Cover Keemala is perched on a hilltop above Phuket’s Kamala Beach
Keemala is perched on a hilltop above Phuket’s Kamala Beach
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From Forestis in Brixen, Italy, to Amanemu in Mie, Japan, these luxury retreats place guests in the heart of lush greenery so that you can harness the power of the wood dragon
This year marks the Year of the Wood Dragon—so what better way to channel this powerful zodiac sign than to immerse yourself in the wilds of some of the world’s most breathtaking forests?
From Avatar-style cocoons made from woven wood and infinity pools that appear to cascade over the world’s oldest living rainforest, to a wellness hideaway in the mountains that boasts treatments rooted in ancient lore, get in touch with nature—and yourself—at these hotels.
1. Forestis, Brixen, Italy
Located deep in the Dolomites in Italy, at 1,800 metres above sea level, Forestis floats on a sea of towering pines and frosty peaks. It’s the site of a former sanatorium for tuberculosis patients; the spring water, fine weather, clean air and sunshine were believed to work wonders for lung diseases.
Its spa continues to harness the healing powers of the forest, as in its signature “forest tree circle ceremony”, a pagan-esque treatment that involves activating the properties of four “healing woods”— mountain pine, spruce, larch and stone pine—from surrounding trees, and four tree frequencies with music mimicking the trees’ acoustics playing throughout your treatment.
Its suites feature soaring windows, blond woods and deep-tub bathrooms made using Dolomite stone. Forestis’s eco-friendly, carbon-neutral design is the work of South Tyrolean architect Armin Sader. The property is also powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting its close connection with, and utmost respect for the natural world.
2. Keemala, Phuket, Thailand
There’s something about Keemala that brings out the wild in you. Perhaps it’s the Avatar-style architecture, with intricately designed luxury treehouses and thatched-roofed villas that nestle among towering trees; perhaps it’s the many platforms and walking paths that weave through vibrant, unrestrained foliage; perhaps it’s the enchanting waterfalls.
Maybe it’s all of it.
Perched on a hilltop above Phuket’s Kamala Beach, Keemala offers something earthier and more wholesome than the island’s typical beach- club-chic resorts. Take, for example, the property’s garden, which grows fruit, vegetables and herbs used in the hotel restaurant. It’s also home to a small population of rescued animals, including birds, goats and a beloved water buffalo.
Make time to visit Mala Spa which, built like a village, features eight treatment pods etched into the hills—four of which have their own sauna and steam room.
Tatler tip: We especially love Keemala’s Bird’s Nest Villas, a cocoon of woven wood featuring a glass wall that overlooks the rainforest, mountains and Andaman Sea—views that can also be enjoyed from the edge of a private lap pool.
3. Amanemu, Mie, Japan
Amanemu is located in the heart of Ise-Shima National Park, surrounded by sacred forests and Unesco World Heritage pilgrimage trails. To get there, it’s a three-hour drive—or a 25-minute helicopter ride—from Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport.
The property’s proximity to Ago Bay looms large, from panoramic poolside views to thoughtful nods to the region’s historic pearl diving culture, which dates back over 3,000 years.
The menu showcases local ingredients, such as Matsusaka, a coveted variety of wagyu, foraged herbs and seafood from the nearby waters, including spiny lobster, abalone and bonito.
Designed by the late architect Kerry Hill, Amanemu’s large freestanding pavilions are clad in dark, charcoal- tinted timbers set below tiled Japanese Minka- inspired roof lines. The intimate property features just 24 suites and six two- bedroom, steep-roofed, black cedar villas, which pay homage to Ise Jingū, Japan’s most revered Shinto shrine.
See also: 4 luxury hotels in Japan to visit for a modern ryokan experience
4. Silky Oaks Lodge, Mossman, Australia
This luxury lodge places its guests in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world. First opened in 1985, the lodge underwent a sleek AU$20 million makeover a little over a year ago.
Its 40 treehouse-style suites are built mostly from timber, with large windows that open to private decks. One of our favourite rooms is the 3,400 sq ft Daintree Pavilion, which features a spectacular open-air atrium with an infinity pool that cascades into the surrounding rainforest.
Take in the balmy, ylang ylang-scented air and the orchestra of sounds emanating from the rainforest—a chorus of birds and cicadas, leaves being rustled by resident lizards and possums, and the soothing flow of the Mossman River.
The lodge’s Treehouse Restaurant is perched over the river, and sources most of its produce from the sprawling on-site garden, which features native tropical ingredients like pandan and finger limes. Not feeling immersed enough? A series of marked walking trails surround the lodge or, better yet, guests can book a Walkabout Tour led by a First Nations Kuku Yalanji guide.
Tatler tip: For a truly indulgent start to your trip, Silky Oaks Lodge can arrange a helicopter transfer from Cairns Airport; it’s worth it for the aerial views over the Daintree alone.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
