Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa has vaulted to the top of New Jersey’s hospitality scene, earning the No. 1 spot on Gamblespot’s 2025 ranking of the state’s luxury resorts, according to the new list. The recognition comes less than a year after the property began welcoming guests.
The resort opened in June 2024 and has quickly drawn praise for pairing upscale comfort with a setting more common to the Serengeti than suburban New Jersey.
Situated inside Six Flags Great Adventure’s 350-acre Wild Safari in Jackson, the hideaway allows visitors to watch more than 1,200 free-roaming animals from their decks, a detail confirmed in a February release.
From select decks and common areas, guests can often watch giraffes roaming nearby and may spot other species, including zebras, elsewhere along the walking paths.
The 20 glamping suites come in two categories: Couples Glamping Suites for up to two guests and Family Glamping Suites that accommodate up to six. Canvas walls hide private bathrooms, African-inspired décor and private fire pits.
A minimum two-night stay includes one private giraffe-feeding experience during the visit, and it is common to spot elephants or antelope while sipping morning coffee outside a suite.
Operating inside an active wildlife park also demands environmental sensitivity—an area where campground and glamping owners can score quick wins. Native landscaping, for instance, can slash irrigation needs by roughly 30 percent, while low-profile solar panels on service buildings offset common-area electricity. Fitting each unit with low-flow fixtures, installing down-shielded amber LEDs to protect nocturnal behaviors and placing attractive compost and recycling bins at every patio deepen the conservation story without compromising comfort.
Beyond the tents, Savannah Sunset Spa provides holistic treatments, and a chef-driven restaurant crafts menus designed to “elevate the glamping experience.” Every booking includes multi-park passes covering Six Flags Great Adventure, the drive-through safari and Hurricane Harbor, and an events lawn doubles as a backdrop for weddings or corporate retreats.
For operators eyeing new revenue streams, the bundled-pass model offers a blueprint. Tiered packages that combine lodging, dining credits and VIP line-skip privileges can lift per-stay spend and firm up forecasts. RFID wristbands streamline on-property purchases, while dynamic rate grids timed to a partner attraction’s crowd calendar help flatten shoulder-season dips. Limited-availability animal encounters add scarcity that nudges early bookings and lets managers test price elasticity without touching base rates.
Travelers have noticed. Tripadvisor’s recent reviews praise attentive service, plush furnishings and the novelty of a safari setting minutes from the Jersey Turnpike.
Gamblespot’s editors also handed out perfect scores across location, rooms, value, service and sleep quality, calling the camp “unforgettable” for both families and couples.
“We are excited to welcome guests this spring to the Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa, where opulence meets the open savannah in the heart of New Jersey,” said Park President Brian Bacica. “Our team is planning every detail to create a luxury experience welcoming guests to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of our resort. Whether you seek relaxation, a family adventure, or a romantic getaway, Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa promises to exceed your expectations.”
The resort’s rise coincides with Six Flags Great Adventure’s 50th-anniversary capital push, which added THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity coaster, refurbished classics and new Splash Island attractions—a signal that immersive, experience-forward travel continues to gain ground nationwide.
For outdoor-hospitality businesses, Savannah Sunset’s formula—wildlife immersion, wellness programming, bundled entertainment and eco-savvy design—shows how distinctive experiences can raise average daily rates, boost occupancy and keep guests talking long after checkout.