A hotel in Mahabaleshwar

Settle in for an adventure in Mahabaleshwar. (Photo: Marriott International)

Outdoors

10 Remote Hotels Nestled in Nature

If you’re craving a holistic getaway where you can quiet your mind and heighten your senses, a remote hotel in the thick of nature is just the ticket. You’ll find awe-inspiring hotels around the world that offer stays shaped by their seclusion in nature, from a rainforest canopy in the remote hills of India to a beachfront paradise on an island in Fiji to a mountain village ski resort in Colorado. 

Here are 10 unforgettable stays to get away from it all and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip. 

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar 

Situated in the lush green Western Ghats of India, the Courtyard Mahabaleshwar is an idyllic hilltop retreat where you can breathe cool mountain air and watch picturesque sunsets right from your guest room balcony. 

Nearby, escape further into nature as you explore Lingmala Waterfall and Venna Lake. Then refresh your mind and body with an Ayurvedic treatment and therapeutic bath at the hotel’s Nilaya Spa

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge 

aerial of the jw marriott masai mara lodge
Spot Kenya’s wildlife at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. (Photo: Marriott International)

Listen to the sounds of the Talek River and watch the magical wildebeest migration, typically taking place July through October, at Masai Mara National Reserve during a stay at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. The exceptional property is accessible by airstrip transfer at the nearby Keekorok Airstrip, and its remote location makes it one of the best places to view Kenya’s abundant wildlife. 

Between safari game drives, relax in your luxurious en suite tent equipped with a deck and private outdoor whirlpool tub. High-tea sundowners and African cuisine using the lodge’s garden-grown ingredients will taste all the better, as they’re included with your stay. If you want to level up on relaxation, book a treatment at the spa, too. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain 

the pool at the ritz-carlton dove mountain
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is nestled in the Tortolita Mountains. (Photo: Marriott International)

Rejuvenate in the high Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, surrounded by the Tortolita Mountains. While ensconced in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, you can find serenity while hiking along 26 miles of trails, swimming in a sprawling pool complex, playing a round of golf on one of three courses or getting a calming Desert Gemstone skin ritual at the spa. 

End each day watching a majestic desert sunset and listening to a traditional Native American flute performance on the patio. 

Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa 

the coorg marriott resort and spa
Enjoy the rainforest views at Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa. (Photo: Marriott International)

Set amid the misty Nilgiri Mountains in Karnataka, India, the Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding rainforest from its family-friendly villa balconies and private cottages. From here, you can explore the picturesque Abbey Falls and the Golden Temple, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. 

Soak in panoramic views while taking a dip in the resort’s pool, which has a swim-up bar, or dining at one of its restaurants serving inventive, locally inspired dishes. 

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya 

aerial of the st. regis kanai resort
The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya is surrounded by a mangrove reserve. (Photo: Marriott International)

Away from the tourist attractions of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya offers tranquility among its 620-acre mangrove reserve and beachfront. The resort’s circular architecture and design is harmoniously inspired by the neighboring UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka’an Reserve. 

Bask in the warm waters of the Caribbean, take a guided walk through the Secret Garden and book an Under Sky Bathing ritual at the spa. You’ll also delight in fresh seafood at the adults-only Beach Club and luscious Mexican cacao desserts at The Library. 

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve 

aerial of the ritz-carlton rissai valley
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve perches on a plateau in Jiuzhaigou Valley. (Photo: Marriott International)

Nestled on the edge of the Tibetan plateau in China’s Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southwestern province of Sichuan, you’ll find Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The resort is the perfect spot to soak in pristine views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and forests. Every season brings with it a different kaleidoscope of colors filling these natural landscapes. 

You will surely feel a sense of place as soon as you arrive at the remote area via limousine or helicopter, starting with a traditional blessing ceremony and decor that celebrates the surroundings and ending with Sichuan- and Jiuzhaigou-inspired meals at the hotel’s Cai Lin Xuan restaurant.

During your stay, make sure to hike and bike through the valley’s nature reserve and learn about Tibetan culture with immersive experiences such as visits to homes in nearby villages and incense workshops. 

Sheraton Belitung Resort 

view of pool and the ocean, sheraton belitung resort
Sheraton Belitung Resort is an island paradise. (Photo: Marriott International)

Discover the stunning island of Belitung and its gorgeous beaches during a stay at Sheraton Belitung Resort in Indonesia. The area offers endless opportunities to swim, snorkel, paddle and dive in sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic granite coastal formations. 

The resort is wonderful for the entire family, and young travelers can also learn more about conservancy and engage with nature at the on-site kids club. 

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa 

dock at the mulu marriott resort and spa
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is situated next to Gunung Mulu National Park. (Photo: Marriott International)

Situated on Melinau Paku River in Borneo, Malaysia, Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is a glorious tropical rainforest getaway. The resort is next to Gunung Mulu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Mulu Caves, so you can find yourself forest bathing and reconnecting to Mother Earth

Spend your time fishing, hiking or biking, or join one of the wellness retreat packages that might include integrative yoga classes, medicinal walks and healing massages. 

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay 

view of the fiji marriott momi bay resort from the beach
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is a stunning island retreat. (Photo: Marriott International)

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is the ultimate island retreat on the western coast of the main island of Viti Levu where you can enjoy water views from every window. Stay in one of the dramatic overwater bungalows overlooking turquoise blue lagoons and rekindle your romance. 

Adults can swim in the infinity pool overlooking Mami Bay, while kids can learn marine conservation at Turtles Kids’ Club. The 100-percent Fijian owned, five-star resort will show you how Fijians live in harmony with nature through culturally immersive and eco-minded activities, like participating in mangrove and coral planting. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch 

aerial of the ritz-carlton bachelor gulch
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is tucked away in the Rocky Mountains. (Photo: Marriott International)

At The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, you will feel like you are on your own private mountain. Tucked away in a world-renowned neighborhood between Vail Valley and Beaver Creek in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this luxurious resort is for those looking to have an active outdoor vacation. 

Enjoy mountainside skiing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, fly-fishing and access to golf courses. After a full day of invigorating activities, treat yourself to ultimate wellness at the 21,000-square-foot spa with 19 treatment rooms, as well as saunas and steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, and a coed grotto.