Alaska

By far the largest American state, Alaska accounts for approximately one-sixth of the entire country, though its hardy populace nudges just past 700,000. Alaska’s beauty is manifold, and has to be experienced: tidewater glaciers; braided rivers; the mountains of Denali. The wildlife-viewing during the 18-hour summer days includes caribou, grizzly bears, bald eagles and thousands of orcas and gray whales.

By definition, the luxury properties here are remote, unique and set amid jaw-dropping natural splendor. The Bristol Bay area offers some of the world’s finest fishing for salmon and rainbow trout; guests at the Tikchik Narrows Lodge take daily floatplane expeditions to secret rivers. Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, set in a cove on the Kenai Peninsula, is especially popular with families looking for a wilderness escape. Several exclusive cruise operators (Lindblad, Entrée Yachts, Midnight Sun) journey through the stunning Inside Passage.