Secret places

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

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Hidden Natural Spring in Brazil

robinfinger — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:33:46 +0000

Hidden Natural Spring in Brazil robinfinger Mon, 11/22/2021 - 09:33

It’s time to take you to a place of unpaved roads, local hospitality, crystal clear water, and a healthy disconnection. It’s not often that you get to sink your feet into the red desert sand while taking it the slow way down dirt roads on the way to your next destination. You’ll find that your phone might not have any bars for phone calls or your social media, but as you continue your travels, you’re not so worried about the next selfie because you are in paradise, and you want to keep these moments for yourself. Whether you’re on a guided tour with friends on an offroad vehicle, staying at a small hotel, or renting a room and having breakfast with a local, you’ll be sure to find yourself at home during your visit to Brazil.

Jalapao State Park

Located in the North of Brazil, Jalapao has legally been considered a state park since 2001. The fact that Jalapao State Park is a relatively new destination makes it somewhat unknown to the masses. However, as reports of the beauty and the tranquility have been made by avid travelers who have since become enamored with Jalapao State Park, the tourism numbers have increased and helped with the development of the area. While there has been talk of paving over some of the dirt trails, it has been debated by environmentalists whether or not this would be good for the habitat. Presently, off-road vehicles are needed to get around Jalapao. With over 400 miles to cover, you’ll travel from sand dune, to waterfall, to natural springs with the clearest sparkling water you’ve ever seen.

fervedouro by Nevin Xavier ️️

Take a dip

The most known attraction in Jalapao State Park is the fervedouro. A fervedouro is a spring formed from underground rivers of bright blue water. The pressure from the rivers makes it almost impossible to submerge in the water, and you will remain afloat despite your weight. Imagine being your own life raft floating atop a tranquil lake in the middle of paradise. You can try to dig your toes into the sand below, but they won’t stay buried for long. If you’re wondering what the most perfect part about the fervedouro is, it’s the temperature. The water holds steady at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

"One of the most surreal places on earth. This is Fervedouro Bela Vista the most popular fervedouro in Jalapao, Brasil. I don’t think it can get more tropical." says Nevin Xavier

fervedouro by Nevin Xavier ️️

A place to rest your head

Since we’re in such a rugged area that’s barely been developed, there is not a lot of infrastructure in the neighboring cities. This is especially true during the peak tourist seasons like spring break and summer vacation. While you may be able to book yourself at a small hotel, some avid travelers recommend finding a room to rent from one of the locals. Not only will you have a place to stay, they will treat you like family, and you’ll likely share a table for meals. You’ll likely be eating homemade traditional Brazilian food containing rice, beans, chicken, and vegetables.

fervedouro by Nevin Xavier ️️

A healthy disconnect

One thing to note is that cell phone and internet service is minimal at Jalapao State Park. While it’s encouraged to just out down your device and live in the moment, it is also wise to try to make arrangements to communicate long distance in case of emergency. In the meantime, you can float in the springs with a full belly and a clear head as you drift off on sparkling water that feels like it’s from a bottle of Perrier.

GPS location

-20.72482515837434, -42.28038953934642

November to December or April

Portuguese

Adventure Secret places

South America

Hidden Natural Spring in Brazil

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Brazil

Discover the Mysterious and Absolutely Beautiful Socotra Island

robinfinger — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 09:32:15 +0000

Discover the Mysterious and Absolutely Beautiful Socotra Island robinfinger Fri, 11/19/2021 - 10:32

It’s time to roll your sleeves up, and to take a deep dive as you explore Socotra Island. Considered one of the world’s best kept secrets, Socotra Island lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean, hidden from the rest of civilization. The mysteries within this landmass are especially unique. As you feast your eyes upon the myriad flora and fauna by the likes of which you’ve never seen, you will find yourself losing count of all the endemic species you come across. You are far from home, but you feel awake. You’re weary from your travels, yes, but the raw beauty of the nature surrounding you will replenish you as you explore a place that appears to have never been touched by another human. You’ve discovered your own Garden of Eden, and the unspoiled beauty doesn’t seem real, but rather like a beautifully lit lucid dream.

Endemic Biodiversity

There’s no mystery as to why Socotra is often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.” Hundreds of flora and fauna are endemic to the island, and you will only be able to see them here. Unique species of reptiles, birds, spiders, and scorpions alike have made their home on this island, and there are no known duplicates anywhere else in the world. Because of the delicate ecosystem, it is encouraged to travel with as light of a footprint as possible. While tourism is on the rise, education of the ecosystem may not catch up as quickly with the increasing number of travelers. As a tourist, it is your responsibility to help keep Socotra as untouched as it needs to be to maintain balance.

Socotra Island photographed by Kristina Makeeva

The Shade of Dragon’s Blood

Known for its crimson sap, the Dragon’s Blood tree can only be found in Socotra, Yemen. Boasting tall branches that resemble an inverted umbrella high up above the roots, the Dragon’s Blood tree provides shade from its imposing height. The tallest of the elder evergreens are as old as 800 years. The tree’s design of survival inspires awe as it majestically overlooks the gorge below. Its blood colored sap has been once thought to have healing properties. While mostly used for digestive issues, Dragon’s Blood sap has also been used for fractures, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism, blood circulation dysfunctions, and cancer. Folk medicine aside, the sap has been used as a varnish for musical instruments. It may be hard to believe, but you may have heard music that was from an instrument that was treated by this healing tree.

