Spanning eight countries across four continents, the 10 most exclusive hideaways in the world have been selected by the editors of Robb Report, the international luxury lifestyle authority.
Unveiled in the magazines March 2004 issue, the special cover piece reveals an elite selection of the editors favorite localesfrom private-island bungalows to royal safari tent campsfor satisfying the wanderlust of all in search of seclusion.
Listed alphabetically, Robb Reports selections to this exclusive list include:
Aman-i-Khs (Rajasthan, India)
The most recent addition to the Amanresorts chain of exclusive properties, Aman-i-Khs is a new wilderness retreat situated on a site that was once a private hunting reserve for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Guests can chose one of six spacious tents, each featuring a sitting area, dining room, bedroom and bathroom. Separate tents are available for lounging, dining and spa treatments.
The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)
Perched atop a craggy cliff, The Caves consists of 10 handcrafted wood, stone and thatched-roof cottages set on two lushly landscaped acres. Guest accommodations feature high ceilings, hand-carved furniture, batik fabrics, native artwork and outdoor showers, furthering the tropical theme. Below the cottages, caves and outcroppings form secluded nooks, sundecks and saltwater swimming holes.
Double Island (Australia)
Named for the two peaks that anchor it in the warm waters of the Coral Sea, Double Island is a 46-acre sanctuary that can accommodate as many as 50 guests in its 25 suites. Visitors can unwind in garden view rooms with palm tree-shaded balconies or in opulent apartments with private plunge pools. Exotic tent-like safaris with stunning views of pelicans and dolphins feeding in Trinity Bay are also offered to more adventuresome visitors.
Hotel Chteau St. Gerlach (The Netherlands)
Set on 12 acres in Geul Valley, St. Gerlach is a 97-room rustic retreat housed in the buildings of a once medieval convent. Built in 1202, the structure had been utilized as a convent for nearly six centuries, before becoming a baronial farm estate. In 1997, the convent and nearby farm buildings were transformed into patrician accommodations, replete with a Roman-bath pool, sun terrace, Turkish steam bath, sauna and Kneipp Cure Centre spa.
Lodge On Little St. Simons Islands (Georgia)
The only man-made structure on a 10,000-acre private island situated 85 miles off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, the 87 year-old Lodge boasts 15 rustic, but elegant guest rooms and suites in five cottages. Accessible only by boat, the island is a biologically diverse nature preserve of golden marshes, tidal creeks and miles of secluded beaches is an ideal spot for biking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking or shell gathering.
Mahakua-Hacienda De San Antonio (Mexico)
Set on a 5,000-acre working ranch and organic coffee plantation, Mahakua is a converted 19th-century grand manor estate situated in Pacific Mexicos highlands. Guests, who can select form 28 lavish suites, spend restful days strolling among sprawling grounds, enhanced by the beauty of fountains, ponds, lakes and streams, as well as a neo-Roman-style aqueduct carved from volcanic stone.
Qamea Resort and Spa (Fiji)
A casual South Pacific retreat set on a mile-long white sand beach, Qamea accommodates a maximum of only 24 guests in 12 bures, thatched-roof bungalows with covered verandas, mahogany hardwood floors, and European-style bathrooms with river-rock, open-air showers. Qamea also offers an array of activities, including hiking and scuba diving as well as spa treatments at a jungle-enshrouded pool.
Smoke Tree Ranch (Palm Springs, California)
Virtually unknown to even lifelong Palm Springs residents, Smoke Tree is located only a horseshoes toss from the desert towns famous Palm Canyon Drive. Founded in 1936, the Smoke Tree features low-slung, ranch-style bungalows, encircled by inviting porches and richly fruited trees, underscoring the propertys historic Western ambience.
Teton Ridge Ranch (Idaho)
Once the site of a sheep-ranching facility, Teton Ridge Ranch offers spectacular vistas that can be discovered by adventuresome hikers, snow-shoers and cross-country skiers. With its remote location and capacity limited to 14 guests, Teton Ridge is a relative secret, except to the two-thirds of its guests that are repeat visitors.
Villa Ca Sette (Italy)
A small, Venetian-styled villa built in the 1700s and transformed into a hotel in 2001, Villa Ca Sette represents a tasteful and unpretentious setting in which visitors can enjoy the beauty, sustenance and sophistication of Italy. In addition to exceptional accommodations and exquisite dining at the intimate Ca 7 restaurant, the villa offers a wealth of recreational activities, including mountain biking, hang gliding and skiing.
In addition to exceptional accommodations, exquisite dining and an abundance of recreational activities, these 10 properties truly satiate the craving for solitude and simplicity, explained Robb Report Senior Vice President and Editorial Director, Brett Anderson.
Given the considerable number of luxury resorts that have opened in the past two years, we felt that this was the ideal time for this cover story, stated Brett Anderson. These ten properties personify the very finest that they world has to offer.
Source: Robb Report
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