Gorgeous Mountain Retreats

Mountaintop destinations have a way of making one feel on top of the world, and with breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air, there's not much of a downside to trekking up to a sky-high resort. There's more to mountain resorts than just great skiing or snowboarding, too.

Many mountain hotels and resorts offer relaxing activities such as yoga, spa treatments, and wellness programs, as well as delicious food and drink. Peace and tranquility also result from the beauty of the surroundings, which often include lakes and forests in addition to majestic peaks. Whether you're looking for a romantic adventure, a chance to regain mental and physical balance, or even just a fun family vacation, these gorgeous mountain retreats are sure to be a wonderfully relaxing time.

The Himalayas are a must on any serious traveler's bucket list, and what better way to fully experience their beauty and serenity than at a luxury spa resort? With an awe-inspiring palace estate, Ananda provides a private spa, pool, full-size jogging track, amphitheater, and more. Guests get all the benefits of their Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional Indian healing practices, as well as mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation, as well as golf, personal training, and more.

Club Med Valmorel is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, and for good reason. In addition to amazing views of the French Alps and the ability to go biking, hiking, or skiing in them, you also have access to delicious French cuisine. Sports activities and classes are available, as are children's clubs for those looking to relax at the amazing spa sans kids.

Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies is a breathtaking all-inclusive resort that bills itself as an "1800s ghost town with natural hot springs." At Dunton Hot Springs, you'll see just how luxurious log cabins can be as you relax in an amazing natural spring against the backdrop of snowbanks. Take on gorgeous trails or winter activities (depending on the season), and try their delicious menu, which utilizes local and regional ingredients.

Located in Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake Lodge is a peaceful spot, surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. You don't get any cell phone reception out here, so you can truly relax and enjoy the beautiful lake, mountains, and waterfalls around you. The rooms here have wood-burning fireplaces and balconies, and even pets are welcome.

One of the top yoga retreats in the world, Feathered Pipe Ranch is nestled in the Rocky Mountains where you can truly get away from everything in order to rejuvenate yourself. Relax in their bathhouse, sauna, or a hot tub, and learn all sorts of wellness practices such as mindfulness and various healing arts. Don't miss out on the natural wonders around you either; canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming are just some of the outdoor activities you can take part in.

Ireland is full of magical spots, and right in the middle of the Blue Stack Mountains of County Donegal, you'll find the truly enchanting Harvey's Point. A wonderful hotel and restaurant, it holds many retreats throughout the year, particularly focused on activities such as yoga and mindfulness. Whatever you're here for, it's a great chance to unplug and reconnect with nature and yourself.

Right in the middle of one of the most incredible mountain towns for summer, High Peaks Resort is a lakefront getaway with over 130 rooms, most of which have beautiful views of Mirror Lake. There's plenty to do on-site, with two indoor and two outdoor pools, a wonderful spa, modern fitness center, and free kayaks by the lake. As nice and secluded as you feel, you're still not too far from downtown Lake Placid and all of its commercial offerings.

A world-class all-inclusive resort situated on the Sơn Trà Peninsula — also known as Monkey Mountain — of the Vietnamese city of Da Nang, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a nearly 100-acre property with close to 200 rooms, suites, and beachfront villas, all of which have breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Take part in beach watersports, yoga, or tai chi, or trek 4 kilometers exploring the area. There are also plenty of less adventurous activities such as learning to make a Vietnamese lantern or a nón lá, the traditional conical Vietnamese hat, or even just relaxing in the resort's spa where you'll find treatments inspired by traditional East Asian medicine.

Jade Mountain is a resort with one of the most insane views in the world, and with no radio, televisions, or even landline phones, you can really focus on that view and the serenity it brings you. They ask that you not use your cell phones in the public areas so that everyone can enjoy the infinity pool and sky sanctuaries to their fullest.

