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When people think of The Great Outdoors, the word “luxury” doesn’t usually come to mind. But luxury wilderness resorts are actually more common than most people think. For those who enjoy a hike through the mountains during the day and a five-star dining experience at night, look no further – here are some of the world’s most luxurious wilderness resorts.

Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands

This 14-room resort is the perfect blend of outdoor and indoor, rustic and refined, adventure and leisure. Pikaia Lodge sits on an extinct volcano and offers everything you’d expect from a fantastic hotel – modern design, spacious rooms, panoramic ocean views, and a luxury spa. There’s even a suite with its own pool! For guests who want to explore the island, the resort has a number of jeeps on-hand that will take you around. In addition to the many walking trails, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are less than an hour away. And for guests who are looking for an adventure at sea, the resort provides overnight excursions on its eight-cabin, 100-foot-long yacht.

As an added bonus: the resort is making a positive ecological impact. Having once been in environmental danger because of too many tourists, the Galapagos Islands are seeing a resurgence of wildlife activity thanks to the ecological friendliness of the resort. This 76-acre estate now boasts its own tortoise reserve as well as 12,000 newly-planted trees that give homes back to Darwin’s famous finches. And instead of carbon-based fuel, the resort only uses bio-diesel…made from passionfruit!

Longitude 131, Northern Territory, Australia

Situated in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Longitude 131 makes sure to give visitors a full taste of the Australian Outback without taking away the comforts of home. The fifteen tent-styled cabins are decked out with plush furnishings and a spectacular private view of the remarkable sandstone formation called Uluru (Ayer’s Rock). The central Dune House holds a bar, lounge area, and high-end restaurant with a daily-changing menu and premium Australian wines. There’s also a pool with refreshingly cold water for guests to cool down in after a long day in the desert heat.

Activities include guided tours around Kantju Gorge and Uluru where you can catch the dramatic once-in-a-lifetime sunset over these natural wonders. There’s also aboriginal dot-painting workshops as well as helicopter, motorcycle, and camel rides.  Sleeping under the stars in this magical red wonderland is an experience not to miss.

Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia, Canada

Nimmo Bay Resort is the definition of a secret getaway: it’s a long journey of helicopter and boat rides, but the payoff is beyond satisfying. Smack in the middle of the Great Bear Rainforest at the base of Mount Stephens, this resort’s nine cabins don’t skimp on luxury – they include an open minibar with a lounge, dining room, and fire-pit area. There’s even outdoor hot tubs that sit right below a cascading waterfall!

Even with these gorgeous accommodations, visitors spend most of their time outdoors taking part in wilderness activities. Fly fishing, paddle boarding, whale watching, kayaking, bear watching, and boat cruises are just a few options. Want to take a hike? The resort partners with local First Nations communities that are familiar with trails and who serve as guides. And don’t forget heli-fishing: your own private helicopter flies you around the resort to find the best catch in the most isolated and pristine waters. This resort offers all visitors the true experience of being in the wilderness, all with a comfortable luxury cabin not far away.

Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

Take a ride on the wild side! This private 350,000-acre big game reserve in Tanzania’s Seregenti National Park has been named the best hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. Guests can divide their stay between four different lodges and one mobile camp, depending on what suites their tastes. The Sasakwa Lodge is arguably the most luxurious, with nine cottage suites and one colonial-styled villa. Each suite contains a fireplace, antique bath tub, private veranda, and a heated infinity plunge pool. In the main lodge, guests can relax with a drink at the bar or a massage at the spa. There’s also an archery range, and at night guests can go stargazing into the crystal blue skies.

The best treat is the lodge’s location – set right along the migratory route of more than 1 million wildebeest, one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth! There are of course guided safari tours to check out the exotic wildlife of the region – zebras, lions, gazelles, lions, oh my!

Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Costa Rica

Who knew that “upscale rainforest experience” was a thing? Founded by two former Peace Corps volunteers, this hotel places its guest directly in the middle of the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula near Panama. The resort holds 17 lavish bungalows with modern yet rustic interior that include a private patio with hammocks, outdoor showers, and a salt-water pool. For one of the best views in the world, guests can use the lookout deck and observation platform.  And if you want peace and quiet, you got it: there’s no cell phone, internet, or tv service in the suites. The resort also offers yoga classes, ayurvedic massages, and a five-star restaurant.

With waterfalls and three beautiful beaches on the property, you’d think that would be enough, but no: The resort offers wildlife tours through nearby Corcovado National Park, home to pumas, jaguars, spider monkeys, macaws, toucans, and the great harpy eagle. There’s also horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, or surf lessons. So unplug, unwind, and tune into nature at this sustainable luxury accomodation.

Honorable mentions go to Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in BC, Canada and Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Thailand. Let us know in the comment section if you’ve ever stayed at one of these resorts!