Are you looking for the perfect warm-weather resort getaway with stunning views of the mountains?
Would you like to take a beach vacation on a practically deserted stretch of sand right outside a five-star resort?
How about a vacation filled with the excitement of a big city and all of the amenities that go with it?
Or maybe you’re coming down scouting out the state to find the perfect retirement community in Georgia.
With options that range from the quiet of the mountains to the beauty of the Atlantic coast to the hustle and bustle of a major city, Georgia is one of the most underrated vacation destinations in the entire country.
To make things easier, we’ve broken this guide down into the following sections:
- Georgia Mountain, Lake, and Winery Resorts
- Georgia Coastal Resorts
- Savannah Luxury Resorts
- Atlanta Luxury Resorts
No matter what type of vacation you are looking for, you can find something that fits the bill somewhere in the Peach State.
Here at Retirement & Travel, we have scoured the entire state to find the very best of the best luxury hotel and resort destinations for your next trip.
Georgia Mountain, Lake, and Winery Resorts
When it comes to truly amazing vacation experiences, the hotel or resort you choose is often the driving force behind that experience. These options represent some of the best that the state has to offer if you are interested in exploring the mountains, lakes, and wineries of rural Georgia.
Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort is a 3,000-acre property in northwestern Georgia that provides a unique combination of rustic charm and luxury amenities. Shooting and horseback riding are just two of the unique amenities you will find here, and the property also includes a Jim Fazio-designed golf course, luxury spa facilities, and access to miles of hiking trails.
The first option for accommodations at Barnsley Resort are the rooms and suites available at The Inn. However, anyone looking for more private options will want to upgrade to one of the many cottages available behind The Inn, which are available with up to four bedrooms.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Located near the northern Georgia border in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a fabulous destination where luxury is perfectly blended into a love for the great outdoors.
In addition to a stunning mountain golf course, full-service spa, and first-class dining options, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa also offers a working stable where guests can sign up for one or two-hour horseback riding excursions across the resort’s five miles of trails.
That combination of luxury and rustic beauty can also be seen in the 102 lodge guest rooms and the 32 cottage guest rooms available at the resort. And then there is the fabulous spa suite that comes complete with a private rooftop deck.
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
The vineyards at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort date back to 1983, and the Chateau Elan Inn & Conference Center officially opened in 1993. Since then, this hidden gem about an hour northeast of Atlanta has continued to grow and expand both as a winery and a resort.
Guests at Chateau Elan can enjoy all of the standard golf, spa, and restaurant amenities that they would expect from a luxury hotel experience, but the thing that really separates Chateau Elan from other options is its rich history as a winery. They regularly host wine tastings and winemaking events that are always amazing.
The Inn is the primary destination for standard rooms and suites at Chateau Elan. Then there are upgraded accommodations available like The Spa Suites that let you stay right in the spa, or The Villas, which are perfect for golf groups.
Foxhall Resort
Described as “a refined retreat for outdoor pursuits,” Foxhall Resort in Douglasville, GA offers a unique combination of luxury and outdoor amenities.
Guests can enjoy a 15-station sporting clay course, 16 freshwater fishing lakes, a traditional archery range, and more than 2,000 acres of hunting grounds. Then any of those activities can be followed with a five-star meal at the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant.
Accommodations at Foxhall Resort start with the luxurious rooms available in the resort’s lakeside lodges. Then there are the stunning lakeside villas and cottages, which come in either three or four-bedroom options. For large parties, the resort also offers two luxury homes that can accommodate 12 and 18 guests.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Located about an hour east of Atlanta and an hour south of Athens, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee describes itself as “a quiet retreat just outside of Atlanta.”
Amenities here include a total of five championship-level golf courses, a full-service spa and fitness center, and dining experiences that range from restaurants like Linger Longer Steakhouse and Gaby’s by the Lake to more private options like dinner for two enjoyed by the lake.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers an assortment of rooms and suites that are each available with views of either the lake, the golf course, the pool, or the gardens. Then there are also cottages like the 5,400 Lake House available for a truly impressive getaway experience.
Valhalla Resort Hotel
Located in northern Georgia near the Chattahoochee National Forest, Valhalla Resort Hotel offers a vacation experience that feels more like the mountains of Europe than the mountains of Georgia. Between the full golf and spa programs, multiple dining options, and a gorgeous wine cellar, there is plenty to keep you busy right on the property.
With just 25 rooms and suites available, Valhalla Resort offers a lovely combination of luxury and quiet serenity. In addition to those accommodations, there are also a small collection of private bungalows on the property, and a larger villa is available just a short distance from the resort.
Georgia Coastal Resorts
With miles of beautiful beaches, the Georgia coast is where beach-lovers go to vacation, and there are plenty of great luxury resort and hotel options here.
The King and Prince Beach & Resort
Located about 90 minutes south of Savannah, The King and Prince Beach & Resort has a reputation as one of the most romantic getaway destinations along the Georgia coast. Amenities here include beautiful oceanfront views, a golf course, a “Royal Treatment Cottage,” resort-style pools just off the beach, and a state-of-the-art exercise facility.
The main accommodations at The King and Prince Beach & Resort are available in four different buildings that each offer unique views and decor. And for an even more upscale experience, there are also two and three-room villas that each come with their own private pools.
Beachview Club Hotel
Beachview Club Hotel is a boutique hotel property on Jekyll Island that is best known for offering its guests access to one of the most uncrowded stretches of beach in all of Georgia. Guests can enjoy relaxing on the beach using one of the many oversized lounge chairs the hotel has available, or by kicking back at the perfectly maintained pool.
The Beach House Restaurant located on the property is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu focus is on locally-sourced seafood and other southern specialties. They also have an impressive 24 craft beers on tap and plenty of TVs for checking out whatever game happens to be on.
There are only 38 rooms available at Beachview Club Hotel, but those rooms come in a number of options like a standard room, suite, or king feature guestroom.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
With a history that dates back to 1888 and plenty of major updates over the years, Jekyll Island Club Resort offers guests the perfect combination of history and modern amenities. And when you factor in its location right on the beach, it is hard to beat the experience you can find here.
Guests at Jekyll Island Club Resort can enjoy a private stretch of beach, a relaxing outdoor pool, and a first-class fitness facility. The resort also offers croquet on the lawn and bicycle rentals for anyone looking to explore the rest of the island.
There are also plenty of dining options to choose from including everything from high-end restaurants like The Grand Dining Room and The Wharf to more casual options like Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar and The Pool House.
The rooms at Jekyll Island Club Resort start with the history of the Island Club rooms and the Island Club Cottages. However, there are also more modern accommodations like the suites you can find at the beachfront Ocean Club.
The Cloister at Sea Island
Known for five-star accommodations where every detail is covered, The Cloister at Sea Island is one of the three premium resort properties on Sea Island. In addition to four world-class restaurants, The Cloister also offers a wine cellar that is stocked with more than 1,000 different bottles from around the world.
Guests have their choice of staying in The Cloister Main Building and Wings, The Cloister Beach Club, or The Cloister Ocean Residence. Each option presents its own unique advantages, but the ocean residences will blow you away with their combination of privacy and access to the beach.
The Inn at Sea Island
Comfortable and relaxed are the words most commonly used to describe The Inn at Sea Island, but don’t let that relaxed comfort distract you from the fact that the service here is right on par with the other Sea Island Properties. In addition to the standard amenities like beach access, a lovely pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center, The Inn also offers a complimentary BMW for all guests and access to the TopGolf Suite on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All of the rooms at The Inn are decorated in the same casual style, and each offers a large space with high ceilings and comfortable beds.
The Lodge at Sea Island
Located right between the Atlantic Ocean and a beautiful golf course, the view from The Lodge at Sea Island is lovely, no matter which way you are looking. This English-style manor offers amenities like an oceanfront pool, three restaurants, a massive wine cellar, and in-room dining.
Accommodations at The Lodge are available in one of their 57 guest rooms and suites, as well as six different cottages that range from two to four bedrooms. All of these rooms and cottages feature balconies with stunning views of the ocean and nearby golf courses.
Savannah Resorts
What do you get when you combine a coastal town that is passionate about the arts with historic architecture and a thriving culinary community? The answer sounds a lot like Savannah.
With all that there is to see and do in the amazing city, Savannah should be on just about everyone’s vacation bucket list.
The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection
Filled with artwork and decor that is every bit as unique as its name would suggest, The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection is located right on the famous cobblestone streets near the Savannah Riverwalk. In addition to standard amenities like a fitness center, the hotel is also home to the fabulous Rocks on the River restaurant, as well as the Rocks on the Roof lounge, which is…you guessed it…up on the roof.
Available in either two-queen or one-king options with views of the city or the river, the rooms at The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection are all decorated with colonial-themed touches and a carefully curated collection of unique artwork.
Mansion on Forsyth Park
Mansion on Forsyth Park is a hotel that truly embraces the culture of history in Savannah, and its location right on Forsyth Park is second to none. Guests have access to traditional amenities like restaurants and lounges, a relaxing spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Plus there are available extras like participating in the famous 700 Drayton Cooking School Experience.
Rooms at Mansion on Forsyth Park are available in Standard, Deluxe Forsyth, and Executive King options. Each of those variations includes a good night’s sleep on one of the most comfortable beds you will find anywhere.
Perry Lane Hotel
Known for putting a modern twist on the historic feel of Savannah, the Perry Lane Hotel is filled with contemporary decor that feels right at home in the heart of downtown Savannah. Dining is the big selling point here, and guests have their choice of locally sourced ingredients at The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, dinner and conversation at The Wayward, or the stunning views from the roof at Peregrin.
Accommodations at the hotel include everything from standard rooms with two king beds to 1,080 square foot suites with separate living spaces and dining rooms. All of the rooms are decorated with unique artwork that is native to Savannah.
Atlanta Area Resorts
As the capital and cultural hub of Georgia, Atlanta is the prime destination for anyone that wants to have plenty of excitement on their vacation. This vibrant city offers a rich history that combines seamlessly with world-class dining and more festivals and attractions than you could possibly enjoy in one trip.
Atlanta by Four Seasons
Located right in the heart of the city, Atlanta by Four Seasons offers guests the perfect combination of modern luxury and classic southern charm. Taking some time for personal care at the spa is one of the most popular ways to spend a day here, and having drinks at Bar Margot is the perfect way to spend an evening.
Accommodations at Atlanta by Four Seasons include individual rooms and suites that are decorated with modern elements like polished chrome, gray-washed wood, and soft velvet. Many of those rooms and suites also offer stunning views of the city, which get even better after the sun goes down.
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
Between its unique event spaces and gorgeous ballrooms, the fabulous cuisine available at award-winning chef Art Smith’s restaurant, and the more than 70 bourbons available at Bourbon Bar, it is easy to see why travelers love staying at Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta. And that isn’t even touching on all of the ways you can pamper yourself at the Jurique Spa.
Classic rooms are always the starting point at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, but there are plenty of extras that come with upgrading to an executive room or suite. Guests staying in the executive rooms have a tremendous view of the legendary Peachtree Road, and the suites come with more space than most people know what to do with.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
Located in downtown Atlanta, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta offers guests all of the luxury amenities that they could possibly desire. With more than 17,000 square feet of event space, a first-class steakhouse, and a high-end cocktail bar, this is the perfect location for meeting anyone in the city.
The rooms and suites available at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta are all decorated with a combination of modern style and classic southern charm, and they all feature stunning views of the Atlanta skyline. If you are fortunate enough to upgrade to one of the suites, you won’t believe how big they are.
The St. Regis Atlanta
The St. Regis Atlanta is known as the premier luxury option in the city’s popular Buckhead neighborhood. One of the most luxurious aspects of any stay here is definitely going to be spending time enjoying the 40,000 square foot pool piazza.
Guests at The St. Regis Atlanta can choose their accommodations from 151 guestrooms and 31 suites that come in a number of different variations. Each and every one of those options includes the always-impressive St. Regis Butler Service.
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Another luxury hotel option located right in Atlanta’s popular Buckhead neighborhood is the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. This legendary luxury hotel brand offers a first-class experience complete with an upscale spa that covers 15,000 square feet across two floors. Guests also have access to a yoga studio and an indoor lap pool.
Accommodations at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead include rooms and suites that are all gorgeously decorated. Some of the higher-level rooms and all of the suites include terraces overlooking the city.
The Whitley
The Whitley is a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood that offers a cosmopolitan-style twist on the combination of modern luxury and southern charm that we have seen from other hotels on this list. In addition to a massive amount of meeting and event spaces, the hotel amenities also include a tranquil spa experience, a relaxing pool atmosphere, and a world-class restaurant.
With more than 500 guest rooms that include 56 luxury suites, there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodations at The Whitley. At the top of the list is The Whitley Suite, which includes a pool table and piano just to show off how much space its guests have to play with.
Where Do You Want to Go First?
With so many different resort options available in Georgia, the hardest part about planning a vacation here is forcing yourself to choose which region of this amazing state you want to visit.
Fortunately, you aren’t limited to only one Georgia vacation in a lifetime.
Between the comfortable climate and the unique natural beauty you can find across the state, Georgia is the type of resort destination that you can visit on multiple occasions and find a completely different experience each time.
So whether you are in the mood for the mountains, the beach, or the city, Georgia has a perfect resort waiting for your next trip!