In 2026, travellers are increasingly seeking stays that immerse them in nature, not just as a backdrop but as the main event. From rainforest sanctuaries near major cities to far-flung wilderness retreats, today’s most compelling hotels invite guests to slow down, tune in and reconnect. These properties prove that the wild is closer – and more refined – than ever.
1. A whimsical railway outpost
Give Bill Bensley a project, and magic follows. At InterContinental Khao Yai Resort in Thailand, the famed designer transforms upcycled train cars into 45 suites, villas, and spas, celebrating the region’s railway heritage – all set amid lush jungle just three hours from Bangkok. From the vintage ticket counter and stationmaster bell to antique trunks and railway relics, every corner tells a story. Keep an eye out for hidden Easter Eggs around the resort; Bensley’s clever nods to the tracks and beyond.
Two-bedroom villa terrace overlooking Jiuzhaigou, China.
2. Tibetan art meets mountain majesty
Set against the stunning backdrop of Jiuzhaigou’s rolling hills in China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 87-room Rissai, a Ritz Carlton Reserve brings Tibetan art and design to life. Bedrooms offer sweeping views of the Minshan mountains, waterfalls, and crystalline lakes, making the scenery as much a part of the stay as the interiors of stone and dark wood. Dining blends hearty Sichuan flavours with Mediterranean touches, while the spa channels centuries-old wellness traditions. Armed with three Michelin Keys, it’s a rare combination of cultural authenticity and refined luxury.
The Mandai Sanctuary Treehouse.
3. Wilderness on the city’s edge
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, the group’s first Singapore property, has been nothing short of showstopping – a 338-room rainforest retreat just 30 minutes from the city centre. Set within the Mandai wildlife precinct, it offers direct access to attractions like the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise. The 4.6-hectare escape blends adventure with serenity, while rainforest-inspired interiors and the striking Mandai Sanctuary Treehouse – modelled after a seed pod with a patio overlooking the canopy – make this urban jungle feel worlds away.
The Molelo lounge.
4. Safari in its purest form
There’s nothing quite like a safari – especially when it unfolds in the untouched wilderness of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Zimbabwe. Set on a private concession, Molori Mashuma is a pristine tented camp with just six suites, each featuring a plunge pool, ensuite bathroom, and outdoor shower. The region boasts Zimbabwe’s highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles, alongside dry-season gatherings of elephants and buffalo. With luck, one might also spot honey badgers, cheetahs, or the elusive African wild dog.
Sauna and ice swimming experience in the Arctic.
5. Chasing the northern lights in style
The Northern Lights should sit high on every traveller’s bucket list – and the 20-key Nivunki Village offers front-row seats to the Arctic sky. Nestled deep in Finnish Lapland, this intimate glass-hut retreat combines sweeping wilderness views with warm Lappish hospitality and impossibly crisp air. Days bring winter adventures – snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer or husky sledding – while evenings invite the Finnish ritual of sauna followed by stargazing under the aurora. Here, nature’s light show takes centre stage, best enjoyed from the comfort of your heated cabin.
Bush luxury an hour from Sydney.
6. Bush luxury with a view
Glamping is the perfect way to experience Australia’s wilderness without giving up comfort – or risking an unexpected encounter with its more poisonous residents. Just an hour from Sydney, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit offers eight intimate tents with sweeping 180-degree water and mountain views. Each features a large skydome for effortless stargazing, while the Big Sky Dreaming experience – sunset drinks, nibbles, Aboriginal astronomy films, and evening campfires – turns every night into a celebration of the Southern skies.