Elite Traveler Spring 2019

Luxury Waterfront Ensuite Tent CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Situated in the Unesco-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, this resort in the remote wilderness of British Columbia is an eco-safari-style tented oasis. It offers gourmet cuisine at its dining spots (the Cookhouse and Ivanhoe Glass Lounge), a restorative wellness spa menu and plenty of adventure. Rest your head in one of the LuxuryWaterfront Ensuite Tents, a Victorian-era-style, one-bedroom tent with an en-suite bathroom, ample closet space and a queen-size daybed for lounging after a day of activities. Every aspect is well thought out, from the antique furnishings and heated wood floors to the torches that light the path to your suite and the vintage oil lamps that illuminate your room by night. There’s no roughing it here —each suite has plush pillows, soft linens and fluffy cotton towels, plus antique silver and crystal decor that makes the space feel more like a luxurious home than a tent in the wilderness. After a restful night’s sleep, spend your morning sipping coffee from your private deck while you listen to the sounds of nature. Off grid Take to the Bedwell River for river or ocean kayaking, surfing, bear and whale watching, or standup paddleboarding. If land activities are more your style, explore the lush terrain on horseback. Ultimate adventurers can’t miss the DIY aerial adventure, where you design your own helicopter exploits, whether it’s a gourmet dinner atop a mountain, heli fly-fishing, heli-zip-lining or heli-yoga. Rate from $5,700 per night Contact Keshia Evans, reservations manager, info@ wildretreat.com, +1 888 333 5405, wildretreat.com

Alpine Lodge MINARET STATION, LAKE WANAKA, NEW ZEALAND

The wild and beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand are home to soaring glaciers, snowcapped mountains and startlingly blue, glacier-fed lakes. Minaret Station is located onMinaret Bay and is a 20-minute helicopter flight fromQueenstown International Airport. In fact, helicopter is the only way to access this utterly secluded hotel. It sits 3,000 ft high in a dazzling glacier valley, and you’re unlikely to see another soul in the station’s 50,000 acres, except for deer, sheep and cattle — there’s a working farm on the land. It’s not just the location that’s off-grid— the electricity and water are powered by a nearby waterfall, and beef comes from the Station’s farm. It is family owned and operated, so expect a warm, welcoming reception and a home-away-from-home vibe. There are just four alpine chalets and only eight guests at any one time, so you can be sure of total and utter privacy, or you could rent the whole place out for yourself. Each chalet is cozy and understated, with a king-sized bed, fluffy sheepskin rugs, en-suite bathroom and a hot tub outside on the deck. Each chalet also comes with its own private guide for hiking on and around the property. The chalets are connected to the Mountain Kitchen by wooden walkways, and it’s here you will gather for fine dining followed by a nightcap next to the roaring fire. There is a great deal to see and do; tours are operated by helicopter, and you can choose from heli-skiing, mountain biking, fishing, boating or hiking. Off grid Fiordland National Park is an extremely remote, nearly inaccessible UnescoWorld Heritage Site. Fly by helicopter to land directly onto a private charter vessel, then glide along the crystal waters through this imitable landscape. Try diving or fishing— the on-board chef can prepare your catch of the day. Rate $7,400 per night for exclusive use, Alpine Lodge from $925 per night Contact David Hiatt, general manager, dh@minaretstation.com, +64 344 358 60, minaretstation.com