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10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

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Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

 

Experience The Most Luxurious Lodges in Alaska

Escape to Alaska, where you can see a Kodiak brown bear in its natural habitat, bask in the midnight sun, and relax in a hot tub after a hike through the Denali mountains. Home to some of the most incredible ecosystems in the world, Alaska is also an underrated spot for luxury lodgings and five-star hospitality. Here are 10 of our favorite stays in Alaska to spend your days fishing and whale watching, and your evenings with curated menus and cozy fireplaces.

 

kodiak alaska luxury trip

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Borealis Basecamp

Imagine sleeping under a clear ceiling, a blanket of stars in the Alaskan sky above you. Then, the dancing lights of the aurora borealis begin, and you can enjoy it from the comfort of your bed. The igloos at Borealis Basecamp make this bucket list experience a reality. Located in Fairbanks, you can count on even more bucket list items to come true at Basecamp: dog sledding, reindeer meet & greet, a champagne snowcoach tour at sunset, and more!

 

aurora borealis alaska

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Sheldon Chalet

Arrive to Sheldon Chalet via weeks-long climbing excursion, or take a small plane to the base of this lodge. Located in the heart of Denali National Park, you can’t get more secluded and immersed than this. With just five bedrooms, this unique chalet is complete with gourmet dining experiences, contemporary accommodations, and a whole roster of adventure opportunities. Trust us—this unmatched luxury experience is worth the dramatic means of entry.

 

cabin alaska

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Locals have been lounging in the Chena Hot Springs for over 100 years, and now you can too. This sustainability-focused resort offers access to their relaxing pool house, the natural hot springs lake, and a seat at their “greenhouse-to-table” restaurant. They also offer fantastic massages and year-round outdoor activities. Visit for the day, or choose to stay the night and watch the Alaskan night sky from your heated yurt!

 

alaska wildlife

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Tutka Bay Lodge

Tutka Bay Lodge has earned a spot on CN Traveler’s Readers Choice Award for three years. Take a boat or seaplane to visit this oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Kirsten Dixon—the chef best loved for creating dishes based on fish, meat, and produce local to Alaska—heads up the kitchen here, so you don’t want to miss out on a meal at Tutka Bay. Cozy cabins help you feel like you’re part of this natural landscape, and each of them offer a perfect view of the water as the sun goes down.

 

tutka bay

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Kodiak Brown Bear Center

Enjoy 210,000 acres of nature reservation on Kodiak Island. Owned by the native Alutiqq people,  the Kodiak Brown Bear Center invites guests to join professional bear guides to observe Kodiak brown bears in their natural habitat. That’s not all—this lodge is also a prime location for fly-fishing, kayaking, hiking and more. The one-bedroom luxury cabins offer a window to the incredible wildlife of the island, and the wood-fired steam room is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day.

 

kodiak brown bear center

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Denali Backcountry Lodge

Honored by National Geographic as one of the top ten adventure lodges in the world, you can reach the Denali Backcountry Lodge only by helicopter ride. The good news: on the way in, there will be scenic views like you’ve never experienced. The lodge provides meals, daypacks, and all your necessary equipment for summiting mountain peaks, observing glaciers, and walking with wildlife. At the end of your explorations, settle down with curated cocktails and regional flavors by the lodge’s expert culinary team.

 

alaska glacier camping

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Ultima Thule Lodge

Experience the isolated majesty of Alaska—”the real Alaska,” as they put it—at this family-owned-and-operated escape. Each luxury cabin is outfitted with the works, and shared spaces include a cedar sauna and a hot tub. Board one of the lodge’s sea planes to embark on that day’s adventure: fishing, skiing, hiking—you name it! It’s a trek to get to this lodge (as in, 100 miles off a paved road), but travelers attest that the authentic experience makes the journey well worth it.

 

luxury cabin lodge airbnb

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Orca Island Cabin

These eco-friendly, luxury yurts are outfitted with a queen bed, futon, full kitchen, private bathroom, and deck overlooking the water. While there aren’t meal services at these cabins, the yurts make it possible to enjoy the comforts of home while exploring one of the most beautiful islands in Alaska. Enjoy the sea kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing supplies on premises, and definitely keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

 

aurora borealis

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Salted Roots & Rustic Roots

These partner properties are known as some of the most modern accommodations in Alaska. Stay in a cabin by the sea, a luxury lodge room, or a refurbished bus from the 70’s. From here, you have a prime entry to Lowell Point Beach and Kenai Fjords National Park, so your days will surely be spent soaking in the Alaskan dream. When you’ve had enough exploration, wind down at the sauna, yoga studio, fire pits, or by picking local flora in the vegetable garden.

 

fireplace

Photo: Zocha Group – 10 Unbelievable Luxury Lodges in Alaska

Aurora Villa

It doesn’t get more modern than this. Located conveniently in Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers an unmatched window to the snow covered pines and shining night skies of Alaska. This is more of a homestay and less of a resort-style accommodation, so bring a big group and enjoy the perfectly curated furniture and fixtures in between your days of adventure. There’s also a smaller cabin on the property, making this perfect for large families and groups of friends.

