Best Hotels for an Off-Grid Escape

Darjeeling

A working tea plantation retreat with spotless service and delicious food. Eight beautiful suites - each individually designed and all with magnificent views of the Himalayas and Kachenjunga. The perfect destination for a luxurious back to nature experience & complete getaway-from-it-all relaxation.

• Views - Breathtaking views to the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga
• Birdwatching - The ideal spot for seeing over 100 different species
• Great walks - Superb walking straight from the door
• Rural

Muhu Island (Saaremaa)

A boutique 16th century country house set in stunning grounds with its own private beach. Seamless rooms and suites in creams and whites with wooden floorboards. Fabulous innovative Nordic cuisine, a top of the range spa and hammam, and breathtaking views. Romantic, gourmet, totally relaxing.

• Total relaxation - Fresh air, sea breeze, gardens, Nordic food, and a pampering spa.
• Luxury
• Romantic Break
• Sights nearby - Take a tour to the old Koguva fishing village.

Auvergne (Le Lac du Pêcher)

A fabulous eco-lodge surrounded by a lake, mountains and a volcano. Chic boutique rooms and suites are minimal with wooden floors, alpaca throws, and antiques. Refined local cuisine is sourced from the surrounding area. Fishing, riding, hunting, and spa therapies. A romantic & stylish rural escape.

• Foodies - The chef produces fabulous gourmet meals from locally sourced seasonal produce.
• Back to Nature - Riding in the forest, fishing in the lake, walking..
• Spa - The spa does reiki, shiatsu, reflexology, and several massages including energetic ones. A dedicated adults only area.
• Great walks - Fabulous walking country - all right from the door, whether you want a short stroll or a day long hike.

Gujarat (Bhuj )

Thatched cottages and mud bhungas decorated with traditional art and mirrorwork. An authentic desert village stay near Gujarat’s White Rann.

• Traditional - Traditional furnishings, handicrafts and art
• Back to Nature
• Local markets
• Outstanding location

Queensland (Australia)

Situated on a billabong six hours north of Cairns on the Cape York peninsula, this lodge is set in a tropical wildlife haven, with over 200 species of birds in the area. Ten simple yet comfortable, wooden cabins have private bathrooms and verandas. Ideal for an inexpensive outback adventure.

• Birdwatching - Spot some of the 200 species of birds flitting through the grounds - including the lotus bird which has given the lodge its name
• Back to Nature - A birdwatchers' paradise with a remote feel, set on the edge of a billabong in Queensland's beautiful wilderness
• Wildlife Area - The Lakefield National Park is home to freshwater crocodiles, birds and marsupials, best seen by boat
• Hideaway - Quiet and relaxing, this is a welcome hideaway from the buzz of the world beyond

Colorado (Colorado)

Formerly gold miners cabins, this renovated ghost town by the Dolores river is unique, luxurious, the true meaning of relax mode. Natural hot springs, with spa treatments in a stunning setting with log fires and wooden, private cabins. Each with a library, porch and hot spring.Organic meals for all.

• Full of character
• Sights nearby - The waterfall can be seen from cabins.
• Great walks - Along the river.
• Outstanding location

Quirpon Island (Newfoundland and Labrador)

A 1922 lighthouse keeper’s home, situated on a remote island with stunning scenic views. The inn features ten traditional, rustic rooms at the base of the operating lighthouse. There is a comfortable indoor whale-watching station, guided kayak and walking tours. Perfect for nature enthusiasts.

• Back to Nature - Explore the icebergs, spot some whales and polar bear - this property is for getting back to nature.
• Restaurant - All meals included in the price of the room. Traditional cuisine, cooked by accommodating staff.
• Kayaking - You can hire kayaks from the hotel and hopefully spot an orca or two whilst out on the waters.
• Views - You can see the whales and birds putting on quite the performance from the dining room.

Norddal

Europe's first ever 'landscape' hotel lets the incredible beauty of its surroundings envelope it. Its individual pods are minimalist and afford phenomenal views out over the Valldal valley. Make sure to experience the indoor-outdoor spa. Quite simply mesmerising.

