8 Incredibly Isolated Places to Stay

A vacation is a great chance to take a break from the hustle of everyday life. That’s especially true if you’re spending the night in a super-remote location, away from things like roads and other people. From Arctic cabins to island oases, reaching these isolated accommodations is an adventure in itself.

1. Traditional Yurt // Khushuut, Mongolia

If you’re a social person, this Mongolian yurt may not be your ideal vacation destination. The traditional circular tent is located in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, six hours outside the city of Ulgii. But for people who don’t mind being alone, there’s plenty to do. From the camp you can hike to lakes and waterfalls, or relax in the shadow of the Altai Mountains. And if you ever crave human contact, a family of eagle hunters lives nearby.

2. Skylodge Adventure Suites // Urubamba, Peru

To get away from it all, sometimes you need to go up. The Skylodge Adventure Suites are situated in the mountains above the Sacred Valley of Peru. To get there, you need to take a zipline trail or a 1300-foot climbing route that involves steel cables and ladders. After the journey, you can enjoy the view from your transparent, hanging bedroom built into the side of a mountain face.

3. Port Ashton Lodge // Chenega, Alaska

Port Ashton Lodge in Alaska’s Prince William Sound is accessible only by air or water. After finding a boat, plane, or helicopter to take you there, you’ll be rewarded with your own private cabin in the pristine Alaskan wilderness. The site offers many activities the state is famous for, including kayaking, hiking, and beach combing. Guests can even lounge in a wood-burning hot tub.

4. Himalaya Retreat // Manali, India

Tucked among the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas is this cozy Airbnb. There’s no road access, and the only way to get there is by hiking 50 minutes up a steep mountain trail. The trek there is its own experience, with apple orchards and waterfalls surrounding the path. Though the property itself is isolated, the hosts of the Airbnb live upstairs, so guests won’t be totally out of luck if they realize they forgot their toothpaste at the bottom of the mountain.

5. A Private Island // Cavinti, Philippines

This private island in the Philippines is a secluded slice of paradise. Located on a lake in the Sierra Madre mountains three hours outside Manila, it’s just big enough to fit a firepit and a one-bedroom bungalow. The island is off the grid, so you’ll be totally isolated from the outer world from the moment you step off the boat.

6. Reinheim // Svalbard, Norway

It’s safe to say that Svalbard is off the beaten path. The Norwegian archipelago is just several hundred miles away from the North Pole, and it’s one of the best places on Earth to experience the Arctic wilderness. The Reinheim lodge was built with that purpose in mind. Once you trek there by foot, skis, or dogsled (motorized vehicles are prohibited), you can soak in the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The cabin houses a sauna and a woodstove capable of baking bread if you prefer indoor activities. Dogs on the premises keep guests company in addition to being trusty polar bear guards.

7. Community Home Stay // Pitcairn Islands

The Pitcairn Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean make up one of the most isolated places on Earth. Getting there requires taking a two-night ride from French Polynesia via a working cargo ship that operates sporadically throughout the year. If you can handle the trip, you’ll be welcomed into one of the 13 homes on the islands that are part of this community home stay. On Pitcairn you can hike, swim, or get to know some of the 50 or so permanent residents that call it home.

8. Dunes Lodge // NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

This lodge in southern Namibia takes you to the heart of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. Chalets are situated on top of a dune plateau with 360-degree views of the surrounding desert. Though the accommodations are remote, guests have access to many modern amenities, including communal areas with a swimming pool, bar, and wine cellar.