Hotels + Resorts 13 Best U.S. Resorts for Reconnecting With Nature — Hot Springs, Hiking Trails, and Open-air Massages Included From Alaska to Maine, these U.S. nature resorts beautifully combine wilderness and wellness. By Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 13, 2024 Photo: Courtesy of Amara Resort and Spa Few things reduce stress like quality time in the great outdoors, but getting into nature doesn't require far-flung treks or bare-bones camping. Nature resorts across the U.S. pair wilderness with a touch of pampering — think on-site hot springs after a day of desert exploration and open-air massages to recover from long hikes on the trails. If the coast, desert, or mountains are calling, these splendid wilderness-focused resorts could be the answer. Each getaway offers exciting adventures, jaw-dropping scenery, wellness amenities, and the ultimate natural attraction: dark, starry skies. These are the 13 best nature resorts in the U.S. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa, New Mexico Courtesy of Ojo Caliente Head to northern New Mexico's Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa for an immersive back-to-nature experience that includes a scenic hot-spring soak. This property, tucked between the otherworldly cliffs along the Ojo Caliente River, boasts one of the country's only thermal springs with four healing minerals: lithia, soda, arsenic, and iron. Guests can sleep in the property's adobe homes and wake to desert views. The splurge-worthy itineraries include movement classes in the yoga yurt, hiking or biking in the high-elevation desert, and unwinding beneath the canyons at the farm-to-table Artesian Restaurant. The Green O, Montana Stuart Thurlkill The adventure experts at Montana's renowned Resort at Paws Up took their nature-escape offerings up a notch with The Green O, a luxury-meets-adventure getaway tucked away on Paws Up's 37,000 woodland acres. The adults-only property offers serious nature-centered TLC, from the 12 forest-flanked "haus" accommodations with hygge-inspired fireplaces to the on-site trails, heart-pumping ATV tours, and scenic paddle excursions. The nightcap to any Green O adventure? Soaking beneath the stars in a private hot tub after a culinary safari at the Social Haus, the property's restaurant, bar, and communal gathering space. Sheldon Chalet, Alaska Courtesy of Sheldon Chalet For a once-in-a-lifetime back-to-nature adventure, it's hard to top Alaska's far-flung Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park. Let's start with the superlatives. The property is 10 miles from the soaring Denali summit. It's 50 miles from civilization and dwarfed by the colossal Don Sheldon Amphitheater peaks surrounding it. It also sits atop Ruth Glacier. With all of that, it's hardly surprising Sheldon Chalet prioritizes outdoor adventures like ice climbing, snow-cavern spelunking, and crevasse exploration. The post-excursion relaxation is almost as extreme, with five-star dining followed by arguably one of the best northern lights shows. 12 Hotels To See the Northern Lights Amangiri, Utah Courtesy of Aman Amangiri treats its guests to some of the Colorado Plateau's most jaw-dropping desert vistas. The sleek, nature-inspired property blends seamlessly into a landscape studded with cacti and rock formations, from the canyon-view suites to the property's neighboring Camp Sarika tented pavilion. Amangiri delivers on the high-end Aman-brand promise, but here, luxury is tempered by the chance to get your hands dirty. Heart-pumping adventures include a via ferrata, expert-guided Colorado Plateau hikes, and outings to the region's beloved national parks: Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Zion. Once sunset hits, prepare to be wowed by the constellations and galaxies that feel within arm's reach. Wild Rice Retreat, Wisconsin Corey Gaffer Part artist's escape, part wellness resort, Wisconsin's new Wild Rice Retreat gives guests the perfect opportunity to unwind and recenter in the calming forests of northern Wisconsin. The retreat sits on the rocky shore of Lake Superior, where steady waves provide a soothing soundtrack for activities like yoga and meditation in the Peace Pod or detoxification in the sauna. Property trails invite travelers to get their blood pumping between meditation sessions, while farm-to-table outdoor dining leaves guests nourished and ready for more. Twin Farms, Vermont Courtesy of Twin Farms One of New England's best nature immersions awaits on Twin Farms' 300 private acres in Vermont. Here, the Green Mountains provide a backdrop that's as calming as the property's bucolic meadows. Twin Farms, roughly 90 minutes from Burlington, features 10 tree-canopied cottages, a private nine-acre pond, and numerous hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails to help guests work up an appetite for those locally sourced meals. For the ultimate back-to-nature experience, take Twin Farms up on its indulgent picnic-by-the-pond offering. Or, grab a boxed lunch and enjoy it during your bike ride. Just don't miss the elegant fireside dinners in the rustic-chic Main House dining room. Post Ranch Inn, California Kodiak Greenwood Perched atop the rugged cliffs of California's Central Coast with views across the Pacific Ocean, Post Ranch Inn provides more than a Big Sur base camp. The entire property is centered on immersing guests in the mountain-meets-ocean surroundings. The 40 opulent guest rooms and private homes feature sweeping sea-view windows and patios that make Big Sur the star of the show. Meanwhile, resort experiences like falconry, morning yoga, forest meditation, and guided nature walks further integrate guests into the environs. The scenic dinners, featuring ingredients from the chef's garden, are the cherry on top of this natural California retreat. Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, Florida Courtesy of Baker's Cay Resort At Baker's Cay Resort in Key Largo, Florida, nature isn't just a nice-to-have feature; it's the property's raison d'être. This ocean-flanked escape and its panoramic balconies promise guests the kind of tranquility only teal waters can provide. Just as important: Baker's Cay offers travelers a chance to give back to the nature they're here to enjoy. The resort hosts monthly beach and underwater cleanups, and partners with 1000 Mermaids and Ocean Rescue Alliance for coral-restoration initiatives. Beyond that, guests can learn about the fragile Florida Keys ecosystems through eco-educator nature walks. This green ethos extends to the fare, too; Baker's Cay was the first U.S. resort to partner with Dock to Dish, an initiative that helps diners support small-scale and sustainable fishing communities. Amara Resort and Spa, Arizona Courtesy of Amara Resort and Spa Don't just visit Sedona's red rocks. Wake up to sun-splashed views of them from Amara Resort and Spa, a modern escape set along the calming Oak Creek Canyon, just two blocks from Sedona's bustling uptown. Amara's natural allures run the gamut: complimentary mountain bikes, hot-air balloon outings, and an infinity pool with a view of the red rocks, to name a few. The property's famed SaltRock Southwest Kitchen takes its cocktails seriously, serving agave-based beverages like craft margaritas that perfectly complement those crimson backdrops. Terramor Outdoor Resort, Maine Courtesy of Terramor Outdoor Resort Nature hits differently in Maine, and glamping getaway Terramor Outdoor Resort helps visitors make the most of it. The retreat, less than a 20-minute drive from Acadia National Park, delivers awe-striking wilderness with a touch of luxury across its 64 canvas tents. On-site activities include morning yoga, massages in the open-air wellness tent, and adventures like birding and kayaking. Terramor's raved-about evening experiences promise the perfect recipe for refueling: campfires, live music, beer tastings, and craft s'mores. 8 Most Beautiful Lodges Just Outside U.S. National Parks Lake Placid Lodge, New York Courtesy of Lake Placid Lodge Get your nature fix and feel like royalty at Lake Placid Lodge, a posh mountain getaway in the heart of New York's Adirondacks. The lodge's digs are about as mesmerizing as the undulating scenery. Admire hand-hewn wood beams and stone fireplaces artfully crafted by local masons in one of 30 accommodations. But don't spend too much time indoors — the lodge's pristine waterfront setting provides the perfect jumping-off point for outdoor adventures. Try kayaking, boating, or fishing; after the latter, chefs will cook and prepare your fresh catch. For land-based fun, tackle the Adirondacks' trails by foot or bike. End the day with a candlelit meal in Lake Placid Lodge's upscale Artisans restaurant. Camp V, Colorado Courtesy of Camp V Western Colorado's Camp V is a choose-your-own-adventure nature escape. Enjoy the desert with cozy comforts in one of the property's hip cabins. If you prefer to get closer to nature, opt for glamping, camping, an Airstream stay, or a canyon-view Jupe, a pod-like shelter crafted by designers from Tesla and SpaceX. No matter the accommodations, expect outrageous desert fun. Head to Camp V's on-site pond for sunrise stand-up paddleboarding. Then, hit one of the hiking or biking trails right from your cabin or tent door. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Michigan Chris Guibert There's an aura of ease that welcomes travelers the second they cross the bridge from Lower Michigan into the Upper Peninsula — and that serenity gets kicked up a notch for those who journey all the way to the Keweenaw. The Lake Superior-flanked Keweenaw Peninsula is about as wild as the Midwest gets, and one of Michigan's northernmost resorts, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, immerses guests in this unspoiled beauty. Adventure is woven into Keweenaw Mountain Lodge's DNA. This property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has its own web of mountain biking and hiking trails. In 2022, the area around the lodge became the first International Dark Sky Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, making it one of the best places to catch auroras in the lower 48 states. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit