Top 10 Ultra-Luxury Summer Vacations in the USA

Planning a 7-day ultra-luxury family getaway (2 adults + 2 kids)? We’ve done the (luxury) legwork to find the most extravagant U.S. destinations – think private islands, five-star resorts, and bespoke experiences worthy of the one-percent. Below each entry (#10 = “least” lavish of the bunch, to #1 = mind-blowingly opulent), we break down Lodging, Dining, Entertainment, and Transportation, with real prices, website links, and examples of how a super-rich family might spend a week.

Methodology/Disclaimer: All prices are estimated high-end rates (summer season, taxes and fees included). Actual costs vary with dates, exchange rates, and availability. We’ve cited recent data to guide these jaw-dropping figures (families would book months in advance!). This is meant to astonish – if the prices seem unbelievable, good: they’re true for the absolute top tier of luxury travel.

10. Amangiri (Canyon Point, Utah) – Ultra-Modern Desert Sanctuary

Amangiri sits perched amid the dramatic red-rock canyons of Southern Utah. The Lodging is in a futuristic all-suite luxury resort (Amangiri) where even standard “rooms” are spacious cliff-top suites with private patios. Nightly rates start around $4,300–$5,200 for basic suites kayak.com and can climb even higher for multi-bedroom villas. In context: seven nights can easily top $35,000–$40,000.

Lodging: Amangiri Resort – suites (1-bedroom, 615 sf) around $4,000–$5,000+/nightkayak.com; private 2-bedroom villa suites exceed $10,000/night. Ultra-luxe amenities include private plunge pools and 10 spa pools. (Example: the Desert Pavilion 3-bedroom compound can list >$15k/night.)

Dining: Onsite Amangiri Restaurant (by star chef Tetsuya) – tasting menus ~$300+/person. Alternatively, charter a private chef or catered BBQ. Expect gourmet breakfasts included, and dinners easily $500–$800 per family per meal.

Entertainment: Canyon hikes, sunrise hot-air balloon rides ($5,000 for a family), or private ATV tours of the rugged desert ($600–$1,000). The resort’s spa and poolside cabanas keep kids busy too. For adrenaline: private helicopter tours over Grand Staircase-Escalante NP (hourly rates ~$3,000 paramountbusinessjets.com).

Transportation: Fly via private jet (Cessna Citation ~$4k–$6k/paramountbusinessjets.com) into nearby Page, AZ (~15 min drive to Amangiri). Within resort, golf carts transport families. A helicopter from Page Airport to the resort itself (~10 min) costs ~$1,500.

Total 7-day cost: Roughly $60,000–$80,000. (7 nights lodging ~$35K, meals ~$10K, activities ~$10K, flights/car ~$10K.)

Source/Credit: Amangiri https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri/gallery

9. The Breakers, Palm Beach (Florida) – Gilded Age Grandeur

Palm Beach has been a playground for billionaires since the Vanderbilts. Lodging: The century-old Breakers Palm Beach is a 5‑star oceanfront resort. Garden or partial-view rooms run $750–$1,200/night in summer (average ~$800) kayak.com; premium suites (multiple rooms + ocean view) can exceed $3,000/night. Our family of 4 might book a large suite or connecting rooms – say ~$12,000 for 7 nights.

Dining: World-class on-site restaurants (e.g. flagship Henry’s Palm Beach steakhouse, Flagler Steakhouse) run ~$100–$150 per adult entrée. Expect ~$400 per adult for multi‑course dinners (wine pairings extra). Budget ~$1,500/day for family meals. Brunch at the famous Circle or beachfront bistros adds another $800.

Entertainment: The Breakers boasts private beaches, pools, and four golf courses (Ocean Course tee times $450/person plus caddie). Families can hire segways or bikes for the scenic Lake Trail. Book a private sailboat charter or luxury yacht ($2,000–$3,000 for half day) for offshore cruising. Kids might enjoy the resort’s children’s program (Fit Club, scuba classes, ~$200/day).

Transportation: Fly into Palm Beach International; families often hire a chauffeured limo ($100/hour) or rent a Rolls-Royce ($400/day) to zip around town and Worth Avenue shopping. Round-trip charter helicopter to Everglades airboat tours ($3,000 for the family) is a thrill.

Total 7-day cost: About $40,000–$50,000. (Lodging ~$12K, dining ~$10K, activities ~$10K, extras/transport ~$10K kayak.com.)

