The ultimate wilderness retreat: the best luxury resorts immersed in nature
The thought of escaping the daily hustle for a wilderness retreat is an appealing one, especially when the wilderness retreat is as exquisitely luxurious as those on our list. Each luxury nature resort is so well thought through they blend perfectly within their surroundings, allowing guests a unique perspective on some of the world’s most spellbinding natural wonders.
There are so many unbelievable places to see, and unique nature resorts to stay at that it was a little overwhelming knowing where to start with this one. But after careful consideration we’ve narrowed down the list to only the best luxury resorts in only the most spectacular of natural settings, including a variety of mountains, beaches and dazzling woodland.
In an ever more connected world with your entire work life schedule available to organise and pore over at the tap of a button or swipe of a screen the prospect of going ‘off grid’ to a wilderness retreat seems almost alien, making escaping it all and getting back to nature more of a luxury now than ever before.
That’s not to say you want to go and sit on top of an isolated cliff top or remote island with nothing for company but your thoughts for weeks on end – you want to gaze out from beneath the soft covers of your enormous master suite bed at the view from that mountain, and relax in a plunge pool on that island while sipping champagne and wondering what delights you’ll be eating come supper time, knowing you can still connect to the outside world if you want to – but happily choosing not to. That’s the kind of nature resort we’re talking about.
Each nature resort we’ve featured on our list offers unrivalled luxury in places we thought only existed on David Attenborough documentaries about how unbelievably beautiful our planet is. But even more unbelievably you can now visit them, and stay in the most indulgent hotels and resorts when you do.
As we continue to add more amazing places to stay to the Wild Bay Collection to inspire and help you find your next dream vacation, we’ll also continue to update this list with new and mesmerising resorts that meet the criteria; exceptional accommodation surrounded by and giving access to stunning natural beauty – each with its own strong claim to being the ultimate wilderness retreat.
Have you stayed at a nature resort that you think should be included in our search for the ultimate wilderness retreat? Which wilderness retreat was the best and how did it compare to those on our list? Tell us about your experiences and let’s raise the profile of the places that are truly unforgettable.
Wild Bay Co is as much a celebration of the people who make these incredible experiences possible, as it is a celebration of the luxury resorts and hotels themselves. If you’ve stayed somewhere outstanding that deserves recognition for its exceptional attention to detail as well as its stunning setting then contact us and let us know.
Had such a wonderful time and good rest. The resort provides such a serene environment ideal for a getaway and is only 50 minutes drive from Johor Bahru. My wife and I like the resort very much as it’s nestled within nature and has a great view of the South China Sea not forgetting its exclusive privacy. The sunrise is breathtaking and we can’t get enough of the wagyu steak. The staff were exceptional in both of our trips.
One&Only Desaru Coast Malaysia
One&Only Desaru Coast Malaysia is one of the best 5 star luxury hotels in Malaysia and absolutely has a claim to being the world’s best wilderness retreat. Get lost among the lush rainforest, seemingly endless white sand beaches and sensational architecture of this outstanding nature resort.
Settled on soft powder sands along Malaysia’s most secluded coastline
With seclusion, nature and sustainability at the heart of everything One&Only Desaru Coast seems like it was created at the request of a stressed out city exec somewhere, crying out for a relaxing wilderness retreat where they could completely unwind in indulgent luxury surrounded by calming natural beauty.
Immersed among exotic jungle fronds along miles of soft powder sands One&Only Desaru Coast is located on one of Malaysia’s most secluded south-eastern coastlines, and offers a slice of undisturbed natural paradise. A heavenly hideaway nature resort with exotic tropical jungle on one side and a seemingly endless stretch of pristine beach on the other, this luxury Malaysia resort immerses you in Mother Nature’s most colourful sights and sounds.
Home to over 80 species of flora and fauna, such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Dusky Leaf Monkeys and Milkwood Pine, you can take guided tours around the grounds of the resort where you can spot and learn about these incredible creatures.
