The restorative properties of nature are celebrated throughout time and culture. We have spent much time indoors this year, and also much time separated from those we love. To remedy both, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite retreats across the US that make the most of their natural surroundings and can accommodate a group. So gather your friends or family and take some time to regenerate amongst fresher air — as Henry David Thoreau said, ‘I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.’
Camp Sarika by Amangiri
Hike about 30 minutes from Utah’s iconic Amangiri hotel to discover their new luxury retreat, Camp Sarika. Surrounded by 600 hectares of vast desert, the camp consists of just ten canvas-tented pavilions — each with a private pool — meaning total seclusion.
The cosy, personal atmosphere is a mecca for gathering friends of family to escape from it all in one of the most dramatically beautiful locations on earth. Fully disconnect from the busyness of life and take advantage of activities such as wellness sessions, scenic sunrise helicopter flights, canyoneering, horseback riding and guided hikes through the surrounding desert and mountains. Evenings are best spent around the fire pit, cooking s’mores and stargazing under the crisp desert skies.
Scarp Ridge Lodge by Eleven Experience
Located in Crested Butte, Colorado, this European-style chalet has a facade reminiscent of an old western town. Featuring incredible amenities such as an indoor saltwater pool, rooftop hot tub and oxygen-enriched air, the six-bedroom lodge presents a luxurious retreat when you aren’t hitting the slopes.
Space and amenities mean you can bring a large group; there is a media room and a children’s playroom to accommodate guests of all ages. Make the most of the area’s annual average of 450 inches of snow during winter months, or visit during summer and hike or bike through more than 750 miles of nearby trails, along with many other activities such as fly fishing and rock climbing.
Blackberry Mountain Homes
Set deep within Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, these luxury homes on the family-run Blackberry Mountain resort are immersed in nature and have incredible views. Offering a plethora of space, each home has four bedrooms and every amenity you’d want and expect, such as soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, game rooms and laundry facilities.
Two restaurants, spa and wellness options, and a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities make this an attractive family destination. As we’ve spent so much time indoors, this opportunity to really become immersed in nature, alongside the ones you love, is quite special — paddle along the lakes and rivers, go for a hike or trail run. You can even camp beneath the stars.
Sleeping Indian Ranch
Travel 50 miles from Telluride, Colorado to the secluded Cimarron Ridge to discover this private lodge and working cattle ranch. A picture-perfect bolthole for groups of friends or families, the eight-bedroom home can accommodate everyone. Revel in splendid isolation whilst engaging in adventures of all types within the comfort of warm hospitality and amenities such as a private chef and butler, an outdoor bar, cigar room, playroom and gym.
Summers can be spent hiking, fishing and horseback riding. During winter, try heli-skiing and snowmobiling within the sublime wilderness — and discover mountain wildlife such as moose, mountain lions, elk, black bears and more. Roam free whilst reconnecting with the great outdoors, making lasting memories with loved ones.
Primland Mountain Homes
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are truly spectacular and seem endless. There are a range of simple yet cosy, lodge-style homes that can accommodate up to 14 guests, offering supreme seclusion. Engage in many adventurous activities, year-round, including things like tomahawk throwing, tree climbing, RTV trail riding and stargazing.
Four onsite restaurants offer everything from fine dining to pub fare, all of which incorporate local ingredients whenever possible and can be delivered to your home; don’t miss the Stables Saloon barbecue buffet. The spa incorporates myriad therapies and techniques to offer treatments for everyone from children to couples to the elderly.
To book any of the above adventures, please contact the experts at Quintessentially Travel.
