The World's Best Lodges
- shannastewart4443
- Mar 26
- 9 min read
"A lodge is more than shelter—it's where the heart finds peace, the soul finds adventure, and nature finds you."
Imagine waking up to the soft chirping of exotic birds in a jungle lodge, the golden sunlight filtering through lush green canopies. Or picture yourself nestled in a cozy wooden cabin atop a snowy mountain, a crackling fire keeping the chill at bay while you sip on hot cocoa. Each lodge offers a unique story—an enchanting dance between the natural world and human comfort. Whether it's an overwater bungalow with the sound of waves lapping beneath you or a rustic desert retreat under a sky bursting with stars, lodges around the world provide more than just a place to rest. They are gateways to adventure, havens of serenity, and invitations to connect deeply with the essence of a destination. What kind of lodge calls to your wanderlust-filled heart?
I will start with the lodges in the states and move out from there. The lodges I have chosen are based in a variety of locations including:
I have covered the Western lodges and some Safari Lodges previously in my blog posts:
Koloa, Hawaii
The Lodge at Kukui’ula
5-Star Hotel
The minute you arrive at The Lodge at Kukui’ula on the south shore of Kaua'i, you learn quickly that there’s nowhere else that compares – in Hawai’i, or the world. In this haven of barefoot luxury, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the sprawling amenities of The Club at Kukui'ula when staying in one of our luxury vacation rentals in Poipu, Kaua'i. Two Club Neighborhoods with elegant homes featuring authentic plantation-style architecture meander down a tree lined drive towards The Club; and a third enclave of contemporary Hawaiian villas overlook the private golf course and sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Things to do at the The Lodge at Kukui’ula:
Relax at The Club: Indulge in the spa, take a dip in the infinity pool, or enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Explore The Farm: Harvest fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and flowers from the private 10-acre farm.
Golf: Play on the stunning Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course with breathtaking ocean views.
Water Adventures: Paddleboard, kayak, or snorkel at nearby beaches like Poipu Beach or Kukuiʻula Harbor.
Hiking: Embark on scenic hikes, such as the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail or trails in Koke'e State Park.
Fishing and Boating: Book a private excursion on The Mahealani, the lodge's own Yellowfin boat, for fishing or sunset cruises.
Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture through local cuisine, history, and guided island tours.
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
The Lodge at Woodloch
5-Star Hotel
The Lodge at Woodloch is an award winning, adult only, destination spa resort offering 150 acres of rolling Pennsylvania woodlands. The resort provides forty thousand square feet of spa retreat facilities and MindBody programming. 27 spa treatment rooms offer an extensive variety of facial massage and body treatments. Gourmet restaurant, Tree, offers innovative cuisine using organic and fresh ingredients. All packages are inclusive of accommodations, meals and a wide variety of classes and activities. There are 57 guest rooms including Deluxe Junior Suite and Suite categories.
Things to do at The Lodge at Woodloch:
Spa Treatments: Indulge in world-class spa services, including massages, facials, and body treatments.
Fitness Classes: Participate in yoga, Pilates, or other fitness sessions in their state-of-the-art studios.
Outdoor Adventures: Explore the beautiful surroundings with guided hikes, kayaking, or biking.
Creative Workshops: Unleash your creativity with art and cooking classes.
Culinary Delights: Savor gourmet meals at their on-site restaurant, Tree, which focuses on fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Relaxation Spaces: Unwind in the infinity pool, hot tub, or by the cozy fireplace.
White Lake, New York
The Chatwal Lodge
5-Star Hotel
Escape to the heart of the Catskills, where nature sets the pace and every moment is meant to be savored. Tucked away on the Chapin Estate in The Western Catskills, The Chatwal Lodge, an all-inclusive resort in White Lake, New York, is a former 18,000-acre wildlife reserve steeped in a century of stories. Here, 14 boutique-inspired luxury accommodations invite you to embrace the pines and the beauty of the seasons. A little quiet goes a long way as you relax, recharge, and unwind at your own pace. After a day of exploration, gather for lighthearted games, savor farm-to-table dining, or sip craft cocktails fireside.
Things to do at Chatwal Lodge:
Outdoor Adventures: Explore the scenic trails of the Chapin Estate, go fly fishing in private trout streams, or enjoy boating and kayaking on Toronto Reservoir.
Relaxation: Unwind with yoga and meditation classes in peaceful natural surroundings.
