Top 10 world's most luxurious wilderness hotels

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.

Hotel website: Longitude 131°
Other accolades: Longitude 131° also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels & lodges in Australia, the world’s most luxurious glamping sites and the world’s most luxurious desert retreats.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, UD $65 Spa Kinara credit per suite, and AUD $65 Bespoke Experiences Credit per suite to be redeemed against guest adventure of choice during stay from the range of Longitude 131 operated bespoke experiences available).
Review: read my review of Longitude 131° here.

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.

Hotel website: Sonora Resort
Other accolades: Sonora Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Canada and the world’s most luxurious rainforest lodges.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary eco tour for two).

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.

Hotel website: Lapa Rios
Other accolades: Lapa Rios also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most luxurious rainforest lodges and the best hotels in Costa Rica.
Review: read my review of Lapa Rios here.

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.

Hotel website: Amangani
Other accolades: Amangani also features in my top 10 lists of the best Aman hotels in the world, the world’s most luxurious ski resorts, and the best luxury hotels in the USA.
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

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.

Hotel website: Saffire Freycinet
Other accolades: Saffire Freycinet also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels & lodges in Australia.

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.

Hotel website: Southern Ocean Lodge
Other accolades: Southern Ocean Lodge also features in my top 10 lists of the most spectacular hotel bathrooms in the world and the best luxury hotels & lodges in Australia.

2. 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!

Hotel website: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Other accolades: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Canada and the world’s best family hotels.

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.