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

Weary upon arrival

The Airways have been consistently open for some time now, but with limited access. While some travelers may have direct contacts with Socotra Island, it is recommended that you find a touring company to help facilitate the visa process. While tourism has been beneficial for the economy, it is still not a massive industry. As of now, the flights are traveling in and out of Cairo on Wednesdays, so be prepared to stay in Socotra for a week. You will also need to book your flight in person, in Cairo. The extra steps might seem a bit egregious, but your stay on Socotra will be worth the effort.

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

Off the beaten path

While some trails are not worth trekking, Socotra Island is worth the trip. There are interim steps to take, and paperwork to acquire, but the destination is one of a kind. As we all know, the best rewards require sacrifice, and what better reward to have than your own private island inhabited by such biodiverse mystery?

Socotra Island photographed by Daniel Kordan

GPS location

12.523666597089772, 53.81818941742886

October to May

Soqotri

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Asia

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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

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Europe

The Northern Lights from the Hotel Room in Finland

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The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe

dhaval — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:38:31 +0000

The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe dhaval Fri, 10/22/2021 - 06:38

The semi-nomadic Korowai Tribe has a detailed history that dates back centuries.

However, there are even more reasons why this tribe, which historically inhabitants the jungle of Papau, garners so much attention. For hundreds of years, this tribe has lived a truly self-sufficient existence, however, the tribe may be on the precipice of major change. As the impact of our modern culture creeps in, and the Indonesian government expands their reach, the Korowai Tribe may face changes that completely uproot their existence. For now, the Korowai Tribe and other tribes that live deep in the jungle are left alone under Indonesian law, although recent changes have threatened that peace. For the time being, the tribes continue to live the way they have for centuries—high up in the trees.

A lower house around 8-12 meters high. These are used by all of the families and can host 5 to 6 fireplaces. Surrounding this lower house there is a wooden barrier intended to protect the young children. Images by © Martin Gros

These houses are sometimes built over water or the jungle floor, and have different types of ladders that allow for easy access to the structurer above. You will typically find these individual settlements far away and completely isolated even from other members of the tribe. Experiencing the sky-high Korowai Tribe homes is truly something that must be seen to be believed, but why does this Indonesian tribe choose to live only in tree houses?

According to some clan chiefs, the idea started out of a commitment to protection. This tribe believes that evil spirits live on the ground, and that staying in these tree homes can help protect people from these evil spirits. These tree houses have other practical benefits as well. They are located well above flood-water levels and have defensive benefits. They can keep rival clans at bay and prevent them from capturing members of the Korowai Tribe. Many of the tribes feel as thought their women and children are at risk for being stolen for slavery or by cannibal tribes.

The Design Behind the Korowai Tribe Homes

Most Korowai settlements have a mix of lower and higher tree houses. The low homes are built around Wanbom Trees, or Banyan Trees, which aren’t as high but have a thick “main pole” in the middle for support. This trunk will go through the middle of the home. Some of the higher tree houses are actually built on top of living trees in the settlement. These houses are actually placed on top of the canopy of the tree.

No matter where on the tree these homes are built, they are constructed entirely from materials that come from around the jungle. Tribe members are able to build sturdy frames from the branches from surrounding trees and typically use Sago Palm bark to make the walls and floor boards inside the home. As for the roof? Tribe members will actually weave together large leaves and rattan bindings to create a durable roof that keeps these homes well protected.

When you are physically inside the homes, you can actually feel them moving, similar to the feeling of a boat out on water. Even slight breezes through the jungle can sway the structure, but overall these high-flying tree houses are extremely durable and weather resistant.

How Long Do These Homes Last?

What is most impressive is that these homes can be built in as little as one to two days. After these homes are built, they typically last anywhere from three to five years, with the occasional repair needed. Typically, when its time to build a new house, the tribe will determine whether or not they can build a house in the same clearing, or if the clan needs to move to an area with better resources and hunting territories.

Hunting is a very important part of choosing a location for these homes. The tribe primarily hunts pigs with bows and arrows, cassowaries with ropes or they will fish using handmade basket-traps, bows or poison. They also use dogs for hunting as well. Every so often, the tribe will make a decision to move for the betterment of their clan as they continue to value and hold true to their unique way of life. While you may never have the opportunity to experience life up among the trees like the Korowai Tribe, you can take in the beauty of photos of these stunning homes and see the magnificent design that goes into these houses up in the trees.

Oni, the chief of the clan we met, during a scouting outing inside his territory. Photo by Martin Gros Image by © Martin Gros

The Korowai Tribe is made up of a close-knit society (approximately 3,000) and strong family bonds, as the entire community is forced to work together in order to survive. One of the ways they are able to survive in this thrive in this sense jungle is by living in their truly awe-inspiring tree houses. Located high up in the tree canopies of this jungle, the Korowai Tribe has mastered the art of relying on their environment in order to live off their land and stay protected while they do it. These tree-bound homes are some of the most unique and historically-significant homes in the world. They are also piece of architecture that the average person will never have the opportunity to see in person. However, a better understanding of these home and the tribes that inhabit them can open you up to a world that is truly unlike any other village in the world.

Inside the Korowai Tribe Settlement

In most situations, the Korowai Tribe will live small, isolated groups or settlements. Typically, each of these settlements has approximately five individual tree houses. Depending on the area of the jungle and the potential risks and environment in the area, the homes can range in height from 8 to 12 meters to as high as 45 meters.

GPS location

-4.366322667480417, 141.52173589855707

Adventure Secret places

Asia

The Amazing Homes of The Korowai Tribe

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Indonesia