Cultural Experiences: Visit nearby attractions like the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the site of the iconic 1969 Woodstock festival.
Recreation: Enjoy classic games like duckpin bowling, ping-pong, and billiards at the lodge's recreation center.
Dining: Savor farm-to-table cuisine with a four-course tasting menu at the lodge's restaurant, Rustic Grill.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid Lodge
5-Star Hotel
No two of the 30 luxurious guest accommodations are quite the same. Stone fireplaces, towering hand-carved wooden beds, and sumptuous fabrics envelop you with comfort the moment you enter your room, suite, or cabin. Enjoy the mountain and lake views that take center stage in rooms and suites with private terraces or stay just steps from the water in a private lakeside cottage.
Things to do at Lake Placid Lodge:
Outdoor Adventures: Explore hiking trails, go fishing, or enjoy boating on Lake Placid. The lodge provides kayaks and electric boats for guests, and you can even book a private Champagne cruise on their mahogany Hacker-Craft.
Golf and Tennis: Access the nearby Whiteface Club for tennis courts and a championship golf course. Private lessons and equipment rentals are available.
Family-Friendly Activities: Participate in arts and crafts, play lawn games like cornhole or ping pong, and end the evening with s'mores by the bonfire.
Relaxation: Unwind with massages brought directly to your lakeside guestroom, suite, or cabin.
Queensland, Australia
Mt Mulligan Lodge
5-Star Hotel
Ngarrabullgan, also known as Mount Mulligan, sits 160km north-west of Cairns. Nestled among the eucalypts on the banks of the weir with views to its majestic namesake, Mt Mulligan Lodge offers an authentic outback luxury experience for up to 28 guests. The property is accessible from Cairns via either helicopter or 4WD adventure. A member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection, the lodge is set on a 28,000-hectare site that’s rich with gold and coal rush history and 37,000 years of indigenous heritage.
Things to do at Mt Mulligan Lodge:
ATV Adventures: Explore the rugged terrain and scenic landscapes on guided all-terrain vehicle tours.
Goldfields Tour: Discover the history of the area with a visit to the historic Tyrconnell gold mine and Mount Mulligan township.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Glide across the tranquil waters of the weir, surrounded by breathtaking views.
Nature Walks: Embark on guided hikes to spot wildlife and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Sunset Drinks: Enjoy a sundowner with stunning views of the Mount Mulligan escarpment.
Gourmet Dining: Savor chef-prepared meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, paired with fine Australian wines.
Helicopter Flights: Take to the skies for a scenic flight over the vast outback landscape.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Xigera Safari Lodge
5-Star Hotel
Xigera is a love letter to the magic of the African bush. Every aspect is handcrafted to beguile guests’ senses, from the evocative interiors to one-of-a-kind encounters. Transformed by Africa's life-enhancing beauty, it is a story of remarkable renewal. Xigera (pronounced "kee-jera") is named for the Pied Kingfisher that makes its home amid the watery channels of Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve. It's the culmination of a lifelong dream of the Tollman family, drawing on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service.
Things to do at the Xigera Lodge:
Game Drives: Explore the Moremi Game Reserve to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Mokoro Excursions: Glide through the Delta's waterways in a traditional dugout canoe for a serene and unique perspective.
Birdwatching: Discover over 200 bird species, including the pied kingfisher, which inspired the lodge's name.
Baobab Treehouse: Sleep under the stars in a luxurious treehouse for an unforgettable night in the wild.
Photography: Capture stunning landscapes and wildlife with guidance from expert photographers.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about local traditions and the lodge's commitment to conservation and community empowerment.
Alajuela, Costa Rica
El Silencio Lodge & Spa - Relais & Chateaux
5-Star Hotel
Set within a pristine 500-acre natural reserve in the heart of Costa Rica's cloud forest, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is surrounded by five protected wildlife areas. As a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, our hospitality seamlessly blends elegance, authenticity, adventure, wellness, and gourmet cuisine, providing an unparalleled experience for those seeking to disconnect in an extraordinary natural setting.
Located just 90 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport, this exclusive sanctuary is the ideal destination for those in search of the perfect harmony between luxury and the serenity of nature. For those looking to complement their stay with a day of exploration, La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano’s legendary hot springs are two hours away—an ideal excursion before returning to the tranquility of El Silencio.
Things to do at El Silencio:
Guided Nature Hikes: Explore lush trails with an eco-concierge, discovering waterfalls, wildlife, and the secrets of the rainforest.
