Top 25 Adventure Vacations for Couples

There is nothing like sitting back and relaxing with a view after a day of hiking and exploring the great outdoors. These unique lodges, tents and hotels let you see wildlife, lush forests and pristine beaches from their rooms and restaurants. Most are eco-friendly getaways with sustainable practices that preserve the surrounding nature. Some of these lodges are near a sandy beach, others are located high in the mountains, surrounded by pristine forests and historic attractions. Destinations range from the Arctic and Peru to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Himalayas. Here are some of the best adventure vacations for couples. Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is a coastal hideaway with spectacular ocean views on Kangaroo Island in Australia. You will feel like you are floating above the cliffs because of the awesome floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms, restaurants and even in the guest showers at the lodge. The lodge is located in Hanson Bay on the southwest coast of Kangaroo Island, Australia's third largest island, known for its abundant wildlife and spectacular natural scenery. It is is often referred to as Australia's Galapagos because of the incredible wildlife.

You will get a chance to explore this diverse destination through the signature tours and excursions. There is abundant wildlife, sea lions at Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park and private charters. Guests are accommodated in 21 luxury suites offering incredible views of the ocean and the wilderness through the huge glass windows. Each suite has a sunken lounge, glass walled bathroom and an outdoor terrace with a daybed. Luxury amenities include a complimentary room bar, twice daily housekeeping, heated floors and a plush robe.

The restaurant has a daily changing menu that incorporates the best local ingredients, complemented by fine South Australian wines. The spa offers a selection of traditional and modern treatments, a steam room, chill lounge and Australian-made Li'Tya spa products. If you want to get married in the most unusual setting, event planers can help you put together your dream wedding. All-inclusive rates start at AUD $990 per person per night (61) 8 8559 7347). Photo: Southern Ocean Lodge

The Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert is an eco-friendly where guests are accommodated in traditional felt tents of Mongolia's nomadic herders called gers. Each ger has a wood burning stove, a hand-painted wood framed king size bed, a private bathroom and mongolian-style bathrobes. There are 20 gers in the camp which all offer scenic views of the desert and the Gobi-Altai Mountains. Dino House offers music, dance and a library. Guests dine at The Bulagtai Restaurant which serves dishes made from locally grown organic fruit and vegetables (+1 800-998-6634). Photo: The Three Camel Lodge

Enjoy incredible views of the North Cascade Mountain Range in Washington while staying at the Sun Mountain Lodge which is surrounded by one of the best cross-country trail systems in North America. The property offers a diverse choice of accommodations, from scenic rooms at the Lodge to 16 romantic lakeside cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces and private patios overlooking the lake. In the evening, celebrate with a dinner at the AAA Four-Diamond Award Dining Room with a Wine Cellar that offers 3,500 bottles of Northwest, California and international vintages. The Wolf Creek Bar & Grill serves casual meals with spectacular views of the valley.

Couples have an array of activities at their fingertips, regardless of the season. In the summer, there is horseback riding, cowboy dinners, fly fishing, boating, hiking and hot air ballooning. Winter activities include over 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, guided backcountry adventures, sleigh ride dinners, snowshoeing and ice skating. The spa at Sun Mountain Lodge offers massages, facials and a choice of spa packages. Rooms start at $95 per person per night. Read more Photo: Sun Mountain Lodge

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Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is located next to the famous ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. The hotel offers luxury guest rooms, delicious Peruvian cuisine, and a range of tours. After a day of exploring the ruins, relax with a massage and stroll through the lodge gardens which offer stunning views. Choose from 29 rooms and two luxury suites. If you are planning a honeymoon, book a "Deluxe Twin Mountain View & Terrace" room so that you can admire the beautiful Peruvian mountains straight from your bed. The terrace is a beautiful spot for morning breakfast or a snack during the warmer season. Room rates start at US $910 per night. Frequently you can find packages and special offers, especially if your travel plans are flexible. Phone: +51 84 211038 Photo: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

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Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of the frozen, white world of the Arctic with a stay at one of Churchill Wild’s fly-in polar bear eco-lodges. The only operator in the world to offer such an opportunity, Churchill Wild promises an experience of a lifetime. Stay at one of the numerous rustic yet luxurious wilderness eco-lodges that are located along the Hudson Bay Coast, where you can explore the spectacular landscapes and its wildlife in comfort and style. Lodges feature plush furnishings, expansive windows to maximize the beautiful views over the Hudson Bay, large en-suite bedrooms with cozy fireplaces, and modern amenities.

Delicious full service meals are served at each of the lodges, where you can savor a variety of superb, gourmet food made with fresh local ingredients. Uniquely located to experience the Arctic’s wildlife in an unrivalled way, days are spent on the lookout for polar bears, caribou, black bears, beluga whales and the breath-taking display of the Northern Lights. Phone: +1 204-878-5090 Photo: Churchill Wild

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A luxury safari camp near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Central Australia, Longitude 131 offers a wilderness adventure vacation like no other. Experience unforgettable sunrises, sunsets and exclusive safaris. At night, enjoy awe-inspiring star gazing while the resident star-talker points out Southern night sky constellations. The camp, situated atop an isolated sand dune, accommodates only 30 guests at a time, offering a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. The focal point is the Dune House which includes a dining area, bar, library, lounge and a pool. Guests are accommodated in individual tents with stone floors, natural rugs and unique bathrooms. The 15 tents are named after different pioneers and showcase some of their achievements, from the early 1800s up to now. The restaurant serves contemporary Australian cuisine. The communal seating arrangement allows guests to meet fellow travelers (+61-2-9339-1030). Photo: Longitude 131

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Located at 8,000 feet in the Himalayas, Shakti 360 Leti is a luxury hideaway for eco-conscious couples seeking an authentic experience. There are just four private guest accommodations which feature contemporary design combined with some of the most impressive mountain views. Outdoor adventures include treks, mountain hikes and fishing. Dine with a view of the Great Himalaya range, relax next to the fireplace, enjoy stunning sunsets and stargazing at night. The resort is open from October through mid-April. It's a good idea to plan at least a 3-night stay because of the property's remote location. You can get there by private charter or by train from the Old Delhi Railway Station. For a complete immersion in the local Indian culture, combine a stay at Shakti 360 Leti with a Shakti Kumaon Village Walk. Local guides will take you through remote villages, temples and markets in the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. 3-night packages start at $2,400 USD per person (shaktihimalaya.com). Photo: Shakti 360 Leti

Hotel de Glace, located 30 minutes west of Downtown Quebec City, Canada, is open for winter season from the beginning of January through March. The hotel is made entirely of ice and snow - each year it melts and is built back from scratch. The hotel offers a wedding chapel and features for families, such as an ice slide. Galleries at the Ice Hotel Quebec feature events such as ice paining and ice sculpting competition.

Guests have a choice of different winter adventures, including cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow shoeing, dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sliding. There are two heated outdoor hot tubs and a sauna; remember to pack your bathing suit on your family vacation. VacationIdea.com Tip: You don't have to stay at the hotel to view its interior - sign up for one of the 30-minute guided public tours. Rates for overnight stays start at $199 CAD per person, based on double occupancy (418-875-4522). Photo: Ice Hotel Quebec

Just a short drive from Sydney lies this beautiful hideaway with sweet mountain air, stylish guest rooms and many outdoor activities. Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, a Luxury Collection Resort, is located in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. Guests are accommodated in a historic mansion with lush gardens, an indoor pool and just 85 rooms and suites. The spa offers a menu of body and beauty treatments. Guests can relax next to the indoor and outdoor pools after their treatment. Try the 4-hour Lilianfels Retreat, a signature treatment that includes a body polish, wrap, massage, facial and foot therapy.

The decor is Old World-style with floral designs throughout the hotel, and pink, green or lila-themed rooms. Rooms have deep soaking bath tubs, marble bathrooms and scenic views.Darleys Restaurant just reopened after a renovation and offers a new menu. The hotel is an adventure getaway with stunning views and a comfortable base for exploring Australia's Upper Blue Mountains including Katoomba, Leura and Mount Victoria. Rates start at 350 AUD (+612 4780 1200). Photo: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort

Palacio Nazarenas in Cuzco, Peru offers 55 beautiful suites with stunning mountain views. Swim in the outdoor pool, relax at the spa and enjoy luxury accommodations on your adventure vacation to Peru. The property offers 24 hour room service, a pillow menu and an iPad preloaded with a city guide, dining ideas and games. Ask for Z Collection suites with balconies and original Inca and colonial décor. The spa at Palacio Nazarenas offers a menu of Inca and Andean culture-inspired treatments that incorporate indigenous Peruvian ingredients such as flowers, herbs and pink Andean salt. Photo: Palacio Nazarenas

Saffire Freycinet in Tasmania is a getaway for outdoor enthusiasts interested in eco-friendly destinations. The hotel features unique architecture that blends into the surroundings. Views from the hotel are incredible and the spa is ultra relaxing. The hotel has 20 stylish suites decorated in modern style with huge picture windows offering lake and mountain views. Each suite features Tasmanian timber furniture, a relaxation area, Geneva iPod music system, double shower and a bath. The best part of the suite is the private outdoor deck where you can have a romantic breakfast with a view. Ask for one of the Signature Suites which overlook Great Oyster Bay.

