Unique lodges

Sustainable Hotels in Africa Recommended by Discover Earth

arvin — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:32:17 +0000

Sustainable Hotels in Africa Recommended by Discover Earth arvin Mon, 02/14/2022 - 15:32

There will be a time in your life when you decide to broaden your horizons, and see what the other oceans have to offer. Maybe you’re stateside, and think that the Atlantic and Pacific are overexposed! We’re not saying this appreciation isn’t earned, but rather by design. They cover a lot of the world, but let’s not forget about all the magnificent glory that can be found around the Indian Ocean. From Mozambique to Seychelles, there are resorts and scenes that we need to talk about. If you’re up for the ride (whether it be by boat or helicopter), then get ready to explore the unknown with style.

BEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

If you’re looking for a break from your traditional resort experience filled with shopping malls, long lines, promises of relaxation that are often addled with stressful itineraries that suck away at the enjoyment of the intended experience, then Bazaruto Archipelago may be the retreat you’re looking for. Here you will experience unspoiled natural beauty and a rich marine life in seclusion as if you were the owner of your own private beach. Whether you want to kick back in the pristine sand and have an intimate picnic or dive deep on a guided scuba tour, you’ve got a secluded world of sea and sand to set your eyes on. Clean water and clear coastlines will keep you out all day as you explore the land as if you were a castaway (until you want to retire for the day) with infinite curiosity.

&Beyond Benguerra Island by Marita Aarnio

As for lodging, the resort ranges from intimate cabanas to honeymoon accommodations, to full family sized cabanas to suit whatever traveling needs you may have. So whether you’re flying solo, or bringing the whole pack along, there are so many ways to sink into the seclusion of Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Even if you never leave your hideaway, you’ll get the reset you deserve, as the lodges lie sheltered within the canopy of an indegenous forest and swaying palm trees. If the ocean isn’t your style, you can still dip in a private pool for a quality soak in the sun.

&Beyond Benguerra Island by Marita Aarnio

Fregate Island, Seychelles

Fregate Island takes you even further into seclusion (if you could even imagine!) for a truly relaxing getaway from everything, but with modern amenities. Surrounded by sapphire seas, 17 secluded villas cover three square kilometers of sustainable, biodiverse nature. Whether you want to lodge with a single travel companion or a larger group, you will be able to map out a trip that will be talked about for years to come. Host to the Fregate House Restaurant & Pirates Bar, you are sure to have dining experiences of pure luxury complete with access to a wine cellar or a wide array of sunset cocktails to wind down after a long day of exploring.

Fregate Island by Fregate.com

Or maybe the beach is your kind of preferred outing. Whether you want to view the coral reef at Marina beach, or get in on some quality snorkeling at Anse Victorin. If you’re looking for more of a casual hang, Anse Bambous offers boogie boarding, light lunches, and crushed iced drinks. Let’s say you want to hit up all 7 beaches, and you’ll also have time for Grand Anse, which allows you to explore the jungle while hearing the beach roaring in the distance.

Whatever way you choose to indulge in your travels, Fregate Island, Seychelles boasts a number of activities that will keep you occupied. From the spa to the chapels, from beaches to jungles, from the bar to the pool, you’ll find it hard to check off everything you want to do with just one visit.

Fregate Island by Fregate.com

GPS location

-21.862846015183937, 35.418218401284065

Secret places Unique lodges

Africa

Sustainable Hotels in Africa Recommended by Discover Earth

Teaser image large

Off

Sustainable hotels in Peru recommended by Discover Earth

arvin — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 12:40:02 +0000

Sustainable hotels in Peru recommended by Discover Earth arvin Mon, 02/14/2022 - 13:40

