Putting nowhere on the map: 10 extraordinary wilderness retreats

Northern lights over Eleven Deplar Farm

Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland

The words 'former sheep farm' do not usually conjure up images of heli skiing, private guides and a geothermal swimming pool with bar. But Iceland has never been particularly concerned with doing things the conventional way, and neither has Eleven Deplar Farm. Set in the Fljót Valley on the remote Tröllaskagi Peninsula, the lodge retains its traditional turf roof, although what's underneath is rather more sophisticated than its agricultural past might suggest. 

The mountains provide a playground, with adventures ranging from skiing untouched slopes to horse riding, fishing and exploring the dramatic coastline. It's the sort of place where the day's plans are largely determined by the weather, the season and how adventurous you're feeling.

Back at the lodge, there's a sociable atmosphere, with excellent food, inviting spaces to relax and that famous geothermal pool. On a clear winter evening, you might even find yourself watching the northern lights from the water, which is a considerably more appealing prospect than standing outside in the Icelandic cold.

The Lindis, New Zealand

The Lindis, New Zealand

It takes considerable architectural confidence to build something extraordinary and then make it almost disappear. That's precisely what The Lindis has achieved in New Zealand's Ahuriri Valley, where its sweeping roofline follows the contours of the landscape so naturally that, from certain angles, you could almost miss it.

Inside, enormous windows frame a valley of tussock grasslands, mountains and a river that seems to have all the time in the world. It's a setting that encourages a rather different approach to holiday planning, particularly if your usual itinerary involves trying to squeeze 17 experiences into a single afternoon.

There are adventures to be had, of course. The Ahuriri River is known for fly fishing, while horse riding and guided excursions offer a closer look at this beautiful corner of the South Island. But we'd argue that simply spending time here is an experience in itself, especially in one of the secluded glass pods, whose mirrored exteriors reflect the scenery while giving you uninterrupted views from bed. Each even has an outdoor bathtub, although there's also the temptation of a soak in the lodge's hot tub, with the Ahuriri Valley stretching out before you.

White Desert's Echo Base

White Desert's Echo Base, Antarctica

Antarctica isn't somewhere most people casually decide to visit after a particularly stressful Monday. Getting there requires a little more commitment than booking a flight to the Mediterranean, although the reward is a backdrop so remarkable that even the most seasoned traveller might struggle to find the words.

White Desert's Echo Base takes the otherworldly feeling a step further, with futuristic accommodation pods inspired by space exploration. Against the vast Antarctic ice, they look like something from a science fiction film, albeit one where the astronauts enjoy excellent food and a considerably more comfortable night's rest.

The real attraction, naturally, lies beyond the camp. Depending on the itinerary and conditions, guests can explore remarkable ice formations, venture across the frozen landscape and take part in guided polar adventures. It's an environment that makes you appreciate both the scale of the natural world and just how rarely we experience complete isolation. You may return home with a slightly different perspective on what constitutes a long journey.

Octola

Octola, Finnish Lapland

There's a particular sort of holiday fantasy that involves a log cabin, a roaring fire and absolutely nobody asking what your plans are for the afternoon. Octola takes that idyllic Hallmark moment, places it in the middle of Finnish Lapland and adds a private chef, dedicated hospitality and an impressive amount of Arctic wilderness.

Designed around privacy, this secluded retreat is particularly appealing for families or groups who want to spend time together without sharing their experience with half the hotel. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, with beautifully considered interiors that make returning from a day outdoors feel every bit as enjoyable as the adventure itself.

Winter brings opportunities for husky sledding, snowshoeing and meeting the famous Father C, while the northern lights occasionally provide an evening performance that no amount of clever hotel lighting could improve upon. But summer has its own charms, with endless daylight, forest adventures and long evenings beneath the midnight sun. There are saunas, fireside conversations and leisurely dinners to enjoy year-round, too. The only real problem is that after a few days of having an entire Arctic retreat to yourselves, sharing a hotel again might feel like something of a compromise.

Sip to Sky heli experience

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Canada

Remember when a day spent exploring the woods, getting muddy and seeing what was around the next corner counted as an excellent use of your time? Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers a rather sophisticated return to that feeling, only this time there's a proper bed, excellent food and somebody else that takes care of dinner.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of British Columbia's Clayoquot Sound, the lodge is reached by boat or seaplane, which makes a suitably memorable introduction. Its safari style tents sit among forest and waterways, providing a comfortable base for adventures that feel wonderfully removed from everyday life.

You might find yourself riding horses through the rainforest, kayaking along quiet inlets or heading out with experienced guides to look for bears and other wildlife. Plus, there's something particularly satisfying about returning from a proper outdoor adventure to a hot shower, a good meal and a glass of wine, especially when you've earned all three.

