Have you ever dreamt of spending the night in a remote forest? What about in a vibrant jungle or amongst soaring mountaintops and calming hot springs? The Earth has endless corners to explore, and thanks to adventurous accommodations around the globe, travelers can fully immerse themselves in some of the planet’s most incredible locales. From Alaska and Rwanda to New Zealand and Japan, we’ve scoured the web for nine of the world’s most outdoorsy properties — and they’re all bookable by travel advisors.
Tutka Bay Lodge
Only accessible by boat or floatplane, Alaska’s Tutka Bay Lodge is suited for the most intrepid travelers. The journey is long and untraditional, but those who take it are rewarded with 35 acres of private land, a collection of dramatic seaside coves, winding forest trails and calm blue waters, all theirs to explore. Inside the Tutka House, things keep getting better as visitors are greeted by friendly staff eager to make their stay feel like home with homecooked meals, daily entertainment and expert-led educational classes and sessions. Speaking of home, Tutka Bay Lodge’s private cabins make for a cozy retreat with their modern furnishings and rustic charm, a far cry from traditional camping. As for the scenery, travelers will never tire of the property’s incredible views of the majestic Grace Ridge and Tutka Fjord, picture-perfect reflections of the captivating beauty of The Last Frontier.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
While the towering skyscrapers and glamorous lifestyles of Dubai have found their place on travelers’ radars, life is moving at a slower, more indulgent pace at Six Senses Zighy Bay, a 5-star hotel two and a half hours northeast of the trendy destination. Lavish by nature, Six Senses Zighy Bay offers beach lovers a new kind of sun and sand escape with its sparkling azure waters, rocky outcroppings and sprawling beaches. The grand resort is perched nearly 1,000 feet above the Gulf Oman, and we feel confident its striking backdrop inspired its minimalistic, yet well-appointed interior which boasts natural design elements, bright pops of color and natural textures. Beyond the luxurious digs, visitors can take advantage of Six Senses Zighy Bay’s “Experiences,” a collection of nature-inspired activities including paragliding, mountain biking, outdoor dining and more, designed to connect guests with the dreamy Arabian Peninsula.
KAI Sengokuhara
Imagine it: You slip onto your private outdoor terrace and dip your toe into a steamy milky-white bath. The faintest smell of sulfur fills the air, and as you submerge your body, the pool’s warm waters, heated by geothermal energy from the Owakudani volcanic valley, encapsulate you. While this scene might sound like something out of the world’s coziest daydream, it’s the reality at KAI Sengokuhara, a Japanese hot spring ryokan famed for its intimate baths, natural vistas and creative works of art. At this upscale traditional inn, each guestroom has an open-air onsen offering visitors a unique way to connect with the rugged mountainous landscape, free from distractions. When they find themselves adequately soaked, visitors can take advantage of onsite cultural activities including a nightly workshop that teaches guests how to decorate a classic Japanese handkerchief and regional dinners served on one-of-a-kind dishware.
Minaret Station
From heli-skiing and mountain biking to guided hunting and backcountry fishing, fans of outdoor adventures will find all this and more when they book a stay at the magnificent Minaret Station. This serene, luxury lodge accommodation sits in a remote — we’re talking only accessible by helicopter remote — glacial valley on New Zealand’s rugged South Island, and its soaring peaks and wide-open spaces act as the ultimate stage for its variety of authentic guided experiences. Whether they embark on an aerial adventure to Aoraki Mt. Cook, the region’s highest peak, or take things slow with an onsite lunch or horse riding, travelers will find Minaret Station has an activity for every speed. Upon unpacking in their private chalet, guests will be greeted by modern comforts outfitted in a tasteful high-country design alongside luxurious perks like a personal hot tub and private deck.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Glamping meets the Wild West at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, a family-friendly dude ranch in sunny Central Florida. This one-of-a-kind property is situated just an hour south of Orlando and spans 1,700 acres — plenty of room for the variety of onsite pursuits like horseback riding, airboat rides, archery, rock climbing, mini golf, tennis, fishing, river cruises, swimming and so much more. As for accommodations, guests decide how much they want to “rough it” with sleeping options ranging from tent and RV camping to fully furnished cottages and high-end glamping experiences in a Luxe Teepee or Conestoga Wagon — now that’s committing to the theme! On Saturday nights, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo plays host to a handful of celebrities, in the rodeo world that is, as regional athletes compete weekly in trick riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Yee-haw.
&BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
A quintessential escape for those who have “sleep in proximity to a hippo pod” or “encounter a lion pride in the wild” on their bucket list, &BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is a top-rated safari experience in magnificent Serengeti National Park. Thanks to its remote location in the park’s western corner, &BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is tucked far from other visitors, allowing guests more wow-worthy moments with some of the Savanna’s most coveted creatures. While the lodge offers twice-daily game drives, travelers will find they need not leave the property for a close encounter with some of Africa’s most famed beasts, as its rim-flow swimming pool attracts a bevy of fauna — day and night. Inside, the ode to nature continues with thoughtful design elements like Kitenge fabrics, stone walls, vibrant colors and comfortable furnishings, each a loving nod to the magic of Africa.
Maraica San Pancho
Maraica San Pancho is an eco-hotel that takes living in harmony with one’s surroundings to the next level. Situated in dreamy Riviera Nayarit, thatched roofs, earthy color schemes and sustainable decor emit a sense of solace in the lush throws of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. The name “Maraica San Pancho” comes from Wixárika culture, the Indigenous people associated with this region of Mexico, and every detail of the distinctive property was created with their mythology and philosophies in mind. As they explore the grounds, visitors will find that the allure of the Mexican Pacific follows them everywhere, from the eco-resort’s palm ceilings and massive windows to its wood furnishings and immersive landscaping. For the foodies, Maraica San Pancho is known for its “Muvieri,” meaning Cuisine of the Wind, authentic food featuring fresh flavors and sustainable local products. Pair this with a heavenly slice of sand right across the street, and travelers will never want to go home.
The Point
Once reserved for America’s elite, The Point, an ultra-luxurious woodland hideaway built by the Rockefellers during the prime of the Adirondack Great Camps, is now open to the general public. A peek inside the lives of an era past, this historic estate sits atop 75 acres of secluded land and comprises 11 unique guestrooms across four log buildings. In addition to its ties to the famous founding family, The Point is best known for its gourmet culinary offerings, impressive collection of art and antiques and opportunity for outdoor adventures on the tranquil shores of Upper Saranac Lake. In warmer months, visitors spend their days on the water with boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming acting as favorite activities. Winter presents a nice contrast as a shimmering coat of snow is the perfect backdrop for outdoor ventures like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating and more. Finally, as a final push to unplug, guests will find limited Wi-Fi encourages them to revel in the greatness of life’s simple pleasures.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Soaring high among the treetops, travelers can sleep amongst Rwanda’s wildest creatures at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, a legendary escape reserved for those with an unquenchable sense of adventure. Nestled in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, at this unique property visitors are given a front-row seat to the show of a lifetime, watching on as wild mountain gorillas roam freely in their natural habitat. As for the sleeping arrangements, guest rooms at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest are akin to luxury treehouses, seamlessly connecting guests with their surroundings via large, open-air balconies and spaces, dramatic outdoor bathtubs and plunge pools and immersive floor-to-ceiling windows. In addition to unmatched wildlife viewing, outdoorsy travelers will enjoy guided tours of Volcanoes National Park, onsite cultural experiences, wellness classes and more.
Originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of The Compass magazine
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