This semi-tropical barrier island has so much more than the instantly recognizable 90-foot, red-and-white-striped tower of the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Namely, top-class resorts, two dozen golf courses, diverse marshes and magnolias—and no neon. The Inn at Harbour Town has a great Sea Pines Resort location.
For more information: Inn at Harbour Town
Crystal blue water and sugar-white sand are treats for the eyes on the Florida Panhandle. The WaterColor Inn, designed by David Rockwell, is a fabulous family choice, with five swimming pools, free bicycles and miles of trails to explore. This harmonious place makes a real effort to give adults their own spaces, kids theirs.
For more information: WaterColor Inn
Fun springs eternal: Go for a hike, ride your bike, perfect your putt or serve it up on the courts. Palm Canyon Drive might be busier during Spring Break, but off the path you'll find charming, one-of-a-kind inns that ooze character—perennial favorites of celebs and "regular" Angelenos on weekend getaways. Touch down at the funky Orbit In or rise above it all at The Willows.
For more information: Orbit In
If Mexican resorts remind you of slick hotels and constant crowds, lose those memories and create some new ones in refreshing Zihuatanejo. La Case Que Canta attracts celebrities and guests who want an adult Mexican vacation.
For more information: La Casa Que Canta
The word "peaceful" isn't taken lightly in Costa Rica—this Central American country hasn't had an army since 1949. At Hotel Punta Islita, the wellness attributes of the Nicoya Peninsula and the herbalist wisdom of native Chorotega tribes are artfully combined in the spa for a spring break you'll want to take with you.
For more information: Hotel Punta Islita
ABC-TV's 20/20 program once contemplated why Asheville was singled out as the happiest place in America by journalist Eric Weiner in his novel, "The Geography of Bliss." Snare your little piece of contentment at the Cottage on Biltmore Estate, and say "cheers!" to Biltmore Estate wines.
For more information: Biltmore Estate
Earning a record $1 billion from tourism last year, Barbados, or "Little England," must be doing a lot of things right. The year-round tropical weather and breathtaking vistas are a magnet for A-listers, but all are welcome. Crystal Cove Hotel Barbados takes the term "all-inclusive" to new heights, especially for families.
For more information: Crystal Cove
Real "up-and-comers" commanding their share of island buzz, these islands are custom-made for your sunning, swimming and diving pleasure. You could also set sail to see marine glow-worms mate. Flow in, flow out, of Aman Resorts' stunning Amanyara, with pavilions and villas tastefully accented by sisal, teak and terrazzo textures, just steps from Malcolm's Beach.
For more information: Amanyara
How not to love a place where no buildings are higher than a coconut tree? Kauai is the oldest and northernmost of the main Hawaiian Islands, and just 32 miles wide. Yet it's a tourism whisper when compared to the shouts of neighboring islands. The 5,000-square-foot infinity pool is a conversation-starter at luxury Princeville Resort on Hanalei Bay.
For more information: Princeville at Hanalei
Travel to the top of the Elevador de Santa Justa to soak in a five-star view of Lisbon sights including the Igreja do Carmo, the Baixa Pombalina, Castelo de São Jorge and the River Tagus. Your stay in minimalist Fontana Park Hotel, Saldanha Square, is not just black and white: It's green and purple too, with pared-down geometric influences jazzing up a reclaimed early 20th-century building. The Bairro Alto Hotel is a posh hostelry in the hippest part of town, Bairro Alto.
For more information: Fontana Park Hotel