When you go on vacation, you don’t want just a nice room. You want to get out and do something fun, experience a new element of life, and take a trip from the ordinary. You want an adventure.
We discussed in our hospitality trends blog post: people want unique experiences and they want to prioritize local vibes over factory farmed destinations. Not to mention, as international travel continues to get more affordable, people are going to be able to reach new destinations they’ve not been able to touch in the past.
The last thing anyone wants is to book an unforgettable experience. So, to help guide the adventure seekers and luxury lovers of the world (aka: you), we rounded up this list of our favorite adventure hotels.
Each spot on this list will either offer you epic adventures that you can go out and do, or the experience getting to the hotel is an adventure in and of itself. There are also some which offer both.
Any way you spin it, we’re confident these adventure hotels will satisfy your adventurous spirit until you’re ready to go on your next great trip. Thankfully, we’ve got 11 different adventure hotels for you to choose from. That should keep you busy for a while.
1. Deplar Farm
At one point in time, Deplar Farm was a sheep pen. Today, however, it’s a haven for adventurers crossing through Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. The buildings’ roofs are made of turf, which gives it a seamless look with the natural beauty of the land, and luxurious interiors frame the breathtaking landscape of mountains, streams, and lakes.
It’s got almost everything an adventurous soul could want, like skiing, surfing, hiking, and horseback riding. The true beauty of this hotel is in the skies above though: you can soak under the Northern Lights in an open-air geothermal pool.
2. Caldera House
Located in the mountain of Jackson Hole in Teton Village, and only a short trip from Grand Teton National Park, Caldera House is a natural hub for adventure. The best part is that it’s got options for any season: winter, summer, and everything in between.
Guests can sign up for dog sledding adventures, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, overnight trips into the backcountry, airplane rides over the area, and so much more. Whatever you choose, they’ll fully customize the adventure to suit your personal style and tastes.
3. Le Chalet Zannier
This alpine retreat is in the ever-sexy French Alps, in the famous winter sports village of Megève and offers a variety of authentic alpine-style chalets for their guests. Once you’re settled in, get set to embark on one of the many experiences the hotel offers.
Drop into the untouched slopes of Mont Blanc from a helicopter, or go on a nature photo shoot sponsored by Leica Cameras. If that’s not enough, Le Chalet Zannier will go above and beyond to build a unique experience for you with their partner, Somewhere Club. Maybe you want to ski with Olympic gold medalists, or dine with Michelin-starred chefs? They’ve got you covered.
4. Taylor River Lodge
For years, Taylor River Lodge was situated as a general store for fishing bait and tackle. While the aesthetic remains consistent, the property has become an eight-cabin private retreat, open from May through October. Getting there is an adventure in and of itself, as it’s buried in Colorado’s Taylor Canyon.
Fishing is at the true heart of the adventure here: there’s a fully stocked trout pound and a mile of river only steps from the cabins. If you’re not into fishing, they’ve got plenty of other options like float trips down the Gunnison River, hiking, rock climbing, and archery and hatchet throwing. It’s everything we love about Colorado: blue sky, green pine trees, granite cliffs, and unrestricted views of the stars.
5. Vivood Landscape Hotel
The Vivood Landscape Hotel is an adults-only property (sorry kiddos) that’s literally built into the side of a mountain in Spain’s Guadalest Valley. Each building or location is connected by paths through the stunning nature. Think of it like a campus of sorts that’s meant to be the main destination for your trip.
Vivood offers multiple experiences on-site, like a wellness package that consists of a nature ritual, massage, and breakfast in bed. Of course, if you want to venture off-property there’s plenty to do and see in the nearby Alicante and Costa Blanca areas.
6. Hotel San Cristóbal
Heading into the Baja Peninsula is always an adventure, and one you’re not likely to forget. Hotel San Cristóbal, named for Saint Christopher (patron saint of travelers, and as recently as 1960 surfers as well), is just a little further North than Cabo, right on the beach in Todos Santos.
The hotel offers 32 rooms all situated around a central pool and lounge area, but they would tell you the true amenities offered are the sunsets, tides, skies, and supreme bounty of nature. It’s also a stop for migrating Gray and Humpback whales. We think they capture the essence perfectly on their site homepage when they say that “All Good Things Are Found at the End of a Dirt Road.”
7. The Drake Devonshire
The historical Devonshire property began as an iron foundry in 1860, but it’s strong architectural structure was screaming to be renovated into a hotel. Now, it offers a touch of country to the urban vibe of Toronto with vineyards, beach access, vibrant winters, and stellar views of Lake Ontario.
Aside from the connection to nature, The Drake is a “creative incubator” that wants to connect their guests with their community artists. One of the best adventures they offer is the chance to explore the artists that might one day be on a level with Picasso or Dali. They want you to unleash your inner culture seeker.
8. Noah Surf House
Noah Surf House, in Portugal, is built around the idea of “home,” and seeks to unite people from across the globe in their love for both sea and sport. Each of the 8 rooms and 13 bungalows have windows that face the ocean, and their doors open directly to the sand: the inspiration of sea.
When it comes to sports, you might think the name explains everything you need to know. Yes, surfing is a huge part of their identity and they offer ways to easily hit the waves, but there’s so much more. You can take part in daily yoga, skateboarding, paddle boarding, trekking, or functional weight training. Like the waves, the opportunities to lose yourself in adventure are endless here.
9. Fitler Club
There are only 14 rooms in the entire Fitler Club (talk about exclusivity), which opened its doors in 2019. And each room gives you access to every amenity the club has to offer, like the golf simulator, bowling lanes, and fitness center.
If that weren’t enough, the Club is located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia and provides unrestricted access to the city of brotherly love’s best neighborhoods, shopping, dining, and exploration. The concierge service will help plan any kind of adventure or outing you’re craving, complete with a car service to take you there.
10. Timber Cove Resort
Timber Cove Resort was originally designed by the famed Richard Clements Jr., the architect who would go on to inspire Frank Lloyd Wright’s own designs. In 2016, it was reimagined as a full-service destination on California’s Sonoma Coast for adventure-seekers.
They have a long list of on-site options like robust hiking trails, local beach access, and peaceful yoga classes. Being in Northern California means it’s also right near some of the state’s best wineries, state parks, and quintessentially Californian towns. Whether you’re sticking to land or diving into water, you’re sure to find something that pleases your spirit.
11. Chablé Maroma
We’re going to the Riviera Maya for our the last on our list of adventure hotels, right between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen in Punta Maroma. Don’t worry though, you won’t get any crazy college kids here—only rooms with verdant jungles on one side and azure waters on the other.
Chablé Maroma celebrates the Maya cultural heritage and way of life, one that was in constant contact with nature. So, enjoy the trip in as the cities melt away and give way to greenery. Then, you can spend your days relaxing at the spa, beach, or pool.
No matter what kind of experience you’re seeking, these adventure hotels are sure to satisfy. Just remember that anything can be an adventure with the right mindset, and there are opportunities waiting for you around every corner. Happy travels!