From a private island in Tanzania to a wilderness lodge in Greenland, these remote hotels offer a rare chance to escape the crowds. BOAT discovers nine secluded retreats around the world where arriving by superyacht is part of the experience.
Sussurro
Location: Nhamabue Peninsula, Mozambique
Perched directly on the beach on a remote peninsula near Vilanculos on Mozambique’s southern coast, Sussurro overlooks a tidal lagoon on the Bazaruto Archipelago. The small hotel comprises a collection of villas and suites designed to reflect traditional Mozambican architecture, with thatched roofs and stone interiors.
The ethos here is that 98 per cent of everything is African-made (only a handful of electronics bring this down from 100 per cent), and the local community is supported. There is a strong sustainability element too, with renewable energy, organic produce and zero single-use plastics. sussurro.co
Thanda Island
Location: Tanzania
Thanda Island is a perfect teardrop shape, encircled by white sands and coral reefs within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, 16 nautical miles off Tanzania’s coast. This single-key resort exclusively accepts island buyouts. At its heart is a primary five-bedroom villa, a weatherboarded, whitewashed house with a bit of a Hamptons vibe – large rooms, outdoor bathtubs and huge four-poster beds. There are also two double-storey thatched Tanzanian bandas set directly on the beach on the other side of the island.
Aside from the seclusion, marine life is one of Thanda’s major draws. Days can be spent in the water swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling over grouper and unicorn fish and spotting the rare humpback dolphin. The dining offering is also spectacular, combining local flavours with those from around the world. Guests can expect creative beach set-ups, candlelit dinners and relaxed beachfront lunches. thanda.com
Casa Cavada
Location: Islas Secas, Panama
Isla Cavada lies within the private Islas Secas archipelago, set within the jungle-covered islands of Panama’s Gulf of Chiriquí. The environment is wild and gloriously secluded, making it a perfect stop-off point for yachts cruising the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Spanning 771 square metres, Casa Cavada is perched high on the cliffs and constructed from huge eucalyptus trunks, which support an undulating roof. Inside are triple-height ceilings, traditional artwork by the indigenous Guna tribe and colonial-style furnishings.
The infinity pool is a “semi-Olympic” 25 metres long and looks out over a scattering of volcanoes in the distance. To reach Casa Cavada, yachts can drop anchor directly below the property or arrive via the island’s private airstrip. islassecas.com
The Bawah Reserve
Location: Indonesia
Located in the middle of the South China Sea within the Anambas Archipelago in Indonesia, the Bawah Reserve private resort spans six private islands. The reserve itself lies within a 1,000-hectare marine conservation area and has a “planet-first philosophy” that has allowed the surrounding rainforests to flourish and has supported local village communities – there’s even a floating solar farm just off one of the islands.
At Bawah, plastic bottles are banned, and the entire operation runs a zero-waste programme. The resort is designed to immerse guests in nature, so they will stay in one of 36 tented suites, overwater bungalows or villas. A host of experiences, from traditional dance classes to jungle hikes, is also available across the islands. bawahreserve.com
Vision Lodge
Location: Greenland
Hidden among the vast fjords and glacier-carved mountains of East Greenland, this intimate retreat will be accessible only by boat. It is designed for travellers who view remoteness as the ultimate luxury. Visitors will be accompanied by two guides, who will meet them on board the yacht and whisk them to the isolated retreat through iceberg-strewn waters.
Guests will enjoy freshly caught fish and foraged foods prepared by a private chef, priceless views and utter peace. The lodge is set to accommodate only a single private group at a time, ensuring an experience defined by silence, space and complete seclusion. vision-lodge.com
Lilløy Lindenberg
Location: Bergen Fjord, Norway
Lilløy Lindenberg is a four-bedroom house and annex on an isolated island in the Bergen fjord system. Available for single buyout or per-room stays, Lilløy is a tribute to the Nordic way of life, featuring handmade ceramics, locally blown glassware, paintings by Bergen artists and natural Scandinavian cosmetics.
Its cuisine celebrates local and regional flavours, featuring seaweed harvested from its own underwater farm. Structures on the island are crafted from hand-gathered stones, while seaweed-filled mattresses enhance the connection to nature. The island is also completely plastic-free. thelindenberg.com
Eha
Location: Hiiumaa Island, Estonia
Located on Hiiumaa Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve off Estonia’s western coast, Eha is a new wellness retreat set in the wilderness. With just eight suites and three forest cabins, this minimalist sanctuary has been designed to blend into its surroundings – its pale timber, linen and soft-toned stone mirroring the forest beyond – and the experiences are also designed to immerse guests in nature. In an age of overstimulation, this quiet Baltic hideaway aims to define wellness as stillness. eharetreat.com
Voaara
Location: Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
Set on Sainte-Marie Island, off the coast of Madagascar, Voaara offers an exclusive retreat with seven bungalows and a magnificent three-bedroom villa. Each villa sits on the beach, built from natural materials that exude effortless luxury and embellished with local art. The main villa opens to a row of palm trees through huge wooden doors, and guests can share the view from the deep-seated L-shaped sofa.
Behind them, a piece of knotted driftwood measuring two metres across serves as the bar – everything is designed to feel natural. Due to its seclusion, there is no light pollution, either out to sea or on the island of Sainte-Marie. From June to September, humpback whales gather in the bay as part of their migration. They can even be observed from the property’s “bird’s nest”, which also serves as a private dining spot. voaara.com
Southern Ocean Lodge
Location: Kangaroo Island, Australia
Lying seven nautical miles off the coast of South Australia, Kangaroo Island is considered one of Australia’s most bountiful for its flora and fauna, with a third of the island a protected nature reserve. On its southwest coast lies Southern Ocean Lodge, a 25-suite property that clings to limestone cliffs. Views from the hotel show no signs of human life, yet the feeling inside is contemporary and luxurious. For the most isolated experience, book the Baillie Pavilion, a separate owner’s residence-style building that sits apart from the main lodge, with four king-size bedrooms, a central lounge and heated plunge pools.
Southern Ocean Lodge experiences are centred around wildlife. Much like the Galápagos, the wildlife roams freely, meaning guests may face seals, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, sea lions, ospreys and echidnas during their stay. But there is still space for personal rest and relaxation at the hotel’s Southern Spa, which sits low on the coastal heath. southernoceanlodge.com
First published in the September 2026 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.
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