Back to Nature: Elevated Off-the-Grid Getaways
Want to disconnect from it all but aren’t quite into roughing it? We’ve got you! We asked five Scouted luxury travel advisors for their recommendations on how to best commune with nature without sacrificing first-rate hospitality and accommodations. Whether you opt for a strenuous family hike followed by a Michelin-level meal or a morning of fly-fishing paired with an afternoon of pampering at the spa, read on for our experts’ favorite places to go off the grid. To find a Scouted travel expert, consult The Scout Guide Directory.
Photography courtesy of Amangani.
Yellowstone National Park
“The best kept secret about Yellowstone National Park certainly isn’t the park itself, but when to travel there. While the park receives millions of visitors each year, it’s at its best during the quieter winter months when luxury accommodations and unique experiences make this snowy wonderland shine. You can’t beat a stay at Amangani where you’ll snuggle under cozy blankets, sipping hot chocolate in front of a fire, after a day spent dogsledding to Granite Hot Springs. If you prefer a sleigh ride you can glide along the banks of the Snake River to a private camp where you’ll enjoy appetizers around the fire, followed by a gourmet dinner inside a heated tent. If you feel up to a trek, strap on your snowshoes and work up an appetite before arriving at an igloo with snacks, drinks and s’mores around the campfire. The Hotel Jackson is a fabulous option for those who want to stay in the heart of Jackson Hole or Sage Lodge in Pray, Montana, just north of Yellowstone. Private snowcoach and snowmobiling opportunities are offered throughout the park to explore the popular summer sites (geysers, waterfalls, wildlife) in a whole new way.” — Megan Habig, owner of Restless Mind Travel in Carmel, Indiana
Photography courtesy of Sage Lodge.
“Set in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Amangani provides a stunning location, an outstanding level of hospitality, and a range of activities ideal for a traveler looking to explore nature while relishing in the comforts of a world-class resort. Each room features oversized windows, perfect for enjoying the surrounding landscape. Because of this luxury resort’s close proximity to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, you have easy access to top-notch private safaris with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris or Yellowstone Safari Company. I also highly recommend fly fishing with the experts at Snake River Angler or Teton Fly Fishing, or catching a sunrise on a hot air balloon with Wyoming Balloon Company. If you’re interested in combining your visit at Amangani with a stay at their sister property, Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah, the resort will coordinate a helicopter ride from one property to the other. With a quick fly over of the Grand Canyon on your way, it’s a hard option to beat.” — Jennifer St. John, luxury travel advisor and owner of Jaunt Away in Tampa, Florida
Photography courtesy of Castle Hot Springs.
Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, Arizona
“Only an hour from the Phoenix airport, Castle Hot Springs is an oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Imagine saguaro cactus and sunshine as far as the eye can see, with the occasional sighting of a wild burro. All rooms are private cabins, including some with stone tubs where you can soak in mineral rich hot-spring waters. Guided hikes, yoga, paddle board yoga, meditation, axe throwing, and archery are just some of the complimentary activity options offered. Guests can soak in some of the most beautiful and unique hot springs in the world or take advantage of the onsite spa for a quiet and healing experience. The adults only policy helps to maintain tranquil vibes. Meals are included in the daily rate and guests enjoy farm-to-table options including produce grown on site. No stranger to big name visitors, it’s a little-known fact that John F. Kennedy took respite here after World War II.” – Eli Ditlevson, luxury travel advisor at Your Travel Joy in Phoenix, Arizona
Photography courtesy of The Lodge of Blue Sky.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Park City, Utah
“The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, Utah, offers the perfect blend of nature and contemporary design. Located in the Wasatch Mountain range, the resort has the most breathtaking mountain views and access to acres upon acres of pristine wilderness. Guest accommodations range from a stay at the luxurious Sky Lodge, the tranquil Earth Suites, or the charming Creek Houses. A glorious property in and of itself, I am especially fond of the outstanding spa which features unique, regionally inspired treatments. Not to mention the incredible cuisine that will make you never want to leave.” – Lisa Thornton, owner and luxury travel advisor of Thornton-Hall Travel in Greenville, South Carolina
Photography courtesy of Post Ranch Inn.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
“Perched on rugged cliffs above the Pacific Ocean in Big Sur, California, you will find the posh Post Ranch Inn. This adults-only resort lets guests fully immerse themselves in 100 acres of redwood forest. Each of the 40 spacious and private guestrooms and guest houses feature ocean, forest, or mountain views. Many have soaking tubs, and each room has a king-size bed, wood-burning fireplace, and private deck. There are no televisions or alarm clocks, allowing you to unplug from the day-to-day grind and dive into the surroundings. Amenities include an excellent spa, nature walks, yoga, guided sound baths, forest meditation, and falconry. I also highly encourage you to dine at Sierra Mar, a Michelin-star restaurant, located on site. For a quintessential Big Sur day trip, I like to take a drive up Highway 1 North (don’t forget to fuel up with a latte and pastry from Big Sur Bakery) to Pfeiffer Beach, Andrew Molera State Park, and Garrapata State Park, all of which are within 30 minutes of the resort and boast incredible hiking and rich views.” – Eli Ditlevson, travel advisor at Your Travel Joy in Phoenix, Arizona
Photography courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch.
Brush Creek Ranch, Saratoga, Wyoming
“Brush Creek Ranch is situated on 30,000 acres of pristine land, surrounded by the breathtaking Medicine Bow National Forest. The ranch offers unmatched views of the Rocky Mountains, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. Enjoy endless activities like fly fishing with llamas, shooting, horseback riding, archery, and even participating in a cattle drive. This resort provides every amenity that you need to enjoy a luxury vacation right in house. The ranch’s culinary team sources from their own gardens, has their own creamery, distillery, greenhouse, and even boasts their own 100% American Wagyu cattle. Thanks to the stellar scenery, endless activities, and luxurious accommodations, this superior resort has been proven time and time again to be one of the ultimate off-the-grid luxury experiences.” —Jennifer St. John, luxury travel advisor and owner of Jaunt Away in Tampa, Florida
Photography courtesy of Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase.
Under Canvas, Multiple Locations
“Under Canvas is a business that utilizes safari-inspired tents in 12 of the nation’s most stunning park locations. I recently stayed at the Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase location and cannot wait to experience another location in the near future. I suggest making your lodging and activity reservations as far in advance as possible. Activities vary by location but include the likes of guided hikes, canyoneering, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, jeep safaris, and horseback riding. Their delicious onsite restaurants serve seasonal, locally sourced meals as well as grab-and-go options. A perfect choice for those that want to commune with nature in a more elevated way, the tents offer running water, flush toilets and showers, as well as battery-powered lights and fans. When you’re back from exploring the nearby parks you can take part in yoga classes, enjoy live musical performances, movie nights, scavenger hunts, and more.” — Brenda Tasso, owner of Brenda’s Adventure Travel in Southlake, Texas
If adventuring outdoors in an elevated manner appeals to you, check out Scouted van experts The Vansmith, who can turn your wanderlust dreams into a reality.
Jaunt Away appears in The Scout Guide Tampa & St. Petersburg. Restless Mind Travel appears in The Scout Guide Hamilton County. Brenda’s Adventure Travel appears in The Scout Guide Southlake & Grapevine. Your Travel Joy appears in The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. Thornton-Hall Travel appears in The Scout Guide Greenville. The Vansmith will appear in The Scout Guide Boulder.