Source/Credit: The Breakers https://www.thebreakers.com/photos/

8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Grand Teton & Yellowstone Private Safari

At summer’s peak, Yellowstone and the Tetons are magical. Lodging: Luxury mountain lodges around Jackson Hole (e.g. Amangani, Four Seasons Jackson Hole) run ~$1,500–$2,000/night for suites. Seven nights for a family (2 suite rooms or a 3-bedroom estate) can easily be $30,000+. (The Amangani, reopening 2026, formerly ran ~$1,800/ night tripadvisor.com.)

Dining: Local fine-dining (Caldera House at Teton Village, or Snake River Grill in Jackson) costs ~$60–$100/person for upscale dinner. A private cowboy barbecue or grilling lodge steak dinners could be ~$1,000 for the family. Fuel up on elk steaks and trout – budget ~$5,000 for all meals.

Entertainment: Charter private wildlife tours: a 4-hour luxury safari Jeep to Yellowstone or GTNP ($1,200 for family). Horseback in the mountains (guide+horses $500/day). Or a float trip on the Snake River ($700 total). “Expert” excursions: hot air ballooning at sunrise ($2,000 total), helicopter sightseeing over the Tetons (~*$2,500/hr) with a landing for family photo ops.

Transportation: Fly private to Jackson Hole airport (KJAC; 2,000 ft smaller jets, or use commercial first class). Rent a chauffeur-driven Land Cruiser ($150/day) to explore. For fun: rent a Ford F-150 Raptor or Range Rover ($500/day) to roam Yellowstone.

Total 7-day cost: Around $50,000. (Lodging ~$30K, meals ~$8K, tours $6K, transport $6K.)

7. Aspen, Colorado – The Ultimate Ski-Season Resort in Summer

Aspen’s cool summer nights and high-end shops draw the rich. Lodging: The Little Nell (Aspen’s only 5-star hotel) offers ski-in/ski-out luxury. Standard rooms run ~$800–$1,200/night; suites (often two-bed) can be $2,500+. A 7-night Aspen stay in premier quarters: about $20,000–$25,000.

Dining: Aspen’s Michelin-Caliber scene: Matsuhisa (Nobu founder’s restaurant, ~$150+/pp), Element 47 (luxury contemporary, $200+ pp with wine), or the Little Nell’s Ajax Tavern ($80 pp). Wine and service drives bill easily to $3,000 for a few dinners. Family breakfasts and lunches at trendy spots (e.g. Aurum Lodgen) add ~$1,000.

Entertainment: Hike or bike Aspen’s mountain trails (private guide $300). For thrills: book a private helicopter tour over Maroon Bells and Red Mountain (>$2,000/hr). Rent electric bikes or a private jeep for Maroon Creek Road ($500/day). Afternoon horse-show tickets or a family tennis lesson at JAS/ACP club ($500). Relaxation: private spa treatments (couple’s massage $600) and hot tubs. Kids: Aspen Jungle Chases scavenger hunts ($500).

Transportation: Fly into Aspen (ASE) via private jet or first class. Hire a chauffeured SUV (e.g. Cadillac Escalade, $300/day). Or arrive in style by chartered deluxe train from Denver. Aspen VIP car services and an on-call Bentley rent ($1,000/day) are options.

Total 7-day cost: ~$60,000. (Lodging ~$22K, dining ~$10K, activities ~$15K, transport ~$13K.)

Source/Credit: The Little Nell https://www.thelittlenell.com/stay/gallery

6. New York City, New York – Penthouse Splendor in Manhattan

The Big Apple: skyscraper lodgings, Michelin dining, Broadway. Lodging: The top NYC hotels (e.g. Ritz-Carlton Central Park, Four Seasons, The Mark) are pricey. A 2-bedroom or penthouse suite can run $5,000–$10,000/night. Even a standard suite is ~$1,200–$1,500 kayak.com. A week in extravagant suites easily costs $50,000+.

Dining: NYC’s legendary restaurants – think BLT Prime (in the Ritz-Carlton kayak.com), Le Bernardin ($200+ tasting), or Eleven Madison Park (~$315+ pp) – make $2,000 dinners for four (with wine). Midtown classics and celebrity-chef eateries add ~$5,000 for a week of meals. Street-level NYC dining (hot dogs, deli, ~$50 family) is negligible in this budget.

Entertainment: VIP Broadway: 4 tickets to top shows $2,000 ($500 each). Charter the Uptown Helicopter Tour ($4,000/hr) for aerial NYC views. Book a private yacht cruise on the Hudson or NYC harbor (~$3,000–$5,000 for half-day) for Statue of Liberty close-up. Rent a luxury car (Mercedes S-Class $400/day) for city tours, or even a helicopter transfer to Hamptons for a day ($10,000 round-trip). Ferry or seaplane to Governors Island for private picnic.

