If you feel like you’re always switched on, it might be time for a break where you can fully disconnect. When staying in remote locations, you can get back to basics and more easily be in the moment and appreciate the things in life that matter most. Without distractions from your phones, the internet, the TV, or other people (if you choose to!), you can totally relax among nature. The sounds of the birdsong, the hum of the woodlands, and the spectacular views will totally immerse you in the remote countryside and help you unwind. We’ve picked our favourites for you to look at from the go-to accommodation provider, Host Unusual. From private islands, bespoke cottages and glamping experiences – we’ve got you covered!
Osea Island
If you want to completely escape the hustle and bustle of busy life, you can’t get more remote than a private island. On the Blackwater Estuary, near Essex, lies Osea Island, which can only be accessed via an ancient causeway, providing an unmatched element of seclusion.
Perfect for those who love the luxurious touch, but also for the nature fanatics, as the island is home to a fantastic range of flora and fauna, including all five species of English Owl. The site offers The Manor House, The Captain’s House, The Beach Cottages, The Inland Cottages, and the Courtyard Apartments – each of which come with their own unique perks. They all include magnificent views across the Estuary, and are surrounded by extensive gardens, private beach entrances, bespoke wooden patios, and light decor to evoke the feel of a remote, paradise retreat. They have a rich history, with some cottages dating back to the 1600s.
Osea Island is perfect for a remote location holiday as it’s unique landscape is one to marvel at. It has even attracted the attention of the UK’s creative industry, with the location being used as the set of TV and film adaptations of The Woman in Black, as well as the island’s recording studio playing host to the likes of Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and McFly.
You can book Osea Island, here.
The Sleepout at Sunny Lea
In the lush Welsh countryside, lies The Sleepout at Sunny Lea, a perfect spot to relax among the peaceful outdoors. With exceptional views of the Vrynwy Valley, which are as good in the morning as they are to fall asleep to, you can hear the soothing sounds of your neighbourhood birds and sheep.
Its’ emphasis on nature is apparent, as the owner is a ‘Man of the Woods’ and professional tree surgeon and mountain leader. Inside the cabin you’ll find nice touches like the hand-made pizza oven, and a bespoke-crafter wooden sink. A compost treebog toilet can be found 30 paces away from the Sleepout, and a separate shower pod with gas-powered, piping hot water.
As you are looking for a remote location, you’ll be pleased to hear the abundance of wildlife around the cabin, with plenty of birds to spot, including ravens, buzzards, woodpeckers and jays to name a few.
With so very much to see and do, you won't regret booking a stay at the Sleepout at Sunny Lea. In fact, your natural sense of adventure may just depend on it!
You can book The Sleepout at Sunny Lea, here.
North Vat
In Kent, North Vat is perfect for a remote location trip. Positioned on the vast desert-like shingle beach at Dungeness (which is a National Nature Reserve and a site of Special Scientific Interest), is the former fisherman cottage, now masterfully re-designed into a rustic retreat.
Clad in striking black timber, there are three separate rooms, all linked together by frameless glazing that feels like you're walking through the landscape itself. Meanwhile, expertly placed windows track the movement of the sun throughout the day, for plenty of natural light.
Along with a gorgeous ‘wet room' shower, there are also two elegant double bedrooms to choose from on the ground floor, connected by a gleaming atrium. The large en-suite master bedroom can be found on the mezzanine, complete with a glass gallery balustrade, and magnificent views across the sea to France.
North Vat also has a variety of extra additions, such as a library of well-chosen books, making it a fantastic spot to curl up with a book and get lost in the pages. If you feel like exploring further afield, there are some truly mesmerising nature walks that begin right from your doorstep. Perhaps pay a visit to The Old Lighthouse, a popular visitor attraction, or jump on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch steam railway to sample even more of Kent's stunning natural scenery.
At the end of the day, simply head to the nearby Fish Hut for the catch of the day, then enjoy it with a side order of sunset at North Vat... your brand-new favourite retreat.
You can book North Vat, here.
Hush Hush Glamping
In the Radnor Forest, Wales, Hush Hush Glamping consists of superbly remote, expertly crafted wooden pods for two. They are elevated at 1,300 feet above sea level, surrounded by 90-acre farmland, with sweeping views of the Radnor Valley and the Black Mountains. But you're not alone… You share your land with alpaca, sheep, swooping red kits, and even the occasional grazing deer. Enjoy that amazing Radnor Valley scenery from huge panoramic glass doors, as you clutch a welcome cuppa.
With the nearest town 15 minutes away, and no Wi-Fi connection anywhere to be seen or heard, the scene is blissfully set for you to relax and reconnect with your loved one, utterly distraction-free. The perfect setting for a digital detox.
After a sound night’s sleep under the stars, take in the spectacular views of the valley... or simply fling the glass doors open instead, and enjoy a steaming mug of coffee in the company of fresh air and joyous birdsong.
If you’re one for exploring, you'll soon find there's plenty of scope to wear out your walking boots – from gentle walking trails in Radnor Forest, to the more challenging circular mountain trek on the summits of Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
You can book Hush Hush Glamping, here.
Writer’s Retreat
With Wales taking up most of the spots on our list, it’s no surprise we are finishing with a remote location retreat in The Land of Castles. But this entry is truly unlike any other! Writer's Retreat is the ideal Welsh hideaway for two people looking to detox from a digital life for a while and reconnect, indulging in nature and plenty of natural creativity along the way!
So inspirational a place is the welcoming cabin, handcrafted from local timber and featuring soothing nature views all around, that it was the setting chosen by Robert Penn when he wrote his well-known book, ‘The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees'.
You'll find this stunning retreat beautifully off the beaten track, with a babbling stream nearby that you'll be able to hear, along with plenty of charming birdsong, right from the comfort of your new holiday home... what a way to begin your blissful break! Perhaps get started on planning that novel with a daydreaming session in the hammock by the stream?
The cabin blends in perfectly with its fresh, wooded valley surroundings, and inside you'll discover plenty of imaginative, hand-made furnishings and finishings made by its owner from native ash wood, including quirky coat rails.
If you're the curious type, you'll find plenty to explore in the surrounding area. There is an array of stunning walking and cycling trails right from the doorstep and through the hills and valleys, all leading in different directions to the Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley. Slightly further afield is Hay on Wye, which is a literary lover's paradise, as it is the setting for the renowned Hay Festival and features an array of second-hand bookshops for you to discover your next favourite read!
So why not begin your own sumptuous story with a stay in the Writer's Retreat? Who knows, with no digital distractions and all that fresh inspiration waiting for you all around, you could end up planning a brand-new bestseller.
You can book Writer’s Retreat, here.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the best remote locations on offer this summer. Trips like these allow you to see spectacular things, and reconnect with your inner self… What are you waiting for? Book now at Host Unusual.
What next? Get prepared for the best staycation this summer – enjoy nature with peace of mind and consider packing a set of our We Drifters Anti-Insect Sleepwear. Our nifty sleepwear is made from bamboo and infused with anti-insect tech, keeping you cosy and protected in the most remote areas of the world.
Find out more about We Drifters and join our Drifters Facebook group – we'd love to know where you’re planning to head to next!
