Looking to be left alone ? Stress of the city getting a little too heavy? The call of fresh air and unending foliage too hard to resist? Well, same here. Thats why we’ve compiled the most outstanding escapes that offer peace, quiet… and not another soul in sight.
At these remote hotels, found along the path less trodden, you can snorkel in pristine water, watch dolphins from the sand dunes and survey the scenery from blustery peaks… all while feeling like the only person left on Earth. Bliss!
Amanoi, Vietnam
Perched on a clifftop where lush green jungle tumbles down toward the shimmering South China Sea, this seriously secluded resort inspires both total calm and wild adventure. Situated within the fascinating Nui Chua National Park, there are tall mountains and dense forest to explore, teeming with exotic wildlife, and pristine, white-sand beaches that lead to coral blooms at the cliffs edges.
Aman’s unparalleled spa provides endless treatments that you can enjoy outside to the soundtrack of birdsong and breaking waves. The rooms fuse contemporary styles with traditional Vietnamese architecture, with muted tones, strong, bare wood and pagoda-style roofs. The villas and pavilions have views over the coast or the treetops of the national park, encouraging total calmness and serenity, but the real show stealer is the magnificent infinity pool that appears to fall straight out in to the bay of Vinh Hy.
Pelican Point Lodge, Namibia
Total isolation is the order of the day at the striking Pelican Point Lodge. Sat totally solo on a giant spit of sand that juts out into the southern Atlantic from Walvis Bay, this former harbour control building has been lovingly recreated into an exceptional hotel, complete with lighthouse. The rooms are simple and chic with tones that reflect the barren beauty of the desert just outside.
Watch playful dolphins dive out of the water, curious seals bob around in groups and flamingos strut about in their blasé right from your veranda. Waking up to the sounds of crashing waves with coffee in hand is the ultimate escape.
Lupita Island Lodge, Tanzania
13 handcrafted cottages that overlook Africa’s deepest lake make up this breathtaking bolthole. Lupita island sits on Lake Tanganyika, the most stunning and inspiring setting. Swim, dive and snorkel in the lake, join a hiking trek or venture out on safari on the nearby mainland, or just spend a day by the pool or enjoy a soothing massage out on the thatch-roofed deck.
The cottages have open sides with views over the beautiful lake, and are made up of great beams lashed together with rope and topped with grass thatch. The style truly takes the form of rustic luxury here. Straight lines and perfect symmetry are not part of their vocabulary, and its all the more charming for it.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, Australia
The striking beauty of Lord Howe island is enough to lure you in itself. Add in an exemplary boutique lodge and you’ve got the recipe for a blissful break. Capella lodge is a super contemporary beach lodge that boasts sumptuous ocean and mountain views through its floor to ceiling windows.
Lord Howe island is a haven for hedonists. Located 600km off the coast of Sydney, you’d be hard pushed to find somewhere more remote, and more achingly beautiful. The crescent-shaped island is famed for being crowned by twin volcanic peaks, crystal-clear water of the Tasman Sea and awesome fishing and snorkelling. Hike the peaks, kayak the coves or bliss out at the delightful spa.
Travaasa Hana, Maui, Hawaii
Discover the ‘real’ Hawaii from this exceptional resort in the tiny town of Hana on Maui’s easternmost tip. In fact, they say themselves that Travaasa is the first spot on the island to receive the sunrise.
Getting here couldn’t be more picturesque. The drive from the airport might take 2 hours but the scenery en route is some of the most achingly beautiful in the world with the Pacific crashing into the cliffs to the left and monstrous mountains covered in verdant forest and flowing falls like something out of Avatar to the right.
Tucked away among the foliage is Travaasa Hana, a complex of beautiful cottages in traditional Hawaiian style with American size (aka huge) rooms, laid out over a rolling green hilltop with views to the sea. Nearby are black sand or white sands beaches to enjoy and the resort has a fantastic spa with a lengthy menu of indulgent treatments.
Jalakara, Andaman Islands
Described as a ‘game changer when it comes to barefoot castaway chic’ this heavenly hotel is the last word in casual luxury. With just six suites and a private villa, this former banana and betel nut plantation exudes seclusion and intimacy. The complex faces west, giving unparalleled sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
The rooms are delightfully simple, with buffed concrete walls and varnished wood, with patterned furnishings and flowing net curtains, this place will surely inspire sweet dreams. The sensational restaurant focuses on the island’s abundance of tropical fruit and seafood, and the snorkelling and diving around this region is some of the best in the world.
Its name comes from the ancient Sanskrit meaning ‘the source’ so you know that this is the be all and end all on gorgeous Havelock Island.
Kyle House, Scottish Highlands
Still after white sands but can’t handle the heat? Scotland’s wild north has some pristine and empty beaches that appear never to have been touched. Stay at the remarkable Kyle House cottage, a former smokery part of the Kinloch Lodge hotel, a creative sanctuary in the remote Kyle of Tongue, a shallow sea loch. On the very of Britain’s last true wilderness, there is no sign of anyone else around. Just dramatic scenes of grey-blue mountains, dense woodland and endless skies.
Decorated in beautiful Scottish / Scandi-chic simplicity, this one-bedroom hideaway was created by a Danish designer couple. With clean lines, light wood and heavy yet oh so soft bedding this characterful cottage, hidden in the hills, is the perfect place to totally switch off, miles from the beaten track.
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