5 US hotels where you can enjoy a socially distanced summer vacation

As countries around the world, including many US states, begin relaxing lockdown restrictions, people are wondering when and how it will be safe to travel again.

And though many want to get back out into the world, physical distancing will be the norm for the foreseeable future. As a result, hotels may start to see an increase in requests from families looking to book out entire properties to avoid being exposed to other guests.

"Isolated places are going to have a whole new appeal because people are afraid to mix with others and socialise," Ovation Travel advisor Andrew Steinberg told CNN.

"They want to travel but get away from everyone and secluded destinations offer the opportunity to do that."

From a luxury desert retreat in the heart of Utah to a beachfront escape on Rhode Island, your safely distanced summer vacation awaits at one of these remote US hotels.

Within the Wild | Alaska

Expansive Alaskan wilderness landscapes, high mountain vistas and deep ocean fjords are all within your backyard at one of the two upscale, seaplane-accessible lodges operated by Within the Wild. Perched on the edge of the Alaska Range, Winterlake Lodge offers activities from sportfishing and river rafting to hiking and helicopter adventures.

Or, head to Tutka Bay Lodge, poised on a private cove, for sea kayaking, whale watching, inter-tide pooling and more. Each lodge has six cabins with a total of 10 bedrooms and comes with full staff to oversee everything from gourmet meals to wellness activities.

Book the entire place for yourself starting from US$60,000 for a three-night minimum stay.

The Resort at Paws Up | Montana

This Montana resort knows a thing or two about physical distancing. Spread across 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness along the Blackfoot River, it boasts 28 private luxury homes and 36 seasonal glamping tents. Opening this August is The Green O, an exclusive adults-only, year-round camp featuring 12 nature-inspired accommodations scattered throughout the forest around a central gathering house.

Guests staying in any of the accommodations have access to the resort’s 160 kilometres of hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and ATV trails, plus a shooting range, fly-fishing trips and more.

Summer (May–October) rates for booking out the homes and three glamping camps (not including The Green O) start at US$42,897 per night. Alternatively, book out The Green O for you and your guests from US$9,600 per night.

Camp Sarika by Amangiri | Canyon Point, Utah

In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Amangiri is opening a sister property on 1 July. A short hike or drive from Amangiri, set among a 600-acre landscape of towering mesas, slot canyons and rust-coloured sands, the tented retreat of Camp Sarika promises an intimate, back-to-the-wild experience in the desert heart of Utah.

The camp’s 10 one- or two-bedroom canvas-topped pavilions each has a private deck and plunge pool for luxurious solitude, and centres on a shared lounge, restaurant and pool area. Slow down with outdoor yoga and guided meditation or gather for an evening of Native American storytelling under the stars.

Off-site adventures include hiking, kayaking, e-biking, hot-air balloon rides, or a breathtaking sunrise helicopter flight. To ensure the safety of staff and guests alike, Aman has partnered with Diversey, a global leader in providing smart, sustainable solutions for cleaning and hygiene.

One-bedroom Camp Sarika pavilions start at US$3,500 per night including all meals; book the entire hotel from US$48,000 per night.

Ocean House | Rhode Island

Perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, this historic beachfront getaway reopens on 16 June with new COVID-19 protocols in place. You’ll be able to buy out the entire property – that’s 49 guest rooms and 20 suites – or rent one of the more private Cottage Collection residences.

Scattered across 13 acres of stunning oceanfront landscape, the cottages range from two to seven bedrooms, and come with a laundry, full kitchens and yard space; some also have swimming pools, hot tubs or firepits. Cottage guests have access to the resort’s private beach, golf facilities, dedicated concierge and other amenities.

Cottage rates start at US$2,000 per night, or you can book out the main property (all rooms and suites, not including cottages) from US$149,000 per night.

Twin Farms | Vermont

The former country estate of Nobel prize-winning author Sinclair Lewis, this Vermont favourite is spread out over 300 wooded acres – plenty of space for maintaining a safe distance. This natural sanctuary offers outdoor pursuits ranging from ski runs and an ice-skating rink to hiking and biking trails plus dedicated picnic locations.

For the ultimate secluded summer vacation, check into one of the 10 standalone cottages, each fitted with a fireplace and screened porch, and some with a hot tub. There’s also a two-bedroom lodge and four main house suites available.

Room rates start at US$1,750 per night and you can take over the entire property starting from US$56,000 per night with a two-night minimum.