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Courtyard overlooking the ocean

Secluded & Spectacular: 8 Off-the-Radar Destinations

By Jen Murphy

Forget the well-worn tourist paths and crowded beaches. These stunning destinations offer the ultimate in luxury and seclusion.
Courtyard overlooking the ocean
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Tenerife, Canary Islands

There’s no more fitting base from which to explore Tenerife’s bounty of beauty than The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Perched on the smooth slopes of the ancient Teide volcano, days can be spent relaxing at the beach or adventuring in the mountains. Or soak in the ocean views from the region’s most exalted golf course, the Dave Thomas-designed Abama course.
Explore The Ritz-Carlton, Abama
A lush tropical jungle and ancient temple
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Ubud, Bali

Nestled in the heart of Ubud, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and ancient shrines, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a tranquil setting to unplug and recharge. Spend lazy days by the pool or have the staff arrange cultural excursions to witness a traditional Barong dance performance — or visit local artisans.
Explore Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
A cactus stands in the desert
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Dove Mountain, Arizona

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain feels like an oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Located just north of Tucson, the resort is minutes from outdoor adventures and bucket-list sites. Experience giant saguaro cacti in Saguaro National Park or explore the beautiful oasis of Sabino Canyon. There are endless trails to hike and bike, and the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is world class.
Explore The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Snowshoeing under a night sky
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Lake Tahoe, California

Located mid-mountain, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, provides access to a ski-in/ski-out family-friendly destination offering endless snow activities with world-class grooming and snowmaking. On-mountain concierge services make hitting the slopes easier than ever, and with gas fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room, relaxing is easier than ever too.
Explore The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Tropical garden and pool overlooking the ocean
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Krabi, Thailand

Set on its own private stretch of beach, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a haven on the shores of the Andaman Sea. Villas feel like mini-palaces with sundecks and outdoor bathtubs surrounded by gardens. By day explore the jungles of the national park or take a longboat for a picnic on Hong Island. At night, watch the sunset by the pool and indulge in an authentic Thai meal at Sri Trang.
Explore Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Dusk at the lake house overlooking the pool
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Lake Oconee, Georgia

Looking for a slower pace? An escape to Lake Oconee, located 75 miles outside of Atlanta, feels like a return to carefree summer camp days. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee has a waterfront setting and lodge-inspired rooms and cottages. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine under the stars lakeside in Adirondack chairs in front of your personal chimenea bonfire.
Explore The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Fountains in the desert
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Al Wadi Desert, United Arab Emirates

Long a home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, the Al Wadi Nature Reserve is a backdrop of Arabian dreams, with rolling sand dunes, rugged mountains and an infinite sky that fills with twinkling stars at night. Guests at the The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert can hide away in the luxury villas inspired by Bedouin tents and fill their days with falconry shows and camel caravans in the desert.
Explore The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert
Infinity pool perched above the beach
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Dorado, Puerto Rico

Originally conceived by Laurance Rockefeller as a playground for Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, the reimagined Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve still maintains midcentury touches and an air of exclusivity. A cabana at the infinity-edge pool is the best spot to watch the sunset over the palm-fringed Atlantic coast.
Explore Dorado, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve