WELLNESS

If you’re looking to connect with nature and to rough it—just a touch—an exhilarating and yes, luxurious rafting experience makes for an intriguing proposition.

Well suited for those who may have grown gone a tad weary of the same old luxe vacations with predictable spa treatments and hum-drum pre-packaged activities, luxury rafting is the perfect way to combine adventure with leisure.

Unconvinced? Try this: imagine yourself floating down crystal clear rapids, surrounded by breath-taking scenery, and the thrill of an adventure coursing through your veins. Now, imagine doing it all in comfort and style, with private transfers, top-of-the-line equipment, gourmet meals, and personal expert guides.

To some, water rafting may seem like a daunting and perhaps even terrifying activity to partake but rest assured, whether you're a seasoned rafter or a beginner, there are options for every skill level.

From scenic Telluride, Costa Rica’s exotic jungles, to Northern Patagonia’s remote wilderness, here are some top rafting destinations that stood out to us.

Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Home to the Colorado River, the Grand Canyon is also one the world's most iconic rafting destinations. The Grand Canyon National Park encompasses canyons, river tributaries, and surrounding grounds, and is situated in Arizona's north-western quadrant.

Depending on the length of your trip, you can opt to sample the majesty of the Colorado River with a short, one- to two-day stay, or go deep into the canyon’s remote wilderness in a multi-day expedition. Along the way, rafters can soak in its stunning scenery lined with curiously fascinating towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, eagles, and river otters. Private transfers are available, as well helicopter rides around the Canyon.

San Miguel River, Telluride

Located in the scenic town of Telluride, Colorado, the San Miguel River offers breath-taking views of the lush San Juan mountains and rugged red sandstone Norwood canyons—the contrasting images of which are spectacular. Picturesque scenes aside, the San Miguel River’s 40-mile stretch of free-flowing white water also makes it perfect for rafting.

For those who dare, rafters can navigate the rapids of San Miguel River, which range from Class II to Class IV depending on the water level and time of year. Along the way, you will be treated to jaw-dropping scenes of mountain vistas and wildlife.

After an adrenaline-filled day of rafting, a decadent meal awaits prepared by your personal chefs, paired, of course with the best local wines and craft beers.

After a wild ride down the San Miguel, relax in pampered luxury at Villa Claudette. This amazing home claims an idyllic remote setting in the heart of Telluride's San Miguel County. Savage natural beauty meets the pinnacle of refinement. This luxury vacation charter’s spectacular architecture is matched by the grandeur of its otherworldly mountain vistas. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the country's most stunning super homes, Villa Claudette offers an incomparable setting for your luxury rafting adventure. Deluxe amenities include, yet are not limited to, a games room, in-home cinema, Jacuzzi, and gym facilities.

Salmon River, Idaho

The Salmon River is a picturesque river in the western United States that offers exhilarating rapids and spectacular wilderness scenery. Here you will find yourself bouncing along through over 100 rapids along the river’s 425-mile stretch, which drops more than 7,000 feet from its headwaters through central Idaho's remote and spectacular "River of No Return" wilderness.

Divided into three main sections, namely the Main Salmon, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and the Lower Salmon, the Salmon River is great place for fun rapids, calm floats, great swimming, and peaceful hikes.

Villa Fleuve presents an outstanding vision of outback opulence, reconciling Americana charm with high culture elegance. Guests are immersed headfirst into Idaho's savage mountain beauty, with this remote complex claiming seven acres of terrain bordering the trickling glacial waters of Big Wood River. Encounter the pinnacle of comfort and white glove service tucked away in the most serene peripheries of Ketchum. Worlds away from the crowds yet at a moment's notice from thrilling mountain adventure, Villa Fleuve is an idyllic centerpiece of an exhilarating whitewater rafting escapade in Sun Valley.

Futaleufu River, Chile

With its turquoise waters and Class V rapids, Chile’s Futaleufu River prides itself for being one of the most beautiful and challenging rafting destinations in the world. Futaleufu is one of the many rivers located in northern Patagonia, where the waters are pristine, surging, and omnipresent.

Your luxury rafting experience would typically start with a scenic helicopter ride to the remote wilderness location of the river. Amidst the wilderness, luxurious resting spaces are set up, complete with hot showers, and gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs. Experienced rafting guides are also on hand to ensure guests’ safety and comfort.

Should you want a break from rafting, other outdoor activities like hiking and fly fishing can also be arranged. But if you prefer to just sit back and soak in the majestic beauty of the Patagonia, no one’s stopping you.

Río Pacuare, Costa Rica

Flowing into the Caribbean, the Pacuare River is one of the top destinations in the world for white water rafting. The rainforest that envelopes it is home to a variety of exotic tropical creatures, as well as a vast number of bird species. The Pacuare boasts class II to class V rapids, as well as several cascading waterfalls.

Level up this wilderness experience with private transfers, and should you want a break from rafting, activities like zip-lining, rappelling, and hiking can be arranged.

In Villa Pacifico – on the magnificent Papagayo peninsula of Costa Rica – you will find peace, privacy and grandeur. There is no better place to lay down your vacation roots than this Guanacaste luxury vacation villa which can accommodate up to 18 guests in absolute comfort. Glorious water views are only one enticing feature of this residence. Amenities include a cinema room, library, outdoor infinity pool and hot tub, along with a patio, lounge areas and a terrace for superb al fresco dining.

Luxurious rafting experiences provide the thrill of adventure and a chance to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. To level up all these rafting experiences, these features and services can be arranged:

• Dedicated expert guides who can provide in-depth knowledge about the area
• Private rafting trips with customized itineraries that ensure a more intimate experience
• Helicopter tours that offer a unique, aerial perspective of the destination
• Gourmet meals prepared by a personal chef using fresh, local-grown ingredients
• Top of the line gear provided
• Expert rafting guides to provide personalized experiences tailored to guest preferences and skill level