As travelers and hotels alike are increasingly prioritizing wellness, sustainability, and cultural immersion, nature-driven destinations are the solution for every nature lover’s wanderlust. For those looking to get closer to the natural world while still enjoying the amenities of a luxury hotel, we've rounded up four uber-luxurious getaways perfect for an immersive eco-vacation.
With outdoor spaces designed by EDSA, one of the world’s most prominent planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firms, these locales are the epitome of opulence from the inside out:
Tropical Oceanside Oasis: With an emphasis on natural materials, indoor-outdoor spaces, and an infusion of tropical design, St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, (pictured) the first 5-star resort in Puerto Rico, is one of the most resplendent residential and vacation enclaves in the Caribbean. Designed to by EDSA to integrate with nature, this vacation destination is designated a Certified Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary that celebrates the richness of the resort’s organic attributes, connectivity, and preservation.
Serene Jungle Escape: Suspended 300 feet above the waters and beaches of Golfo de Papagayo, Nakajui – a Ritz Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica invites guests into the lush, bio-diverse landscape with an instilled sense of serenity. The transformative, nature-driven guest experience is rooted in wellness and offers an authentic, barefoot luxury spin on Ritz Carlton’s signature aesthetic, complete with a hanging rope bridge, winding trails, and tented guestrooms positioned among cliff overhangs that showcase sweeping views of the jungle.
Volcanic Wellness Getaway: Volcanic lava rock, ancient trees, and sweeping wetlands transition into lushly landscaped gardens, cascading waterfalls, and more than 150 pool spa experiences at Mission Hills Hot Springs & Spa in China. The volcanic springs, which pay homage to ancient bathing rituals and healing journeys, are organized into a series of five continental zones where architecture, landscape, and therapeutic treatments reflect the indigenous qualities of each region for a culturally enriching trip.
Lavish Cliffside Haven: Enveloped within the Santa Rosa Mountain range, the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage sits atop a 650-foot bluff showcasing a panorama of the picturesque Coachella Valley. The hotel is designed to complement the natural surroundings with definitive representations of local landscape, hues, and cultural elements. From spa treatments born from indigenous herbs, fresh California culinary experiences, and cliffside swimming and relaxation pools, the guests can unwind in EDSA’s stylized and sophisticated interpretation of the desert environment.
