There are days when we long to escape the city and reconnect with untouched natural landscapes. Moments where nature gently reminds us of our small, fleeting place in the world. Clarisse Choo shares five serene escapes where the sky meets the sea and time slows down, inviting a full recalibration of the senses
Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique
Set against the raw beauty of Benguerra Island, Kisawa Sanctuary asks that you bare your feet for luxury through its seamless integration of wilderness and wellbeing. Each residence is thoughtfully spaced across dunes and coastline, offering a profound sense of privacy while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding ecosystem. Service is attentive to the pace of your travel style where you can choose to embrace stillness or indulge in exploration. Rooted in conservation and craftsmanship, Kisawa offers a considered balance between comfort and wilderness.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Soneva Jani captures the poetry of island living. Suspended between crystalline water and endless sky, overwater villas stretch into the lagoon where you can drift through your days. Equipped with wellness specialists to restore and rebalance the needs of your body, and allow rejuvenation to unfold naturally within the stillness of your escape. It is a simple yet indulgent experience that leaves you longing for more.
Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar
On a remote private island off the coast of Madagascar, Miavana offers a rare encounter with nature that is largely untouched. Accessible only by helicopter, arrival into exclusive living is luxurious on its own. The sanctuary spans pristine beaches and vibrant marine ecosystems, inviting guests into a world of exploration.
Bahía del Duque, Tenerife
Surrounded by the deep blues of the Atlantic, Bahía del Duque brings a sense of timeless elegance to Tenerife’s Costa Adeje. Its architecture echoes a traditional Canarian village, where courtyards, gardens and winding paths open into expansive ocean views. Presenting a more classic version of luxury, days here unfold in layers, morning walks along Playa del Duque, afternoons by sunlit pools, and evenings marked by lingering sunsets and refined cuisine. It’s a destination of cultivated leisure.
Secret Bay, Dominica
Off-the-beaten track of the Caribbean, tucked away on the coastline of Dominica, Secret Bay is a sanctuary for those seeking temporary recluse. With just a handful of villas immersed in rainforest and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the experience feels deeply personal and quietly transformative. Rooted in sustainability and local culture, it invites guests to disconnect from expectation and rediscover a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel.
