From Rwanda’s forest fringes to Borneo’s tropical island hideaways, these 11 stays range from rainforest retreats to wooded coasts and rice-field landscapes.
Some stays look onto ancient forest. Others sit on wooded islands, coffee estates or the rice fields around Ubud. Across these 11 retreats, you can set out on a guided wildlife trek, explore the coast by boat or on foot, then return to a villa close to the landscape.
Wild Jungle Haven – One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda
One of Africa’s oldest jungles is right on your doorstep at Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort, Rwanda. Stay in a villa or treehouse beside Nyungwe National Park, then head out on a guided chimpanzee trek or canopy walk. Keep your eyes on the branches along the way – the forest’s residents don’t keep a schedule.
Back at the resort, The Dining Room serves dishes made with Rwandan produce and herbs, with tea fields just beyond. After a day among the trees, try the Forest Awakening ritual at the spa. It combines an outdoor massage with an African mud scrub, bringing the jungle into your time to unwind.
Gaya Island Resort, Malaysia
Within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort sits between rainforest, a century-old mangrove forest and sheltered coral bays. With no cars on the island, paths lead from the villas into the jungle and down to the shore. Follow the Proboscis Monkey Jungle Trail with a resident naturalist and look for monkeys in the canopy; hornbills, monitor lizards and mangrove crabs make their homes among the trees and roots.
For a quieter pause, visit Spa Village Gaya Island, set among the mangroves. Its treatments draw on Sabah’s Indigenous traditions, including Kadazandusun rice-scrub rituals.
Rayavadee, Thailand
On Krabi’s Phranang Peninsula, jungle-covered limestone cliffs rise behind three beaches. Rayavadee’s two-storey pavilions sit among tropical gardens and coconut groves, with Thai-inspired interiors and outdoor terraces. Follow the garden paths between your pavilion and the shore, and look out for spectacled langurs or hornbills in the canopy. More than 250 kinds of ferns and herbal plants grow across the grounds, giving even a short stroll a few things to look for.
At Phranang Beach, The Grotto serves meals beneath a limestone cliff, with the Andaman Sea beyond. Back from the beach, wander over to Rayavadee Spa.
Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia
On Krabey Island, forest canopy runs down towards the sea. Six Senses Krabey Island tucks its pool villas among the island’s natural vegetation, leaving space for birds and butterflies to find a home. Each villa has its own plunge pool and sundeck, with the forest just beyond.
Take a dip in the oceanfront infinity pool, watch a film by the shore or head out to snorkel over the coral reef. Complimentary watersports offer another way to get out on the water; back on land, four restaurants serve dinner with the island close at hand.
The IBNII Spa Resort, India
Coffee once grew across this 125-acre estate in the hills of Madikeri. Today, The IBNII Spa Resort offers a quiet base among the greenery, with forest walks and nearby waterfalls for days when you feel like stretching your legs. Back at the resort, start the morning with yoga or take time out at Manja – The Spa for a facial or signature ritual. Five dining venues give you plenty of choice when it’s time to refuel.
Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia
On Pangkor Laut, rainforest runs down to the beaches and sea. Pangkor Laut Resort spreads its villas across the island, from Tropical Hill Villas above the canopy to overwater Sea Villas. Stay among the trees and you may hear hornbills overhead; a guided jungle walk with a resident naturalist offers a closer look at the island’s forest.
The rainforest also leads to Spa Village, where bath houses, herb gardens and treatment pavilions draw on Malay, Chinese and Indian healing traditions. After a walk beneath the canopy, it’s a different kind of island trail to follow.
The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, Malaysia
An 18th-century French château is an unexpected sight in the tropical rainforest of Bukit Tinggi, but here it sits – The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort looks across the green slopes of Berjaya Hills, less than an hour from Kuala Lumpur. Settle into a room or suite before heading to spend the day between La Santé Spa and the resort’s dining venues. The Japanese Village Garden and its forest paths are nearby when you’re ready to step outside the château.
Off-grid eco-retreat – Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp, Indonesia
Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp, located on the peaceful Indonesian island of Lombok, is the ultimate off-grid nature escape. Without the distraction of Wi-Fi or TV, this unique eco-retreat invites you to switch off from the world and unearth a unique luxury hideaway. Stay in one of just 11 eco-friendly beachfront lodges and get lost within 55 hectares of luscious forest fringed by white-sand beaches.
From the moment you arrive at this secluded cove, you are immersed in nature: snorkel right off the beachfront, enjoy world-class surfing, try kayaking, go fishing, and set out on otherworldly hikes. For the best views, wake early to watch the sunrise over neighbouring Sumbawa Island.
Want to know more about Lombok? Read Things to Do in Lombok: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay & Play
Sustainable Island paradise – Zeavola Resort, Thailand
It’s all too easy for your troubles to melt away the moment you step foot in Zeavola Resort. This five-star resort enjoys an elevated position high on a bluff, surrounded by palm-filled, seemingly endless lush rainforest, cascading down to gleaming white sands and a turquoise ocean.
Days can be spent exploring the magical underwater world at the onsite PADI diving centre, splashing in the crystal-clear ocean, ordering a tropical cocktail, or whiling away an entire afternoon at the heavenly Zeavola spa. When the sun sets, head to Tacada restaurant for an alfresco feast overlooking the glistening shores, where authentic royal Thai dishes, innovative cuisine and island-sourced produce await.
Balinese Bliss – Tanah Gajah, Indonesia
Hidden among the undulating hills and rice paddies of Ubud, the award-winning Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana is an ultra-luxe rainforest resort, where every suite and villa enjoys unbeatable forest views. Spend days resting and recharging (made easier when you have a private butler) or explore the nearby artists’ village of Ubud.
Revel in dramatic Kecak dance performances, visit the resort’s lotus ponds and reflection pools, dine amongst the rice paddies in the two onsite eateries, unwind at the holistic spa or take to the skies with Bali’s first hot-ballooning adventure.
For more travel inspiration, read Penang with a Bang: 7 Unique Things You Can Only Do on this Malaysian Island