Waterfall Rappelling: Experience the thrill of descending alongside cascading waterfalls.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy scenic rides through the breathtaking landscapes of Bajos del Toro.
Cultural Experiences: Participate in local traditions, savor authentic Costa Rican cuisine, and connect with the community.
Fishing: Try your hand at trout fishing in the peaceful Gorrión River.
Wellness Activities: Relax with yoga, meditation, or spa treatments amidst the tranquil surroundings.
South Island, New Zealand
Minaret Station Alpine Lodge
5-Star Hotel
On the rugged South Island, Minaret Station provides guests with a taste of New Zealand’s great outdoors, offering warmth and authenticity at every turn. Minaret Station is proud to offer Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Minaret Station Guided Experiences and Minaret Station Events. There are few, if any, places quite like this in the world. Private, luxury lodge accommodation set in a remote glacial valley surrounded by towering peaks, accessible only by helicopter. Comfortable in every sense, with warm hospitality and world class cuisine, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge is truly an extraordinary location to escape the “real world”. With just four chalets, Minaret Station Alpine Lodge provides the opportunity to enjoy some of life’s most precious elements; time, fresh air and open space, whilst creating life-long memories with friends and family.
Things to do at Minaret Station:
Helicopter Adventures: Access the lodge via helicopter and embark on scenic flights to explore glaciers, fjords, and remote mountain landscapes.
Hiking and Nature Walks: Discover the beauty of the Southern Alps with guided hikes through pristine wilderness.
Fly Fishing: Enjoy world-class fly fishing in remote streams and rivers, guided by experts.
Heli-Skiing: For thrill-seekers, experience heli-skiing on untouched alpine slopes during the winter season.
Gourmet Dining: Savor exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, paired with fine New Zealand wines.
Wildlife Encounters: Spot native wildlife and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Cape Town, South Africa
Tintswalo Safari Lodge
5-Star Hotel
With an unfenced border adjoining the acclaimed Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari boasts one of the most minimal vehicle densities in the Greater Kruger. Visitors revel in uninterrupted wildlife encounters amidst an unspoiled African wilderness. An epitome of opulent lodging and hospitality, Tintswalo Safari presents six Explorer Suites, along with the spacious Baines Presidential Suite and the Grant Family Suite comprising two bedrooms.
Things to do at Tintswalo Safari Lodge:
Game Drives: Embark on guided game drives to spot the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos—as well as other incredible wildlife.
Bush Walks: Explore the African wilderness on foot with experienced guides, learning about the flora and fauna up close.
Birdwatching: Discover a variety of bird species in the reserve, perfect for bird enthusiasts.
Stargazing: Enjoy the clear night skies of the African bush, with minimal light pollution for an unforgettable stargazing experience.
Relaxation: Unwind at the lodge with spa treatments, a refreshing dip in the pool, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Melia Serengeti Lodge
5-Star Hotel
In harmony with the fabulous natural surroundings of the Serengeti National Park, this hotel offers an intense wildlife experience accompanied by all the comforts of the most exclusive accommodation. Elegant rooms inspired by Maasai traditions with spectacular views of the hotel gardens or Serengeti plains. A cuisine that reinterprets local dishes with ingredients inspired by international cuisine. And superb, sustainable facilities that include an incredible infinity pool, gym and spa.
The magic of Africa permeates every corner of the Meliá Serengeti Lodge Meliá Collection. Savour the experience on your room’s fabulous terrace and marvel at the immensity of the Serengeti National Park. If you've always wanted to go on a safari, you've come to the right place. Visit with your family. Kids will also enjoy their own little African adventure. Discover cuisine as surprising as it is delicious, including African coffees, teas and liqueurs. The stunning infinity pool with views of the Serengeti, a relaxing spa and a fully equipped gym complete this unforgettable adventure.
Things to do at Melia Serengeti Lodge:
Daily Safaris: Embark on guided safari tours to witness the incredible wildlife of the Serengeti, including the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Relaxation by the Pool: Unwind at the outdoor pool while soaking in panoramic views of the savannah.
Cultural Experiences: Learn about local traditions and the Maasai culture through interactive programs and storytelling.
Gourmet Dining: Savor delicious meals at the lodge's restaurants, featuring locally inspired dishes and international cuisine.
Stargazing: Enjoy the clear night skies of the Serengeti, perfect for stargazing and connecting with nature.
What's next on your bucket list?
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