When it comes to hotel bookings, it’s not always about being in the heart of the CBD. These hotels offer the ultimate experience in wilderness retreats – all without a speck of civilisation in sight!
1. Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Himalayas
If you want the best of beautiful settings both inside and outside, Wildflower Hall is the place to do it. Nestled in the Himalayan forests and mountains of Shimla, you can enjoy luxurious everything at this hotel, from spa treatments and massages to pool swims with mountain views.
2. Scarabeo Stone Camp, Moroccan Desert
There’s nothing quite as breathtaking as the stark wilderness of the desert. This beautiful African lodge, created by a photographer and graphic designer from Belgium, is a sight to behold in itself. Staying here offers you the opportunity to sleep under the desert stars, partake in fine dining, and explore the gorgeous Atlas Mountain range.
3. Isla Suasi Andean Cottage, Lake Titicaca
Finished doing Machu Picchu? Your Peruvian escape will dazzle with a stopover at the Andean Cottage, which is set on right on Lake Titicaca and makes up part of Casa Andina’s Private Collection.
While private docks and even a butler service is included, this stay will remove you completely from modern world – there is no TV or Wi-Fi and everything is powered by solar. Just how deep in the wilderness is this place? It takes 4 hours on a boat to get here.
4. Arctic Hotel, Ilulissat Ice Fjord
Say hello to the world’s most northerly 4-star hotel. The wild here comprises of stunning glaciers and the hotel itself is situated right alongside the Ilulissat Ice Fjord in Greenland.
As if that’s not enough, you’ll also have the chance (if you travel between 05/and October) to stay inside an amazing Igloo-shaped cabin. There are only 5 of these available, so make sure you book ASAP.
5. Banyan Tree Ringha, Yunnan Province
This hotel belongs to the Shangri-La chain, but you might never know it. Set deep in a serene Tibetan valley in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Province, this hotel rests 3,300 above sea level and is surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains.
Retreats here take place in rooms designed like Tibetan farmhouses and common activities include foot treks and horseback tours through the beautiful surrounds.
6. Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, Manaus
Far from the party cities of Rio and Sao Paulo, the Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel might not be that far from Manaus, but it is the only treetop hotel you’ll find in this area of the Amazon.
Surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy, this hotel offers a wealth of wilderness experiences, including jungle treks, river cruises, animal feedings and swims with dolphins. If you’re feeling super wild, check out the Tarzan suite!
7. Hotel Schloss, Black Forest
Do as Hansel and Gretel once did and venture far into the Black Forest of Germany for your next wilderness stay. Germany is full of castle hotels, but this one overlooking the Gutach Valley in Hornberg is a winner. While it might not feel as remote as some, its proximity to the surrounding forest will make for a memorable experience.
8. Mowani Mountain Camp, Damaraland
When you think of going on a safari, destinations like Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa commonly spring to mind. But on Africa’s western coast, Namibia is an untouched wilderness heaven.
The Mowani Mountain Camp is just as spectacular as it sounds and features both luxury interiors and services, as well as stunningly barren rocky desert surrounds. Elephant tours are available here, too.
9. Hotel Alyeska, Alaska
Mountain views, ocean views, forest views and glacier views – it can be difficult to find a hotel that offers all four at once, but if you ever venture to the Alaska’s south, you’ll be in luck.
In the Chugach National Forest, Alyeska is a fantastic skiing resort, complete with slopes, pools, spas a fitness centre. Beyond, you can do everything from hike the mountains to kayak on the oceans and partake in bear-spotting tours.