Laid-Back Luxury Along the Art Coast^®

The growing trend of laid-back luxury travel invites you to enjoy the ultimate indulgence of relaxation through simple yet sophisticated experiences set against a serene and effortlessly beautiful setting. And we can’t think of a better place to embrace this lifestyle than Saugatuck/Douglas, where natural beauty, small-town charm, and refined comfort come together in perfect harmony.

Where To Stay

For those seeking a stay that blends style, comfort, and thoughtful appointments, these are our top picks for Art Coast accommodations offering a more refined experience.

At Wickwood Inn, every room is a sumptuous sensory experience—think handmade Vispring King-size beds with Matouk^® linens, silk Cowtan & Tout drapery, antique accents, and lavish SHIIR rugs underfoot. This Saugatuck hospitality icon—the very first B&B in the area—delivers unmatched style and elevated comfort, along with a daily seasonal farm-to-table breakfast that’s as artful as the decor.

Just down the road, the Judson Heath Colonial Inn perfectly captures that hip-meets-historic vibe in the heart of Saugatuck. Established in 1837 and reborn in 2017, each guest room offers modern amenities with luxurious appointments. Enjoy their lush Japanese garden, a spacious deck surrounded by 100-year-old maple and walnut trees, a grand terrace overlooking Butler Street, and delicious, hearty breakfasts made on a classic 1920s stove.

Hotel Saugatuck offers a romantic, well-appointed, adults-only escape with 17 enchanting boutique rooms that feature luxury linens, triple-sided fireplaces, and Jason Hydrotherapy tubs with MicroSilk^® technology. With gourmet breakfasts and evening desserts delivered directly to your room, this hotel is perfect for couples looking to unwind in serene privacy. 

Tucked into a quiet grove of hardwoods near the lakeshore, Forest Inn is a peaceful boutique retreat that makes the most of its beautiful natural surroundings. Each cozy private room induces relaxation with its tasteful décor, while the property itself invites you to unwind—whether that’s lounging by the pool, pedaling a complimentary bike toward the beach, or roasting s’mores around the weekend evening bonfire. And if that isn’t enough, an inviting wraparound porch beckons you to linger under the pines and enjoy the gentle breezes.

For a secluded escape right in the center of town, Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites delivers quiet luxury with maximum privacy. With no shared spaces and stocked continental kitchens in every unit, these charming cottages and suites are perfect for a romantic, do-not-disturb getaway, complete with daily treats made from fresh local ingredients.

Just a few blocks away, Porches on Mason is a chic downtown retreat where each suite feels like a private escape. Thoughtfully outfitted with a king-size bed, spacious bathroom, and inviting living area with a kitchenette and dining space, these stylish suites offer all the comforts of home with the charm of a boutique getaway. Each suite also includes a signature screened porch—complete with a plush daybed swing, ideal for morning coffee, afternoon lounging, or evening cocktails under the stars.

For classic European charm nestled in the Michigan countryside, The Belvedere Inn delivers elegance with a warm, personal touch. Known affectionately as “Mini Versailles,” this boutique property features ten luxurious guest rooms—each with its own fireplace, manicured gardens, and cozy common areas, including a library, sun room, and wraparound terrace, perfect for enjoying cocktails before dinner or a quiet morning coffee.

Perched on four lush, lakeside acres and epitomizing mid-century modern sophistication, Lake Shore Resort is the only motel-style lodging located directly on Lake Michigan—and it feels anything but ordinary. Guests enjoy complimentary kayaks, bikes, yoga, and a continental breakfast with sweeping lake views, plus a heated pool and sunset fire pits for the ultimate end-of-day unwind.

Just steps from Lake Kalamazoo and downtown Saugatuck, Old Pike Cottages combine charming exteriors with high-end touches inside. Each private cottage features heated floors, stylish interiors, and access to a pool, hot tub, guest dock, and more—all surrounded by thoughtful landscaping and walkable convenience.

And for travelers who prefer a home-away-from-home experience, many luxury vacation rentals across the Saugatuck/Douglas area offer upscale interiors, spa-inspired bathrooms, grand fireplaces, private chefs on request, and breathtaking views from decks made for basking. See our curated list of rental properties at the end of this article.

What To Do

Alongside stylish stays, the area invites you to enjoy simple yet sophisticated activities, scenic outings, and inspired moments of leisure to occupy your time here.

Set sail into golden hour with a sunset cruise on the Schooner Serenity, a classic two-masted tall ship that glides from the Kalamazoo River into the open waters of Lake Michigan. Prefer something more secluded? Book a private sail and beach day or sailing excursion with SeaSun Sailing, where you’ll go for a sail, pause for a swim, and let the breeze set the mood.

Oval Beach becomes the ultimate backdrop for a luxury brunch or sunset picnic curated by Sincerely, K & J, complete with plush floor seating, an artfully styled tablescape, and high-end place settings for the perfect vibe. Or go inland for a vineyard picnic at Fenn Valley Vineyards, where a private shuttle delivers you to your own scenic spot among the vines—complete with linens, wine, charcuterie, and your own speaker to set the mood.

To see the region in true vintage style, climb aboard a Ford Model A convertible with Antique Joy Rides and get chauffeured through our picturesque coastal towns while your driver shares stories, local lore, and hidden gems along the way. For a slower pace still, indulge in a private horse-drawn carriage ride through the Allegan Woods with Wild West Ranch—perfect for couples looking to connect or travelers wanting a magical moment amid nature.

And when the sun begins to dip, you’ll want to check out our fine dining scene. Bowdie’s Chop House delivers the elegance of a classic steakhouse in an intimate setting. At Coast 236, seasonal, locally sourced dishes are plated with artistry and served just a short block from Kalamazoo Lake. The Belvedere Inn and Restaurant offers old-world charm and a curated tasting experience in a historic estate setting, while LadyBird brings modern flair with small plates, craft cocktails, and a design-forward ambiance perfect for a chic night out.

And for a taste of the good life from the comfort of your own stay, book a private chef to prepare a locally sourced, multi-course meal right in your vacation rental. It’s the kind of experience that turns a quiet night in into something unforgettable.

Of course, no laid-back luxury trip is complete without time to wander. Pop in and out of local art galleries that showcase everything from fine oil paintings to contemporary sculptures. Discover boutique shops filled with artisan-made goods, stylish homewares, and fashion finds that feel like treasures, not trends. It’s the kind of shopping that feels personal, unhurried, and entirely your own.

Luxury Vacation Rentals