Remote Hideaways – Retreat to Nature

In this era of social distancing, travellers are wanting space – and lots of it!

Hotels teeming with guests and beaches brimming with sunbathers won’t be top of the list for quite some time yet. Instead, destinations and accommodation that are socially distant by design will be desirable. Wide open spaces, rural settings, inspiring views – even the wilderness – will be sought after.

After so long being stuck in our homes and glued to the screens of our laptops, the idea of being closer to nature and at one with the great outdoors will shape the way we travel and where we travel to.

Here are our top picks for hedonistic hideaways and remote retreats:

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI – Maldives

Thanks to its unique geography with resorts surrounded by nothing but the sea, the Maldives has to be the ultimate social distancing destination. The islands are scattered throughout the Indian Ocean, and as each resort has one island all to itself, it provides true escapism in a naturally self-isolated paradise.

Situated in a pristine lagoon in South Malé Atoll is the uber lux island resort – OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Expansive white beaches and turquoise waters fringe the lush island resort. Each of the ultra-private villas comes with its own private pool and is situated either on a beautiful white beach or in the crystal clear lagoon surrounded by tropical fish.

There are various dining options, but if you prefer to dine with just your loved one or family, opt for a bespoke dining experience served in one of the island’s secret locations. From sandbank picnics to intimate star-lit dinners in front of your villa, your personal butler will cater to your every need.  You can also practice calming yoga flows, indulge in underwater explorations, embark on nautical journeys and even test your balance with eco-friendly ice-skating,

Mantobeni Camp – Manyaleti Game Reserve, South Africa

Escape to the wilderness on a ‘safari bubble’ – however don’t expect the wildlife to keep its distance!

For the ultimate getaway, how about the 23,000 hectare Manyeleti Game Reserve bordering the world famous Kruger National Park in South Africa? Manyaleti is one of those few remaining ‘secret’ places. Well off the beaten track, you can be sure to experience the best of South Africa far away from mainstream tourist areas. As there are no fences, wildlife is able to roam freely. This is prime “Big Five” territory. Lions, rhino, buffalo and elephants are spotted regularly, and there is even a good chance to encounter the elusive leopard.

Mantobeni Camp is located within the game reserve so offers breathtaking wildlife experiences right on the doorstep. With only 15 well-spaced tents you can be guaranteed that humans will be outnumbered by wildlife! The tents offer an open veranda elevated on a wooden platform. After an adventurous day of game drives and game walks, relax on a sun lounger next to the infinity pool while watching the wildlife drinking from the nearby waterhole. In the evening, enoy a delicious Boma dinner, before falling asleep under luxury canvas to the sounds of the surrounding wildlife.

Pimalai Resort & Spa – Thailand

Koh Lanta, located just off the coast of Krabi, is one of Thailand’s most attractive and peaceful islands. Free of big hotel chains and neon lights, this chilled-out island offers barefoot beauty. On a hillside leading down to the beautiful Ba Kantiang Bay, voted as one of the World’s Top 10 Best Tropical Beaches by the UK Sunday Times, is Pimalai Resort & Spa. It’s set amidst 100 acres of vegetation, and despite the fact it has over 120 rooms, it doesn’t feel big. The rooms and villas are spread out over the hillside, tucked among the tropical forest offering solitude and serenity.

Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of nature – with buzzing cicadas, birds and eagles hovering majestically above, and mischievous squirrels and monkeys in the trees.

But it’s the beach that steals the show – 900 metres of pristine shoreline. Motorised watersports are not allowed in the area, so you can venture out in a canoe, a sailing boat or a paddle boat (all free) accompanied by just the sounds of the waves lapping.

As the resort has its own dive school, why not forego people completely and snorkel and dive among porcupine pufferfish, sea snakes, lionfish, nudibranchs and rare ghost pipefish.

Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai  – Thailand

After an almost completely indoor lifestyle, Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai offers a refreshing hilltop escape.

This smart sophisticated retreat lies on quiet valley slopes amidst mountain streams, rice fields and tea terraces just outside the bustling city of Chiang Mai. Yin and yang is the philosophy here and is displayed in the design of the resort.  Divided into two zones – one side represents the old world cultural heritage of the North; while the other meets the contemporary Veranda style. And the result is stunningly beautiful.

The resort’s outdoor experiences reveal fascinating traditions. Dressed in traditional farmers’ attire, from hat to rubber boots, wade into the rice paddies and learn about the arduous efforts behind planting rice – Thailand’s most precious food. Take an early morning walk to a local temple and experience one of the most fundamental Buddhist traditions by offering alms to the monks. Salute the sunset and learn techniques to calm your body and mind with yoga classes in the open-air pavilion.

A stay at the resort will give you the ultimate Zen experience and peace of mind.

Viceroy Bali – Bali, Indonesia

Bali is known for its beaches but if you’re more of a nature lover than a beach bum, head up into the hills in the centre of the island.

Perched majestically on the edge of the Petanu Valley overlooking a spectacular jungle ravine known as the Valley of the Kings is the Viceroy Bali. This place really has the ‘wow’ factor and is an escape from a world of current chaos. Here, time slows down, connecting you with vibrant mother nature and offering rejuvenation.

With only 30 palatial villas – all with their own pool – this really is your own private haven. But do check out the resort’s main infinity pool that looks down over the rainforest-covered valley where birds swoop in wide arcs – reminding you that you’re in the midst of nature.

Cascades restaurant has the same jaw-dropping views and offers individual romantic table settings; while the art-deco inspired Apéritif restaurant will transport you back to the Roaring Twenties with decadent cocktails and fine dining.

Immerse yourself in Balinese life with cycling tours to local villages, treks through the famous rice terraces, and really test your fitness with a hike up Mount Batur volcano at sunrise.

Raffles Bali – Indonesia

The private limousine transfer from Ngurah Rai International Airport to this luxury Balinese resort takes less than half an hour, yet despite its brevity, the journey has the power to transport you from one world to another. As the crowded streets of Jimbaran give way to sun-spangled gardens, a sense of tranquility descends. The winding road takes you deep into the heart of nature, to a hidden corner of the island that is steeped in local legend and defined by beliefs and customs that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

Welcome to Raffles Bali, an intimate oasis of emotional well-being offering unparalleled panoramic ocean views and captivating sunsets from every single villa. The beachfront resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing utmost relaxation with its generosity of space.

Each villa is an intimate oasis of wellbeing – a haven where Balinese flair architecture and unparalleled ocean views create the backdrop for rediscovery. Spend languid days in the perfect privacy of your own garden, with its open-air bale and full-size swimming pool.