• Romantic Break - The perfect hideaway for you and a loved one - the 'birdhouses' up in the trees in particular
• Back to Nature - Here you are one with nature - almost nothing seperates you from it
• Eco break - An eco luxury escape, ensconced in nature
• Fishing - Fjord fishing in the summer.

Morahalom (Tanya)

19th century farmhouse hotel with luxury yurts. Rooms in the hotel feature beamed roofs, and yurts have stone floors, lovely bathrooms and sumptuous beds. Larger suite available. Spa, private hot tubs, natural pool, and cosy lounges. Restaurant offers Austro-Hungarian menu. Secluded and unique.

• Country Escape - Gorgeous yurts, crackling fireplaces, woodland explorations and peaceful surrounds
• Restrictions on children - Children over 16 welcome
• Secluded setting
• Swimming Pool

Torres del Paine

A beautifully crafted camp in the heart of the spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. Individual domes have cosy interiors and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Hearty regional fare is served up in the restaurant and picnics are provided for day trips. An outdoor adventurers haven.

• Active Holiday - Sleeping in the domes gives a feel of being in the great outdoors and the surrounding terrain is ideal for trekking.
• Kayaking - Kayak on stunning fjords.
• Secluded setting
• Full of character

Limon Province (Río Pacuare)

Secluded lodges in the heart of the rainforest. Creatively designed to immerse nature and architecture; think carefully placed windows giving maximum views, baths overlooking the forest canopy and plenty of wood. Feast on exquisite cuisine. A grown-up's luxury adventure land.

• Back to Nature - Immerse yourself in the rainforest. Fall asleep with the calls of the wild and spend adventure filled days exploring the jungle.
• Hideaway - When it takes a raft to reach the property you can be sure of total seclusion.
• Birdwatching - The rainforest is teaming with birds many of which can bespotted early morning from the property itself.
• Remote

Lapland (Saariselka)

Javri, located in rural Lapland, offers traditional log cabin style accommodation with a chic boutique twist. Romp around the area before returning to the lodge's cosy wood-burners and intimate atmosphere. An extraordinary country retreat ideal for adventure, romance or relaxation!

• Country Escape - Javri boasts a stunningly serene location in the heart of Lapland, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life
• Total relaxation - Javri's intimate atmosphere, peaceful location and sauna will help you to fully unwind and enjoy your break
• Foodies - The lodge works with local ingredients and gatherers to produce wonderful regional dishes
• Back to Nature - Roam around the surrounding wilderness and get back in touch with the natural world!

Corsica (Perosso)

Nestled in the tranquil Prunelli valley, this gorgeous B&B perfectly combines tradition and luxury. Featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine and beautifully decorated bedrooms. A luxury retreat designed for relaxation and well-being.

• Outstanding location - Only a 10 minute drive from Ajaccio and the beaches of Porticcio
• Great walks - Take a guided trip into the beautiful Corsican mountains
• Swimming Pool - Indoor and outdoor pools
• Restrictions on children - Adult only

Windhoek

Luxury lodge in the stunning savannah of the Zannier Reserve, with traditionally built 1-bedroom cottages featuring all the modern comforts. A vast amount of wildlife is on the doorstep, so spend the day on exciting safaris and come back to fine dining, a stunning infinity pool and indulgent spa!

• Back to Nature - Perfect for nature enthusiasts, Omaanda provides accommodation set within a 9000-hectare private wildlife reserve
• Traditional - Built in traditional Namibian style, with rounded corners and with a hand-finished thatch roof, fitted with modern amenities
• Remote
• Secluded setting

Chimborazo Province

This unique lodge is located at the foot of the Chimborazo Volcano in Ecuador. Rooms at the lodge feature wooden panelling, exposed beams and mountain views; book the attic room to sleep inside the hotel's gabled roof. Enjoy dinner with a view at the hotel's traditional restaurant; a charming lodge.

