Where adventure meets luxury: nine flashy escapes around the world | News

As travelers seek adventure without sacrificing comfort, flashpacking puts a luxurious spin on the backpacking spirit: hike by day, glamp or check into boutique hotels by night and embrace freedom without sacrificing style, wellbeing or a good night’s sleep. From the brand new White Elephant Aspen that offers a luxurious escape after a long mountain hike, to glamping sites in close proximity to the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park and Acadia National Park, here are nine destinations for flashpackers looking for unforgettable adventures with a touch of pampering.

NEW | 210 miles of trails and endless luxury in Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado
For those interested in hiking and wanting to embrace the backpacking lifestyle without sacrificing comfort, head to Aspen and Snowmass Village for your next flashpacking escape. Stay at the city’s most recent luxury opening, White Elephant Aspen, conveniently located in the heart of Aspen with easy access to the destination’s 210 miles of hiking trails, which provide endless opportunities for day hikes through wildflower meadows, rushing streams, and towering aspen groves. Among the many trails to choose from, the 6.38-mile Rim Trail South rewards hikers with stunning 360-degree views of mountains and valleys, while the 8.5-mile Cathedral Lake Trail climbs from the historic ghost town of Ashcroft to a pristine alpine lake, with spectacular viewpoints of the iconic Maroon Bells along the way. aspenchamber.org / gosnowmass.com

Glamping at its best, Under Canvas, Yosemite Tuolumne County
Under Canvas’s idyllic, 80-acre camp is nestled in a tranquil mountain forest, surrounded by mature Yosemite native trees and just 10 minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite National Park at the Big Oak Flat Information Station. It is in close proximity to natural attractions including the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The glamping-style accommodations have a private bathroom and living area, and USB battery packs for charging devices. Guests also have on-site dining, an experience coordinator to book activities, and camp programming with live music and morning yoga. Tents from €260 per night. visittuolumne.com

Cycle, walk, enjoy and enjoy Balaton, Budapest and Tokaj, Hungary
From vibrant city streets to vineyard-covered hills and lakeside adventures, Hungary is ideal for flashpackers who want to combine authentic experiences with a stylish stay. Start in Budapest and explore the ruin bars, thermal baths and the newly reopened Citadel on Gellért Hill before setting off on two wheels along parts of the expanding EuroVelo 6 cycle route that follows the Danube. Continue to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, where hiking trails, sailing excursions and wine tastings offer a slower pace. Rest your head in design hotels such as the recently opened Birgés Hotel in Balatonfüred, or unwind among the vineyards in one of the Tokaj wine region’s boutique guesthouses. visithungary.com

Waterfront luxury and Maine wilderness
Maine’s national park’s mix of coastline and wilderness makes it perfect for flashpackers looking for scenic hikes and unique stays. Head to Acadia National Park, the ‘crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast’, with rugged headlands, water views and 47,000 hectares of wilderness. Visit Under Canvas Acadia, to connect with nature on the 1,000 feet of coastline and make campfires under the stars in the evening. Summit Cadillac Mountain for the first sunrise in the US before exploring Acadia’s 155 miles of hiking trails. For a touch of luxury, relax in nearby Bar Harbor at the historic Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, known for its iconic water views and fine dining. visitmaine.com

Luxury meets wilderness on the Yosemite Mariposa County Flashpacking Trail
95% of Yosemite is wilderness, making it ideal for finding solitude as you wander the iconic landscape. Flash your way from Mariposa, wandering the historic Gold Rush streets, before strolling through the wildflowers at Hite Cove, then being rewarded with the scenic Tunnel View and Half Dome vistas. Start just outside Mariposa at Wildhaven glamp site and stay in a quintessential American airstream at Autocamp Yosemite, Midpines, where you can gaze at the beauty of Bridalveil Falls and enjoy local Sierra Cider tastings. End your stay at a luxurious, century-old national park hotel, where you will dine overlooking Yosemite Falls, The Ahwahnee Hotel. yosemite.com

A flashpackers guide to the islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia
For travelers embracing the rise of flashpacking, the islands of Tahiti offer the ideal mix of adventure and indulgence. Rather than staying in one destination, visitors can island hop across the archipelago, combining charming Tahitian inns and local ‘guesthouses’ with unforgettable experiences such as hiking the lush interior of Moorea, diving in the world-famous lagoon of Rangiroa or exploring the fragrant vanilla plantations of Taha’a. Air Tahiti’s flexible multi-island flight passes make it easier than ever to explore multiple islands in one trip, allowing travelers to create their own tailor-made South Pacific adventure. tahititourism.uk/

Combine coastal serenity with adventure in ISASHIMA, Kii Peninsula, Japan
Located just under a two-hour drive from Osaka on the Kintetsu Railway, ISESHIMA in Mie Prefecture is perfect for flashpackers looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the Japanese countryside. Fully designated as the Ise Shima National Park, the region is home to a variety of cultural, nature and wellness experiences. Visit Ise Jingu, Japan’s holiest Shinto shrine, or head to Satoumi-an for an experience with the Ama, Japan’s legendary female pearl divers. Book a stay at the luxurious ISASHIMA Base for a relaxing and tranquil private glamping experience. Alternatively, those looking for a little pampering can visit COVA KAKUDA, where each private villa overlooks the calm waters of Ago Bay. Be sure to take advantage of Japan’s luggage service and travel around the region with your bag for free. iseshima-kanko.jp/en | visit-kii.com
From mountain trails to infinity pools, Méribel, France
For hikers who love the wilderness with a touch of luxury, Refuge de la Traye offers one of the most rewarding places to stay in the Alps. High above Méribel, in the heart of the Three Valleys, this secluded retreat combines the charm of a traditional mountain hut with boutique comfort. After a day exploring the mountain trails and panoramic peaks, guests can relax in the outdoor infinity pool, soak in the sauna with mountain views and indulge in restorative wellness treatments. Combining adventure, wellness and alpine elegance, it is an ideal getaway for travelers embracing the flashpacking trend. Refuge de la Traye starts from £537 per night. Meribel tourism

The Wild West, Alpine Trails and Boutique Luxury, Colorado
Hidden in a dramatic canyon and surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and wildflower-filled valleys, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain towns. The town was once a thriving Victorian mining settlement, but still retains much of its western heritage, with historic storefronts and beautifully preserved architecture lining the streets. After exploring the trails to Bridal Veil Falls or Bear Creek, hikers can retreat to Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, where mountain-view suites, a luxurious spa, and an outdoor heated pool provide the perfect recovery. Rooms at Madeline Hotel & Residences start from £360 per night. colorado.com