Transportation: NYC by limousine (flat rates ~$150 to/from airports). For day trips: book private car services ($100/hr). A private jet or charter flight into Teterboro or Newark costs ~$30k one-way. Citi Bike is cute, but roll in a Tesla Model X with baby seats ($300/day).

Total 7-day cost: Easily $75,000–$100,000. (Lodging ~$50K, dining ~$15K, shows/tours ~$5K, elite transport ~$20K.)

Source/Credit: The Little Nell https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/nyccp-the-ritz-carlton-new-york-central-park/photos/

5. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui (Hawaii) – Oceanfront Luxury & Lahaina Charms

On Maui’s lush northwest coast, Montage Kapalua Bay embodies Pacific luxury. Lodging: Ocean-view studios start ~$900/night, 2-bedroom suites ~$2,000/night. Seven nights for an expansive villa or connecting suites: about $30,000–$40,000.

Dining: Mama’s Fish House (iconic $150+/pp seafood dinners), Montage’s Nobu Maui ($100+ sushi rolls per person), or The Plantation House steakhouse ($80 pp). Family dinners approach $800–$1,000 each. Include poolside lunches and shaved-ice breaks (~$300/day). Budget ~$15,000 for all meals.

Entertainment: Private Hana Highway tour (luxury SUV and guide ~$800/day) for waterfalls and gardens. Helicopter circle-island tour ($3,000/hr). Snorkeling at Molokini crater or Lanai (private charter boat ~$2,000/day). Molokini/Road-to-Hana private charter. Kids will love surf lessons (private class ~$150/person) or stand-up paddleboarding on calm waters.

Transportation: Fly into Kahului, rent a black Lincoln SUV with driver ($500/day) to zigzag the island. For maximum wow: helicopter from the hotel to Haleakala’s summit ($2,000 round-trip). Book a private sailing or yacht trip to Lahaina at sunset (~$5,000).

Total 7-day cost: About $80,000. (Lodging ~$35K, dining ~$15K, tours ~$15K, luxe transport ~$15K.)

Source/Credit: Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui https://www.montage.com/kapaluabay/gallery/

4. Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island (Hawaii) – Volcanic Oceanfront Resort

On Hawaii’s Kona coast, Four Seasons Hualalai is legendary. Lodging: Oceanfront rooms $1,750/night on averagekayak.com; one-bedroom suites $3,000+. Family could book multiple suites or a Presidential villa ($5,000/night). Seven nights near $35,000–$40,000.

Dining: Fine dining at Ulu Ocean Grill or Hualalai Grille ($150+ per adult per meal). Weekly family budget $12,000 on dining. Don’t miss beachfront Sunset on the Beach casual dining ($50/person for children).

Entertainment: Night manta-ray snorkeling ($200/person). Lava-adventures: scenic helicopter (tour of volcanoes $3,000/hr) or even book the submarine tour in Kona ($85/person) to see deep-sea life. Golf at the Hualalai Jack Nicklaus course ($600/person). Kids: McGregor Observatory stargazing ($50) or kids’ luau and hula lessons ($100/family).

Transportation: Fly into Kona (KOA); Four Seasons can arrange private jets or charter via Hilo if needed. Rent a Lexus LX ($250/day) for scenic drives. Lux extras: Helicopter from Kauai/Oahu to Kona for family ($4,000). Seaplane to nearby smaller islands ($2,000).

Total 7-day cost: ~$70,000. (Lodging ~$37K, meals ~$12K, activities ~$12K, transport ~$9K.)

Source/Credit: Four Seasons Hualalai, Big Island https://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/photos-and-videos/

3. Four Seasons Resort Lanai (Hawaii) – Private Island Paradise

Lanai (Larry Ellison’s island) is the playground of billionaires. Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay sits by Hulopoe Bay. Lodging: Standard rooms start ~$1,200/night; oceanview suites ~$1,800. The cheapest room was ~$1,317, most expensive ~$2335 kayak.com. A 7-night stay in top suites: about $25,000.

Lodging: Four Seasons Lanai – imagine kids snorkeling off your lanai. Suites with plunge pools and ocean views $1,500–$2,500/nightkayak.com. The top-tier Legacy Suite can be $10,000+/night.

Dining: Fine island fare at Hulopoe (beachfront buffet $100/adult) or Nobu Lanai in the hotel ($100+ per sushi roll). Assume ~$2,500 total for gourmet dinners + $1,000 for breakfasts and lunches.

