Thirteen Off-the-Grid Hotel Stays To Check Out
A resort on a coral reef, a tea plantation reborn as a hotel, and retreats atop mountain peaks from the Alps to the Andes — these 13 hotels offer luxury stays far from civilisation.
Lilløy Lindenberg, Norway
A barren rocky island in the sea provides the perfect place to disconnect and relax. Just 40 minutes from Bergen, Lilløy Lindenberg is a retreat that combines Norway’s rugged natural beauty with the smooth lines of Scandinavian design. With interiors by the local firm Vera & Kyte, the property accommodates up to 10 guests at a time and promises tranquility (sometimes broken up by the occasional storm blowing in off the Atlantic) and, above all, room for you to be alone with your thoughts. Guests at Lilløy (the name is Norwegian for “little island”) can either book individual rooms, which feature plenty of wood, cosy pillows, and wool blankets, or buy out the entire island. In the evenings, the chef prepares seasonal, plant-based dinners; during the day, kayaking tours and sauna sessions help restore the body’s balance. There’s also an artists’ residency allowing creatives to explore this remote corner of Europe.
The Fife Arms, Scotland
Brueghel in the breakfast room, Picasso above the sofa, and Lucian Freud on the wall—and eggs Benedict served on a table below the masterpieces. At the Fife Arms, art captivates visitors just as much as the breathtaking natural scenery of the Highlands. The building was constructed in the mid-19th century as a post station and inn for travelers headed to Aberdeen, 100 kilometres away. After a long slumber, the owners of the top-tier gallery Hauser & Wirth took over the property in 2018 and transformed it into a fairytale castle for those seeking relaxation, Scottish-style. Today, the Fife Arms combines historic charm with contemporary luxury, quintessentially British cosiness with cosmopolitan sophistication. The on-site whisky bar is organised not by distillery but by flavour profiles: floral, fruity, rich, and smoky.
Amankora, Bhutan
The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, nestled between India and China, only opened its doors to international tourism about 50 years ago and has since pursued a High Value, Low Impact model designed to protect the country’s culture and natural environment. Nestled amid rhododendron forests, rice terraces, Amankora is a collection of five lodges with a total of 76 rooms. Each lodge reflects the unique character of its region and can be explored through special excursions ranging from spiritual pilgrimage routes to forest bathing beneath the ruins of a fortress and crane watching in the highlands. Star architect Kerry Hill’s designs combine traditional architecture with minimalist elegance. Following extensive renovations, the lodges in Paro and Punakha will reopen in September 2026 with improvements to both suites and spa facilities.
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
Visitors can get a good sense of daily life on a tea plantation, or at least a rarefied version of it, when they book a stay at the Ceylon Tea Trails, located on Castlereagh Reservoir in the central highlands. The hotel isn’t a single building with a lobby and rooms, but instead a collection of renovated former plantation villas situated at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres. The five colonial-style houses are spread across an area of 800 hectares. Each bungalow has five or six bedrooms, a living room, a pool, and, of course, a lawn for croquet. There are 15 staff members per villa who ensure impeccable service. Shuttles zip back and forth between the villas, and hiking trails wind through the tea plantations, where women still pluck the leaves used to brew one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated exports. Near the reservoir, a factory invites visitors to take a tour followed by a tasting.
Sal Salis, Australia
At Sal Salis, there’s no internet or cell service, but you won’t miss it. At this very remote glamping lodge — more than 1,300 kilometres from the nearest major city, Perth in Western Australia — nature lovers unwind to the sound of crashing waves and the whistling wind. The property is located directly on the Ningaloo Reef, known for its whale sharks, rays, and sea turtles. A short walk across the white sandy beach is all it takes to dive into the colourful underwater world. The 16 safari tents on wooden platforms combine modern comforts with glorious seclusion. At night, you can hear the lapping water from your bed; during the day, your gaze wanders undisturbed across the coastline. Beach walks, kayak tours, and afternoons lounging in a deck chair set the pace. The head chef creates menus that change daily to complement the experience.
Bethlen Estates, Romania
Transylvania is one of the last blank spots on Europe’s tourist map but that may be changing. Near where Count DracBethlene wreaked havoc, King Charles III owns an estate and Hollywood productions are now shot in the region. Bethlen Estates is the first hotel project in the area to successfully showcase the rugged wilderness in a sophisticated setting. Early in the morning, the proximity to nature becomes apparent: Slow worms make their way through the dew-drenched grass, frogs hop between stepping stones, and birdsong fills the crisp air. Behind the restored facades of the historic estate are 10 stylish guest rooms, furnished with traditional wooden furniture paired with contemporary accents. For owner Gladys Bethlen, this property looks to both the past and the future at once, preserving Transylvania’s culture and natural landscapes for future generations.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Shipowner Tim Hartnoll long dreamed of exploring the wider world. Then, when he came upon a part of the South China Sea where the blue water stretched as far as the eye could see, like an endless carpet interrupted by only six green island peaks, he came up with a plan. He would build a resort here — the very first in the Anambas Islands, part of Indonesia located 270 kilometres from Singapore. After 12 long years, Bawah opened its doors in 2018 as one of the most remote resort islands in the world. There are 36 villas on the island with some located on the beach and others built on stilts over the water. At a restaurant on a hillside which rises over the jungle, guests dine looking out over the tree canopy. Despite the remote location and ambiance, there’s a full range of activities: hiking through the nearby hills, paddle boarding tours around the island, and daily complimentary spa services.
