There was a time remote or hard-to-get-to vacation rentals might have seemed like too much work. But months into a global pandemic, remoteness has increasing appeal — the farther from crowds and civilization the better, really. Remoteness now conjures a sense of safety that trumps any of the challenges of reaching a vacation hideaway. If you need a little off-the-grid inspiration, Vrbo and Airbnb have options.
Related: The World's Most Remote Hotels
Lake Tawakoni, Texas | Sleeps 8
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Get close to nature on a 130-acre retreat in a newly built property featuring soaring tongue-and-groove pine ceilings, hand-scraped pine floors, and large windows to maximize views of the outdoors. Even though you're far away from it all, you'll find creature comforts including a luxe bath and walk-in shower with rain showerhead. Outside there's a wraparound deck overlooking majestic oak trees — some well more than a century old. There's also 1.5 miles of trails to explore. The property itself is about three-quarters of a mile from the main road.
Stowe, Vermont | Sleeps 15
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Amid 100 acres on the western slope of Mount Mansfield, this mountain home sprawls across 2,800 square feet and includes six bedrooms with three bathrooms surrounded by mostly wooded land bordering Underhill State Park. The nearest town is about a 30-minute drive from the property during the summer — though in the winter, the drive can take about an hour.
Related: The State Park You Don't Want to Miss in Every State
Port Howe, Bahamas | Sleeps 12
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Past guests describe this villa on a rustic, off-the-beaten-path island as the ideal place to disconnect and reconnect with nature. The property, which has four bedrooms and sleeps as many as 12 people, faces the Atlantic Ocean and has a large garden roof terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding island. It's a 30-minute drive to the nearest store.
Related: 25 Private Islands You Might Actually Be Able to Afford
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina | Sleeps 4
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Tiny Indigo Escape — a two-loft home that can accommodate as many as four people — is on South Carolina's Daufuskie Island, which is accessible only by ferry. The home has a modern, all-white interior, stainless steel appliances, induction stove, and quartz countertops, and for entertainment there's a flatscreen television and DirecTV. But you'll probably want to head outside to take in the sunsets from the nearby dock and hop in the golf cart to explore the surroundings.
Macks Creek, Missouri | Sleeps 6
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Located on 30 acres of private land that includes a 15-acre private lake, this cabin is the definition of remote. Thirteen miles from the town of Camdenton, the two-bedroom, one-bath vacation rental offers solitude and plenty of amenities. There's boats available for rent, swimming, two kayaks, a hot tub, fire pit, and walking trails. Inside, you'll find three flatscreen televisions with satellite, a PlayStation, and fully equipped kitchen.
White Sulphur Springs, Montana | Sleeps 6
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This two-bedroom cabin is on 20 acres of private property atop a mountain in Montana, with views of the surrounding Big Belt, Castle, and Little Belt mountain ranges and roaming wildlife such as elk, deer, and antelope. The accommodations, almost 9 miles north of White Sulphur Springs, include 1,000 square foot with a great room, kitchen, and living space as well as two bedrooms and a new outdoor deck for taking in the scenery.
Hot Springs, North Carolina | Sleeps 2
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Two nearly identical one-bedroom cabins are tucked away on 7 acres in a quaint farm valley along a scenic mountain road. The listing promises a haven of quiet seclusion that "feels far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life." Visitors will be surrounded by nature, where they can watch the sunrise from a rocking chair on the front porch, or take in the night skies. Cabin amenities include fully equipped kitchens with cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, wood burning stoves, and 4K televisions with satellite television. There's also Wi-Fi, in case you're unable to unplug on your retreat.
Black Hawk, Colorado | Sleeps 4
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A getaway past guests have described as "perfect for social distancing," this secluded Colorado log cabin is surrounded by mountains, trees, and a rushing river. There's two bedrooms and a four-person hot tub, wood burning fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen. The home's floor-to-ceiling windows will make you feel like you're camping.
Urubamba, Peru | Sleeps 12
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Reaching Skylodge Adventure Suites requires hiking a trail through zip lines or climbing about 1,100 feet of rock face in Peru's Sacred Valley, says Will Hatton, founder of the travel blog The Broke Backpacker. Once you arrive you find accommodations in a transparent hanging bedroom with a stunning, 300-degree view of the valley — not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. The listing calls it like sleeping in a condor's nest. There are three pods available. The experience includes breakfast and gourmet dinner with wine. And in case you're wondering, there are toilets in the pods.
