Luxury isn’t about high thread-count sheets or over-the-top amenities. Real luxury is about space, privacy, and peace. And there are few better places to find all three than a remote island. Seclusion and tranquility will allow you to leave the chaos of the day-to-day behind to focus on the here and now. The good news is that there are many remote islands that will satisfy your desire for quiet and solitude. From the coast of Africa to Northern Norway, and everything in between, here are 12 of them that will inspire your next trip.
São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe isn’t actually just one island. It’s two main islands – the island of São Tomé and the island of Príncipe – and some surrounding islets. The African nation, formerly a Portuguese colony, is off the coast of Western Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. While seemingly very hard to reach, there are, in fact, direct flights from Lisbon that will get you there. There are also inter-islands flights for exploring. To avoid other visitors, as well as too much sunshine or too much rain, head over there in June or September. That way, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the vast, palm-tree-covered beaches, the lush tropical rain forests, and the impressively tall volcanic rock formation known as Pico Cão Grande. As for the ideal place to stay? Sundy Praia on the island of Príncipe is your ticket to paradise.
Palau
Palau is an archipelago of no fewer than 300 gorgeous islands in Micronesia. And there are only 18,000 inhabitants spread among them. Needless to say, you won’t run into crowds during your remote island vacation. Just like any destination in this part of the world, it’s all about turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush landscapes. Snorkeling and diving are the island nation’s main draws for visitors, but bird watching, stargazing, sailing, and hiking are all possible – and highly recommended. Staying at The Four Season Explorer, a yacht that acts as a luxurious floating resort, is an excellent way to experience Palau differently.
Raja Ampat
While many tend to limit their island vacations in Indonesia to Bali, there are many more places to enjoy that are less touristy. The Raja Ampat archipelago, east of West Papua, is one of them. And what makes Raja Ampat special isn’t its 610 islands of which only 34 are inhabited. Instead, it’s the fact that it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. To keep it simple: it’s a great destination for a nature-focused vacation that includes diving, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and sailing. The private island eco resort of Misool combines hospitality with conservation work to offer the trip of a lifetime. Overwater villas and pristine coral reefs, anyone?
Fernando de Noronha
Off the coast of Brazil, alone in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, is the little-known 21-island archipelago of Fernando de Noronha. Since most of the islands of the archipelago are within the Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, wildlife watching is one of the best ways to pass the time. Think sea turtles, rays, and more. You can observe all the wonderful marine creatures from the water by diving or snorkeling, or from land by standing on Baía dos Golfinhos, the best viewpoint to see dolphins. Those who would like to try their hands at surfing must head to Cacimba do Padre to catch some waves. The 11-suite seafront Pousada Maravilha is the ideal place to stay to make the most of the archipelago’s eye-popping landscape.
Lord Howe Island
If your ideal vacation destination is a remote island with unique wildlife, stop right here. Lord Howe Island, in the middle of the Tasman Sea, is it. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 for its unique flora and fauna and jaw-dropping landscapes. And, it’s only a two-hour flight from Sydney. Two species you keep an eye out for on Lord Howe Island are the Lord Howe Woodhen (one of the world’s rarest birds) and the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (the world’s largest stick insect). If you prefer to look for wildlife underwater, you can do that too – the world’s southernmost coral reef doesn’t disappoint. Stay at Capella Lodge for a luxurious experience in this one-of-a-kind environment. And because tourist numbers are limited to 400 at any one time, you’re guaranteed peace and quiet.
Benguerra Island
Few people have heard of Benguerra Island and the reason is simple: It’s off the beaten path and it’s also minimally developed for tourism. The island is off the coast of Mozambique, and is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, a marine sanctuary. Despite its secluded location, it’s surprisingly easy to get to. All it takes is a quick helicopter ride from Vilankulo, a coastal town on the mainland. The biggest draw for visitors are the gorgeous white-sand beaches, but it also has some of the best diving and snorkeling you can find in Southern Africa. Kiwasa Sanctuary, located on 750 acres of beach, forest, and sand dunes at the southern tip of the island, make this the luxury retreat of all luxury retreats.
