TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

Singita Serengeti House’s verandah overlooks a 25m-long infinity swimming pool

WILD, WILD NORTH

At Singita Serengeti House, there’s no need to make small talk with other guests. The retreat, set in the private 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti Reserves bordering Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, is available only to one party at a time for exclusive use. Accommodating a maximum of eight people, the House comes with four expansive suites—each with its own en-suite bathroom, outdoor showers and private terraces—as well as facilities such as a 25m-long lap pool, a gym and a spa. Witness the annual great wildebeest migration; visit local communities to learn about their culture; take a guided safari walk or go on a game drive for priceless up-close encounters with wildlife—the highlights here are endless. Time to gather the extended family or close pals for some precious bonding time amid the splendour of nature. Visit singita.com/lodge/singita-serengeti-house 

From top: Perched at the tip of Giske island, Owner’s Cabin in Staurneset allows you direct access to the sea. Scandi design lovers will revel in the chic cosiness of this Nordic home away from home 

NORDIC ESCAPE

Many a music legend have visited Giske for the sole purpose of recording at internationally renowned studio Ocean Sound Recording. But this small, completely flat island on the north-west coast of Norway is for more than just musicians. Flanked by fjords and mountains on one side and the vast North Atlantic Sea on the other, it exudes the kind of quiet majesty that inspires just about everyone. Experience the beauty of solitude in the arms of nature at Owner’s Cabin in Staurneset—the property of the owners of Norwegian hotel company 62° NORD. It may take hours to reach this quaint three-bedder (an eight-hour train ride from Oslo, followed by a 10-minute-or-so drive from downtown Ålesund), but we say it’s well worth it for the untouched rugged landscape and amazing views of the Northern Lights. Visit 62.no/en/hotels/winter/owners-cabin 

From top: Widely-spaced villas at Awasi Patagonia ensure you indulge in the luxury of absolute privacy. Enjoy sprawling views of the Paine mountain range from your suite 

SOUTHERN OUTPOST

Set in a 15,000-acre private reserve perched on the edge of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park, Awasi Patagonia is a sprawling estate with 14 wooden villas so well spaced out, you’ll feel like you have your own outpost. It’s tempting to admire the mountainous landscape from the privacy of your villa. But heed the call of the sweeping pampas, the tranquil Lake Sarmiento, and the soaring peaks, dramatic glaciers, brilliant blue icebergs and rare wildlife—all beckoning to be explored. Take advantage of the dedicated private guide assigned to each villa to craft a bespoke itinerary that can include glacier walking, horseback riding and cycling tours. Food is top notch, with Executive Chef Matias Crosta serving up mod-Chilean cuisine using seasonal, locally grown produce. Visit awasipatagonia.com 

BY STACEY RODRIGUES. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF INGALLSPHOTO.COM, 62°NORD, AWASO PATAGONIA, SINGITA SERENGETI HOUSE