Luxury trekking lodges: From Australia's Red Centre to the Himalayas
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Situated in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, this luxurious fortress was bought by Sir Richard Branson during one of his famous ballooning expeditions. The resort has 27 rooms, including nine berber-style tents, the sort traditionally used by the North African tribe. However, you won't be camping in the traditional sense; these tents come with private decks, sun loungers, king-size beds and roll-top baths. Some even have their own private Jacuzzi. All suites are individually decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques. And for those seeking a truly lavish stay, check into the Master Suite. It's styled like a miniature kasbah, with three bedrooms, a large roof terrace and a private pool. If you can tear yourself away, there are plenty of options to get out into the surrounding area, from short village walks to longer mountain hikes.
Asni, Morocco (020 8600 0430; virginlimitededition.com). Doubles from MAD4,890 (£339), B&B.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru
Made up of 85 casitas (small houses) tucked among the trees of the Peruvian Andes, this resort is surrounded by hot springs and walking routes; crucially, it is within easy access of the Inca Trail. The houses overlook either the orchid gardens or the Vilcanota River, and are decorated with local materials – think eucalyptus- beamed ceilings and thick alpaca-wool blankets. Each has a dining area, and some feature fireplaces, terraces and plunge pools. Also on offer is a glass-walled restaurant, and a wooden hut housing a spa that offers treatments with an Andean twist.
Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Peru (00 51 1 6100 400; inkaterra.com). Doubles from US$319 (£213), B&B.
Fogo Island Inn, Canada
Located on an island off the coast of Newfoundland, this X-shaped lodge is perched on stilts. The building's angles and vertical lines complement the rough slabs of ancient granite that surround it. Inside, the lodge is decorated with traditional furniture, hand-crafted quilts and woven rugs. The 29 suites each have floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Atlantic surf outside, and most also have a wood-burning fireplace, where you can warm up after a day hiking the coastal trails.
Joe Batt's Arm, Newfoundland, Canada (001 709 658-3444; fogoislandinn.ca). Doubles from CA$875 (£469), room only.
Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
This family-owned lodge, in the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, sleeps 30 guests, and includes activities such as night walks, game drives, horseback safaris, and bush walks in the price of a stay. Rooms are split across two locations; the main site, the Motse, has nine cottages with four-poster canopy beds, stone walls, outdoor showers, and wooden decks from which guests can watch the wildlife. There is also a spa. The second site, Tarkuni, is the owners' private retreat, and can be booked for groups of up to 10.
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa (00 27 053 781 9331; tswalu.com). Doubles from R10,600 (£606), full-board.
Longitude 131, Australia
Forget fighting the crowds for a view of the sunrise over Uluru; here you can admire it from your own room. These 15 luxury tented pavilions in Australia's Red Centre are perched on stilts, and feature glass walls with sliding doors opening out on to views of the iconic rock formation. Each room also comes with a complimentary bar, an iPad and wi-fi. In the main Dune House is a library of books, maps, historical artefacts, movies and games, while outside there's a pool with a terrace.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia (00 61 08 8957 7131; longitude131.com.au). Doubles from A$1,100 (£568), full-board.
Shakti 360 Leti, India
With just four private guest pavilions, this mountain lodge will suit those after peace and quiet. Ringed by the Himalayas in the in the state of Uttarakhand, the lodge sits in stunning wilderness, 8,000ft above sea level. Guests can enjoy mountain and village walks, go rafting or fishing in nearby rivers, or take yoga and meditation sessions. Tuck into a gourmet meal in the communal lounge-dining area and watch the sunset by the outdoor fire pit.
Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India (00 91 124 456 3899; shaktihimalaya.com). A three-night minimum stay costs $2,400 (£93)pp, all inclusive.
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