In a world where anyone can zoom in on a satellite image of almost anywhere in the world, it might seem as if the ideas of privacy and seclusion are long gone. Fortunately, there are still locations on the planet that will help you take a step back from your fast-paced, connected life for a true escape in a picturesque setting. As the days get colder, warm up with a chartered flight to a destination with a temperate climate that will never make you miss the real world.
Kauri Cliffs | Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand
During winter in the northern hemisphere, the southern hemisphere welcomes summer weather. Take an hour-long helicopter ride from Auckland to Kauri Cliffs, a Relais & Chateaux property in Matauri Bay, Northland. The high-end resort marries nature and luxury on 6,000 acres of private land. In the remote accommodation, you’ll find 22 guest rooms with 180-degree ocean views, as well as two exquisite 4,200-square-foot Owners Cottages in a native forest overlooking the ocean. When you aren’t sunbathing on the private pink-sand beach, fishing, or hunting, play a round of golf on the property’s world-class course or treat yourself to a spa service.
Explora Rapa Nui | Easter Island, Chile
The most remote inhabited island on Earth, Easter Island is so secluded that the nearest inhabited island is 1,300 miles away. Explore the home of the famed moai stone figures while staying at Explora Rapa Nui, an eco-friendly resort with priceless ocean views. The tranquil spot offers more than 20 guided excursions to local towns and attractions with activities that include hiking, bike riding, and snorkeling. Be sure to travel the Moai route to the quarry where an ancient civilization extracted the rocks to carve the mysterious sculptures.
Petit St. Vincent Resort | St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Located on the southern tip of the Grenadines, the Petit St. Vincent Resort occupies its own private Caribbean island with a two-mile stretch of beach. The 115-acre accommodation offers 22 cottages and villages that are free of technological creature comforts such as Wi-Fi, television, telephones, and vehicles. Like on a deserted island, all you’ll hear are waves crashing on the sand and birds singing. The resort offers yoga instructions, a variety of water sports, golf, hiking, sailing excursions, a dive center, and island-hopping day trips. For total privacy, you may rent the entire island.
Phinda Private Game Reserve | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
With 57,000 acres of secluded wilderness on South Africa’s east coast, the Phinda Private Game Reserve gets you up close and personal with some of Africa’s “big five.” The &Beyond property boasts a lush environment with seven distinct ecosystems. Thanks to the varied landscape and vegetation, the reserve shelters a plethora of wildlife. It’s not unusual for leopard, lions, elephants or rhinos roaming the grounds. During your stay, you’ll go on two safaris per day in open vehicles that allow you to see animals in their natural habitats. Guided bush walks and canoe trips down the Mzinen River are also favorite experiences. When you book, you’ll have the option of staying in forest or mountain lodges with expansive wilderness views, private rangers, butler, chef, and your own four-wheel-drive safari vehicle.