Best of...

Our Favorite U.S. Hotels with Private Cottages or Villas

Whether you're seeking peace and solitude or simply some extra space (for multi-generational family gatherings, small children, or the maintenance of your own morning regimen), our favorite hotels with standalone accommodations, from private cottages and bungalows to multi-level villas, offer five-star amenities with an extra dose of privacy, and the comforts of your own home—plus, access to wellness experiences, incredible culinary programs and outdoor activities. Here, we share some of our favorite hotels around the U.S. that offer standalone, private accommodations, for a late summer or early fall getaway—on your terms.


Contact Indagare or your trip designer to plan a trip to one of our favorite U.S. hotels with private cottages. Our team can match you with the destinations, accommodations and activities that are right for you.


Hotels in the Northeast

Hidden Pond, Kennebunk, Maine

This relaxed resort in the woods near Kennebunkport caters to both couples and families, with distinct adults-only bungalows removed from larger, kid-friendly two-bedroom cottages. Expect classic Maine touches at Hidden Pond, including spacious porches and stone fireplaces, along with full kitchens, reliable WiFi, and washer and dryer units.

Twin Farms, Barnard, Vermont

The former Vermont estate of Nobel Prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis and his wife, Dorothy Thompson has, for nearly 30 years, been one of New England’s most coveted stays. An 18th-century main house, where guests take evening cocktails, is the heart of Twin Farms, but it’s the 10 whimsical yet stylish cottages scattered across 300 acres that keep guests returning year after year. Art lovers at this Indagare Adored property will want to check in to the Studio cottage, with works from the likes of Roy Lichtenstein and David Hockney.

White Elephant, Nantucket, Massachusetts

In a residential corner of town—just a short walk to restaurants and shops—the White Elephant Nantucket has an idyllic waterfront location with manicured lawns overlooking the bustling harbor. And while we love the second-floor rooms with their sea-facing terraces, those looking for extra space and privacy should consider the hotel’s adjacent private cottages, residences and in-town lofts. The one-, two- and three-bedroom garden cottages—including one designed by Lilly Pullitzer—are clustered in between the main hotel building and town. Across the street, one- to three-bedroom residences are even more spacious, and come with pantry-style kitchens. And two loft apartments give guests a pied-à-terre experience downtown, plus access to all of the White Elephant’s amenities a short walk away.

Related: East Coast Vacations: Easy Summer Escapes from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend

Castle Hill Inn, Newport, Rhode Island

From its perch atop a 40-acre peninsula just outside of town, Castle Hill Inn has a commanding view over Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay. The shingle-and-clapboard mansion, built in the 1870s as a summer home for a wealthy marine biologist, is an archetype of Victorian New England maritime architecture—turret included. And down along the waterfront, the Inn's beach houses and cottages have French doors that open up to decks facing the Atlantic. Each cottage or house is divided into several accommodations, except for the Premier Beach Cottage, which is standalone.

The Point, Saranac Lake, New York

On a forested peninsula overlooking Upper Saranac Lake, The Point is an 11-room playground for Adirondack adventure. Its original log cabins—which used to host the Rockefellers—all showcase traditional rustic-chic décor, with cozy fireplaces and white-pine walls. Expect easy days boating on the lake or hiking nearby trails. Come dinner time, the resort has reimagined its meal service for the age of social distancing, with various locations for dining around the property.

Lake Kora, Raquette Lake, New York

At the end of a two-mile gravel road in the Adirondacks, Lake Kora is an ultra-private resort that’s only available for takeovers. The former “Great Camp” for New York Lieutenant Governor Timothy Woodruff during the late 1880s, it’s now ideal for a multigenerational family visit, open to groups of 14 to 34 people through October. Cottages range from loft-style cabins to a three-bedroom house on its own island, reachable only by boat. Guests have unlimited access to myriad lake and water activities, as well as to the resort’s expert culinary team, who make fully customizable meal plans for each group of visitors.

