With global travel increasing and international trips back to pre-pandemic levels, luxury travelers are looking for opportunities to explore the world with friends and family in new, adventurous ways. And with a growing number of properties and experiences offering luxurious accommodations, seeing the world has become even easier than ever before. “Luxury travel to Africa wasn’t always luxury travel,” says Yvette De Vries, Safari Specialist at African Portfolio of Greenwich, CT, a firm that customizes safari experiences for travelers from all over the world. “Twenty, 25 years ago, people were still asking if there would be electricity at camps or whether there would be hot water, and of course the answer sometimes would be no. Now we take all that for granted and people want to know if the Wi-Fi will be in the rooms or only in the common area and whether they can use their hair dryer.”
Whether you’re considering a safari in Africa, exploring the jungles of Costa Rica or meditating on the mountain slopes of Bhutan, consider one of these nature-centered vacations where you can get up close with some of the globe’s most breathtaking habitats with the bonus of top notch accommodations.
Bush Walk or Game Drive
Tanzania, Africa
More families are traveling to Africa than ever before, with direct flights to the continent, easier accommodations and guides like African Portfolio to bring it all together for you. Yvette De Vries, a certified travel associate and safari specialist at African Portfolio, recommends Tanzania for families who have never been to the continent before and want to travel as a small group with a dedicated private vehicle and guide. Two weeks is the typical amount of time she suggests, as travel is extensive and you’ll want time to explore. Start in Lake Deluti at Lake Duluti Lodge, the lake’s tranquil waters and lush surroundings are a quiet respite from your journey. “The calm waters mirror the surrounding greenery, creating a picturesque scene that evokes a sense of serenity,” says De Vries. Lake Deluti Lodge is a contemporary, African-styled lodge with private chalets set on a 30-acre working farm on the outskirts of Arusha. Eco-friendly architecture and personalized service as well as world-class dining set these accommodations apart. While you are there, explore Arusha National Park, set against Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. During your game drives, you might spot buffalo, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, lions or elephants. Spend your next few days at Elewana Tarangire Treetops, which is set along an annual elephant migration route. Large, elevated suites look out from the treetops. Enjoy a game drive in Tarangire National Park with your expert private guide, or opt for a slower-paced bush walk to learn about animals, insects and plant life of the region. During the dry season, lots of animals make this their home—not just elephants but also other animals, including 550 species of birds. From there, the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater is a must-stop (de Vries recommends a couple nights at the Wilderness Collection Craters Edge). “A game drive in Ngorongoro promises an unforgettable experience, allowing you to witness some of Africa’s most iconic animals up close in their natural habitat,” says de Vries. “Let us arrange a delightful picnic lunch at a picturesque spot within the crater surrounded by wildlife and stunning vistas.” Your trip ends in the heart of the Serengeti at the heart of Tanzania. Stay at the Warangi Ridge in Central Serengeti where you continue to take in breathtaking scenery, including grasslands, forests, lakes and wildlife, from lizards to lions or even the elusive leopard.
Rainforest Hike
Costa Rica, Central America
Costa Rica offers exceptional opportunities to explore some of the world’s most unique habitats. The rainforests here are still actively being studied by scientists, who continue to learn more about conservation efforts. Hiking provides the most unique experiences to submerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The forest of Cedral Valley has wooded paths, tall trees and ridges that lead to the quaint town of Cedral. The Talamanca Mountain range is blanketed with colored moss. Serious hikers might want to try a high-altitude hike through the mountains to a summit to take in panoramic views of Central Valley.
Tours of the island run year-round (visitcostarica.com) but the best time to explore the fungi kingdoms here is during the rainy season. You can take a day-long trail to see the fungi clinging to the oak trees in the Grecia Forest Reserve. This “Bosque del Niño” or bioluminescent fungi grow in the cloud forest of Monteverde. If you’re looking for an interactive plant life experience, check out the foothills of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, La Fortuna and the Southern Zone. Hire a local expert to give a hike or tour to explore medicinal plants like ginger, moringa or chaya leaves. You’ll be able to feel and smell the plants and learn how some can prevent diseases like cancer and diabetes.
The Hacienda Alta Gracia provides exceptional accommodations where you can recharge when you’re not exploring the island. Décor here celebrates the natural surroundings with warm, neutrals and incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valley. For the ultimate in luxury, opt for a casita with a private plunge pool and sun terrace.
Mountains
Bhutan, Asia
The small Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan set in the Himalayas is one of the most remote and pristine environments in the world. Experiences here make for an unforgettable travel experience for all ages, and can range from hiking the iconic 7th-Century Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging to a cliffside, to white-water rafting the Mo Chuu River, to playing high-altitude golf 7,700 feet above sea level while taking in breathtaking views of Thimphu Dzong.
Book a stay at one or more of Aman’s five Amankora lodges, which immerse guests in Bhutan’s authentic spirit, with a focus on wellness, adventure and culture. Amankora Paro, set in the pine forests of Paro Valley, Amankora Thimphu overlooks the city’s center and its cultural landmarks while also providing peaceful respite among the pines. Amankora Punakha is a converted farmhouse that dates back 300 years set in a subtropical valley that provides most of the country’s vegetables. Amankora Gangtey in Phobjikha Valley has eight suites surrounded by farmland and views of the valley and Gangtey Goemba monastery. Finally, Amankora Bumthang offers 16 suites and the opportunity to explore Wandichholing Palace and nearby temples and monasteries of the town of Jakar.
At any one of their lodges, you can begin the day with complimentary morning yoga hosted by an experienced yoga teacher who guides guests of all abilities in breathwork and movement. Experience sound bathing in nature, a practice rooted in ancient healing with Thibetan singing bowls and other traditional instruments to reduce stress and enhance well-being. At Paro or Gangtey, try an outdoor Himalayan hot stone bath, where natural river stones release minerals. The Khempa herb here, infuses the water with healing properties.
Even when you’re dining, Amankora’s Bhutan lodges allow guests to experience local cuisine in an atmosphere that connects you to your natural surroundings, whether dining on the outdoor terrace at your lodge, sitting riverside while a private chef prepares a barbeque lunch or dinner, taking a guided breakfast hike or visiting one of the local markets.
Bhutan experiences four seasons, and each one provides its own delights: Golden autumns are clear and cool for biking and trekking, and you can catch a glimpse of the black-necked crane migration or immerse yourself in local culture at one of the many festivals; snowy winters are clear and crisp, when you can take in star-filled skies at night and watch yak herds travel down from the highlands during the day; blossom-filled springs are temperate and well-suited for hiking and picnicking; and lush summers—a great time to explore the monasteries—bring abundant harvests of local ingredients.
