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There are getaways, and then there are places where the idea of “getting away” becomes something almost spiritual. Where the nearest café might be a boat ride, a mule track or a snowmobile trip away; where Wi-Fi flickers in and out—if it exists at all—and the soundtrack is shaped by the wind, the sea, the silence. These Airbnbs are not simply stays. They are destinations at the edges of maps and comfort zones, perfect for travellers seeking to pause the noise and feel, even for a short while, gloriously small against the scale of nature.
When Airbnb first launched in 2008, its entire roster existed in just a handful of American cities. Today, you can scroll through over five million stays scattered across nearly every corner of the globe—mountain ridges, jungle clearings, Arctic fjords. In fact, the majority of Airbnb bookings now take place outside major cities, as weary travellers trade neon-lit skylines for clear night skies. The desire is simple and timeless: to unplug, exhale, and remember what matters.
What follows is a journey through some of the most remote Airbnbs in the world—homes where solitude doesn’t feel lonely, and the silence arrives like a gift.
In the South Atlantic, far from the busy shipping lanes and tourist routes, lies the volcanic island of Saint Helena—a place steeped in history, sea winds and cliff-framed horizons. Once reachable only via a five-day sea voyage from Cape Town, it now receives limited flights, opening up a remote world to those who seek it. In Jamestown, a quiet townhouse offers a comfortable base, with winding lanes, heritage buildings, and views of rugged, dramatic landscape just footsteps away. Days here stretch out slowly—morning swims in sheltered bays, leisurely walks along coastal paths, and evenings where conversations linger longer simply because there is nowhere to rush to.
How to reach: You can reach Jamestown, Saint Helena only by the weekly Airlink flight from Johannesburg, South Africa, which includes a brief refuelling stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia (passengers remain on board). The total travel time is about 6 hours and 25 minutes, and tickets can be booked directly through the Airlink website.
Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos feel almost mythic: a scattering of volcanic islands where sea lions sleep on pavements, giant tortoises roam, and marine iguanas bask like rulers of their own ancient kingdom. Casita Muyuyo in Puerto Ayora sits close to the trail for Tortuga Bay—a long sweep of white sand and turquoise waters that look like they’ve skipped straight out of a dream. The stay is simple, sunlit and sincere, offering exactly what the Galápagos promises: immersion—not spectacle. Here, you wake with the birds, swim alongside turtles, and feel the line between human and nature soften.
How to reach: To reach Puerto Ayora, fly from mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) to Baltra Airport in the Galápagos, then take the airport bus to the Itabaca Channel (15 minutes), hop on the short ferry across to Santa Cruz Island (another 15 minutes), and finally continue south to Puerto Ayora by public bus (around 45 minutes, USD 5) or taxi for a quicker, more flexible ride.
In the remote Marquesas archipelago, where steep mountains rise out of emerald ocean waters, a traditional fare sits surrounded by jungle-green slopes and wide Pacific horizon. The light here is gentle and golden, especially at dawn, when the sun spills over the ridges and the world feels new and unspoiled. The island is known for its artistic legacy—Paul Gauguin spent his final years here—and there is a quiet sense of creativity in the air, something about the colour of the sea, the silence of the valleys, the constellations blazing overhead. Life unfolds slowly: long breakfasts on the terrace, coastal drives with sweeping views, evenings scented with sea-salt and flowers.
How to reach: To reach Hiva Oa, fly internationally into Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, then take an Air Tahiti domestic flight to Hiva Oa Airport (AUQ), a journey of about 3 hours and 20 minutes; alternatively, travellers can arrive via longer passenger routes like the Aranui 5 or cruise itineraries that include the Marquesas. Once on the island, getting around typically involves renting a 4x4, hiring a local guide, or arranging boat trips to reach remote areas.
In the Altai mountains of Mongolia, a traditional Kazakh yurt stands beneath skies so wide and clear it is almost disorienting. Inside, embroidered textiles wrap the space in warmth; outside, the world is vast and untouched. Meals are cooked on a wood-burning stove, and the day’s activities unfold at nature’s pace—walks across rolling grasslands, quiet rest, the soft sound of wind. Nights reveal a canopy of stars so bright it feels as though the sky has opened. Nothing distracts here. Nothing interrupts. It is solitude in its most generous form: spacious, steadying, restorative.
How to reach: To reach Khushuut, you’ll typically fly into Ulaanbaatar or, if available, Ölgii in western Mongolia, and then continue by road—usually with a private vehicle, driver, or an organised tour, since the region is remote and the terrain varies from open steppe to rugged mountains. From there, local dirt tracks and small routes lead into the Khushuut area, including the river valley and eco-camps, making a sturdy vehicle and an experienced local guide essential.
In the Sacred Valley, sheer cliffs tumble into river-carved foothills—and clinging to one such cliff are the Skylodge pods, transparent capsules suspended above the valley floor. Reaching them requires a climb or a series of ziplines, making the arrival itself a story. Once inside, the world unfolds through clear walls: the valley shifting in colour, clouds drifting past your pillow, night descending with stars that seem impossibly near. It is not luxury in the conventional sense—but it is awe in its purest form.
How to reach: To reach the Sacred Valley, fly into Cusco, Peru, then continue by bus, taxi, private tour, or train to towns like Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, or Pisac—public transport is the most economical but less flexible, while private taxis and tours offer easier, more personalised travel across the valley.
In Uganda’s crater lake region, an eco-retreat offers the softness of water, birdsong and still mornings. Here, the jungle leans close, the lake mirrors the sky, and the days settle into a gentle rhythm. Swimming feels like floating in a sanctuary, untouched by time. Sunsets arrive slowly, spreading rose and amber across the lake’s surface, while nights bring a hush that feels older than memory. This is the kind of place where phones remain forgotten at the bottom of a bag, and the world reduces beautifully to the essentials: warm air, quiet meals, long afternoons of simply being.
How to reach: Fly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). This is the main international airport serving Kampala, Uganda's capital city. From Entebbe, you can take a taxi or a bus to the city center of Kampala.
Tucked away on eight wooded acres, this tiny Scandinavian-inspired home in rural North Carolina proves that remoteness need not be dramatic to be profound. It is intimacy of a different kind—200 square feet, whitewashed pine, handcrafted ceramics, a wood-fired hot tub steaming under starlight. The porch is almost as large as the home itself, opening into a hush of forest. There’s no television, little distraction, and every detail feels intentional. It’s the sort of stay where conversations stretch for hours, where tea tastes better, where rest feels unforced. A retreat not from the world—but into yourself.
How to reach: Fly into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), the most convenient airport for reaching Efland. From the airport, you will need to arrange for a rental car, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service to complete your journey to Efland.
These places require effort. They ask you to travel further, slow down, unplug, and engage with the world differently. But in return, they offer something almost impossible to find in the rhythm of everyday life: A reminder that the world is far larger—and far quieter—than we ever let ourselves remember.
1. How remote are these stays?
Most require multiple modes of transport—small flights, boats, or long drives—so plan for extended travel time.
2. Is there Wi-Fi or phone coverage?
Connectivity is limited or optional in many locations. Check with the host if you need reliable service.
3. What should I pack for these locations?
Layers, sturdy footwear, weatherproof clothing, and essentials—conditions range from jungle humidity to alpine chill.
4. Do I need special fitness or equipment?
Some stays involve hikes, climbs, or ziplines. Assess your fitness and confirm any gear requirements beforehand.
5. Are food and supplies nearby?
Often limited. Stock up in advance or check if the host provides meals or essentials.
