Be it a fairytale French château in the middle of nowhere or a holistic bolthole nestled away in the jungles of Tulum, these luxurious secluded escapes offer complete privacy both in and out of the action, perfect for a relaxing Eid break
Utah, USA
While Utah might not be the most obvious choice for a getaway, there’s so much more to this landlocked US state than meets the eye. Dubbed nature’s most perfect playground, Utah’s diverse terrain is a sight for sore eyes, teeming with red rock mesas, dramatic canyons and rocky trails. Perhaps not quite so surprising for a place whose name originates from the Native American Ute tribe, meaning ‘people of the mountains’. A must-visit for keen bikers, hikers and, at the right time of year, skiers, this geological marvel is also home to 14 national parks and monuments, meaning there’s no time to get bored. Elsewhere, however, you’ll find seemingly endless sandstone desert broken up by a small selection of remote luxury hotels, perfect for relaxation, dining and balmy evenings filled with stargazing and Milky Way spotting, perfect for love birds. For those looking to explore, Monument Valley and Salt Lake City aren’t to be missed, while hiking in Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon provides hundreds of Instagram- friendly moments. Or why not drive to Four Corners, the only place in the US where four states meet? It would be rude not to. Utah is, quite frankly, your oyster.
MOJEH Recommends: Amangiri
(Instagram/amangiri)
An enclave of style and comfort hidden among North America’s most dramatic desert landscape on the invisible border between Arizona and Utah, Amangiri is as remote as they come. Defined by striking architecture, unique nature and true Aman Resorts-style pampering, spend your days relaxing beside the impressive swimming pool which curves around an extravagant rock formation, or recharging in the 25,000 square foot spa which boasts sweeping desert views and calming Navajo-inspired treatments.
Views are just as striking from your bathtub or cloudlike king-sized bed which take pride of place in each room – be sure to splash out on the Amangiri suite which, at 3,427 square feet, comes complete with its own lap pool and sky terrace with huge daybed. As for the food, expect everything from grilled local meats flavoured with Utah salt and chilli rub to crisp wood-fired pizzas, while partaking in pre-dinner drinks on the sunset lounge terrace while the sun sets over the red rocks will earn you some serious brownie points. Canyon Point, Utah, United States. Book now
Tulum, Mexico
Taking the place of Ibiza and Mykonos as the place to go for a bohemian beach break, Tulum is a place where new agers come to tune in and the style set come to tune out. Home to one of the most spectacular coastlines in Mexico thanks to its sugary white sands and turquoise waters, this pristine hotspot might be growing quickly in popularity of late, but there’s still plenty of hidden-away boutique hotels perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
Go exploring in Tulum and you’ll reap huge rewards. Not only is there a Mayan ruin close by, but for the more adventurous there’s also cave and cavern dining plus fun cenotes in which to take a dip. The expansive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an, secluded fishing village Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá are also worth a visit. Tulum’s spiritual scene is also unrivalled, with many resorts offering beyond-your-average yoga classes, meditation practices and sacred cacao ceremonies. Mayan-influenced spa treatments also abound, making this sleepy Yucatán town the perfect destination for well-dressed couples looking for a slice of zen. What else could you ask for?
MOJEH Recommends: La Valise
While this private oasis may offer easy access to Tulum’s most important sites, La Valise offers an air of complete seclusion thanks to its peaceful beachfront location that also comes tucked away in the lush jungles of the town. When it comes to secluded escapes, few places deliver like this idyllic patch of paradise, and with just 11 rooms, privacy here is key. Its interiors don’t get much more typically ‘Tulum’ – think thatched roofs, wooden beams in polished concrete walls and decks crafted from local wood known as tzalam, or Mayan walnut. Although there’s no spa, massages can be arranged in-room, and there’s also a small swimming pool just perfect for a refreshing dip.
Bringing someone along on your break? Then book La Valise’s master suite which comes with a king-size bed that rolls out on to the balcony, allowing guests to sleep under the stars and enjoy the sounds of waves crashing all night long. The suite also comes with its own private entrance and direct access to the beach, making it the ideal spot to escape from real life. The definition of bliss. Tulum Beach, Mexico. Book now
British Virgin Islands
From the culture and history of its four largest islands to the pristine natural splendour of its 50 smaller isles, each inch of the volcanic archipelago that is the BVIs has its own magic. A popular destination for those seeking relaxed island life, the Caribbean haven is best known for reef-lined beaches, world- class diving and secluded escapes.
While its largest island Tortola is known for full moon parties and sailing prowess, in total contrast you’ll find Virgin Gorda, much-loved by celebrities and VIPs for its famous Baths National Park, named after its labyrinth of giant, otherworldly beachside boulders. Different again is the elegance of Guana with its pretty gardens contrasting with the rugged terrain and party mood on ‘barefoot island’ Jost Van Dyke.
Despite its luxury superyachts and A-list clientele, the BVIs remains largely undeveloped, with protected waters and endless secluded coves making it one of the world’s best sailing destinations. Prefer to stay on dry land? Luxurious hotels only accessible by boat are hidden away (Peter Island and Biras Creek are particular highlights), while for those looking for something a little extra special, Richard Branson’s Necker Island is also available to be rented as a whole, while on certain weeks rooms can also be booked by a lucky few. Secluded tropical getaways don’t get much better than this.
MOJEH Recommends: The Aerial
(Instagram/theaerialbvi)
Although it’s set just a short speed boat ride from Tortola on the compact paradise of Buck Island, all-inclusive wellness retreat The Aerial couldn’t feel further away from the hustle and bustle of the BVI’s epicentre. Launched just last year and crafted to connect its guests with the nature of the island, this luxury eco resort spans 45 acres of lush terrain fringed with sandy shores and dramatic cliffsides. It’s home to just 14 individually-designed suites split across five luxurious residences that sleep up to 30 guests.
The perfect getaway for couples looking to relax and reset, wellness practitioners, nutritionist chefs and yoga instructors are all on hand to cater to their guests’ every need, with all stays encompassing a personal island concierge, holistic spa, an open-air beach gym, thrilling water sports and world-class reefs on tap. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll want to leave the plush grounds, for those looking to explore further afield, the resort also provides an idyllic base with views taking in the 14 surrounding islands and Sir Francis Drake Channel. Hiking trails also lead from the resort’s residences and villas down to different points of the coastline, including Redemption Ranch, which is home to several rescued horses, ponies and even zebra. In other words, the best of both worlds. Buck Island, British Virgin Islands. Book now
Massignac, France
One of the most beautiful areas of rural France, 54km from Limoges and 170km from Bordeaux, you’ll find unspoilt natural beauty at every turn in this charming commune in the country’s southwestern Charente department. Just the place to picnic under the willow trees that line the waterways, or take a gentle hike through a forest, don’t be surprised if you don’t come across another soul during your stay. A great spot for sports enthusiasts (there are golf courses aplenty), despite being inland Massignac is home to a wealth of picturesque lakes, and you can even spend a day at the beach. Try windsurfing and sailing at Lac du Mas Chaban, or head east to Plage la Guerlie at Lac de Lavaud to while away a day on the sand. The region is also one that comes peppered with medieval châteaux, so be sure to stop off and admire one of the town’s many castles before heading back to your own luxury abode. Make Château de Rochechouart top of your list for its historical turrets, beautifully-preserved interiors and contemporary art museum. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with your visit.
MOJEH Recommends: Domaine Des Etangs
Nestled in deepest Massignac and surrounded by over 1,000 acres of protected nature-filled countryside, Domaine des Etangs is a picture-perfect retreat hidden amongst landscaped gardens, grasslands and lakes that make for a true fairytale setting. A must for design lovers, the 13th century château is the creative brainchild of Isabelle Stanislas, designer to the French president Emmanuel Macron. Numerous pieces of contemporary art line the walls, from Matisse and Picasso to Ugo Rondinone. Hunker down in an opulent suite in the historic castle, or for total seclusion opt for a rustic one-bedroom farmhouse cottage in the grounds of the estate. Massignac, France. Book now
