Nestled among a staggeringly beautiful landscape of canyons, mesas, mountains and gorges in the Utah desert, Amangiri is the ultimate in barefoot luxury. With a minimalist modern design and raw aesthetic that incorporates elements of the surrounding desert colours and textures, this is the ultimate other-worldly escape. A local road was diverted during the building stages and lighting is via soft lanterns at night to ensure the serenity and the stars are the only things that stir you on your private balcony after dark.

Why would you want to be at the beach, when you could be watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm bed in a glass igloo? It’s hard to imagine a more magical experience than a stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland.

Perched on Mexico’s postcard-perfect Baja California coast overlooking the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla is the ultimate in secluded luxury. The resort dates back to 1956, when it was built as a 15-room hideaway by Don Abelardo Rodriguez, son of the then President of Mexico. Accessible only by yacht or private plane, its earliest guests included Hollywood celebs such as John Wayne and Lucille Ball. While you can drive here now from the tourist hotspot of Los Cabos, the hacienda-style architecture, oversized rooms and villas, lush gardens, private beaches and varied dining and drinking options make for your own Hollywood moment.

Check into Longitude 131º, the luxury desert basecamp comprised of a pearl string of secluded fixed glamping tents in the UNESCO Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here you can wake up to ‘the rock’ and even fall asleep under the stars on the alfresco bed on your private deck. Of course there’s a fire pit, a fluffy duvet and a bedside of warming spirits and port to keep you toasty while you gaze up at the Milky Way.

You’ve heard of the famed milky waters of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, but the onsite Retreat Hotel gives you access to private pools. You can even experience a dreamy underwater massage. Silica-rich waters give this famous lake, located southwest of Reykjavik, its trademark, dizzying hue.

Few travel stereotypes can boast the staying power of a good old-fashioned deserted island escape fantasy. For those who harbour a secret desire to go full Robinson Crusoe, then Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort is likely to hit the sweet spot. The resort in Mozambique will strand on you on a deserted island for the night, where you can enjoy the sunset, a gourmet picnic dinner under the stars, and sleep al fresco on the beach in a four-poster bed.

Wine-lovers should escape to Encuentro Guadalupe – Mexico’s hottest stay in the exploding northern wine region of Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California. Set on a mountain, surrounded by nothing but vineyards, red desert and blue sky, this ultra-modern, back-to-nature hotel is comprised of separate pods dotted up the mountain. Interiors are a mix of earthy colours and textures, steel and glass, and there are plenty of dining options at the surrounding wineries and farm-to-table restaurants. Or you could just lie by the pool or soak in the hot tub, which overlook the entire valley, with a glass of local wine.

With a variety of alternative ‘room’ types, from airstream trailers to teepees, safari tents and yurts, this boutique stay in the Texas desert from hipster hotelier Liz Lambert is for the adventurous traveller. However you chose to bed down, expect bold southwest design throughout the minimalist interiors at El Cosmico. Spend your days exploring Marfa’s art scene, or simply laze in one of the many hammocks dotted around the property. At night use the outdoor kitchen and barbecues to create your own romantic dinner for two, then it’s all about stargazing from one of the wood-fired hot tubs.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa in the Maldives blends so seamlessly into the turquoise landscape at North Malé Atoll that it’s hard to tell where your over-water bungalow ends and the blue sky and clear water begin. Whether you check into a beach bungalow or an over-water villa, dip in your private pool before an afternoon of surfing, paddle boarding, scuba diving or relaxing in the spa, where they also offer night rituals on a private beach. What could be more magical than a massage under the stars with your boo?!

Originally a medieval hunting lodge, this sumptuous country manor in the UK’s picturesque New Forest region has a private lake cabin with an alfresco bathtub and mod-British fit-out. At Lime Wood Hotel, there’s an award-winning spa, a sun-drenched swimming pool and landscaped grounds to explore, plus a restaurant from Angela Hartnett serving seasonal Italian fare.

Situated on Bali’s volcanic south coast, where craggy cliffs meet world-class surf breaks, this luxe beachside resort is the spot to catch an epic sunset, night after night. Even better if from your very own private poolside deck in the Como Uma Canggu rooftop penthouse.

Breathtaking wildlife in abundance, including the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, water buffalo, rhino, hippo and lion), and the ultimate safari-luxe experience awaits at Sanctuary Chief’s Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The camp is comprised of only 12 villas, each with their own freestanding bathtub, private deck and plunge pool, and there’s a central open-air restaurant, pool and fire pit for sundowners after a hard day on safari.

If Italy is the setting for the original love story, sister hotels Belmond Splendido Mare and Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino are two of its leading ladies. The hotels cling to the fabled stretch of winding Mediterranean coastline that weaves from the Ligurian Riviera to Cinque Terre. Belmond Hotel Splendido overlooks the bay below from its leafy hilltop perch in a restored monastery with a salt-water pool, lush gardens and the best terrace around for an Aperol spritz with a view, while the light and airy suites at Belmond Splendido Mare have terraces that spill out over the town’s cobblestoned harbour where la dolce vita plays out each day.

At the magical place where tropical rainforest meets the Andaman Sea you’ll find The Datai Langkawi, ground zero for breezy, barefoot luxury. The oversized beachfront and jungle villas are separate from the main building and feature local decor in a tropical indoor-outdoor space that spills from the bedroom and living area – complete with complimentary bar – onto your private pool deck. An outdoor shower and epic designer bathtub surrounded by greenery complete the scene for your very own castaway adventure, and your butler is likely to be the only other person you’ll see during your stay.

The Library Bar at The Ned is not only set in London’s hottest hotel and private member’s club du jour, it’s also an intimate spot for a martini or a glass of Champagne. Tucked behind a sweeping jacquard curtain with a menu featuring 30 Champagnes and a martini trolley for table-side theatrics, there’s old-world charm in abundance. Don’t want your night to end? Check into a room upstairs and scope the London skyline from the rooftop heated pool.