Busy life in big cities and a focus on urbanisation often makes us forget what the world used to look like before pollution, suburbs, and sprawling malls. Luckily, there are still some spots in the world that are almost completely untouched by civilisation.
Check out some of these isolated, serene, and unspoiled locations around the world to help you plan your secluded escape.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado
Of Colorado’s four National Parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is arguably the most impressive. The Park earned its name for the lack of light that reaches its sheer cliff walls, reaching 2,722 feet below at the deepest point, leaving them often shrouded in shadows. Encompassing roughly 30,750 acre, there are lots of hidden spots for visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Those looking to really make the most of their trip can camp beneath the stars at the North Rim Campground, the most remote of the Park’s two campgrounds, with space for just 13 sites. With no phone signal or WiFi, it’s the perfect place for travellers to escape from the world.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: San Diego, California
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of San Diego’s lesser-known spots and is where you’ll find locals watching the golden California sunset. The rugged coastline has uninterrupted views, making it a must-visit at the end of the day. There are plenty of remote spots to sit back, relax and watch the beauty unfold. As well as offering picturesque sunset views, the Park is great for an afternoon stroll. Nearby Bay Club Hotel & Marina is one of San Diego’s best kept secrets, offering stylish rooms in a relaxing setting.
Blackberry Inn: Yosemite Mariposa County, California
Surrounded on three sides by the Stanislaus National Forest, the Blackberry Inn Yosemite is located on 36 stunning, forested acres offering a peaceful, romantic B&B next to Yosemite National Park. This adult-only inn offers spacious accommodations, with vaulted ceilings and large windows that bring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada inside. Guests are treated to fresh baked chocolate chip cookies every day! With more than 840 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite National Park offers its millions of annual visitors countless choices for exploration year round.
Two Bunch Palms: Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, California
Palm trees, mountain views and hot springs draw millions of visitors to Greater Palm Springs each year, and are ideal for travellers seeking privacy and tranquility – particularly at venues that cater to adults only. Perfect for those that value sustainable travel experiences and soaking in natural mineral waters, Two Bunch Palms is a luxe property and one of the first carbon-neutral resorts in the United States running entirely on solar power. In addition to soaking in at least one of the half dozen hot mineral pools or private tubs on the hotel’s impeccably manicured grounds, the spa is well worth a visit. With 70 rooms, the resort is so spacious at 56-acres guests often won’t bump into other guests and the onsite restaurant, which uses locally sourced fare with vegan and GF options, is regarded as one of the best eateries in town.
Evergreen Lodge: Yosemite Tuolumne County, California
Located in the northern and less travelled area of Yosemite National Park, Evergreen Lodge is tucked away in the expansive wilderness of Yosemite’s Tuolumne County. The historic lodge was recently expanded now offering guests 88 spacious cabins sitting upon 20 acres of forest. In addition to the surrounding woodland to explore, nearby attractions include Tuolumne Meadows – home to the giant sequoia trees and Hetch Hetchy both which are within easy reach on two wheels for hiking and exploring. The resort also has a number of on site tour guides for sightseeing across hiking, biking, fly-fishing and free advice for self-guided adventures.
Secret Escape, The Brando Residence: Tetiaroa, The Islands of Tahiti
The Brando is the perfect private getaway. Barack Obama spent a month in the luxury private resort at the Tetiaroa atoll to write his Presidential memoirs in peace whilst avoiding the public eye. The atoll is remote and difficult to access, requiring a 20-minute flight on a private plane from nearby Tahiti. Committed to preserving and protecting its natural habitats and biodiversity, The Brando is sensitive to the environment, sustainability and promises to keep its rich culture. Expect to see sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds on several occasions when visiting this luxury destination. To get there travellers take a private 20-minute flight to the atoll from Tahiti International Airport.
Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge: The Islands of Tahiti
The Marquesian islands are known as the most remote archipelago on the planet. More than 900 miles north-east of Tahiti, Nuku Hiva island is a mystical island hiding many natural wonders, such as the Hakaui waterfall, tiki statues and encounters with wild horses, goats and boars. Located on a hillside overlooking Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge is the only formal hotel on the Marquesian island of Nuku Hiva. Visitors can hike through the pineapple fields, tackle the surf, explore archaeological sites or simply relax on the black sand beaches.
Vila Planinka: Slovenia
Vila Planinka is set in a remote mountain valley in northern Slovenia, in a small place called Jezersko. The hotel’s style is in keeping with its surroundings; an abundance of rough, finished local woods reflect the swathe of forest outside, accented by hanging exposed light bulbs, lush throws and wood-burning fires that lend it a cosy mountain lodge vibe. Hiking and biking await outside as does the current zeitgeist-fitting, soul-affirming activity of forest bathing. This is a great-value accommodation for its quality and an amazing chance to experience a unique and truly remote mountain hideaway.
Okinawa Islands, Japan
Okinawa is a chain of islands in the East China Sea southeast of mainland Japan, and are actually closer to Taiwan than they are to Kyushu, so it’s no surprise they have their own culture, history and climate. It’s these characteristics that make the islands of Okinawa so enticing. Most of the people that live in the Okinawa Islands are found on the main island of Okinawa. Consequently, many of the other 150 islands are completely uninhabited and perfect for a secluded visit, and exploration of white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical jungle on and around the islands.
Noto Peninsula, Honshu: Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture is sticking out into the Sea of Japan, and it boasts plenty of rugged coastline. Visitors may spot little rural villages between rice fields inland, but for the most part, it’s just the sea and the shore. Attractions include secluded temples, lighthouses and interesting rock formations. In terms of temples, an especially interesting one is the serene Myojoji temple complex about halfway up the western coastline. As for rock formations, there are many, but the Ganmon cave and Hatago Iwa are the most impressive. Both showcase the wilderness of this region and just how powerful the elements can be at shaping the coast.
Yakushima, Kyushu, Japan
The small, remote island of Yakushima, which lies off the southern coast of the southernmost of Japan’s four major islands, Kyushu, is shaped similar to the Hawaiian isle of Kauai. And just as on that other circular bit of rock over 4,000 miles away across the North Pacific, visitors arrive here seeking respite in subtropical rainforests and mountains — and along the miles of untouched coastline, where endangered loggerhead and green turtles nest. But what’s startling about Yakushima is the absence of crowds and over-commercialisation, even with its easy proximity to Osaka, an hour-and-a-half-long flight away. Designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima has managed to maintain its pristine, otherworldly atmosphere. Its ancient cedar forests, with their mossy, fairy-tale-like landscapes, inspired the animated film director Hayao Miyazaki, of beloved films like “Ponyo” and “Spirited Away,” and its unspoiled natural beauty is still the main attraction for the travellers who make the journey.
Kamikochi, Three Star Road, Japan
Kamikochi is a remote resort that offers up some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country. The 1.5-kilometre valley is dominated by the jutting Hotaka mountain range and cut through by the crisp, clear Azusa River. Kamikochi is a real treat for anyone excited by the prospect of dramatic scenery, fresh alpine air or amazing hikes. Trekking and mountaineering routes lead from Kamikochi into the Japanese Alps. Throughout the mountains there are a wide range of routes that vary in difficulty and duration, meaning there are hikes and walks suitable for everyone.
