Story | Renée S. Suen Photography | Renée S. Suen, Leslie Yip
Covering about 10 million square-kilometres—approximately seven-per cent—of the world’s land area, tropical rainforests are renowned for their untouched beauty. Rich in biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems, the unique f lora and fauna of the Amazon and Daintree Rainforest is an unparalleled experience. For those looking to immerse themselves in the wild splendor of the rainforest, these refined and exclusive-feeling escapes lets you explore without ever having to rough it.
Bonus: Air Canada’s non-stop flights from Vancouver to both Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, as well as Lima from Montreal and Toronto make it easier to access.
DAINTREE RAINFOREST, AUSTRALIA
As the oldest tropical rainforest in the world—dating roughly 180 million years—the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest lies just two hours north of Carins, stretching across 1,200-square-kilometres of Queensland’s northeastern coast. Australia’s emerald gem is a gateway to extraordinary natural beauty, home to ancient flora and diverse fauna. One of the most meaningful ways to explore its historic charm is with Walkabout Cultural Adventures, led by local Aboriginal guides. Owned and operated by Juan Walker, the educational experience takes guests into the Daintree to learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people, from trying your hand at boomerang or spear throwing around Mossman to learning about the native medicinal plants and tasting seasonal bush tucker.
It’s just one of the immersive activities available to guests of Silky Oaks Lodge. Set within Daintree National Park and overlooking the Mossman River, the refined rainforest retreat is celebrated for its treetop-embracing design and sense of serene seclusion. Reopened in December 2021 after a multimillion-dollar rebuild by Baillie Lodges, part of the new Beckons experiential luxury hospitality brand, the property invites guests to customize their ideal itinerary, whether that’s on-site yoga, a dip in the lagoon-style pool with a small waterfall framed by the jungle or simply unwinding to the soundtrack of the forest.
Wander the property’s rainforest gardens or cycle along trails through the lodge’s 32-hectare grounds, where ylang-ylang perfumes the air while you admire tropical birds and sometimes larger-than-life insects from a distance. Find rejuvenation plunging into a freshwater billabong, or in the sunlight-bathed treatment rooms of the Healing Waters Spa where you can enjoy a restorative treatment overlooking the jungle canopy.
Clad in warm local timber and furnished with custom pieces and commissioned artworks, the main lodge strikes a balance between contemporary elegance and relaxed rainforest charm. Expansive and airy, the tiered space opens directly onto the treetops. Against this lush backdrop, accompanied by the gentle rush of the river below, guests can unwind in the Jungle Perch suspended above the forest canopy, while the Kubirri Lounge offers a private, air-conditioned space for reading or quiet meetings.
Begin the evening at the Silky Bar, where sunset cocktails and canapés bring guests together over premium Australian wines and drinks crafted with locally sourced spirits. Executive Chef Mathew Fury serves a contemporary Australian menu with Asian influences, built around ingredients freshly picked from the lodge’s kitchen garden, where more than 100 plant varieties from finger lime, pandan, rosella, lotus root to betel leaf shape the dishes.
Breakfast showcases Daintree tropical fruits, house-made breads with pandan jam, whipped-coconut pancakes and other staples that’s served with fresh squeezed juices and locally grown tea and coffee. Lunch is a leisurely two-or three-course affair featuring seasonal produce and local ingredients as reef fish ceviche or pan-seared barramundi with a golden crust. Expect generous mains and refreshing desserts at dinner, where kangaroo tartare might appear alongside duck breast or pork collar.
The true escape, however, awaits in one of 40 luxury treehousestyle suites, each with a hammock on the inviting outdoor balcony, contemporary furnishings, a king bed, an interior daybed and an in-suite bar refreshed daily with complimentary local treats. The Riverhouse Suite has a private deck with outdoor bathtub overlooking the cascading Mossman River, while the Daintree Pavilion is the ultimate splurge, complete with a tiered infinity pool, wraparound glass walls, an entertaining lounge stocked with premium spirits and two separate bedroom wings.