Oftentimes, choosing a travel destination is no easy feat. There are lots of things to consider, like
“Am I in the mood for the beach?” or “Maybe it’s time to get lost in the forest.” Maybe you’re trying to elevate your life, and you’re thinking something a little more… mountainous. Luckily for you, Peru is synonymous with mountains, and as if a reflection of life itself, full of unique peaks and valleys. Whether you want to explore and return to a luxurious housing citation, or sleep in a pod on the side of a mountain, there are unique lodges for you to discover and explore throughout Peru.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, and desire a combined experience of luxurious lodging, and adventurous excursions, then you’ve come to the right places. With rooms ranging from small villas featuring private gardens and a private entrance, complete with fireplace and marble bathrooms, to more deluxe suites equipped with hypoallergenic pillows, colonial style wardrobe, room heater, and a sizeable working area for those trying to get their grind out remotely, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel has everybody covered. So whether you’re traveling alone or with a companion, you’ll have the luxury of both privacy and reachability.

Link

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel by National Geographic

Depending on your budget and how adventurous you are, there are a number of different excursions you could take during your stay. Nature walks, and bird watching are amongst the most popular, but for an extra premium you could go to the Manuel Chavez Ballón Museum, which is home to displays, maps, and artifacts related to the site. Or if you’re feeling bold, you could take a trip to observe the Spectacled Bear Project for some wonderful photo opportunities.

When you’re ready to kick back and relax for the day (or maybe you’ve been relaxing this whole time), you can head on over to the Café Inkaterra, which boasts Andean fusion cuisine, and looks over the Vilcanota river. After a day of getting out there and exploring, there really isn’t a better way to slip away from the crowd, and kick back with a drink and your travel companion.

Inkaterra Café by Inkaterra.com

Skylodge Adventure Suites

Sacred Valley of Cuzco, Peru

We mentioned hanging from a mountain earlier on, so we might as well get into it. Skylodge Adventure Suites is not for the faint of heart or those who are afraid of hanging out in high places. Boasting capsules that require a 400 meter climb to access, Skylodge Adventure Suites have a view that is worth the climb. You will be treated to a 300 degree view of the Sacred Valley from a luxury pod hand crafted out of aerospace aluminum and weather resistant polycarbonate. While you’ll feel like you’re so high in the sky, you’ll still have access to beds, dining, and even a private bathroom. After all, even the gnarliest trips are made better with modern amenities.

Link

Skylodge adventure suite by roomandwild.com

If the view of a lifetime from the pods isn’t enough, then you’ll be all over the ziplining. Requiring a 40 minute hike, their zipline packages cover a total of 2800 meters. You can start small, and work your way up as you become a pro, and there are myriad packages to consider that combine different levels of hiking and touring with ziplining. When all is said and done, you can grab lunch from above and enjoy four courses of peruvian gastronomic cuisine. Sometimes it’s best to make friends in high places, and once you’re ready for some “me” time, you can just head on back to your pod and enjoy the views.

Skylodge adventure suites by naturavive.com

GPS location

-13.157458885638436, -72.52267828650577

Spanish

Unique lodges

South America

Sustainable hotels in Peru recommended by Discover Earth

Teaser image large

Country

Peru

Sustainable Hotels in Europe Recommended by Discover Earth

arvin — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 15:33:14 +0000

Sustainable Hotels in Europe Recommended by Discover Earth arvin Mon, 01/31/2022 - 16:33

If you live stateside, you may be familiar with the term “across the pond.” You might be wondering what’s happening over here from your side of the Atlantic, and want to check it out. Whether you’re looking to hole up in a castle, go for a pub crawl, admire the architecture, or all of the above, then luckily for you, Europe has a whole lot to offer.

Ashford Castle

County May, Ireland

If you’re looking for a royal treatment, then Ashford Castle in County May, Ireland should be your destination of choice. Featuring rich and layered interiors, top notch hospitality, a view with a breeze, spa treatment, and centuries upon centuries of history, Ashford Castle boasts suites brimming with antique furniture, the finest fabrics, and many unique features to the 350 acre resort that simply cannot be duplicated. In so many words, you can be king for a day. Or queen. Or whatever royalty you find appropriate!

