Stugbåt, Dalsland, Sweden
Dotted with lakes and rippled with forest, West Sweden’s Dalsland is the pin-up region for a digital detox. And Stugbåt — a collection of cutesy houseboats in Bengtsfors — lets you properly immerse yourself in the Nordic wilds. Sleeping up to four people, each of these minimalist, wooden floating huts comes with a kitted-out kitchen and dining table but — hallelujah — not a TV in sight. Days are spent kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, reading and unwinding, all soundtracked 24/7 by the pacifying sounds of lake country.
Two nights from £447, stugbaat.se
Six Senses Shaharut, Negev, Israel
At first the Negev Desert might seem like a desolate place, but spend a few days at Six Senses Sharahut and you’ll see this rocky hinterland in the south of Israel is quietly full of life. Rise early, blasting away the cobwebs on a guided walk overlooking the mountains of Jordan — eyes peeled for roaming ibex among the golden stillness. Return for a peaceful nap by your private plunge pool or a massage in the spa, and prepare yourself for sunset; a dramatic explosion of orange across the desert sky. A few days among the epic silence will clear even the buzziest of heads.
From £746, sixsenses.com
Ffald y Bryn, near Barmouth, North Wales
Secluded, serene and wrapped in 360-degree views of lush Welsh hills, stone-fronted Ffald y Bryn sleeps up to six in a proper off-grid, back-to-basics set up. There are all the essentials, of course; crackling wood burner and beamed ceilings, four charming bedrooms with views out to grazing sheep. But there’s nothing so vulgar as WiFi, landlines or televisions to distract you from the main event: the beautiful Pen-y-Bryn valley. Pull on your walking boots and wander along fern-lined paths towards Snowdonia.
From £250 for six people, uniqueholidaystays.co.uk
HOSHINOYA Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Japan
With the spirit of a campsite — but the plushness of a luxury hotel — this stay on the banks of Lake Kawaguchi looks directly out over Japan’s most recognisable natural wonder, Mount Fuji. Simple but high-spec bedrooms are lined in glass, and an outdoor lounge area coddled in soaring trees is there for marshmallow roasting in evenings or cups of tea in afternoons. Borrow the hotel bikes to cycle along the lakefront, hike through the woods or join a morning canoe trip. There’s aerial stretching in the forest, too, where you can zen-out to the sound of birdsong.
From £615, hoshinoya.com
Ekopod, Launceston, Cornwall
The raw nature of Bodmin Moor is your backdrop at this stylish collection of glamping geodomes, set over five acres of Cornish meadow and woodland. Interiors are cushy — there are log burners, comfy sofas, proper beds with goose-down duvets — and yet you’ll still feel the influence of the landscape all around, from morning coffees on your private deck to the bountiful local walking trails. For bigger groups, two safari tents sleep eight, letting you whisk the entire fam away on a digital detox.
Two nights from £220, ekopod.co.uk
Wander on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Now bouncing back from 2019-2020’s devastating wildfires, Kangaroo Island isn’t only home to kangaroos — but gigantic granite rock formations, koalas perched in towering gum trees and white sands flecked with chubby sea lions. This collection of four new ‘WanderPods’ overlook Snelling Beach blend Scandi-chic minimalist design with dramatic views over the wilds. Dine under a 120-year-old fig tree — the in-house concierge will sort the details — or snorkel the reefs looking for fur seals and dolphins.
Two nights from £622 for two people, wander.com.au
São Lourenço do Barrocal, Alentejo, Portugal
Compared to the ever-popular Algarve or buzzy Lisbon, the sleepy, rural interior of the Alentejo still feels secret. Set amid rows of grapevines in the shadow of medieval hilltop town Monsaraz, this ‘farm village’ estate puts you back in touch with the land via farm-to-fork food experiences and placid surrounds. On early mornings you can horse-ride through olive groves or accompany in-house apiarists to visit the onsite beehives. Then, sightseeing done, settle down to a long, lazy lunch hewn from the local land — organic garden veg, sun-ripened orchard fruit. They’ve launched a three-night ‘Wild at Heart’ package including ethnobotanical hikes, birdwatching, beekeeping and floristry workshops.
‘Wild at Heart’ experience starts from €2,640 for two people; barrocal.pt;
Dar Ahlam Nomad Camp, Morocco
In the palm-fringed oasis of Skoura, sun-baked Dar Ahlam is one of Morocco’s most enticing stays, set in an old rammed-earth kashbah. But it also operates this nomadic camp, which pops up in the dunes of the Sahara for a total desert immersion. The set up is as plush as could be in the parched location, with comfy linens and orchestrated breakfasts — and total privacy, as there’s never more than one party there at one time. Drink in the landscapes, some of the world’s most remote, and feel your body reset.
From £1,731, darahlam.com
Lost Cottage, County Kerry, Northern Ireland
High-drama modern architecture meets the old bones of a historic build. Set within 85 acres of verdant hillside scenery, Lost Cottage was once home to a herd of mountain goats. Now it’s received a sensitive reboot with a glass wall extension that lets you wake to astounding County Kerry vistas. You’re in Ireland’s first Dark Skies Reserve, so evenings spent gazing at the stars are as much a draw as daytime walks along the 200km-long Kerry Way, on your doorstep.
From £1,695 per week for two, uniquehomestays.com
Loire Valley Lodges, Loire Valley, France
Forest-bathing is taken to new heights at this collection of treehouse suites, set within private forest in the heart of the Loire Valley. Each of the contemporary builds is outfitted with decor by a different artist — and comes with a private hot tub swaddled in trees. Good luck tearing your eyes away from the mesmerizing views; they change with every season. When you’re ready for a slow reimmersion into reality, a communal building on the property holds an excellent restaurant and shop. There’s a pool and little spa, too, for a touch of pampering.
From £351, loirevalleylodges.com
Kyle House, Highlands, Scotland
From the outside, this looks like a timewarp stone cottage. but step within and interiors are very 2020s, outfitted in a Scandi-meets-industrial-chic aesthetic. Big windows open up to uninterrupted views stretching to the undulating Highland peaks. The properties owners are committed to rewilding — restoring native peatlands, rivers and woodlands — so you can feel smug that your cash is going to a good cause. Tackle the hiking routes, go mountain biking or commune with nature the laid-back way, draining a glass of wine alfresco while appreciating the wild Scottish panorama.
Three nights from £1,260 for two, fishandpips.co.uk
The Datai Langkawi, Langkawi, Malaysia
Is your idea of real nature a tropical paradise? Then Langkawi fits the bill, not only with long white beaches but ancient rainforests, soaring mountains and quirky wildlife. You’ll feel properly unplugged from the urban rush when you drop bags at The Datai, both one of the most primely placed, secluded resorts and the most luxurious. Multiple restaurants and a spa are on hand for the big unwind, but you’ll never feel further from the sweaty crush of the Central Line than when you head into the dense jungle to spot fluffy dusky leaf monkeys and goggle-eyed Sunda flying lemurs.
From £463, thedatai.com
Eleven Deplar Farm, Ólafsfjörður, Iceland
With its volcanic-black exteriors and moss-covered roof, this high-end stay in the remote north of Iceland seems as if it’s emerged from the earth. The 13-room lodge is exclusive and luxurious, but it’s not the spa or restaurant that make it sought-after. It’s the all-included, customisable adventure itineraries that immerse you in primordial nature. In summer that means whale watching, fishing, fat biking or surfing (warm wetsuits are provided; even in July, this is still Iceland). Among all the action, quiet moments taking in the landscape’s shifting palette of greens, slates and golds will leave you entranced.
From £2,917pp, elevenexperience.com
Klahoose Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada
Opened just last year, indigenous-owned Klahoose is set among the forest-fringed waters of Desolation Sound in the north of British Columbia. While the scenery and wildlife is spectacular — grizzly bear viewing tours, heli-hiking — the thrill isn’t only getting immersed in the landscapes but connecting with the First Nations Klahoose people, who weave their spiritual and cultural traditions into every element of the stay. Wrapped in wood, rooms are comfy and cosy and after a day’s full exploring in some of the freshest air you’ll breathe, you’ll sleep like a baby.
From £2,082, klahooseresort.com
Wagtail, Greenhead, Northumberland
For loved-up couples, a shepherd’s hut is a great way to connect with nature — and at this one you don’t have to rough it. In the heart of Northumberland National Park, Wagtail is two huts fused into one, meaning there’s space for a proper kitchen, dining area and even a freestanding copper tub (set under a glass ceiling for nighttime stargazing). With insulation made from sustainable sheep’s wool, it’s warm too, but there’s a firepit outside for toasty alfresco evenings. Keep eyes peeled for the local wildlife, including curlews and (naturally) wagtail birds.
Three nights from £435 for two, crabtreeandcrabtree.com
Tabacón, Arenal, Costa Rica
Bathe in nature — literally — at this thermal resort by Arenal volcano in lush Costa Rica. Built across streams of rushing mineral water, the rainforest-coddled resort has a spa with alfresco treatment areas where you can be smothered in volcanic mud or cocooned in an antioxidant coffee wrap. The backdrop to your unwind will be the soothing, exotic sounds of the jungle; whether you’re nibbling through a chef’s tasting menu or bobbing in the greenery-lined pool. When you feel revived enough to explore, the waterfalls and trails of the volcano national park await — keep eyes peeled for jaguars and tree frogs.
From £360, tabacon.com
Hotel Grimsel Hospiz, Grimselwelt, Switzerland
Hotel Grimsel has serious history. In fact, there’s said to have been an inn on this spot since 1142. You’ll see what’s drawn people here for centuries as soon as you arrive; set into craggy mountain peaks and facing out to the glassy expanse of a lake, it’s a pretty picturesque situation. Grab a spot on the sunny terrace and look out to the scenery beyond — just sitting here under blue sky can feel like balm for the soul. Or uncork a real taste of local nature’s bounty from the depths of the impressive wine cellar, containing about 300 bottles including many from nearby Valais.
