For nature lovers, the world offers a whole host of amazing destinations in which to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors, whether you’re craving an active getaway or simply want to relax in peaceful and luxurious surroundings and switch off from the stresses and strains of modern life.
From the rolling green hills and spectacular scenery of New Zealand and the diverse landscapes of South Africa to the snow-capped mountains and geysers of Iceland, and everything in between, if you’re looking for some inspiration for that next luxury adventure break, then we’ve rounded up the top destinations that are certain to deliver.
South Africa
South Africa is truly a nature lover’s destination, and is known for its excellent luxury safari lodges and remote holidays. With diverse landscapes including green forests, towering mountains and expansive grasslands and savannahs to explore, it’s the perfect space to get lost in the countryside and if you book yourself onto a safari break which includes daily game drives, then you might be lucky enough to see all of the big five – lion, African elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo – in their natural habitats.
The Kruger National Park, which is the largest game reserve in South Africa, is an obvious place to do it, but there are more than 700 public and 200 private reserves overall, as well as an impressive 19 national parks, which means there are endless opportunities to tick going on safari off your bucket list.
What to pack
Sensible footwear, comfortable cargo trousers and a safari shirt in neutral colours – avoid red or other bright hues which can prevent you from blending into the landscape and potentially spoil your chances of spotting wildlife, and opt for earthy tones like khaki greens, creams and browns instead. Game drives can often mean long hours spent under the South African sunshine, so a hat and a high-factor sunscreen are essential, as well as some mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
New Zealand
With its long stretches of coastline, verdant forests and glistening lakes, New Zealand is arguably one of the most beautiful destinations in the world for the outdoor enthusiast, and offers a vast array of opportunities to get active – from bungee jumping and white-water rafting, to skydiving, mountain biking and hiking.
With this in mind, it’s a great choice for the adrenaline junkie, and in fact, the nation promotes itself as the adventure capital of the world – but if you’re craving peace and tranquillity as opposed to full on adventure, then checking yourself into a wellness retreat is a great way to go.
Castaways is just an hour’s drive from downtown Auckland, but feels much more remote, offering a private stretch of beach and ocean access for guests to enjoy, with plush accommodation including a private deck and breath-taking panoramic views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a glamping-style stay in one of the resort’s luxury bell tents.
Edgewater Lodge, which is close to the country’s capital city of Wellington, is another great pick and is a particularly good choice for foodies, with some excellent fine dining options on site and, of course, your own private luxury cabin set in picturesque surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What to pack
A pair of closed, sensible shoes like trainers or walking boots are a must if you plan on hiking, cycling or engaging in any other type of active pursuit, and a backpack to hold essentials like water and a first aid kit is a good idea. If you’ll be checking into a wellness retreat, then you’ll likely be most comfortable in yoga leggings – but be sure to bring some jumpers and light jackets for cooler evenings in the mountains or by the sea.
Iceland
For cold weather enthusiasts, Iceland is the ultimate choice for an outdoor-themed luxury holiday, as its natural beauty is truly spectacular. From awe-inspiring glaciers and lagoons to bubbling hot springs, you can be as active or as inactive as you’d like – and there are plenty of lavish luxury cabins on offer in some of the country’s most popular travel destinations that will provide a comfortable base from which to explore.
Think private hot tubs, entertainment suites and four poster beds, all set against picturesque backdrops – and if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, then a night or two in a luxury igloo will afford you privileged views of the Northern Lights and the star-studded sky at night.
Exploring the nation’s volcanic landscapes, which includes impressive geysers and waterfalls, is a must, and from a wellness perspective, Iceland is the perfect place to indulge in some cold water therapy with a daily ice plunge. Activities wise, you can try sledding, snow shoe-ing and a host of other cold weather pursuits for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
What to pack
It goes without saying that warm attire is essential. A snow suit, snow boots, and a wool hat will be necessary to keep you warm and cosy, but pack plenty of layers like a fleece-lined jumper and a wind-proof jacket so that you can adapt quickly and easily to changing temperatures. Thermal socks and underwear will also help to keep the cold at bay.