Ashford Castle by @ashfordcastle

Here you can work on your golf game, discover the ancient art of falconry, cruise on the lake, or glide past your surroundings while zip-lining. If you’re looking for more of a low-key experience, you always have the option of checking out one of the many bars and restaurants on the property, head on down to the cigar lounge, or head to one of the pool halls. Think about having your very own bar crawl while within the walls of this magnificent castle. Or you can do a combination of both. Maybe you want to check out the rolling hills and your surroundings, and come back in the evening to rest on your laurels in style.

With rooms like royalty, and so many features and experiences within your reach, it’s only a matter of time before you book your flight to experience this modern marvel for yourself.

Ashford Castle by @ashfordcastle

Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris

Paris, France

If you want to get out of the country and into the city, then Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris might be more your taste. Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris offers the same level of luxury, but under a different canopy… the city of lights. They say location is everything, and you will find yourself right in the middle of Champs-Elysées. Sometimes it’s nice to remove yourself to somewhere remote, but other times you want to be where the action is. You’ll find yourself exploring luxury boutiques for days. A healthy connection is great from time to time, but let’s not forget the power of connection, and getting out into the hustle and bustle of a new locale.

Barrière Le Fouquet's Room by © Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet

As for the “hanging up your hat” part, the rooms and suites are second to none. With packages that vary from “extremely comfortable and accommodating,” to “holy WOW! I never want to leave this room!” Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris has all of the modern amenities, contemporary design, and convenience that are almost too much of a good thing. You’re in the middle of the city after all, so a supremely comfortable room might be hard to leave!

No great day of exploring the city of lights is complete without cocktails on the rooftop. Le Rooftop Marta is the place to be in the summer. Sometimes the best thing to explore while traveling is the food and drink offerings. At the end of the day, that’s what brings us together. Sharing plates with your travel companion, and experiencing a unique pairing with innovative cocktails designed to bring out the best of your senses.

Marta Rooftop bar by © Globe Infinite

GPS location

53.534746416889625, -9.284865801773938

Unique lodges

Europe

Sustainable Hotels in Europe Recommended by Discover Earth

Teaser image large

Country

Ireland

France

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan

robinfinger — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 10:13:44 +0000

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan robinfinger Fri, 11/19/2021 - 11:13

To describe the sensory experience of Wadi Rum, Jordan will require you to suspend a substantial amount of disbelief. How an area so terrestrial could have such a Martian feel to it can make you wonder about your origin as you feast your eyes upon the cliff formations from the valley where you stand. What initially appears to be a slightly heightened plateau from a distance reveals itself to be a monolithic feat of Earth’s naturally proficient engineering. Panorama from the depth of your vantage point will seem endless, but you’ll also feel small without feeling insignificant. The vast expanse of the scenery will swallow you whole, but you’ll know right where you are. Red sand will sink beneath your feet on the inclines, but you will feel so deeply rooted that you won’t be worried about sinking.

Rock Climbing

If your calf muscles are eager for a challenge, then you’re in luck. Rock formations jut out of the ground in a multitude of formations; inclines range from a gradual climb to cliffs at a sharp 90 degree angle. From whatever skill level you may be, you can feast your eyes at the glory and splendor of Wadi Rum from above, whatever the climb of your choosing may be. Endless horizons will make you question your own senses as you try to calculate the vastness of it all.

Wadi Rum photographed by Lior Dahan

The Desert Sky

You might find yourself wandering through the desert using the sun as your compass, only to be met with streaks of cumulus clouds that trail off endlessly. Sure, you’re oh so far away from your hometown's annual carnival, but the delicate precipitous ballet soaring above you reminds you of cotton candy from the fairgrounds of your youth. You try to reach out and grab a piece, but you know it’s impossible. Silly as this may seem, you can’t blame yourself for trying.

