Luxury in the wild : The ultimate escapes for wildlife lovers

For travellers who dream of luxury intertwined with the wild, this curated collection of hotels brings you close to nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures; without compromising on comfort. From Rwanda’s misty rainforests to Costa Rica’s lush jungles and the remote islands of Indonesia, each retreat offers an unforgettable union of five-star elegance and untamed beauty.

1. One&Only Nyungwe House — Rwanda

Perched on the edge of the Nyungwe Forest National Park, this Rwandan hideaway merges luxury and rainforest mystique. The villas overlook tea-plantation hills and ancient forest canopy.

Wildlife highlight: Track chimpanzees through misty jungle trails, spot colobus monkeys leaping through trees, and birdwatch along canopy bridges.
Why stay: You’re not merely observing nature; you’re enveloped by it, with open-fire suites, private terraces and immersive guided treks.
When to go: June to September for clearer trekking paths and drier weather.

2. The Ranch at Rock Creek — Montana, USA

This all-inclusive Relais & Châteaux ranch rests on 6,600 acres of pristine Montana wilderness, pairing frontier spirit with refined comfort.

Wildlife highlight: Elk, moose, eagles and countless other mountain species roam free.
Why stay: For luxury with a cowboy twist, fly fishing, horseback riding, and starlit glamping with fine dining.
When to go: Late spring through early autumn for mild days and open trails.

3. andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge — Tanzania

Nestled along a quiet river in the Serengeti’s western corridor, this lodge offers front-row seats to the great migration and serene wildlife encounters.

Wildlife highlight: Wildebeest crossings, hippos wallowing below your veranda, and prides of lion in near-seclusion.
Why stay: Intimate suites with plunge pools and views that make you feel like you have the Serengeti to yourself.
When to go: June to July for migration season, or November for a peaceful, wildlife-rich experience.

4. Soneva Fushi — Maldives

In the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi epitomises barefoot luxury amid coral reefs, lush jungle and pristine beaches.

Wildlife highlight: Snorkel with manta rays, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of reef fish.
Why stay: Perfect for those who want the serenity of a tropical island with a strong eco-conservation ethos.
When to go: November to April for calm seas and optimal underwater visibility.

5. Pikaia Lodge — Galápagos, Ecuador

On Santa Cruz Island, Pikaia Lodge redefines adventure with its blend of cutting-edge sustainability and private wildlife access.

Wildlife highlight: Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas — all just steps from your villa.
Why stay: You’ll explore Darwin’s islands in style, then unwind with panoramic crater views.
When to go: December to May for warmer seas and thriving wildlife activity.

6. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort — Thailand

Set atop a jungle ridge overlooking Myanmar and Laos, this sanctuary unites luxury with ethical elephant encounters.

Wildlife highlight: Walk alongside rescued elephants through bamboo forest and misty hills.
Why stay: A rare combination of indulgence and purpose, offering “jungle bubble” suites for unforgettable nights under the stars.
When to go: November to February for cooler weather and clearer skies.

7. NIHI Sumba — Indonesia

“Wild luxury” personified, NIHI Sumba blends rugged island wilderness with refined simplicity on a remote beach paradise.

Wildlife highlight: Wild Sumbanese horses galloping along the shoreline and sea turtle hatcheries.
Why stay: For travellers seeking isolation, connection and rejuvenation in one of the world’s last untouched islands.
When to go: April to October for the driest conditions.

8. Sonora Resort — Canada

Accessible only by helicopter or seaplane, Sonora Resort offers an immersion into British Columbia’s raw wilderness — paired with gourmet cuisine and spa indulgence.

Wildlife highlight: Grizzly and black bears, orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles in abundance.
Why stay: It’s pure wilderness paired with plush interiors — think bear-viewing one moment, fine wine by the fireplace the next.
When to go: August to October for salmon runs and active wildlife sightings.

9. Hotel das Cataratas — Brazil

This Belmond gem sits inside the Iguazu National Park, offering exclusive early-morning access to the majestic falls before the crowds arrive.

Wildlife highlight: Toucans, capuchin monkeys, butterflies and exotic birds in lush rainforest.
Why stay: Historic charm meets cinematic natural beauty — an icon of South American elegance.
When to go: March to May for full waterfalls and fewer visitors.

10. Lapa Rios Lodge — Costa Rica

Perched at the tip of the Osa Peninsula — one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth — Lapa Rios Lodge is a sanctuary for eco-luxury travellers. Its 17 bungalows overlook the rainforest canopy and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by howler monkeys, scarlet macaws and vibrant flora.

Wildlife highlight: Early-morning birdwatching, guided jungle hikes, dolphin-spotting and night tours that reveal the rainforest’s nocturnal life.
Why stay: Lapa Rios proves sustainability can be utterly luxurious — solar-powered, locally built and deeply connected to conservation.
When to go: December to April for dry weather and optimal wildlife visibility.