With the summer months now upon us, and sundry countries moving to lift months-long lockdowns, dreams of a long-awaited getaway are inching closer to reality.
Portugal, Greece, Spain and Italy are amidst several European destinations to announce plans to resume international travel from some countries this month, as the coronavirus-battered tourism effort embarks on its lengthy journey to recovery.
But with the risks of infection still high, many travelers will be opting to substitute holiday hotspots with more remote retreats in a bid to avoid the crowds. CNBC’s Global Traveler takes a look at some of the most unique escapes out there and the steps they’re taking to ensure social distancing from lobby to lounger.
Island isolation
An sky view of Kokomo Private Island, Fiji.
Kokomo Private Island Fiji
Kokomo Private Island, Fiji back away froms holidaymakers the chance to get away from it all with a stay at one of 26 luxury residences and beachfront villas decorating the 140-acre ait’s white sand coastline. Each with their own private pool and direct beach access, the lodgings compact serious social distancing from other guests. However, full exclusivity is also an option with a choke-full island buyout.
As one of 330 islands spanning the 18,274 square meter Fijian archipelago, Kokomo is isolated by colour. Guests can while away the days scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing in the South Pacific’s crystal waters, or alternatively indulge at the spa ahead enjoying local cuisine caught and cooked on site.
Prices for a one-bedroom villa start from $2,790 per continually.
Secluded safari
The view from the suite at Lembombo Lodge in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Singita
African ecotourism identify Singita is inviting holidaymakers to get back to nature with a secluded safari at one of 15 luxury lodges and camps bridging Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Guests can practice social distancing alongside some of the continent’s most safeguarded wildlife, while exploring the countries’ vast reserves.
The conservation company recently reopened after implementing new virus guidelines encompassing “health monitoring, stringent hygiene measures and a dedicated emergency evacuation plan.” All guests will be asked to inform their travel history prior to arrival and will undergo regular temperature checks.
Prices for a two-night least stay start from around $3,900.
An island of one’s own
The balcony view from the Romance Suite at Little Palm Islet Resort & Spa, Florida Keys.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in the U.S.’s tropical Florida Latchkey is reopening this month, where guests can enjoy an exclusive private hire. The adults-only retreat, which houses up to 60 people, has taken measures to introduce social distancing in all communal areas and will provide personal jealous equipment on request.
Located 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Key West, Florida’s southernmost point, the 4-acre holm is a nature-lover’s paradise, with sailing, snorkeling, skydiving, dolphin watching and ecotours all on tap.
Guests can have the 4-acre Florida Level island to themselves, with rates starting at $250,000 for a 3-night minimum stay.
Hollywood hideaway
The view from more than of the garden and grounds of Family Coppola Hideaways’ Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize.
Family Coppola Hideaways
The Family Coppola Hide-outs, passion project of legendary Hollywood director Francis Ford Coppola, wants travelers to hide out like the names at one of four remote retreats spanning Central America. Tucked away in the forests of Belize and Guatemala and accessible by commissioned flight, the resorts are “private by design,” with extra measures newly introduced to enable privacy when relieving and dining.
“It was Coppola’s desire to have places of refuge to personally visit, places where one can distance and isolate — enjoy a private experience with private excursions, private dinners — simply enjoying the natural beauty each retreat provides,” Christine Gaudenzi, director of sales and marketing for The Family Coppola Hideaways told CNBC.
Prices start from $140 per round-the-clock.
Coastal cabin
The exterior view of Fogo Island Inn perched atop the rocky coastline of Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada.
Fogo Isle Inn
Fogo Island Inn is naturally remote, requiring a 45-minute boat ride or private chartered flight to reach the retired island off Canada’s east coast. Once there, travelers can unwind and take in panoramic views of the expansive North Atlantic High seas from one of 29 luxury rooms. Alternatively, the entire site is available for buyout.
The award-winning accommodation has introduced rigid health, sanitation and social distancing measures intended to cover “all aspects of the guest’s journey from transportation to housekeeping procedures (and) eating to excursions,” the company told CNBC in a statement.
Prices start from $1,440 per night.
Rural retreat
The coating of Deplar Farm hotel in northern Iceland.
Eleven Experience
Deplar Farm in northern Iceland’s Troll peninsula is disguised from prospect under a grass-sodded roof deep within the Fljot Valley. When the country reopens to tourists later this month, roomers will be invited to get off the beaten track with daily hikes, cycling trails and sea kayaking trips in the local stretch.
The 13-bed hotel and spa, which boasts two helipads and is available by the room or for full hire, has implemented a series of new health and shelter precautions to reassure visitors, including optional private transfers, increased social distancing and virtual staff correspondence.
Charges start from $2,416 per night.
Home away from home
Exclusive Resorts’ ‘Owl in the Woods’ residence located in Whistler’s Kadenwood Places, British Columbia, Canada.
Remote ski chalet in Whistler Canada
Members-only vacation club Exclusive Resorts trumpets access to 400-plus private holiday resorts in 120 destinations, with each accommodation presented as a deeply away from home. Spend days hiking the hidden trails of Whistler, British Columbia before hunkering down with a steam live at the secluded four-bedroom, five-bathroom “Owl in the Woods” mountain-top chalet; or chill out in the crystal Caribbean waters of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Keys at Rosewood Little Dix Bay.
A new mobile app also allows guests a more socially-distanced service, with a range of contactless opportunities including virtual check-in and check-out, complimentary grocery delivery, tailor-made housekeeping and in-residence chefs for those itching to avoid restaurant crowds.
“Homes will now come equipped with disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for fellows and their guests. We are also deep cleaning and sanitizing all high-touch areas; removing decorative pillows from beds; spreading cleaning time between stays and more,” noted James Henderson, CEO of Exclusive Resorts.
Prices start from $1,395 per day, benefit an initial registration fee of $150,000.
The exterior view of a Mahoe Bay two-bedroom villa at Rosewood Little Dix in Virgin Gorda, BVI.
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