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp photographed by Qais (@qais.visuals)

Hotels from Mars

The lodging options in Wadi Rum transcend what you might be used to in more conventional settings, but the accommodations will not let you down. You’ll be led to believe that you’re bunking at a space station on Mars in comparison to your usual inland hotel. Often referred to as “star pods,” “bubble tents,” or “martian domes,” these hotels allow you to sleep under the stars and take in the desert sky as the world cools down, but with the comfort of modern amenities that allow you to find comfort in your preferred climate.

Memories Aicha Luxury Camp photographed by Vanessa (@vanessawild93)

A New Perspective

While Wadi Rum is off the beaten path, the beauty of the landscapes and rock formations will humble you. The peaks and valleys silhouetted against the sky will resemble the EKG that keeps your pulse beating steadily. The endless skies will make you feel small until the soil beneath you reminds you of how grounded you actually are. Whether you are traveling to stargaze, to climb, or to just get lost, you will find a depth within yourself that was previously unknown.

Wadi Rum, Jordan photographed by Karol Nienartowicz (@karolnienartowicz)

GPS location

29.5478115619559, 35.43439860000363

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Arabic

Adventure Unique lodges

Asia

Adventurer's Paradise in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Teaser image large

Country

Jordan

The Northern Lights from the Hotel Room in Finland

robinfinger — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 12:22:18 +0000

The Northern Lights from the Hotel Room in Finland robinfinger Wed, 11/17/2021 - 13:22

Imagine that your bed is floating through the middle of the Milky Way Galaxy, and you’re sipping from a hot cocoa after a long day out on snow shoes. Your muscles are relaxed as you gaze in panorama, and marvel at the jade majesty of Aurora Borealis that swirls around you from every angle within your periphery. You might see a shooting star streak across the sky and disappear into infinity as the rest of the sky lights your face with an auspicious and welcoming glow. Your arms and legs tingle, but that’s because you’re warming back up after a long day, but the tingling feels almost supernatural this time. It feels like you’re settling back into yourself for the first time in years as the very sky itself heals you.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Losing yourself in the wilderness, and feasting your eyes upon the silent magnificence above you might seem like a lucid dream beyond your wildest imagination, but it’s not too far from the truth. Arctic cabins and glass igloos hide in the wilderness of Finland in cozy atmospheres that will wrap around you like a weighted blanket slowly lulling you into a gentle sleep. As you dream, you might flail and toss at first, but as you let the heavens wrap themselves around you, you will gently fade into the universe that surrounds you with a sense of all accepting familiarity, and be one with the Dawn of the North as you fade into where you truly belong. We’ve tried to use the proper words to explain it, but you really have to see it for yourself.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort photographed by Helivideo

What you need to know

Booking: While you can book year-round, the most popular option is during the winter when the sky is the darkest and the stars are the most visible. Autumn offers myriad colors that you may not see during the winter, but the Aurora is visible from late August to late April.

Winter Attire: Some of the best stargazing will take place outside of your dwelling, and it’s encouraged to dress snug and warm. Thermals, gloves, a lined jacket, and comfortable boots are recommended, because comfort will directly influence the enjoyment of the spectacle that awaits you.

Accommodations: Cabins, igloos, and hybrids vary in size and price. Whether you’re looking for an intimate escape, or a family retreat, there are plenty of options for lodging.

Apukka Resort photographed by Alaa Othman

Santa's Home photographed by Alaa Othman

What is Aurora Borealis?

The phenomena known as Aurora Borealis is the result of solar wind at high altitudes. This solar wind causes disturbances in the magnetosphere, and creates the illusion of a ghostly green blanket that wraps itself around the sky. The visual stimulation is vibrant, awe inspiring, and all consuming. Pale green and pink are the most common of colors, and they display themselves in magnificent arcs of color and shape. You can easily lose yourself in the spirals as the Aurora Borealis encomposses your surroundings. Roughly translating to “The Dawn of the North,” Aurora Borealis occurs between the twilight and the obscurity of the early morning. It doesn’t matter if you’re an early riser, or a night owl, because the overlapping circle of this Venn Diagram is one of total awe-inspiring beauty, and majestic optical magnificence.

