As celebrities and former politicians grace our TV screens this November to complete challenges whilst living in the rural outback all the way down under, it can leave us itching (perhaps quite literally!) to want to discover new destinations and travel the world in search of solitude and, in some cases, extreme dining.
Booking.com research has even found that 40% of UK travellers want to experience complete culture shock in 2023, and who can blame them? Be it travelling somewhere with completely different cultural experiences and languages or exploring lesser-known cities with hidden gems that aren’t already on the radar, some UK travellers even want to use it as an opportunity to learn survival skills including how to source clean water, light a fire from scratch, and forage for food in the wild.
With that in mind, Booking.com has selected the most incredible jungle stays across different destinations to consider booking for your next trip, inspired by the UK’s most-watched survival reality television show.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat – Crystal Creek, Australia
Located near Springbrook National Park, feel like the King or Queen of the jungle staying at the Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat right near some of your favourite celebrities.
Surrounded by the Numinbah Nature Reserve, the Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat offers effortless natural garden views showcasing acres of lush rainforest surroundings.
The Creekside Spa Cabin allows you to sit by the indoor fireplace enjoying tranquillity within the living room of this jungle retreat property. Guests can take advantage of one of four hiking trails on the property, where you’ll be surrounded by rare and endangered wildlife along with individual trees that date back to when Australia wasn’t yet discovered by the Europeans. This jungle retreat is certainly one to check off your bucket list.
Website: ccrr.com.au
El Jardin Lodge & Spa – Puerto Misahuallí, Ecuador
Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest faces east of the Andean Highlands, where a rich selection of species resides. Similar to the Australian jungle, the deep verdant rainforest is home to mammals, reptiles, and birds, as well as a thousand species of trees.
This stunning location offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the rainforest in its pristine state with local activities like river cruises, jungle trekking and local cycling that can be enjoyed by travellers.
The El Jardin Lodge & Spa is a great alternative to escape and experience the Amazon jungle; its environment blends nature, comfort and privacy effortlessly.
Guests here can sleep in El Jardin’s sustainable lodges under the trees and surrounded by the sounds of nature and the magic of the rivers, allowing guests to feel like they’re down under without the stress of a bush tucker trial!
Website: eljardinlodge.com
Mango Bay Resort – PhuQuoc, Vietnam
If you’re looking to escape from reality in 2023, the Mango Bay Resort is one to experience. The resort nestles in four acres of one of the most beautiful pristine beaches in the world.
A jungle paradise, the beachfront resort contains six private villas all designed to reflect the beauty of their tropical surroundings where guests can access a nearby private sandy beach and views of natural greenery.
Guests wouldn’t need to win a trial to enjoy the delicious South East Asian cuisine at the resort’s restaurant, which can be eaten whilst watching beautiful sunset views. All rooms and bungalows within the property offer sensational views of either the sea or the garden from terraces; you can read our full review of Mango Bay’s restaurant On The Rocks for more on that!
You can now fly directly from London to Phu Quoc Island. And trust us; you want to be booking those flights before the whole world discovers this tropical paradise.
Website: mangobayphuquoc.com
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – Kota Kinabalu, Sri Lanka
Kota Kinabalu, known locally as ‘KK’, is and one of Booking.com’s top 10 trending destinations for 2023. A hidden gem in the bustling capital of Sabah in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, it is surrounded by lush rainforests and sandy beaches to give off that jungle feel. With 40% of UK travellers wishing to experience culture shock while travelling in 2023, this off-the-beaten-track destination will allow them to immerse themselves its unique tropical location.
For a modern hotel in the heart of the action, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is situated opposite the city’s waterfront market where souvenir-hunting travellers can interact with local fruit and fish traders.
Guests can head to the ocean for snorkelling and scuba diving to face their fears or recline on one of the poolside cabanas with a cocktail after a day of challenges. This property that features local Bornean fabrics throughout, has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts in sustainability, including serving organic produce at its four eateries and providing guests with free bicycle hire to explore the city.
Website: www.marriott.co.uk
Or, if you’ve got your sights set on a last minute trip before the year’s out, then check our 8 top trending holiday destinations for 2022. Bon Voyage!