For the luxury traveller, the next big adventure is no longer about visiting the most iconic hotel in a sophisticated European capital, nor is it about checking in at a sprawling resort in a popular beach destination. Real luxury doesn’t lie in going where the masses are, but where few have ever gone before – and increasingly, wealthy modern tourists are seeking remote and off-the-beaten-track destinations that feel like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of life, giving them experiences they’ll remember for a lifetime.
Peace, privacy, and exclusivity are top priorities, and the more secluded, the better. Places like these offer more than just a chance to disconnect; they also provide the opportunity to reconnect – with nature, culture, and yourself.
Here, we take a look at the best hidden gems for every type of luxury traveller that are worthy of a place on your very selective bucket list.
Why remote luxury is gaining popularity
The definition of travel luxury has changed dramatically over recent years, and it’s largely down to a shift in traveller expectations and a growing network of travel advisors.
Following the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, luxury jetsetters have been placing greater value on destinations that offer meaningful experiences, with the 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report observing that there has been a shift toward off‑grid destinations and under‑visited lands, and a surge in the desire for once-in-a-lifetime moments plus solitude in nature.
This is what remote luxury is all about – offering freedom and privacy with minimal crowds, along with impeccable and personalised service.
Remote hidden gems for every luxury traveller
Island escapes
Remote and surrounded by nature, these island locations offer a setting away from the ordinary.
Miavana, Madagascar
Located just off the northeastern coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, the remote private island resort of Miavana is about as castaway-like as it gets. Home to just 14 secluded villas with access to miles of deserted beaches and coral reefs to enjoy, it’s located within the Nosy Ankao archipelago and is reachable only by helicopter. Lemur treks and marine safaris too are highlights, along with the chance to fully switch off and unwind.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Once a personal retreat of Marlon Brando, The Brando is an impressive carbon-neutral resort in the Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, around 33 miles north of Tahiti. The luxury villas here boast private plunge pools where patrons are pampered with Polynesian wellness treatments, and there’s a wide variety of cultural workshops and reef exploration excursions sponsored by the marine research centre. The only way to reach the resort is via a 20-minute private jet flight from Tahiti; it doesn’t get much more remote or exclusive than that.
Mountain and wilderness retreats
Deplar Farm, Iceland
A former sheep farm set in the Fljót Valley on the Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland, Deplar Farm offers a serene escape that is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Think cosy accommodation set amidst a breath-taking mountain landscape, with world class activities such as heliskiing and whale watching to keep you entertained by day and a hot tub that runs on a geothermal heater to relax in after a long day out exploring.
Amangiri, Utah, USA
Nestled within the dramatic desert landscape of the Colorado Plateau in southern Utah, close to the border with Arizona, Amangiri is a luxury resort flanked by wild canyons and dramatic red rock formations on all sides. Offering exclusive, high-end accommodation, world-class amenities and personalised experiences ranging from hiking to hot air ballooning, the Navajo cultural tours are a must.
Remote casino escapes
Lesotho Sun Hotel and Casino, Lesotho
When you consider that most luxury casino resorts are in meccas like Las Vegas and Macao, it’s hard to imagine one anywhere as remote as Lesotho – a tiny, mountainous country in southern Africa that’s completely surrounded by South Africa. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re likely not the only one – but according to Slotzilla, the leading online platform that rates, reviews, and lists the best online casinos in the UK so enthusiasts can enjoy safe and reputable gaming from anywhere, the Lesotho Sun Hotel and Casino is reason enough to have it on your radar. Set high in the mountains and amidst breath-taking landscapes, it offers high-end accommodation and amenities, a large casino area, and a sense of isolation that makes it feel a world away from the usual urban resorts.
Grand Casino in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Set in one of the world’s most remote capitals, this impressive casino might be relatively modest in size, with just 13 table games and 150 slot machines – but its location in the heart of the desert makes it a bucket list experience for high rollers regardless. Few can say that they’ve scooped the jackpot in a place like this, and with plush rooms and suites, two restaurants, a sauna and an array of other high-end amenities, it has all you need for a comfortable stay.
Rainforest and ecolodges
Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Tucked away in the Chocó cloud forest, this glass-wrapped hotel is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and offers an array of immersive nature experiences that are second to none. Guests can sky bike above the canopy, partake in night time frog safaris, enjoy spa treatments with local flora, and support important biodiversity conservation – as well as joining birdwatching tours in one of the world’s richest ecosystems. For nature enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on modern luxuries, this place ticks all the boxes, offering an unrivalled sense of tranquility and as much adventure as you like, deep in the Andean foothills.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
A luxury jungle lodge in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Wild was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley and showcases a meeting of sustainable luxury and authentic Khmer design. Opt for a zip line entry into this tented lodge, which is situated in a wildlife corridor between three national parks, to ensure you arrive in style. Then, you can enjoy guided wildlife treks, river safaris and foraging in the forest, before returning to vintage safari-style accommodation to get a good night’s sleep. The lodge places a focus on sustainability and conservation, and along with its stunning natural location, it makes it the perfect choice for those seeking to indulge in responsible tourism in the most untouched areas of Southeast Asian wilderness.
