Global warming. Mortgage meltdown. Bank failures left and right. When trouble lurks around every corner, it's not enough to jet off to St. Bart's, where you might run into your broker seeking solace at the beachfront bar. A better option is one of the new resorts that elevate isolated indulgence to a hospitality art. More than hotels, these remote properties—whether on the beach, in the bush or in the desert—offer extravagant villas that re-create the comforts of home magnified under a luxurious lens, with such amenities as personal butlers, helipads and private chefs. They don't come cheap, but they do assure total privacy.
The Caribbean has proved fertile ground for such solitary havens. Rosewood's Jumby Bay resort occupies a 120-hectare private island off Antigua's coast. Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, then claimed by the British in 1632, it eventually became home to a small 12-room resort. In 2001, Rosewood assumed management of the property, which now includes 22 villas and 19 estate homes. Ranging from 610 to 3,650 square meters, and $2,500 to $12,500 a night, they offer vaulted wooden ceilings, overstuffed furniture and private-beach access, and most have private pools as well. A decadent swimming pool and tranquil pond compete with the azure ocean view. The nightly rate includes airport concierge and transfers, all meals cooked by a private chef, complimentary top-shelf cocktails and wine, daily afternoon tea, water sports and a housekeeper. The only way onto the island is via a private ferry, ensuring the kind of paparazzi-free environment favored by celebrity guests like Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey and Hilary Swank. While most civilians don't need that level of security, they still enjoy the peace and quiet that comes along with it (jumbybayresort.com).
The Dominican Republic is an emerging tropical destination of choice for world travelers already familiar with the Caribbean's high-end offerings. The new 12,000-hectare Cap Cana development near Punta Cana is the country's crowning glory. Multiphased, it will take 12 to 15 years to complete, eventually encompassing the Caribbean's largest marina, five championship golf courses, 10 five-star hotels and a selection of multimillion-dollar villas for sale. Those who don't want to wait are welcome to stay in the secluded Caleton Villas, which opened in March. Accommodations range from a one-bedroom bungalow with a sea view to a four-bedroom oceanfront villa, and run from $800 to $4,300 a night. In keeping with its subtropical environment, Caleton incorporates natural materials such as mahogany, eucalyptus, coral and limestone. The property boasts 4.8 kilometers of unspoiled white-sand beach, a 16,000-square-meter beach club, a 24-hour concierge, a selection of fine dining restaurants, and its very own Blue Lagoon, set amid rainforest vegetation. Entry only by yacht, helicopter or through three sets of heavily secured gates (caletonvillas.net).
Other properties position themselves in secluded expanses that are more hospitable to four-legged visitors than to two-legged ones. South Africa's Molori Lodge, a 40-minute flight from Johannesburg, sits in the middle of the Madikwe Game Reserve and is composed of five unique villas. Safaris are on offer, of course, but food is one of the foremost attractions; internationally trained chefs consult with guests each morning about the daily menu, then gather ingredients from the on-site organic garden or fly them in from Johannesburg. The lodge leads customized game excursions at any time of day or night, and can arrange star-gazing in the property's observatory, which houses one of Africa's largest telescopes. Guests can also watch big game drinking and swimming in the adjacent watering hole, but are protected from wild animals by an electrified fence encircling the entire reserve, as well as 24-hour security guards (from $2,100 to $5,450 per night; molori.co.za).
India's Rajasthani desert offers another elite destination for those seeking remote adventure: the Aman-I-Khas encampment, on the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One of the most exclusive of the Aman group's properties, Aman-I-Khas offers only 10 luxury tents on site. Combining Mughal inspirations with modern amenities, the 360-square-meter living spaces feature soaring canvas ceilings, shower and soaking tubs, king-size beds, daybeds and writing desks. Aman-I-Khas emphasizes the natural landscape, inviting guests to visit the organic vegetable garden, the rose garden, the traditional sandstone wading pool known as Bawadi and the private lake. Early-morning expeditions offer guests glimpses of the 38 endangered tigers, as well as leopards, civets, sloth bears and wild boars ($875 per night; amanresorts.com/amanikhas/home.aspx). Such properties redefine solitary confinement as a highly desirable state of being. Packed full of creature comforts and allowing access only to the initiated, they offer a respite from the clear and present dangers of our age—if only for a week at a time.