THE JOURNAL
Dreaming of getting off-the-beaten track this year? These destinations might take a while to reach, but the rewards are sweeping, cinematic landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and detoxing seclusion. Even better, off-grid no longer has to mean skimping on ultra-luxurious accommodation and amenities – as the hotels below more than attest.
01. Amangiri, Utah, US
In the vast, red-hued and rocky expanse of the ancient Utah desert, sitting amid 900 acres of the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri blends into this otherworldly landscape where canyons, gorges and ridges come together. The sleek sanctuary of the hotel’s contemporary suites, Aman Spa and ethereal swimming pools give a serene gateway to explore the incredible national parks that they reside in. But, for an even more adventurous escapade, in the heart of the awe-inspiring surrounds, the close-by Camp Sarika hosts guests in 10 magnificent canvas pavilions, with their own fire pits and private pools.
02. Cap Karoso, Indonesia
For a remote and idyllic under-radar island, just over an hour’s flight east of Bali will bring you to Sumba. Recently joining the turquoise lagoons, verdant jungle and traditional villages, Cap Karoso is well worth the time it takes to get here – and all the more special for it. Immersing guests in the extraordinary wilderness and long-preserved culture, the hotel is a passion project from French adventurers Fabrice and Evguenia Ivara, designed to meld with and celebrate the wonders of the location. Filled with Sumbanese antiques and contemporary Indonesian art, an ethos of communality is a focus in the living spaces, while outside, the opportunities to delve into Sumba’s majesty span hiking through forest, visits with local artisans, and surfing the waves and snorkelling in the lagoon.
03. Our Habitas, Namibia
In a 51,000-hectare nature reserve in the Kalahari Desert, backdropped by savannah, the Namibia outing of Our Habitas allows guests to get up close with the wild plains and its rare and diverse wildlife. From the private terraces of its low-key luxury tented suites, which have an elevated perch and can open out onto the elements, there are unspoilt views and even glimpses of passing animals. Activities include guided desert safaris and stargazing, with connection a core pillar of the hospitality brand. The resort also has welcoming communal lounge areas, a pool and wellness centre.
04. Deplar Farm, Iceland
Out-of-the-way adventure doesn’t come much more adrenaline fuelled than at Deplar Farm, the former sheep farm that has been converted into an enveloping lodge deep in the Fljót Valley of northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula. To take in this astonishing landscape, visitors can try whale watching, off-road fat biking, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. But there is also much to marvel back at base – where there is a geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool, Isopod flotation tanks and an outdoor sauna – and even more if you get a front-row seat to the northern lights putting on a show.
05. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
For the ultimate in luxurious seclusion, look to the private-island home of Six Senses Zil Pasyon, accessible by speedboat or helicopter, on Félicité Island in the paradisal and far-flung Seychelles archipelago. Rewards from the voyage will be a postcard-worthy welcome of coral-fringed shores, crystal waters, punctuated with dramatic granite boulders. Water sports are an unsurprising highlight, ranging from paddleboarding and kayaking around the hidden bays, to swimming and snorkelling with turtles and vivid marine life. Back on land, hikes through deep jungle will offer up incredible views, and the all-villa accommodation, each with its own infinity pool in a lush tropical setting, will serve mesmerising Indian Ocean panoramas.