The Private Pavilions have their own plunge pools, kitchens and complimentary French champagne. The spa offers yoga, meditation, and a menu of services integrating eastern and western techniques. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and adventures, including hiking, relaxing on the beach, exploring Freycinet National Park and deserted islands. Suites start at AUD $1,800 per night (+61 3 6256 7888). Combine your green trip with the scenic Bay of Fires Walk or a stay at the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Photo:

Stunning beauty of the Himalayas combined with local artisan cheeses, fruit and fresh pastries? Yes please! Perfect for couples and families alike, these awesome picnics can be arranged at Wildflower Hall, Shimla. A former residence of a lord, the castle hotel was restored with wood paneling, infinity edge pools, hand knotted rugs and original artwork to offertravelers an incredible place to stay at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas. You will be surrounded by scenic views and pristine forests of pine and cedar.

Ask the butler (available 24 hours a day) to arrange a picnic with a view. Go for a hike in the surrounding forest go work up an appetite or visit the fitness center. Oberoi Spa offers holistic treatments based on Ayurvedic, Asian and Western therapies. Try one of the Signature Indigenous Rituals, such as the 2.5-hour Himalayan Romance which includes body exfoliation, aromatic steam bath, relaxing massage and a bath with a views of the Himalayas. Room rates start at $225 per night. Photo: Wildflower Hall

Hotel Monasterio in Cuzco, Peru, is a luxury hideaway with historic accommodations and spa services. The property houses an extensive art collection and a chapel. Guests can request an expert guided tour. Take a cooking class and learn how to prepare Peruvian dishes. Guest rooms, junior suites and suites are furnished with rich wood furnishings and antique artwork. Several rooms and nearly all suite offer an oxygen enrichment system to offset the effects of high altitude.

Ask for a Deluxe Room with a view of the cobbled streets of Cuzco. Junior Suites feature split-level layouts with stairs leading down to a living area. Royal Suites are among the most luxurious, offering a large private terrace for outdoor dining and relaxation. Explore the historic city of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. You can take a two-day trek to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, or a four-day tour along the Inca Trail. El Tupay serves international cuisine and Illariy Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine. If you are busy exploring the city and prefer a take out, head to Deli Monasterio. The Lobby bar serves drinks and offers live afternoon Jazz music. Room rates start at $445 USD per night. Photo: D'July/Fotolia

Get away to Grasmere Lodge where you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor adventures in a beautiful mountain setting. The lodge is located in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Set at an altitude of 2,300 feet, the property is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and hiking trails in the neighbouring Arthur's Pass National Park. The lodge has eleven guestrooms and suites overlooking the lake and the mountains. The rooms feature jacuzzi baths and private decks with chairs from which you can enjoy the scenery. Fresh mountain air combined with numerous outdoor activities will ensure that you get plenty of good sleep on your trip.

In the summer, which is from December through February, guests can relax in the teak loungers that surround the heated outdoor pool. The pool house includes a gym, small kitchen and a changing room. Complimentary activities range from sightseeing excursion and tennis to bird watching, canoeing and fly fishing. The chefs prepare delicious meals using seasonal locally grown produce. If you have any diet restrictions, the property can accommodate your request with advance notice. The lodge has a wine cellar that holds 5,000 bottles of fine wine.

Rates start at $NZ 600 per person per night plus tax. The rate includes breakfast, pre-dinner cocktail hour and a five-course dinner. The lodge is located 90 minutes from Christchurch city on the South Island. The best way to get around is by car. If you do not want to drive, contact the lodge for more information about plane, helicopter and train travel options (+64-3-318-8407). Photo: Grasmere Lodge

For those who love the mountains, the Alpenroyal Grand Hotel in Val Gardena, Italy is a five star getaway with great food, a spa and scenic views. You can't go wrong with any room you decide to book since all accommodations offer spectacular views of the Dolomites and the Alps. The Junior suite is worth the extra expense because it includes a scenic terrace and a living area, giving you more space. Junior suites and suites are close to the beautiful mountain lake Curat where you can swim in the summer and relax on the beach.