• Active Holiday - There are plenty of activities available close to this hotel for active holidaymakers, from trekking to climbing
• Local exploring - Set within the grounds of the Chimborazo Nature Reserve, this lodge is perfectly placed for local exploring
• Back to Nature - Sitting at the foot of the Chimborazo Volcano, this hotel makes a unique back-to-nature retreat
• Secluded setting

Nicaragua (Río San Juan)

This beautiful eco-lodge is nestled within a forest on the banks of Nicaragua's San Juan River. Guest bungalows sit on raised stilts on the riverbank with a wooden roof but no walls, allowing nature inside; the best have a terrace with river views. Start the day on the yoga deck; a unique bolt-hole.

• Eco break - The well-thought out sustainability policy at this lodge means you can enjoy your holiday knowing it won't cost the environment
• Local exploring - Set on the banks of the San Juan River, this hotel is the perfect base for local exploring in El Castillo de la Concepción
• Back to Nature - With accommodation that consists of bungalows in a riverside forest, this hotel makes an authentic back-to-nature retreat
• Kayaking - Explore the river from a unique vantage point on a kayaking trip; book an excursion through the hotel

Jalisco (Yelapa)

Nestled on a hillside surrounded by native jungle, this bolt-hole is the best-kept secret of Yelapa. In the individually designed suites, exposed stone juxtaposes with thatched roofs and open-air terraces with ocean or jungle views. Book the Pool House for a private pool; a unique eco hotel.

• Weddings - The hotel offers a range of events packages, including a private wedding ceremony. Enquire at the hotel for details
• Hideaway - The hotel is reached via a hike in the jungle after a boat ride, making this a truly hidden bolt-hole
• Back to Nature - Set in the heart of the jungle in Jalisco, this hotel offers a unique back-to-nature retreat
• Outstanding location

Koh Kong Province (Cambodia)

A truly immersive back-to-nature experience in the Cardamom Mountains. The nine well-equipped tents are raised above the ground and have full ensuites plus a sitting out deck for sundowners. Enjoy a huge range of activities from guided jungle walks to watching conservation in action.

• Back to Nature - Cardamom Tented Camp offers a truly off grid experience, with no internet and the simple pleasures of the jungle all around.
• Trekking - Join Forest Rangers on patrol, delving into their experiences & efforts to protect the region's rich biodiversity
• Wildlife Area - Rare wildlife abounds in the Botum Sakor National Park: you'll find macaques, gibbons, hornbills and much more!
• Eco break - The eco credentials here are unquestionable, from conservation projects to solar panels & water filtering

Jezersko (Zgornje )

This boutique nature retreat is tucked away in the mountains of Jezersko, Slovenia. Inside, guestrooms offer a contemporary take on alpine style, with cosy and innovative hanging lights and plush throws. Recharge at the hotel's garden-to-table restaurant after a day on the slopes.

• Romantic Break - Offering beautifully appointed suites, a chic restaurant and cosy sauna, book this hotel a romantic mountain hideaway holiday
• Active Holiday - Set between the slopes in Jezersko, this hotel is perfectly placed for fans of skiing, cross-country skiing and hiking
• Back to Nature - With a peaceful, secluded setting and a nature-inspired ethos, book this hotel for a true back-to-nature retreat
• Secluded setting

Laos (Laos)

An off-the-beaten-track oasis overlooking the Mekong, this charming lodge will delight nature lovers. Expect comfortable, rustic rooms with rosewood flooring, traditional Hmong textiles & superb river & mountain views. Private balconies are brilliant for soaking up striking sunsets with a cool beer.

• Back to Nature - Step beyond the beaten path at this restful sanctuary between Luang Prabang & Huay Xai, perfect for keen nature lovers
• Wildlife Area - Visit the Pakbeng & Mekong Elephant Camp, a 5 minute walk away & known for its pioneering ecotourism efforts
• Active Holiday - An outdoorsy escape with trekking, cycling, wildlife-spotting and boat trips on the river
• Cooking classes - Head to the local market & organic farm to prepare for fabulous group cooking classes