Behind Closed Doors

As the only hotel inside Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls grants rare access to the iconic waterfalls before and after public hours. Stroll the boardwalks at sunrise as mist rises over the gorge or experience the falls beneath a glowing full moon on an after-dark walk. Back at this blush-pink Portuguese colonial retreat, tropical gardens and a palm-fringed pool offer a peaceful contrast to the thundering landscape. For a different perspective, venture onto the river aboard a high-speed boat, tackle the rapids by raft or soar above the waterfalls by helicopter.

From the moment you step off the plane, Tortuga Bay Puntacana makes every arrival feel effortless. You’ll be whisked straight through customs to a private car before your personal concierge welcomes you to your villa with keys to your own golf cart. Beyond the warm welcome, this Oscar de la Renta-designed enclave unlocks private access to the adjacent Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, a 1,500-acre sanctuary dotted with 12 crystal-clear freshwater lagoons fed by an underground river. Guided tours reveal a vibrant secret garden of over 500 plant species, leading to hidden jungle paths and cool, crystal-clear swimming spots.

Few landmarks define a city quite like Christ the Redeemer, but Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana unlocks a more intimate way to experience it. Through the hotel’s concierge, guests can enjoy exclusive sunrise visits outside public visiting hours, followed by breakfast overlooking Rio from one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints. Back on Copacabana Beach, an oceanfront infinity pool, glamorous 1950s-inspired design and traditional Brazilian cuisine at Michelin-recommended Marine Restô make it easy to linger past sunset with a signature caipirinha in hand.

Set in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, Park Hyatt Kyoto opens the door to one of the city’s most extraordinary cultural experiences. Guests can explore nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple on an exclusive tour alongside the head priest, gaining access to restricted areas of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Listen to an inspiring sermon, step inside spaces rarely seen by visitors and spend a quiet moment in a tranquil garden normally closed to the public. Back at the hotel, Yasaka pairs French-influenced teppanyaki with floor-to-ceiling vistas of the glowing Yasaka Pagoda.

Hidden among the peaks of the Dolomites, FORESTIS presents a serene alpine escape rooted in nature’s core elements. Reserved exclusively for overnight guests, the expansive spa draws inspiration from Celtic philosophy and the four trees native to the region, creating deeply restorative wellness experiences. Spend your days swimming in pure Dolomite spring water pools, finding stillness in acoustic treatment rooms or practicing ancient Celtic yoga in the energy-filled Wyda room. Outside, direct ski-in, ski-out access and hiking trails complement quiet evenings sampling forest-to-table cuisine surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas.

Carved directly into an ancient lava field, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon offers an intimate immersion into Iceland’s geothermal landscapes. Guests enjoy a private entrance to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, plus exclusive entry to the tranquil Retreat Lagoon reserved solely for overnight and day guests. Flow between secluded, mineral-rich geothermal pools, indulge in signature spa therapies inspired by the lagoon’s natural elements or float weightlessly during an in-water massage. After a day immersed in the warm, blue waters, relish refined Icelandic cuisine paired with floor-to-ceiling views across the mossy Reykjanes Peninsula.

The article’s cover photo features The Retreat at Blue Lagoon.

Broadway has always been about the magic that happens both onstage and off. The Peninsula New York brings guests closer to the action through its Peninsula Academy exclusive experiences. A unique insider look at the city’s theater scene, Behind the Curtain with Broadway Cares, includes producer’s tickets that guarantee the best seats in the house, a signed book by critic Michael Riedel and an exclusive post-show conversation with a member of the cast or creative team. When the final curtain falls, retreat to Fifth Avenue to unwind inside the property’s three-story spa or savor a nightcap at the rooftop bar.

Nestled beside the ancient ruins, Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu grants unmatched access to one of South America’s most famous landmarks. Sitting steps from the entrance, guests can enter Machu Picchu before day-trippers arrive from Aguas Calientes, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site in a rare moment of tranquility. After exploring the Inca citadel, return to this intimate mountain retreat for rainforest-focused dining, quiet orchid gardens and sweeping views of the cloud forest. Unwind with traditional Andean spa treatments or toast the day with a signature Pisco Sour at Tampu Bar.

Once the guest residence of the king of Cambodia, Amansara now offers a tranquil gateway to the jungle-ensconced ruins of Angkor. Tailor-made private itineraries allow guests to explore the meditative stillness of the sacred complex long before crowds arrive. Travel by the property’s open-air tuk tuks to towering stone temples and hidden forest shrines, uncovering intricate bas-reliefs and centuries of history along the way. After a day of exploration, return to the intimate estate for authentic Cambodian flavors, soothing herbal spa treatments or a refreshing pause beside the pool.

Few safari experiences feel as exclusive as those found within Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge’s private wilderness. The lodge rests within the 350,000-acre private Grumeti Reserve, where exclusive wilderness is granted solely to Singita guests to ensure intimate, crowd-free wildlife viewing. This private reserve model anchors the Singita brand‘s identity, prioritizing low-impact conservation and total seclusion. Guided game drives delve into pristine grasslands in search of roaming wildlife, while back at the Edwardian-style manor house, private plunge pools, farm-to-table dining and panoramic terraces create the perfect vantage point for zebras, giraffes and elephants passing through the landscape.

Hidden among the secluded islets of Tetiaroa, The Brando transformed Marlon Brando’s former private sanctuary into an eco-conscious retreat. Protected white-sand beaches and untouched lagoon waters remain reserved solely for resort guests, preserving an extraordinary haven for native wildlife. Conservation sits at the heart of the property’s exclusive experiences, offering hands-on opportunities alongside resident researchers. Explore thriving coral gardens, observe seabird colonies and learn how a seawater air conditioning system cools the zero-carbon estate. During nesting season, accompany marine biologists on night patrols in search of sea turtles laying eggs and newly emerged hatchlings making their way to the ocean.