Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 world’s most exclusive wilderness hotels
Wilderness adventures can be magical travel experiences, whether it be a stay in the rainforest, desert, or mountains. Venturing outdoors to explore nature and to become one with your serene surroundings is a great way to create lasting memories. Here’s my selection of the world’s 10 most luxurious wilderness hotels, where you can explore the remote corners of the planet in all comfort. It should come as no surprise that most of these lodges are located in some of the world’s most scenic destinations and offer some of the world’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. I’ve not included any safari hotel in this top 10 list, since Africa’s bush lodges are in a league of their own.
There is more info below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite wilderness lodge in the comments section.
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10. PIKAIA LODGE, GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR
Pikaia Lodge is a stunning base for exploring the Galapagos – the ‘Last paradise on Earth’ – in a comfortable and truly sustainable land based way. The lodge concept is designed for the environmentally conscious, physically active eco-adventure traveler, who seeks close contact with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos with the highest level of comfort and services that could be reasonably provided within the limitations of such a remote, restricted and eco sensitive location. Guests enjoy active, quality guided land and marine day programs in small groups. At night you’ll rest in spacious and quiet accommodations.
- Hotel website: Pikaia Lodge
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50 minute therapeutic massage).
9. LONGITUDE 131°, ULURU-KATA TJUTA, AUSTRALIA
Longitude 131° is a transcendent experience of discovery, located in the spirited heart of Australia. Facing majestic Uluru, Longitude 131° commands spectacular views of the outback icon and World Heritage listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Crouched in the lee of a red sand dune and set among desert oaks and spinifex, the pavilions of Longitude 131° are dwarfed by the majesty of the landscape. Here, guests delve into the foundation of Anangu culture and explore this irresistible land and the stories of the traditional custodians. Luxurious and unfettered, Longitude 131° will make your senses come alive.
8. SONORA RESORT, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
This luxury wilderness resort is an absolute jewel amid one of Canada’s most alluring and pristine environments, British Columbia’s stunning Desolation Sound, which is home to fascinating wildlife and some of the best salmon fishing in the world. At Sonora Resort, uncompromising eco-adventure travel meets luxurious accommodations, unparalleled service and five-star facilities. Enjoy thrilling eco-tours along the coast, where you’ll get close-up views of grizzly bears, orcas, sea lions, and dolphins. Take a hike through the towering old-growth firs and cedars of the coastal temperate rainforest to beautiful Florence Lake. Or experience a mind-blowing helicopter ride to a glistening glacier where you can enjoy a private picnic prepared by the chef.
7. LAPA RIOS, OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica’s wild Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios is paradise for lovers of wildlife, birding, nature and beaches. The 16 private bungalows line three ridges overlooking the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean and are situated 350 feet above sea level. Lush walking paths and stairs that meander up to the main lodge connect all bungalows. Much more than a luxurious eco hotel, Lapa Rios is a model ecotourism project and a sustainable tourism pioneer in the heart of Costa Rica’s wilderness. Home to monkeys, macaws, pumas, toucans, tree frogs and thousands of other creatures, a trip to Lapa Rios Eco Lodge will be the experience of a lifetime.
6. AMANGANI, WYOMING, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Situated close to some of the USA’s finest ski slopes, Amangani (peaceful home) is an all-season resort overlooking the beautiful valley of Jackson Hole. Perched on the crest of East Gros Ventre Butte, the property affords magnificent views of the Grand Tetons and Snake River Valley. Evoking the atmosphere of the American West, Amangani presents 40 Suites, a free-standing home, a spa, an outdoor heated pool with Teton views, and a ski lounge. Fitting seamlessly into its Wild West surroundings, the resort is a vision in sandstone columns and floor-to-ceiling windows. Amangani is located within a trio of beautiful natural preservations: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge.
5. SAFFIRE FREYCINET, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Tasmania is a wild and diverse frontier on land and in its coastal waters, and 20-room Saffire Freycinet complements its grandiose surroundings instead of competing with them. Designed by award-winning Tasmanian architect Robert Morris Nunn, the intimate lodge evokes a connection to the sea through references to waves, sea creatures, sand dunes and a flowing, organic form. The lodge’s colours are inspired by the peninsula: the pink granite of the Hazards mountains, the white beaches, sapphire waters and the grey-green of the native bushland. The view from the patio’s is great, but you’ll be encouraged to explore the great outdoors, such as hiking to the nearby white sand beach or take out a mountain bike in search of marsupials.
4. EXPLORA PATAGONIA, TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE
Explora Patagonia is located at the center of the Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Anchored like a white ship on the shores of turquoise Lake Pehoé, the hotel’s unique location sets travelers literally in the middle of Patagonia’s famous wilderness, while greeting them with award-winning architecture. The 37 Cordillera Paine Room and the 6 Exploradores Suite all have breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and horns. The recreational area is located a short stroll from the main building, connected by a sloped wood path, and it is equipped with a heated, covered pool, sauna, and four open-air jacuzzis with spectacular views.
- Hotel website: Explora Patagonia
- Other accolades: Explora Patagonia also features in my top 10 list of hotel rooms with the best views.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
3. SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
Completely rebuilt following a devastating fire, Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s first true wilderness luxury hotel, offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, dubbed ‘Australia’s Galapagos’ for its abundant wildlife (e.g. sea lions, kangaroos, and koala). Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine surrounding wilderness. The lodge’s 21 eco-chic luxury suites have mesmerizing views of the ocean and feature lavish king beds, sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom and outdoor terrace with occasional seating and daybed.
1. CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, open from May to September, promises an exotic paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness in the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve (which is set withinn the Pacific Rim National Park). This unique 21st-century-safari-style enclave of great white canvas suite tents, dining, lounge, and spa tents, offers exquisite cuisine and breathtaking adventures, giving visitors a rare taste of how the fortunate spent their summers ‘roughing it’ some 100 years ago. Twenty guest and family suite tents showcase antique furnishings, opulent rugs, down duvets, remote-controlled propane powered woodstoves and luxurious amenities. Watch out for bears and whales though!
1. AMANGIRI, UTAH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Amangiri resort is tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Built around a central swimming pool with spectacular views, the resort blends into its dramatic surrounds where deep canyons and towering plateaus create a raw landscape of immense power. The spa features a floatation therapy pavilion, water pavilion with sauna, steam room, cold plunge and step pool, fitness centre and yoga pavilion. The resort’s trail system and unrivaled backcountry access allow guests to explore the region’s striking desert scenery on foot. Amangiri is operated by Aman, one of the world’s most exclusive ultra-luxury hotel brands.
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