Travel Next Level • Article — Vacation in nature: experience wildlife and culinary delights

Imagine waking up surrounded by nature, enveloped by lush forests, expansive savannas, or tropical beaches. In the distance, you spot wild animals, and in the evening, you indulge in a delicious meal featuring local delicacies made with fresh, regional ingredients. Such nature experiences, combined with culinary highlights, are the perfect way to leave everyday life behind. With Travel Next Level and CHECK24, you can discover the best resorts and hotels that offer breathtaking wildlife encounters alongside exquisite dining experiences. Here are the top destinations for an unforgettable vacation in nature, featuring wild animals and outstanding cuisine.

1. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, it offers exclusive safari experiences where you can witness the "Big Five" — lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards — in their natural habitat. After an exhilarating safari, you can dine in luxurious lodges that blend local delicacies with modern culinary trends.

Recommended Hotels

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve: Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve offers top-notch luxury, safari tours, and excellent cuisine featuring fresh, regional ingredients.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: This exceptional lodge is integrated into the landscape, offering sustainable luxury with a focus on gourmet dining and wine.

Lion Sands River Lodge: Located right by the river, you can observe wildlife from the pool and later enjoy a dinner under the stars.

Activities

Exclusive safari tours with experienced guides.

Evenings around the campfire featuring traditional African cuisine.

Birdwatching and guided nature walks.

Book your stay at Sabi Sands Game Reserve here: CHECK24 - South Africa Hotels

2. Lapland, Finland

If you love the wild, untouched nature of the far North, Lapland in Finland is the perfect destination. Here, you can observe majestic reindeer and moose, experience thrilling dog sledding with huskies, and even witness the magical Northern Lights in winter. Lapland also offers regional delicacies such as fresh fish, reindeer meat, and berries, served in charming lodges.

Recommended Hotels

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: A unique luxury hotel with glass walls that provide stunning views of nature. Enjoy culinary highlights from the region.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: Known for its glass-roofed igloos, which offer the perfect view of the Northern Lights. Here, you can experience traditional Sámi cuisine.

Levi Hotel Spa: A wellness resort nestled in nature, ideal for relaxing with Nordic delicacies after a day in the wilderness.

Activities

Reindeer safaris and husky sledding through snowy landscapes.

Northern Lights observation.

Enjoying regional dishes like reindeer fillet and salmon cooked over an open fire.

Book your stay in Lapland here: CHECK24 - Finland Hotels

3. Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo is one of the wildest and most biodiverse regions in the world. Here, you can see orangutans in the wild, explore the rainforest, and observe exotic animals like pygmy elephants and hornbills. In addition to its impressive wildlife, Borneo also offers fantastic cuisine, influenced by the fresh ingredients from the jungle and the ocean.

Recommended Hotels

Borneo Rainforest Lodge: This exclusive lodge is located in the heart of the rainforest, offering unique wildlife observations and culinary highlights from the region.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort with a private nature reserve where you can experience Borneo's wildlife up close.

Sepilok Nature Resort: A charming resort located near the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Activities

Jungle trekking and wildlife observation.

Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Enjoy fresh seafood and jungle delicacies at the resorts.

Book your stay in Borneo here: CHECK24 - Malaysia Hotels

4. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is renowned for its picturesque landscapes featuring rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards — the perfect place to relax in nature and discover wildlife such as wild boars, deer, and rare bird species. Additionally, the region is famous for having one of the best cuisines in the world. Fresh pasta, truffles, olive oil, and, of course, excellent wine are staples of every menu.

Recommended Hotels

Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel: An exclusive hotel in a historic castle surrounded by expansive vineyards, offering exceptional Tuscan cuisine.

Borgo Santo Pietro: A luxurious country hotel with organic gardens and a gourmet restaurant serving delicious dishes made from regional ingredients.

Fonteverde: A spa resort nestled in the hills of Tuscany, ideal for wellness and culinary indulgence.

Activities

Truffle hunting in the forests of Tuscany.

Wine tastings at the famous wineries in the region.

Hiking through the picturesque countryside and wildlife observation.

Book your stay in Tuscany here: CHECK24 - Italy Hotels

5. Monteverde, Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica offers a natural paradise with dense cloud forest, exotic wildlife, and incredible biodiversity. Here, you can spot sloths, toucans, and the rare quetzal birds. The tropical environment and commitment to sustainability are also reflected in the local cuisine, which transforms fresh regional ingredients into delicious dishes.

Recommended Hotels

Hotel Belmar: A boutique hotel nestled in the cloud forest, featuring sustainable cuisine based on local products.

El Establo Mountain Hotel: A luxurious hotel that perfectly combines nature experiences with regional gastronomy.

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: A cozy hotel overlooking the rainforest, serving delicious meals made from organic ingredients.

Activities

Guided hikes through the cloud forest.

Visit the Monteverde Hanging Bridges for breathtaking views.

Enjoy coffee and chocolate tastings from the region.

Book your stay in Costa Rica here: CHECK24 - Costa Rica Hotels

Conclusion

A vacation in nature with wild animals and delicious local dishes is a unique experience that refreshes both body and mind. Whether it's a safari adventure in South Africa, reindeer sledding in Finland, or exploring the tropical rainforests of Borneo, the perfect combination of nature experiences and culinary delights can be found in many beautiful destinations around the world. With Travel Next Level and CHECK24, you can now book your next adventure and create unforgettable memories.