Con Dao
Con Dao (spelled Côn Đảo in Vietnamese), is a 16-island archipelago off the southern coast of Vietnam. Although relatively easy to reach (there are flights and an overnight ferry), it seems to attract only few travelers. Because the archipelago is part of a natural preserve, you can expect to enjoy pristine landscapes and observe thriving wildlife. Just make sure to visit between March and September to avoid heavy rain. And note that between May and September is the best time of year if you’re keen to spot nesting turtles on the beaches. The Six Senses Con Dao, with its 50 private-pool villas and residences, is the best place to stay for a high-end vacation in this paradisiacal location.
Lofoten Islands
Who said your remote island vacation had to be filled with warmth and sunshine? If you prefer a cold-weather destination, the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway and within the Arctic Circle, should do the trick. The dramatic landscape is the main appeal for visitors, no matter the season. That said, if it’s the northern lights you’re after, you should plan a visit between September and April. It’s all about outdoor activities in the Lofoten Islands and some of the most popular ones include hiking, skiing, fishing, and kayaking. But you can also surf and dive (if you’re not worried about the temperature of the water, that is). Holmen Lofoten offers traditional fishermen cabins that have been entirely renovated so you can take in the grand landscape in utter comfort.
Socotra
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Socotra is a legendary destination among travelers. But the Yemeni archipelago, off the very northern tip of Somalia, isn’t exactly an easy place to reach, especially considering the current tensions in this part of the world. Those brave enough to make their way there, however, get to see spectacular and completely unique fauna and flora that have made the archipelago a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The star of Socotra is the stunning dragon’s blood tree whose shape is reminiscent of an upturned umbrella and whose sap is bright red, hence its name. Don’t expect high-end hotels in Socotra, but if you travel there as part of a tour you’ll be able to enjoy eco-friendly and luxurious glamping options.
Jeju Island
Jeju Island, South Korea’s largest island, isn’t as mysterious, remote, or deserted as some of the other islands on this list. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth checking out. In fact, Jeju Island is a great place to visit for those who want to see a different facet of Korea, one that is less urban. It’s an excellent place to visit for travelers who are fauna and flora-focused as it is home to many endemic species, including the Jeju horse. The Manjanggul lava tubes of this volcanic island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are also a sight to see. The island abounds with lovely accommodations but the one-Michelin-key JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa makes for a wonderful vacation.
Pantelleria
Discreetly tucked between Sicily and Tunisia is Pantelleria, a 32-square-mile Italian Island that rarely makes travelers’ itineraries. But it should, because it has all the hallmarks of a great destination. Think rich wine and food culture, archeological remains, beautiful rock formations, excellent swimming, natural hot springs, hiking trails, and much more. The 20-suite Sikelia hotel, a former monastery that was transformed into a five-star property, is the chicest accommodation on the island.
Rodrigues
The island of Rodrigues, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, belongs to the Republic of Mauritius, but it’s over 400 miles away to the east. Much like Mauritius, Rodrigues is all about beaches and coral reefs, but it’s much less popular with tourists and less developed, making it a more tranquil destination. It goes without saying that water-based activities are the best ways to pass the time in Rodrigues, including diving, surfing, kitesurfing, and more. That said, there’s plenty of hiking opportunities for those who prefer to spend their time on land. And, of course, there’s always sunbathing. Constance Tekoma, with its seafront location, is a luxurious base from which you can explore the island and its many charms.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Benguerra Island?
A: Benguerra Island is off the coast of Mozambique.
Q: How can I get to Lord Howe Island from Sydney?
A: There are flights from Sydney to Lord Howe Island that take less than two hours.
Q: What’s so special about the archipelago of Socotra?
A: The Yemeni archipelago of Socotra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to fauna and flora you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