Shiguchi, Japan
Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands and is famous for its mountains, exceptional powder snow, and hiking trails through unspoiled landscapes. Perched on a mountain ridge in Niseko Province, guests at this estate stay in five kominka — traditional country houses built of wood, clay, and straw. The frame structures are supported by thick beams and posts made of oak or cypress, which interlock like a puzzle. Rather than a mere historical recreation, however, the houses have contemporary interiors with comfortable seating areas, modern lighting, and large-scale art. Guests can bathe in the on-site onsen, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and book treatments at the spa.
Fogo Island Inn, Canada
Located on the island of the same name off the east coast of Newfoundland, this hotel is ideal for travelers seeking “coolcations” — vacations in cooler climes. The average high temperature in summer here is a refreshing 18 degrees. On this rugged and jagged coastline, the inn rises like a futuristic outpost made of giant building blocks that form an X when viewed from above. All 29 suites have ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and some also include a fireplace that the staff lights in the evening. In terms of cuisine, the inn’s restaurant emphasises regional ingredients: fresh pastries, local produce, and seasonal dishes. The amenities also include a private movie theatre with freshly made popcorn. Hollywood celebrities and European royalty have already come to appreciate the elevated comfort that the inn offers in a paparazzi-free destination.
Le Dune Piscinas, Italy
Those in search of solitude will have to cross a number of peaks to reach this beach resort. Located on Sardinia’s west coast — the so-called Costa Verde — it sits next to the eponymous dune and faces the stormy blue of the sea. The most extraordinary Mediterranean dreams come true here: There’s not a soul in sight and guests can surrender to the elements of sun and water, and excellent dining in three restaurants. The 28 rooms feature a minimalist design with sand-coloured tiles and a creamy palette with dark wood accents. The low-rise buildings were once storage facilities for a now-defunct mining operation. The memories of the hard lives of those miners today feel distant, replaced by sighs of luxury from travelers embracing la dolce vita.
Manna, Greece
Deep in the heart of Greece’s Arcadia, this hotel surprises with its complete departure from images typically associated with the country’s islands. Travelers here come for forest bathing instead of swimming in the sea, and the landscape is dominated by coniferous forests instead of limestone. Manna provides a luxurious introduction to an unspoiled region of the Peloponnese that has largely been overlooked by travelers until recently. The 32-room hotel is located in a listed former sanatorium that the young hotelier Stratis Batayas transformed into a stylish retreat through a meticulous multi-year restoration. The historic stone facade from the 1920s has been preserved, while the rooms, restaurant, bar, and spa have been completely redesigned. Natural materials, crisp mountain air, and the secluded location all create an atmosphere of tranquility and an ideal base for exploring the traditional mountain landscapes of the region.
Tierra Atacama, Chile
The Atacama Desert and Chile’s Altiplano region are among the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. As the driest desert outside the polar regions, the Atacama offers an Andean backdrop at extreme altitudes with steaming geysers, colourful lagoons, and snow-capped peaks. Salt flats teeming with flamingos and an exceptionally clear starry sky welcome guests to the lodge, situated more than 2,400 metres above sea level. The 28 rooms have recently been renovated and the adobe and stone walls, paired with expanses of glass, reflect a combination of local construction techniques and contemporary design. From the terraces, there are sweeping views over imposing volcanic cones and spectacular sunsets. As evening descends, waiters serve Chilean wines and seasonal menus. It’s flawless luxury in an unexpected corner of the world.
Bellevue des Alpes, Switzerland
At this historic hotel, founded in 1840 in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, the panoramic views take centre stage. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks are revered among alpinists, challenging even experienced mountaineers. The hotel is not accessible by car and travellers arrive at an elevation of 2,070 metres via train, specifically the yellow-and-green Wengernalp Railway. When they enter the hotel through its revolving door, it can feel like a journey back in time. Stairs creak, fires crackle in the fireplaces, and the hotel takes pride in having largely preserved the 1920s-era furnishings of its 60 rooms. Winter sports enthusiasts will appreciate that there’s plenty of snow here well into late spring.