The hotel's spa facilities are a great place to visit after a day out hiking or skiing. Spa facilities include a Steam Bath, Thermarium, Thepidarium, Armonium and indoor and outdoor Finnish Saunas. There is an outdoor hot wirlpool with panoramic views. The property has a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves world cuisine that incorporates Alpine herbs and plants, Mediterranean and Indian flavors. Rooms start at 101 Euro per night (+39) 0471 79 55 55. Photo: Alpenroyal Grand

Plan a romantic luxury vacation at Amangiri, Aman Resorts' second resort in the United States. Guests enjoy incredible views and quick access to the Four Corners, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet.

The resort is located on 600 acres and blends into the surrounding nature with its unique architecture. Guests can choose from 34 romantic suites overlooking incredible rock formations of the valley. The property has a 25,000 square foot spa with beautiful water features, and the Floatation Pavilion for color therapy-enhanced flotation treatments. Ask for a massage on one of the outdoor terraces and enjoy views of the mesas. Stay fit on your honeymoon by working out at the fitness center which offers the latest high-tech equipment. Suites start at $875 USD per night (435-675-3999, amanresorts.com). Photo: Amangiri

A quiet retreat in Lake Louise, Alberta, Dear Lodge is a destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and get away from the stress of their job. Hike on nearby trails, walk the shores of the lake, and relax in the rooftop hot tub. There is a free shuttle bus to the ski area during the ski season. There are 73 Tower, Heritage, and Lodge rooms all with private bath, duvet comforters, and an in room safe. None of the rooms have televisions or VCRs and all of the rooms are non-smoking. The Mt. Fairview Dining Room with great views of the Victoria Glacier, offers a menu of Rocky Mountain Cuisine, and has an award winning wine list. The Caribou Lodge is open for breakfast and lunch. The property is 4 kilometers off of the Trans Canada Highway, a 2-hour drive from Calgary. Rates range from $90 to $290 CAD. There are a number of packages offered in low season (403-410-7417). Photo: Deer Lodge

For vacationers who love the outdoors, Kenauk in Canada offers many great activities and accommodations in secluded forest cabins. Enjoy fishing, hunting, shooting at the sporting range, canoeing on the beautiful Papineau Lake and hiking. Choose from one- to six-bedroom cabins with a fully equipped kitchen, outside barbecue, furnace and hot water tank. The cabins are off the grid, so the power is provided by solar energy. You will probably relax with a barbecue in the privacy of your own cabin. But if you decide to dine out, head to the main restaurant or the bistro bar at the nearby Chateau Montebello. There is no cellular coverage at the hotel, but there is free Wifi at the entrance building and in the parking area. Photo: Kenauk

La Reunion Golf Resort in Guatemala is home to Fuego Maya Boutique Hotel offering just 26 luxury suites with views of the volcanoes and the golf course. The design for the scenic 18-hole Fuego Maya course was inspired by the Mayan calendar. Fuego Maya Academy offers instruction for all levels of expertise. Activities include hiking, bird watching, squash, tennis and a fitness room. There is a kids club for younger guests, which will give you time to relax next to the infinity edge pool and get a massage at the spa. Each luxury suite has a private plunge pool and a terrace with comfortable lounge chairs. Enjoy elegant decor featuring modern fabrics, hand woven indigenous textiles and hand carved wood.

The Mirador Restaurant serves fresh fish, meat and pasta dishes. For breakfast, you will have a choice of exotic fresh fruit and eggs. The Snack Bar by the pool serves sandwiches, salads, soups and barbecue on weekends. Rates start at $380 per night (+502 7873 1400). Photo: La Reunion Resort

Evason Ma'In Hot Springs in Jordan is a unique luxury hotel located in a scenic valley 264 meters below the sea level. The hotel is a desert oasis, complete with traditional Bedouin tents and Arabic-style structures in the bottom of a deep canyon just beside a creek. There are many beautiful hot spring waterfalls all around the hotel. This is a getaway for spa enthusiasts looking for a unique desert setting. The hotel is 60 minutes from the Queen Alia International Airport and 30 kilometers away from the mosaic city, Madaba. There are 97 suites and guest rooms furnished in Arabic style with international touches, featuring a rich palette of orange and burnt ochre colors, pale plaster walls and light-wood flooring.

