Best Luxury Resorts in the World for Wildlife Lovers

Published
08/20/2024

With nature travel inching up from strength to strength, there is no better time than the present for serious wildlife aficionados to plan the ultimate high-end getaway for that dream trip of a lifetime.

From the striking features of the Kalahari desert to the remote corners of Patagonia, here is a treasure trove of properties that promote incredible sustainability and offer accommodation fit for kings.

You can book these resorts directly or with reputed providers like Far & Wild Travel, as part of a custom-curated itinerary.

 

Tswalu Kalahari Motse Camp, South Africa

 The Kalahari desert spans roughly 350,000 miles across the three countries of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and is home to some of the most impressive natural features to be found in the whole of Africa.

The idyllic Tswalu Kalahari Motse Camp has been drawing passionate wildlife enthusiasts from around the world for years, thanks to its luxurious rooms, a walk-in wine cellar and the wide array of bird and animal life that have made this region their home.

Motse Camp offers a wilderness experience in this largest privately owned property in South Africa, like no other. Safari days at the lodge are both unhurried as well as unscripted as guests have complete freedom to access every corner of the reserve at their own pace.

Besides classic game drives, nature walks and horse riding, guests are encouraged to do midnight stargazing and a particularly adorable interaction with the lodge's habituated meerkat families.

 

The Explora, Patagonia

While the towering mountain peaks of southern Patagonia have fascinated nature explorers for hundreds of years, present day wildlife lovers can enjoy the biodiversity of the region far better on a safari with stay at the stunning Explora lodge in the Patagonia National Park.

A stroll around the lodge is enough for visitors to encounter the guanaco(llama-like), puma and the most impressive of them all, the Andean condor, the largest extant bird of prey.

Apart from the iconic wildlife and over 100 bird species, the rooms at the Explora provide guests with magnificent views of the surrounding Tamanguito and Tamango hills.

Additionally, there are three outdoor tubs for guests looking to unwind after a hard day of hiking or driving, while the in-house multi cuisine restaurant, which has earned worldwide fame for its delicious wood-fired dishes, provides a dining experience like no other.

 

Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica

If you are deep in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest and need a place to relax and unwind, look no further than the classy Pacuare Lodge located in the sprawling province of Limon.

All the twenty cozy rooms of the lodge have been designed to create minimum impact on the environment( no trees were felled during the construction work) which allowed the native plant and animal species to thrive.

There is no dearth of activities at Pacuare with white water rafting, in particular, at a very close distance from the property in the Pacuare River.There is some incredible wildlife viewing, and many a lucky guest has had a glimpse of the jaguar.

For birding enthusiasts, there are some star species like the dazzling red-capped Manakin and the Keel-billed Toucan who make an appearance now and then in the treetops surrounding the lodge.

Simple and sophisticated, the indigenous architecture, delectable cuisine and high class well-appointed accommodation, will all come together to provide you with a wildlife experience you are unlikely to forget.

 

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand

Enjoying a prime location on a lush hillside approximately fifty minutes away from the Chiang Rai international airport in Thailand the Anantara camp offers sensational views to neighboring Laos and Myanmar.

The camp lies amid the famous Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the mighty Mekong and Ruak rivers, and is a fine example of Thai architecture, complete with traditional teak and silk furnishings.

The stunning natural setting is further enhanced by an onsite herd of rescued elephants, located in the northern part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center offering an unforgettable interaction with these gentle giants.

Besides the relaxing experience guests can indulge in the Anantara spa, join a Thai cookery class or spend time at the fitness center while enjoying views of three countries at the same time.

 

The Brando, French Polynesia

 The Brando is an eco-conscious all-villa private island resort, accessed only by a 20 minutes private charter flight from the Faa’a International airport in Tetiaroa, French Polynesia.

The isle, which was once the personal retreat of the famous actor Marlon Brando, is located on a picturesque private island, surrounded by pristine white sands and a blue tranquil lagoon.

The classy resort is committed to protect the diverse and natural splendor of the area, which includes marine rarities like manta rays, turtles and a healthy population of tropical birds.

Guests can experience the vibrant French Polynesian lifestyle through an array of workshops on the local way of life. Wildlife excursions include a bird discovery tour, colorful fish, black-tip sharks, sea turtles,dolphins and 38 indigenous plants.

 

The Oberoi Vanyavilas, India

The Oberoi Vanyavilas is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is the country's leading jungle resort. The Oberoi takes guests back to the bygone era when staying under the 25 luxury tents, complete with four-poster beds and a private walled garden.

Days spent at the resort revolve around morning and evening game drives in the world famous Ranthambore National Park, one of the best destinations to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard and a wide variety of birds.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas offers a scintillating stay experience, where guests sit around a flickering fire in the evening recounting their jungle safari sightings with fellow visitors.

Later, sit back and dine on delectable cuisine while musicians play traditional folk songs to create an unforgettable atmosphere and enhance the overall jungle safari experience.

 

Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Australia

If you have ever dreamt of watching a tiger from your bedroom window or dining while lions roam around you, then the brave-hearted must spend a few days at the thrilling Jamala Wildlife Lodge in Canberra, Australia.

Jamala offers its brave guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting up close to some of the most dangerous predators of the wild, all from the comfort of your luxury accommodation.

This exceptional lodge, unlike any other you may have come across, has just 18 rooms exclusively designed for maximum luxury and guest comfort. Moreover, all rooms are within arm's reach of these magnificent wild animals, whom you can gaze upon from your uniquely designed room.

This combination of lavish jungle surroundings, close-range animal encounters, delicious gourmet cuisine and the high class hospitality Jamala is famous for ensures that the guests who stay in Jamala will have a memorable time.