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Wilderness Vacations - Our Top 20 Spots for "Roughing It" in Romantic Luxury

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Author: Greg Mattson, Excellent Romantic Vacations Editor

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Nov 12, 2021  

Need a romantic trip and a breath of fresh air? So do we! Here's some travel ideas for couples in more remote, secluded wilderness settings.

Secluded Vacation Lodge in Alaska

The "relaxation destinations" featured here highlight hotels & resorts, cabins, B&B's, and ranches away from the cities and crowds, but not so far off the beaten path you need a 4X4 and a machete! And even though you're in the woods, many of these resorts and lodges have comparable amenities to your favorite Marriott or Hilton hotel, for a sense of luxury in the wild...

Please Note: Prices are approximate only and subject to change. Please check with the hotel(s) before making bookings and firm travel plans.  

Romantic & Secluded Wilderness Lodging in the U.S. 

1. Alaska

Secluded Resort in AlaskaAlyeska Resort, Alaska
  • Alyeska Resort - luxury chateau-style resort set in a beautiful valley with both ocean and mountain views, and only 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Take advantage of on-site skiing, spa, dining, pool, as well as numerous nature trails and walking paths to explore the Alaskan wilderness. 2021 ERV Rating* for Alaska Wilderness Resorts: 88% - Very Good. Rates from $139/night. (1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood AK 907-754-2111) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

2. Arizona

Arizona Romantic Guest RanchSaguaro Lake Guest Ranch in Arizona
  • Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch - a collection of 20 rustic cabins set next to the Bulldog Cliffs just 30 min drive east of Mesa, AZ. Activities include kayaking, tubing and horseback rides, and in the evening Ranch Dinners, Cowboy Cookouts and great desert sunsets. 2021 ERV Rating* for Secluded Arizona Resorts: 96% - Excellent. Rates from $189/night. (13020 N. Bush Hwy, Mesa AZ 480-984-2194)

3. California

California Wilderness Resort, YosemiteSunset at the Pool, Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
  • Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite - 3 hours from San Francisco and on the doorstep to Yosemite National Park, with rooms, suites and hillside villas outfitted with gas fireplaces and private decks. Activities include swimming, guided hikes, biking, fishing, s'mores around the fireplace and much more. 2021 ERV Rating* for California Wilderness Lodges: 86% - Very Good. Rates from $229/night. (34001 Hwy 120, Groveland CA 209-379-2373) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

4. Colorado

Gateway Canyons Luxury Colorado Resort
Luxury Suite at the Gateway Canyons Resort
  • Gateway Canyons Resort - in a state full of wilderness vacations and mountain resorts, our choice for a secluded getaway is this newly-updated luxury resort in Western Colorado's secluded Unaweep Canyon. There's accommodation in Lodge rooms or their new all-inclusive Casitas, and activities range from hiking, mountain biking and UTV riding to Colorado wine country tours. Amenities include 3 pools, hot tub, spa and Tesla charge stations. 2021 ERV Rating* for Wilderness Vacations in Colorado: 92% - Excellent. Rates from $219 /night. (43200 Colorado 141, Gateway CO 970-931-2458) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes
  • Hotels.com Nature Destinations - Save on your next trip to the great outdoors across the country. Free cancellations on most hotels when you book now and stay later.

5. GEORGIA

Georgia Wilderness ResortBrasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Destination Wedding North GeorgiaNewlyweds in North Georgia Mountains
  • Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa - travelers from Atlanta seeking solitude usually head up to North Georgia, and that's exactly where you'll find this romantic Blue Ridge Mountains retreat. There's both lodge and cottage suites, and activities include swimming, hiking, golf, horseback riding, guided lake tours, rafting and much more. 2021 ERV Rating* for Georgia Wilderness Resorts: 82% - Very Good. Rates from $209/night. (6321 Hwy 76, Young Harris GA 800-201-3205) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes 

6. Idaho

Wilderness Lodge in IdahoTalus Rock Retreat, A Luxury Lodge in Sandpoint, IDaho
  • Talus Rock Retreat - although it's only 1 mile from downtown Sandpoint ID, seclusion is easy to find at this luxury Idaho wilderness lodge. Just out the back door, there's a 30-acre woodland ideal for hiking, snowshoeing and mountain biking. For accommodation, there's themed rooms, the Hideaway Cottage, or the Signature Suite, a honeymoon favorite with a jetted Whirlpool tub for 2. 2021 ERV Rating* for Idaho Secluded Lodges: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $119/night. (291 Syringa Heights Rd, Sandpoint ID 208-255-8458) 

