The United States tops the list with 112 of the 400 selections, and the picks are as diverse as one could imagine—reflecting the multiplicity of environments, lifestyles and activities found in America. Golfers, for example, need no introduction to the Lodge at Pebble Beach in Monterey or the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, both of which have hosted the U.S. Open and other major tournaments. Skiers might prefer the Four Seasons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where guests have ski-in/ski-out access to the Teton Mountains, while tennis aficionados will enjoy the Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, where 17 courts set amid lush gardens await.

Kayakers have Canoe Bay, in northern Wisconsin, fly-fishing buffs can choose Twin Farms in rural Vermont ("a perfect retreat," says one Forbes Traveler board member), and for those who yearn for clopping hooves, great riding can be found at the Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana.

If a horseshoe is more a symbol of luck for you, the Forbes Traveler 400 list offers the Bellagio ("the suites are terrific!" said one of our experts), the Wynn and the Mandalay Bay in neon-soaked Las Vegas. Those who prefer the bright lights of Broadway will prefer New York's Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis and Peninsula hotels, all within easy reach of the theater district; must-stays for film acolytes include the Beverly Hills Hotel ("better than ever since its recent facelift"), the Regent Beverly Wilshire and the Bel-Air—Hollywood classics, all.