The beach at One&Only Desaru Coast Malaysia offers unrivalled calm and privacy. Enjoy access to a secluded and unspoilt 1.5 kilometre stretch of eastern Malaysian coastline and lap up sun and sea with a plethora of watersports, including Hobie Cats, stand up paddleboards, jet-skiing, and kite surfing. Or simply unwind in one of One&Only Desaru Coast’s signature swings, blissfully suspended in the shade of jungle canopy before a beautiful ocean sunrise.
Nestled deep on the densely timbered southern edge of the expansive 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, the green o is a hidden gem designed for adults searching for the perfect blend of adventure and serenity.
The green o
The green o luxury Montana wilderness retreat is like nothing else you’ve ever seen. Discover a secret woodland getaway hidden under a canopy of pines on a 37,000 acre ranch in Greenough, Montana. Unwind among the rows of tall trees and, for a moment, forget the rest of the world even exists.
Deep in the heart of idyllic Montana woodland
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you see or hear the words wilderness retreat? Ok, now take that mental image and imagine the same place but a whole lot more luxurious and you still won’t come close to the green o, Montana.
The green o looks like something from a fantasy novel and only when you’re settled in your modern, chic lodgings, perfectly in tune with the wilderness all around you, will you finally believe it actually exists.
Nestled deep on the densely timbered southern edge of a 37,000-acre woodland ranch the green o luxury Montana wilderness retreat is a private nature resort like no other.
Designed for adults searching for the perfect blend of adventure and serenity the green o offers 12 secluded Haus accommodations that give guests the ultimate in privacy while planting them at the heart of a thrilling and idyllic woodland getaway where soul and spirit can soar.
Despite the remote feel an abundance of phenomenal cuisine is available. The Social Haus restaurant, bar and lounge, exclusive to the green o guests, is just a short walk from each Haus where guests can watch chefs prepare nourishing meals from the finest local ingredients, including cherries, wild chamomile, elk, beef and even unexpected flavors like Douglas fir tips, and enjoy cocktails and fine wines while taking in the vast Montana landscape and famous Big Sky.
Fishing, shooting, hiking, biking, hot air balloon and helicopter tours are just a few options for the more adventurous while a trip to wellness Spa Town is the ultimate activity for those seeking calm and tranquility during their stay.
Like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Ladera resort was amazing! The resort sits at the top of the mountain overlooking the two Pitons and has an “open-air” floor plan in all of the suites. This provides a very unique experience with a closeness to nature, unparalleled views, and total privacy.
Ladera Resort
The Ladera Resort in St Lucia is one of the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean, nestled in the heart of the rainforest overlooking the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. A wilderness retreat in a truly unique natural setting.
Nestled high in St Lucia’s lush tropical rainforest
There are few places on the planet that can offer such a close up view and immersive exeperience of natural wonder as beautiful and unique as this. Ladera Resort is a wilderness reteat extraordinaire.
Nestled in the heart of St Lucia’s lush green rainforest, perched gracefully atop a 1000ft high volcano ridgeline with breathtaking views of the Pitons and the deep blue Caribbean Sea, the Ladera Resort looks more like something from fiction than reality and is one of the best luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
The beautifully crafted eco-conscious Ladera Resort has been constructed of tropical hardwoods, stone and tile, with local artwork and furniture made on site by St. Lucian artisans adorning the interior. Every room and suite has an “open wall” so you can see the stunning Pitons rising up from the sparkling Caribbean Sea, as well as your own private heated plunge pool.
Designed for ultimate relaxation there’s an abundance of ways to unwind. Each room and suite comes complete with an eco-friendly Jade yoga mat, and optional complimentary one hour yoga sessions are on offer Monday to Friday. There’s a wellness gym on site where you can workout while taking in the majestic views, complimentary private guided tours of the Ladera Gardens and hikes along the Ladera Ridge and there’s a complimentary shuttle to and from the beach Monday to Saturday. And of course there’s the food. An incredible fine dining farm to table experience is available at Ladera’s award-winning restaurant Dasheene.
If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable nature resort to reconnect Ladera Resort is the perfect getaway.
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