BA - The Club - Five of the best hotels in national parks

1. Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park, Canada

Fairmont Banff Springs cuts a dreamlike but imposing figure high up in the Canadian Rockies, overlooking the quaint town of Banff below. The hotel is a Unesco World Heritage Site and its opening in 1888 carved out a route for tourists into the mountains, making the park what it is today. This vast hotel has 768 rooms with marble bathrooms, whirlpool baths and views of the forest. From £240 a night.
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2. Kapama Karula in Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Meaning ‘place of peace’ in the local South African dialect, these 12 secluded lodges are not only tranquil, they’re five-star luxury in the heart of 13,000 hectares of wilderness. Take a guided jeep safari to see the Big Five, and get closer to nature with bush walks – there’s even an elephant centre. If wildlife is not your thing, Kapama Wellness Centre with its thatched roof and infinity pool is considered one of Africa’s best spas. From £700 a night.
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3. The Pig in the New Forest, UK

You’ll realise you’re in for a typical British treat when you arrive at The Pig in the beautiful New Forest, an area famous for its wild ponies and the cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs that roam around freely. This ‘restaurant with rooms’ has bedrooms full of quirky touches split between the main building and stables, and ingredients that come fresh from a walled garden. Treatment rooms are based in the potting shed and shepherd’s hut, though the only mud found in here will be for your massage. From £185 a night.
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4. Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park, India

Taj’s eco camp, Banjaar Tola, on the banks of the Banjaar river in Madhya Pradesh, is the place to go if you love cats big and small. The park is also home to many other plants and animals. Understated luxury shines through elegantly handcrafted local furniture made from sustainable bamboo. Book a candlelit spa treatment or learn a new skill with Indian cooking classes, followed by dinner in the restaurant or ‘a surprise jungle location’. From £340 a night.
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5. The Roxbury Motel – Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

The traditional New England facade of this upmarket boutique hotel doesn’t hint at the fun that lies inside – chandeliers dripping with jewels in the Amadaeus Bride’s Room and a bedroom with a meringue ceiling (the Coconut Cream Pie room, naturally). You almost won’t want to head outdoors to explore the jagged mountains and sweeping forests of Catskill. You can also go rockclimbing and skiing in winter. Music lovers will find distraction at the Woodstock museum that chronicles the legendary 1969 festival. From £70 a night.
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Katie Gatens

Five of the best hotels in national parks

1. Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park, Canada

2. Kapama Karula in Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa

3. The Pig in the New Forest, UK

4. Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park, India

5. The Roxbury Motel – Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

1. Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park, Canada

2. Kapama Karula in Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa

3. The Pig in the New Forest, UK

4. Banjaar Tola in Kanha National Park, India

5. The Roxbury Motel – Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

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