A Grand Entrance

Sometimes the adventure begins long before you set foot inside your hotel room.

Words: BEVERLEY LENNON

True luxury isn't confined to the walls of a five-star hotel or the thread count of your sheets. Often, it lies in the journey itself – the pulse of excitement as you touch down somewhere new, or the wild heartbeat of nature merging with your own as you venture towards the unknown.

Picture a private seaplane whisking you to an overwater villa. Perhaps you’ll soar over the jungle canopy on a zip wire, the forest blurring beneath you. Or maybe you’ll drift towards your lodge by paraglider, passing between towering peaks. Only a rare few hotels transform your arrival into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Those that do set the stage for the kind of journey you’ll remember forever.

Shinta Mani Wild

Cambodia

Soar through the treetops on a zipline or navigate rugged trails in a vintage 1960s Jeep – the adventure is yours to choose. Both paths lead you to Bill Bensley’s extraordinary hideaway in the heart of Cambodia’s Cardamom National Park.

The incredible Shinta Mani Wild, part of the Jacada Positive Impact Collection, sprawls along the Tmor Rung River, enveloped by 600 acres of lush, unspoiled rainforest – one of Southeast Asia’s last great green frontiers and home to Malayan sun bears, wild elephants, clouded leopards and other threatened species. Once on the brink of destruction, this precious hardwood forest was rescued just in time, allowing the sights and sounds of nature to thrive once more.

Each of the fifteen tent locations has been meticulously planned over a seven-year period, guided by the natural rhythms of the river valley and embracing the principles of minimal intervention. Each tent is individually themed and decorated, yet all beautifully unveil the stories of

the surrounding wilderness in vivid detail. Colourful pieces by artists Charley Harper and Kate Spencer bring to life the endangered animals of the Cardamom Forest, while historical artefacts once used by Wildlife Alliance to protect these precious lands whisper tales of conservation. Each tent is named after a famous birder, botanist or significant figure from Cambodia’s history.

Outside, the landscape invites exploration. A winding path leads to a hidden waterfall, the Khmer Tonics Spa just nearby. Sunrise yoga sessions reveal unobstructed views over the forest canopy, followed by a meander back to the lodge’s Headquarters for breakfast – or an adrenaline-pumping zipline.

Days at Shinta Mani Wild are filled with guided hikes deep in the forest and the opportunity to join anti-poaching patrols, rangers traversing precious habitats spanning an expansive 350 hectares (865 acres). And the best part about this stay? Everything is included – even unlimited spa treatments and butler service.

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Oman

Set between the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and the shimmering Gulf of Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay offers three unforgettable ways to arrive: an exhilarating 4x4 drive through craggy mountain terrain, a scenic speedboat ride or the ultimate thrill of gliding in on a paraglider, guided by a seasoned professional.

Whether from the sky, sea or solid ground, you'll be treated to stunning views of jagged peaks cascading into the turquoise waters. As the resort starts to appear, at first glance it’s almost impossible to decipher from its surroundings. The stone-and-timber exteriors blend so seamlessly into the landscape that it feels like a natural extension of the earth itself.

Behind the unique façade lies a complex of luxury villas, artfully designed to resemble a traditional Omani village. Each villa offers the indulgence of a private plunge pool and the personalised care of a Guest Experience Maker (GEM), a signature touch of the Six Senses group that ensures every detail of your stay is effortlessly smooth.

Perched nearly 950 feet above sea level, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Sense on the Edge, lives up to its name in every way. Sweeping views that stretch across the Gulf offer a setting as extraordinary as the menu.

Outside, the dramatic landscapes of the Musandam Peninsula beckon. Water skiing, hiking and rock climbing await – as well as exploring the nearby ‘Grand Canyon’.

Bawah Reserve

Indonesia

As the seaplane descends towards Bawah Reserve, the Anambas Archipelago unfurls beneath you like a living canvas. Just eighty minutes from Singapore, the reserve is set across a collection of secluded islands, each cradled by some of the world’s clearest, bluest waters. Glimpses of coral reefs shimmer through the crystalline depths, while emerald jungles rise raw and wild from white-sand shores. The plane skims the surface, marking your grand entrance into this 1,000-hectare marine sanctuary. This is no ordinary arrival.

Bawah Reserve invites you to unwind in 36 elegantly appointed suites, bungalows and villas – each just steps away from the ocean's edge. Some, perched on stilts above the water, offer a front-row seat to nature’s theatre.

Then there’s the exclusive Elang Residence, perched on its own private island, accommodating up to nineteen guests in six beautifully designed lodges. A private clubhouse and saltwater infinity pool overlooking the vast ocean complete this redefinition of luxury in the wild. Here, you’ll experience personalised butler service, bespoke dining experiences and curated adventures across the whole reserve.

Each of Bawah’s four restaurants invite you to savour fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared with international flair, whether you’re craving fine dining or casual beachside bites.

You can dine perched high in the rainforest canopy at Tree Tops or indulge in a sea-to-table feast at The Boat House, sitting down to an unforgettable meal with your toes in the sand. Every week, The Boat House comes alive with a special Indonesian-style barbecue dinner. This lively culinary experience brings the rich flavours of the archipelago to your plate, with fragrant satays and spiced seafood.

Days at Bawah unfold with the promise of new adventures. Drift through the turquoise lagoon on a leisurely cruise, weaving between the surrounding islands, where hidden beaches beckon. Then step ashore for a castaway picnic on soft sands.

