When we talk about remote luxury, it can be easy to lose ourselves in holiday destinations which are far flung and isolated, without really giving thought to how these resorts encompass the local culture and create immersive experiences which truly represent their destination as a whole. After all, luxury is luxury – a five star hotel can be the same anywhere in the world. What makes these locations stand out and what really gives a resort or hotel that edge over competitors, is the way in which it celebrates the locality and the surrounding landscape.
One of the best and simplest ways to create this immersive luxury is to create accommodation which provides a seamless experience with the landscape – be it from the comfort of an overwater bungalow, the excitement of a luxury floating suite, or the thrill of a collection of facilities and experiences. These are just some of the best and most remote luxury accommodations which really use and celebrate their surroundings.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
If you have heard of or seen the musical ‘Come From Away’, you will have some idea about the remote location and community spirit of Newfoundland. An island located off the coast of Canada, the Fogo Island Inn benefits from incredible views throughout the year, with the hotel designers capturing the incredible beauty of the island with floor to ceiling windows and tons of amenities which draw you towards the view and let you revel in the way the scenery changes before your eyes.
One of the best things about this remote luxury location is that it does not rely on sandy beaches and blue seas – what it does do is drop you right into the heart of a rugged and wild environment, giving you new experiences which change every day and which create lifelong memories.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
This resort may be just an hour from Bangkok, but its remote location and quiet surroundings make it one of the world’s most luxurious and immersive places to visit – boasting a small spot on Thailand’s most remote island. The 36 private villas each benefit from their own unique view, looking over rainforest landscapes and incredible sparkling oceans; enjoying private access to beaches and private plunge pools with a small buggy provided to each guest.
Travaasa Hana, Hawaii
This resort is located right on the Eastern tip of Maui, and yet the immersive experience they have captured and created is enough to make you feel like you are right in the heart of the community. Benefitting from the peace and quiet of a coastal resort, with all manner of cultural experiences available right at your fingertips, this is a destination which has made a name for itself for its luxury amenities and incredible surroundings.
Guests will quickly note on arrival that the destination is free from technology, with nothing there to distract you from the natural beauty of the surrounding environment and its local customs.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa, the Maldives
A location famed as a honeymoon destination, a romantic escape, and a secluded peace of paradise – the Maldives is the spot known for its overwater bungalows and the close relationship between the resorts and the ocean. The Park Hyatt Hadahaa features just 50 villas which cross over between the land and the sea, giving guests the chance to experience life on the water and life on the land.
The journey to the Park Hyatt Hadahaa only serves to strengthen its seclusion, making it an iconic and famously remote destination which only a select few are able to visit.
Lizard Island, Queensland
Onto the shores of Australia, Queensland is a location which has a place on many bucket lists – with Lizard Island being just one of the country’s most popular luxury resorts. What makes Lizard Island in particular stand out is its complete seclusion, boasting an incredible 24 beaches to serve just 40 suites across the island. Guests can enjoy complete access to the Great Barrier Reef for an immersive ocean experience, followed by indulgent spa treatments, incredible dishes in the on-site restaurant, and an incredible peace and privacy which cannot be matched anywhere else.
Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska
Another remote and luxurious resort which moves away from sandy beaches and immerses guests in the reality of a truly remote landscape, the Ultima Thule Lodge in Alaska provides a stay which is centered around luxury and experience. The lodge offers just five private cabins, making the destination remote in both its location and the proximity to other guests, with a central lodge providing a hub of activity with lounges, and open kitchen and bars overlooking the mountains and rivers.
TIME + TIDE Miavana, Madagascar
For many of us, what we know of Madagascar and its landscape largely comes from the iconic animated movie – until we step off the plane onto the TIME + TIDE Miavana resort. An eco-resort completely designed around experience and luxury, this island features 14 villas with their own kitchen and plunge pool, as well as a communal piazza with an infinity pool and bar so that you can come together for shared experiences during the evenings.
Given its location in Madagascar, the most impressive thing about this private island resort is its ecosystem and wildlife – with around 85% of its animals and plants only existing here in this area. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience, built around the ability to enjoy your own company with the remote location, surrounded by incredible and extremely natural beauty.
Offering the perfect remote and luxurious experience
For many travelers today, the perfect vacation combines luxury with isolation – offering them a chance to experience their own private piece of the landscape from the comfort of a high end destination. Offering this kind of accommodation option can be achieved in a plethora of ways, be it through your location, the design of your resort, or the unique ways in which you invite guests to experience their surroundings.