Whenever you feel the need to get out and have a glimpse of the wild, or just to relax by a nice fireplace or even to spend a few days trapped inside icy rooms or jungle canopies, there is a place awaiting you.
With prices ranging from too low too exorbitant, we invite you to take a tour into what we call “the most interesting places you can spend a few days at”, 15 unique hotels from all over the world where you can relax in an unforgettable holiday you’ve always dreamed of.
The Balancing Barn, England
Built by Living Architecture of an idea belonging to the Swiss writer Alain de Botton – the author of “The architecture of happiness” –, the purpose of this spot is to accommodate people and allow them to live in harmony with the environment, using modern architecture and high-quality materials. It’s situated in Suffolk, it may accommodate up to 8 people and it’s situated by the edge of a natural reserve.
With an odd shape and design, it has previously won a few rewards. Built with silver tiles and comprising huge windows, one can enjoy great landscapes while chilling inside any of the rooms.
Cost: $38 / person / night, depending on the occupancy.
The Mountain Retreat Inn, China
Situated in the Guanxi province, near Yungshuo, over viewing the Yulong River, this resort is renowned among the exotic seekers, being already recommended by The Telegraph and Trip Advisor.
It comprises simple rooms, but it uses the natural landscape surrounding it to emphasize every little piece of the beautiful design it has. Comfort is at high standards, the mountains offer one the possibility of totally getting away from day-to-day city life, and the nearby Li River is beautifully decorated with karst peaks.
Cost: $62 / single room.
Wild Brown Bear Hotel, Finland
This place is truly depicted out of fairy tales and novels. The beautiful scenery includes moss carpets, birch and pine forests, blueberries and forest fruits all over the place. It’s situated in the Karelia region, offering a rare chance to commune with nature itself.
One can reserve a night just to spend some time into the hides located here, watching wolverines and brown bears, or even make documentaries and photo-shooting from inside the photographer’s hide. You can also do some kayak-sailing on the silent lakes around the hotel, or even grab a bike to catch some wild air.
Cost: $213 / night / person.
Hotel Saratoga, Cuba
If you decide to visit Cuba, you probably want to have a cigar in Havana, or relax into a luxurious hotel; the chance to miss this hotel = 0. Far away from day-rush and noise, it’s the perfect place to be.
With a nice positioning, away from the great chaos from Paseo del Prado, the Guardian has put it among the top 10 Cuban hotels. With a not-so-good food reputation, it’s considered to be one of the best accommodations; the rooftop pool offers a great view over the town and it’s this hotel’s greatest card to play.
Cost: starting from $238 / night / Deluxe patio room.
Hoshi Ryokan, Japan
This resort has been built for everyone that wants to taste the uniqueness of the Japanese culture. Traditional tatami-matted rooms with futons, communal spas and the best Japanese food one can find are the reasons you should get here. The reputable business, lasting for 1300 years now, is located Hokuriku, Ishikawa. Considered to be one of the first Japanese ryokans, it has seen 46 generations.
The spring near the resort is believed to have curative powers; the rooms are decorated in pure sukiya style, while the kitchen offers traditional meals at breakfast and dinner.
Cost: $91 / guest room / night and going up.
Akköy Evleri Cave Hotel, Turkey
Situated in Cappadocia, this hotel is built near the historical village Akköy near Ürgüp. It’s owned by the AkköyEvleri family, comprising five bootique rooms, designed as caves and built in ex-cave houses.
Among the other similar locations around the spot, this one has the upper hand, because of the irreproachable services and great food it has to offer. One can visit the surrounding Byzantine caves or the underground cities Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.
Cost: $106-284 / room.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
This is one of the most desirable places to be on Earth. Located on the edge of the Ngorongoro volcano, it offers absolutely superb views over the surrounding savannah. The Ngorongoro is a conservation area protected by UNESCO, and there are around 40,000 Maasai semi-nomadic pastoralists that go on with their living.
Exotic animals, from herbivores to carnivorous beasts live here, and this spot is located right on the path of the migrating wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. The local design based on the Maasaimanyattai culture gives the guests a true African experience at a colonial comfort level. Marvelous safaris await you.
Cost: $720 / person / night.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Laos
UNESCO has reached even this spot, protecting the old Laos capital city of Luang Prabang. A mini-forest of palm trees, a large white colonial mansion and mountains as far as the eye can see is what makes this place unique.
Living in harmony with nature there are Buddhist monks around this resort. Observing them and the stupas is a great activity for the tourists that decide to come and visit this place, being accommodated by simple dark-wood rooms with cotton-wafting around doorways. There’s a Zen-like spirit at hand here.
Cost: $260 / double room.
Adrère Amellal eco lodge, Egypt
One of the few places left unspoiled is the Sahara desert. This resort is closely situated near it, providing easy access to the vast sands and great surroundings. One may check out the old Siwa culture, and taking benefit of the non-existent Internet services, no phone signal and no electricity, they can rest in peace without any speck of bother from the big city hustle.
The restaurant offers local meals, both vegetarian and meat, the Roman springs await everybody and the complex was built using only traditional methods, rock-hewn and kershef. It’s approximately 750 km away from the Egyptian capital of Cairo, but the ride is compensated by this particular spot.
Cost: $500 / night.
Palacio de Sal, Bolivia
White rock salt is everything here. Everything is made out of it. The spot offers some great night views over the stars, beautiful light shows on the salt lake and a mountain-like atmosphere, due to the location: 3,650 meters above sea level, on the eastern shore of the Great Salar de Uyuni. It comprises a golf course and a relaxing spa.
One can try to get the perfect shot here, playing with all the lights, decorations and landscapes. There’s always the need to get out alone and wonder alone. This place is ideal.
Cost: from $100 / single room.
Albergo ll Monastero, Italy
The surrounding Capri and Amalfi may capture tourists’ attention, but this tiny island is surely a subject to returning to Italy. The Albergol Monastero Hotel offers a great view over the Neapolitan gulf. The Mediterranean atmosphere is enhanced by the location; being a part of the Aragonese Castle, built during the 16th century, it’s located on a beautiful rock outcrop.
Thermal hot springs, volcanic mud treatments and wellness massage packages for the tourists spending at least two nights here are some of the few amenities one can try here.
Cost: prices oscillate, starting at $142 / room.
Alila Ubud, Indonesia
Rice terraces, a huge pool that looks like a mirror painted on the ground that doesn’t seem to end and the Bali hill-side – great location for this particular resort. It’s been recommended by Green Globe.
Totally eco-friendly, the hotel offers four-star services, traditional foods in the local restaurant, designed in a contemporary way. Come and see!
Cost: $148 and going up.
Great Orme Lighthouse, Wales
Comprising a beautiful history and a one-hundred-and-eighty degree view over the Irish Sea and North Wales, this former lighthouse was built in 1862 and was used for sailing purposes until 1985.
The hostess, Fiona, presents a modest accommodation, but promises to share the story of the lighthouse with you.
Cost: $129 / person / night.
Riad L’Ayel d’Essaouira, Morocco
Located in the middle of Essaouira’s old quarter, this particular hotel comprises four rooms, designed in Barber-style. Pleasing every eye, the level of detail this place was built with is astonishing: silky fabrics, carved-wood furnishings, tadlakt-coated walls and colored ceramic all over the place.
Offering a decent range of prices, check out the Travel Intelligence website and you’ll notice this location is marked there.
Cost: Starting at $71 / room.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
Located in Udaipur, this is your chance to spend one night as a Mughal Emperor. The traditional gold-leaf domes and sand-colored walls are easily noticed reflecting in the local clear-water pools. With Lake Pichola right near it, this location was voted as the highest level hotel Asia by Travel + Leisure’s 2011 after a poll they did.
Decorated with plenty of marble and frescoes manually painted by enthusiasts, this resort makes on feel like a Rajah. And, considering that the hotel is located in the middle of the ancient Mewar kingdom, the historical value of the place is unmatchable. The Aravalli Hills and the local lakes make this spot a desired destination for every human being, not mentioning that the feel it gives you is unique.
