10 New Remote Hotels Opening In 2021

It’s easy to social distance at these far-flung, crowd-free new retreats, lodges and camps, debuting in 2021.

Explora El Chaltén, Argentina – Opening Q1, 2021

With ultra-cool, modern lodges strewn around the far corners of South American, Explora is the go-to, award-winning exploration outfit for adventurous travelers with impeccable taste. In February 2021, their newest hotel, Explora El Chaltén, will be opening in jaw-dropping Argentinian Patagonia in the southern fringes of the Andes. Set within Los Glaciares National Park, about 10 miles from the town of El Chaltén (christened Argentina’s Trekking Capital), there is no shortage of outdoor pursuits to enjoy in the area, including hiking, cycling, ice trekking and skiing.  

Xigera, Botswana – Opening Q1, 2021

Botswana’s lush Okavango Delta has long been a star safari location due to the incredible amount and diversity of species on offer, and though the region isn’t lacking in luxury camps, the long-awaited Xigera (pronounced ‘kee-jera’) by Red Carnation Hotels is sure to make a splash when it opens in January 2021. Located on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve, the ultra-swish new Xigera lodge will have 12 stylish suites, well-dressed with custom artwork made by some of Africa’s most talented artists.

Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia – Opening Q1

Thanks to a new visa scheme for foreign visitors, it’s easier than ever to explore Saudi Arabia, and the dramatic AlUla region will no doubt be on the top of the list for new visitors. Opening in early 2021 like a oasis in the desert, Habitas AlUla will be set against a backdrop of sandstone canyons and located within reach of archaeological sites like the ancient kingdom of Hegra, which rivals Jordan’s Petra.

Six Senses Botanique, Brazil – Opening Q1

A first foray in the Americas by the famed Six Senses brand, Six Senses Botanique will be opening in February/March in Brazil’s Mantiqueira Mountains at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. Made up of hotel suites, private villas, and branded residences dotting the hillside, Six Senses Botanique will also include a signature Six Senses Spa, which will incorporate Brazilian botanicals and water-based treatments, like tropical rain saunas, into its therapies.   

Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique – Opening Q1

Set within a 300-hectare, subtropical ecosystem, Kisawa Sanctuary is located on the southern tip of the pristine Benguerra Island, just off the coast of Mozambique. The resort will be comprised of 12 ultra-chic one-, two- or three-bedroom bungalows (each with their own 1-acre plot), and there will be no shortage of space and privacy at this sophisticated beach retreat.

Under Canvas Acadia, Maine, USA – Opening Q2 

Stationed in Maine’s Acadia National Park on a stunning stretch of coastline, premium glamping outfitters Under Canvas Acadia will open in May 2021 with 63 canvas tents. Tents are far from basic with en suite bathrooms and private decks, and some even have skylights over the bed for stargazing.

KAI Kirishima, Japan – Opening Q1

Opening in January 2021, KAI Kirishima by Hoshino Resorts will be based in Japan’s Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, well-known for its volcanic mountain ranges, crater lakes and naturally occurring hot springs. Besides the surrounding scenery, the highlight of the new hotel will no doubt be the traditional Japanese onsen bath, set within a peaceful meadow of silvergrass in the shadow of the active volcano, Sakurajima.

Wilderness Safaris Little DumaTau, Botswana – Opening Q2

Little DumaTau, by leading safari experts, Wilderness Safaris is another luxe opening in Botswana. Made up of just four tented suites and opening in April 2021, Little DumaTau will be situated north of Wilderness Safari’s existing eight-suite DumaTau Camp, which is currently undergoing a renovation. Both camps are located on the Linyanti River in a private concession, which means your twice-daily game drives will never be interrupted by vehicles from other camps.

Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton — Opening Q3

The Osa Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s most remote corners, and the new eco-luxe Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, opening in fall 2021, will put guests right at the heart of this wild locale, which actually contains 2.5-percent of the world’s biodiversity. Activities will include voluntourism, such as sea turtle conservation efforts, and plenty of rainforest- and ocean-based explorations.

LungMār, India – Opening Q4

At home in high altitudes and ultra-hash conditions, the snow leopard is one of the most elusive big cats in the world. In November 2021, the new LungMār camp will open in the prime snow leopard territory of Hemis National Park in Ladakh, in Trans-Himalayan India. The eco-friendly, carbon-negative new camp is being created with the sole purpose of protecting the snow leopard’s habitat, including the rural communities that call it home, and will include tented accommodations and even a sauna.