Editors’ Picks: Top 10 Destinations for Outdoor Adventure

Amangani – Jackson, Wyoming: At Amangani, not only do you get to try nearly every outdoor sporting event imaginable, but you get a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty of the American West. The resort, not far from Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, has been voted the number-one ski hotel in North America by Condé Nast Traveler readers (the Jackson Hole area is also the place where you can go dog sledding or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge); the warmer months bring wildlife safaris, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, golf, and even the rodeo.

Image courtesy of Amangani

BodyHoliday at LeSPORT – Cariblue Beach, Saint Lucia: What’s on the itinerary during your holiday? Pretty much whatever you desire—scuba diving, archery, water skiing, windsurfing, fencing, matches and games at the Cobaril Valley Tennis and Golf Academy, and more.

Images courtesy of BodyHoliday at LeSPORT

Carlton Hotel – St. Moritz, Switzerland: There are several resort/hotel spas in Switzerland that offer prime outdoor recreational opportunities, and the all-suite Carlton Hotel is among them. Located in St. Moritz, the host city for both the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics, the property provides ample fitness pursuits on site and in the surrounding area, including: skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice-skating, hiking, and cycling. Après-ski (or hiking, or skating, etc.) activities center around the three-level spa, where you can soothe tired muscles with treatments like the Four Elements Massage.

Image courtesy of Carlton Hotel

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo – Guanacaste, Costa Rica: This spa and golf resort on the Pacific Coast hillside is all about eco adventure. On site, indulge in activities by land and sea—try hiking, golf, tennis, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, etc.; off site, explore sightseeing hotspots like Palo Verde National Park, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, and the Gulf of Papagayo via boating, thrilling jungle treks, and zip lining.

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo

Miraval Resort & Spa – Tucson, Arizona: At Miraval, bask in the Tucson sunshine and shade of the Santa Catalina Mountains while participating in challenging adventures alfresco. Options include the thought-provoking Miraval Equine Experience™ Immersion with Wyatt Webb or the Adventure Course, made up of tightropes, a climbing wall, a zipline, and more.

Image courtesy of Miraval Resort & Spa

Red Mountain Resort – Ivins, Utah: Red Mountain Resort is red-hot with outdoor fun, thanks to 30-plus hiking trails and more than 40 specialized guides trained in CPR, basic wilderness first aid, and the Leave No Trace Behind Program.

Image courtesy of Red Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Lodge – Stowe, Vermont: The first stop at this four-season resort? The spa and wellness center. The second? The Alpine Concierge® desk, where you’ll have help scheduling sports pursuits like fly fishing, golfing, or skiing (winter fans have access to 39 miles of skiing, a snowboarding half pipe, and approximately 50 miles of terrain and backcountry trails).

Image courtesy of Stowe Mountain Lodge

Travaasa Austin – Austin, Texas: A trip to Travaasa is designed to be an experiential one, with a packed schedule of activities to choose at your liking. At the Travaasa brand’s Austin location, participate in horseback riding, a challenge course, geocaching, archery, hikes, and more against the backdrop of expansive Texas Hill Country.

Image courtesy of Travaasa Experiential Resorts

Travaasa Hana – Maui, Hawaii: While we’re at it, we’re going to include Travaasa’s Hana property as ideal for outdoor adventure as well. Embrace your inner adventurist and experience standup paddleboarding, coconut husking, throw net fishing, hula dancing, snorkeling, horseback riding, etc. on Maui’s eastern tip.

Image courtesy of Travaasa Experiential Resorts

Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Banff Springs – Banff, Alberta, Canada: Rising out of the Canadian Rockies, cocooned by the Banff National Park, The Fairmont Banff Springs keeps outdoor fans entertained all year round. Among the most celebrated offerings? Access to some of North America’s most beloved ski slopes and a 27-hole championship golf course.

Image courtesy of The Fairmont Banff Springs