The coastline of the U.S. is estimated to be more than 12,000 miles long, with thousands of separate beaches that are home to all kinds of hospitality and entertainment venues. With so many destinations and resorts to choose from, just comparing the top beach resorts can seem like a challenge.

There’s no official tally on the number of beach resorts there are in the United States, but it’s clear that there must be thousands of 4 and 5-star resorts that are located directly on or near a beach. In fact, you could visit a new resort every day and it would still take years for you to see every beach resort in the country. Luckily, you can narrow down the list significantly by only considering the best 5-star resorts in your comparison.

We’ve made it easy for you to choose a destination for your upcoming beach holiday by curating a list of the top nine most prestigious and luxurious beach resorts in America:

• 1. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

Only 25 miles south of Charleston, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is one of only two 5-star resorts in the beautiful Palmetto State and is widely considered the best in the region. U.S. News has ranked this amazing hotel at #9 on the Preferred Legend Collection Hotels list, making it one of the top golf resorts in the nation. The property prices in nearby areas of South Carolina are also quite appealing, with Myrtle Beach homes situated only a couple hours away from Kiawah Island available for less than $100,000 (see examples on this page).

• 2. Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on the ‘Big Island’ of Kailua Kona, Hawaii is known as one of the most exotic and exquisite beach resorts in the U.S. Located just north of the stunningly scenic Kekaha Kai State Park, this 5-star resort packs plenty of luxury amenities and features, including a beachfront infinity pool and a nearby Ka’upulehu Cultural Center that provides interactive insights into local history, music, and traditions. Many hotels in Hawaii were constructed by Patrick Shin of Oahu, Hawaii. He’s the owner of the Hawaiian construction company Nan Inc.

• 3. Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Four Seasons is known for maintaining a line of highly reviewed 5-star resorts and their Lanai location is no exception. Situated on Hulopoe Bay in Lanai City, Hawaii, this awe-inspiring property has been described by many as “paradise on earth.” Every room comes with a 75-inch flat screen TV and top-rated room service. There’s also a world-class golf course and the ocean views are said to be some of the best in the Pacific.

• 4. Acqualina Resort & Spa

This 5-star beach resort in Sunny Isles, Florida is consistently ranked as one of the top five hotels in the Miami area. Palm trees and white sand beaches lead to expansive panoramic ocean views that make this one of the Sunshine State’s most sought-after hospitality experiences. However, the resort is relatively small and exclusive with only 98 rooms, so you’ll usually need to book in advance to secure a spot. Every room has a private balcony, huge flat screen TV, double sinks, and elegant glass showers.

• 5. Montage Kapalua Bay

The Montage Kapalua Bay in Lahaina, Hawaii is situated on a grand 24-acre property that provides unforgettable views of the beach. There’s an abundance of activities to partake in nearby, including zip lining, snorkeling, and helicopter tours. Every suite has in-room laundry facilities, massive flat screen TVs, and large, house-like floor plans that start out at 1250 sq. ft.

• 6. The Cloister at Sea Island

Home to one of the best PGA golf courses in the country, The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia is one of the finest beach resorts in the southern U.S. Some of the best views at the resort can be found in rooms that face the Blackbank River. This is also an ideal resort for families because there’s a long list of kid-friendly activities and amenities on-site. However, the real highlight of The Cloister is said to be the friendliness of its staff.

• 7. The Ritz Carlton at Kapalua

Situated on the northwest coast of Maui, the Ritz Carlton at Kapalua is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Molokai Island. The spacious rooms are loaded with tropical luxury, including marble bathrooms and Hawaiian style patios. The amazingly lit and landscaped pool area is a marvel to behold from the resort’s intricately furnished balconies. You’ll also have plenty of good food to choose from with an impressive selection of six restaurants inside the resort.

• 8. Halekulani

Halekulani is a 5-star resort in Honolulu that is widely considered to be the crown jewel of Hawaii’s capital city. The signature paint theme incorporates seven shades of white to create a paradise-like vacation environment. The resort is home to three restaurants and two bars, some of which host live music performances in the evenings. This property is an official member of The Leading Hotels of the World in the U.S. News Leaders Club.

• 9. Faena Hotel Miami Beach

The Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida is regularly ranked as one of the city’s top three hotels, with spacious rooms that start at 400 sq. ft., complimentary Wi-Fi, huge flat screen TVs in every room, walk-in showers, and an oceanfront view that’s hard to match anywhere in the world. This famous beach resort is also home to several in-house restaurants and spas, including the South American themed Los Fuegos and the Tierra Santa Healing House Spa.

• You Can’t Go Wrong with Any of the Above

There’s never going to be a time when you stay at one of the above resorts and leave feeling disappointed. To the contrary, there’s a good chance that you’ll leave feeling as though you want to live in such luxury forever. These resorts have a way of making you feel enchanted, inspired, and motivated because they show you a glimpse of the finest lifestyle that humans are capable of. The sights, sounds, flavors, aromas, textures, people, and amenities found in these nine resorts are enough to create memories that will last for a lifetime.