Today the luxury hotel landscape is overflowing with epic properties that are every bit a destination as the destination itself. Thanks to the rise of immersive, innovative experiences, high-tech functionality, next-level gastronomy, carefully curated design, a hotel stay is an adventure to inspire the greatest of adventurers. Meet the most amazing adventure hotels on earth.
Skylodge Adventure Suites
Where: Cusco, Peru
When innovation and daring design come together you end up with an adventure hotel like the Skylodge Adventure Suites located in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Less than 10 miles from Machu Picchu the suites are made up of three pods that sleep up to eight and come complete with 300-degree views, beds, a bathroom, and privacy curtains. To get to the pods guests have two choices: the Via Ferrata or a cliffside hike with ziplines, neither of which are for the faint of heart. There’s no room service, instead simple high-quality meals made from ingredients excavated from the mountains and carried on the back of guides back and without wif, you’ll fill your time staring at an unbelievable view of the night sky will fill your time. The adventure doesn’t stop until your feet are solidly back on the valley floor, transport provided by zipline, naturally.
Hotel Palacio de Sal
Where: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Set on the largest salt flat in the world, Palacio de Sal is constructed of over one million salt blocks taken directly from the flat. Here, what looks like an infinite white plain becomes a mirror during the rainy season, reflecting the clouds and sky above and the views from your private terrace are of the desert as far as the eye can see. The spa includes elements from the area (salt and quinoa) and the rooms have domed ceilings, warm palettes, and are perfectly placed for viewing the starry night sky or waking up to the golden sunrise.
Aman-i-Khás
Where: Ranthambore National Park, India
This remote, seasonal Aman property, Aman-i-Khas has completely reimagined the luxury safari experience. Located 15 minutes from Ranthambore National Park, a top-tier destination in India for spotting the Bengal Tiger, guests are treated to daily 3.5-hour game drives. As for your digs, they are Mughal-inspired tents featuring free-standing tubs, a dining area, a private sundeck, and enough privacy to feel as if you’re alone amongst the wildlife. The property also has a sunken firepit and small private pool inspired by the ancient step baths of Rajasthan. Safari glam is on a whole other level here.
The Dwarikas Resort
Where: Kavre, Nepal
The Dwarika Resort has a unique cultural heritage and meaning. In order to keep the past alive and revive the architectural splendor of the surrounding valley, founder Dwarika Das Shrestha and his wife had all of the terracotta work produced by local artisans using clay from the valley. The furniture was crafted by local carpenters and the linen, textiles, and embroideries were handwoven using traditional Nepali patterns. There are many activities you can explore from the hotel including walking to one of the main stupas visited by Tibetans, exploring villages and the countryside, getting up close with the mountains, and even taking a trip to the Tibetan border.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Where: Musandam Peninsula, Oman
A stay at Six Senses Zighy Bay starts with one question, how would you prefer to arrive? The options, 4×4 drive through the rugged mountains, speedboat through the Musandam fjords, or paraglide in from the top of Zighy Mountain. That start sets the tone for the adventure expectations here. The luxurious 82 room resort, located in the rugged northern portion of Oman just 75 miles from opulent downtown Dubai is a tale of two vastly different settings. The jagged cliffs and opulent blue waters are ideal for taking to the skies in a Microlight, paragliding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The luxury of private pools also awaits in the hotel’s villas inspired by traditional Omani homes with their high ceilings, stone walls and vibrant orange accents.
Tiziri Camp
Where: Merzouga, Morocco
In the Sahara Desert, underneath the stars, sits Tiziri Camp, home to six tents, each named after an Amazigh God and styled with natural fabrics and handcrafted furniture. The only luxury eco-camp in the area, Tiziri Camp is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism by offering activities in nature including camel trekking, star gazing, and desert trekking. Become one with the desert at this secluded, romantic getaway which also features a Moroccan restaurant and a fire pit where traditional Berber musicians provide entertainment.
Fogo Island Inn
Where: Newfoundland And Labrador, Canada
The contemporary architecture of Fogo Island Inn jets out from the rocky coastline of its Fogo Island home off the coast of Newfoundland in a traditional fishing village. The area is known for boat builders, local artists, whale watching, icebergs, multi day hikes, and Northern Lights sightings. As for the inn, it is devoted to preserving the local culture while delivering stellar service and delighting guests with rooftop hot tubs, woodstove fireplaces, chic Scandinavian design.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Where: Norðurljósavegur, Iceland
Located 50 minutes from Iceland’s buzzy capital city Reykjavík, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a tale of extremes. Raw, rugged, natural landscapes surround the tranquil retreat which has its own private lagoon and luxury spa with rejuvenating mineral-rich waters. There’s also no shortage of adventure for those seeking it. Guests can book excursions that take them down into a volcano, explore the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, or snorkel in Kleifarvatn a subaquatic hot springs visitors have described as snorkeling in a glass of champagne. To experience The Retreat to its full potential book into the Lagoon Suite.
Galapagos Safari Camp
Where: Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
The most common way of exploring the Galapagos Islands is by boat or private yacht charter, but Galapagos Safari Camp introduces a new way to experience unspoiled jungle and diverse wildlife in the region. In the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago on Santa Cruz Island this luxury eco escape designed by nature lovers for nature lovers features. 10 canvas super tents with teakwood floors, en suite bathrooms, charging ports, and sweeping views push the boundaries of modern day glamping. Laze on the balcony hammocks, scuba dive amongst the penguins, stingrays, and sea lions, or visit the nearby tortoise sanctuary.
Ulusaba
Where: Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
If catching a glimpse of a rhino in the wild is on your bucket list then Ulusaba is the resort for you. Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve along the edge of famed Kruger National Park the density of big game including white and black rhinos is among the highest in the world. On twice-daily game drives guests will traverse 13,500 hectares of private game lands with a skilled ranger and expert tracker. The excitement and action also happens back at the lodge with an on-site watering hole for hippos and telescopes positioned at viewpoint throughout. Rooms fall into two categories, Rock Lodge set against a backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains with private balconies overlooking miles of game land and the . treehouse-style rooms of the Safari Lodge, connected by rope bridges and situated along the Mabrak riverbed giving you’ll love the feeling of being in the heart of the bush.
Gaia Riverlodge
Where: Cayo District, Belize
Your journey to Gaia Riverlodge, a magical jungle retreat starts with a one hour, sometimes two drive along a dusty dirt road through the Belizian countryside village of San Ignacio. The resort itself is perched on a steep hill above the Five Sisters Waterfall surrounded by jungle and within walking distance to deep natural pools that fill with spring water from the mountains. Guests seeking adventure can explore Mayan ruins and go canyoning, kayaking, and hiking. Afterwards, head to your bungalow furnished with hardwoods, vibrant pasta tiles to enjoy the unplugged bliss of the jungle.
