Avoid BFS (Brexit Fatigue Syndrome) at these remote retreats

Ready to make your own Brexit from all the political hullabaloo? Hip hideaway specialist i-escape.com recommends 10 remote retreats where the latest headlines will feel a world away

Liz Simpson
Tuesday 12 July 2016 17:09 BST
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Douar Samra
Douar Samra

Douar Samra (High Atlas, Morocco)

This small, colourful guesthouse is perched in one of the highest stone and pisé villages of the mighty Toukbal Massif in Morocco's Atlas mountains. It's as remote and unspoilt as you could imagine; people trek in by donkey, and the lofty roof terrace is an amazing platform to drink in the views and silence. As for escaping the Brexit furore, electricity is confined to the kitchen and a few of the bedrooms, and there's patchy Wi-fi in the garden, but that's it - no rolling news booming out from the TV in the guest lounge.

Tamatert, Imlil Asni, Morocco (00 212 524 48 40 34; douar-samra.net). Doubles from £80 per night, B&B.

Sea Garden Cottages

Sea Garden Cottages (Tresco, UK)

The deserted white sands, turquoise waters and exotic plants of this tiny island lure visitors back every year. With no cars and beautiful landscapes to explore by bicycle, it's a perfect place to escape the stresses of modern life. These beach cottages (sleeping 2-8) are a lovely base; stylish, comfortable and well equipped, with daily maid service and breakfast included. You can even get groceries delivered to your door.

Tresco, Isles of Scilly (01720 422 849; tresco.co.uk). One bedroom cottage from £255 per night, B&B. i-escape is offering up to 45 per cent off selected weeks in July, August and September.

Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge (Central Valley, Costa Rica)

An idyllic riverside lodge hidden deep in the Costa Rican jungle, reachable only by raft. Exotic birds dart all around you, and monkeys swing through the trees. The beautifully designed cabins are rustic but luxurious; many have plunge pools, too. There's no phone, no TV and no wi-fi. Come here to disconnect from home and connect with nature instead.

San Alberto, Costa Rica (0800 051 6420; pacuarelodge.com). Rates from £490 per night including full board, transfers, activities and non-alcoholic drinks.

Onar

Onar (Andros, Greece)

have heard of Andros, the most northern of the Greek Cyclades islands, rugged and wild with superb beaches. This collection of stone houses is the icing on the cake, with stylish, simple décor, very limited internet connection, and virtually no mobile signal. Delicious fresh food is served as communal meals and the natural adventures on the doorstep will reinvigorate even the most jaded of voters.

Andros, Cyclades, Greece (00 30 211 800 2912; onar-andros.gr). Doubles from £162 per night, B&B.

Majahuitas

Majahuitas (Pacific Coast, Mexico)

This laid-back hideaway closes forever in November 2016, so come while you can. An off-the-grid gem, it's accessible only by boat, its 8 open-air casitas hidden among tropical greenery and overlooking a pristine beach. There are no phones, no TVs, not even a plug for your hairdryer. Spend your days snorkelling and ziplining through the rainforest, or simply sprawl out on your sun lounger, raising your flag when you're thirsty for a margarita.

Playa Majahuitas, Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico (00 52 322 2934 506; majahuitasresort.com). Doubles from £245 per night, full board.

Casa da Ermida de Santa Catarina

Casa da Ermida de Santa Catarina (Alentejo, Portugal)

This hideaways is utterly serene, beautifully designed and oh-so peaceful. It's a lakeside guesthouse on the tip of a peninsula, without a neighbour in sight. You spend your days reading on the deck, sunbathing on curtained daybeds or kayaking through the water, before sitting, transfixed, to watch the blushing sunsets. Breakfast is simple and you'll need to drive to local restaurants in the evening, but if you want to escape the world for a while, there can be few better places.

Santa Eulalia, Elvas, Alentejo, Portugal (00 351 91 721 4380; casadaermidadesantacatarina.com). Doubles from £77 per night, B&B.

Jalakara

The Jalakara (Andaman Islands, India)

Theresa Who? This intimate, boho-chic hideaway, hidden in a virgin rainforest on the remote Andaman islands will weave its spell so quickly you'll forget there's a new prime minister, let alone a referendum. There's an open-air massage suite, yoga classes and a badminton lawn. The stylish suites - just six of them - lead to a glittering infinity pool, and the tropical breakfasts are sublime. Beyond the hotel, some spectacular beaches await, along with dazzling aquatic life and wandering elephants. You'll be delighted there's no wi-fi or TVs to distract you.

Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India (jalakara.info). Doubles from £139 per night, B&B.

The Colonsay

The Colonsay Hotel (Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, Scotland)

In the middle of the Scottish Hebrides, this 15-square-mile island is home to Britain's remotest hotel - the only one on Colonsay. A charming country house dating from the 1750s, it has just nine simple bedrooms and the restaurant serves fresh seafood and homegrown vegetables. Long sandy beaches and sea cliffs are on your doorstep, or hop on a bike to explore.

Isle of Colonsay, Argyll, Scotland (01951 200 316; colonsay.org.uk). Doubles from £75 per night, B&B.

Casa das Penhas Douradas

Casa das Penhas Douradas (Mountain Beiras, Portugal)

The clean, crisp air and staggering vistas of the Serra da Estrela are an instant antidote to thoughts of the economy. You're just a two-hour drive from Porto, but it feels a million miles away; this is way off the beaten track. Hike through glacial valleys and swim in natural lakes, then return to this friendly boutique hotel for terrific dinners. Scandinavian in design, it has floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the glorious views, and there's a pool and spa to sooth aching muscles.

Penhas Douradas, Apartado 9, Manteigas, Guarda, Centro, Portugal (00 351 963 384 026; casadaspenhasdouradas.pt). Doubles from £105 per night, B&B.

Citta dei Nicliani

Citta dei Niclani (Peloponnese, Greece)

Greece's Deep Mani region is starkly beautiful, rocky and unspoilt, peppered with traditional Maniot villages and olive groves. The peace is instantly palpable and there's virtually no public transport, let alone tourists. This rustic-chic boutique hotel makes a perfect base - serene and romantic, with delicious food and wine, and great value. Come to bike, hike and relax.

Mani Peninsula, Koita, Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece (00 30 27330 51827; cittadeinicliani.com). Doubles from £62 per night, B&B.

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