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Far From the Madding Crowd: Blissfully Remote, ‘Off the Beaten Track’ Getaways

13 March 2020

Ever felt like escaping all the demands of the world, and retreating into your own private paradise?

Whether it’s just you and your loved one, or you’re looking for an exclusive, ‘wow factor’ destination for a special group getaway, there’s something special about a remote retreat… it feels like a delicious secret only you know.

(If you’re serious about ditching the crowds, how about going it alone, and re-discovering your creative spirit along the way?)

We’ve lined up some of our favourite remote retreats, far away from the tourist hordes. From idyllic cabins on deserted beaches, to rustic treetop cabins on the edge of the world, you’ll be feeling relaxed and revived in no time at all.
Author: Nina Jervis
Main Image: Torsa Island | Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Calma Nordica

A Coruña, Galicia, Spain
A sanctuary of calm inspired by the rural barns of northern Europe, rich in luxurious simplicity and secluded among the picture-perfect landscape of northwest Spain.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6 (+1)
From
£215 / night

St Curig's Church

Capel Curig, County Conwy, Wales
Experience heaven on Earth in this charmingly converted 19th century church, with sociable village life and a backdrop of the breathtaking Snowdonia mountains built in.
Bedrooms: 6
Sleeps: Up to 16
From
£750 / night

The Sleepout at Sunny Lea

Meifod, Powys, Wales
A lovingly hand-crafted wooden cabin offering an invigorating blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Welsh countryside.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£125 / night

Culbin Edge

Brodie, Moray, Scotland
A reviving slice of forest living and coastal adventure, based from a cosy eco-cabin at the Edge of paradise.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2-4
From
£465 (3 nts)

Ketch

Killough, County Down, Northern Ireland
Make memories on the wild shores of the Irish Sea at Ketch, tucked away in the shadow of Ireland's tallest onshore lighthouse.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£318 (2 nights)

The Beach Hut

Carswell Cove, South Devon, England
Star in a beachfront love story with a grown-ups-only romantic cabin for two, blissfully hidden away in a cosily secretive cove on the South Devon coast.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£804 (2 nights)

El Ray

Dungeness, Kent, England
Designer beachside style (not to mention an original 19th century railway carriage) stunningly set along the Dungeness shingle-scape.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£956 (2 nts)

The Black Castle

Coolbaun, Tipperary, Ireland
Travel back through time with an ‘over-knight' stay for two in a majestically authentic 16th century Gaelic castle.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£274 / night

Sal Salis

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Explore the outback in an exclusive beachside safari camp, remotely set within the dunes of Australia's Cape Range National Park.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Up to 3 per tent
From
£982/night

Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage

Longhope, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Steal away from civilisation, to an historic haven with dramatic sea views out towards the Pentland Firth.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£170 / night

El Coyol Private Island

Lake Nicaragua, Granada
A breathtaking and beautifully refined private Nicaraguan oasis that's just for you and your favourite people.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£600 / night

Kagga Kamma

Cederberg, Western Cape, South Africa
Escape the din of city life, in a culture-rich South African nature reserve and spa surrounded by vast, unspoilt wilderness.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: Up to 2 (+2)
From
£134 / night

Kolarbyn Eco Lodge

Skinnskatteberg, Västmanland, Sweden
Welcome to "Sweden's most primitive hotel" - Kolarbyn Eco Lodge, a peaceful gathering of charcoal huts surrounded by lush spruce forest.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 2-5 per hut
From
£67 pppn

Bergaliv

Vallsta, Gävleborg, Sweden
Experience the purity and simplicity of nature, surrounded by some of Sweden's most enchanting scenery, at Bergaliv Landscape Hotel - a peaceful mountainside sanctuary awaiting your arrival.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£350 /night

Croft 103

Laid, The Highlands, Scotland
With awe-inspiring design, enviable eco-credentials, and even outdoor bathtubs overlooking Loch Eriboll, Croft 103 certainly has it all.
Bedrooms: 1 per cottage
Sleeps: 2 per cottage
From
£2200 /week

Eilean Sionnach

Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Rest your weary heads in a dreamy lighthouse cottage, blissfully cast away on a soul-soothing private island off the rugged Isle of Skye.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£550 / night

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