Remote cabins
At Te Whare Ruruhau, a secluded cabin in the New Zealand wilderness on exclusive Owhaoko ancestral lands, guests seeking solitude will have 6,950 ha all to themselves. Meander through the native forest and alpine grasslands, soak in the outdoor bathtub and watch the sun descend over the Kaimanawa Range. Then stargaze from the comfort of a skylit cabin. The caveat? Te Whare Ruruhau is only accessible by helicopter.
Over in Montana, US, The Green O is an adults-only retreat with 12 design-forward luxury accommodations spread across the densely timbered southern edge of the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch. The area is so remote and vast, every guest gets a Lexus for the duration of their stay. This also makes it the ultimate playground for nature lovers—guests are invited to take an exhilarating ATV ride through the pastures, canoe down Clearwater River and go on dogsledding adventures during the winter.
Island escapes
If you’re a modern-day Robinson Crusoe in search of barefoot luxury, sail away to Calala Island, a private island in Nicaragua that boasts just four beachfront suites, each styled after a traditional Caribbean palapa (dwelling with a thatched roof). Sink into a hammock with a cocktail in hand, and look forward to freshly-caught produce for meals. Watersports enthusiasts can opt for snorkelling, fishing, or paddleboarding.
A similar castaway-esque holiday can be found at Benguerra Island, situated off the coast of Mozambique within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Here, ride bareback on horses as they wade into the warm ocean, enjoy a decadent private picnic on a secluded beach, or try to spot a dugong—the area is home to one of the last remaining viable populations of the gentle giant.
Unspoilt wilderness
Nestled within the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador is the spectacular Sacha Lodge, a property perched on a backwater lake and surrounded by pristine rainforest. Its main draw is the 300m-long, 30m-high canopy walkway and observation tower, which provides a bird’s-eye view over the dense jungle. Experience nature at its most vivid, through lodge activities such as caiman spotting at night, creek paddling in dugout canoes, and guided forest walks to spot howler monkeys and rainbow-coloured toucans.
Down south in Peru, the sumptuous Titilaka Lodge is set on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Its wraparound terraces provide an incredible vantage point for vivid sunrises and sunsets set against the breathtaking landscape of the Andes. An experience not to be missed is the Aymara Constellation Observation, where guests can marvel at the glittering sky while a guide regales with stories of ancient beliefs, Andean constellations and celestial movements.
