Image courtesy of Estancia Cristina Argentina
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a summit chaser or simply a lover of the great outdoors, traveling to an adventure resort is a great way to embrace your wanderlust. Across the world there are countless lodges and hotels made for outdoor adventure – from horseback riding in Patagonia to skiing in Switzerland to trekking in Morocco – which makes choosing the right one a challenge. I got you. Read on for the best adventure resorts, offering magical and off-the-grid adventure getaways in all shapes and sizes.
Union Øye Norway
Image courtesy of 62°NORD Hotel Union Øye
Located amongst the show-stopping Norwegian Fjords, Hotel Union Øye is a bucket list destination for landscape enthusiasts. Guests spend their days exploring the surrounding Fjords scenery – of dramatic mountainscapes, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and blooming meadows – whether hiking or biking, fishing, boating, skiing or even by helicopter. Second only to the natural setting is the hotel’s centuries-old history, visible in its authentic Norwegian facade colored in deep red and creamsicle. Today, Union Øye hotel boasts an intimate 22 suites, each named for the notable artists and explorers (and even royals) who have visited. Guests shouldn’t miss an evening in the on-site piano lounge complete with cozy velvet couches and a fireplace, perhaps following a cooking class at the (you guessed it) ultra-authentic Norwegian restaurant.
Dunton Hot Springs Colorado
Image courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs Colorado
Ghost town-chic meets outdoor adventure at Dunton Hot Springs, nestled amongst hiking trails across from Telluride Mountain. This Colorado resort boasts rustic, glamping-style log cabin accommodations, an on-site saloon serving tantalizing bites and surrounding nature offering a bucket list-worthy adventure vacation. Notably, the resort was once an old mining town established in 1885 that, in its heyday, was home to nearly 300 people. Today, the lovingly restored ghost town is a sprawling resort offering an impressive roster of outdoor activities, from whitewater rafting trips and fly-fishing excursions to mountain biking, rock climbing and plenty of relaxing activities, like hot tubs with a view.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Su Gologone Sardinia
Image courtesy of Su Gologone Sardinia
A true homage to Sardinian heritage, Su Gologone is at once a wellness, art and culinary destination on the island’s rugged eastern countryside. A stay at this adventure resort is all about going back to basics and reconnecting with nature, whether that’s bird watching in a nearby lagoon, hiking trails through ancient archeology, diving in a local marine habitat or spending an afternoon on one of the local beaches. When not exploring the region’s untamed beauty, guests can take classes in mosaics and painting, practice yoga and reiki or savor a spa treatment with local holistic healers. Or, simply while away the day beneath the thatched-roof pergolas beside the sun-soaked swimming pool.
Dar Ahlam Morocco
Image courtesy of Dar Ahlam Morocco
Five hours from Marrakech, Dar Ahlam is one of those special places you have to see to believe (and an epic element of travel to Morocco). The 14-room Kasbah is a true oasis on the edge of the desert, complete with serene palm groves, manicured topiaries and blooming gardens by Louis Benech, the designer of Paris’ Jardin des Tuileries. The Moroccan fantasy continues with the outdoor activities at Dar Ahlam: days are spent with a personal guide exploring the region’s rich heritage, whether trekking to the Valley of Roses, visiting a hilltop Berber village or partaking in a traditional tea ceremony.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily.
Complimentary 50-minute massage for two.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Churchill Wild Eco-Lodges Canada
Image courtesy of Michael Poliza and Churchill Wild Eco-Lodges
Ever wanted to see a polar bear in its natural habitat? For lovers of this majestic and endangered mammal, these three wilderness lodges in Canada's tundra are just as impressive as they are remote. Guests get up-close and personal with the largest land carnivore through polar bear safaris, in addition to enjoying ATV tours, Northern Lights tours and hyper-local cuisine. The adventure resorts are committed to wildlife conservation by minimizing their environmental footprint and practicing ethical wildlife viewing. Not sure which lodge to choose? I love the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, located in the only place in the world where polar bears cohabitate with wolves.
Estancia Cristina Argentina
Image courtesy of Estancia Cristina Argentina
This remote lodge in Argentine Patagonia’s National Park is a celebration of its spectacular setting, all snow capped peaks and gem-colored lakes. With its seclusion and climate posing obstacles for this adventure resort, Estancia Cristina has persevered to maintain an adventure paradise in its 20 homey guestrooms. Upon disembarking at this accessible-by-boat-only wonder, guests should prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime, ‘choose your own adventure’ experience, rich with hiking, horseback riding, fishing and ATV journeys in largely unexplored wilderness.
Tiger Mountain Nepal
I adore the glamping aesthetic that Tiger Mountain Nepal is all about. With sweeping panoramic views of the Himalayas, the adventure resort’s cottages were built to resemble a traditional Nepali village. There is no shortage of sublime luxury at this lodge, where embracing spirituality and relaxation comes naturally. When not admiring views of the Himalayas, guests enjoy days of exploring led by local guides (including hiking, birdwatching and zip lining). After long days, they're invited to relax in their cottages, decorated to perfection with traditional Tibetan rugs.
Whitepod Switzerland
Images courtesy of Whitepod Switzerland
Nestled in a wooded mountainside in the Alps, Whitepod offers glamping in a winter wonderland. Guest stay in igloo-inspired rooms with wood-burning stoves and expansive decks. Far from your standard hotel room, the rooms were designed to combine ecology and luxury, and provide a comfortable cocoon of warmth. Whitepod is also a ski-bunny heaven, with its own ski lift and private stretch of ski slopes. Guests can unwind in the sauna as a delightful après-ski activity, or hit the glamorous bar and restaurant at end of the day for a cozy nightcap.
Rio Palena Lodge, Eleven Experiences Chile
Image courtesy of Eleven Experiences (Rio Palena Lodge)
The Andean valley has never looked better, with Eleven Experiences in Chile providing a top-tier Patagonian adventure. This lodge is home to only seven guest rooms, thus providing an intimate and exclusive experience. The options for adventure are limitless, with the lodge providing unique multi-day experiences including fly fishing, whitewater river rafting and mountain biking. Avid skiers also have ample opportunity to strut their stuff, with snow-capped mountains aplenty to explore. After an action-packed day, guests can unwind by the river and feast on the local trout and beef options, paired with delightful local wines.
Lizard Island Australia
Image courtesy of Lizard Island Australia
Ever dreamed of exploring the Great Barrier Reef Down Under? I'm here to tell you there's no time like the present. Lizard Island Resort is all understated, elegant luxury, and the ocean-view villas and garden-view suites provide the perfect home base for a honeymoon or family vacation. Also accessible are the fantastic stretches of secluded beach, with diving, snorkeling, stand up paddle-boarding and kayaking options aplenty. Check out the reef from every angle on the expansive balconies and sweeping rooftop at the House, also home to a yoga deck and spa.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Lentorre Lodge Kenya
Image courtesy of Lentorre Lodge Kenya
Lentorre Lodge in Kenya is what safari dreams are made of. Boasting exclusive access to the Olkiramatian conservancy and enviable views of pristine wilderness, the lodge is intent on crafting the perfect safari experience for guests. Visitors can go for scenic helicopter rides, learn how to herd livestock with members of Maasai villages or have a relaxing float down the Ewaso Ng’iro river. The star of the show are the daily game drives, during which guests can take in the area's spellbinding natural beauty and wildlife. With several different lodging options, all of the rooms maximize comfort and tranquility, combining African elements with chic décor and architecture. Better yet, rooms are equipped with private plunge pools for another way to experience the surreal view.
