A New Era of Nature-Integrated Travel
Imagine waking up to the soft sounds of a flowing river, surrounded by untouched wilderness, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking sunrise. No towering hotel buildings, no artificial barriers—just an immersive, seamless experience with nature. This is the essence of a landscape hotel, a growing trend in hospitality that prioritizes sustainability, architectural harmony, and eco-conscious luxury.
As more travelers seek experiences that balance adventure with comfort, landscape hotels are redefining the way we connect with the outdoors. But what exactly makes a hotel a “landscape hotel”? And how does it compare to glamping or traditional hotels? Let’s dive into the world of these stunning accommodations and explore some of the best landscape hotels in the U.S. and beyond.
What is a Landscape Hotel?
A landscape hotel is a type of accommodation that blends seamlessly into its surrounding environment, often using sustainable materials and design techniques to minimize its ecological footprint. Unlike conventional hotels that alter or dominate the landscape, these hotels work with nature, preserving the land’s natural beauty while enhancing the guest experience.
Key Characteristics of Landscape Hotels
- Minimal Environmental Impact: Many are built using eco-friendly materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and glass, and are often elevated on piers to reduce land disturbance.
- Architectural Integration: The design reflects the natural topography, ensuring the hotel blends rather than disrupts.
- Sustainable Energy Practices: Many incorporate solar panels, passive heating/cooling, and water-efficient fixtures.
- Immersive Nature Experiences: Floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor decks, and rooftop stargazing areas invite guests to interact with the environment in a meaningful way.
While landscape hotels may seem like an entirely new concept, they share some similarities with glamping—providing high-end amenities while maintaining a strong connection to nature.
Landscape Hotels vs. Traditional Hotels & Glamping
| Feature | Landscape Hotels | Traditional Hotels | Glamping (Various Units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Minimal; designed to blend into the natural surroundings | High; alters landscape significantly for large-scale construction | Low; often uses temporary or small-footprint structures |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, passive design | Varies; often energy-intensive, with few sustainable initiatives | Sometimes incorporates eco-conscious features like solar power, energy-efficient insulation, and locally sourced materials |
| Accommodation Type | Luxury cabins, glass pods, earth-integrated structures | Large multi-floor buildings with multiple rooms | Diverse: A-Frames, Airstreams, Bell Tents, Cabins, Canvas Tents, Domes, Safari Tents, Tiny Homes, Treehouses, Vintage Trailers, Yurts, tipis, and more |
| Nature Connection | Maximized through floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air concepts, and site-sensitive design | Limited; guests spend most time indoors | High; most often they’re fully immersed in outdoor environments |
| Luxury Level | High-end eco-conscious amenities, curated experiences | Varies from budget to ultra-luxury | Mid-to-high-end, depending on the setup and amenities |
| Seasonal Viability | Typically year-round, with insulation and climate control | Year-round, with heating and cooling systems | Some glamping units are year-round with hard walls, while others with soft walls need insulation and heating for colder seasons, or are only available during the warmer seasons |
| Target Audience | Eco-conscious luxury travelers, remote workers, and experience-seekers | Broad audience; business and leisure travelers | Adventure seekers, digital nomads, and those looking for unique stays |
Top Landscape Hotels in the U.S.
1. Ambiente: A Landscape Hotel (Sedona, AZ)
Overview:
- Location: Sedona, Arizona
- Eco-features: Elevated atriums, dark-sky friendly lighting, native landscaping
- Nightly Rate: $900 – $2,200 per night
- Website: ambientesedona.com
Opened in December 2022, Ambiente is North America’s first landscape hotel, offering an immersive stay in Sedona’s breathtaking red rock formations. With rates starting at $900 per night, this adults-only retreat was designed to blend seamlessly with nature while providing high-end luxury and sustainability. Recently recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2024, Ambiente has set a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality.
The hotel’s elevated, glass-walled Atriums feature rooftop decks and 360-degree views, creating a unique connection to Sedona’s dramatic landscape. Guests can enjoy private hiking access, sunrise yoga, guided stargazing, and a spa inspired by local elements—all designed to enhance the natural experience.
2. Piaule Catskill (New York, NY)
Overview:
- Location: Catskill Mountains, New York
- Eco-features: Prefabricated cabins, low light pollution, natural materials
- Nightly Rate: $500 – $1,300 per night
- Website: piaule.com
A modern minimalist retreat, Piaule prioritizes quiet, contemplation, and forest immersion. The property is made up of off-site prefabricated cabins, ensuring minimal construction impact. With floor-to-ceiling windows, sustainable furnishings, and wellness programs, it’s a haven for those looking to unplug.
Landscape Hotels Outside the U.S.
3. Juvet (Norway)
Overview:
- Location: Valldal, Norway
- Eco-features: Minimalist design, glass-walled cabins, untouched Nordic landscapes
- Nightly Rate: $400 – $600 per night
- Website: juvet.com
One of the world’s most famous landscape hotels, Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway offers an immersive nature retreat in the heart of Valldal’s remote wilderness. Each glass-walled cabin is positioned strategically to provide breathtaking views of Norway’s fjords and lush forests. The hotel’s sustainable ethos ensures minimal disturbance to the natural surroundings, making it a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travelers.
4. Vivood (Spain)
Overview:
- Location: Alicante, Spain
- Eco-features: Solar-powered, sustainable materials, infinity pool overlooking the valley
- Nightly Rate: $400 – $750 per night
- Website: vivood.com
Located in the stunning Guadalest Valley, Vivood Landscape Hotel combines luxury with sustainability. The adults-only retreat features glass-fronted suites, an infinity pool, and panoramic terraces designed to enhance the Mediterranean landscape. The use of solar energy, sustainable architecture, and locally sourced materials makes this hotel an excellent model for sustainable tourism.
Why Landscape Hotels Matter for the Future of Travel
As eco-tourism and regenerative travel gain momentum, landscape hotels are setting the standard for sustainable, responsible hospitality. They offer:
- Conservation-driven lodging that protects natural environments.
- A lower carbon footprint compared to traditional hotels.
- Opportunities to support local artisans, farmers, and conservation efforts.
As we move toward a future where travel and sustainability go hand in hand, landscape hotels serve as trailblazers in eco-luxury accommodations. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking solitude in the wild or a wellness traveler looking for a place to reconnect with nature, these hotels offer an experience like no other.