We’re declaring 2022 as the year of self indulgence. After two years of lockdowns, isolation and travel restrictions, we all deserve a little luxury. Consider this your signed permission slip to treat yourself to whatever brings you the most joy: extravagant holidays, business class flights, decadent feasts… they’re all part of the brief. Need a bit of inspiration? Start dreaming outside the box with our list of 10 unique luxury resorts and hotels to stay at in 2022.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a stay at this magical mountain retreat in the hills of Nara. Surrounded by rice paddies and expansive vistas, and overseen by a Shugendō monk, the 200-year-old lodge offers up a traditional take on luxury for up to 10 people at a time. https://www.visitnara.jp
The newly renovated ICARO on the Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol offers up a front row seat to the grandeur of The Dolomites. At an altitude of 1,910 metres, the national park is virtually car-free, and the views from the outdoor pool are enough to take your breath away. Inside, the hotel is awash with colour, and walls are dotted with contemporary art from notable South Tyrolean artists. https://www.hotelicaro.com
Experience an eco-friendly oasis just an hour north of Auckland at this boutique luxury lodge. Surrounded by more than 20 acres of ancient podocarp forest and native bush, Te Arai Lodge offers unbeatable views of rolling hills and the surrounding islands of the Mangawhai coast. With a farm-to-table ethos and only the warmest hospitality, Te Arai Lodge offers the comfort of a family holiday with the vistas of a luxury escape. https://tearailodge.co.nz
Experience the plains of Savannah from Central-West NSW at Dubbo’s Zoofari Lodge. Offering up unmatched views of giraffes, rhinos, zebras and antelope right from the cabins, plus access to safari night tours and animal encounters, this is Taronga Zoo at its best. https://taronga.org.au/
Lean into life in the Hollywood Hills at this glamorous California hotel. Fusing modern luxury with LA’s historic film and music scene, the hotel pulses with energy (and certainly dresses the part). With interiors inspired by ocean waves and dusky SoCal skies, and taken up a notch with sweeping views of the Sunset Strip, Pendry invites you to relax into the cultural fabric in style. https://www.pendry.com/west-hollywood/
Branded a ‘year-round outdoor playground,’ Chileno Bay Resort in Los Cabos is just that – an oasis of beach, pool and sky. Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, the fresh ceviche and margaritas are only beaten by the surrounding azure waters. Settle in on a sundrenched hotel terrace or spend your days by the central three-tiered pool. https://aubergeresorts.com/chilenobay/
Unfolding across the highlands of Virginia are the imposing Blue Ridge Mountains: a natural paradise of forest-cloaked peaks and sun-dappled valleys. At the heart of this pristine wilderness is Primland Resort, situated on a 12,000 acre mountain estate. Stay in the country club-style main property or in intimate tree houses, for a dreamy view of the surrounding valley. Don’t miss the on-property observatory for an unparalleled look at the stars. https://aubergeresorts.com/primland/
This traditional ski lodge is the ultimate winter wonderland. Utah’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa, the European-style lodge is nestled amidst the peaceful alpine of Deer Valley – a ski-only destination. Unparalleled access to the groomed slopes and the leather chairs beside a crackling fireplace are trumped only by the views – pure bliss. https://www.steinlodge.com/
Located in the far western reaches of the Serengeti, you don’t get much more remote than this. Spacious decks provide the perfect lookout over the river over sunset, or you may prefer the view of the seasonal hippo pools from the lodge’s enviable infinity pool. Twice a day the Lodge runs game drives, giving guests the chance to see lion prides, hyenas and large plain heards in their natural habitats. After a full refurbishment, &BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge will reopen in June 2022. https://www.andbeyond.com/
Opening this year, Wildflower Farms balances farmhouse elegance with wild woodlands, nestled amidst the Shawangunk mountains. Disconnect from city life in free-standing bungalows and cottages, decorated in autumnal hues and surrounded by fragrant wildflowers. Partake in the harvest at the property’s namesake farm, collect eggs from the organic hen house, or relax into the rhythm of the country with a walk along the river. https://aubergeresorts.com/wildflower-farms/
