If your dream getaway involves bathing elephants in a national park sanctuary, navigating the iconic Amazon River, or wandering through the heart of Ubud’s lush jungle and rice fields while spotting vibrant birds along the way, we have the perfect inspiration for your next adventure. Our carefully selected hotels and lodges, tucked away across Asia and beyond, provide a tranquil sanctuary that invites a profound connection to nature. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of these jungle retreats, where each moment draws you closer to the wonders of the natural world. Here are our editor’s top picks for your next enchanting escape into the forest.
1. The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud
From the moment you step into the open-air lobby of The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali, you are greeted with breathtaking views of the lush Ubud Forest and the resort’s infinity pool. Perfect for a couple’s retreat, this serene sanctuary offers panoramic vistas from sunrise to sunset, immersing you in the beauty of Bali’s natural landscape. The pool, seamlessly nestled among palm trees and tropical greenery, creates a peaceful haven overlooking the forested valley.
For a truly transformative experience, guests can enjoy holistic journeys that include wellness practices like metenung (palm reading), tri mandala meditation, chakra-balancing singing bowls, and fire blessings. Personalized aromatherapy massages elevate the sense of well-being, allowing guests to connect mind, body, and spirit.
Families are equally welcomed with unique activities like rice field breakfasts and bee trekking adventures for all ages. The resort’s wellness extends beyond the spa, with the 24-hour Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio and riverside lifestyle programs at the Wellness Pavilion.
Emphasizing sustainable living, The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud invites guests to savor its farm-to-table dining at The Farm and its hydroponic garden, “Hydro Haven.” This fresh, locally sourced produce highlights the resort’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, adding another layer of purpose to your stay.
Address: The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali
Jl. Lod Tunduh, Br. Kangetan, Ubud,Bali, Indonesia 80571
Visit: Westin Ubud Resort & Spa
2. Yutomori Club
Source: Yutomori Club
Nestled within the vast 130,000m² forest of Zao National Park, Yutomori Club offers a serene retreat just an hour’s drive from Sendai city. Here, life flows in harmony with nature, as the resort coexists with the rich wildlife that inhabits the ancient forest. This peaceful escape invites guests to step away from the bustle of daily life and reconnect with the tranquil beauty of the Zao landscape.
The renowned Togatta Onsen, with a history dating back over 400 years to the Keicho era, is a central feature of Yutomori Club. Guests are invited to experience the soothing waters of two private hot springs, which flow abundantly into four open-air baths and a large communal bath, all set amidst the natural beauty of the forest. The forest bath, “Kawa no Yu,” offers the unique pleasure of bathing in the soothing warmth of the hot springs while surrounded by the serene sounds of the mountain stream.
Address: 128 Uenohara, Toogatta Onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture
3. Sanya Yalong Bay Earthly Paradise Bird’s Nest Resort
Source: Sanya Yalong Bay
Sanya Yalong Bay Earthly Paradise Bird’s Nest Resort, one of the world’s premier forest retreats, is nestled within the lush Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, where the sea meets the mountains. Its 210 villa guest rooms, designed like elegant wooden bird’s nests, are perched on cliffs and in the heart of the tropical rainforest, offering a unique blend of luxury and nature. These villas, like glistening pearls above Yalong Bay, provide a tranquil escape with breathtaking views. The resort also features a spa center and a golf course, making it a serene haven just 200 meters from the vibrant Yalongwan National Tourism Holiday Resort Central Square.
Address: 6JMW+98V, Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park, Sanya, China, 572000
4. Shinta Mani Wild — Bensley Collection, Cambodia
Image credit: Shintamani.com
Nestled deep within Southern Cardamom National Park, Shinta Mani Wild offers a rare glimpse into one of Cambodia’s last untouched habitats, home to wild elephants, monkeys, and other endemic species. This exclusive rainforest retreat is designed to immerse guests in nature while providing an all-inclusive, seamless experience from start to finish, with transfers to and from the airport included. The camp features 14 spacious one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom tent, each offering bespoke Bensley experiences that embrace the spirit of adventure, sustainability, and fun. Guests are welcomed in spectacular fashion, arriving via a 400-meter zipline that soars over the forest canopy, waterfalls, and river, landing directly at the aptly named Landing Zone Bar, where their Bensley Adventure Butler and General Manager await to begin the journey.
Address: Prey Praseth Village, Kampong Seila, Cambodia
5. Terario Tangkahan
Image credit: Terario Tangkahan Instagram
Known as the ‘Hidden Paradise’ of North Sumatra, Tangkahan is celebrated for its herd of rescued Sumatran elephants and its stunning natural surroundings. Located on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, this idyllic destination features lush forests, pristine rivers, and fascinating geological wonders. Within this national park lies Terario Tangkahan, an eco-lodge villa crafted from wood, blending modern design with nature to provide a comfortable yet immersive experience. Thoughtfully designed with biopores, the lodge ensures that any water released back into the river is clean and environmentally friendly.
Emphasizing tranquility, Terario Tangkahan is a secluded retreat without Wi-Fi, allowing guests to fully appreciate the serene beauty of their environment. The all-inclusive eco-lodge comprises three lodges, each accommodating up to three guests and featuring a cozy living room and kitchen. Guests can enjoy a variety of jungle activities, such as swimming in the river, bathing elephants, and exploring the breathtaking landscape, creating unforgettable memories in this hidden gem.
Address: M3X9+6RH, Namu Sialang, Batang Serangan, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra 20852
6. Keemala
Image credit: Keemala.com
Keemala in Phuket feels like a dreamscape come to life, where architecture blends seamlessly with nature. Imagine buildings that rise like woven baskets, treehouses perched high above the forest, and luxurious ‘bird nests’ with private pools or bathtubs offering breathtaking views across the treetops. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this avant-garde hillside retreat offers four distinct room types, each inspired by the traditions of a different fictional village clan. The Clay Pool Cottages embrace earthy materials, while the bird cage-style Tree Pool Houses sit elevated among the trees. The sail-roofed Tent Pool Villas evoke the spirit of nomadic tribes, and the spectacular Bird Nest Villas, each with a private pool, offer the ultimate sanctuary to immerse yourself in the beauty of Phuket’s lush landscape.
Address: 10 88 Nakasud Rd Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
7. Gaia Amazon EcoLodge, Ecuador
Image Credit: Courtesy of Gaia Amazon Ecolodge
The Amazon Rainforest, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, an ecosystem of immense diversity, and a destination of near-mythical status. Gaia Amazon Eco Lodge in Ecuador offers an intimate retreat, with just 20 guests, in rustic cabins and common areas that overlook the lush, wildlife-rich landscape and winding waterways of the Amazon. Set deep within a forest of cacao trees, this eco-conscious lodge provides a true connection to its extraordinary surroundings. Even a brief stay includes meals and guided activities such as rainforest treks, chocolate-making workshops, and motorized canoe tours along the Napo and Arajuno rivers. However, a longer visit unveils even more, from butterfly farms to shamanic cleansing rituals. The beauty and serenity of Gaia Amazon Eco Lodge leave a lasting impression on all who experience it, offering a profound connection to nature’s wonders.
Address: km4, Via Ahuano – Campanacocha, Parroquia del Ahuano, Canton Tena, Provincia del Napo, Ahuano 150105, Ecuador
8. Laxsik Ecolodge
Situated in the heart of Lao Chai – Ta Van Village, Sa Pa, Lao Cai Province, Laxsik Ecolodge offers a serene escape amidst one of the most breathtaking and accessible landscapes in Sa Pa. Surrounded by golden terraced fields during harvest season, the ecolodge is perfectly positioned to capture the beauty of the Muong Hoa Valley. Its swimming pool, set against this stunning backdrop, invites guests to relax while taking in the sweeping valley views. Some rooms feature wooden bathtubs overlooking the terraced fields, allowing for a tranquil retreat where nature’s beauty is always in sight.
Address: Ly Hamlet, Lao Chải, Sa Pa, Lào Cai, Vietnam
Written by: Gaby Nareswari