For a deeper connection with nature, the Permaculture Experience is an eye-opening journey into sustainability. Wander through the reserve's organic, ecological gardens, lush with fresh produce, and join a guided tour to explore the recycling and farming practices that sustain this remote sanctuary. Here, you'll learn more about the impact of your stay and how Bawah grows its own food while nurturing the island’s ecosystem.

Titilaka

Peru

When a destination is woven into ancestral legend, you know it’s destined to be special. This is certainly true of the ethereal Lake Titicaca. According to legend, the Incas emerged from the sacred waters of this celestial lake. Long before, the Aymara people revered these same waters, maintaining a deep spiritual connection that resonates today.

The journey to Titilaka is an adventure in itself, whether you choose a scenic drive or a train journey to Puno. Both routes offer breathtaking views as you wind past the Andes’ glistening lakes and jagged mountain peaks. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in the ancient heart of Andean civilisation and discover the deep cultural heritage that defines this region.

With just eighteen lake-facing rooms, privacy is a given once you arrive at this secluded retreat, tucked away on a private peninsula. You’re in constant communion with the water and sky. The shimmering lake unfolds before you, reflecting the ever-changing light and colours of the day.

At dawn, sunrise bathes the landscape in warm, golden hues, while evening draws deep purples and fiery oranges across the horizon. At night, the unpolluted skies come alive, offering breathtaking stargazing that reveals the heavens in all their brilliance.

Beyond the lodge, a wide range of outdoor activities await as well as excursions to the islands for a rare opportunity to meet the skilled reed raftsmen and masterful weavers of the Uros-Aymara communities.

Avana Retreat

Vietnam

The journey to Avana Retreat takes you on a winding route through the remote mountains of Mai Chau. As the frantic rhythm of Vietnam’s cities melts away, the landscape transforms. Dense tropical forests thin to reveal lush valleys, with terraced rice fields spilling gracefully down the hillsides beneath mist-covered peaks. In this tranquil corner of the country, the air is crisper and the sounds are softer as nature begins to take over.

The changing seasons bring their own beauty, with a climate that’s gentle enough to explore year-round. Misty mornings invite slow walks along the retreat’s bamboo forest, while sun-drenched afternoons can be spent cooling off beneath the cascading Pung Waterfall – the beating heart of Avana.

Meditation and yoga classes take place at their H’mong Cottage, perched high above the landscape. From here, you can gaze out over sweeping views of surrounding forests and towering mountains.

The villas themselves are an expression of harmony with the land, crafted in collaboration with local artisans from three minority groups in Mai Chau. Each villa is built using ancient techniques like earth walls, rattan ceilings and palm-leaf thatched roofs. These traditional methods keep the villas cool in summer and warm in winter, ensuring year-round comfort. Sprinkled across vast, jungly gardens on the mountainside, they blend seamlessly with the landscape, surrounded by waterfalls, rice terraces and dense forests.

Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli, Mchenja and Chinzombo camps by Time + Tide

Zambia

In South Luangwa, often called the ‘Valley of the Leopard,’ nature unfolds in its purest form. The best way to experience the park is on foot, on a walking safari that unfolds over five to ten unforgettable days, taking you from one camp to the next through the mesmerising Zambian wilderness.

Walking safaris offer an intimacy with nature that no vehicle can match – a slow, deliberate immersion into the wilderness where every sound, scent and sight unfolds at a human pace. On foot, you step into the heart of the wild, moving across the same earth as the animals themselves, feeling the pulse of the land beneath your boots. Following the tracks of elephants, observing the delicate nibble of an antelope, or watching a lion stretch beneath the shade of an acacia tree feels all the more profound when you stand at their level.

Arriving at your camp on foot after a day spent exploring the wilderness is a journey like no other. The sense of accomplishment is real as you reflect on the day's adventures. The camps of Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja – originally sited by Norman Carr and now operated by Time + Tide – are strategically situated in the most wildlife-rich corners of South Luangwa.

Your journey through the bush continues into the evening. The transition from day to night unveils a new world alive with nocturnal wonders. Game drives offer an exhilarating shift in perspective, as you adventure under the stars, the air is filled with the sounds of the wild. You may witness heart-stopping predator action – the stealthy movements of leopards stalking through the underbrush or the haunting call of a lion reverberating through the stillness. Prepare for thrilling encounters with endangered species, too, including the elusive African wild dog. When dark falls, sleepouts allow you to return to the wild under a blanket of stars, drifting into slumber to the symphony of the natural world in its most intimate form.

As your adventure reaches its grand finale, a scenic five-minute boat trip allows you to glide gently along the tranquil waters of the Luangwa River, leading you to Chinzombo, the flagship camp.

Pacuare Lodge

Costa Rica

White-water rafting may top your wish list when you dream of Costa Rica, but at Pacuare Lodge, it’s how you can choose to arrive – no prior experience required. The adventure begins as you carve through the heart of the jungle, riding the wild rapids of the Pacuare River, flanked by towering rainforest canyons. For the daring, it's an unforgettable entrance.

The Pacuare region itself is an important sanctuary for a variety of flora and fauna, including ceiba trees and vibrant orchids. As you glide down the river, the wilderness comes alive with the calls of toucans and hummingbirds, while monkeys swing through the canopy. If you’re lucky, the elusive jaguar may prowl unseen in the shadows.

And it’s only just the beginning: the adventure doesn’t end once you reach your base. Soar through the jungle canopy on a thrilling zipline, rappel down thundering waterfalls, or embark on guided hikes deep into the rainforest.

Back at the lodge, nature is your constant companion. Savour meals by the river, indulge in private dinners deep in the jungle, or enjoy breakfast high up in the treetops.