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, Gardiner, New York

Just a 90-minute drive from New York City, tucked away amid 140 secluded acres, where the Hudson River Valley meets the foothills of the Catskills, one of the latest properties from Auberge Resorts (The Lodge at Blue SkyMayflower Inn and SpaHotel Jerome and many others), Wildflower Farms opened last fall, with 65 freestanding cottage-style accommodations, brought to life by architects Electric Bowery and designer Ward and Gray. A plethora of wellness and outdoor activities are on offer. Guests should be sure to make time for visits to the nearby Mohonk Preserve for hiking and rock climbing, as well as the many distilleries and wineries and art and design galleries of the area.

Inness, Accord, New York

Opened July 2021, Inness is set on 225 acres between the Catskill and Shawangunk mountain ranges, offering a chic country escape (reminiscent of England’s Heckfield Place) that combines classic charm (vintage furniture, woven rugs, wood-burning fireplaces) and contemporary appeal (natural wine lists, Aesop bath products, Scandi-minimalist palettes). Guests can choose to stay in one of the 28 freestanding cabins or in the 12-room farmhouse, and shared amenities include a Mediterranean restaurant and outdoor grill (which incorporate local, seasonal produce and ingredients from Inness’ own garden), a nine-hole golf course designed by King Collins Golf, two hardcourt tennis courts, two salt water pools (and a seasonal pool bar), 60 acres of hiking trails and an in-the-works spa and gym facility.

Related: 5 Reasons to Travel to Upstate New York This Fall: New Hotels in Hudson Valley & the Catskills

The Roundtree, Amagansett, New York

Just outside of East Hampton, the discreet hamlet of Amagansett is home to the Roundtree, a 125-year-old farmhouse turned 15-room boutique hotel. Near the main house, five cottages offer seclusion and their own unique history. The largest, which can sleep eight guests, dates back to the 1700s, and features cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace and fully-equipped kitchen. Smaller one-bedroom cottages are ideal for couples, and have private gardens. This summer, the property also launched a new three-bedroom Beach House. Plus: Don't miss the luxe four-bedroom 21 House, with four en-suite bathrooms, at the neighboring Reform Club.

Related: Insiders’ Hamptons: Where to Go and What to Do This Summer

Canoe Place, Hampton Bays, New York

This country-club-chic reincarnation by Main Street Hospitality of Canoe Place—which is alleged to be “America’s oldest inn,” established in 1697—opened this summer for its first full season since launching last August. The property offers a curation of historic and contemporary art, the Mediterranean/New American restaurant and bar Good Ground Tavern (featuring stone-baked pizzas), manicured gardens, an outdoor pool and the Onda spa (co-founded by Naomi Watts, Larissa Thomson and Sarah Bryden-Brown). Rooms include guest accommodations in the Inn, freestanding cottages and residence-style boathouses.

The Pridwin, Shelter Island, New York

Beyond Sunset Beach, another historic institution—The Pridwin, established in 1927—reopened last June after a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation. Property highlights include a private swath of Crescent Beach, an outdoor pool and tennis courts, a new restaurant and cocktail bar with live music, a spa and a variety of guest rooms and freestanding private cottages that can accommodate groups of all sizes.

Related: The Best New Boutique Hotels in the U.S.

Hotels in the American South

Blackberry Farm & Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee

These sister properties in the Smoky Mountains share a global reputation for Southern hospitality, rustic charm, exceptional culinary programs and gorgeous views. Blackberry Farm opened first, drawing foodies and pastoral-seekers into the hills for spa treatments, garden tours and gourmet meals served nightly in an 18th-century barn. And then in 2019, Blackberry Mountain opened 10 miles up the valley. Both the Farm and smaller, more health-focused Mountain resorts offer standalone accommodations. At the Farm, one-bedroom Hill Cottages have soaking tubs, fireplaces and porches—rocking chairs included. And at the Mountain, we love the Clingsman’s Cottages, which have hot tubs and a spa room that can be converted into a second bedroom for children, along with the even larger Azalea private homes.

Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina

Your first introduction to Montage Palmetto Bluff, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, is a long, oak-lined drive. It’s a fittingly Southern arrival to this bucolic estate, where time seems to slow down, thanks to miles of Spanish moss-shrouded walking and biking trails, an award-winning golf course, lazy poolside lunches and bonfires at night. The resort’s airy one-bedroom cottages, which overlook lagoons, woodsy grounds or the May River, have sprawling screened-in porches, wet bars with Sub Zero refrigerators.

Related: Melissa’s 2023 Summer Travel Must-Haves

Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island, an hour and a half south of Savannah on the Georgia coastline is by no means a boutique resort: its Lodge and Cloister properties can accommodate hundreds of guests. But its sheer size—sprawling over 1,000 acres—and variety of options make it an easy place to sprawl while on a beach, golf and spa vacation. That’s especially true in the multi-bedroom cottage rentals and villas, scattered around the island. All guests have access to the resort’s beach club and activities, ranging from bike rentals to horseback riding.

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida

“Florida as it was meant to be,” is the motto for Boca Grande’s Gasparilla Inn, a circa-1913 resort that has kept families coming back to this corner of the Gulf Coast for generations. Guests can spend their days lounging poolside, playing tennis on any of the seven clay courts, golfing on the Peter Dye-designed course, or simply enjoying a cool drink and admiring the view from the rocking chairs on the main porch. There are 18 private cottages, plus six three- to four-bedroom houses. The latter are particularly great for families, and, although built between 2014 and 2016, showcase the resort’s signature Old Florida style, with soothing yellow walls and white trim.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida

In the Lower Keys, 24 miles northwest of Key West—bungalow-only Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is on its own private island, accessible exclusively by boat or seaplane. Its thatch-roofed beach cottages have a British West Indies castaway appeal, decorated in dark woods and rattan furnishings. Most face the water, and come with outdoor copper tubs and their own beach fire pit. This adults-only retreat swaps TVs and telephones for kayaking, paddle boarding, eco-tours, snorkeling, diving and sunbathing—at the pool or along four acres of beach.

Related: Private Charter Flights: What to Know Now

Hotels in California & the American West

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara and its upscale neighbor, Montecito, bill themselves as the American Riviera, and nowhere is that more true than at the area’s most renowned resort, San Ysidro Ranch. Originally part of a Spanish land grant, the 500-acre Ranch is dotted with 38 freestanding, bungalow-style cottages, in a variety of sizes (ranging from 475 square feet to 2,500 square feet). The bliss-inducing grounds, which offer sweeping views from the Santa Ynez foothills to the Pacific Ocean, are full of birdsongs and the scents of orange blossoms, rosemary and eucalyptus. Interiors range from French Provençal-meets-English countryside to New England-meets-California coastal, though most have beamed ceilings, stone or brick fireplaces and canopy beds. Bathrooms are sumptuous and all of the cottages offer outdoor rain showers on private patios that also house hot tubs and two chaise lounges. Plus, those who book the villas receive complimentary dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at either of the resort's excellent restaurants, Stonehouse and Plow & Angel. The overall effect makes you want to move in permanently.

Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows, Los Angeles, California

From the moment you arrive, this world-famous pink hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills’ high-rent residential neighborhood lives up to its reputation (Oh, the stories these walls—covered with more than five miles of the hotel’s signature banana-leaf wallpaper—could tell.). The 23 free-standing bungalows (by far the most-requested rooms on property and renovated in 2014) are tucked into 12 landscaped acres, with fountains, bird-of-paradise and banana palms. The famous pool, rimmed with potted orange trees, topiaries and private cabanas, can be rented for the day for an über-private lounging experience. The Polo Lounge remains a breakfast, lunch and cocktail hot spot and the counter-only Fountain Coffee Room oozes charm and is beloved by locals for its homey breakfasts and afternoon ice cream and pie. Overall, the Beverly Hills Hotel is the type of grande dame that can make even the most blasé traveler feel nostalgic, in the best sense of that word.

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Guests at Post Ranch Inn’s ocean-facing suites would be forgiven for sometimes forgetting they’re on land: enormous windows give the sensation that you’re floating over Pacific. That’s all part of architect (and Big Sur resident) Mickey Muennig’s design for those lucky enough to visit this serene, adults-only retreat to reconnect with nature. Not all of the resort’s 40 rooms and private homes face the sea. Some have equally intriguing views of Big Sur’s towering forests. All of them, however, showcase Muennig’s commitment to maximal comfort with minimal impact on the environment. Accommodation to book? We love the Coast Houses, whose circular shape draws inspiration from Redwood trunks. These cottages make for ideal home bases for exploring Big Sur.

Related: 11 Summer Vacation Ideas

The Green O, Greenough, Montana

This sophisticated, adults-only retreat is located in Montana’s remote Greenough township, on the southern edge of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch (also home to fabulous sister lodge The Resort at Paws Up). The property features 12 design-minded, freestanding “hauses”—including elevated tree houses, forest homes with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 180-degree views and “Green Hauses” with living garden roofs. Guests can enjoy access to 100-plus miles of trails for hiking and riding and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River for fishing and kayaking; and adventure activities like archery, ATV tours, rappelling, shooting and whitewater rafting. Plus: guests will be able to explore to the full expanse of Paws Up Ranch. And to unwind, the serene spa is located within a collection of tents to promote immersion in nature.

Related: The Best Glamping Experiences in the U.S.

The Ranch at Rock Creek, Big Sky, Montana

Located on 6,600 acres of Big Sky land, the lavish Ranch at Rock Creek offers incredibly stylish rooms, suites, houses and tented accommodations in what is a personal and gorgeous interpretation of a Wild West adventure—with soaring mountain and sloping hillsides, fairy-tale pine forests, seemingly endless meadows and, of course, a river that runs through it all that happens to be one of the premier sporting streams in the region. In addition to the seven über-comfy, family-friendly and romantic private cabins (options range from cozy one-bedrooms to two-story, five-bedroom homes), the Ranch also offers the chance to take over the the remodeled 19th-century Historic Barn, which has a rustic-chic vibe and three-bedroom suites (including a spacious loft and a stables-inspired bunk room), as well as 10 luxury “glamping” cabins, which are located along the river and range in format, so that you can choose the outdoor adventure suited to your wilderness tastes.

Related: Just Back From: The Green O Luxury Resort in Montana

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

The dude ranch that pioneered the concept of “glamping,” the Resort at Paws Up has an exquisite setting on 37,000 acres of land interlaced by the Blackfoot River, and it continues to draw a loyal following. The 36 luxury camping tents are divided into six different campsites set in secluded meadows scattered along the river, allowing travelers to connect with the outdoors without forgoing the amenities of a hotel. Each tent features a King-sized bed (two- and three-bedroom tents feature additional rooms with two twin beds) with 300-count linens, a private deck, electricity, heat and air conditioning and rustic paintings and furniture. All the tents have en-suite bathrooms, with rain showers, heated floors, and some with deep soaking bath tubs, and all have great views of the surrounding Bob Marshall Wilderness and Mission Mountain Range. The homes and cabins, which have outdoor hot tubs and decks, sleep anywhere from four to eight people and are designed for couples, families and friends. Top-of-the-line are the 3,200-square foot wilderness estates and the Blackfoot River Lodge, all of which come with a car for use during the stay. Many guests of Paws Up opt to split their time between a tent and a home in order to get both experiences.

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

Set in the towering Douglas firs of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, Triple Creek Ranch is an adults-only Relais & Châteaux property with 24 cozy, well-appointed cabins. The personalized service—your cabin fridge is stocked with your favorite beer, for example—and the epicurean fare are nothing short of five-star. But the log-and-cedar accommodations, most of which were built in the 1990s, are rustic enough to have a true cabin-in-the-woods experience (albeit with flat-screen TVs in each room, his and her vanities and toilets, steam showers and clover whirlpools, a stocked wet bar and kitchenette). Although the massive log-post king beds, wood-burning fireplaces, Western art and furniture make each cabin feel rustic and cozy, the open floor plans and clerestory windows keep the spaces feeling bright. But at Triple Creek, it’s worth emerging from your cabin to horseback ride on national forest land, hike along the Lewis and Clark trail, take part in the somewhat addictive sapphire panning (where guests use traditional equipment to look for the gems in loose dirt brought in from a nearby mine) and the blue-ribbon fly-fishing opportunities. And come winter, it's also a fabulous cold-weather escape for those looking to embrace the season, with skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding through the snowdrifts on offer.

