You could be forgiven for thinking that today's world is getting smaller by the day. Barely a stone has been left unturned in the relentless global quest for the "perfect" getaway. Which is all very well and good. But when you find yours, chances are, it won't just be your perfect getaway, it will be everybody else's too.
Never fear. The world isn't getting any smaller. In fact, some scientists think it's getting larger, but that's another story for another day. The good news is that your perfect holiday is still out there — you just have to dig a little deeper to avoid the masses and find some privacy. The even-better news is that we've done the digging for you, with this list of some of the world's most private holiday destinations, compliments of Insight Guides:
The Brando, French Polynesia
The mother of all private islands. Named after its former owner, Marlon Brando, this luxury eco-resort can be found on the tiny island of Tetiaroa, which is part of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Fly to nearby Tahiti, where a private aircraft will bring you to the resort, about 30 miles away. The stunning island is an atoll – a ring-shaped piece of land with a lagoon in its center – and boasts pristine white-sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters. The lagoon is perfect for snorkeling and diving, and there's an abundance of unique wildlife in the area, including sprawling coral formations and colorful tropical fish. There are only 35 luxury villas at this eco-resort, making it one of the most exclusive holiday destinations on the planet.
Ultima Thule Lodge, Alaska
Located 100 miles from the closest road, Ultima Thule Lodge can rightfully lay claim to being one of the world's most private holiday destinations. Encompassed by the rugged Alaskan mountains and surrounded by 24 million acres of protected wilderness, the location of the lodge is tough to beat. Getting here can be a challenge, but as challenges go, you'll be rewarded for your endeavors. Ultima Thule sits 350 miles east of the closest major city, Anchorage. The lodge arranges pickups by small plane from the villages of Chitina and McCarthy, which are a 5.5-hour drive and a 1.5-hour flight from Anchorage respectively. Upon arrival, visitors will find six luxury cabins, each of which look out over the mighty Chitina River. The colorful gardens are impeccable, but the real draw here is the peaceful seclusion and dramatic mountain scenery.
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Lastovo Island, Croatia
Of all Croatia's islands, Lastovo is the second-furthest away from the mainland. To get there, catch a ferry from Split, via the neighboring island of Korcula, which takes about five to six hours. Although Lastovo technically comprises 46 small islands, the vast majority of the population of 792 live on the main island (most of the other 45 are uninhabited). This is about as unspoiled as it gets; the island hasn't quite caught up with the rest of the world yet. Mobile-phone service is a rarity, and wi-fi is almost non-existent. Don't worry, though, there are an abundance of beaches, national parks, vineyards and orchards all on your doorstep, waiting to be explored. Because of the island's size, accommodations are fairly limited and fill up fast, so book early.
Tavanipupu Island Resort, Solomon Islands
Regarded as the last paradise on earth, the Solomon Islands are made up of nearly 1,000 tiny specks of land in the South Pacific Ocean, of which Tvanipupu is one of the smallest. Once a coconut plantation, this slice of paradise was bought and developed by a British designer back in the 1970s. Today, Tvanipupa Island Resort has struck the perfect balance between luxury and seclusion. There are only a handful of suites, so you'll be one of an exclusive selection of people staying on the island. The closest airport is Honiara, a 15-minute journey away by boat. During the trip, you'll pass by many small, uninhabited islands - each more idyllic than the last – en route to your final destination. Guests have the choice of exploring this island paradise during the day, or taking a complimentary boat ride. The food at the resort is exquisite. Choose from fresh vegetables grown on the island and seafood caught that day, and enjoy them at the water's edge.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
A triumph of contemporary architecture and design, the box-shaped Fogo Island Inn sits proudly atop a rock formation on Fogo Island, a tiny isle just off the coast of Newfoundland that's accessible only by a ferry from the mainland. Stilts support the modern main building. The 29 suites, which are modeled on traditional Newfoundland homes, have floor-to-ceiling windows that peer over the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Norwegian-inspired design also features two rooftop saunas. The south-facing sauna looks back over the island, and from which the church spire of Fogo Harbor is just about visible; the north-facing sauna looks out over the sea. There's also a rooftop terrace, which offers unbeatable stargazing on clear nights.
