Ocean House, Rhode Island

Built in 1868 on a windswept hillside with views of the Atlantic, the Victorian hotel once catered to moneyed aristocrats but was torn down after years of neglect. Redone to the tune of $146 million, the property is as grand as ever: expansive decks and manicured croquet lawns are a nod to old-world glamour, while the light-filled 49 guest rooms and 22 private villas have modern bathrooms (oversize soaking tubs; marble tiles) and custom-made dark wood furnishings. On the ground floor there's the farm-to-table Seasons restaurant, with a veranda overlooking a private white-sand beach-the perfect spot to idle away an afternoon, cocktail in hand. What more could you want for a summer getaway?