Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Skip the Chain Hotels in Favor of these Luxury Yurts

By

tree bones resort luxury yurt
Image used with permission by copyright holder
The lowly yurt — a staple of Central Asian nomad living for thousands of years — has caught on in a big way in the States. The unique circular wood-and-fabric structures are an ideal way to overnight for outdoor-loving travelers who prefer the peace, quiet, and rustic charm of camping with just enough modern essentials. (Just, for the love of all things holy, don’t call it “glamping.”) If you’re looking to skip the traditional hotel stay, check out these four luxury yurts.

Savage River Lodge (Maryland)

Staying at Maryland’s Savage River Lodge is as much about what’s not on the property. Surrounded by 700 acres of picture-perfect state forest, you’ll feel like you have half the state to yourself. All eight units feature a king bed, gas log fireplace, floors with radiant heating, and private decks and bathrooms. The lodge’s on-site restaurant serves an all-day menu of hearty, gourmet specialties. Think bacon-wrapped meatloaf, wild game sausage samplers, and mountain escargot.
Nightly rates from $260 USD double occupancy.

Recommended Videos

Treebones Resort (Big Sur, California)

tree bones resort luxury yurt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sleeping in a yurt may not feel like high-livin’. But, the location of California’s Treebones Resort is guaranteed to leave you speechless. Situated on the dramatic bluffs of Big Sur, every unit at this boutique compound offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, all feature essential amenities like private decks with Adirondack chairs and running water. Through a partnership with local outfitter Central Coast Outdoors, guests can also easily arrange outdoor biking, kayaking, and hiking excursions.
Nightly rates from $320 USD.

Related

Simply B Yurts (New Zealand)

simply b yurt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The last thing any sane traveler wants to do in New Zealand is spend time in a hermetically sealed, air-conditioned chain hotel room. Situated along the coast of Palm Beach, Simply B Yurts is the perfect antidote. The two onsite yurts offer plenty of rustic charm and a just-right list of essentials including simple furnishings, bathrooms nearby, a coffeemaker, and an open roof that’s perfect for stargazing. The private deck and lounge chairs are the ideal spot for watching the world go by along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The owner, the aptly named Mrs. B, also offers yoga lessons in a communal yurt nearby.
Nightly rates available upon request.

North Shore Yurt (Haleiwa, Oahu)

north shore yurt
Photo/Glamping Hub Image used with permission by copyright holder

This one-of-a-kind yurt on the North Shore of Oahu is the perfect base of operations for nature-loving visitors to Hawaii. The 16-foot structure is capacious enough for a queen bed, a writing desk, and a dining room table with floor pillows. But most guests come for what’s on the outside — sweeping ocean views from the yurt’s private viewing deck. A slide even leads from the deck down into a natural saltwater pool surrounded by tropical fauna below. The bank of windows and high-quality, marine-grade Sunbrella fabric surrounding the unit also make it easy for guests to allow the sun, the breeze, and the outdoors in.
Nightly rates from $240 USD.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
When you’re hiking in Death Valley, don’t do this
Taking the path less traveled is not advisable in this case.
Rugged and scenic terrain in Death Valley California

Safety should always be a top priority when visiting national parks, and this has become even more relevant than ever as the National Park Service recently had to rescue a hiker from a near-death experience at Death Valley National Park.

Just a few days ago, a hiker found himself in a precarious position after splitting up from his travel buddy and leaving the main trail at Mosaic Canyon. When these two visitors split up, one remained on the established path, and the other decided to attempt to navigate a side canyon, believing he could reconnect with the main trail further ahead. However, as the canyon became steeper, the hiker found himself trapped, unable to move forward or descend safely.

Read more
Don your best seaman’s cap and head to the most incredible lighthouse hotels in the U.S.
For ocean lovers and salty maritime souls, it hardly gets better than a stay at a genuine lighthouse hotel
View from the water of Maine's Portland Head Lighthouse at sunset

Beginning in the 17th century, as seafaring travel grew, lighthouses became vital beacons of safety, guiding mariners away from dangerous rocks, reefs, and powerful currents. By 1900, the U.S. had built nearly 1,000 lighthouses along its coasts and harbors. While modern navigation technology has since automated or rendered many obsolete, these iconic structures remain captivating landmarks.

Some have been restored as museums of playgrounds, but the most intriguing are those converted into lighthouse hotels. If you're looking for unique destinations far from ordinary luxury hotel chains, spend a night in a charming, rustic lighthouse. Here are the best lighthouse hotels in the U.S. for your next getaway.
Sitka Lighthouse - Sitka, Alaska

Read more
Travel tips: How to keep from getting sick on a crowded airplane
Staying healthy starts before your flight, too
A flight attendant checking on the inside of a cabin on an airplane

Flying is a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination quickly any time of the year, but the confined space and recycled air inside the plane can heighten your risk of getting sick during or just after your flight. Take it from me; catching a cold or the flu during a trip can dampen your plans and keep you from spending time enjoying your trip.

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling ill while flying with a few proactive measures. To help you out, I've come up with some travel tips that will help you avoid getting sick on a plane, allowing you to enjoy your journey without worrying about any airborne illnesses.
Pre-flight considerations

Read more