7. ILLINOIS

Goldmoor Inn, IllinoisRelaxing and Peaceful Goldmoor Inn, a Luxury B&B in Western Illinois
  • Goldmoor Inn - occupying a lovely secluded spot along the banks of the Mississippi River on the Illinois/Iowa border. We loved our stay at this luxury B&B, which has both suites and luxury cottages and cabins, some with in-room Whirlpool tubs. 2020 ERV Rating* for Romantic Illinois Country Inns: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $295/night. (9001 Sandhill Rd, Galena, IL  800-255-3925) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

8. MAINE

Maine Luxury Wilderness ResortSecluded Maine Waterfront Inn - Inn by the Sea
  • Inn By The Sea - wilderness, luxury, oceanfront. That's the Inn by the Sea. And convenient, as it's located just 15 minutes from Portland ME. The Beach Suites are especially romantic, with patios, gas fireplace, soaking tubs and ocean views. Outside you'll find an unspoilt beach, pool, kite flying, complimentary bikes for lighthouse exploring, and evening s'mores by the fire pit. 2021 ERV Rating* for Maine Oceanfront Luxury Resorts: 92% - Excellent. Rates from $249/night. (40 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth ME 207-799-3134) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

9. Michigan

Western Michigan Lakefront ResortSunset, Bay Pointe Inn in Western Michigan
Michigan Wilderness Lodge SuiteWhirlpool Suite - Bay Pointe Inn, Michigan
  • Bay Pointe Inn - get set for a great vacation in Western Michigan's romantic outdoors! This luxury lodge is ready for you with an indoor pool & hot tub, pontoon boat and kayak rentals, an on-site award winning farm to table restaurant, and cottages and lakefront suites, all in a great waterfront location on the shores of Lake Gun in Western Michigan. 2021 ERV Rating* for Luxury Michigan Wilderness Lodges: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $149/night. (11456 Marsh Rd, Shelbyville MI  269-672-8111) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

10. Minnesota

Wilderness Resort in MinnesotaLakefront at the Grand View Lodge, MN
Grand View Lodge, MinnesotaRomantic Room at the Grand View Lodge, MN
  • Grand View Lodge - historic lodge on Gull Lake in Central Minnesota, with dining, golf, an on-site spa, and a whole range of activities to choose from. The resort occupies several hundred acres, with over 2500 ft of beachfront area to explore and relax on. 2021 ERV Rating* for Minnesota Wilderness Vacations: 86% - Very Good. Rates from $189/night. (23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa MN 866-801-2951) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

11. Montana

Montana Wilderness ResortLone Mountain Ranch, Big Sky Montana
Luxury Cabin Getaway in MontanaRomantic Log Cabin in Big Sky, Montana
  • Lone Mountain Ranch - Big Sky Country is home to some terrific wilderness experiences, and the Lone Mountain Ranch can offer a generous amount of both relaxation and adventure. Whitewater rafting, painting & photography, horseback riding, dog sledding, snowshoeing and lots more. Romantic log cabins are luxuriously outfitted with amenities such as wood stoves, clawfoot tubs, stone fireplaces and King beds. 2021 ERV Rating* for Montana Wilderness Lodges: 94% - Excellent. Rates from $369/night. (750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky MT 406-995-4644)

12. New York State

Secluded Resort Upstate New YorkWhiteface Lodge - NY Wilderness Resort
Whiteface Lodge Luxury RoomRoom at the Whiteface Lodge
  • Whiteface Lodge - luxurious, rustic, and romantic. Welcome to your NY State wilderness getaway at the Whiteface Lodge, just a short drive from Lake Placid but tucked away in a secluded spot surrounded by the Adriondack Mountains. Suites feature cast iron fireplaces, heated floors and private balcony, as well as amenities like robes and turndown service. Activity-wise, check out the indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, campfires, bowling alley (!), movie theater and skating rink. 2021 ERV Rating* for Upstate New York Wilderness Lodges: 92% - Excellent. Rates from $429/night. (7 Whiteface Inn Lane, Lake Placid NY 518-523-0505) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

13. North Carolina

North Carolina Wilderness InnGreystone Inn, Blue Ridge Mountains NC
Luxury Blue Ridge Mountain InnSuite at the Greystone Inn
  • The Greystone Inn - historic and luxurious retreat on the shore of private Lake Toxaway, deep in NC's Blue Ridge Mountains. Fill your NC getaway with lake and mountain exploring, or stick closer to home with swimming, golf and spa services. Accommodation is in one of their Swiss-styled Mansion rooms, or in a luxury cottage overlooking the lake. 2021 ERV Rating* for NC Blue Ridge Mountains Luxury Inns: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $279/night. (220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway NC 828-966-4700) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

