Accommodation
When it comes to the 21st century hotel scene, top properties strive to stand out with hipper-than-thou décor, quirkily customized services and out-of-this-world luxuries. But some hotels are simply true originals, with settings and concepts that naturally take the art of accommodation to the extreme. We’ve gathered some of the most unique lodgings on (and under) earth, so that you can take your next holiday to the limit… and beyond. Keep in mind, though: roughing it may be required.
Frank Lloyd Wright Watchtower, Baron Island, Murcia, Spain
Half an hour off the southern coast of Spain, Baron Island was the former royal hunting ground of King Amadeo of Saboya. This private, 220-acre nature reserve offers not only exclusivity, but also a five-floor watchtower built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s. Along with cottages and a hunting lodge, the watchtower—boasting circular rooms filled with groovy furniture—can host groups of up to 14. Along with lots of privacy, you also get your own staff, tennis court and beach equipped with the necessities for windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, hobie cat sailing and more.
Green Magic Treehouse Resort, Kerala, India
Reached by driving through miles of coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations, Green Magic Treehouse Resort is a dream come true for kids at heart. Imagine your own tree fort—there are two to choose from, one at 90 feet off the ground and another at 100. Each was built by Paniya tribesmen using local materials and indigenous techniques. The double-decker structures (bedrooms are on top, reached by winding wooden staircases) feature simple but lovely furnishings, wraparound verandas, toilets, (cold) showers and draperies of forest canopy. Keep in mind that the houses to sometimes sway. For those who prefer to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, there is an eco-lodge here, as well.
Ice Hotel, Jukkasjârvi, Sweden
To call the Ice Hotel cool is to make an extreme understatement. It is—quite literally—frigid. Built entirely of snow and ice, and rebuilt every winter, this chilly monument to ingenuity features a movie room, chapel and bedrooms in which even the beds are frozen. Don’t fear, though. Specially designed thermal sleeping bags on reindeer pelts are guaranteed to keep you warm at night. Hot spot aficionados should be sure to hit the Absolut Icebar, where drinks are served in ice glasses.
Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida
For those who like the idea of living in a yellow submarine, this is the next best thing. Jules’ Undersea Lodge is an authentic underwater research habitat and hotel, inspired by the fantastical world of Jules Verne. Earn an Aquanaut certificate while enjoying unlimited diving (if you’re a certified diver). And when the day is through, partake of a gourmet dinner prepared by the hotel’s “mer-chef.” You can spend multiple days here without surfacing.
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, Farmington, New Mexico
Being at one with the earth takes on new meaning at Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast. Originally built as a geological research office, this manmade dwelling is carved into a cliff face 70 feet below the mesa top. It is reminiscent of the nearby Anasazi cliff ruins … with the exception of Jacuzzis and the stylish Southwest furnishings. Authentic to the property is a traditional ceremonial kiva. And notable is the deck, for viewing sunsets over four states (you’re in the famous Four Corners region of the U.S.) and incredible stargazing.
The Lighthouse, Llandudno, Wales
Built in 1862, this property departs from typical lighthouse architecture. It is built of limestone and Canadian pitch-pine, and resembles a clifftop castle. It operated as a lighthouse until 1985, and now offers pretty, traditionally furnished, bed and breakfast accommodations with views over the Irish Sea. Most remarkable is the panorama from the breakfast room, overlooking a 110-meter vertical cliff drop. Surrounding The Lighthouse is the rugged Great Orme Country Park.
Robinson Crusoe’s Cave, Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile
Staying the night in the former abode of Alexander Selkirk. Doesn’t sound too exciting, does it? That is until you learn that Selkirk was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe. Intrepid travelers willing to make the trek to Robinson Crusoe Island (formerly Mas-A-Tierra) off the coast of Chile can actually overnight in the cave where Selkirk survived for over four years, before he was rescued in 1709. Granted, the digs are more than rustic, but if you want a good story to tell when you get back home, this place is a must.
Taprobane Island, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Built in the 1920s by a count (the descendant of one of Napoleon’s generals) and later owned by expatriate writer Paul Bowles (who penned Spider House here), this two and a half acre private island boasts just one luxurious, five-bedroom, Palladian-style villa, wading distance from the shore of Sri Lanka. You can splash over, although it’s more fun to ride in on an elephant. The concept behind the villa’s design was to avoid interiors at all costs—there are views looking out to the sea from almost every point in the house. The island is staffed with houseboys, stewards, a cook, a gardener and security.
Three Camel Lodge, Gobi, Mongolia
In Mongolia there are gers, and then there are gers. (Gers are the traditional felt tents inhabited by nomadic farmers). But unlike most of the gers available to travelers, those at Three Camel Lodge are actually stylish. Genghis Khan, eat your heart out. Equipped with wood stoves and simple but pretty painted furnishings, they are gathered in the shadow of a 47-million year old volcanic outcrop in Gurvansaikhan National Park. This environmentally and culturally responsible camp also has a beautiful lodge where you can partake from a fully stocked bar after a day of camel trekking.
Whitepod Eco-resort, Les Cerniers, Switzerland
Accessible only via skis or snowshoe trek, the Whitepod Eco-Retreat offers an exclusive Swiss Alps experiences. The camp, situated at 5,577 feet, consists of twelve pods designed to resemble igloos. The pods, actually dome shaped tents, are pitched on raised wooden platforms surrounding a refurbished 19th-century Alpine chalet. Each well insulated pod is heated by a wood burning stove, and has its own private front terrace. In case of a snow storm, the pods can withstand snowfall of 45 lbs./sq. ft. with winds of up to 130 mph. Along with the majestic views of the snow-covered mountains, the camp offers ice climbing, ski tours, guided and unguided snowshoe tours, back country skiing and dog sledging.
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