Hotels on Edge

Top 10 Hotels at the Edge of the World

"The ultimate luxury is the ability to explore to the ends of the Earth. These luxurious wilderness lodges now allow you to experience territories previously accessible only to the most serious trekkers and adventurers..."

HOTEL SALTO CHICO - PATAGONIA, CHILE The explora en Patagonia lodge is an architecturally remarkable hotel in a showpiece location: a biosphere reserve of waterfalls, glaciers, thick forests, and granite pillars that soar more than 2,000 metres above the Patagonian steppes. The hotel features 50 modernist rooms and suites with large windows boasting spectacular views. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi bath. The main ground level of the hotel houses the reception, lounge, bar and restaurant in a single–plan area. Outside, a wooden plank walkway leads down to an indoor swimming pool, massage room, sauna, and adjacent outdoor Jacuzzis. The main draw of a stay at explora en Patagonia is to take full advantage of Torres del Paine National Park’s outstanding natural attractions. Excursions include hikes to the magnificent Lago Grey Glacier, a trekking out to the primitive rock paintings at Lago Sarmiento, horse riding, boating excursions on Lake Pehoe or discovering the wildlife in the region. Staying at explora en Patagonia is truly … an 'out of this world' experience!

HOTEL DE LARACHE - ATACAMA DESERT, CHILE is located in the midst of the driest desert on earth, within a stone's throw of snow-capped volcanoes, shimmering salt pans and the Andes. The explora en Atacama lodge features 50 stylish, design rooms with Jacuzzi's and boasting spectacular views of the desert, mountains and volcanoes. Four spectacular outdoor swimming pools are the place to cool off. A stay at explora en Atacama comes on an all-inclusive basis and includes a number of excursions per day, tailored to one's personal interests by multilingual guides. On offer are horse riding in the sand dunes, sunset hiking to the Moon Valley, volcano climbing, cultural excursions, relaxing in explora's private hot springs, and much more. Atacama is the ultimate destination for those looking for both adventure and natural beauty. The bar and lounge area form a perfect place to exchange the adventure experiences of the day. In the minimalist dining room, savor French chef Lorenzo Pascualetto's fire-roasted Patagonian lamb and to-die-for Chilean wines.

QUAY WEST RESORT - MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA is a new resort in a region of distinct natural beauty 260 km south of Perth in Western Australia, bordering Cape Naturaliste National Park and on the edge of the beautiful turquoise waters of beautiful Bunker Bay. This stunning, five-star resort features spacious villas luxuriously appointed in contemporary Australian architectural style with boardwalks through landscaped grounds and complementing stands of rustic surroundings. Stroll to the glorious white sands and azure waters of Bunker and Eagle Bays, right on the dazzling Indian Ocean. The resort is situated in the vibrant Margaret River Wine Region, home to many internationally known wine labels, first class restaurants, spectacular natural attractions and fantastic leisure pursuits. The resort's restaurant provides alfresco dining in several separate seating areas and an adjoining cocktail bar. The resort has an outdoor heated infinity lap pool, Spa, fitness centre, tennis court, bicycles for hire and is adjacent to Cape Naturaliste National Park.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE - TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA is a unique wilderness retreat on the edge of the World Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park. The awesome beauty of this region is an inspiration that will stay with you long after you leave. Here you see the face of creation all around you in the mirror lakes and rugged mountain peaks. This is a superb escape with breathtaking scenery, cozy cabins, magnificent meals and days filled with simple pleasures. All 96 cabins feature a log fire. The Highland Restaurant is recognized as one of Tasmania's premier dining experiences, featuring the very best of Tasmanian foods and wines. The Alpine Spa features Sodashi natural skin products, steam room, sauna, hot tub, cool plunge pool and hot/cold water therapies. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness Area, offers a rugged environment with many wilderness retreats and walking tracks. Icy streams, ancient pines, glacial lakes and wildlife surround the jagged contours of Cradle Mountain.

EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD - THE KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA in the far north west of Australia is a region larger than the whole of Britain, yet it is home to just 25,000 residents. It's the undiluted essence of wild Australia, yet the Kimberley region can be appreciated in great comfort at El Questro, a true wilderness paradise. The homestead is on the edge of the Chamberlain Gorge where glowing red walls provide an unsurpassed setting for mysterious Aboriginal paintings. El Questro is a wilderness park that spans a million acres - 400,000 hectares - with endless opportunities for exploring. Fish for barramundi, go night crocodile spotting, enjoy a magnificent heli-scenic flight, bathe in a natural spring in a palm grove; whatever your outback fantasy, you'll find it here. Then return to the luxury of the homestead. Here gourmet cuisine and exotic decor match the wonderful setting. If you're looking for absolute luxury in the wild, this is it.

