STUNNING GETAWAYS FOR THE ULTIMATE IN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
If you’ve been dreaming of getting away to far flung places then we’ve rounded up a few extra-special ideas that will help you inspire you.
While we’re coming out of lockdown and travel restrictions begin to ease we’ve found some beautiful properties that still offer plenty of social distancing options but with added stunning views. We think the extra money we’ve saved staying at home means we can splash out on something a little different.
While not all these unique destinations are available to UK travellers just yet – we’re still allowed to dream and hopefully book in the not-too distant future.
Immersive art and design to spark your imagination
Joali, Maldives is the Maldives’ first and only immersive art and design resort offering an array of original, experiential works of art and dynamic design, reflecting beauty of nature meaning you don’t just have the scenery to gaze at an impressive roster of artworks. Custom-made furnishings, hand-carved wooden panels, local wood, bamboo and terrazzo flooring create the ultimate sense of jungle chic. In designing the resort, design-studio Autoban worked to preserve the natural flora of the island as much as possible, saving more than 1,000 palm trees in the process. Dotted around the resort, adorning villas and hidden beneath the waves are a collection of extraordinary works by 13 international artists, hand-picked by curators and concept developers of No LaB; Ala Onur and Zeynep Ercan.
A rustic farm landscape to catch the Northern Lights
Welcome Beyond is a global collection of beautiful holiday houses, b&bs and boutique hotels, all with unique architecture and design at their heart. They feature properties in over 43 countries around the world at all price points and to suit every holiday vibe. We’re particularly fond of Kleif Farm in Iceland for the rustic rural stylings and lush green views that shout ‘isolation!’
An isolated Island retreat to watch nature pass by
Picnic Island is a tiny private island off the island of Tasmania, Australia. A private water taxi will drop you off but make sure you bring all your own food and drink as once you’ve been shown how the Island’s off grid systems work you’ll be left alone. As it is half a mile from shore, there will be no visitors or staff dropping by. Around winter whales pass and year round the island is a seabird breeding colony for little penguins and shearwaters. Seals, Dolphins and sea eagles are regular visitors so you shouldn’t feel too lonely.
The ideal place to relax and read through your book list
The home of arguably the worlds best overwater bungalows, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers complete privacy with private plunge pools and terrace options playing to a backdrop of the crystal lagoon that can be enjoyed without having to encounter anyone else surrounds.
For the ultimate beach dining experience
LUX*South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas covers two-kilometre in one of the biggest island resorts in the Maldives. It offers in-villa dining as well as private beach dinners as part of the standard five-star services available. As every villa stands as its own living space (even at full occupancy) the island is a relaxing haven of lush space and privacy up to par with your Robinson Crusoe dream.
A private sanctuary to revive the body and soul
If you are looking for luxury spa treatments and undivided, individual service then a suite at The Barai, Hua Hin, Thailand will take some beating. High walls that surround The Barai give it the feel of a private sanctuary. There are only eight spa suites off the main grounds of the Hyatt Regency but it covers over 4.5 acres of beachfront land. Through a holistic approach to wellness the suites are designed as sanctuaries to rejuvenate and rest. The Spa offers customised authentic therapies and signature massages that are inspired by the traditions of ancient Thai health rituals, combined with the best of Western therapies and through healthy dining, and balancing lifestyle options such as yoga and tai chi. The all inclusive accommodation features daily massage treatments, In-suite aromatherapy steam, In-suite milk bath, healthy detox breakfast options, pre-dinner drinks & cocktails and delicious snacks at its private dining area; McFarland House. The ideal post-lockdown treat to soothe the body and mind.
A homely place to go off-grid
11 eco-friendly properties include a mix of cottage-y villas and luxury yurts, with a communal veranda and two large sunken water tanks serving as splash pools make up Finca de Arrieta by Lanzarote Retreats. Set in the picturesque white-washed village of Arrieta (and away from the tourist resorts) you can pop to the beach bar just down the road for a beautifully made Mojito or use Finca’s honesty shop to make yourself a tasty post-cocktail dish. With your leftovers you can go and feed the chickens and grab a few freshly laid eggs ready for breakfast. Off-grid never felt so good.
For views that are going to be very hard to beat
Located in South Tyrol, on the Southern slope of the Plose mountain this new luxury hideaway of Forestis inspires year-round relaxation and regeneration, with a focus on time, nature and simplicity where ‘peace is a new luxury’. The 62 luxury suites, fully embrace nature due to the property’s southern exposure and clear view of the stunning Dolomites. The retreat will also introduce guests to an extensive range of year-round packages and curated experiences, from Wyda Celtic yoga to a ski in/ski out experience. And just look at those dreamy views.
A boutique seaside hideaway
Avani+ Samui Resort is set in secluded Phang Ka bay and is just steps from the beach as well as the natural mangrove forest. Each spacious private villa’s interior is nature-inspired with ample natural lighting, hanging plants and private pool for the ultimate indulgence. Located in the south of Samui means it is away from busy tourist and crowd areas allowing guests to really relax and reconnect. Koh Matsum and Koh Tan islands are just a 30 minutes hop away and can be used as your own private castaway island with a deliciously packed picnic basket prepared by the team at the resort.
Yoga and personal training for that post-Covid back to fit body
Positioned on one of the Caribbean’s finest private islands, what once was a deserted isle is now a shimmering wellness haven and home to COMO Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos. The luxury oasis promises to offer a truly exclusive getaway, prioritising privacy with a vast array of accommodation, from spacious ocean facing rooms, to lavish beach villas and some of the region’s prime private estates available to rent, each with their own unique design, plush decking area with private pool and numerous amenities that lend themselves to physical distancing. The resort’s internationally accredited fitness and yoga instructors are available upon request for personal training sessions on the beach and private in-villa yoga sessions to ensure guests can work out in paradise whilst keeping a safe distance from other guests.
Immerse yourself in nature
Nestled amidst Bali’s luscious unspoilt rainforest, celebrated architect Bill Bensley’s Capella Ubud features 22 one-bedroom luxury tents and a two-bedroom lodge, all with a private pool and large outdoor deck. Capella Ubud is now offering the ‘Dream Now, Travel Later’ package, which allows guests to pre-pay for a stay without the need to lock down dates. Those longing for a trip abroad can enjoy the anticipation of that upcoming trip, without the hassle of having to postpone or cancel a trip with set dates.