Dunton Hot Springs, Dunton, Colorado

A Western mining town-turned high-end resort, Dunton Hot Springs has an incredible sense of place—both historically and physically. In the 1800s, its collection of freestanding cabins formed a small town, and to this day, you can still walk down the road to the mines where the inhabitants of Dunton used to work. Throughout the centuries, the place had fallen into disrepair, effectively becoming one of the West’s many ghost towns, but what made Dunton unique was its incredible natural setting on 200 remote valley acres, surrounded by the San Juan mountain range, and next to natural non-sulphuric hot springs. It was the combination of remote wilderness and hot springs that drew Cristoph Henkel, of Canyon Equities, to the Dunton property in 1994. Henkel planned on creating a real-estate development, but fell in love with the setting at 9,000 feet of elevation, and seven years later emerged with a unique luxury resort set in the pristine wilderness of the lower Rockies as a legacy for his children. Today, there are 13 authentically restored cabins and tents, which are now filled with pieces from the personal art collection of Henkel’s wife, Katrin Bellinger, who is a curator—in addition to en-suite bathrooms, radiant floors, and luxurious bedding. (The property’s most unique detail are, of course, the hot springs that brought Henkel to Dunton in the first place, and are said to improve circulation, among other health benefits). Indagare Tip:The entire Dunton camp can accommodate forty-five guests in total and can be taken over by a single party or family.

Lodge at Blue Sky, Wanship, Utah

Set on 3,500 acres in Utah, the Lodge at Blue Sky is a contemporary ranch (part of the Auberge Collection) with a design focus, elevated cuisine and renowned horsemanship and wellness programs. The five freestanding, one-bedroom Creek Houses are set in a very private, adults-only section of the property along the Alexander Creek, within an Aspen grove, and feature 200-square-foot private outdoor patios. Top activities on property include hiking with or without a guide, biking and fly-fishing in nearby rivers, but the real draw is the horseback riding and horsemanship program, as well as the clay shooting club on the ranch, where guests can take part in both the 18-stand sporting clay course or a simulated drive. The extensive wellness program encompasses specialty treatments, yoga, meditation and sound bathing in the spa or even outdoors in a mountain yurt.Related: 16 Best New Boutique Hotels in the U.S.<

Sorrel River Ranch, Moab, Utah

Sorrel River Ranch sits on a gorgeous 240-acre oasis right along the Colorado River and is the place to stay when visiting Arches National Park. It’s located a 30-minute drive from Moab, through stunning red rock landscapes. The property’s 55 rooms and suites (all of which come with kitchenettes) are set in freestanding wooden cabins that line the river, in a variety of configurations ranging from airy, romantic studios to multi-story family homes. Interiors are modern interpretations of the Wild West, with polished wooden floors, Navajo-inspired rugs, wrought iron light fixtures and massive picture windows. Most of the bathrooms come with separate showers and claw foot tubs, and the lovely eco-friendly amenities are made exclusively for Sorrel. Overall, the vibe here is laid-back, almost like a summer camp for grown ups—no one dresses up for meals, and most everyone is just happy to be staying in this special setting.