SKELETON COAST CAMP - NAMIBIA is one of our planet's most beautiful places and one of its finest safari locations. Up until April 2000, access to this private area within the Skeleton Coast National Park was restricted. Wilderness Safaris now operates a 12-bedded, luxury tented camp and offers superb 4 or 5 day fly-in safaris to this incredible area. Almost 300,000 hectares (660,000 acres) of the National Park has been set aside as an exclusive safari experience for those who want to really get away! It is wild, desolate, uninhabited and stunningly beautiful. The Benguela Current brings cool, plankton and fish-rich waters all the way from Antarctica and moderates the temperatures in the region. Mean temperatures year round vary from a high of 28° C (82°F) to a low of 10°C (50°F). Summers are incredibly mild, especially considering it is in the desert! The cool ocean air meets the warm desert air and nearly every morning mists cover the coastline, bringing life-sustaining moisture to the desert's fauna and flora. This is a safari that will rival anything in Africa for those who enjoy the excitement of wild and remote places.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL - CAPE TOWN is situated on the rim of the Atlantic Ocean in Camps Bay, fifteen minutes from the center of Cape Town. The hotel's Sanctuary Spa is situated in an underground cavern and is the ideal escape for gently restoring harmony and tranquility while soothing the soul. Guests can relax at the pool while watching whales at play in the ocean, or hike up Table Mountain's unspoiled walking trails behind the hotel. The elegant bedrooms are done in a variety of styles, from beach house chic to a mix of African indigenous woods, leather and woven fabrics, all offering the latest technology. Azure restaurant offers a relaxed, leisurely ambience with its stylish interior — blue leather chairs and denim tablecloths give it a cool and crisp atmosphere. While dining on delectable fusion dishes and tasting the Cape's finest wines, your gaze will keep returning to the views of shimmering seas and stunning sunsets. In the Leopard Room Bar and Lounge a deliciously fragrant tea is served each afternoon and in the evening, cocktails and live background music take over.

HOTEL BUDIR - ICELAND features stylish design, a fabulous gastronomic experience, spiritual surroundings and is THE place to go in Iceland. Situated in the west, under the beautiful and mysterious Snæfellsjökull glacier, a hotel existed there for decades until the old building tragically burned down. The new Hótel Búdir was constructed in a traditional 19th-century style. Inside, it's a refined palette of ivory and dark mocha walls, wooden panels, and leather upholstery juxtaposed with creamy drapes and furnishings. There is a scattering of beautiful lamps, prints and objects ensures a warm, personal touch evoking a forgotten era. The kitchen has long been the main attraction of the hotel, and is renowned for its unique fish and game dishes. Being ideally located for both recreation and nature appreciation, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at Búdir for every season, such as horse riding along the sandy beaches or snowmobiling on the glacier. In winter, you can enjoy the cozy feeling that the darkness evokes and the magnificent Northern Lights in the sky.

KING PACIFIC LODGE - BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA is moored in the shelter of Barnard Harbour on Princess Royal Island, King Pacific Lodge is one of the most luxurious wilderness lodges ever built. Designed for absolute comfort and positioned to capture spectacular views of the landscape, it is a remarkably civilized place in the midst of absolute wilderness. The Lodge is located on the north coast of British Columbia, near the southern tip of the Alaska panhandle. The area has been home to the Tsimshian people for over 10,000 years and evidence of their history and culture is everywhere. The nearest Tsimshian settlement is just across Douglas channel, 45 minutes from the lodge by boat. Princess Royal Island is an uninhabited paradise for many species of animals and birds. It has a deeply indented fjord-like coastline, innumerable rivers and streams. Princess Royal and a few of the surrounding islands are the only known home of the elusive Spirit Bear.

DHONI MIGHILI - MALDIVES gives new meaning to the fact that the Maldives are adrift in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of India. This spectacular atoll sanctuary features beach bungalows paired with traditional dhoni boats, each with its own captain and crew. Enhancing the magic is the opportunity to "drift to sleep" in your king bed out at sea or docked snugly at your bungalow. "Wherever and Whenever" is their philosophy on this enchanting island. A dedicated ‘Thakuru’, Maldivian butler, captain and two additional crew members, all for you, are on call 24 hours a day throughout your entire stay. Your Thakuru will take you to specially selected snorkeling spots, bring you the freshest local papaya and place flowers on your bed. Whatever you desire or need, they are there to ensure that everything is taken care of right down to the finest detail. Prior to your arrival, your Thakuru will seek information of any special indulgences you may need or desire while visiting them, maybe a Personalized dive lesson, assistance with creating the perfect moment for a proposal or even how you like your martini, shaken or stirred.