Hotels Closely Tied to Nature

Hotels Closely Tied to Nature

I recently delved into some amazing hotels where staying feels like immersing yourself in the surrounding landscape. From design to dining, these hotels offer a warm and familiar experience that connects you closely with nature.

1. Diriyah, Saudi Arabia: Bab Samhan, Luxury Collection Hotel

Diriyah, known as the "City of Earth," truly lives up to its name. The clay brick houses here are designed to withstand the sun and make the most of the readily available materials.

Bab Samhan seamlessly integrates into the old town, eliminating the need for traditional architectural methods. The hotel boasts exquisite design, with earthen walls that provide a naturally cool and airy atmosphere. Upon entering your room, you'll immediately feel the warmth of heavy wooden doors, traditional rugs, and hand-dyed linens.

The Jareed restaurant is equally enticing, serving dishes rich in Najdi culinary traditions. If you’re looking to explore further, the nearby Salwa Palace is a fascinating destination.

2. County Limerick, Ireland: Adare Manor

Adare Manor may not be a castle, but its Gothic Revival beauty and limestone gargoyles evoke a much deeper history than you might expect. This hotel is famous for its 365 windows and 52 chimneys — each representing a day and a week of the year.

Inside, vaulted ceilings, gold leaf, and original oil paintings transport you to a bygone era. Everything here reflects rural life, with honey sourced from the property’s own bees and wild herbs handpicked from the garden.

You’ll be treated like true nobility with falconry lessons, whiskey tastings, or Michelin-starred dinners in a stunning 40-meter-long dining room illuminated by stained glass.

3. Vommuli, Maldives: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort features 77 villas sprawled along the shores of a once-deserted island. These villas are cleverly designed with sturdy gray hues that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

The resort’s owners prioritize preserving the natural beauty of the area, encouraging activities like kayaking and paddleboarding so guests can explore the vibrant coral reefs restored by their team.

The best spot for breathtaking views is the Whale Bar, designed to resemble a whale. Here, you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the water.

4. Sabah, Malaysia: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Staying at this hotel, you'll hear the sounds of the surrounding rainforest, part of Sabah's largest mangrove forest and home to orangutans. From the chalets to the elevated walkways, every aspect immerses you in nature.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is truly an ideal destination for those who love exploring global biodiversity. It's a memorable experience for anyone wanting to learn about this precious ecosystem.

5. Oyama, Japan: Gora Kadan Fuji

Gora Kadan is a resort built on the site of a summer home for the Japanese imperial family. The hotel utilizes natural materials from the surrounding area, such as ancient wood preserved in volcanic ash and sinks carved from volcanic rock.

During your stay, you'll enjoy water sourced from the springs of Mount Fuji for onsen baths and dining, creating a truly close-to-nature experience.

6. León, Spain: Parador de León

Parador de León is one of many hotels within the parador system — historic buildings transformed into hotels. This building, dating back to the 16th century, was once a monastery and later a hospital for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

While the exterior retains its ancient charm, the interior has been fully modernized, blending classic and contemporary styles.

7. Agra, India: The Oberoi Amarvilas

The Oberoi Amarvilas offers a luxurious atmosphere reminiscent of the Mughal era, located just steps from the Taj Mahal. From handwoven carpets and teak flooring to intricately designed screens, everything harmonizes with the hotel’s design style.

8. Muscat, Oman: Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

This hotel was built to welcome heads of state and promises a unique experience inspired by the luxury of Omani sultans. With a grand lobby soaring 38 meters high and intricately carved doors, the hotel feels like a work of art.

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA: The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor sits at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, where adventure awaits. You can explore the Rocky Mountains through ziplining, hiking, biking, climbing, or horseback riding. What could be better than enjoying the views from the summit of Pikes Peak?

10. Iguaçu National Park, Brazil: Hotel Das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel

This is the only hotel located within Iguaçu National Park, surrounded by rainforest. The trail system allows you to easily spot local wildlife, but what truly sets this hotel apart is the majestic waterfall right in front.

This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable stop for nature lovers and explorers alike.