Luxury Hiking Vacation Ideas To Add To Travel Plans
Hiking is a popular fitness activity that allows you to get in some exercise while enjoying nature. As we usually take hikes in a location resplendent with nature’s beauty, this is one activity that helps to heal the mind, body and soul. For the ultimate rejuvenation, however, combining hiking with luxury is sure to recharge your energy in a way you’ve never felt before. Consider a luxury hiking vacation to refresh yourself physically and mentally, starting with our list here should you be making plans to travel in the near future.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, United States
Find peace and reconnect with nature at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Utah, both located on the banks of the Colorado River, and within driving distance of Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa. From the resort, it takes about 25 minutes to drive to Arches, while Canyonlands can be reached in about one hour. What awaits is more than 2,000 sandstone arches and pinnacles when you visit Arches National Park, while Canyonlands National Park features more than 80 natural arches including the famous Mesa Arch. After a day of hiking, head back to the resort for an indulgent spa session before retreating to one of their well-appointed cabins facing the peacefully meandering Colorado River. In fact, the massive 240-acre resort is surrounded by breathtaking views and the atmosphere of Southern Utah’s well-known arches and red rock mountains, allowing you to experience nature at its greatest. There are also many fun activities to do at the resort including horseback riding, mountain biking and river adventures.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
If you’re up for a hike should you find yourself in Italy, and you’re new to hiking, the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region is perfect for newbies. A 50-kilometre stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast possesses that perfectly beautiful combo of sheer cliffs overlooking breathtakingly beautiful beaches. What’s more, there are various interesting trails to check out around Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, a 17th century monastery turned boutique hotel located between Amalfi and Positano, where you can check in for the ultimate luxury hiking vacation. Have a great time exploring the beauty of its surroundings on a guided hike by local experts, as arranged by the hotel. Oh! After hiking for 2-3 hours hike along lemon groves, ancient foundry ruins and farm houses along the trail, follow it up with the Signature Arnica Body Wrap at the hotel’s world-class spa.
The Basho Wayfarer Trail, Japan
Matsuo Basho was a Japanese haiku master who went on a 2,400 kilometres trekking adventure back in 1689. That trek has inspired many trek routes today, ones that take you down the same way the poet went. One such trip is a 6-day self-guided Basho Wayfarer trip. The tour will begin in Sendai region and ends at Yamadera. You will be able to visit the site of a ruined fortress at Tagajo as well as unique temples such as Entsuin, Zuiganji and Chusonji Temples. Not only that, you will also have the opportunity to explore beautiful forests and take a memorable photo of Hojin-no-le, the only remaining structure where Basho is known to have stayed. Your accommodations, however, will of course be more modern, and you can expect to check into any one of the hotels in the area that comes complete with a thermal hot spring onsen, as per the itinerary of the trip programme, such as at Hotel Ubudo (subject to booking by the trip organiser).
The Titiwangsa Range, Malaysia
Malaysia’s first luxury natural wellness hot springs retreat, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is one of the best destinations in the country for you to rejuvenate and relax. Located in Ipoh, Perak, about a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, this sweet escape is surrounded by natural caves, pristine jungles, beautiful waterfalls, geothermal hot springs as well as limestone hills formed 260 million years ago. While the main feature here is the geothermal hot springs that can be enjoyed at the hotel’s pools or even in privacy in rooms equipped with a whirlpool with the mineral-rich water piped in, you’ll want to get in some hiking here with trails that pass through deep limestone hill forests right in the resort’s compounds.
The East Coast of Malaysia
The tranquil Tanjong Jara Resort in the East Coast state of Terengganu in Malaysia features elegant structures influenced by Malay palaces of the 17th century. The resort emphasises on a luxury Malay traditional concept in its design as well as service – winning it the Aga Khan award for architecture. You will be amazed by the beauty of nature when you wander around the resort as there is plenty to explore in addition to spending time at the adjacent beach. Keeping to the luxury hiking vacation theme, the resort offers a Jara Hill Walk and Malay Herbal Garden excursion where you can learn about the local flora and fauna from the resort’s resident naturalist. The walk takes you high up the hill for a breathtaking view of the coastline, and where you might even be able to spot the nesting ground of the sea eagles that roam the skies here.
Jim Corbett National Park, India
Be mesmerised by the beauty of the prestigious Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India, located to the northeast of Delhi. It is a combination of woodland, river and open grassland where you could encounter amazing wildlife such as elephants and crocodiles, birdlife, deer, antelope, as well as tigers. One of the best hiking trails to experience when you’re here is the Sitabani Forest Zone, famous for bird-watching. The zone is also a natural habitat for elephants, porcupines and tigers. Hence, if you’re lucky, you might just be able to spot these beautiful creatures while on a safari tour.
Finally, to soothe aching feet and muscles after a hike or safari, we recommend experiencing an amazing mountain vacation at the Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort located on a massive 10 acres of land on the Kosi riverbanks. It’s just a 20-minute drive away from the park! From colonial-style high tea at the Ghural Deck to a two-hour, deep cleansing Uddharsana treatment at their award-winning Jiva Spa to first-class Indian and international cuisines… You name it, they have it all!
A proven by our short, non-exhaustive list here, going on a hiking trip doesn’t necessarily mean having to rough it if that’s not your style. There are plenty of hiking trails close to comfortable and even luxurious accommodations that provide the ultimate in relaxation to soothe tired bodies.
Alea began her career as a Corporate Communications Executive before becoming a full-time content writer. Her recent projects include crafting articles for Convergence e-magazine by Malaysia Airports and Tropicana Magazine. She loves exploring various cultures around the world and be inspired by the beauty of nature. At Gadabout, Alea’s main goal is to make the readers’ days better through fun and interesting articles on travel and lifestyle.
