Go Off the Beaten Path in Style: Remote Luxury Destinations

12 January 2025

Dreaming of escaping the typical tourist traps? Ready to enjoy travel in a way that only a lucky few get to experience? We’re talking about remote luxury destinations—places where you can truly disconnect from the world while being pampered in style. These hidden gems offer the ultimate blend of adventure, seclusion, and high-end amenities. Colossal, crowded resorts? Yeah, you won’t find those here.

Instead, picture yourself nestled in a private villa atop a mountain, surrounded by lush forests, or soaking in a hot tub that overlooks an endless ocean. These are the types of experiences that you’ll find only when you venture off the beaten path in style.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. If you're intrigued by remote luxury travel, let me take you on a journey to some of the most exclusive and breathtaking destinations this world has to offer.

1. The Faroe Islands: Where Serenity Meets Utter Luxury

The Faroe Islands feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a storybook. Situated in the vast North Atlantic between Iceland and Norway, this collection of islands offers jaw-dropping landscapes—sheer cliffs that dive into the ocean, misty waterfalls, and lush green valleys.

But here’s the best part: while it may feel like you’re at the edge of the Earth, luxury in the Faroe Islands is nothing short of extraordinary. Small boutique hotels and high-end eco-lodges offer all the peace and tranquility you need. Cozy up in a sleek glass-walled cabin with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

Why It’s Perfect

You're not just paying for the view (though, trust me, it's worth it). The Faroe Islands are all about locally sourced, fresh cuisine. Imagine dining on succulent seafood while watching puffins nest nearby. It’s also ideal for travelers who crave unique adventure activities like hiking into untouched wilderness or scenic helicopter rides over volcanic landscapes.

2. The Solomon Islands: A Tropical Paradise Few Have Discovered

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago situated in the South Pacific. While neighboring Fiji and Bora Bora may steal the spotlight, the Solomon Islands offer an experience that’s far from conventional. Think private, uninhabited islands where you'll be the sole guest.

It's a place where rustic luxury reigns supreme. You won’t find massive, impersonal resorts here. Instead, expect to stay in a deluxe beachfront bungalow designed with local materials but with all the comforts of an upscale resort—think private butler service, five-star meals, and never-ending views of turquoise waters.

Why It’s Perfect

This destination is for those who seek total seclusion in a far-flung paradise. Snorkel with dolphins, dive into World War II shipwrecks, or simply laze on a private beach free from the masses. The Solomon Islands are also dedicated to preserving their natural beauty through eco-conscious tourism, so your trip will have minimal environmental impact.

3. Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan isn’t your typical luxury destination, but that’s what makes it one of the most enchanting remote getaways. Tucked away in the Himalayas, this tiny kingdom has embraced a philosophy of "Gross National Happiness" over material wealth. But don't let that fool you into thinking luxury is lacking.

Tourists must pay a daily tourist tariff, which ensures that only a limited number of visitors can explore this serene country. The accommodations in Bhutan include high-end lodges and boutique hotels that seamlessly blend authentic Bhutanese design with opulent amenities.

Why It’s Perfect

For adventurers who want to experience a rich culture and untouched natural beauty, Bhutan is your dream come true. Imagine staying in a mountainside retreat with views of the snow-capped Himalayas or indulging in a Himalayan salt scrub after a day of trekking to ancient monasteries. Bhutan's luxurious offerings are spiritual, immersive, and slower-paced, making it the perfect place to reboot your soul.

4. The Atacama Desert, Chile: Luxury Among the Sands

Deserts and luxury are two words you might not often hear together, but the Atacama Desert in Chile flips that script. Known as the driest desert in the world, the Atacama is home to some of the most surreal landscapes you’ve ever seen—salt flats, moon-like valleys, and geysers that shoot steam up into the sky.

What makes it even better? Luxury eco-resorts that seem to rise like an oasis from the sand. Designed to blend into their natural surroundings, these accommodations are state-of-the-art, offering gourmet meals, guided stargazing, and private excursions to otherworldly sites.

Why It’s Perfect

In the Atacama, you’re not just visiting an exotic location — it feels like you’ve touched down on an alien planet. Yet, despite its remoteness, you’ll enjoy unparalleled amenities such as stylish, minimalist rooms with direct views of the desert, private pools, and even on-site spa treatments. If you’re a star lover, the Atacama also boasts some of the clearest night skies in the world, making it a haven for stargazing.

5. Li Galli Islands, Italy: Hidden Luxury Along the Amalfi Coast

When most people think of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, they picture towns like Positano or Capri, bustling with tourists snapping photos. But tucked away just off the coastline are the Li Galli Islands, a private archipelago where you can experience Italian luxury away from the crowds.

The main island, once owned by a famous Russian ballet dancer, is now a luxury retreat featuring just a few exclusive villas. This isn’t your average seaside escape; it’s the pinnacle of refinement, with stunning Mediterranean views, private beaches, and all the Italian splendor you can imagine.

Why It’s Perfect

If you’ve ever dreamed of living "La Dolce Vita" in privacy, this is it. You can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, dine on freshly caught seafood prepared by a personal chef, or simply enjoy the breathtaking sunset with a glass of Prosecco in hand. Li Galli is all about soaking up Italy’s iconic beauty without the hordes of tourists on nearby Capri.

6. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina: Journey to the End of the World

If you really want to get away from it all, look no further than the southernmost tip of Argentina—Tierra del Fuego, often called "The End of the World." This windswept, remote region is rugged, but that's part of its charm. It’s not just for adventurers; luxury lodges have cropped up here offering unparalleled experiences.

These secluded resorts offer all the creature comforts—heated pools, gourmet dining, and private excursions into the Patagonian wilderness, all while you stay perched on cliffs with views overlooking glacial fjords.

Why It’s Perfect

While the location is remote, it’s far from roughing it. Tierra del Fuego is perfect for travelers who crave wilderness paired with indulgence. It's also a haven for wildlife lovers where you can spot penguins, seals, and even whales from the comfort of your luxury lodge. Consider this your chance to conquer the edge of the Earth, surrounded by luxury.

7. Sossusvlei, Namibia: Sand Dunes with a Side of Opulence

Namibia may not be on everyone’s radar, but that’s precisely why it makes an ideal off-the-beaten-path luxury destination. Specifically, the Sossusvlei area, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, offers an otherworldly landscape that’s best experienced from one of the area's exclusive lodges.

These luxury camps are ideally situated among the iconic red dunes, offering visitors a sense of complete seclusion. Picture sipping cocktails under a sky ablaze with stars while your private guide takes you on a safari through the glowing desert.

Why It’s Perfect

You’ll be treated to the rare sight of a stunning desert sunrise, casting every shade of orange and pink across the dunes, while staying in your luxurious, minimalist suite. The emphasis here is on blending with nature—your accommodations, while lavish, are designed to leave as little impact on the environment as possible.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Redefined

When it comes to remote luxury destinations, the game has changed. No longer is luxury exclusive to bustling city hotels or crowded beach resorts. Today, it’s about discovering hidden corners of the world, places where you can escape the chaos of modern life without sacrificing a single indulgence.

So, where will you go next? Whether you’re craving the icy landscapes of the Faroe Islands, the sun-soaked seclusion of the Solomon Islands, or the mystical allure of Bhutan, these off-the-beaten-path luxury destinations promise an unforgettable experience.

The only question left is: how remote are you willing to go?