As the winter weather starts to depress us all and we find ourselves reaching for our thermals and woollens, dreams of warmer far-off lands are inevitable. Any holiday at this time of year would feel like an absolute luxury but what if you could experience a blissful break on one of the most secluded resorts in the world? Who said such isolation needs to be reserved for celebrities. Treat yourself like a celebrity, even if it takes a lifetime to save for.
Want to live like those people?
First up on my list of isolated holiday heaven is El Cozumeleno Beach Resort. This Mexican retreat is set against a backdrop of the whitest sand imaginable, think snow but not as cold! No matter what you want from your holiday, this secluded haven can deliver. If it is romance then just tuck yourself away in your room with your beau and no-one will disturb you. Each room has a stunning view of paradise, just in case you need any further inspiration to get you in that mood. If you are more the sporty, adventurous type then look no further as this resort offers plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing…basically if you can do it on or underwater; you can do it here! It is amazing to discover that while you feel completely cut off from other civilisation when you are at El Cozumeleno, you are actually not far enough away that you cannot enjoy the benefits, such as shopping which is easily accessible in the downtown area.
Yep, pretty idylic!
So, have you ever dreamed of a tropical island and then told yourself to behave…after all, they don’t really exist, do they? Aren’t they just the stuff of fantasies? Well, no actually! If this is really your idea of a dream holiday, then why not take a look at the Coco Beach Island Resort. This private resort is based at Behija, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. This is luxury at its best, with all of the resort’s facilities constructed from natural materials. Coco Beach is idyllic paradise personified. It looks exactly as you would imagine with Filipino nipo huts and bamboo a-plenty. The views are absolutely breathtaking. What more do you need?
Coco won't make you go Loco
If this is not for you, then what about a holiday hideaway favoured by the more discerning holidaymaker? This one is located down under, which is always a bonus since our winter is their summer making them a prime target for a getaway at this time of year. Although to be honest I would jump at the chance to holiday in Australia at any time of year. Anyway, back to the location at hand, Lord Howe Island in New South Wales. Doesn’t it just sound magical? There is certainly something about the idea of running off to a secluded island where anything can happen. Perhaps Castaway, Shipwrecked and the likes have seduced us. It seems that when we find ourselves relaxing in an isolated setting, which is so far from our daily norm that we almost strip away the layers that protect us day-to-day, and I am not just talking about clothes. We feel freer and are more open to new possibilities, adventures and excitement.
Now that looks like paradise
Lord Howe Island is just the place for such an experience. This sophisticated resort is encompassed by views of mountain ranges and the ocean as blue as a sapphire. It offers the ultimate in luxurious intimacy, with only a maximum of 20 guests staying at any one time. You will be provided with food and accommodation to a standard that most of us can only dream of. It will certainly cost you, from 600 Australian dollars per person per night, but for those of us who are not superstars, it would certainly be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel more relaxed just dreaming about it.
Ah, Bermuda! It is one of those islands that I dream of when someone mentions a holiday of a lifetime. Many couples choose to visit this idyllic island for their honeymoon. I married a man who hates the sun so that was out for me. I still dream of getting there some day. If I am lucky I will hopefully get to Cambridge Beaches where relaxation comes with the booking. You have the choice of a suite or a cottage-style room and all you have to look at from your balcony is the deep blue where the water meets the sky. This resort is elegant but secluded and activity laden while relaxing at the same time. All in all, whatever you want from Cambridge Beaches it is available to you.
It's not as stuffy as the name implies...
Last, but by no means least, we come to the Leela in Goa. India is often synonymous with the eponymous self-searching holiday. You go away one person and come back another. It is that hippy ideal of ‘finding yourself’ and what is so wrong with that? Set on the completely secluded Mobor beach this resort is breathtaking. If you need downtime to just relax and de-stress, then this is definitely the place to do it. The only problem being if you actually do ‘find yourself’ here you may not ever want to leave. The 75 acres of lagoons and gardens are like heaven on earth. You may think this is where you are but you have to remind yourself that you are alive and experiencing this isolated oasis and you must drink in every second because holidays never last as long as you wish them to.
Even from a cheap room, the view's amazing!
However, at the Leela it doesn’t all have to be about the relaxation as lying about reading a book and staring at the scenery is not everyone’s idea of a good time. Rest assured, no matter how you prefer to spend your holiday time, there are an abundance of options available to meet your every whim at the Leela!
Well, that rundown has certainly got me daydreaming and I reckon if I start saving now may be able to afford to go to one of these havens by 2050!