Hidden Hotels: A Half Dozen Hard-to-Reach Spots

This post originally appeared on Yahoo! Travel.

Just getting to a destination can be part of the thrill of a vacation. And even if winding roads, long boat rides, and flights on tiny planes aren't necessarily your idea of fun, the rewards of all that travel -- i.e., tranquil, relaxing locales, far removed from the crowds -- are often more than worth it. Throughout our travels, we've been to a handful of super-remote resorts and hotels -- and we've made it back to share them with you! Although to be honest, we really didn't want to leave any of the ones that made our list. Venture into the wild, and over hill-and-dale, at these ten super remote hotels around the world.

1. andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana

This luxe camp is located on an island that is part of a massive, 62,000-acre wildlife preserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Arriving to the hotel requires a flight in a small plane, a short ride in a safari vehicle, and then a boat trip to the lodge’s dock (during which guests will first get to experience the delta’s natural beauty). But the hotel is more an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and the guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay.

2. Ballynahinch Castle, Ireland

Ballynahinch sits on a 450-acre estate of gorgeous Connemara countryside, where guests can hike, bike, shoot, and fish on the sprawling grounds of this riverfront resort. The rustic-luxe vibe — a culmination of the wild, unspoiled natural beauty, gorgeous historic stone buildings, and rooms replete with quaint antique touches — adds to the remote vibe, but Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most famous sights, is just thirty minutes away by car.

3. Lambert’s Cove Inn & Restaurant, Martha’s Vineyard

Sure, tons of city dwellers do it every summer, but reaching Martha’s Vineyard isn’t the easiest feat, as it must be done by plane or ferry — and once you’re there, Lambert’s Cove is one of the destination’s most remote locales, as even just the winding driveway leading to the inn is roughly a mile long. The resort doesn’t allow children under eight, which helps preserve the serene atmosphere, and the lovely outdoor pool is a nice perk.

4. Matetsi Water Lodge, Zimbabwe

Matetsi Water Lodge is located on a massive game reserve by the Zambezi River, and the setting is about as picturesque and remote as it gets. Nonetheless, the resort provides a daily shuttle that brings guests the 40-minute drive to Victoria Falls, where they can explore the town and visit the city’s namesake, the largest waterfall in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders. The lodge’s 18 suites are intimate and surprisingly luxe — each suite has its own plunge pool and patio, and the bedroom doors open onto to a river view.

5. Fretheim Hotel, Norway

This historic hotel boasts a gorgeous, remote location on an arm of the Sognefjord, which is arguably the most beautiful and famous fjord in Norway. In the tiny village of Flam, in a valley surrounded by steep mountains, the Fretheim features a mixed bag of rooms; 80 percent have basic mid-range decor, while the rest are higher-end. Guests can take their pick between contemporary American Wing Rooms or Historic Wing Rooms, which lack TVs but are lovely and quaint.

6. Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica

This ultra-remote, rustic luxe hideaway is worth the bumpy, two-and-a-half hour drive from the airport. While rooms aren’t as impressive as those at larger luxury resorts in the region, the amazing views, stunning infinity pool, ruggedly beautiful (if rocky) beach, and the unparalleled tranquility more than compensate. Plus, this is a hotel with a heart: Punta Islita is environmentally friendly, and gives back to the local community.

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