Floor-to-ceiling windows open out to balconies with stunning views of the mountain and the Dead Sea. Spa suites, perfect for those who like receiving in–room treatments, have a separate spa room, a separate living room and three balconies. Ask for one of the suites with a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. Choose from three restaurants, including a traditional Bedouin tent, an Arabic-style restaurant and an international restaurants with spectacular views of a waterfall. Arabic and Mediterranean dishes that use organic herbs and vegetables from the garden are especially good. The home-made ice cream is a must-try also. The property has several great bars and lounges which serve wine, cocktails, mocktails, tapas and other beverages. The Cellar is the place for cheese and wine tasting.

Six Senses Spa is sure to be one of the highlights of your stay. It is located just below a natural hot spring, which flows into the relaxation area and pool. There are ten treatment rooms and a unique steam cave where you can relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting. Signature treatments include Dead Sea therapies and Asian treatments. Room rates start at USD $215 per night (+962 5 324 5500). Photo: Evason Ma'In Hot Springs

Hotel Paracas, a Starwood Luxury Collection hotel, is a unique adventure getaway on the scenic coast of Peru. The hotel has its own yacht, luxury spa, swimming pools and a children's program. Guest rooms and suites feature decor inspired by the sea and the Pre-Incan Paracas culture, including fabrics and floor coverings with abstract geometric patterns. Guest rooms have 400 thread count bedding, 37" LCD televisions, iPod alarm clocks, and High Speed Internet Access. In the bathrooms, guests find signature bath amenities, a full tub, shower, and bidet.

If you want more room to spread out when you return home from your adventure, book one of the luxury suites which offer extra living space and other amenities. The Solarium Suite has two spacious terraces from which you can see the ocean. The Plunge Pool Suite has its own pool and stunning views of the ocean. The wellness center is a unique retreat for the senses located directly across from the nature reserve. The diverse menu of spa services and treatments includes massages, exfoliations, facials and body treatments. Signature amenities include the therapeutic water circuit, a salon and a gym. Explorer's Club is a place for kids to socialize and participate in fun and educational activities, including treasure hunts, shell collecting on the beach, and Wii and Playstation championships on a 50" plasma television. Dine on a selection of Peruvian and Mediterranean flavors. Ballestas Restaurant serves dishes inspired by Peru while Trattoria serves authentic Italian dishes. Room rates start at USD $162 per night (51)(56) 581333, starwoodhotels.com. Photo: Hotel Paracas

The Royal Palm is a unique Galapagos Islands getaway, located on 370 scenic acres on Santa Cruz Island. The hotel is an all-inclusive paradise for nature enthusiasts who will often come face to face with giant tortoises on the grassy fields. There are just 10 villas, three suites and four veranda studios, offering its guests plenty of privacy. Guest villas are decorated with handpicked art and handcrafted furnishings. They have indoor jacuzzis, great for relaxing after a day of exploring the island. Choose from eight Highland Villas, two Highland Family Villas, Casitas, the Royal Villa, the Presidential Villa and the two-bedroom Prince of Wales residence. Tables are set on tropical wood flooring and large arched glass doorways open up to reveal the landscape beyond.

The restaurant serves regional Ecuadorian dishes and international favorites with locally sourced ingredients. You can taste some of the freshest fish, delivered by the local fishermen. An open fireplace divides the restaurant and bar area. The bar has plush sofas and an extensive wine list. The property has an outdoor pool, sauna, gym, Jacuzzi and steam rooms. The hotel is 20 minutes from the port town of Puerto Ayora where you can go shopping and dine at the various restaurants in the area. The Charles Darwin Research Station is well worth a visit to learn more about the area. All-inclusive 3-night packages start at $2,622 per person. The rate includes return transfers, all meals, activities, excursions and taxes (royalpalmgalapagos.com). Photo:

Amangani is a romantic 40-suite mountain getaway located high above the town of Jackson, 7,000 feet above sea level. Amangani is a great place where couples get to relax and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains. The resort's luxury suites come with a bedroom, living room and a deck with scenic views of Jackson Hole. After a day out hiking or skiing, soak in a deep tub set against a tall window in the privacy of your own room. The lounge features a high redwood ceiling, two-story windows and twin wood-burning fireplaces where you can snuggle with a book.

The health center has two exercise studios, four treatment rooms and separate steam rooms for men and women. Guests can choose from a number of activities, including aerobics, yoga and meditation. In the summer, swim in the 35-meter pool with great views of the mountains. Visit the nearby Grand Teton National Park and drive north to Yellowstone. If you are traveling with kids, Jackson Hole is a family-friendly vacation destination. In the winter, ski at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where the hotel keeps a ski lounge.

