Glamour and Adventure: 5 Incredible, Upscale Hotel Experiences That You Have to See to Believe

INTERNATIONAL

Are you seeking a bit of adventure and a luxuriously unique place to stay? You’re in the right place, as we’ve gathered the most incredible upscale hotel experiences from around the globe. From a Jersey Shore vacation to exotic destinations, there are so many wondrous places that should be on a travel lover’s bucket list. Here are a few of our picks of hotels not to miss.

Suspension bridge leading to a treehouse in the Amazon rainforest at Treehouse Lodge in Peru – an upscale hotel experience on Journey Beyond Aspen.

Treehouse Lodge

Ucayali River, Peru

For those who aren’t afraid of heights, Peru’s Treehouse Lodge is worth checking out. As the only all-inclusive treehouse property in the Amazon Rainforest, there are only 12 private houses that range from 35 to 75 feet above the ground. You’ll be up close and personal with the jungle animals, as the hotel’s website notes you might see some monkeys and birds each morning.

Each day, they offer three meals, tapping into the local Peruvian cuisine from a world-class chef. As it’s served in their main lodge (or packaged if you’re heading out for an excursion), you also don’t have to worry about any rainforest creatures or bugs.

Aerial view of Treehouse Lodge in the Amazon rainforest, Peru, surrounded by dense jungle and a nearby river.

A Little Bit of Romance

Treehouse Lodge offers a romance package for couples, including for those celebrating honeymoons, weddings, anniversaries, or vow renewals. They treat guests to a bottle of wine, cake, chocolates, and the option to have a shaman perform any ceremony with professional photos.

With the peaceful nature of the property, there are plenty of opportunities for couples to practice yoga together — or even book a specific yoga retreat. What better place to get in touch with your inner thoughts than in the middle of nature?



Modern room at Nobu Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, with a large bed, abstract mural, and ocean view from the seating area.

Nobu Hotel

Atlantic City, NJ

As the Nobu Hotel is nestled inside the Caesars Casino in Atlantic City, it is a luxurious hidden gem and a one-of-a-kind travel experience. While checking in, guests check-in at a private area with a warm towel and a welcome drink. The hotel opened earlier this year and is on the uppermost floors of the property, providing breathtaking views of the ocean in spacious rooms.

The rest of the Caesars property feels identical to its Vegas counterpart but without the chaos or crowds. There are several cuisine options on-site, whether you’re looking to sample some sushi from the lush Nobu restaurant or have the famous Beef Wellington at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Then, to unwind, the Qua spa is perfect for facials and taking a dip in the magnificent Roman Baths.

Chocolate martini and whiskey cocktail with a chocolate rim at Bar 32 in Nobu, Atlantic City.

Making the Most of Your Trip

If you’re looking for something to do outside of gambling and the casino properties, the town offers a bustling dining scene. Between starting your morning with breakfast at Gilchrist, attending a tasting at the only legal local distillery, or ending the night with a life-changing chocolate martini and sweet treats from Bar 32, there’s plenty for visitors to taste throughout their stay.

Steel Pier in Atlantic City
Atlantic City’s Steel Pier

Atlantic City Skyline

Finally, for those who might travel with children, Atlantic City has a lot of family-friendly activities. Across from the Hard Rock casino is the famous Steel Pier, which offers carnival games and rides for all ages — including their massive air-conditioned Ferris wheel. There’s also an indoor Island Waterpark, a massive arcade, and go-karting, all within the Showboat.

Snow-covered igloo-style cabins at Apukka Resort in Finland under the Northern Lights – an upscale hotel experience on Journey Beyond Aspen.

Apukka Resort

Lapland, Finland

Feel like taking a trip to the breathtaking Northern Lights? Look no further than Apukka Resort. Guests can stay in one of the premium glass igloos that provide a direct view of the night sky through the large paneled windows. To stay warm, the resort also has two main restaurants. Aitta is a rustic tribute to traditional Lappish cuisine, while Kota is a laid-back chance to dine by a fire pit.

Bedroom at Apukka Resort in Finland with panoramic windows showcasing the Northern Lights.

Embracing the Holiday Spirit

Apukka offers a few different holiday packages for travelers. A few key ones: The “It’s All About Aurora” option, which includes thermal clothing, daily breakfast, and a guided aurora hunting tour. The “Family Christmas” package gives children the chance to meet Santa Claus, go snowmobiling, and have a dinner buffet. And, finally, the “Explorers’ Lappish Week,” which provides thrillseekers with an immersive local experience in terms of activities.

To get into the spirit of winter, guests can go on a husky sled ride, see some reindeer, check out the lakeside sauna, icefish, and so much more. The resort is truly a wonderland of holiday treasures worth uncovering.

Villiers Private Jet Charter
Bedroom at Apukka Resort in Finland with panoramic windows showcasing the Northern Lights.

Naries Namakwa Retreat

Springbok, South Africa

Naries Namakwa Retreat deserved a spot on this list, purely for their mountain suites. A perfect romantic getaway, couples can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the Manor House Dining Room. And for those traveling with a larger group, the resort’s Gemsbok Lapa venue can host up to thirty people for a fun cocktail party.

Explore the Unknown

As part of your stay, Naries Namakwa partners with a few local companies for guests to go on excursions. One of these is the 4×4 Shipwreck Tour, where you will take a guided tour on the Namaqualand Diamond Coast, catching the Piratiny, Arosa, and Border wrecks and other archaeological sites. For those who are seeking a calmer day trip, there is the Namaqualand flower tour during the peak summer season — a tribute to the gorgeous nature present in South Africa.

Bedroom at Apukka Resort in Finland with panoramic windows showcasing the Northern Lights.

Six Senses

Ibiza, Spain

In northern Ibiza, Six Senses is a luxury resort that provides 137 options for rooms to stay in, giving an option to every kind of traveler. Emphasizing wellness, they offer tailored experiences from yogic masters and a rejuvenating spa spanning 12,000 square feet. The calming environment is also heightened with sound throughout to encourage creativity, courtesy of L-Acoustics.

Farm-to-Table Culinary Options

While staying at Six Senses, their dining selections use a farm-to-table method, relying on their organic Can Tanca farm in a neighboring town. The Beach Caves is a vibrant restaurant serving up Latin American dishes, making it the perfect fit for those looking to live it up in Ibiza. During the day, the Pharmacy Bar is also worth experiencing for refreshing cocktails and fresh juice by the pool.

Conclusion

There are so many luxurious options around the globe and plenty of adventure to have when it comes to traveling.

For unforgettable experiences…

Journey Beyond Aspen to discover just a few of these once-in-a-lifetime hotel experiences.

Receive our latest articles in your inbox

Subscribe to the official Journey Beyond Aspen list for new blog posts, tips & offers. Let's stay updated!