Off the beaten track: 5 spots around the world to really get away from it all

Get ready to get lost. If you feel like really getting away from it all, we’ve sourced some of the top spots around the world that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away (in a good way).

If you’re craving an escape from the grind, starting with this away-from-it-all property in Bhutan is an excellent choice. Not only is Bhutan itself off the beaten track, this secluded resort is hours from civilization, perched on a mountain in the Himalayas overlooking the Punakha valley. If that’s not a total escape from everyday life, we don’t know what is! Biking itineraries take you through the valley where you can get up close with the spectacular scenery, get blessed at a monastery, explore underground caves and see ancient sites like Kyichu Lhakhang, a Himalayan Buddhist temple.

Brazil might be an even hotter spot for travel over the next few years than it usually is, thanks to the Olympic Games being hosted in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, but there are still plenty of spots in this South American country to get away from the crowds. , a secluded retreat perched high in the Mantiqueira Mountains, opened in November as one of the first hotels to showcase the best of what Brazil has to offer. A 10,000-square-foot spa offers therapies inspired by local native traditions to help guests de-stress, and quiet relaxation is the focus. This means that cars are not allowed on-site, and guests communicate their needs with the flick of a finger on an iPad (no check-in desk or concierge in sight!). Photo credit: Tuca Reines

Sandton Kura Hulanda Lodge and Beach Club is not only a relaxing beach retreat on the gorgeous Caribbean island of Curacao, it’s also home to a two-bedroom, two-bathroom treetop suite built atop wooden stilts. Guests can look out into the lush island foliage from their own private 1312-square-foot suite, filled with artifacts and antiques that Kura Hulanda owner Jacob Gelt Dekker brought back from his travels over the years. A wooden spiral staircase leads up to the ultra-private room and into an open-air living room, which features a wide terrace providing picturesque sunset views over the water. This unique suite offers an authentic, rustic island experience sure to help anyone say goodbye to stress in style.

You might not think that bustling Marrakech, Morocco is somewhere to feel like you’re getting away from it all, but the Royal Mansour is a property that allows you to experience the best of both worlds — explore an energetic, on-trend city while being able to escape to a retreat when you need a rest. The extravagant, lush property is situated in a quiet neighborhood within the Medina walls of the Old City, spans eight acres and comprises 53 private riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior gardens). Not to mention, you can indulge in the 27,000-square-foot spa, and dine at two restaurants helmed by three-time Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. Each riad ranges in size from 1,400 to 21,525 square feet and is decorated with some of the finest Moroccan artistry: Think hand-done mosaics covering courtyard floors and riad interiors featuring elaborate tapestries and antique furniture.

If you’re craving a tropical escape (where no one can find you), we suggest getting away from the world in one of the most secluded places on earth: the Maldives. Anantara Kihavah Villas features 78 spacious over-water and beach suites with private pools, wooden sundecks, outdoor showers, and oversized bathtubs built for two. There are three dining venues on-site, including the totally unique Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky, a dining complex that features an underwater restaurant and wine cellar. When they’re not relaxing in the luxe suites, guests can take advantage of the resort’s water sports, yoga, cooking classes and spa treatments.

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