Off grid once meant inaccessible, reached only after a long, arduous trek, and of course, with no creature comforts. That was then. The rise of the discerning traveller, searching for remote destinations, but with every single modern comfort, has led to some truly exceptional retreats, lodges and camps appearing in some truly spectacular, and faraway places around the globe. And the more difficult they are to reach, the more private they are. This is the new definition of luxury travel.
Wherever in the world they are, these destinations share a theme. Attention to detail is second to none; be it the unique design, or how the staff learn your favourite tipple within seconds. There’s ocean or farm to fork dining prepared by chefs at the top of their game, a menu of activities that’ll keep the most active guests happy for weeks, or sublime spa facilities for those who prefer taking things at a slower pace. They also share deep ecological ideals – treating their surroundings with utmost care; employing local people, thus supporting communities, and most importantly, being at one with the incredible nature of which they are part.
We are experts in high-end off grid adventure, constantly scouring the globe for the most intimate and unique of settings. With our roots deep in ensuring you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we know what makes the perfect trip, with a dedicated concierge service being the icing on the cake. Below are just a few of our favourites.
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RAJA AMPAT – INDONESIA
Just off the tip of West Papua, in a remote corner of Indonesia, lies sparsely populated Raja Ampat, a string of lush limestone islands and cays, surrounded by pristine reefs and stunning beaches. It’s blessed with the largest number of coral species in the world, making it one of the most sought-after diving destinations there is. The region boasts half the planet’s reef fish, six of the seven turtle species and endemic birds including the rare Bird of Paradise. The finest way to experience all of this is on a “phinisi” – a hand built traditional boat – where the cabins are sumptuous and the staff ratio 1:1.
ISLAS SECAS – PANAMA
The other side of the world, floating in the Pacific, off the coast of Panama, are 14 islands, which advertise themselves as the ultimate private tropical playground. Islas Secas is a conservationist and nature lover’s dream, with every conceivable water sport and beautifully styled casitas that command cliff top views and their own beaches. You can take the resort its entirety. Spend a day or two in the pulsating Panama City before you arrive, with your base in the Casco Viejo, the original and beguiling colonial heart.
SONEVA FUSHI – MALDIVES
The Indian Ocean is synonymous with luxurious destinations, with the Maldives frequently topping the lists. When it comes to choosing, Soneva Fushi, in the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere, epitomises barefoot luxury. From waking in your airy high-spec overwater villa, to snorkelling with the resident marine biologist, and dreamy days on a desert island with a private chef, there’s no castaway experience quite like it.
MOZAMBIQUE & BOTSWANA – AFRICA
If you have the time, mix it up a bit. Further south is the Bazaruto Archipelago, a boat trip or helicopter ride away from the Mozambique coast. Sugar white beaches, fringing forests and wetlands that are home to all manner of birdlife, and waters where the rare dugong live, make up this marine reserve. Here, &Beyond Benguerra keeps a low-key vibe with unstinting service and a list of activities that’s hard to beat. Then head to Botswana and the 33,000 hectare private reserve of Duba Plains in the heart of the Okavango Delta, whose owners will tell you, is simply the best place on earth. From your 1920s style safari suite, one of only five, witness one of Africa’s largest elephant populations and enjoy exclusive expert guiding.
MAMULA ISLAND – MONTENEGRO
When you want off-grid privacy, an island is often your best bet. Standing sentry at the mouth of Kotor Bay in Montenegro, the Austro-Hungarian fortress of Mamula Island has been transformed into an opulent boutique retreat. Here, guests are intimately cocooned in slickly designed suites, with an indulgent choice of restaurants, wellness treatments and excursions.
DEPLAR FARM – ICELAND
Adventurers who also love the finer things in life, should head for the wildernesses of Iceland. Deplar Farm (not really a farm) is a laid back, high-end Scandi-rustic retreat, where guests can heli-ski in the morning, then sit back in a geothermal heated indoor-outdoor pool, with its own bar naturally, breathing in the raw beauty of the volcanic landscape around you.
As we dive headlong into the winter months, it’s the time to start planning your next great escapes. And there’s a lot to be said about being far from the madding crowd. Each of our destinations has been tried and tested, and any one of our travel experts is happy to chat for ideas and inspiration.