Hotels.com has introduced the Hideaway Hotels category in response to a lift in bookings in the last two years, with a 60% spike in guests leaving positive reviews for off-the-grid hotels.

As modern-day travellers seek unique and personalised bucket-list experiences, unusual or off-grid destinations are ruling the booking charts. According to Hotels.com, online reviews have been looking positive with 60% of guests, leaving glowing reviews for locations such as private islands (50%), deep in the woods (50%) and forests (30%).

“A huge uplift in a desire to escape the city and head for the hills”

Johan Svanstrom, president of the Hotels.com brand, said: “Thanks to our 25 million guest reviews, we’ve seen a huge uplift in a desire to escape the city and head for the hills – in some cases, quite literally! Going ‘off-grid’ seems to be a trend many guests are positively highlighting more and more in their reviews.

To capitalise on this trend, Hotels.com has launched a new Hideaway Hotels category in its annual reviews-driven Loved by Guests awards. It includes properties such as Four Seasons Resort Sayan in the middle of the jungle in Bali, Icehotel amidst the snow and ice in Sweden and Silostay in New Zealand which offer accommodations in reclaimed containers.

Svanstrom added: “The launch of our new Loved by Guests awards category will provide more inspiration and opportunity for travellers to stay in hotels they didn’t even know existed; whether they are in the desert, the forest, the jungle or even up a mountain. The ultimate way to have a rewarding holiday experience plus extra bragging rights!”

Desert Nights, UAE – Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert

A hotel nestled among spectacular sand dunes, Anantara Qasr al Sarab Desert is the quintessential ‘middle of nowhere’ hotel. Shoes off, toes in the sand, this breath-taking luxury hotel with spa and safari offers plenty of space to unwind.

Icey Tundra, Sweden – Icehotel

This epic location is just the spot to rug up and take a moment to freeze in time. There are endless opportunities to chill and hopefully enjoy the stunning Northern Lights. There is a selection of warm and cold room types available, including the Art Suites, each individually hand carved and kept between -5 and -8 degrees Celsius.

Rural Retreat, Chile – Remota Hotel

Hidden in Chilean Patagonia, a world-famous epicentre of natural beauty, the Remota Hotel is where guests can enjoy breath-taking views of this remote paradise. The hotel offers a marina, spa, pool, garden and library. Guests can use this hotel as a base to explore the nearby native forests, islets, ice fields and glaciers.