Elite Traveler January-February 2018

INSPIRE TOP 100 HOTELS AMERICAS

FOUR SEASONS RESORT LANAI LANAI, HAWAII, USA

AMANGANI JACKSON, WYOMING, USA

BLACKBERRY FARM WALLAND, TENNESSEE, USA

Refined Southern hospitality and a gracious sense of place make Blackberry Farm one of the most beloved hotels in the US, with a well-earned spot on any gourmand’s bucket list. Driven by a farm-to-table ethos and set on 4,200 sprawling acres in the Smoky Mountains, the resort is a magical escape where a morning of horseback riding can turn into an afternoon watching a cooking demonstration, capped off with an evening enjoying a hot country band (Grammy winners Brothers Osborne played here last year). The Carriage House Suites, in a standalone building, offer traditional Southern decor and private verandas. Carriage House Suite from$2,095 per night. Contact Betsy Funderburk, assistant reservations manager, bfunderburk@blackberryfarm.com, +1 865 380 2083, blackberryfarm.com

Larry Ellison spared no expense (and we mean the fifth-richest-man-in-the-world’s version of no expense) in his quest to turn Lanai into one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Lanai is an unspoiled, uncrowded Hawaiian island with not one, but two Four Seasons properties — the Lodge opened at the end of 2017. The resort feels distinctly Hawaiian, with perfectly framed ocean views and lush tropical gardens throughout. The oceanfront property is walking distance fromHulopoe Bay marine sanctuary, where schools of colorful fish frequent the abundant coral reefs. The two-bedroomAlii Royal Suite overlooks the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Alii Royal Suite from $21,000 per night. Contact Emily Littlepage, reservation manager, res.lanai@fourseasons.com, +1 808 565 2587, fourseasons.com/lanai

A short drive from downtown Jackson Hole, Amangani offers jaw-dropping views of the Teton mountain range and a luxurious take on the AmericanWest. Expect rough-hewn timber, stone and cowhide chairs, enormous windows that showcase the pristine setting, and exceptional service from truly passionate staff. Reconnect with nature here, whether you love skiing, dogsledding, horseback riding or fly fishing. The resort is also within driving distance of some of the country’s most treasured national parks. In the Grand Teton Suite, the resort’s largest, you’ll have views of the sun setting over the Tetons from your wraparound balcony and a fireplace to cuddle near during chilly winter nights. Grand Teton Suite from$1,655 per night. Contact Stuart Lang, general manager, amanganires@aman. com, +1 307 734 7333, aman.com/resorts/amangani

PENINSULACHICAGO CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA

TWIN FARMS BARNARD, VERMONT, USA

Set amid 300 acres of lush wildflower meadows and rolling pine-clad hills, this resort is the ultimate rural retreat. The property’s gorgeous cottages and suites are all individually designed and have rustic-chic features like exposed-brick fireplaces and vaulted timber ceilings. The artwork on display is museum-worthy — hand-painted murals, American folk art and contemporary oils adorn the walls, including original works by Ed Ruscha and Cy Twombly. Twin Farms’s position in the heart of the countryside means an abundance of outdoor activities await, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and tennis among them. Chalet Cottage from $3,670 per night. Contact Sarah Goobic, lead reservations & gatherings coordinator, info@twinfarms.com, +1 802 234 9999, twinfarms.com

The Midwestern US is known for its warm hospitality, and the Hong Kong–based Peninsula chain prides itself on its tradition of thoughtful service, so guests here want for nothing. The Peninsula Chicago is in a prime position in one of Chicago’s famed high-rises, Water Tower Park, and overlooks the Magnificent Mile. Stay in the expansive three-bedroom Peninsula Suite to enjoy a fireplace, dining room with seating for 10, private exercise room and stellar views of Lake Michigan from the 2,000-sq-ft wraparound terrace on the 18th floor. We love the hotel’s environmental conscience, too — they recycle leftover food in a local composting program. The Peninsula Suite from $9,000 per night. Contact Maria Razumich-Zec, general manager, pch@peninsula.com, +1 312 337 2888, chicago.peninsula.com

Photos Heather Anne Thomas, Shawn O’Connor