The 65-seat dining room features a wood-burning fireplace and scenic views through large windows. The restaurant serves steaks, chops and seafood. In the summer, the area offers a range of outdoor activities for the whole family, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching and fly fishing.The town of Jackson is home to numerous art galleries that sell painting, pottery, and photography (amanresorts.com). The hotel is located 20 minutes from the Jackson Hole Airport where you can rent a car. Rates start at $595 per night for a suite (877-734 7333, 307-734 7333). Photo:

Khwai River Lodge in Botswana has been making a series of innovative improvements that make wildlife watching even better. Sliding glass doors have been installed in all tents, allowing vacationers to watch wildlife from the moment they wake up. At night, visitors get to use special night-vision binoculars with a 455 ft viewing range. Other technological improvements at the lodge include the addition of high definition Zeiss Conquest binoculars which make it even easier to watch eagles hunting, elephants playing in the mud, and more. Tents have also been upgraded with Wi-fi internet access.

The property overlooks the floodplains of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve. You can watch animals from your private deck, furnished with easy chairs and a hammock. Luxury tents are set on raised wooden platforms and have a traditional African thatch roof. Inside, there is a bathroom, a fully-stocked mini-bar, a four-poster bed complete with mosquito netting, and air conditioning. The Lodge has its own spa - you can enjoy alfresco treatments at the spa or on your own private decks, using products derived from local plants. Moremi Reserve is situated at the heart of the Okavango Delta which has just been voted the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve extends north and east to join Chobe National Park. The lodge has a fitness center and a relaxing spa - you can request a massage right on your private deck for ultimate relaxation.

The lodge has an outdoor swimming pool for swimming laps and cooling off during the day. The high-powered telescope can be used for wildlife watching and stargazing at night. If you want to stay connected while on the road, access the internet and satellite TV in the main lounge. Enjoy same day laundry service which is convenient so that you don’t have to worry about bringing too much clothing. The Traditional Boma is the place to go for dinners and local performances. If you need to purchase clothing and gifts, the property has a shop with safari wear, local art and crafts. A reference library is available for learning about the area. There is a private airstrip at the lodge, making it easy to get to. Your safari will include a round-trip flight from Maun, three meals daily, all snacks and drinks. Wildlife watching is included, as well as national park fees and emergency medical evacuation insurance. Belmond has been operating in northern Botswana for more than 20 years. Look for deals and packages when booking your stay, such as "Best Available Rate" which gives you the lowest cost in your chosen timeframe. If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, look at Belmond journeys which let you visit several destinations and stay at Belmond's other luxury lodges as well (+27 (0)21 483 1600, 1 800 957 6137). Photo:

The Fairmont Mara Safari Club is located in the world famous Masai Mara Reserve of Kenya in its Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area. The Mara River surrounds the adventure resort from three sides. This tented resort is among the finest resorts in the African wilderness. You can see crocodiles and hippos on the other side of the river from your veranda since the property is on the foothills of Aitong Hills.

There are 50 luxury tents which is spread over an area of 20 acres. Each tent has its own veranda and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor living space. The tents 12 and 12A offer the best views of the African wilderness. At times you will see crocodiles and hippos right next to your private porch. This is the most comfortable way to see African wildlife in its natural habitat. Inside, you will find elegant furniture with African designs. There are soft white linens, comforters, leather framed mirrors and wardrobes. Premium accommodations with outdoor showers are located at the farther end, so you'll enjoy more privacy. There is a separate area for private diners as well.

There is one indoor restaurant in the main lodge serving nutritionally balanced and fresh food. Specially prepared meals are served to guests with specific diet requirements like heart disease, gluten-free and diabetes. There is also the outdoor dining option. Enjoy both African and global cuisine, accompanied by music performances. African theme is even more prominent in the bar and public lounge. There are leather sofas, cowhides, Congolese stools and an enormous fireplace. The bar serves a variety of wines and alcoholic drinks. Enjoy your snacks and drinks while listening to piped music. Or you can head to the pool with its outdoor bar. The property offers a striking wedding experience. Traditional maasai marriage ceremonies can be arranged, with you and your partner wearing traditional tribal clothing. >Maasai chanting and dance is performed during the wedding. There is joyful singing and dance, while the laibon pours milk on the couple's feet. Bush lunch, dinner and breakfast is served with cocktails or sundowners. Luxury tent rates start at $679 USD per night. Photo: