Sometimes you just crave some peace and quiet and alone time. If you want to avoid the crowds and get off the beaten track, here are some of the most far-flung, hard-to-get places and hotels on Earth, perfect for intrepid travellers and solitude seekers.
The Ultimate Bucket List of Remote and Beautiful Places in the World
1. Blue Eye, Albania
How remote is it? 7,720km from Toronto | 2,608km from London | 15,653km from Sydney
The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter, is a beautiful freshwater spring in the small village of Muzinë, down a narrow dirt road. Surrounded by lush greenery, the water is mesmerising with its crystal clarity and shades of brilliant blues and gorgeous greens. The spring is at least 50 metres deep, and it is dark blue in the centre - hence its name - but be warned, though it looks inviting, the water is a very chilly 10°C year round. But a quick dip to beat the summer heat is refreshing.
2. White Desert Whichaway Camp, Antarctica
How remote is it? 15,489km from Toronto | 16,252km from London | 5,479km from Sydney
Located in East Antarctica's Schirmacher Hills, the White Desert Whichaway Camp is a cluster of camel-coloured eco-friendly pods reserved for the most intrepid travellers. Arriving by private jet, this experience is as luxurious as it is adventurous. Once-in-a-lifetime activities include treks to stunning ice tunnels and giant ice waves and visits to the South Pole and the Atka Bay Emperor Penguin Colony, where the BBC filmed two Attenborough documentaries.
3. Macquarie Island, Australia
How remote is it? 15,732km from Toronto | 18,563km from London | 2,382km from Sydney
Situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, about halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica, Macca, as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nature reserve and is famous for its rocks and rookeries. It is one of the only places you can see rocks from the Earth's mantle above sea level - to see the mantle elsewhere, you must dive deep into the Atlantic Ocean. The island is also famous for being the only known breeding ground of the royal penguin.
4. Laya, Bhutan
How remote is it? 11,955km from Toronto | 7,588km from London | 9,446km from Sydney
At 3,820 metres above sea level, Laya is the highest settlement in Bhutan and is home to the indigenous Layap. Breathtakingly beautiful and very remote, you access the village via a two-day trek from Gaza, the nearest town. Walking along the muddy paths, you can admire the marvellous mountainous scenery and picturesque panoramas. Once you arrive in Laya, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Layaps and enjoy a warm welcome.
5. Pinnacles of Gunung, Mulu National Park, Borneo
How remote is it? 14,508km from Toronto | 11,327km from London | 5,682km from Sydney
Mulu National Park is a remote adventure destination with incredible geological formations, including the world's largest cave chamber. However, the Pinnacles on Mount Api are one of the most remarkable and remote features on the whole island of Borneo. Standing some 50 metres high, The Pinnacles are a cluster of razor-sharp limestone rocks that jut out of the jungle-clad mountain slopes. Getting to the viewing platform to admire this limestone landscape involves a challenging three-day hike.
6. Sandibe Okavango, Botswana
How remote is it? 12,481km from Toronto | 8,209km from London | 11,911km from Sydney
Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, home to some of the world's most endangered species of large mammals. This hotel combines adventure with luxurious comforts with the stinking architecture perfectly blending into the natural splendour. Each secluded suite has breathtaking views, a private plunge pool and a cosy fireplace, and guests can explore the landscapes and wildlife during guided walking safaris and games drives.
7. Pitcairn Island, British Overseas Territory
How remote is it? 9,056km from Toronto | 14,707km from London | 7,689km from Sydney
Pitcairn is the only inhabited island of the Pitcairn Islands group, which are in the South Pacific, some 2,170km (1,350 miles) from Tahiti and 6,600km (4,100 miles) from Panama. Once you reach the island, you can enjoy the untouched subtropical landscape, pristine waters, endemic flora, bird and marine life, and excellent hospitality. Just 50 people live on the island, and they are all descendants of the mutineers of the HMS Bounty and their Polynesian consorts.
8. Anegada, British Virgin Islands
How remote is it? 3,106km from Toronto | 6,611km from London | 16,108km from Sydney
For those looking to live out their castaway fantasy on an idyllic tropical island, Anegada is ideal. It is one of the British Virgin Islands' most unique places as it is a coral island, not a volcanic island like the rest of the archipelago. Stunning reefs surround the island, and just off-shore, you'll discover underwater caves, tunnel formations and shipwrecks, which are a playground for snorkelers and divers. Of course, you can always admire the water from the power-soft white sand beaches.
9. Ivvavik National Park, Canada
How remote is it? 4,384km from Toronto | 6,203km from London | 12,721km from Sydney
Ivvavik National Park is one of Canada's most remote and beautiful places. If you want to escape from it all, make the journey to this Yukon beauty spot, which receives fewer visitors than Mount Everest each year. A true wilderness adventure; there are no roads into the park, so most people arrive here by charter aeroplane or helicopter. Once inside, pristine wilderness surrounds you, and you'll find rich indigenous culture and an abundance of wildlife.
10. Marble Caves, Patagonia, Chile
How remote is it? 10,058km from Toronto | 12,908km from London | 10,038km from Sydney
The magnificent Marble Caves are in Aysén, one of the most remote parts of Chile. Over 6,200 years, the water of General Carrerra Lake has eroded the cliffs' large marble deposits, creating highly unusual and beautiful caves, tunnels, and vast columns of pure marble. The caves are some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. The best way to explore this marble maze is to paddle right into them on a kayak or take a boat tour.
11. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
How remote is it? 11,081km from Toronto | 7,630km from London | 9,357km from Sydney
Known as "the roof of the world", the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at an elevation of 3,000 to 5,000 meters (10,000–16,000 feet), is the highest and largest plateau on Earth. Despite its remoteness and harsh climate, the plateau is vibrant with flowers and herbs, is home to rare animals and rich cultures, and features an array of climate zones. A trip to this beautiful region feels like you are as far off the beaten track as possible.
12. Cocos (Keeling) Islands
How remote is it? 16,485km from Toronto | 11,538km from London | 5,978km from Sydney
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are Australia's last unspoilt paradise. The tiny archipelago lies in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. The reefs close to the islands are home to several rare species of marine life, which is how the region gets its nickname of "Australia's Galapagos Islands".
13. Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica
How remote is it? 6,308km from Toronto | 8,678km from London | 13,854km from Sydney
The Pacuare Lodge is the place to escape for complete immersion in the rainforest. Set on protected land overlooking the Pacuare River, the journey to your luxurious accommodation will live long in your memory. There is only one way to get there - by white water rafting. Once you reach the indigenous Cabécar-inspired property, you can bask in the most intimate environments of the tropical forest.
14. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
How remote is it? 4,835km from Toronto | 9,208km from London | 13,595km from Sydney
Set deep in the heart of the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge is an expedition hotel where you can experience nature at its most pristine. This luxurious accommodation is a nature lover's dream where you can enjoy tree treks, wildlife spotting and waterfall swimming and encounter 400 species of flora and fauna, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
15. The White Desert, Egypt
How remote is it? 9,210km from Toronto | 5,328km from London | 14,580km from Sydney
Known locally as Sahara el Beyda, the White Desert is one of the most remote places in Egypt. Adorning this vast, otherworldly landscape are massive white chalk formations sculpted by the harsh desert winds. Constantly evolving, the scenery is intensified by the scorching midday sun before shimmering into a golden tableau at sunset.
16. Lundy Island, Devon, England
How remote is it? 5,434km from Toronto | 317km from London | 17,269km from Sydney
Lundy is an English island in the Bristol Channel, just off the coast of Devon. A National Trust site, the grant outcrop is famous for its peaceful environment because there are no cars on the island. Lundy is also renowned for its marine reserve in the clear waters of the surrounding Atlantic. In the summer, you can catch a ferry to the island, and in the winter, you access the island via helicopter.
17. Blue Nile Gorge, Ethiopia
How remote is it? 11,115km from Toronto | 5,525km from London | 12,939km from Sydney
Nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon' of Africa, the Blue Nile Gorge on the northwest Ethiopian Plateau is one of the largest gorges in the world and one of the most magnificent too. You can traverse the gorge by driving a dramatic but treacherous road that snakes its way through some spectacular scenery. The alluring natural beauty of this remote place makes the arduous journey worth the effort.
18. Gasadalur Village, Faroe Islands
How remote is it? 4,929km from Toronto | 2,671km from London | 16,522km from Sydney
You'll find the Faroe Islands between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean. The tiny village of Gasadalur is on Vágar, the most westerly of the large islands. The settlement perches precariously at the edge of a soaring sea cliff surrounded by towering mountains. Once you make it to this remote outpost, your reward is some of the best views in the Faroe Islands and one of the prettiest waterfalls in the whole world.
19. Kerguelen Archipelago, French Southern and Antarctic Lands
How remote is it? 17,548km from Toronto | 12,979km from London | 6,674km from Sydney
Known as the 'Desolation Islands', this archipelago is located in the southern Indian Ocean, some 2,050 miles from the coast of Madagascar. The islands are icy and harsh but incredibly beautiful in their ruggedness and remoteness. However, they are also sparsely populated, with just 45 to 100 soldiers, scientists, engineers, and researchers calling the islands home.
20. Meteora, Greece
How remote is it? 7,827km from Toronto | 2,925km from London | 15,528km from Sydney
Meaning "suspended in the air" in Greek, Meteora is a rock formation home to the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Located on the northern side of Greece, in Thessaly, Orthodox Christian monks first came to this site between the 9th and 10th centuries to isolate themselves. By the 16th century, 24 monasteries stood on top of the sandstone cliffs. Today, just six remain active for people to visit, and approximately 50 nuns and 17 monks still live in the monasteries.
21. Itilleq, Greenland
How remote is it? 2,984km from Toronto | 3,337km from London | 16,026km from Sydney
Located on an island 1km from mainland Greenland and 2km north of the Arctic Circle, Itilleq is a tiny colourful settlement with around 100 inhabitants. Surrounded by steep, alpine mountains, there is an end-of-the-Earth feeling to the pristine village, especially with its vast, sweeping sea views and eternal sunshine in the summer months, thanks to the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun.
22. Deplar Farm, Iceland
How remote is it? 4,347km from Toronto | 3,372km from London | 16,379km from Sydney
It doesn't get more remote and beautiful than the Fljót Valley on the mountainous Troll Peninsula in northern Iceland. It is the perfect location for experiencing the Aurora Borealis whilst surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout Deplar Farm, this luxurious hotel ensures you never miss a moment of the epic views and colourful light dancing across the skies.
23. Jalakara, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
How remote is it? 13,902km from Toronto | 9,249km from London | 7,929km from Sydney
The Andaman and Nicobar islands are among the most remote places on Earth. Of the 572 islands, only nine are open to visitors, one of which is Havelock Island. On this lush, tropical island, you'll find the concept-drive Jalakara private villa hotel, where you can unplug from the digital excess of modern life and tune into the peaceful sounds of the natural surroundings.
24. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
How remote is it? 14,844km from Toronto | 10,888km from London | 6,213km from Sydney
Bawah Reserve is a luxury, sustainable resort located in the unspoiled Anambas archipelago in a far-flung corner of Indonesia. Serene and secluded, this resort encourages guests to unplug and unwind and explore the untouched hinterland as well as the crystal clear lagoons of the island. With an open-air spa, waterfront dining, cinema and pool, Bawah Reserve is the perfect place to relax, recharge and feel rejuvenated by the end of your stay.
25. Skellig Michael, Ireland
How remote is it? 5,030km from Toronto | 718km from London | 17,533km from Sydney
Skellig Michael is a remote, rocky island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of County Kerry in Ireland. It is the most westerly sacred site in Europe, and it attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who visit its well-preserved early Christian monastery. It is also famous for being the filming location for two Star Wars movies, and fans flock to the island to re-enact their favourite scenes. The island is also one of Ireland's most important sites for breeding seabirds.
26. Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, Jordan
How remote is it? 9,504km from Toronto | 5,081km from London | 14,014km from Sydney
Located in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, the Bubble Luxotel gives guests an excellent stargazing experience. From your unique luxurious dome accommodation, you sleep under a blanket of stars that seem so close you could reach out and touch them. Before the celestial canopy covers you, explore the arid, sandy surroundings, soaking in the majestic mountain views and the stunning, ever-changing colourful landscape.
27. Boz Uchuk lakes, Kyrgyzstan
How remote is it? 10,177km from Toronto | 7,034km from London | 11,235km from Sydney
Kyrgyzstan's rugged mountains and verdant valleys are an outdoor enthusiast's playground. The village of Jyrgalan is at the foot of the Tian Shan, which translates as the Mountain of Heaven. The name fits. From here, you can trek to the panoramic alpine lakes, where you can admire the splendid natural beauty and bask in the remarkable quiet, calm, and tranquil atmosphere.
28. Masoala National Park, Madagascar
How remote is it? 14,333km from Toronto | 8,898km from London | 10,026km from Sydney
Located on Madagascar's northeast coast, to get to Masoala National Park, you need to catch a ride on a cargo ship. The adventurous journey is worth it, as you'll practically have this verdant rainforest all to yourself as it is the least visited national park in the country. As you explore this beachside forest, you'll see a wide range of flora and fauna, including the native red-ruffed lemur that like to sunbathe in the treetops.
29. Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Maldives
How remote is it? 14,403km from Toronto | 8,831km from London | 8,906km from Sydney
The Park Hyatt Hadahaa is in Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the world's largest and deepest natural atolls. Because it is so remote and secluded, this resort is one of the most difficult to get to in all of the Maldives, but making the trip rewards you with a stay in a sumptuous over-the-water villa with sweeping vistas of the glistening blue ocean.
30. Camp Cecil de la Isla, Mexico
How remote is it? 3,527km from Toronto | 9,183km from London | 12,220km from Sydney
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Espiritu Santo National Park in the Sea of Cortez is one of the best destinations in the world for close encounters with marine life, including whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and more. Located on one of the island's most beautiful beaches is Camp Cecil, where you stay in a delightful dome tent designed with the utmost comfort in mind. You can soak up the sparkling sun, sand and sea from here and fall asleep under a blanket of twinkling stars.
31. Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia
How remote is it? 10,269km from Toronto | 8,997km from London | 9,886km from Sydney
Travel deep into the heart of the Gobi Altai Mountains and stay at the unique Three Camel Lodge to get totally off-grid. During the day, you can explore untouched landscapes and archaeological marvels and experience the rich culture of Mongolia's nomad peoples before returning to your luxurious felt tent, complete with wood stove, stone shower and hand-painted custom furnishings.
32. Azzaden Trekking Lodge, Morocco
How remote is it? 6,260km from Toronto | 3,089km from London | 8,800km from Sydney
The Kasbah du Toubkal's four-bedroom High Atlas Mountains trekking lodge perches on a hillside 1,820 meters high. It is a 4-7 hour trek from the village of Imlil to get to the lodge, but when you arrive, you'll receive a warm welcome, fantastic food made with local ingredients and vast views of the rugged, remote, unspoiled Azzaden Valley.
33. Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa, Corn Islands, Nicaragua
How remote is it? 3,516km from Toronto | 8,458km from London | 14,033km from Sydney
The ultimate private paradise experience awaits in the remote Corn Islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters and kissed by glorious sunshine, Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa has only 16 secluded rooms with private plunge pools, terraces, and outrageous ocean views. A truly luxurious Robinson Crusoe experience.
34. Mountains of Mourne, Northern Ireland
How remote is it? 5,230km from Toronto | 731km from London | 17,134km from Sydney
Though not exactly in the middle of nowhere, the island of Ireland is on the westernmost edge of Europe and is pretty isolated out there in the North Atlantic Ocean. One of the island's most remote and beautiful places is the Mourne Mountains in County Down in Northern Ireland. Here you can enjoy walks filled with peace and solitude through enchanted woodland and scenic mountain paths that wind down through valleys carpeted with fragrant wildflowers.
35. Svalbard Archipelago, Norway
How remote is it? 5,516km from Toronto | 3,053km from London | 14,570km from Sydney
Located at the tip-top of Norway, this group of islands is one of the last great untouched wilderness areas in Europe. The harsh but beautiful landscape is full of magnificent giant glaciers and icebergs and is one of the best places to see the northern lights. Famous for being home to more polar bears than people, these Arctic islands are also home to reindeer and polar foxes, and in the icy waters, you'll spot seals and walruses.
36. Nauru, Oceania
How remote is it? 11,921km from Toronto | 14,208km from London | 4,051km from Sydney
Remote and beautiful Nauru is the least visited country in the world and the world's smallest island nation. This tiny nation consists of a raised coral island and is famous for its miles of untouched, white sand beaches and ancient limestone caves and cliffs. Located in Micronesia in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, its closest neighbour is the island of Banaba in Kiribati, some 200 miles (300km) to the east.
37. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Oman
How remote is it? 11,341km from Toronto | 7,556km from London | 11,776km from Sydney
Jabal Akhdar, meaning "The Green Mountain" in Arabic, is part of the Al Hajar mountains range, one of Oman's most remarkable areas of natural beauty. Here, nestled 2,000 metres above sea level, you'll find the peaceful sanctuary that is Alila Jabal Akhdar. Inspired by the ancient forts of Oman, the lavish villas and suites make a lasting impression, as do the extraordinary gourmet experiences, which include dining beneath the stars and on the very edge of a cliff.
38. Concordia, Pakistan
How remote is it? 10,835km from Toronto | 6,099km from London | 10,954km from Sydney
Concordia is the only place in the world where you can see four mountains over 26,000 feet in height simultaneously. Surrounding Concordia is the crown of the Karakoram - Broad Peak and Gasherbrum I, II, and III - four of the 15 tallest mountains on Earth. To access this remote mountain of mountains, you must drive for three days from Islamabad and then trek for ten days. If you are passionate about peaks, you must add the village of Concordia to your destination bucket list.
39. Granito de Oro in Coiba National Park, Panama
How remote is it? 13,850km from Toronto | 8,774km from London | 8,800km from Sydney
Granito De Oro, meaning granules of gold, is a pristine islet off the coast of Isla Coiba in the Coiba National Park, Panama. Surrounding this volcanic outcropping is a blindingly-white sand beach and the gloriously clean, clear and vibrant waters of the Gulf of Chiriqui. The national park is one of the largest marine reserves in the world, so this tiny islet is the perfect place for divers and snorkelers who want to explore underwater and escape the crowds.
40. Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru
How remote is it? 6,367km from Toronto | 9,959km from London | 13,037km from Sydney
One for the truly fearless with a head of heights, the Skylodge Adventure Suites are attached to the rugged cliffs that line Peru's mystical Sacred Valley. These transparent pods, some 1,444 feet (440 meters) above the valley floor, are reached by an adrenaline-inducing climb up Via Ferrata, but the views, experience, and bragging rights are worth it. You can also eat amongst the elements in the dining suite jutting out from the giant granite cliff.
41. El Nido Resorts, Lagen Island, Philippines
How remote is it? 13,629km from Toronto | 10,963km from London | 6,021km from Sydney
Perfectly positioned between a verdant forest and a shallow lagoon, Lagen in El Nido is ideal for those seeking a bucket list holiday on a private and tranquil island. The deluxe rooms, cottages and suites are elegant, charming, and calming, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors so you can always see the jaw-dropping scenery. A sanctuary for birds and mammals, as well as humans, from the comfort of your private veranda, you can observe and delight in different endemic species.
42. Foula Island, Shetland Islands, Scotland
How remote is it? 5,290km from Toronto | 1,299km from London | 16,439km from Sydney
Located in the Shetland archipelago in the northernmost region of Scotland, Foula is one of the United Kingdom's most remote permanently inhabited islands - it's no wonder the movie 'The Edge of the World' was filmed here. The beautiful island is a haven for wildlife, has unique flora and is famous for the geology of its dramatic coastline, so much so that Foula is a Special Protection Area for birds, a National Scenic Area, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
43. Îles de la Madeleine, Senegal
How remote is it? 6,637km from Toronto | 5,657km from London | 17,583km from Sydney
The Îles de la Madeleine lie off the shore of Dakar in Senegal in West Africa. The two islands are uninhabited and famous for the bird, fish and plant life that thrive there and the discovery of Stone Age tools. The islands make up the Madeleine Islands National Park, the smallest national park in the world. The only way to get to the island is by boat with a guide.
44. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, South Africa
How remote is it? 13,023km from Toronto | 12,991km from London | 11,127km from Sydney
Bushmans Kloof is an utterly gorgeous wilderness escape on a private reserve in South Africa. This boutique luxury lodge, and ecological oasis, is the perfect setting for getting away from it all, enjoying delicious South African cuisine, and making memories discovering the wide-open plains, awe-inspiring wildlife, pristine mountain landscapes, ancient rock art sites and rich San culture in the company of friendly local guides.
45. Tristan de Cunha, South Atlantic
How remote is it? 11,231km from Toronto | 9,918km from London | 11,932km from Sydney
The British overseas territory of St. Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha comprises remote, isolated islands - the nearest land is South Africa, some 1,750 miles to the east. On Tristan da Cunha, you'll find Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, the world's most isolated settlement. This active volcano island is also home to rare wildlife and sweeping sea views that seemingly never end.
46. Le Taha’a Resort, Tahiti
How remote is it? 9,907km from Toronto | 15,377km from London | 5,983km from Sydney
Nestled on secluded Motu Tautau - a private island in French Polynesia, Le Taha'a faces the verdant island of Taha'a on one side and has picturesque views of Bora Bora on the other. The design of the luxurious resort follows authentic Polynesian architectural style, and it is an idyllic place where you can relax, recharge and enjoy an authentic taste of paradise.
47. Soneva Kiri, Thailand
How remote is it? 13,848km from Toronto | 9,841km from London | 7,214km from Sydney
This intimate resort is on a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand. The resort nestles between the ocean and the jungle and has just 36 secluded villas, each with its own Barefoot Butler and private pool. Larger villas also have a treehouse, waterslide, and spa treatment areas. Try the marvellous tree pod dining in the rainforest canopy for dinner with a difference.
48. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, USA
How remote is it? 6,807km from Toronto | 6,548km from London | 12,208km from Sydney
Located in far north Alaska, above the Arctic Circle, the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is the northernmost and least visited national park in the United States. With no roads or trails and only accessible by bush plane or on foot, it is the perfect location for adventure seekers looking for a remote and extreme landscape to explore.
49. Socotra Island, Yemen
How remote is it? 12,174km from Toronto | 6,470km from London | 11,443km from Sydney
Socotra is one of the world's most remote islands. The Socotra Archipelago consists of four islands, Socotra, Abd Al Kuri, Samha and Darsa. Officially part of Yemen, the UNESCO-protected island has the nickname "the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean" due to its endemic species, breathtaking, untouched landscapes and iconoclastic local culture.
50. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
How remote is it? 12,736km from Toronto | 11,135km from London | 11,614km from Sydney
Mnemba Island is a teeny-tiny island, some three kilometres off the northeast coast of Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island. Castaways can cocoon themselves in luxurious beachside bandas and while away the hours stretching out on sugar-soft white sands, snorkelling in the shallows and sipping champagne as the sun sets against the casuarina pine forest backdrop.