Unique & Far-Flung Escapes Around the World

The Brando

Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

A place of untamed beauty and barefoot elegance, The Brando occupies the private atoll of Tetiaroa, once a retreat for Tahitian royalty. Today, it remains one of the world’s most exclusive island escapes — a carbon-neutral sanctuary where natural splendour meets quiet sophistication.

The lagoon glimmers with every shade of turquoise, protected by thriving coral gardens and teeming with marine life. Days unfold slowly here: snorkelling among tropical fish, paddling through coconut groves, or spotting rare birds from your beachfront villa. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, nestled between lush palms, offers treatments inspired by ancestral traditions and the rhythm of the ocean.

Evenings begin with sunset cocktails as the sky burns pink, followed by dining on locally sourced, island-grown ingredients — a reflection of the resort’s deep commitment to sustainability. Whether you arrive for romance, rejuvenation, or simply to disappear into paradise, The Brando’s rare blend of privacy and purpose leaves an indelible impression — one that stays long after the island fades from view.

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

St Vincent & The Grenadines

Tucked within the sparkling Grenadines archipelago, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan redefines Caribbean luxury with a sense of effortless calm and natural grandeur. This private island retreat — once a hidden gem, now one of the region’s most refined sanctuaries — invites you to slow down and savour island life at its most graceful.

Arrive by the resort’s private jet or yacht, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by turquoise seas, soft white sands, and a dramatic backdrop of lush green hills. The spacious suites and villas — each with ocean views and dedicated butler service — blend sleek contemporary design with a breezy island palette.

Days here drift easily between relaxation and exploration: tee off on the island’s Jim Fazio–designed 18-hole golf course, snorkel among coral reefs rich with marine life, or spend a lazy afternoon cruising the Grenadine cays aboard a private yacht. Families can uncover quiet adventures, while couples will find endless moments of serenity.

At sunset, the island softens into golden light — best enjoyed from the TIDES Bar & Grill, where fresh seafood and island spices meet Mandarin Oriental’s hallmark finesse. Whether you’re seeking solitude or celebration, Canouan feels like the Caribbean distilled to its purest form — intimate, unspoiled, and unforgettable.

Sheldon Chalet

Denali National Park, Alaska

Suspended high above the glaciers of Denali National Park, Sheldon Chalet is one of the world’s most extraordinary wilderness escapes — remote, resplendent, and utterly unlike anywhere else on earth. Perched on a rocky nunatak 6,000 feet above sea level, this five-room chalet offers a front-row seat to Alaska’s wildest grandeur.

Accessible only by helicopter, arrival feels cinematic — sweeping over snow-clad peaks before touching down amid the vast silence of the Ruth Glacier Amphitheatre. Here, luxury takes on a new meaning: not excess, but experience. Days unfold to the rhythm of the wilderness — glacier trekking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, or simply standing still to watch the light shift across Denali’s ancient ice.

Inside, warmth and comfort reign supreme. Plush interiors, gourmet dining prepared by a private chef, and panoramic windows framing endless mountain views create a cocoon of serenity in the midst of raw nature. As night falls, step outside to witness the Northern Lights ripple above — a spectacle few places on earth can match.

At Sheldon Chalet, the line between adventure and indulgence dissolves completely. It’s a destination for those who seek not just to see Alaska, but to feel it — its stillness, its strength, and its staggering, soul-stirring beauty.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Perched at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offers a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. This remote sanctuary combines understated luxury with unparalleled access to Uganda’s wildlife, making it an ideal base for adventurous travellers seeking both comfort and connection.

The lodge’s volcanic stone cottages are thoughtfully designed to harmonise with the surrounding rainforest, offering panoramic views of the forested slopes and the distant Virunga Volcanoes. Interiors are warm and intimate, with natural textures and spacious terraces that allow guests to breathe in the richness of the environment.

The highlight of any visit is the gorilla trekking experience. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll enter the misty forest to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, an encounter that is both humbling and profoundly moving. Alongside these primates, the forest is alive with birds, monkeys, and endemic flora, creating a sensory tapestry that delights at every turn.

Beyond trekking, guests can engage with the local Batwa community, learning about their traditions and the delicate balance between human life and the rainforest. Back at the lodge, evenings are spent dining on exquisite cuisine prepared with local ingredients, while the sound of the forest provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay.

At Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, the wild and the refined coexist effortlessly, offering a journey that is as transformative as it is luxurious. Here, every moment is a reminder of the fragility and wonder of nature — and of the rare privilege of experiencing it up close.

UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa

Trancoso, Brazil

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Trancoso, UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa is a boutique hideaway that celebrates Brazilian culture, design, and the laid-back rhythm of coastal life. Pronounced “Ooo-shoo-ah,” this enchanting property immediately envelops guests in the warmth of its surroundings, where handcrafted details and locally sourced materials speak to a profound sense of place.

The hotel comprises around a dozen individually restored antique casas, each a sanctuary of airy, open-plan living. Interiors feature reclaimed wood, local artwork, and private courtyards, combining rustic charm with modern comfort. Every detail has been carefully curated to reflect the culture, colour, and vibrancy of Bahia, creating a space where relaxation and discovery coexist.

Experiences at UXUA go beyond the hotel itself. Stroll to Quadrado, the historic town square, to mingle with locals, explore artisan shops, and savour authentic Bahian cuisine. Within the property, the Vida Lab wellness programme highlights the region’s biodiversity and ancient healing practices, offering spa rituals, nutritional guidance, and movement therapies inspired by the rhythms of the tropics.

Days can be spent lounging on soft sands, swimming in crystalline waters, or venturing into nearby mangroves and forests with a local guide. Evenings are made for al fresco dining under a starlit sky, feasting on fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood, accompanied by the gentle sounds of coastal Brazil.