The natural world is all around us, but sometimes it requires taking a step back from the grind of our daily lives to truly appreciate it. Gain some perspective by stepping not just away, but through total immersion in a place that's completely unusual. The escapes on this list allow you to indulge your senses, taking in the sights, sounds and scents of nature in landscapes far and near—from underwater, moving restaurants to luxury resorts and timeless cities.
Sand Meets Sky
Arches National Park
Moab, Utah
Its red and orange landscape, coupled with iconic rock formations, makes Arches National Park a must-visit spot. But it's more than that. The oasis from city life welcomes hikers and stargazers, offering up some of the clearest views of the night sky in North America and welcomes photographers to capture its splendor. Spend the night—or weekend—camping to take in the full sunrise-to-sunrise beauty.
Jungle Ridgeline
Ka'au Crater Trail
Oahu, Hawaii
This jungle trail in Oahu goes deep into the lush, moist region where sunlight is scarce but adventure is not. Streams, tall trees, animals and waterfalls surround you on your journey to the top of the crater. Leave time to jump into one of the pools for a swim, and enjoy the view from the Ka'au Crater in peace and serenity.
Wild Horses
Cumberland Island
Georgia
Georgia has no coastline, only barrier islands. One, Cumberland Island, remains a natural sanctuary for coastal life along one of America's National Seashores. It's only accessible via boat, but once you're on the island you can bicycle or walk to see the herds of majestic wild horses, enjoy a day at the beach or poke around the ruins of the Dungeness Mansion.
Glaciers and Granite
Torres del Paine National Park
Chile
Summertime sees the most traffic in the park, and for good reason: At that time of year, the greens of the land meet with the blues of the glacier and sky and the white of the snow, to create an awe-inspiring look at Earth's natural wonders. Granite towers reach high into the air while lakes bound the eyes below. Its remote destination means you can forget about emails interrupting your visit and instead spend your time basking in the magnificence of the landscape.
Natural Lagoons
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Brazil
This national park is popular with tourists who are awed by its 38,000 acres of land, which includes 43 miles of coastline. The most spectacular sites are the park's rolling sand dunes, which fill with water during the rainy season to create freshwater lagoons. Four endangered species call the area home.
Underwater Eats
Iris
Rosendal, Norway
This unique experience puts diners right in the middle of the Hardangerfjord inside the Salmon Eye installation. Arriving at the floating destination via electric boat, visitors are transported to a world where cuisine melds with nature for a six-hour experience that moves from land to sea, and then underwater.
Spectacular Scenery
Naturhotel Forsthofgut
Leogang, Austria
Breathe in nature where craggy peaks of the Leogang Mountains give way to lush forests. This four-season property shines as it invites guests to relax at the spa, trek with an alpaca, plant a tree, enjoy a foot bath, breakfast in the forest or stargaze. In the summer, partake in nature from a new viewpoint by flying high in a hot air balloon.
Big Five Bucket List
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
Serengeti, Tanzania
Perched on the edge of one of the world's most precious animal reserves, the Four Seasons Safari Lodge invites guests to put down their phones and pull out their cameras as they take in the sun-drenched savannas and formidable wildlife around them. On game drives and via balcony views, see the Big Five—lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros. Or experience the wonder from the air via hot air balloon.
Landscape Luxury
Six Senses Thimpu
Thimpu, Bhutan
Communing with nature does not mean having to forgo luxury. Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, offering up lush landscapes that have been preserved for generations. This hillside resort is situated between pine forests and apple orchards. Summering at Six Senses allows visitors to take in the best flora views, while winter escapes provide unparalleled mountain views.
History Amidst Nature
Nikko
Nikko, Japan
Both the silence of natural surrounds and enlightening historical discovery can be found here. Located halfway between Tokyo and Fukushima, the small town is home to ancient temples, colorful forests, plunging waterfalls and embellished architecture. Cherry blossoms surround Lake Chūzenji in the springtime and Nikko National Park allows for mountainous hiking.
Maritime Microclimate
Bay of Islands
North Island, New Zealand
Touring the 144 islands of this subtropical microclimate via sea or air allows visitors to revel in the region's history and natural beauty. Conservation areas, a maritime playground (complete with penguins, dolphins and whales) and rainforests are a welcome escape from the mundane.
