Destinations that are worth the journey

When the road less travelled is the most rewarding

There’s that old saying you often hear in relation to travel, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey”, but let’s be honest – sometimes it’s the other way around. From remote lodges to far-flung paradises, getting to the best places isn’t always easy. So whether it’s a long flight, drive, boat ride or all three, here’s our roundup of the places so spectacular they’re worth travelling to the ends of the earth for (literally).

Bhutan – Six Senses Bhutan

Six Senses Bhutan - Gangtey Two Bedroom Villa — Six Senses Gangtey Two Bedroom Villa, Bhutan

There are few destinations that still feel like they’re off the beaten track, but Bhutan is certainly one of them. And thanks to Six Senses, you don’t have to forgo luxury when you travel to this little-visited Himalayan kingdom (reached via Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata, or Singapore). Spread across five unique lodges in the country’s valleys, the accommodation elevates traditional Bhutanese architecture by adding modern touches. You can stay at a single lodge, or opt for a full Bhutan itinerary across Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro.

NIHI – Sumba

Hop across to Bali, skip over to the island of Sumba, then jump in a car for two hours and you’ll find yourself at NIHI Sumba, a secluded slice of heaven where private villas and infinity pools await. The resort sits on a deserted stretch of private, gold-sand beach backed by raw, tropical jungle, and staying here affords you access to ‘God’s Left’, one of the world’s most coveted waves (limited to just twelve surfers a day). There’s simply nowhere else like this on earth, so if you want to experience it, you’ve got to make the trip.

Tierra Patagonia

When it comes to jaw-dropping views, Tierra Patagonia takes the cake. Set against the backdrop of Torres del Paine National Park, this sleek wooden lodge is the perfect blend of luxury and nature. Hike, explore glaciers, then retreat to your Patagonian sanctuary. The journey here might be a bit of a slog, with a four-hour drive from Punta Arenas or a one-hour flight to Puerto Natales, followed by a short drive, but once you set foot in this Patagonian paradise, you won’t regret a second of it.

Bawah Reserve

Looking for a remote retreat that’s as eco-conscious as it is luxurious? Look no further than Bawah Reserve. Tucked away in a tiny archipelago, this hidden gem is accessible only by private seaplane from Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Indonesia. The journey here is half the fun – a charming throwback to a more romantic era of travel. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with crystal-clear waters, lush forests and your own private villa. It’s the perfect place to unplug and unwind, far away from the rest of the world.

Four Seasons Palau Explore

Sail through Palau’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed aboard the Four Seasons Explorer. Sure, you'll need a few flights to get here, but we can’t think of a better reason to rack up some air miles. Explore coral reefs, soak up the sun and live the island life aboard a luxury ship. You can reach Palau's main city, Koror, via Taipei, Honolulu, Guam, Manila or Brisbane, before hopping on a short speedboat ride from Palau's Roman Tmetuchl International Airport to your embarkation point.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

For those of us in Europe, it doesn’t get much further away than New Zealand, but it also doesn’t get more beautiful. Rosewood Kauri Cliffs invites you to the remote beauty of New Zealand's Bay of Islands, a four-hour drive from Auckland Airport or a 30-minute drive from the tiny Kerikeri Airport. Set on 6,000 acres, it offers a championship golf course, spa sanctuary, private beaches and coastal views worth writing home about.

Longitude 131

Ever dreamed of sleeping under the stars in the Australian outback? Longitude 131 lets you do just that, with a touch of luxury thrown in for good measure. Set against the backdrop of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, this desert oasis delivers in both adventure and indulgence. While it is discreetly situated away from the touristy Ayers Rock Resort complex, it's just a 15-minute drive from the airport, which comes as a relief after travelling to the middle of Australia’s vast and remote Red Centre.