There’s something to be said about really getting away, where “out of office” means “don’t even think about me while I am on vacation.” But in the world of always being connected, even the most valiant efforts to get time off still means answering a few messages. We know you’re indispensable and all, but sometimes you really need to recharge. And you know what? People need to figure it out themselves. And for when you’re ready, these are remote hotels in destinations that literally bring you to the ends of the earth. Because you are worth it.

White Desert, Antarctica

There’s no destination more remote than Antarctica. Although there are many cruise lines that will take you to the White Continent, they don’t travel any further than the Antarctic Peninsula. White Desert, however, does things a little differently. Because the founders of the luxury tourism company are two polar explorers, they take travelers where few others go: the Antarctic interior.

Overview of The Offerings

White Desert offers a variety of luxury Antarctica adventures ranging from one to eight days. All of them start the same: a private charter from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf Fang’s runaway, White Desert’s private ice airport. The 5.5-hour flight is onboard the brand’s own Airbus 340-300.

White Desert has three high-end camps on the ice: Wolf’s Fang, Whichaway, and Echo. Those who opt for the one-day White Desert experience stay at Wolf’s Fang, but travelers who choose a longer trip get to take their pick between Whichaway and Echo.

The pods at both Whichaway and Echo are equally lush and comfortable, but we have a slight preference for Whichaway. That’s because this camp is set up along the shores of beautiful freshwater lakes – but not only. The clincher is Whichaway’s wellness dome – a bubble-like space where you can practice yoga and meditate. The camp also has a sauna and a cold-plunge tub for good measure. 

No matter what camp you stay at, you won’t have to share the experience with more than 11 other people. There are only six pods per camp and each can accommodate two people only.

White Desert organizes an abundance of expert-led activities in Antarctica’s interior. Some take place around the camps, including ice cave explorations, champagne picnics on the ice, roped hikes, and abseiling adventures. Others require a flight onboard one of White Desert’s very own ski-fitted turboprop planes. That’s the case for a visit to an emperor penguin colony and a trip to the Geographical South Pole.

Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada

If Antarctica is a little too remote for your taste, but you still want to see icebergs and wildlife, Fogo Island should be more your speed. Fogo Island is an island off the coast of an island (Newfoundland), so it’s secluded. That said, it’s relatively accessible if you’re ready to put up with a couple of scheduled flights, a one-hour car ride, and a 45-minute ferry. 

The Destination And The Hotel

Fogo Island is on the small side – 15 miles long and 8 miles wide – and is home to a handful of communities that house around 2,000 people. One thing for sure is that you won’t be running into crowds. For travelers to the island, the destination of choice is the Fogo Island Inn, a three Michelin-key and Relais & Château hotel that is as impressive from the outside as it is from the inside.

The Fogo Island inn was thought out by Norway-based Newfoundland architect Todd Saunders and it’s easy to see the Nordic influence in the building’s design. It’s gray, angular, and simple, yet striking. The fact that part of the structure stands on stilts just a few feet from the Atlantic Ocean adds to the sense of awe you get when you see it. 

While the exterior of the property is undoubtedly modern, inside the 29 rooms it’s a haven of light-filled and colorful coziness. Think handcrafted furniture and colorful textiles (both made by Fogo Island artisans) and patterned wallpaper. The vibe is luxurious, yet homelike and comfortable. Of course, the main attraction in the rooms are the views.

When you’re not having a relaxing time in your room, you can partake in a flurry of activities on the island. You can go berry and flower picking, hiking, biking, wildlife-watching, rowing, stargazing, fishing and more. 

There are two dining venues at The Fogo Island Inn, the Dining Room and the Shed. The shed is a place for the extroverts among you as the meals take place around a communal table. In both spaces, you’ll get to enjoy locally sourced food and dishes inspired by local traditions.

