Rancho Santana

Howler monkeys handle the wake-up call at this sprawling Pacific coast resort spread across thousands of acres of dry tropical forest, rolling hills, and five private beaches. Villas and guest rooms go big on Spanish Mission Revival, all red-tile roofs and stone floors opening onto breezy outdoor spaces. It's remote enough to feel like a genuine escape, but not so remote you're roughing anything.

One honor, in evidence: