Make the world go away
So you made it through the holidays and the world didn’t end as the Mayans predicted. … After hefty helpings of family and friends, it might be time to consider pulling a Houdini move and disappear to quieter, less taxing, climes.
BONAIRE, LEEWARD ANTILLES
Not far off the coast of Venezuela, this island is a perfect hideaway for solace seekers because of its secondto-none scuba and snorkelling conditions. It’s tranquil under the sea where cellphones won’t work. tourismbonaire.com
ICELAND
As of one of the world’s least populated countries, you’ll find more sheep than people. It’s gorgeous — the poster child for destinations with pristine natural beauty — and there are direct flights from Halifax and Toronto. visiticeland.com
GREENLAND
Next door to Iceland, Greenland has fewer people at less than 57,000 inhabitants. It’s handy for golfers who want uncrowded links and plenty of swing room. The World Ice Golf Championship is a good challenge for swingers of all sorts. Watch out for the icebergs. Greenland.com
LANGDON HALL, CAMBRIDGE, ONT.
You don’t have to travel to the ends of the Earth to experience luxury and first-rate R&R. This grand inn dating back to 1898 sits by itself amid woodlands and gardens. Walk the trails, go to the spa and eat well. langdonhall.ca
ANDEAN COTTAGE, PERU
If you need to get away from it all
— including traffic and television
— consider this remote hotel on its own island in Lake Titicaca. It requires a 4½-hour trip by speedboat from the city of Puno, but you’re rewarded with serenity and crystal blue skies. casa-andina.com
AESCHER RESTAURANT, APPENZELL, SWITZERLAND
Precariously wedged up against the side of a 100-metre cliff, this mountain eatery is free from the kind of lineups you might see at McDonald’s.
The hungry and the fit can do the three-hour hike to get there.
The good news? By the time you’ve arrived, you’ve burned enough calories to eat anything your heart desires from the menu. myswitzerland.com/en/hiking-and-aeschercliff