The Northern Lights photographed by Alaa Othman

The beauty that awaits you

Imagine hiking up a hill in snow shoes, eagerly awaiting your homestead; your body aching, and your soul weary. Maybe you were hunting, or maybe you were just hiking while your neck did all the work gathering in all of the surroundings. As you press on, and on, you catch a glimpse of the horizon that awaits you. You seat yourself on the incline for just a second, and take a sip of water as you look up. What waits for you in the sky at first seems like it’s too good to be true, but as you wipe your weary eyes, you cannot believe what you are seeing. Explosions of color and shapes that you once only thought belonged in long-lost fairy tales and stories innocently youthful exuberance. Your mind, your body, and your soul are rejuvenated by your surroundings. You can finally close your eyes and rest under a sky that you can call your home.

The Northern Lights photographed by Alaa Othman

The Majesty of Your Surroundings

Whether you’re residing in a glass igloo, a cabin, or a combination of the two, you’ll never have to worry about the amenities. As you warm yourself in the early evening waiting for the Aurora Alarm that waits for you in your sleeping quarters, you know that you’re taking things slow as the twilight emerges. Sleep might hit your eyes, but you know that laying back and staying awake for just a little while longer will treat you to the magnetic magnificence that will show itself in all of its splendor. Whether you choose to spend your day in a snow tank safari, skiing or snowboarding, ice fishing on Lake Inarinjarvi, or bathing in the icy bay of Bothnia, comfort will encapsulate your existence as you wrap yourself up and lay back to admire the natural beauty that you didn’t know you were missing.

The Northern Lights photographed by Alaa Othman

What You’re Missing

We get lost in the day to day of modern society; cars stalled in traffic, lines for lattes, mid day lunch recesses, and that aching desire to escape from the monotony that encapsulates our existence. Meanwhile, the sky has its own glorious map full of stories and bursting with light; an enchanting kaleidoscope of cosmic creation. We all get so lost in modern day minutia, that we often forget about what’s beyond the periphery; the universe precedes our existence, and will continue to exist long after we’re gone. We owe it to ourselves to feast our eyes upon it’s magnificent glory, and take it all in.

The Northern Lights photographed by Alaa Othman

GPS location

68.33463892153503, 27.33479301610306

The aurora season lasts from late August until the end of April

Finnish

Adventure Secret places Unique lodges

Europe

The Northern Lights from the Hotel Room in Finland

Teaser image large

Off

Country

Finland

Airbnb Bucket List : These 7 Stays Have Us All Wanderlusting

dhaval — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:44:47 +0000

Airbnb Bucket List : These 7 Stays Have Us All Wanderlusting dhaval Fri, 10/22/2021 - 06:44

Here's our Airbnb bucket list! While travel may have taken a back seat over the past year, for the many of us with the travel bug, it doesn’t mean we haven’t stopped wanderlusting for unforgettable travel experiences. Travel is still on the horizon, and there is no better time than the present to start making a list of where you want to travel.

To help you get inspired for your next big destination, we have created a list of the top seven Airbnb rental properties out there that are completely worthy of your travel bucket list. These rentals are some of the best-of-the-best and will truly take your next trip to the next level. Now all you need to do is determine which place you want to visit first.

7 Airbnbs On Our Bucket List

If you have travel on the brain, then narrowing down the perfect spot to relax, unwind and wanderlust can be difficult. A great place to start? Finding the perfect Airbnb. The right rental can completely shape your entire ship and put you in position to explore a whole new world around you. Take a look at our top must-visit Airbnbs from around the globe, to find a place that truly speaks to you.

The Seashell House

There is so much to love about the charming Seashell House, including its truly draw-dropping architecture. From the moment you pull up to this home is Isla Mujeres, Mexico, you will see where the name comes from.