Related: 30 Crazy-Expensive Glamping Retreats for Upscale Social Distancing
Volcano, Hawaii | Sleeps 2
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The only way to reach this eco-friendly treehouse deep in the Hawaiian rainforest is by foot, says travel blogger Torben Lonne, co-founder and editor of DiveIn. "This treehouse is perfect for those who like staying in nature, away from the busy crowds," Lonne says. Eight miles from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the rental is an outdoor lovers' dream that oozes ambiance. It's perched 15 feet off the ground, allowing guests to sleep amid the Hapu'u Fern Tree tops and surrounded by a canopy of Ohia, Koa, Guava, and Eucalyptus trees. At night you'll be serenaded by coqui frogs and can spend the evening stargazing. The rental includes solar lighting and a bathroom with a toilet. There are no cooking facilities.
Joshua Tree, California | Sleeps 4
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Featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Esquire Magazine, and Refinery29, Dome in the Desert is a modern-bohemian home with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom, and living room filled with personally designed and handcrafted items. There's a wood-burning stove, as well as air conditioning. "Those who choose to visit the dome should be prepared for a long and bumpy ride. However, staying in the desert is a unique experience, and visitors will get a chance to rest completely under the starry sky," says travel blogger and expert Philip Weiss, who calls this Airbnb as one of his favorites.
Oregon | Sleeps 2
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Offering views from a secluded forest perch, Heartland Treehouse is a personal favorite of yoga instructor and meditation enthusiast Jeanine Duval, who searches out remote retreats that provide solitude. "Perched between two firm fir trees, you wake up to the sound of musical birdsongs, trickling water, and a stunning view of the canyon," Duval says. "Unplug and become one with nature while still enjoying a clean and modern living space." The one-bedroom rental overlooks a steep river canyon along Oregon's south coast. Amenities include a basic kitchen cooking area and two bathtubs on the deck surrounded by nature.
Utah | Sleeps 11
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A 45-minute drive down a narrow dirt road and 45 minutes from the nearest town of Orderville, this Zion Backcountry Yurt is travel blogger Allison Green's dream house. "This was one of the coolest and most remote rentals I had the privilege of staying in," Green says. The one-room, 572-square-foot yurt is in a primitive, backcountry setting with ample space to relax outside in a hammock, play a game of horseshoes, or sit on the deck taking in the expansive views. Inside there are seven beds; what you won't find inside is plumbing or running water. A toilet, shower, and outdoor sink are in a separate facility nearby.
Related: Unique Tiny Homes Around the World
Orondo, Washington | Sleeps 2
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Be prepared to hike to reach this unique, hobbit-like home. It's not a long hike — just under 100 yards — but the listing makes clear that you must be physically able bodied to make it. At the end of the climb is a dwelling nestled into 6 acres of Columbia River Gorge mountainside, and inside the underground home you'll find an elegant, magical accommodation. The 288-square foot space with stunning views includes an indoor fireplace, one queen bed, and a living area. But be warned: There is no kitchen.
Baja California Sur, Mexico | Sleeps 14
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The journey to Black Bass Lodge, a far-flung, beachfront getaway, is an adventure in itself. "There's no easy or quick way to get there, but it's well worth it when you arrive," property co-owner Holly Berkley says. To reach this off-the-grid, oceanfront escape, guests have the option of making a 13- to 14-hour drive from San Diego through the deserts of Baja or hopping a flight to Loreto, Mexico. From Loreto, it's another five hours by car. (And some guests make the journey by private boat.) "The challenging journey is what leaves this small town virtually untouched by tourism, and provides abundant fishing, excellent surf conditions — and you'll have the beaches all to yourself," Berkley says. The lodge comes with a chef who prepares three meals a day and full staff waiting to make sure your stay is memorable. The nightly rate may seem steep but you get an entire lodge to yourself.
Gasparilla Island, Florida | Sleeps 6
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A property that requires a water taxi to access, this bayside home provides access to white sand beaches a five-minute walk from the property, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. The 1560-square-foot rental includes a fully equipped kitchen, in-unit laundry, and a furnished deck.
Related: 14 Warm Weather Destinations for Reconnecting With Nature
Joshua Tree, California | Sleeps 6
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A private retreat on 7 acres, the Olive Adobe is surrounded by terra cotta walls and 50-year-old olive trees and sits. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has a living room, morning room, secret back garden, and fully equipped kitchen. Guests spend days here exploring local rock formations and petroglyphs, and evenings relaxing next to the property's outdoor fireplace.
Green Mountains, Vermont | Sleeps 2
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You'll need to park your car and hike to this private mountain retreat in the forest, where you'll be minutes away from rock climbing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking by well-maintained trails. The tiny home includes a seasonal, solar-heated outdoor shower, outhouse, non-potable running water in the kitchen (also seasonal), and a propane cook stove. A wood stove provides the only source of heat inside the cabin, so you must know how to start a fire.