A nature escape to reconnect with what really matters is… well, essential. Here are our five favorites from Time’s World’s Greatest Places, one of the most prestigious rankings in the world. Blending discreet luxury, breathtaking landscapes, and wild immersion, these destinations promise a timeless experience—both rejuvenating and inspiring.
Kasbah Tamadot, the local gem
Nestled at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, this luxury retreat is one of those places we may already know but never tire of rediscovering—especially now that it has claimed the 17th spot worldwide and 4th in Africa. Head to the village of Asni, just 45 minutes from Marrakech, to enjoy a soothing getaway that marries Berber hospitality with timeless elegance.
Built in the 1920s, Kasbah Tamadot was once home to a governor and an avid collector and antique dealer before becoming one of the jewels of Virgin Limited Edition.
With undeniable charm, the property wins over guests with its refined décor and high-end amenities, paying beautiful homage to the local culture. Traditional craftsmanship was once again spotlighted during the property’s restoration after the September 2023 earthquake. The result? An ever-enchanting setting, now enriched with 6 new riads, an additional restaurant, and Berber tents perched along the hillside. Here, the raw beauty of the landscape, the lush gardens, and the serene infinity pool—with majestic Mount Toubkal in the background—are utterly captivating.
What is our favorite part? The deep connection forged with the local community—through staff recruitment, and also the creation of a rug workshop and a handicraft house run by local women.
Kasbah Tamadot, Asni
Tel: +212 5 24 36 82 00
Price: Rooms available from 12,825 MAD per night
[email protected]
Eriro, the mountaintop stopover
For a change of scenery, head to Central Europe and the Austrian Tyrol to check into the most intimate hideaway in the Alps. To put it simply , a nature escape to Eriro guarantees total reconnection. Perched at 1,550 meters altitude, this discreet boutique hotel was designed as a window into the untouched forests of the region. Its signature? Simplicity and a return to life’s basic pleasures. And that ethos is felt in everything from accommodations and activities to cuisine.
Its 9 suites, all crafted from natural Alpine materials, instantly charm with their timeless rusticity. The added bonus? A location that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. This deep sense of place also comes through in the work of the chef, who strives to reflect the raw, powerful spirit of the surrounding environment. His passion for seasonality is matched only by his talent for elevating the scents and flavors of the mountain terroir: fresh spruce tips, alpine thyme, tender buds, and wild sorrel.
Eriro Alpine Hide, Ehrwalder Alm 4, 6632 Ehrwald, Austria
Tel: +43 5 67 34 05 06 – [email protected]
Price: Rooms available for a minimum 3-night stay from 20,000 MAD per night
Mbano Manor, the inspiring refuge
For a green getaway on the continent, Zimbabwe checks all the boxes. Awe is guaranteed in front of Victoria Falls, recognized as one of the natural wonders of the world. A stay at Mbano Manor offers a rare and high-end immersion while deeply respecting the local culture and environment. Nestled in a teak forest, this eco-lodge comprises 18 luxury suites, perfectly spaced to ensure privacy and tranquility. Their standout feature? A large terrace ideal for quiet contemplation, lulled by the sounds of nature. The perfect moment to enjoy a refreshing herbal tea with local flavors.
Special mention: this hidden gem is led by a visionary woman, Dr. Matifadza Nyazema, proud to share her identity and values while contributing to the development of sustainable tourism in Africa.
Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 78 89 28 776 – +263 83 28 45 096
Price: Rooms available from 6,600 MAD per night
Alta Sanctuary, the immersive hideaway
Head to Peru, and more precisely to the Tambopata region, for a nature getaway like no other. Getting there requires a bit of perseverance—muddy trails and river navigation—but once on site, the journey fades away in the face of the location’s magic. Nestled in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the Alta Sanctuary ecolodge offers the chance to live in total symbiosis with nature. Its eco-designed bungalows, with their sleek lines and open views of the jungle, sit alongside a more unusual form of lodging: refurbished cabins from the former Las Piedras biodiversity station. The crown jewel? A treehouse suspended 33 meters above the ground, offering breathtaking 360° views over the canopy.
Driven by a conservation mission, Alta Sanctuary offers guests a form of luxury that is felt rather than flaunted: the luxury of silence and a deep connection to wildlife and nature. That’s why all activities offered are designed to foster a better understanding of the endangered Amazon ecosystem. Expect to leave with a mind full of memories and a heightened awareness of our planet’s fragility.
Alta Sanctuary, Tambopata, Peru
Rates: Bungalows available for a minimum stay of 3 nights, starting at 7,500 MAD per night.
The Tree House: Available for a minimum of 2 nights, starting at 14,000 MAD per night.
Oberoi Vindhyavilas, the wild escape
Set your course for central India, at the edge of Bandhavgarh National Park, to encounter some truly fascinating animals: Bengal tigers. The starting point of this adventure is a refined tented lodge: The Oberoi Vindhyavilas. Created by the renowned Indian hotel brand, this retreat stands out for its elegance and strong regional roots, highlighted through local craftsmanship and natural resources. The property features two private villas and 19 luxury tents, all carefully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
The best part? It’s proximity to the national park, which boasts the highest density of tigers in the world. But there’s more! In these stunning wooded hills, you might also spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. One of our favorite experiences? Sunrise and sunset walks to discover the microfauna—birds, butterflies, owls, and foxes.
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, India
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 76 27 35 10 00
Rates: Luxury tent from 4,400 MAD per night
Bonus: How about experiencing the wild on the move? There’s nothing quite like boarding the legendary The Ghan, Australia’s iconic desert express:early 3,000 kilometers of contemplative travel, linking Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, crossing the striking landscapes of the Red Centre. A journey full of contrasts!
The Ghan, 3-day, 2-night journey, starting from 17,000 MAD per person
Picture (c) : Vogue