Cost: From $760.
[via CNN]
Whenever you feel the need to get out and have a glimpse of the wild, or just to relax by a nice fireplace or even to spend a few days trapped inside icy rooms or jungle canopies, there is a place awaiting you. With prices ranging from too low too exorbitant, we invite you to take a tour into what we call “the greatest places u can spend a few days at”.
The Balancing Barn, England
Built by Living Architecture of an idea belonging to the Swiss writer Alain de Botton – the author of “The architecture of happiness” –, the purpose of this spot is to accommodate people and allow them to live in harmony with the environment, using modern architecture and high-quality materials. It’s situated in Suffolk, it may accommodate up to 8 people and it’s situated by the edge of a natural reserve.
With an odd shape and design, it has previously won a few rewards. Built with silver tiles and comprising huge windows, one can enjoy great landscapes while chilling inside any of the rooms.
Cost: $38 / person / night, depending on the occupancy.
The Mountain Retreat Inn, China
Situated in the Guanxi province, near Yungsho, over viewing the Yulong River, this resort is renowned among the exotic seekers, being already recommended by The Telegraph and Trip Advisor.
It comprises simple rooms, but it uses the natural landscape surrounding it to emphasize every little piece of the beautiful design it has. Comfort is at high standards, the mountains offer one the possibility of totally getting away from day-to-day city life, and the nearby Li River is beautifully decorated with karst peaks.
Cost: $62 / single room.
Wild Brown Bear Hotel, Finland
This place is truly depicted out of fairy tales and novels. The beautiful scenery includes moss carpets, birch and pine forests, blueberries and forest fruits all over the place. It’s situated in the Karelia region, offering a rare chance to commune with nature itself.
One can reserve a night just to spend some time into the hides located here, watching wolverines and brown bears, or even make documentaries and photo-shooting from inside the photographer’s hide. You can also do some kayak-sailing on the silent lakes around the hotel, or even grab a bike to catch some wild air.
Cost: $213 / night / person.
Hotel Saratoga, Cuba
If you decide to visit Cuba, you probably want to have a cigar in Havana, or relax into a luxurious hotel; the chance to miss this hotel = 0. Far away from day-rush and noise, it’s the perfect place to be.
With a nice positioning, away from the great chaos from Paseo del Prado, the Guardian has put it among the top 10 Cuban hotels. With a not-so-good food reputation, it’s considered to be one of the best accommodations; the rooftop pool offers a great view over the town and it’s this hotel’s greatest card to play.
Cost: starting from $238 / night / Deluxe patio room.
Houshi Ryokan, Japan
This resort has been built for everyone that wants to taste the uniqueness of the Japanese culture. Traditional tatami-matted rooms with futons, communal spas and the best Japanese food one can find are the reasons you should get here. The reputable business, lasting for 1300 years now, is located Hokuriku, Ishikawa. Considered to be one of the first Japanese ryokans, it has seen 46 generations.
The onsen spring near the resort is believed to have curative powers; the rooms are decorated in pure sukiya style, while the kitchen offers traditional meals at breakfast and dinner.
Cost: $91 / guest room / night and going up.
Akköy Evleri Cave Hotel, Turkey
Situated in Cappadocia, this hotel is built near the historical village Akköy near Ürgüp. It’s owned by the AkköyEvleri family, comprising five bootique rooms, designed as caves and built in ex-cave houses.
Among the other similar locations around the spot, this one has the upper hand, because of the irreproachable services and great food it has to offer. One can visit the surrounding Byzantine caves or the underground cities Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.
Cost: $106-284 / room.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
This is one of the most desirable places to be on Earth. Located on the edge of the Ngorongoro volcano, it offers absolutely superb views over the surrounding savannah. The Ngorongoro is a conservation area protected by UNESCO, and there are around 40,000 Maasai semi-nomadic pastoralists that go on with their living. Wild animals, from herbivores to carnivorous beasts live here, and this spot is located right on the path of the migrating wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.
The local design based on the Maasaimanyattai culture gives the guests a true African experience at a colonial comfort level. Marvelous safaris await you.
Cost: $720 / person / night.
La Résidence Phou Vao, Laos
UNESCO has reached even this spot, protecting the old Laos capital city of Luang Prabang. A mini-forest of palm trees, a large white colonial mansion and mountains as far as the eye can see is what makes this place unique.
Living in harmony with nature there are Buddhist monks around this resort. Observing them and the stupas is a great activity for the tourists that decide to come and visit this place, being accommodated by simple dark-wood rooms with cotton-wafting around doorways. There’s a Zen-like spirit at hand here.
Cost: $260 / double room.
Adrère Amellal eco lodge, Egypt
One of the few places left unspoiled is the Sahara desert. This resort is closely situated near it, providing easy access to the vast sands and great surroundings. One may check out the old Siwa culture, and taking benefit of the non-existent Internet services, no phone signal and no electricity, they can rest in peace without any speck of bother from the big city hustle.
The restaurant offers local meals, both vegetarian and meat, the Roman springs await everybody and the complex was built using only traditional methods, rock-hewn and kershef. It’s approximately 750 km away from the Egyptian capital of Cairo, but the ride is compensated by this particular spot.
Cost: $500 / night.
Palacio de Sal, Bolivia
White rock salt is everything here. Everything is made out of it. The spot offers some great night views over the stars, beautiful light shows on the salt lake and a mountain-like atmosphere, due to the location: 3,650 meters above sea level, on the eastern shore of the Great Salar de Uyuni. It comprises a golf course and a relaxing spa.
One can try to get the perfect shot here, playing with all the lights, decorations and landscapes. There’s always the need to get out alone and wonder alone. This place is ideal.
Cost: from $100 / single room.
Albergo ll Monastero, Italy
The surrounding Capri and Amalfi may capture tourists’ attention, but this tiny island is surely a subject to returning to Italy. The Albergol Monastero Hotel offers a great view over the Neapolitan gulf.
The Mediterranean atmosphere is enhanced by the location; being a part of the Aragonese Castle, built during the 16th century, it’s located on a beautiful rock outcrop.
Thermal hot springs, volcanic mud treatments and wellness massage packages for the tourists spending at least two nights here are some of the few amenities one can try here.
Cost: prices oscillate, starting at $142 / room.
Alila Ubud, Indonesia
Rice terraces, a huge pool that looks like a mirror painted on the ground that doesn’t seem to end and the Bali hill-side – great location for this particular resort. It’s been recommended by Green Globe.
Totally eco-friendly, the hotel offers four-star services, traditional foods in the local restaurant, designed in a contemporary way. Come and see!
Cost: $148 and going up.
Great Orme Lighthouse, Wales
Comprising a beautiful history and a one-hundred-and-eighty degree view over the Irish Sea and North Wales, this former lighthouse was built in 1862 and was used for sailing purposes until 1985.
The hostess, Fiona, presents a modest accommodation, but promises to share the story of the lighthouse with you.
Cost: $129 / person / night.
RiadL’Ayeld’Essaouira, Morocco
Located in the middle of Essaouira’s old quarter, this particular hotel comprises four rooms, designed in Barber-style. Pleasing every eye, the level of detail this place was built with is astonishing: silky fabrics, carved-wood furnishings, tadlakt-coated walls and colored ceramic all over the place.
Offering a decent range of prices, check out the Travel Intelligence website and you’ll notice this location is marked there.
Cost: Starting at $71 / room.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
Located in Udaipur, this is your chance to spend one night as a Mughal Emperor. The traditional gold-leaf domes and sand-colored walls are easily noticed reflecting in the local clear-water pools.
With Lake Pichola right near it, this location was voted as the highest level hotel Asia by Travel + Leisure’s 2011 after a poll they did.
Decorated with plenty of marble and frescoes manually painted by enthusiasts, this resort makes on feel like a Rajah. And, considering that the hotel is located in the middle of the ancient Mewar kingdom, the historical value of the place is unmatchable. The Aravalli Hills and the local lakes make this spot a desired destination for every human being, not mentioning that the feel it gives you is unique.
Cost: From $760.
