Escaping the day-to-day is easy. Pack your suitcase and make your way someplace new. This can be 100 miles from your home or to a city across an ocean. What’s not so easy, however, is escaping somewhere that’s truly restful and without hordes of people. After all, constant connection, human or digital, is exhausting. These days, getting some quality peace and quiet requires a little creativity and some effort reaching your destination. Because, going somewhere remote is your ticket to absolute calm, anonymity, and adventure. So, if you want to disconnect and leave the crowds behind, the following far-flung destinations (and hotels) will do the trick.
Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos Islands
If seclusion is your main goal for your vacation, it’s hard to find a better destination than the Galápagos Islands. The highly protected and sparsely populated archipelago is over 600 miles off the coast of South America in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. This destination also has the added bonus of offering wildlife watching experiences you can’t have anywhere else on planet Earth. (Marine iguanas and Galápagos penguins, anyone?) Many opt to tour the islands by boat for several days, but those who prefer to stay on land will find luxury, serenity, and adventure at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz Island. The small property, located on top of an extinct volcanic crater, offers much more than the repose you’re craving. It has excellent adventure packages, exceptional views, gastronomic fare, and a spa. And keep your eyes peeled for giant tortoises as you swim in the infinity pool.
From Chile’s Atacama Desert to Bolivia’s Salt Flats With Explora
If you prefer a vacation where you’re constantly on the go, Explora’s Travesía Atacama-Uyuni is probably the adventure you’re looking for. The all-inclusive trip covers over 300 miles across very remote landscapes, in a private and comfortable 4X4 vehicle. Of course, you’re accompanied by a driver and a guide. The itinerary includes plenty of activities to partake in along the way, and you get to customize it all. Biking, hiking, stargazing – you choose what you want to do with your time. Along the way, you get to rest in Explora’s beautiful isolated lodges, all of which offer incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. Explora’s fully tailored itineraries range from 6 to 11 nights of pure off-the-beaten-track experiences.
Amankora in Bhutan
Since opening its doors to tourists in 1974, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan (located deep in the Himalayas) has made sure to keep the volume of visitors low. That means it’s an ideal destination for those looking to escape the world and its people. The cultural, spiritual, and natural heritage of the Asian nation is best appreciated from Aman’s Amankora. This is the luxury hospitality brand’s five small lodges spread across five different valleys. Aman offers four itineraries for travelers to explore the country, ranging from 3 nights to 14 nights. They all include cultural, outdoors, and wellness activities, such as archery lessons, monastery and temple visits, local food tastings, hikes, massages, and much more.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia
Namibia is immense, but its 320 million square miles are only inhabited by 3 million people. These are some very good stats for the travelers looking for a crowd-free destination. Even better, the African nation is home to a very long stretch of coastal desert, where you can enjoy the anti-social vacation you’ve been dreaming about. The &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a luxury 11-suite property that covers 31,419 acres in the heart of this unique environment of rocky mountains and towering sand dunes. The accommodations are designed for guests to enjoy every bit of the extraordinary and unobstructed views (including of the night sky). There’s also a bounty of experiences available for you to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Whether you want to explore on foot, from a helicopter, an e-bike or a hot air balloon, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge can arrange it for you.
NIHI Sumba in Sumba, Indonesia
Few people think of Indonesia as a quiet vacation spot. After all, Jakarta, the nation’s capital, is also the largest city in the world with 41.9 million inhabitants. Even Bali, previously considered a retreat destination, is now almost too busy to enjoy. But there’s Sumba — an Indonesian island that’s larger than Bali, less populated, and still way off the tourist track. NIHI Sumba is the ideal luxury resort to book if you want to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, its cultural idiosyncrasies, and a vast array of wellness offerings. There are only 28 private villas with traditional thatched roofs on the 567 acres that comprise the resort. Swimming, surfing, horse riding, and even swimming with horses are the top activities at NIHI Sumba. And if you’re looking for something a little more out of the box, you can take part in equine yoga classes and underwater meditation sessions.
Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada
Who said you had to vacation somewhere sunny and far away to find seclusion and tranquility? Heading to the Great White North is a great option for all the introverted travelers. And it doesn’t get much more luxuriously remote than an ultra-modern three Michelin-key hotel, on a tiny island off another island, on the eastern coast of Canada. The Fogo Island Inn, with its 29 rooms, is the high-end yet laid-back retreat for anyone who likes dramatic, end-of-the-earth-like landscapes. While Fogo Island is small, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, including fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife-watching, foraging, rowing, stargazing, and more. We bet you won’t look at your phone even once.
White Desert in Antarctica
If you’re determined to be far away from most humans on your next trip, you might consider heading to Antarctica. While visiting the seventh continent was previously only possible by ship, these days you can fly in. Between November and February, White Desert flies intrepid travelers privately from Cape Town to Antarctica for the trip of a lifetime. Only 12 guests can be there at any one time, so you’re guaranteed peace and quiet. The itineraries range from 1 to 12 days, and include stays in luxurious, futuristic-looking pods on the ice that are fitted with all the modern comforts, despite being in the middle of nowhere. During your stay, you’ll get to visit the South Pole, watch penguins in their natural habitat, and the most adventurous among you can even rappel down glaciers and visit ice caves.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Hotels At The Ends Of The World
Most Remote Restaurants In The World
A Hotel To Add To The List: Nihi Sumba
FAQs
Q: Where is Pikaia Lodge?
A: Pikaia Lodge is located on Santa Cruz, one of the Galápagos islands.
Q: What is the closest airport to Fogo Island?
A: Gander (YQX) is the closest airport to Fogo Island.
Q: How many suites are there at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia?
A: There are 11 private and secluded suites at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia.
