Guests of Southall can experience a wide array of outdoor activities. Heather Durham Photography The ability to connect with the great outdoors is an important part of travel for many people who seek a change of pace from their nine-to-five routines. Outdoor activities offer travelers the chance to appreciate nature and the many activities that it offers. From horseback riding to nature walks, along with glamping and fishing, these vacation destinations await adventurous travelers. Nature takes center stage at this captivating retreat. The Horse Shoe Farm The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville, NC Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains amidst 85 acres of picturesque mountain farmland, The Horse Shoe Farm takes its name from the horseshoe-shaped bend the French Broad River (the third-largest river in the world) carves into the surrounding landscape. This holistic retreat offers a captivating escape where nature takes center stage. The Horse Shoe Farm offers access to the natural beauty of western North Carolina, all without ever leaving the property. Miles of trails beckon hikers and bikers, while the saltwater pool that overlooks Mt. Pisgah offers a cool respite. Guests can engage in The Ponder Wander, a self-guided exploration through the grounds centering on four elemental waypoints or find serenity meditating or stargazing from the heights of The Grains of Truth Silo Tower. Just a short drive away, guests can explore cascading waterfalls (more than 250 waterfalls are nearby) and scenic stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other natural wonders, making it the perfect base camp for adventure. Guests are treated to native bee habitat workshops. Southall, Franklin, TN Set amidst the rolling hills of Franklin, Tennessee, Southall is a 425-acre luxury resort and working farm with a deep reverence for the land, its heritage and the food that fuels us. Home to over 8 million honeybees across eight apiaries, advanced hydroponics and aquaculture technology, Southall leads with sustainability and innovation in mind to provide amenities and culinary offerings rooted in the land’s past, present and future. Guests can immerse themselves in unique bee and farm programming, from guided apiary tours and native bee habitat workshops to honey harvesting, guided farm tours and culinary experiences straight from Southall’s bounty. Additionally, guests are encouraged to venture into the surrounding forests through aerial ropes courses, fly-fishing, plein-air painting, guided hikes celebrating the local flora and fauna, mountain biking, falconry and even staying at one of the secluded cottages overlooking the scenic landscape. The property also offers nine standalone luxury yurts. Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, Bristol, VA Situated on the grounds of family-owned Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards which spans over 450 acres, the Inn at Nicewonder boasts stunning views of rolling hills and vineyards. In addition to 28 highly appointed rooms and suites to take in the views, the property also offers nine standalone luxury yurts nestled beneath a lush canopy of trees and providing an indulgent escape into the natural beauty of the foliage of the Virginia Highlands. Guests can experience serenity and enjoy a leisurely morning on their private porch while watching for deer and other South Virginia wildlife. Outdoor activities include archery, hatchet throwing, disc golf, catch and release fishing on the property’s pond, guided property hikes, vineyard and garden tours, paddleboard yoga, golden hour picnics and nightly gourmet s’mores by the firepit. The Lodge boasts one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth. credit to Skamania Lodge Skamania Lodge, Columbia River Gorge, WA Skamania Lodge offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience that inspires. Positioned against one of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, nestled among lush towering timbers, travelers embrace all senses. It is uniquely defined as a place where you see the world a bit differently at the intersection of nature and the great outdoors, adventure, holistic wellness, relaxation and retreat, all in one iconic destination. Located 45 miles east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge is an all-season, 175-acre mountain resort with nine tree houses, six glamping tents one villa and two cabins. The Cascadian-style lodge is situated in a Pacific Northwest playground with hiking, biking, wind-surfing and river cruises in the summer. The surroundings are ideal for a variety of outdoor adventures. Black Desert Resort Black Desert Resort, St. George, UT Spanning over 600 acres and set at the convergence of three major ecosystems—the Mojave Desert, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau—the highly anticipated Black Desert Resort is set to debut Spring 2025. Now open for its preview phase, Black Desert Resort makes experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Utah’s “Mighty 5” Zion National Park, neighboring Snow Canyon State Park and more than 200 acres of preserved land with six miles of hiking trails, easier and more enjoyable than ever. Perched within the vast desert ecosystem, among the sandstone cliffs and petrified dunes, are surroundings perfect for hiking rugged trails, biking scenic paths and indulging in outdoor adventures that cater to your inner explorer. The resort will offer: a collection of guest rooms and suites; seven diverse restaurant and beverage outlets; a 15,000-square-foot destination spa and wellness center. Tree houses draw influence from the Japanese practices of wabi-sabi. Claude Simon Langlois Twin Farms, Barnard, VT Tucked away in Vermont's secluded woodlands and perched high above the ground, Treehouse guests of Twin Farms are cocooned with large, sunlit floor-to-ceiling windows intentionally built to give a feeling as if you’re floating in the treetops. Drawing influence from the Japanese practices of wabi-sabi - a core principle of the Treehouse design - interior materials are carefully selected to celebrate form and gesture, leaving visible traces of the craftsman behind. Guests can explore the 300-acre estate by hiking through the Green Mountains along 7-mile trails, walking the newly created labyrinth and soaking in the Japanese Onsen bath tucked away in the forest. Every element at Twin Farms is intended to instill a sense of calm and respite — the perfect balance of ultra-luxurious and a wondrous nature retreat. Guests can relax while enjoying stunning vistas. Enchantment Resort Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ With access to more than 400 miles of scenic and iconic hiking and biking trails, Enchantment Resort serves as the perfect property for the ultimate outdoor adventure with a variety of on and offsite activities, surrounded on all sides by acres of pristine wilderness and Boynton Canyon’s vibrant redrock backdrop. Enchantment’s Trail House, provides expert adventure guides who will craft itineraries and uncover which nearby trails are ideal for visitors based on skill level, terrain, scenery and elevation gains. Trail house offerings include private Sedona hikes, mountain bike rides, trail running and rock climbing. For adventure seekers wanting to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Enchantment offers a Grand Canyon Private Excursion, a guest excursion led by expert guides who uniquely tailor the experience to the needs of the guests. Whether guests are seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or serene nature experiences, Enchantment delivers the ultimate outdoor adventure. ForbesWomen Hospitality Leaders Gain Ground But Still Face ObstaclesBy Roger SandsForbesEverything You Need To Know About Vacationing In GuamBy Roger Sands Follow me on LinkedIn. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades