Go Remote | 5 Relaxing Getaways to Feed Your Soul

For most of us, travel offers an opportunity to escape and unwind in settings as far removed from our day-to-day as possible. Particularly in the aftermath of the festive party season.

According to a recent Booking.com survey* spanning 18 countries, relaxation is a major factor when choosing holidays; 78% of the 36,000 nationally representative respondents stated that going somewhere relaxing was a priority.

So if you want to get away from it all, going far afield is a fool proof idea. We’ve picked the most spectacular secluded spots around the world for some pure escapism and plenty to do.

Little Palm Island

A holiday to Little Palm Island, a tropical retreat just off Florida, feels like entering another realm. While away the days swimming in clear blue seas before reading a book and watching the sun set from your private veranda as you re-set completely.

Lyngen Lodge

Sitting on the shore of the scenic Lyngen Fjord, Norway’s Lyngen Lodge boasts a uniquely remote location by the Lyngen Mountains and 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. The rustic lodge is constructed from Norwegian pine with a grass roof to provide insulation for the deliciously cosy and charming interior.

Juma Amazon Lodge

Hidden away in the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Lodge is a surreal sight. The collection of simply furnished bungalows blend in perfectly with the landscape and overlook either the lush green canopy or the peaceful Juma Lake. Completely disconnected and secluded, it’s an ideal place to lie back and listen to the therapeutic sounds of the jungle from the hammock on your private balcony.

Hotel Budir

From Hotel Búdir, guests can visit Snæfellsjökull Volcano within 20 minutes, or immerse themselves in nature by hiking glaciers, whale watching or even trying a helicopter sightseeing trip. 23km east of Snæfellsnes National Park, this hotel is as picturesque as they come.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

The location of Bushmans Kloof in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains makes it a veritable oasis deep in the South African bush; the views of open and rugged plains are a major draw. Guests are invited to explore over 130 local ancient rock art sites and to take part in outdoor sports in order to reconnect with nature and renew the state of mind, body and spirit. Witness the area’s natural beauty on The Crystal Pools Trail past towering rock formations and waterfalls, before relaxing in the spa at the end of the day.

* Respondents had to be 18 or older, had to have travelled at least once in 2015 and planning at least one trip in 2016, and had to be at least part of the decision-making process when planning most of their trips.

Data was collected October 2015.