1. Nyamasheke, Rwanda: One&Only Nyungwe House

1. Nyamasheke, Rwanda: One&Only Nyungwe House

Nestled on the edge of Nyungwe National Park, home to Africa's largest tropical rainforest, One&Only Nyungwe House is a fantastic base for exploring one of the continent's most diverse ecosystems.

The treehouse-style accommodations are perched high above the ground, often allowing encounters with the local monkeys. However, the real highlight is the early morning treks in search of chimpanzees, where you can wander through ancient canopies to spot these playful primates swinging high above.

Guests can stroll along forest paths, pass old gold mines, or hike up hills for stunning views of Lake Kivu. You can even join in tea-picking at local tea gardens and learn about Rwanda's centuries-old tea culture.

2. Sabah, Malaysia: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

This might just be the best spot in Sabah for spotting wild orangutans, with around 65 individuals identified in the area.

The elevated walkways bring you up into the canopy where you can pause, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that you're standing in a rainforest that's 140 million years old—nearly three times the age of the Amazon.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area, spanning 438 square kilometers, is the main attraction, featuring guided walks through forest trails where guides communicate sightings of orangutans to one another.

Evenings are lively, with guests invited to participate in talks, enjoy slideshows, or even embark on night safaris to experience the forest in a new light.

3. Tennessee, USA: Blackberry Mountain

The Beall family purchased land at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in the 1970s and transformed it into a farm. Visitors enjoyed it so much that the Bealls decided to officially welcome guests.

In 2019, they expanded with Blackberry Mountain, a luxurious resort featuring wooden cabins and stone cottages. Stunning mountain views can be enjoyed from anywhere, whether it’s the main lodge with its stone fireplace and outdoor infinity pool, or the Firetower Restaurant perched on a hilltop.

Guided hikes take you from the gentle trails within the resort to longer adventures in the quieter parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

4. Limpopo, South Africa: Lepogo Lodges Noka Camp

Noka Camp is perched on a cliff overlooking the Palala River, deep within the 48,000-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, home to magnificent wildlife. The eco-friendly, fully-equipped villas are perfect for relaxation.

When not on a game drive, you can unwind on the outdoor terraces of your villa, equipped with daybeds, where you can drift off to the sounds of nature.

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana: Atzaró Okavango Camp

You'll likely encounter many of Africa's big game before you even reach Atzaró Okavango Camp. This luxurious camp is only accessible by helicopter, soaring over herds of elephants, hippos, and buffalo across the plains.

The camp is designed to bring you closer to nature, with walking or kayaking tours that offer intimate wildlife experiences.

6. Baros Island, Maldives: Baros Maldives

Baros is one of the first resorts in the Maldives. With stunning beaches, luxurious overwater villas, and an impressive wine cellar, it also offers diving tours and cultural interactions with the local community.

Notably, the coral reef is just 20 meters from the shore. You can borrow a glass-bottom kayak, paddleboard, or join diving excursions to explore this vibrant underwater world, home to blacktip reef sharks and a myriad of marine life.

7. Banff National Park, Canada: Fairmont Banff Springs

This castle-like hotel has been welcoming guests since 1888, standing proudly amidst the Rocky Mountains. While you might want to stay forever, there’s so much to explore, from mountain meadows and natural hot springs to breathtaking hiking trails.

8. Papagayo, Costa Rica: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo

This resort sits at the junction of the country's last tropical dry forest and sandy beaches. Lush green paths attract monkeys and butterflies, while diving and kayaking excursions along the rugged coastline provide a different kind of relaxation than lounging in a spa.

9. Queensland, Australia: Gilberton Outback Retreat

Once a gold mining community in the 1860s, Gilberton transformed into a family-run cattle station after the mine closed, now serving as a nature retreat.

Experiencing farm life is an essential part of any visit, but excursions into the bush to discover Indigenous rock art and meet the rare albino wallabies will leave a lasting impression.

10. Kibale National Park, Uganda: Kibale Lodge

Located at the edge of the area famous for chimp trekking, Kibale Lodge is an ideal stopover. With the Rwenzori Mountains stretching across the horizon, this resort has planted around 200,000 seedlings to preserve native species.

While chimp tracking is the main attraction, be sure to take time to visit the Bigodi Wetlands, managed by the local community.