Call to the Wild

Spending time totally immersed in nature can reduce stress, make us feel happier and ready to face what life chooses to throw at us. Here are some of the best places to reconnect with the wilderness

Words HARRIET COOPER

Islas Secas, Panama

For somewhere that’s not yet opened, Islas Secas has garnered some serious attention. Then again, there aren’t many luxury resorts in the world that are set on a private 14-island archipelago, offering such an extraordinary ocean wilderness on their doorstep.

Located 20 miles off the coast of Panama, this eco-hideaway befits the most intrepid of explorers. Four casita sites sleep up to 18 guests (nine villas in total) on one of the islands, each site offering a plunge pool, thatched roof cabana and sprawling outdoor deck from which to soak up the uninterrupted Pacific Ocean views.

You’ll be captivated, yes, but you won’t want to stay still for long. Islas Secas is the jumping off point – albeit a mesmerizing one – from which to undertake a series of once-in-a-lifetime natural adventures. There’s swimming and paddle-boarding amongst the tiny islands; snorkeling and diving in the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, which teem with manta rays, dolphins, leatherback turtles and coral reefs; the extraordinary biodiversity of Coiba National Park to be explored; superlative catch-and-release tuna and marlin fishing; and Humpback whale-spotting. Luckily, there's a dedicated Adventure Concierge on hand to help guests make the most of their surroundings.

Sun-kissed guests can kick back at the end of the day in Terraza, an open-air setting offering ocean-to-fork dining with local flare (think grilled fresh lobster, seared octopus, ceviche...), though sunset BBQs and beach picnics can also be arranged.

As you’d expect from this piece of paradise, the resort is fully solar-powered, recycles all its food waste and water for irrigation; and 75% of the archipelago has been left untouched, ensuring that this unique ecosystem is safeguarded for generations to come.

Opening in Winter 2019, but taking bookings now.

islassecas.com

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Canada

The phrase ‘hidden gem’ might as well have been coined for Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. Buried deep in the remote backcountry of British Columbia, this luxurious tented safari lies at the heart of Clayoquot Sound – a network of offshore islands encompassing miles upon miles of verdant fern gardens, forest, rivers, lakes and alpine valleys. No wonder then it’s only accessible via boat or floatplane ride across Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline and soaring forests.

This isolation brings its own rewards. Spectacular scenery aside, the UNESCO-protected biosphere that is Clayoquot Sound is rich in wildlife. Situated on the Bedwell River at the end of a nine-mile-long fjord, there’s whale watching and bear spotting, but there are also cougars and wolves in the hills as well as owls, eagles and falcons sailing on the wind above you.

It’s this biodiversity which founder Richard Genovese is committed to preserve. Currently, that involves restoring the salmon-spawning habitat here, but there are also ecologically-minded initiatives running throughout the resort, from sustainable building materials to energy efficiency and a single-use plastic and styrofoam ban.

As a result, pristine Clayoquot remains a lesson in natural enrichment. For those wanting a more relaxing immersive experience, the Healing Grounds Spa perches on the edge of the estuary, overlooking the river’s gleaming waters. Here you’ll find cedar hot tubs, wood fired saunas and restorative treatments, as well as a waterfront massage tent.

But for more high octane adventures, there’s also canyon jumping, lake fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, kayaking, surfing – the list goes on. But the ultimate adventures are courtesy of helicopter in the form of heli-hiking, heli-ziplining and heli-yoga – if you can drag yourself away from the resort’s riverside yoga studio for long enough, that is.

Of course, there’s also heli-dining too, which is prepared by a private chef atop Urus Mountain after a sightseeing flight of the Bedwell Fjord. But meals back in base camp are just as exceptional, using sustainable ingredients sourced, foraged and harvested almost exclusively from Vancouver Island and delivered daily to the resort by boat.

If you can take your eyes off the contemporary coastal cuisine, the restaurant here has floor-to-ceiling windows to help you admire the view across the water as the sunsets. After that, it’s just a short stroll back to your sumptuous en-suite tent. But make sure you have your nightcap beforehand. There’s no minibar in the tent to keep from attracting bears. No wonder they call it ‘luxury gone wild’.

wildretreat.com

The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia

Anywhere that has a resident naturalist is a promising start. The Datai Langkawi is that place. Nestled in a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the northwest tip of Langkawi, overlooking the dreamy Datai Bay and with a backdrop of the majestic Gunung Mat Cincang, this laidback-luxe resort has been a nature-lover’s paradise ever since its inception in 1993.

Now, thanks to a $60million refresh, guests can fully immerse themselves in this natural wonderland, where flying lemurs (aka colugo) glide from tree to tree, families of dusky leaf monkeys play amongst the branches and water monitor lizards slowly go about their day.

For the inquisitive, the new Nature Centre headed up by renowned naturalist Irshad Mobarak enables visitors to discover more about their marine and rainforest surrounds, and participate in conservation and scientific research studies. Another highlight is the recently-added Rimba Trail that runs through the coastal forest to an 18-metre high canopy walk (the first of its kind in a five-star hotel), affording rainforest-scapes as far as the eye can see. Keen ornithologists will want to bring binoculars to spot the brightly-hued orange-breasted trogon, collared kingfisher and peregrine falcon.

Even the Spa, which focuses on the healing properties of plants and age-old Malay traditions, is situated along a small winding stream, surrounded by the sounds and subtle aromatic scent of the rainforest. Though, of course, if you prefer to appreciate nature from the squishy comfort of a sun lounger on the white sand beach or by the pool, the Datai Langkawi can comply.

The resort’s well-thoughtthrough design maintains a deep connection with its environment. The 121 rooms, suites and villas all look out over tropical rainforest, some with views of the Andaman Sea and Tarutao Island beyond. For a true ‘at one with Mother Nature’ experience, book a Rainforest Collection villa, which stands on wooden stilts amongst the dense vegetation.

Also elevated is The Pavilion, a signature Thai restaurant best appreciated as dusk falls and the air is alive with jungle chatter (it is perfect colugo-spotting territory); for Malaysian flavors, The Gulai House is set in a traditional kampung-style house where guests are welcome to sit on the floor for their feast; while the Beach Club and Bar is all about fresh seafood and cocktails, savored to the soundtrack of gently lapping waves.

thedatai.com

Le Barn, Bonnelles, France

It may be a mere 40 minutes from Paris, but you’d never guess. Le Barn is set deep in the Rambouillet Forest, surrounded by acres upon acres of oaks, elms and silver birches. Rustic chic is very much the vibe at this hotel. Set across two buildings, the 71 rooms and suites overlook paddocks, meadows and woodland, their warm, neutral decor inspired by the French countryside. Meals are made from just-picked ingredients and eaten around large wooden tables in the sun-soaked La Serre restaurant, with guests retiring to the cozy bar for digestifs. Not surprisingly, this Gallic answer to Soho Farmhouse attracts a chichi Parisian weekend crowd, many of whom throw themselves into the wealth of outdoor activities on offer. Wherever you look there are horses, and guests can explore the 200-hectare estate on horseback as they please; though if two wheels are your thing, Le Barn is a cyclist’s paradise – there’s even a slalom through the forest; while a range of walking trails are ideal for wandering souls. Afterwards, reward yourself with a sauna or hammam in the Scandi-style spa, located in a former mill.

The best bit? There is no check-out time on Sunday, giving guests the perfect excuse to jump on that bike again.

lebarnhotel.com