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12 August, 2022
Wild jungles, blissful beaches, and a lively Caribbean spirit: Our Dominican Republic travel guide
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8 wonderful wildlife escapes
Published
8 August, 2025
Edited
26 February, 2026
Embrace nature with these eight wildlife-filled hideaways
Some trips are built around cities, others are built around the landscape. Whether it’s early mornings in a Tuscan vineyard, the sound of monkeys rustling through the trees in Costa Rica, or long afternoons where the only agenda is the tide, time in nature has a way of resetting things.
For your next getaway, consider trading traffic for birdsong and high-rises for open horizon. From jungle-edge villas to countryside estates set among working vineyards, these eight onefinestay homes place you directly in the landscape, with wildlife included.
Casa Oceano
Casa Oceano
Costa Rica
Every year, something magical happens right in front of Casa Oceano: a host of turtles heading to the beach in front of the villa to lay their eggs. 60 days later, the eggs hatch, and the baby turtles make their way back to the ocean. Guests at the villa can glimpse this incredible natural phenomenon from the villa’s beautiful infinity pool - the perfect spot to enjoy the show. As well as turtles, you’ll be able to call a variety of mischievous monkeys and vibrant tropical birds neighbours during your stay, too.
Rancho Cuatro Patas
Rancho Cuatro Patas
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Spanning an impressive 22 acres, the gorgeous Rancho Cuatro Patas is home to an array of friendly horses and dogs for guests to make friends with. As well as the resident animals, you’ll also discover an incredible wealth of wildlife experiences in the local area, including turtle hatching along the coast at Las Tunas (Nov - Feb) and year-round whale-watching in the deeper waters off the coast.
Amor del Mar
Amor del Mar
Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
While you’ll spot your fair share of monkeys, sloths and tropical birds at Amor del Mar, this gorgeous villa also has a surprise visitor who occasionally darts across the lawn: Costa Rica's White-Tailed Deer. Smaller than their North American counterparts, the deer are about the size of a large dog and shy and sweet in equal measure. Animal lovers will also be happy to note that the villa lies within the Los Delfines community, home to the largest population of Scarlet Macaws in Costa Rica.
Aspenglow Chalet Above Downtown
Aspenglow Chalet Above Downtown
Breckenridge, The Rockies
With hiking trails passing the front door and the ski slopes just a stone’s throw away, Aspenglow Chalet Above Downtown places you in the heart of the stunning Rocky Mountains. The villa is designed to make the most of the breathtaking views - admire them from the hot tub, the picture-frame windows in the living room, or from the al fresco dining area. The chalet is situated just minutes from Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve, a protected wetland and forest area that is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, and over 47 species of birds.
Lagesta
Lagesta
Tuscany, Italy
Tucked away amidst Tuscany’s iconic rolling hills, you’ll find the magnificent Lagesta. The surrounding area of Val d’Orcia is renowned for its vineyards, hearty cuisine and natural thermal springs, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. The local landscape is alive with all sorts of wildlife, including deer, hares, song birds and even wild boar. So remember to always keep an eye out on your adventures - you might be lucky enough to spot an animal neighbour.
Moose Tracks Lodge
Moose Tracks Lodge
Breckenridge, The Rocky Mountains
Leave the rest of the world behind at Moose Tracks Lodge, an incredible timber-frame cabin hidden in the Highlands of Breckenridge. Relax on the sprawling deck and soak in the natural beauty all around you. Nearby Breckenridge’s Cucumber Gulch Preserve, known for its meadows and wetlands where elk and mule deer graze regularly, you’ll find a wealth of wildlife on the very doorstep of this chalet.
Casa Colibri
Casa Colibri
Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica
Overlooking Marino Ballena National Park (the famous “whale tail” sand bank), Casa Colibri offers unparalleled opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting tours. Tucked away in the treetops, you can swim in the gorgeous infinity pool, bask on the poolside sun loungers or soak in the outdoor bathtub while macaws fly overhead and monkeys swing through the trees.
Chiara
Chiara
Tuscany, Italy
Perched atop a hillside, Chiara boasts show-stopping views of the region’s verdant gardens, vineyards, olive groves and forests. A vision of stone arches and terracotta terraces, the villa feels totally secluded, a private paradise in the heart of the countryside. While away the sun-soaked afternoons by the oval infinity pool or in one of the hammocks on the terrace, listening to the birdsong. Depending on the season, truffle hunts with expert local guides and trained dogs can be arranged.
