For the discerning traveller seeking an unparalleled escape, America's vast wilderness holds a secret: a collection of extraordinary hotels where isolation meets impeccable five-star luxury. Far from the crowds and deep within some of the continent's most breathtaking landscapes, these remote retreats offer elite service, stunning accommodation, and a profound connection with nature for those planning adventures in 2026.
From Glacial Peaks to Desert Canyons: America's Ultimate Hideaways
The concept of 'roughing it' is entirely redefined at these exceptional properties. Imagine sleeping on a glacier in Alaska with a private chef at your service, or floating in a mesmerising pool set within Utah's Martian-like desert. Guests can soak in geothermal springs under Arizona's rugged ridgelines or enjoy cocktails in the deep forests of New York's Adirondack Mountains. Other enticing prospects include a lodge perched 5,000 feet high in the Great Smoky Mountains, a New Mexico reserve with its own vast private wilderness, and a Montana ranch offering authentic cowboy experiences.
Sheldon Chalet, Alaska: The Pinnacle of Seclusion
Perched on a rocky outcrop on the Ruth Glacier inside Denali National Park at about 6,000 feet, Sheldon Chalet is arguably the most remote luxury hotel in the United States. With no road access, the only way to arrive is via a spectacular helicopter transfer from Talkeetna, roughly 55 miles away. The world you enter is one of silent, snow-draped mountains, broken only by the wind and the sounds of your private chef preparing a gourmet meal. Despite the extreme isolation, five-star comforts abound, including panoramic-view rooms, plush beds, and a cedar-wood sauna. Guided glacier treks, ridge hikes, and 'flightseeing' helicopter tours are key activities, while evenings are for stargazing and potential Northern Lights viewings from the deck.
How to get there: Fly to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, then travel by road or summer rail to Talkeetna (115 miles away). The final leg is a helicopter flight to the chalet's helipad. Cost: All-inclusive packages begin at $32,000 per night for up to 10 guests across five bedrooms.
Amangiri, Utah: A Desert Oasis
Nestled beneath a towering cliff in the southern Utah high desert, Amangiri is an oasis of hyper-luxury on a 900-acre private estate. It lies approximately 125 miles from the nearest major city, St. George. The landscape of dramatic slot canyons and red rock formations feels utterly otherworldly. The resort is centred around a stunning outdoor pool and a world-class spa. Adventures here range from the thrilling—like tackling the private Via Ferrata climbing circuit—to the serene, including guided desert hikes to Navajo sites and horseback rides. After dark, the pitch-black skies are perfect for celestial stargazing tours.
How to get there: The hotel arranges private transfers from Page Municipal (25 mins), St. George Regional (2h 15m), or Las Vegas (4h 30m) airports. Helicopter arrival is a popular choice. Cost: Rates start from $3,500 per night across its 34 suites.
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona: A Historic Sanctuary
Blending history with modern off-grid luxury, the adults-only, all-inclusive Castle Hot Springs is hidden in a secluded Sonoran Desert canyon. Once a wellness refuge for pioneers and early 20th-century elites, it promises a total reset. The naturally fed, mineral-rich geothermal waters flow into three cascading pools and private tubs, central to the experience. Soothing outdoor massages and sound baths complement more active pursuits like horseback riding, Via Ferrata, and desert e-biking. Guests dine on farm-to-table cuisine sourced from the property's own gardens.
How to get there: Transfers can be arranged from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, 60 miles away. The final seven miles are on a dirt road, recommending a 4x4 for self-drivers. Cost: All-inclusive rates begin at $1,600 per night. The property has 31 rooms.
Eastern Wilderness and Vast Private Estates
The Point Resort, New York
Set on a 75-acre private peninsula on Upper Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks, The Point Resort offers secluded five-star luxury in the Eastern U.S. This former Great Camp for William Avery Rockefeller II, now a Relais & Châteaux property, blends wilderness with refined interiors featuring antiques and claw-foot tubs. The atmosphere is that of an intimate house party, with daily cocktail hours, multi-course dinners, and bonfires. Activities span archery, boating, and fishing to axe-throwing and winter snowshoeing.
How to get there: The nearest regional airports are Saranac Lake and Adirondack Regional (each 25 mins by car). The final approach is via a private, forested drive. Cost: All-inclusive stays start from $2,500 per night in one of 11 rooms.
The Swag, North Carolina
This captivating retreat sits at 5,000 feet on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering 360-degree wilderness views. As a recently declared DarkSky-certified lodge, it provides telescopes for unparalleled stargazing. Hiking the park's biodiverse trails is a highlight. Accommodation features handmade quilts, wood-burning fireplaces, and private outdoor soaking tubs.
How to get there: Nearest airports are Asheville (1h 5m) and Knoxville (1h 20m). A steep, unpaved road leads to the hotel, with a 4x4 transfer service available. Cost: All-inclusive rates from $750 per night across 18 rooms and cabins.
Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, New Mexico
This property boasts a staggering 558,000-acre private wilderness reserve—one of the largest in the U.S.—teeming with bison, elk, bears, and wolves. The estate is deeply committed to rewilding and species protection. Guests can explore this vast 'personal national park' via horseback riding and guided treks before retiring to luxurious rooms in historic cottages or a private lakeside retreat.
How to get there: Most guests fly into Colorado Springs Airport, approximately a three-hour drive away. Cost: All-inclusive packages begin at $1,200 per night. There are 48 rooms in total.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
Set within 6,600 acres of wilderness, this all-inclusive ranch provides a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The rate covers not just accommodation and farm-to-table meals but a vast array of activities: horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, shooting, and winter sports like snowmobiling. Accommodation ranges from lodge suites to glamping tents, all fitted with premium linens.
How to get there: The primary gateway is Missoula International Airport, a 90-minute drive away. Cost: All-inclusive stays start from $2,800 per night across 31 accommodations.
These seven remote luxury hotels represent the pinnacle of escape, proving that the most profound wilderness experiences can be enjoyed without forgoing a single creature comfort. For those planning an extraordinary trip in 2026, they offer a unique blueprint for adventure wrapped in five-star serenity.