Camp Sarika by Amangiri, Utah

When the Aman leaders decided to expand their super successful resort Amangiri, they chose not to build more rooms but to create a companion experience in their magical canyon in the Utah desert: Camp Sarika, which means “open space” in Sanskrit. Tucked beneath a flat-topped mesa on the edge of a striking 600-acre desert landscape sit 10 tented villas and an intimate lodge with a dining and lounge area, a striking pool and spa treatment rooms. Each of the one- and two-bedroom tents features a central living area, with cozy seating and dining spaces, that faces out to a private plunge pool and fire pit. With blond wood floors and sand-colored canvas walls (made from recycled plastic bottles), the interiors seem to bleed into the desert terrain outside. Silky throws and supple area rugs soften the contemporary wood and metal furniture, which evokes a modern take on campaign furniture. Guests can order meals to their tents or dine at Camp Sarika’s restaurant, which offers breakfast and lunch menus and a family-style tasting menu for dinners. They can also drive or hike to sister property Amangiri to eat at its restaurant or to use its gym, spa or pools. The activities on property range from numerous hiking and Via Ferrata climbing trails, hot-air ballooning, horseback rides, daily complimentary fitness or yoga classes and experiences like private sunset cocktails on a mesa or Navajo guided tours of the slot canyons.

Castle Hot Springs, Bradshaw Mountains, Arizona

In the Bradshaw Mountains (just an hour’s drive north of Phoenix), Castle Hot Springs was established in 1896 as “Arizona’s first wellness resort.” Its charming cabins and restorative geothermal pools once attracted the likes of the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors and Roosevelts—and today, it has a new lease on life, thanks to a full restoration that was completed in 2019. The 12 bungalows, 17 cabins and three-bedroom cottage encourage immersion in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes (there are no televisions, and WiFi is limited)—and, in addition to soaking in the springs and enjoying a host of other wellness and spa treatments, guests have access to adventure activities like horseback riding, via ferrata and ATV touring.

Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona

Opened in 1987 within a stunning red rock canyon, set on a 70-acre private ranch, Enchantment Resort features a huddle of Southwest-style adobe casitas that line Arizona’s Boynton Canyon, not far from Sedona. A family-friendly resort, the property has many different accommodations, including some with kitchenettes for practicality others with their own private pools. Each of the 218 rooms abides by an organic design scheme, with soothing earth colors, rugs inspired by basket weaving, and Native American décor adding life to the otherwise minimalist feel. There are numerous on- and off-property activities, with Sedona’s raw landscape providing ample excursions (hiking, mountain biking, nature walks) and the nearby spa at Mii Amo available for relaxation and mindfulness treatments. The sprawling property also features tennis courts, a putting green (and nearby golf course) and croquet, as well as a host of daily activities, ranging from painting and nature walks to tennis clinics and star-gazing. It is also a great base for those who want to explore the Grand Canyon.

Bishop’s Lodge, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has gained renown as one of America’s coolest cities, thanks to its vibrant art and food scenes, Colonial Revival and Pueblo architecture, desert-mountain climate and Spanish-Mexican cultural heritage. And a soulful new Auberge Resort—Bishop’s Lodge—in a restored local landmark is the perfect excuse to visit this year. Ground first broke on the property in the 1850s, when a French missionary built a homestead on the border of the Santa Fe National Forest. Today, the lodge encompasses 317 acres, within minutes of the entertainments of downtown. Spread across the land, guests can now find a wellness sanctuary (inspired by Southwestern healing rituals); stables; trout streams; hiking, biking and riding trails; an art gallery; the SkyFire restaurant and bar, and a gourmet café; and a wide range of accommodations: guest rooms, suites (some of which are freestanding and include outdoor plunge pools), private three- and four-bedroom casitas, and the 12-room bunkhouse (ideal for large pods). Throughout, the décor is completely stylish and authentic to the region. Ideal days here include enjoying a mezcal tasting, a desert meditation session, a hike to a picnic or simply kicking your boots up and taking in the view.


Contact Indagare or your trip designer to plan a trip to one of our favorite U.S. hotels with private cottages. Our team can match you with the destinations, accommodations and activities that are right for you.


More Inspiration

Plan Your Trip With Us

We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.

Get In Touch

Welcome back,
log in to Indagare

Not a member?

Forgot Password

Enter your email and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.

Type the first 3 letters to begin