Out of office on: 18 remote travel spots to switch off
Research by booking.com recently revealed that in 2022, workations will be a thing of the past. 73% of surveyed travellers said that holidays will be strictly work-free in future. With this in mind, please see below a round-up of remote travel destinations where you can switch off whilst relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with nature.
Isolated Holiday Islands
Santa Rosa Island, California
California’s second largest isle, Santa Rosa Island measures a whopping 84 square miles - if you’re looking for isolation and adventure, this is the place. It’s a 3-hour boat ride each way from Ventura, so day trips are not practical. Visitor’s best bet for exploring this expansive wilderness is to pitch a tent and stay at least one night at Water Canyon Camp, located near a 3-mile-long beach. One must-do hike is Lobo Canyon, with its native flora, eroded sandstone formations and embedded pygmy mammoth fossils. www.visitcalifornia.com
(image Canva By MarciParavia)
Okinawa Islands, Japan
Okinawa is a chain of islands in the East China Sea, southeast of mainland Japan. Closer to Taiwan than they are to Kyushu, it’s no surprise they have their own culture, history and climate; it’s these characteristics that make thema so enticing. The majority of those living in the Okinawa Islands are found on the main island of Okinawa. Consequently, many of the other 150 islands are completely uninhabited and perfect for a secluded visit to explore f white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical jungle..www.japan.travel/en/uk
Yakushima: Kyushu, Japan
The small, remote island of Yakushima, which lies off the southern coast of the southernmost of Japan’s four major islands, Kyushu, is shaped similar to the Hawaiian isle of Kauai. Visitors arrive here seeking respite in subtropical rainforests and mountains — and along the miles of untouched coastline, where endangered loggerhead and green turtles nest. What’s most startling about Yakushima is the absence of crowds and over-commercialisation, even with its easy proximity to Osaka, a 90 minute flight away. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Yakushima has managed to maintain its pristine, otherworldly atmosphere. www.visit-kyushu.com
Beaches and Bays
SLO CAL’s hidden beaches, California
SLO CAL, situated on California’s Central Coast, is home to miles of beaches with everything from sea caves to homes for elephant seals. There’s a hidden stretch of sand to suit everyone who’s ready to get outdoors and soak up the healing power of nature. Unspoiled and largely uninhabited, the isolated sandy beaches of San Simeon’s wild and rugged shores are among the finest in California. Best visited on a hot day, San Simeon Beach (also known as William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach) offers iconic views of Hearst Castle with its towering terraces above the historic pier. Visitors will enjoy dramatic cliffs and sprawling ocean views, abundant up and down the area all along Highway 1. www.slocal.com
Noto Peninsula, Honshu: Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture juts out into the Sea of Japan and boasts plenty of rugged coastline. Visitors can spot quaint rural villages between rice fields inland, but for the most part, it’s just sea, shore and seemingly endless amounts of space. Attractions include secluded temples, lighthouses and interesting rock formations. A particularly interesting temple is the serene Myojoji temple complex halfway up the western coastline. As for rock formations, there are many, but the Ganmon cave and Hatago Iwa are the most impressive; both showcase the wilderness of this region and the sheer power of the elements. www.ishikawatravel.jp/en
(Image Canva by jw-rayints)
Tanesashi Coast: Hachinohe, Japan
Running along the coast of the Tohoku region is the Michinoku Coastal Trail, offering a rocky shoreline, numerous bays, cliffs and coves stretching over 1,000 kilometres. As a result of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster, tourism has been, and is still, vital to the recovery of the area. The region was devastated by the impact and after effect of the tsunami and currently only gets visits from 2-3% of Japan’s international travellers despite it being one of the biggest areas in Japan. The local community has worked hard to rebuild the area using tourism to help generate the local economy. Visitors can hike the Michinoku Trail and stay in guesthouses along the way, allowing them to experience local life, and see just what’s so special about the Tohoku region. www.visithachinohe.com
Private Parks & Secluded Springs
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Colorado
Of Colorado’s four National Parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is arguably the most impressive. The Park earned its name for the lack of light that reaches its sheer cliff walls, reaching 2,722 feet below at the deepest point, leaving them often shrouded in shadows. Encompassing roughly 30,750 acres, there are lots of hidden spots for visitors to relax and escape from the world. Those looking to really switch off can camp beneath the stars at the North Rim Campground, the most remote of the Park’s two campgrounds, with space for just 13 sites. With no phone signal or WiFi, it’s the perfect place for travellers to unwind. Prices: from $16 per night. www.colorado.com
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: San Diego, California
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of San Diego’s lesser-known spots and is where you’ll find locals watching the golden California sunset. The rugged coastline has uninterrupted views, making it a must-visit at the end of the day. There are plenty of remote spots to sit back, relax and watch the beauty unfold. As well as offering picturesque sunset views, the Park is great for an afternoon stroll. Nearby Bay Club Hotel & Marina is one of San Diego’s best kept secrets, offering stylish rooms in a relaxing setting. Prices: rooms from $124 per night. www.sandiego.org
(Image Canva by Thomas Zagler)
Hoh Rain Forest: Olympic National Park, Washington
Located within the Olympic National Park peninsula opposite Seattle, Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the USA. Tucked away from highways and commercial flight paths, Hoh Rain Forest is the quietest spot in all of North America, meeting the criteria of having a noise-free interval of at least 15 minutes. The beautiful rainforest is home to towering trees adorned with moss and ferns, and multiple trails which explore its green landscape, making it the perfect place to escape from the world and switch off. Visitors can stay at Olympic Suites Inn in Forks, less than an hour’s drive away. Prices: rooms from $139 per night. www.visitseattle.org
Mammoth Lakes’ hot springs, California
With its regal mountain majesty and alpine hush, it’s hard to imagine that Mammoth Lakes is situated on the edge of an ancient volcanic caldera. Here, some 760,000 years ago, a massive volcano exploded, leaving behind the relatively flat basin now cradling Mammoth Lakes. A wonderful byproduct of this fiery past is the region’s network of natural hot springs. Many of these bubbling hot tubs, some open for safe dipping, are concentrated between Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes, but finding them requires a bit of a treasure hunt. Not to be missed are the Whitmore Pool and Rock Tub; the naturally heated pool includes six marked swimming lanes. www.visitmammoth.com
Adventures around the most remote regions in Hungary: Őrség And Vendvidék
Őrség And Vendvidék are two enchanting destinations part of Hungary’s Őrség National Park. Remote and secluded, these two regions offer unforgettable adventures. Vendvidék is a tiny region and its sparsely inhabited villages are excellent destinations for tourists arriving on foot or by car. Exploring the slopes of Őrség will take visitors past wooden bell towers, listed houses and orchards. The most authentic settlement in the region is Szalafő, home of the Pityerszer Őrség Folk Monument Ensemble,an open-air ethnographic museum. www.visithungary.com
Kamikochi, Three Star Road, Japan
Kamikochi is a remote resort that offers up some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Japan. The 1.5 kilometre valley is dominated by the jutting Hotaka mountain range, cut through by the crisp, clear Azusa River. Kamikochi is a real treat for anyone looking for dramatic scenery, fresh alpine air and amazing hikes, with trekking and mountaineering routes that lead from Kamikochi into the impressive Japanese Alps. Throughout the mountains there are a wide range of routes that vary in difficulty and duration, meaning there are hikes and walks suitable for everyone. www.mitsuboshi-kaidou.com
Hidden Hotels
Evergreen Lodge: Yosemite Tuolumne County, California
Located in the northern and less travelled area of Yosemite National Park, Evergreen Lodge is tucked away in the wilderness of Yosemite’s Tuolumne County. The historic lodge was recently expanded now offering guests 88 spacious cabins sitting upon 20 acres of forest. In addition to the surrounding woodland to explore, nearby attractions include Tuolumne Meadows - home to giant sequoia trees - and Hetch Hetchy, both of which are within easy reach on two wheels. The resort also has a number of tour guides for sightseeing across hiking, biking, fly-fishing and free advice for self-guided adventures. Prices: Rooms from £111 ($150) + tax per night. Visittuolumne.com
The Brando Residence: Tetiaroa, The Islands of Tahiti
Idyllic property, The Brando, is the perfect remote getaway to switch off from the world. Barack Obama spent a month in the luxury private resort at the Tetiaroa atoll to write his Presidential memoirs in peace whilst avoiding the public eye. The atoll is remote and difficult to access, requiring a 20-minute flight on a private plane from nearby Tahiti. Committed to preserving and protecting its natural habitats and biodiversity, The Brando is sensitive to the environment, and promises to respect its rich culture. Expect to see sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds on several occasions when visiting this luxury destination. Price: rooms from £1,770 per night www.tahititourisme.uk
Vila Planinka: Jezersko, Slovenia
Vila Planinka is set in a remote mountain valley in northern Slovenia, in a small place called Jezersko. The hotel’s style is in keeping with its surroundings; an abundance of rough, finished local woods reflect the swathe of forest outside, accented by hanging exposed light bulbs, lush throws and wood-burning fires that lend it a cosy mountain lodge vibe. Hiking and biking await outside as does the current zeitgeist-fitting, soul-affirming activity of forest bathing. This is a great-value accommodation for its quality and an amazing chance to experience a unique and truly remote mountain hideaway. Price: £221 all year-round. www.slovenia.info
(Image Canva by luckyj1)
Sierra de las Nieves National Park: Costa del Sol, Spain
Beyond the beaches, Costa del Sol offers year-round options for all traveller tastes. In the province of Malaga lies The Sierra de las Nieves National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of almost 50,000 acres in size. It’s the ideal place for travellers seeking stunning remote landscapes, wildlife spotting and incredible food. The Sierra de las Nieves National Park is the only place in Costa del Sol that receives snowfall in the winter. In fact, the park takes its name because in winter, the white of the snow usually dyes the highest peaks, serving as an ice reserve for the rest of Andalucia for the whole season. www.visitcostadelsol.com
Blackberry Inn: Yosemite Mariposa County, California
Surrounded on three sides by the Stanislaus National Forest, the Blackberry Inn Yosemite is located on 36 stunning, forested acres offering a peaceful, romantic B&B next to Yosemite National Park. This adult-only inn offers spacious accommodations, with vaulted ceilings and large windows that bring the beauty of the Sierra Nevada inside. Guests are treated to fresh baked chocolate chip cookies every day! With more than 840 miles of hiking trails, Yosemite National Park offers its millions of annual visitors countless choices for exploration year round. Prices: Rooms from £178 ($220) + tax per night. www.yosemite.com
Two Bunch Palms: Desert Hot Springs, Greater Palm Springs, California
Palm trees, mountain views and hot springs draw millions of visitors to Greater Palm Springs each year, and are ideal for travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity. Perfect for those that value sustainable travel experiences and soaking in natural mineral waters, adult-only Two Bunch Palms is a luxe property and one of the first carbon-neutral resorts in the United States running entirely on solar power. In addition to soaking in at least one of the half dozen hot mineral pools or private tubs on the hotel's impeccably manicured grounds, the spa is well worth a visit. With 70 rooms, the resort is so spacious at 56-acres, guests often won't bump into one another, whilst the onsite restaurant, which uses locally sourced fare with vegan and GF options, is regarded as one of the best eateries in town. Prices: Rooms from £156 ($211) + tax per night visitgreaterpalmsprings.com
