-the-sand shuttle to reach a private stretch of Miami Beach, while the iconic Ocean Drive is just a mile away.

As the sun starts to set, Miami Beach is the place to find exclusive bars and clubs with Latin-influenced live music, whether you’re looking for up-tempo beats or a laid-back vibe.