You'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t love the occasional beach getaway or weekend in the city, but our travelers are savvier than that. If you're the type of person that's always on the hunt for the next great adventure and truly looking to get off-the-beaten path, check out these ultra-luxe getaways that are far from ordinary.
Lion Sands Game Reserve - South Africa
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my. What's better than a private ride through the grasslands of South Africa to see exotic
wildlife in their natural habitat? Enthralling safaris, incomparable food and hours of pampering are what you'll find in Kingstown, where you really can have it all. Located just outside Nelspruit in Sabi Sand Game
Reserve, Lion Sands is a magnificent safari/spa mashup that has won the hearts of both animal lovers and thrill seekers. During the day, you'll be taken on private game drives to see everything from leopards to baboons before retreating to your cozy suite equipped with an outdoor shower and private plunge pool to unwind. Celebrated for their culinary chops, as well, dinner is a treat from the seasonal dining menu, which you can have delivered right to your door to enjoy on the deck at sunset. Lion Sands is great for
couples, group trips, or even family reunions as children over 10 are permitted.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Finland
People travel from all over the world to see the Northern Lights each year, but a few destinations seem to be doing it just a little better than others. One of those standouts? Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Outfitted in a posh glass igloo that feels like your own personal snow globe deep in the woods, you'll have a front row seat to the most beautiful show on Earth. While winter is certainly a highlight of the area, local attractions include skiing, snowboarding, ice-fishing, hiking, and mountain biking if you do come in the summer months. Kakslauttanen is great for kids and families of all sizes with staff that's described as welcoming and accommodating (it’s also a popular spot for weddings and anniversaries). Finland is truly a one-of-a kind holiday, perfect for anyone looking for something a little more out of the ordinary.
Charming Luxury Lounge and Private Spa - Patagonia
If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor excursion, Patagonia’s got it. If you’re looking for a grand spa getaway, Patagonia’s also got it. No place encompasses both uncharted adventure and unmatched opulence better than Charming Luxury Lounge and Private Spa on Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche. The vacation you've always dreamed of, Patagonia offers limitless hiking, trekking and fishing expeditions you can tackle on your own or with a professional mountain guide from companies like North Cascade. Adrenaline junkies can climb the steep rocky peaks of Mount Fitz Roy or the ice fields of Cerro Torre before spending the relaxing night in their own private 24-hour spa which comes standard in each suite.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge - Canada
Mere miles from the southwestern border of Alberta is Cathedral Mountain Lodge, a luxury river-front hideaway nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The ultimate in privacy, splendor and outdoor activities, patrons can canoe through the spectacular scenery, hike the lower peaks, go river rafting, or take a short trip out to Lake Louise, the most unbelievable lake in the region. After a long day outdoors, you can come home for a glass of wine at the bar and heart dinner by the fire followed by s'mores around a campfire. Talk about glamping in style!
Dar Ahlam Boutique Hotel - Morocco
If you're looking to hit "pause" on life for a little bit, take some time to explore the Sahara Desert. Dar Ahlam is a boutique hotel and resort that offers authentic Moroccan excursions like camel rides if you're feeling adventurous, or pampering with the finest wines and local food laying out by the pool. The place has a strong Mediterranean vibe and a rich cultural perspective that make it a must for anyone looking for something new and exotic. You'll learn a lot, eat a lot, drink a lot, and relax a lot, which just about sums up our perfect vacation.