Staggering peaks reflect in shimmering cerulean waters, shaping the tantalizing backdrop of a number of exclusive mountainside hideaways in some of the most beautiful pockets of the world. Engulfed by peace and invigorating fresh air, escape from time in these luxury retreats that effortlessly blend sublime relaxation with breathtaking outdoor experiences.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canada
Credit: Janice Chen/iStock
The stately estate of Banff National Park’s iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands before an amphitheater of pristine wilderness. Majestic outlines of soaring peaks meet the impossibly turquoise waters of Lake Louise below, all of which accentuate the star of this postcard panorama—the impressive Victoria Glacier. Its 552 rooms set directly in the footpaths of Canadian wildlife, guests at this resort have the opportunity to encounter moose, grizzly bears and mountain goats on a series of rugged trails that extend beyond the shimmering shores of Lake Louise, revealing expansive grassy meadows and dense evergreen forests. Surrounded by boundless outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking in the mild summers, and snowboarding and snowmobiling in the magical winters, Chateau Lake Louise is a polished and elegant luxury base camp for year-round outdoor adventurers.
Amangani, Wyoming, USA
Credit: Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock
Teetering on the outskirts of Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole is the exclusive hilltop resort of Amangani, set amidst a surreal landscape of jagged peaks and pristine wildlife that epitomizes the American West. Translating to “peaceful home,” the contemporary designs of Amangani draws inspiration from its serene environment, utilizing a collection of slate, stone and wood to invoke a calming atmosphere. The resort’s sandstone terrace is embedded with an inviting heated pool and a spectacular jacuzzi that offers satisfying winter dips surrounded by nothing but the epic Teton and Snake River ranges and the deafening silence of Mother Nature.
Explora Patagonia, Chile
Credit: poppycocks/iStock
Clinging to the shores of Pehoé Lake in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park rests Explora Patagonia, a five-star mountainside retreat that’s the perfect base for exploring Chile’s spellbinding wilderness. With a resident catamaran and stable of 26 specially bred horses, Explora Patagonia offers ample opportunity and unique ways to discover the encompassing roaring Salto Chico waterfall, the scenic trekking circuit of the W, and the wondrous emerald lake and majestic glacier-studded landscape of Torres del Paine from 40 different tailored expeditions. Shrouded by pristine wilderness, Explora Patagonia actively seeks to deeply connect its guests with Mother Nature by offering television sets and WiFi connection solely in the property’s common areas.
Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco
Credit: Alberto Loyo/Shutterstock
Overlooking the Ouirgane Valley, the indulgent hillside fortress of Kasbah Tamadot resides on the fringes of the High Atlas in Asni as the region’s most extravagant address. Its 28 opulent rooms and suites are individually decorated with antiques curated from around the world. But by far the most indulgent experience at Kasbah Tamadot is a night in one of ten exclusive Berber tents, six of which boast private jacuzzis for guests to revel in the views of North Africa’s highest mountain range in solitude, or for a midnight soak under the dazzling stars.
St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet
Credit: The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
A luxurious hideaway in Tibet’s traditional capital of Lhasa, St. Regis Lhasa Resort overlooks an expanse of manicured gardens that extend to the 17th century Potala Palace perched atop Mount Marpo Ri. The contemporary designs of the St. Regis Resort present a timeless grandeur in a mystical and remote city, famous for its spiritual history as the seat of Dalai Lama. Its walls adorned with monochrome photographs of Buddhist pilgrims and floors carpeted with locally woven rugs, St. Regis seamlessly blends increasingly decadent elements (read: a gold tiled swimming pool) with aspects of traditional Tibetan life.