Morocco's High Atlas Mountains are one of the best summer adventure destinations, and at the foot of their highest peak, Jbel Toubkal, is a mountain retreat that was once the summer home of a feudal chief. In typical Berber style, there are plenty of communal spaces and public services here, and hospitality is of the utmost importance. Relax with yoga, take on the mountains themselves with a hike, or head into a nearby town to experience the best of Moroccan culture.

Not only is The Little Nell the only five-star, five-diamond hotel in Aspen, it's also the only hotel with ski-in and ski-out access to Aspen Mountain. This cozy, romantic retreat has more than just skiing, however. Try their high-end food and wine, learn to drive a snowcat, and enjoy amenities such as your own steam shower, Jacuzzi, and gas log fireplaces.

Get a digital detox at Miraval Resort & Spa, a wellness and yoga resort set in the Santa Catalina Mountains, perfect for horseback riding and photography – just two of the activities you can take part in here. Everything here — from their outdoor activities to their anti-inflammatory kitchen – is meant to revitalize you emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Located in the coastal Santa Monica Mountains, The Ranch offers fantastic weather year-round in a gorgeous setting perfect for those wishing to focus on their physical and mental well-being. You won't get much Wi-Fi service out here or any cell service either, but this 200-acre retreat is full of plenty of activities that will result in rejuvenation and sometimes even weight loss.

Discover some of the reasons why Nicaragua is one of the best countries for living a long, happy life at Selva Negra, a family-run eco-lodge and coffee farm. Located in the Highlands of Nicaragua, the resort is surrounded by beautiful mountains and wildlife, with accommodations that range from hostel rooms to beautiful private bungalows. Sustainability is important here, and their restaurant has organic, farm-made ingredients as well as solar water heaters.

Yet another chance to unplug with no internet, TV, or cell phone service, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort lies in one of the most visited national parks in the country: Olympic National Park. You're surrounded by mountains, but you also have easy access to rainforests and the coast, so there's plenty of adventure just outside of the resort. The resort itself is perfect for a couples retreat or a family vacation (and pets are welcome), a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch or take a dip in their therapeutic thermal pools.

Find yourself surrounded by Queensland's Scenic Rim and the World Heritage-listed Maine Range National Park when you stay at Spicers Peak Lodge, a mountaintop all-inclusive getaway that's also Australia's highest non-alpine lodge. Familiarize yourself with the area on a guided mountain bike tour or a nature walk with or without a guide. You can also take to the sky with a scenic helicopter flight before indulging in their delicious food and wine menus, as well as all kinds of spa treatments, rituals, and massages.

Outdoor adventurers love Park City, and they'll definitely love staying at Stein Eriksen Lodge where you'll find world-class skiing as well as breathtaking views. If skiing isn't your thing, you can also go snow tubing or snowshoeing — or even just relax in a hot tub on your private deck.

Tenaya Lodge is a great fit for families, groups, or couples with all kinds of packages and vacation bundles available, and an impressive assortment of outdoor activities. You can bike, climb, hike, skate, ski, or swim at this beautiful resort, staying in the main lodge or your own private cottage. Take on whitewater rivers or explore big trees, going as fast or as slow as you need to. Best of all, it's located right outside one of the most visited national parks in the country.

Located on the banks of Lake Sarmiento and in full view of the stunning mountains of Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra Patagonia is a beautifully-built resort in an already beautiful region. The award-winning architecture and wooden interior of the building itself match the earthiness of the terrain, and the region's natural materials are used to decorate it with high-quality local crafts. Take on outdoor activities that match your own level of difficulty in order to appreciate the lake, mountains, and lowlands around you. To wind down, have some delicious Patagonian cuisine with the finest of Chilean wines before relaxing at one of the world's best hotel spas.

Triple Creek Ranch offers a luxury ranch vacation where you can stay in luxury log cabins or ranch homes on an all-inclusive package with drinks, meals, snacks included. Try your hand at archery, fly-fishing, snowshoeing and more, depending on the season. Triple Creek's location in the Montana Rockies' Bitterroot Mountain Range means you have access to some of the best trail rides and guided nature safaris, as well as superb opportunities for Alpine or Nordic skiing at what is one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.