Best Remote Island Holidays. Vacation destinations where no one will find you
We investigate some of the most remote islands on Earth for your vacation. Sit back and relax while we delve into some of the remotest and most surprising places you can visit. Let’s see just how remote you’re prepared to go! We have prepared a tantalizing top 3 list for you that includes some of the most mystical, exotic and arctic destinations you can’t think of!
Our first choice is an island deeply infused with history and myth. Although, it is probably one of the most popular islands in the world due to its unique statues, it also qualifies as a remote one. It is located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile and can be reached by LAN Airlines, who have a daily flight departing from Santiago, Chile. But what is there to see and to do, once you reach it? Oh, where to start…
An unavoidable sight are the humanoid statues that have inhabited the island since about the 13th century. The stone population is called Moai and there are over 900 members. While they are famous for their heads peeking out of the ground and sternly looking over the island, archeologists discovered that they are also equipped with bodies, which are located underground. But, during your visit you will also have the great opportunity to interact with the descendants of the Rapa Nui civilization who carved and erected the Moai, who still live on the island today. If you are looking for cultural immersion, consider visiting in February, during their Tapati festival.
Also, another practical piece of information is regarding VISA, Easter Island belongs to Chile, and thus the same rules apply. The citizens of the following countries do not require VISA: European Union, USA, Canada, and Australia. However, you will still need a valid passport and also proof that your stay will not exceed 90 days (return flight tickets should do the trick).
Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa: located outside the busy city, this resort is an eco-friendly spot surrounded by nature. One of the great advantages is that you will have a serene view of the sea, not just of the green pastures. But our favorite thing about this option is that it is built în the traditional style of the indigineous people. All the elements combine harmoniously, the roof is covered by grass, walls are made from dark stone, pillars from wood... these all converge into a cozy hut to make the experience truly unforgettable.
Our next entry is the “Unspoiled Queen”, an island that still preserves a hint of pure nature. There are several ways to access it: either by (a very small) plane or by boat. There is both an airstrip and a port to welcome visitors. Undoubtedly a small island, measuring only 13 square kilometers, this Garden of Eden manages to offer a very colorful range of experiences. Probably the main attraction is the dormant volcano, Mount Scenery, which during its active days created interesting underwater formations in the vicinity, namely underwater mountains. The volcano is ceremoniously embraced by the Marine Park which delights tourists with a breathtaking diving site and a rich marine life (sharks, dolphins, coral formations).
- hiking – try conquering the highest peak, Mt. Scenery, which is just 1064 steps away
- explore the rainforest
- if you miss the urban vibe, visit the small towns from the island
And now some fun facts!
- While Saba is considered a Caribbean island, it also holds the status of special municipality of the Netherlands.
- The island is home to the shortest airstrip.
- Legend has it, that the island was noticed by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
- It was part of the original King Kong movie (1933), where it served as the shadow for Skull Island.
This one is reserved only for the most extreme adventurers!
Finally, caught between the Chukchi Sea and East Siberian Sea, Wrangle Island certainly provides one of the most remote island holidays. We should start by stressing that the island is not only remote, but access is very limited, mainly due to the ice shards surrounding it. However, if you have the spirit of an explorer and consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast, this will certainly be worth the trouble.
Located 140km from Siberia’s north-east coast, Wrangle Island is considered Russia’s offshore territory. As a visitor you can access this winter wonderland by an expedition ice-breaker cruise ship only during the summer months. The most precious treasure of this island is not something that pirates can bury; the nature and wildlife present on the territory convinced UNESCO to offer it the status of World Heritage Site. Without a doubt, this is one of the most important nature reserves of the Arctic, even if (or especially because) it is not that popular with the general public. Starting in the 19th century, the island also has a rich history with Arctic explorers, who were lured in by rumors of a rich fishing place. Unlike the previous places, your best bet here is to spend the nights onboard the cruiser you travelled with.
The wildlife of Wrangle Island includes:
- Polar bears (actually, this is the largest breeding population)
- Migratory seabirds
- Pacific Walrus
- P.S. you will walk where woolly mammoths once walked over 4.000 years ago
If you do decide to visit, the island warrants nothing short of respect and admiration!
There you have it! These are three of the most remote island holidays an Iconic Man can have. We believe that there is an island here for everybody, whether you like history and mythology, exotic places or prefer a polar experience. The best thing is that each of these places has something unique to offer and while they should be experienced by whoever can do so, first and foremost they should be preserved at least as they are today.
P.S. at least in the first two cases you can also browse around these popular accommodation platforms:
www.airbnb.com
www.booking.com
www.tripadvisor.com
1. Easter Island
Our first choice is an island deeply infused with history and myth. Although, it is probably one of the most popular islands in the world due to its unique statues, it also qualifies as a remote one. It is located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile and can be reached by LAN Airlines, who have a daily flight departing from Santiago, Chile. But what is there to see and to do, once you reach it? Oh, where to start…
An unavoidable sight are the humanoid statues that have inhabited the island since about the 13th century. The stone population is called Moai and there are over 900 members. While they are famous for their heads peeking out of the ground and sternly looking over the island, archeologists discovered that they are also equipped with bodies, which are located underground. But, during your visit you will also have the great opportunity to interact with the descendants of the Rapa Nui civilization who carved and erected the Moai, who still live on the island today. If you are looking for cultural immersion, consider visiting in February, during their Tapati festival.
Also, another practical piece of information is regarding VISA, Easter Island belongs to Chile, and thus the same rules apply. The citizens of the following countries do not require VISA: European Union, USA, Canada, and Australia. However, you will still need a valid passport and also proof that your stay will not exceed 90 days (return flight tickets should do the trick).
Where to stay?
There are a couple of options but this is our top pick:Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa: located outside the busy city, this resort is an eco-friendly spot surrounded by nature. One of the great advantages is that you will have a serene view of the sea, not just of the green pastures. But our favorite thing about this option is that it is built în the traditional style of the indigineous people. All the elements combine harmoniously, the roof is covered by grass, walls are made from dark stone, pillars from wood... these all converge into a cozy hut to make the experience truly unforgettable.
2. Saba, Caribbean
Our next entry is the “Unspoiled Queen”, an island that still preserves a hint of pure nature. There are several ways to access it: either by (a very small) plane or by boat. There is both an airstrip and a port to welcome visitors. Undoubtedly a small island, measuring only 13 square kilometers, this Garden of Eden manages to offer a very colorful range of experiences. Probably the main attraction is the dormant volcano, Mount Scenery, which during its active days created interesting underwater formations in the vicinity, namely underwater mountains. The volcano is ceremoniously embraced by the Marine Park which delights tourists with a breathtaking diving site and a rich marine life (sharks, dolphins, coral formations).
What to look forward too:
- snorkeling or scuba diving- hiking – try conquering the highest peak, Mt. Scenery, which is just 1064 steps away
- explore the rainforest
- if you miss the urban vibe, visit the small towns from the island
And now some fun facts!
- While Saba is considered a Caribbean island, it also holds the status of special municipality of the Netherlands.
- The island is home to the shortest airstrip.
- Legend has it, that the island was noticed by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
- It was part of the original King Kong movie (1933), where it served as the shadow for Skull Island.
Where to stay?
Our top pick are the El Momo cottages, which offer you pretty much anything you could want for bargain prices (it can be as low as $65 per night for a couple, depending on the period of course). The view is absolutely breathtaking, it encompasses both the ocean and mountains. Also, after you come back from your daily trip, you can relax next to the swimming pool. This is all about comfort and relaxation. You deserve it, and your loved one does too.
3. Wrangel Island
This one is reserved only for the most extreme adventurers!
Finally, caught between the Chukchi Sea and East Siberian Sea, Wrangle Island certainly provides one of the most remote island holidays. We should start by stressing that the island is not only remote, but access is very limited, mainly due to the ice shards surrounding it. However, if you have the spirit of an explorer and consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast, this will certainly be worth the trouble.
Located 140km from Siberia’s north-east coast, Wrangle Island is considered Russia’s offshore territory. As a visitor you can access this winter wonderland by an expedition ice-breaker cruise ship only during the summer months. The most precious treasure of this island is not something that pirates can bury; the nature and wildlife present on the territory convinced UNESCO to offer it the status of World Heritage Site. Without a doubt, this is one of the most important nature reserves of the Arctic, even if (or especially because) it is not that popular with the general public. Starting in the 19th century, the island also has a rich history with Arctic explorers, who were lured in by rumors of a rich fishing place. Unlike the previous places, your best bet here is to spend the nights onboard the cruiser you travelled with.
The wildlife of Wrangle Island includes:
- Polar bears (actually, this is the largest breeding population)
- Migratory seabirds
- Pacific Walrus
- P.S. you will walk where woolly mammoths once walked over 4.000 years ago
If you do decide to visit, the island warrants nothing short of respect and admiration!
There you have it! These are three of the most remote island holidays an Iconic Man can have. We believe that there is an island here for everybody, whether you like history and mythology, exotic places or prefer a polar experience. The best thing is that each of these places has something unique to offer and while they should be experienced by whoever can do so, first and foremost they should be preserved at least as they are today.
P.S. at least in the first two cases you can also browse around these popular accommodation platforms:
www.airbnb.com
www.booking.com
www.tripadvisor.com
Author: Carol J. Robertson
leave your comments