NIHI Sumba, Sumba Island, Indonesia

If it’s a sunny escape you’re looking for, Indonesia will deliver. But while you might think that Bali should be your harbor of choice in this part of the world, think again. Sumba is larger than Bali, less populated, and less popular for tourists. A win-win-win if there ever was one. The island also retains its traditional architecture and shamanic practices, making for a fascinating destination. Oh, and it’s only a one-hour flight from Bali, so getting there is a cinch. 

The Property

The property of choice on Sumba is Nihi Sumba. The luxury resort comprises 28 private villas on 567 acres of jungles – plenty of space to feel alone. And because each of the structures features the island’s traditional peaked, thatched roof, the property blends harmoniously in the surrounding landscape. While the villas range in size (from one to four bedrooms), each has a private pool and views of the ocean. 

Swimming, surfing, horse riding, and even swimming with horses are the top activities at NIHI Sumba. However, you’d be remiss not to indulge in some of the spa offerings available. Equine yoga classes and massages accompanied by horses are probably the most surprising options on the wellness menu, but the underwater meditation sessions are a close second. 

There are three dining options on site and each of them source their ingredients from the property’s organic garden. Not only that, but they use traditional Sumbenese cooking methods for you to experience the island’s culinary delights in an authentic manner. NIHI Sumba is an all-inclusive resort so you can eat and drink to your heart’s content.

Kiwasa Sanctuary, Benguerra Island, Mozambique 

Fleeing to an island off the coast of Mozambique is a pretty good start if you want an antisocial vacation. But while remote, Benguerra Island isn’t so difficult to reach – all it takes is a quick helicopter ride from Vilankulo, a coastal town on the mainland. If you really want to seclude yourself from the world, however, Kiwasa Sanctuary is the answer.

The Property

Kiwasa Sanctuary is a luxury property located on 750 acres of beach, forest, and sand dunes at the southern tip of the island. The resort comprises only eight residences of one, two, or three bedrooms. Each residence is set on at least one acre, and has views of the ocean, access to the beach, a private pool, and comes with an electric open-air vehicle. In short, it’s paradise.

The exterior design and interior decor of each of the residences artfully mix traditional and modern creativity. The curved, undulating roofs are thatched in grass, the art on display is local, and many of the pieces of furniture reflect Mozambican aesthetics. That said, contemporary minimalism and trendy touches are present, too.

While staying in and around your residence is tempting, there’s plenty to do outside. The spa menu has enticing treatment and wellness rituals, such as healing sound baths, ayurvedic massages, yoga sessions, and more. And outdoor activities, including whale-watching, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and swimming are available right outside your door. Just ask your personal butler.

Explora en Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Chile

Little-known islands tend to make good destinations for travelers in search of isolation. Although Rapa Nui (AKA Easter Island) is very famous, it’s far enough from the rest of the world that only few people make it there. Indeed, the island is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 2,200 miles away from the coast of Chile. That said, there are daily flights from Santiago de Chile to the island, so getting there is relatively accessible. 

The Property

Explora en Rapa Nui, the 29-room luxury lodge outside of Hanga Roa, is the place you’ll want to stay at while on the island. Located on a hill and surrounded by trees and grassland, the property is secluded and offers striking views of the ocean. But, you can’t spot any Moais from the hotel — so you’ll need to leave this opulent cocoon to check them out.

The exterior of the property sets the tone to what you’ll find inside. It’s modern and discreet, lying low into the landscape in what looks like an attempt at disappearing entirely. Inside, it’s contemporary too, with an abundance of raw concrete and natural wood, and no art or decorative objects to distract from the views. 

Because Explora has an all-inclusive approach, you get to take your pick of the many scheduled adventures available. There are boat trips, bike tours, and hikes to volcanic craters, lava flows, and archeological sites. Excursions to see Moais are on the schedule, of course.

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FAQs

Q: How do travelers reach the White Desert camps?

A: White Desert organizes charter flights from Cape Town, South Africa to take travelers to its three camps on the ice in Antarctica’s interior.

Q: What is the closest airport to Fogo Island?

A: Gander (YQX) is the closest airport to Fogo Island. 

Q: How many villas are there at NIHI Sumba?

A: There are 28 villas at Nihi Sumba.