 

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    The 10 Most Underrated National Parks in the U.S.

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    the 10 most underrated national parks in the united states

    Photo: Zocha Group – The 10 Most Underrated National Parks in the U.S.

     

    Explore the Most Underrated National Parks in the United States

    We know of everybody’s favorite National Parks—Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, etc.— but there are a whopping 423 National Parks in the U.S. just waiting to be explored. The National Parks are an amazing way to experience the wide array of beauty and wildlife in America, and we don’t want you to miss a thing. Explore our favorite underrated National Parks in the U.S.




    zion national parks in the U.S.

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Big Bend National Park – Texas

    You’ll find true solitary solace at Big Bend. It’s one of the hardest National Parks to access, but also one of the most biodiverse. Here, you’re surrounded by the Chisos Mountains, Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande. A 90-minute drive to the iconic artist’s town of Marfa, Big Bend is a great day trip for hiking and dipping in the hot springs. The best time to visit is fall or spring, or early morning if you’re visiting in the summer. Accommodations include yurt, camping, or drive-in options.




    big bend national park texas

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Great Sand Dunes National Park – Colorado

    Who knew the tallest sand dunes in the U.S. would be in southern Colorado? With peaks up to 14,000 feet tall, it’s no wonder this park has been called a “sandbox of epic proportions.” There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the dunes, but you can hike up and slide down on a sand sled (available for rent at shops nearby). There’s not much by way of restaurants or nightlife surrounding the park, but Colorado Springs, Durango and Santa Fe are all within a 3-hour drive. A special trip to the park is worth it to see these natural marvels.




    great sand dunes national park colorado

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Biscayne National Park – Florida

    Just 45 minutes from Miami is the largest coral reef in North America, tons of marine life, and evidence of human life dating back 10,000 years. 95% of Biscayne National Park lies underwater, making it one of the most unique National Parks in the U.S. and accessible only by boat. Take a guided tour, paddleboard through mangroves, snorkel over shipwrecks, or boat, dive, and fish in clear waters. 




    Biscayne National Park

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Isle Royale National Park – Michigan

    This island in the middle of Lake Superior is accessible by a ferry, 3-hour boat ride, or 45-minute seaplane and only open in the summertime. But, much like Biscayne, even (and maybe especially) the most remote National Parks in the U.S. are worth visiting. Enjoy a quiet hike, a refreshing swim, and a beautiful spot to camp overnight. At Isle Royale, you might spot a group of moose or even the elusive wolfpack that the park helped repopulate! 




     

    isle royale national park michigan

    Photo: Zocha Group

    North Cascades National Park – Washington

    Known as the “American Alps,” you won’t believe the landscape views at North Cascades National Park. With over 500 lakes and ponds, there are endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. The park is only open in the summer, but when it is, there are endless opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and enjoying the park’s 500+ lakes and ponds. Don’t miss Colonial Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in the U.S.!




    North Cascades National Park

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Saguaro National Park – Arizona

    Fill up your water bottles and head straight into the scene of wild west movie. Just outside of Tucson is Saguaro National Park, home to the tallest cacti in the U.S. And by tall, we mean that the park’s tallest-ever Saguaro was 78 ft.! From April to June you can enjoy beautiful cactus flowers, but desert landscape and wildlife is fascinating and breathtaking all year round.




    Saguaro National Park

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Channel Islands National Park – California

    Visit the Galapagos of North America just 90 minutes from Los Angeles! You’d never know you were near civilization at Channel Islands National Park. There are no cars or nearby restaurants, just an all-natural island escape where you may spot whales, bald eagles, miniature foxes, and sea lions. Kayaking through the park’s unique sea caves is a favorite of Channel Islands visitors.




    channel islands national park

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Kenai Fjords National Park – Alaska

    Alaska has some of the most National Parks in the U.S. of any other state, but most of them are hard to access. Not this one, though—Kenai Fjords National Park is just a quick drive or train ride from Anchorage! Wilderness in Alaska is unique, and this park offers a front row to all of it: glaciers, fjords, breaching whales, sea otters, puffins, eagles…the list goes on.




    Kenai Fjords National Park

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico

    Hundreds of millions of years ago, caves formed within the Guadalupe Mountains, and now they’re accessible for you to explore! Home of the largest cave chamber in North America (and lots of migrating bats), some caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park go as deep underground as high as the Empire State Building is tall. The hike through the caverns takes about an hour to complete, and you won’t soon forget the incredible rock formations and gigantic “rooms” made of limestone.




    carlsbad caverns

    Photo: Zocha Group

    Voyageurs National Park – Minnesota

    Nestled along the Canadian border is Voyageurs National Park. This Dark Sky Park is one of the best places to stargaze, and it’s so far north you may even see the Northern Lights! The dense forest is perfect for long hikes, and there are many lakes for boating and swimming. Guests may stay on a campsite (though some are only accessible by canoe), or on the water in a houseboat if you have a permit.




    Voyageurs National Park

    Photo: Zocha Group

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      Which National Park is next on your list? Let us help you explore. Please contact [email protected] or inquire in the chat box below to start planning your trip to the island.