Camp Kiattua

Camp Kiattua, Greenland

Tell someone you're going to Greenland and you'll probably be met with a few questions. Tell them you're staying in a remote camp surrounded by Arctic mountains and fjords, and the conversation becomes considerably more interesting.

Camp Kiattua isn't trying to recreate a conventional luxury hotel in an unusual location. Its appeal lies in the opportunity to experience Greenland's wilderness at close quarters, with tented accommodation and guided activities that place the landscape firmly at the centre of the stay. Reaching the camp is an adventure in itself, and once you've arrived, the scale of the scenery makes the rest of the world feel remarkably distant.

This is a place for travellers who find the unfamiliar exciting. Exploring the fjords, learning about the local environment and discovering a place shaped by ice, water and seasonal changes are all part of the experience. There are few distractions from the setting, which is rather refreshing when you consider how much of modern travel seems devoted to creating them.

Sheldon Chalet

Sheldon Chalet, Alaska

There’ll be no popping out for milk at this hotel. Sheldon Chalet, sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by glaciers in Alaska's Denali National Park. Reached by helicopter, this remarkable five-bedroom retreat isn't somewhere you'll find yourself wandering into by chance, although that's rather the point.

The chalet occupies a setting that most people would be thrilled simply to see from an aircraft window. Here, however, you get to stay, with expert guides taking you out to explore the glaciers and a private chef serving up something considerably more appealing than the usual expedition rations. With space for just ten guests, the experience feels personal, particularly for a family or group celebrating something special.

Then there's the night sky. Far from the glow of towns and cities, the conditions can be mesmerizing for stargazing, while the northern lights are a possibility at certain times of year. Even without them, the experience of looking out across the Alaska Range from such an isolated position is difficult to imagine until you're actually there. We suspect the photographs won't quite do it justice.

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel

Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, Jordan

If someone told you they'd spent the night in a transparent bubble surrounded by towering red sandstone mountains, you might reasonably wonder whether they'd been watching too much science fiction. At Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel, however, that's essentially the experience, with the added advantage of being considerably easier to reach than Mars.

Jordan's Wadi Rum is a location that seems almost too dramatic to be real. Vast desert plains stretch between towering rock formations, their colours shifting throughout the day as the sunlight moves across the sandstone. The resort's distinctive domes make the most of this setting, allowing guests to admire the scenery without leaving their accommodation.

Exploring the desert by jeep reveals an environment with a fascinating history, from ancient inscriptions to the traditions of the Bedouin communities who know it so well. And while the domes certainly make for an unusual photograph, we'd argue that the most memorable moment comes after sunset, when the desert grows quiet and the sky begins to fill with stars. There's something rather humbling about realising just how much is happening overhead when there are no city lights to get in the way.

Discover more pod-style accommodation in our guide to the best glamping experiences.

Awasi Patagonia

Awasi Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is spectacular, but it can be complex to travel. The weather regularly changes its mind, distances are considerable and some of the best experiences require a little patience. Awasi Patagonia understands this, which is why its approach to exploring the region feels so refreshingly personal.

Every villa comes with a private guide and vehicle, giving guests the freedom to discover without having to negotiate their interests, walking pace or breakfast preferences with a larger group. Perhaps you'll spend the morning searching for pumas, take a scenic drive towards Torres del Paine or follow a trail simply because the view looks too good to pass up. Your guide can adapt the day around the conditions and your interests, leaving you free to enjoy Patagonia rather than worry about keeping to a timetable. 

The secluded villas, with their views across the wilderness, make returning to the lodge equally appealing. And if the weather decides that today is better suited to a long lunch and a good book, there are certainly worse places to be.

One&Only Moonlight Basin

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana

Montana has long been associated with cowboy country, vast ranches and the sort of setting that makes you understand America's fondness for a road trip. One&Only Moonlight Basin brings a different perspective to that tradition, combining the spirit of the great outdoors with the thoughtful design and service you'd expect from the brand.

Set among the mountains of Big Sky, the resort makes an appealing base for exploring a region that changes dramatically with the seasons. Winter brings skiing and snow-covered forests, while the warmer months are made for hiking, mountain biking and discovering the wider Yellowstone region. It's an especially good choice for travellers who want a genuine sense of the outdoors but aren't quite ready to abandon their appreciation for a beautiful bedroom and a proper restaurant.

What makes Moonlight Basin interesting is that it doesn't demand you become an intrepid explorer overnight. You can spend the morning tackling a mountain trail and the afternoon doing very little indeed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery from somewhere comfortable. After all, appreciating the wilderness doesn't necessarily mean spending every waking moment in it.

Ready to venture off the map?
Speak to your Winged Boots personal travel manager by enquiring now, and we'll help you plan a journey somewhere off-grid.