9 Sensational Secluded Destinations For An Off-Grid Adventure
Whether you’re fantasizing about sweeping deserts, rugged mountain ranges or remote private islands, venturing off grid has never been so tantalizing. KATIE BERRINGTON rounds up nine spectacular – and secluded – hotels across the world
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood, Thailand
The mantra ‘no news, no shoes’ highlights how Soneva ensures the feeling of a complete, immersive switch-off for its guests. Amid the ocean-fringed jungle of Koh Kood, Soneva Kiri is the Thai outpost of this ultra-luxury, barefoot brand, where vast, spectacular villas maximize a verdant, secluded setting. Indoor-outdoor living spaces place guests in the middle of this heavenly spot, where lush rainforest melds into stunning, unspoilt beaches. To enjoy a more unusual vantage point, guests can also dine in the treetop restaurant, before visiting Soneva’s observatory for a phenomenal perspective of the dazzling night sky.
Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal
Soon-to-open Shinta Mani Mustang will give an unparalleled panorama of this dramatic and isolated Himalayan spot in the depths of the Kali Gandaki valley, between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The design – by architect and interior designer Bill Bensley – brings in the rich wonders of the region through a style based on traditional Tibetan homes, locally sourced materials and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Nilgiri mountains. Personalized guided experiences are offered to explore the landscape, from trekking to horse riding along secluded paths with majestic vistas.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Within a striking setting of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, Amangiri is encompassed by thousands of square miles of untouched landscape in the sweeping Utah desert. The hotel sits at the gateway to incredible national parks in the Colorado Plateau, making it the ideal place for excursions into the awe-inspiring scenery. As for where to lay your head, the copious space means that accommodation at the ultra-luxe Aman property includes private houses, dreamy stone suites and elegant canvas pavilions for a closer-to-the-wilderness experience at Camp Sarika.
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Nihi Sumba describes itself as existing on the ‘edge of wildness’, with an enviable location on one of Indonesia’s lesser-known islands. Here, guests will find 28 immaculately designed villas, each with a private pool and breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. From soaking up the renowned surf and dining in the open air, to sightseeing by horseback and getting involved in Nihi’s community and conservation projects, this is an immersion in Indonesia like no other.
The Rooster, Greece
Despite its proximity to Mykonos, Antiparos is a low-key, hidden gem among the Greek islands. The newly opened Rooster is a tranquil retreat found within a wild landscape of hills, ruins, rocks and sand dunes, with a privileged position above the unspoilt beach of Livadia. The hotel’s accommodation comprises 16 private houses designed to seamlessly harmonize with the surroundings, offering guests an out-of-the-way stay with a distinct focus on wellbeing.
Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos
It’s difficult to come by a destination more off-grid than a private island, and Pine Cay is one of the most exclusive in the Caribbean. Take a 20-minute boat ride from mainland Turks and Caicos to reach the swathes of pristine white sands and elegant 12-beachfront-room hotel (which has recently undergone a renovation and joined Relais & Châteaux) on the edge of the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Whether on the cerulean water or on land, the opportunities to marvel at the surroundings are second to none, and the resort, set amid 800 acres of glorious wilderness, serves up barefoot island living at its most serene.
Storfjord Hotel, Norway
In the west coast of Norway’s Glomset, on a hillside overlooking the Storfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps, the boutique alpine Storfjord Hotel is a wonderfully cozy base from which to explore the forested landscape. Guests are invited to visit a local fjord farm to learn traditional Norwegian cooking techniques, while those looking for something more adventurous can hike in the mountains of Zen-møre, go canyoning and rafting in the fjord village of Valldal, and discover numerous woodland walks and trails. The hotel is also a stopping point for experiential travel company 62°NORD, which custom-curates incredible explorations of the region based on local expertise.
Islas Secas, Panama
Found off the rugged pacific coast of Panama, Islas Secas is an exclusive, privately owned archipelago of 14 islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Home to one of the Pacific’s largest coral reefs, the region has been largely undisturbed and the resort provides a paradisial place to explore its numerous bucket-list offerings – from discovering the UNESCO World Heritage site of Coiba National Park, a short boat ride away, to marine safaris. The local wildlife includes humpback whales, tropical birds and giant manta rays, while the resort’s accommodation spans an array of beautifully designed casitas, offering guests a sense of indoor-outdoor living.
Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania
The remarkable locale for Singita’s Mara River Tented Camp is a riverbend in the remote Lamai triangle of the Serengeti. The intimate tented oasis resides in 98,000 acres of unspoilt plains in northern Tanzania, which teems with wildlife, ensuring a spectacular safari experience – including herds of game, predators and the annual wonder of the wildebeest migration. At the camp, the vibe is very much laid-back luxury, with a mix of natural fabrics and materials offset by art pieces from local designers.