Entertainment: Rent a 4WD Jeep for a private eco-tour of Lanai’s Garden of the Gods rock formations ($600 for half day). Scuba/snorkel tours to coral reefs ($1,000 for private charter). Helicopter day-trip to Maui or Oahu ($2,000 each way). For water fun: private catamaran sails ($1,500/day) or deep-sea fishing charters ($3,000/day).

Transportation: The Four Seasons includes Lanai Air shuttle from Honolulu. For true extravagance: charter a private helicopter ($3,000/ hr paramountbusinessjets.com) instead of the shuttle. On-island, the resort provides complimentary Tesla rentals (all 3 models).

Total 7-day cost: About $55,000. (Lodging ~$25K, food ~$4K, activities ~$15K, travel ~$11K.)

Source/Credit: Four Seasons Resort Lanai https://www.fourseasons.com/lanai/photos-and-videos/

2. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) – Caribbean Ultra-Luxe

A new $400M resort (opened 2023) on St. Thomas’s east end. Lodging: Rooms with ocean views at The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas average $1,100–$1,300/nightkayak.com; top suites exceed $2,000/night. Our family might take two junior suites or a club-level quadruple-bedroom ($4,000+/night). 7 nights ≈ $20,000+.

Dining: Onsite Bleuwater (steaks/seafood, ~$100–$150 per entree) and Venus (seafood, $75pp). Plan $1,500–$2,000 for several upscale dinners. For lunch: poolside bistros and sushi bars ($500 for a day).

Entertainment: Beach and poolside cabanas, kids’ Ritz Kids program ($150/day). Charter a catamaran or yacht for day sails around Buck Island (4–6 hours for $1,500). Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach picnics. Bonus: day-trip ferry to St. John for private beaches ($50pp ferry + $200 taxi). Parasailing for two adults ($300).

Transportation: Arrive via private jet into Cyril E. King Airport (STT). The hotel offers helipad and yacht marina; families might rent a private catamaran or VIP ferry. On-island: hire a chauffeur (Chrysler 300 limo ~$100/hr).

Total 7-day cost: ~$45,000. (Lodging ~$20K, meals ~$8K, activities ~$10K, travel ~$7K.)

Source/Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sttrz-the-ritz-carlton-st-thomas/overview/

1. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Puerto Rico) – Private Oceanfront Estate

Dorado Beach is a beachfront 1,400‑acre oasis, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s crown jewel. It’s top-tier US territory luxury. Lodging: Deluxe rooms begin around $1,600–$2,100/night kayak.com; but our one-percenter family would book one of the massive Reserve Residences (3–5 bedrooms with private pool and beach access). The Four-Bedroom Oceanfront Penthouse lists well above $10,000/night. Even the cheapest 4BR villa rents for ~$5,000/night kayak.com. Total 7-night lodging easily $60,000+.

Lodging: Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico) – think multi-bedroom villas with private pools and butlers. Standard rooms ~$2,000/night, 4-bed villas ~$5,000+/night kayak.com. The most exclusive residences can approach $80,000/week just to stay.

Dining: High-end on-property restaurants: Positivo (Italian; $60–$100+ per person), BAK (chef’s tasting, $200pp). Brunch at The Boardwalk ($50pp). Budget ~$3,000–$4,000 for gourmet family meals. Plan on private chef or in-villa dining to maximize exclusivity.

Entertainment: Endless options. Private rainforest tours in El Yunque with guide ($800/day), horseback riding on the beach ($1,000), or snorkeling charter in the bioluminescent bay at Vieques ($1,200). Water sports (jet skis, $200/30min). Book a private helicopter to the Dominican Republic for a dinner in Punta Cana ($10,000 round trip). Kids enjoy the Explorer’s Club (kayaks, nature camps).

Transportation: Private jet into San Juan (SJU). Then the Reserve’s helipad or yacht marina can whisk you away. The family might rent two luxury SUVs ($250/day each) or a Bentley ($3,000/week). The Reserve provides Rolls-Royce rentals on site for $150/hour.

Total 7-day cost: Astonishingly, $120,000–$150,000 or more. (Lodging ~$60K, dining ~$10K, activities ~$20K, flights/vehicles ~$20K+ kayak.com paramountbusinessjets.com.)

Source/Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/sjudo-dorado-beach-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview/

Sources: Authoritative travel data and resort information (rates and offerings) were used to estimate cost. kayak.com. In practice, prices will vary; these represent ultra-premium “all-in” scenarios for a family of four. All included rates were converted and summed to illustrate one-week totals for each fantasy itinerary. Enjoy dreaming!

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