Due to the need for social distancing, secluded destinations seem a lot more appealing for any travel opportunities right now. Luckily, there are some luxury hotels and resorts around the world that offer serene escapes where you can spend time with your loved ones surrounded by nature, with plenty of privacy and isolation. It has been a while since the COVID-19 pandemic put all our travel plans on hold. The desire to travel is often insatiable, but we must also be safe and comply with health and safety norms. We have curated a list of remote leisure retreats for you to plan your future holidays. By Ipsita KabirajSix Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
Located on the tranquil island of Koh Yao Noi, this resort is about an hour away by speedboat from Phuket. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Phang Nga Bay and spend quality time surrounded by nature, or in their own exclusive pool, as there is ample privacy between the elevated villas. The resort also offers customisable excursions and events that you can opt for according to your own interests, so you don’t need to take part in group activities.
Address: 56 Moo 5 Tambol Koh Yao Noi, Amphur Koh Yao, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand
Fregate Island Private, the Seychelles
Housing only 17 villas, each with a sundeck and infinity pool, this elusive island resort provides the best of luxury, seclusion, and wildlife, making it an ideal location to self-isolate. It is a 15-minute helicopter ride away from Mahé, the main island. For those who wish to explore the pristine surroundings, the resort provides a personal buggy to each villa. There are also giant tortoises that live on the property.
Address: Fregate Island Sanctuary Ltd., Suite 108, Premier Building, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles
Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh, India
This luxe property on the bank of the Ganges in Rishikesh offers 16 villas, each with a balcony that opens up to the river valley. Escape the hustle-bustle of your daily life by unwinding and engaging in bespoke experiences here, such as walks by the river, meditating on the secluded white sand beach, or visiting organic farms and other attractions such as the Beatles Ashram and Rajaji National Wildlife park.
Address: Village – Timli Kalthri, Rishikesh, Distt, Badrinath Rd, Shivpuri, Uttarakhand 249192
Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
This private island resort is accessible only by boat, and its expansive villas are one of the largest in the Maldives, with considerable space in between to ensure maximum exclusivity. The resort is eco-friendly, too, since it practices sustainability by banning all single-use plastics at the property. One of the main attractions of this place is the surrounding lagoons and the rich marine biodiversity it is home to.
Address: Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll Republic of Maldives, Maldives
Amangiri, Utah, US
This desert camp is built on the Utah-Arizona border, in a seemingly remote location in the midst of Canyon Point. The property has been constructed in such a way that it easily blends with the surrounding landscape of the wild West. You can either stay in the modernist suites at the sanctuary, or at the tented property of nearby Camp Sarika, which is a short drive away if you prefer more privacy and seclusion.
Address: 1 Kayenta Road, Canyon Point Utah. 84741-0285, USA
Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia
The Pangkor Laut Resort is nestled amidst an ancient rainforest, surrounded by white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, along the Straits of Malacca. Some noteworthy experiences at this island property include fine dining on Emerald Bay, chartered cruises, and learning the house chef’s culinary secrets by learning how to cook — right from sourcing the ingredients to garnishing the finished meal. This idyllic island paradise also serves as the perfect romantic retreat with your significant other.
Address: Pangkor Laut Island, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia
The Samling, UK
This boutique hotel, set on privately-owned land within the country’s Lake District (which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site), offers only 12 suites, overlooking pristine Lake Windermere. Away from the chaos of the main Lake District area, guests can enjoy the wilderness of the woodlands, hike up to Jenkins Crag, or just relax at the property’s expansive outdoor terrace. It also has an impressive wine cellar and offers personalised wine tastings.
Address: Ambleside Rd, Windermere LA23 1LR, United Kingdom
Related: These Luxury Island Resorts In Maldives Offer The Perfect Antidote To Lockdown Blues