The Anti–Spring Break: 6 Secluded Retreats to Consider Inline
Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Brownrigg / @northerndaze1/6The Country Villa
La Bastide de Moustiers in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France
In 1994, Monégasque chef Alain Ducasse purchased a former faience potter’s house surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. After several years of restoration by local artisans, La Bastide de Moustiers, a bucolic Provençal inn, was born. Reserve the two-year-old La Suite Bastidon, an isolated wood and stone cottage, to spend silent mornings in your own fig and cypress–shrouded garden with a plate of biscuits de Moustiers and lavender honey. Seasonal Provençale cuisine—lamb from the Alps, ember-cooked in a fireplace—is served al fresco on the terrace, overlooking rolling hills and plane trees
(from $522; Chemin de Quinson; 011.33.492.704.747; bastide-moustiers.com).
Photo: Courtesy of Nanuku Auberge Resort / @nanukuresort2/6The Private Island
Nanuku Island in Fiji
For would-be Robinson Crusoes, the island of Nanuku is fifteen miles away from its closest neighbor. Here, on ten acres of white sand and coconut trees, two Fijian bures, or traditional thatched-roof huts, face west toward the setting sun, just steps from the South Pacific. Nanuku is suitably rustic and eco-friendly—compost toilets, camp-style showers—but a local guide, housekeeper, and private chef will join you on-site. Recline on the wraparound deck and spot leatherback turtles off-shore, or grab a snorkel and kayak to explore the giant clam–spotted reef up-close. Fresh tropical fruits from the organic gardens keep you from getting too Crusoe
(from $500 per couple; airbnb.com).
Photo: Courtesy of @akarwin3/6The Mountain Cave
Samadhi Hermitage Crystal Meditation Cave in Maharashtra, India
New Age yogis flock to India’s hallowed Ellora Caves: 34 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jainist caverns from the fifth century, intricately carved into basalt cliffs. The gray stone pillars and high vaulted roof of Vishwakarma Cave, in particular, put pilgrims in quiet, reflective moods. Three months ago, nearby Samadhi Hermitage unveiled its crystal meditation cave. Made from local volcanic stone embedded with rose quartz crystals, the cave is open to those seeking long hours of yoga and meditation, with the occasional therapeutic massage. Once you’ve mastered your ujjayi, the bustle of Mumbai is less than an hour away (by donation; 011.95.451.630.39; samadhihermitage.org).
Photo: Courtesy of @mmmkala_unchained4/6The Woodlands
The Highlands Sanctuary in Bainbridge, Ohio
Head deep into the heart of a 2,200-acre old-growth forest to reach the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and its collection of private woodlands retreats. At the remote Hermitage Lodge, North American nature is your only neighbor: The Zen River Room and Eyrie suites overlook the moss-covered cliffs and dolomite caves of Rocky Fork Gorge, and little else. There are sixteen miles of hiking trails, dotted with swallows’ nests and a heron rookery, but the main attraction is Serpent Mound: a prehistoric effigy mound that winds snakelike over lush green hills, past oaks, maples, and one lone cherry tree (from $105; 7660 Cave Road; 011.937.365.1935; arcofappalachia.org).
Photo: Courtesy of Boundary Design / @heajinhong5/6The Quiet Ryokan
Momiji-ya in Takao, Japan
In the mountain village of Takao beside the Kiyotaki River, the newly renovated Momiji-ya, a roughly 100-year-old ryokan northwest of Kyoto, oozes tranquility—from the raw stone courtyards and tatami mat floors to the flowers and cedar trees visible from each room. Across the private suspension bridge towards Jingo-ji Temple lies Kawa-no-iori, or the annex, a separate collection of detached hermitages. Climb into an open-air cedar bath fed from a green bamboo stalk on the lantern-lit balcony and savor the stillness, while maple leaves hang overhead. In spring, perfect pink cherry blossoms bloom by the riverside terrace, where a seasonal dish of sea bream and bamboo shoots is served (from $255; Takao, Umegahata, Ukyo-ku; 011.81.75.871.1005; momijiya.jp).