A stay includes the tropical breakfast, a daily-inspired dinner with premium wine pairings, evening drinks’ hour with snacks, morning yoga class, exclusive access to Fig Tree Rapids walking trails and daily transfers to and from Port Douglas. Explore how the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef with supplemental excursions by helicopter, by luxury vessel or four-wheel drive safari. There’s programing for birdwatching, drift-hiking along the Mossman River to spot freshwater turtles and platypus, sailing and snorkeling with marine biologists to teeing off at Pamer Sea Reef Links or Mirage Country Club.
Silky OakS lOdge
5 Boundary St, Brisbane City Qld 4000
silkyoakslodge.com.au
PERUVIAN AMAZON
Home to a tenth of all known species, including many that are rare or endangered, the Peruvian Amazon rainforest is dense with life, from migratory great egrets to spectacled caimans. One of the most effortless ways to immerse yourself in this biodiversity is aboard a luxury river cruise with Amazon River Expeditions, spending three to seven nights sailing through the world’s largest flooded forest. The journey winds along the Marañón and Ucayali rivers and their tributaries within the impressive Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The latter is known as “the jungle of mirrors” for its glasslike waters that reflect sky and canopy during both high-water (December to May) and low-water (June to November) seasons.
From the moment you land, you’re transported into another world. A skiff whisks you to the Zafiro, a 19 suite floating sanctuary after a seamless transfer from Iquitos to Nauta port. The spacious 21-squaremetre suites feature air conditioning, Peruvian pima cotton linens, panoramic floor to ceiling windows and private balconies. For the most expansive views, the two Master Suites offer 90 degree vistas, while the Zafiro Suite delivers a sweeping 180 degree perspective from the bow.
Between spa treatments and a quick workout in the cozy gym, guests can unwind in the open common area. Admire every detail of the Amazonian landscape and river while sipping on a pisco sour at the welcoming indoor lounge and reading room. Or head outdoors to the observation deck complete with jacuzzi and bar that’s ideal for watching the river drift by at sunset.
Wildlife and vegetation encounters shift with weather, the river’s water level and the migratory cycles of the animals. In the dry season, receding waters reveal forest trails and sandy riverbanks, allowing more onshore excursions. Naturalists Hulber Paredes and Uziel Basquez are a wealth of knowledge; their eagle eyes are quick at spotting hanging sloths, energetic jumping squirrel monkeys and other elusive species along the Yarapa River.
Daily activities range from guided jungle walks–where you might encounter a sunbathing anaconda or a Goliath birdeater (tarantula)–to birdwatching, catch-and-release fishing, kayaking and skiff excursions through narrow channels in search of pink and gray dolphins. Outings are supported with gear such as rubber boots and rain ponchos that are cleaned after each use. Visits to local native communities like the Paranapura, offer insights into Amazonian culture and a taste of the region’s unique flavours. Learn about conservation projects like the release of baby yellow-spotted turtles, now 80-percent recovered from being nearly extinct four decades ago, in a project led by community member Geordano in Buenos Aires, while smaller villages like Vista Alegra, prides itself as a butterfly conservatory on Ucayali River.
There’s no better way to get to know a destination than through food. Gourmands would appreciate the delicious meals served in the dining room and as snacks in the interior lounge. Influenced by the f lavours and ingredients from the Amazon jungle including vibrant fruits, regional vegetables, an array of seafood, the flavourful dishes reflect Peru’s diverse culinary influences, from Chifa (Chinese Peruvian), Andean to Italian.
Before heading home, guests visit the Amazon Forever Bio Park, also known as the Manatee Rescue Center. This is where biologists and volunteers rehabilitate orphaned and injured manatees for release back into their natural habitat. It’s a fitting end to a journey rooted in connection and conservation.
Amazon River Expeditions
amazonriverexpeditions.com/en