This two-bedroom home is perfect for two couples, or a family of four and will provide you with a secluded getaway far away from busy tourist-filled resorts and crowded pools. The seashell house comes with its own pool, beautiful views and a convenient location near the water. It even comes with its own golf cart so you can easily lug your gear right to the nearby white sandy beach.

Photo Credit: airbnb.com

Off the Grid House

If you are looking to really get “off the grid” but aren’t looking for international travel, then this secluded rental is a great option to consider. Located in the desert community of Pioneertown, California, this modern house boasts peace, quiet, serenity and breathtaking views.

This two-bedroom home is a true off-the-grid house in more ways than one. In addition to seclusion, this house is also 100% off-grid powered by solar panels for both electricity and hot water. Perfect not only for those who need to get away from it all, but for eco-conscious shoppers, there is truly something for everyone in this California getaway.

Photo credit: Airbnb.com

Santorini Stays

If you are ready to get in the mood to really wanderlust, then take a look at this Santorini Stays property. Located on the breathtaking coast of Santorini, Greece, this beautiful water-front home looks like it’s straight out of a magazine.

The perfect romantic getaway, this one-bedroom cliff-side home has its own rooftop hot tub complete with breathtaking views. Plus, this Airbnb is cloaked in history and has been built into the side of the Caldera cliff for more than 250 years. Plus, wine aficionados will love that this cave-like house was originally used as a wine cellar before being converted into this one-of-a-kind home.

Photo Credit: Airbnb.com

Your Own Private Beach

The name of this rental says it all. If you are looking for a great escape where you can enjoy a private beachfront getaway, then this rental property is a great option for you. Located in the incomparable Santa Catarina, Brazil, this exceptional property is truly one that has to be seen to be believed.

Big enough to accommodate eight guests at a time, this private beach property features floor to ceiling windows that offer unprecedented views of the ocean. The house is even located in a natural park and is completely enclosed, private and secluded from the public.

Photo Credit: Airbnb.com

A Frame in The Woods

If you really want to get away from it all and nestle into a wooded retreat, then take a look at this AFrame property deep in the forest. Located in the breathtaking Idyllwild-Pine Cove area of California this charming cabin will give you the camping experience, while still making sure you have all of the best comforts of home.

This little cabin retreat has central AC, a hot tub and wireless internet. If you love the idea of camping, but aren’t really sure about the camping part, the A Frame in the Woods cabin is the perfect place to spend your next getaway.

Photo Credit: Airbnb.com

Nola Cabin Finland

There is nothing as quaint and as inviting as a beautiful log cabin, but if you want a traditional cabin with a modern test, add this one to your list. The Nolla Cabin located in beautiful Helsinki Finland, has a completely sleek and modern design and is actually part of the designer’s experiment to encourage people to live on less and spend more time enjoying the nature around us.

When you stay in this idyllic, dreamy cabin, the owners encourage you to pursue a zero-waste lifestyle and take advantage of the opportunity to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle while you travel to beautiful Finland.

Photo Credit: airbnb.com

African Dream Home

Looking for a dream home for your dream vacation? This African property has us craving an exotic getaway. Located in beautiful Kariba, Zimbabwe. This three-bedroom abode features a private pool and a stunning location along Lake Kariba. Here, you can enjoy views of local wildlife or go fishing right from your doorstep—all while enjoying all of the modern conveniences you would expect from a resort or hotel.

Plus, you can really bask in the lap of luxury, with the included chef who takes care of all of the daily cooking and cleaning, so you can still get that pampered vacation experience.

While traveling may not look the same as it once did, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make your very own dream vacation bucket list. We think that these seven swoon-worthy Airbnbs are a great place to start, as you begin planning for the unforgettable vacations that are in your future.

Which of these Airbnb properties are at the top of your travel bucket list?

Photo Credit: Airbnb.com

Unique lodges

Airbnb Bucket List : These 7 Stays Have Us All Wanderlusting

Teaser image large

Country