14. Ohio

Ohio WildernessHocking Hills, Ohio
Ohio Wilderness ResortInn & Spa at Cedar Falls
  • The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls - ideally located in the heart of Ohio's Hocking Hills wilderness area, this inn offers a choice of lodging in luxury cabins, yurts, cottages or B&B rooms. A complimentary hot breakfast is yours each morning, there's an on-site full-service spa, and romantic dining at their Kindred Spirits restaurant. 2021 ERV Rating* for Ohio Wilderness Resorts: 90% - Excellent. Rates from $199/night. (21190 State Rte 374, Logan OH 740-385-7489) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes 

15. Oregon

Oregon Oceanfront LodgeOverleaf Lodge & Spa, Yachats OR
Oceanview Jetted Tub Suite, Yachats ORWhirlpool Suite at the Overleaf Lodge
  • Overleaf Lodge & Spa - the Oregon cost is a natural draw for wilderness lovers, and the Overleaf Lodge is extra-special for it's outstanding oceanside location, with waves crashing, storm watching, wildlife and tide pools just steps from the front door. In addition to the wonderful beach combing, highlights are the Inn's luxury water view suites, spa, wine tastings, seaside picnic baskets and more. 2021 ERV Rating* for Oregon Oceanfront Lodges: 96% - Excellent. Rates from $189/night. (280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats OR 541-547-4880) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes 

16. pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Wilderness ResortSecluded PA Lakefront - The Lodge at Woodloch
Lodge at Woodloch SuiteLuxury Suite, The Lodge at Woodloch
  • The Lodge at Woodloch - luxury all-inclusive lodge on 400 acres of prime wilderness in the Pocono Mountains, just 90 minutes drive from NYC. Accommodation includes suites with marble baths and verandas, and for activities, there's spa treatments, cooking classes and wine tasting as well as hiking, guided walks and kayaking in and around the resort's own private lake. 2021 ERV Rating* for Secluded Pennsylvania Resorts: 96% - Excellent. Rates from $489/night. (109 River Birch Lane, Hawley PA 570-685-8500) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

17. texas

Luxury Resort in Texas Hill CountryTexas Hill Country - Lost Pines Resort
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort PoolPool at the Lost Pines Resort & Spa
  • Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa - a Texas Hill Country AAA 4-diamond resort on the Lower Colorado River, and just a 30 minute drive from Austin. Enjoy luxury accommodation and on-site spa, as well as 400+ acres of hiking, climbing, kayaking, fire pits and relaxation by the pool and lazy river. 2020 ERV Rating* for Texas Luxury Wilderness Resorts: 82% - Very Good. Rates from $289/night. (575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Lost Pines TX 512-308-1234) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

18. Virginia

Luxury Suite - Primland, Virginia
  • Primland - pick your style of accommodation: lodge, mountain home, cottage, cabin or...tree house! Don't let the "Busted Rock" address fool you though, this VA resort high in the Blue Ridge Mountains awaits with Wi-Fi, soaker tubs, and a 2-story wine room. 2021 ERV Rating for Virginia Wilderness Vacations: 96% - Excellent. Rates - Contact Hotel. (2000 Busted Rock Rd, Meadows of Dan, VA  866-960-7746) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

19. Washington State

Couple at Sun Mountain Lodge
  • Sun Mountain Lodge - about 230 miles NE of Seattle, WA, and fully outfitted for both warm weather and winter activities. Lodge or lakefront cabins include fireplaces, Whirlpool tubs, private decks, with onsite dining just steps away. 2021 ERV Rating* for Washington State Nature Getaways: 84% - Very Good. Rates from $179/night. (604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop, WA  800-572-0493) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes 

20. Wyoming

Wyoming Wilderness GetawayView from the Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson, WY
  • Spring Creek Ranch - located on a wildlife sanctuary with amazing views of Wyoming's Teton Mountains. Choice of Inn, Townhouse or Villa accommodation, with summer and winter activities ranging from horseback riding to white water rafting and sleigh rides and tubing. 2021 ERV Rating* for Wyoming Ranch Getaways: 80% - Very Good. Rates from $191/night. (1600 N. East Butte Rd, Jackson WY 307-733-8833) √ COVID Safety Plan: Yes

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific ratings for romantic accommodation include:

  • Amenities: including Whirlpool bath or JACUZZI® Tub, scenic view, fireplace, lounge, etc
  • Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
  • Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families, business travelers, etc)
  • Popularity: based on social media & crowd-sourced reviews 
  • Value: product offered compared to room rate 
  • Please Note: percentage ratings are not absolute but for comparative use only  

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