Hotels

This hotel is eco all over. Set in the thrall of a rocky volcano, the hotel harnesses the sulfuric heat generated below the soil to create geothermal power. It also captures the flow of fast streams and rivers to create hydroelectricity. Unique “onsen” (Japanese hot springs) are available to rejuvenate …

Built at the starboard end of the British obsession with the seaside, this holiday bungalow is shaped like a barge and decorated with a nautical theme. The bungalow is self-catering with all modern conveniences provided for. Wooden shutters allow air to circulate in summer and protect the windows from storms. …

Daddy Long Legs is a traveler’s lodge that celebrates the creative spirit. Each one of its rooms was given to an artist, poet, or photographer who was allowed a free reign to design and decorate the space as they liked. Check out the results in these amazing photos. Owners, Jody …

For over 60 years (which is ancient history in American time) the Madonna Inn has been welcoming travelers with its eccentric and luxurious take on the essential roadside Motel. The Inn has a famous bakery where decadent cakes are known for their elaborate appearance and amazing taste. There is a …

This hotel consists of three Cappadocian cave houses each with seven rooms. The cave houses are unique to the area of Cappadocia in Turkey which has been inhabited for thousands of years. Different minerals in the rocks have over time eroded to create a mysterious landscape consisting of what has …

Kemang Icon is a design hotel in Jakarta’s trendy Kemang neighborhood. Jakarta Today called it the city’s “only true boutique hotel”. Inside, ancient and modern artworks decorate the lobby: mirrors that once hung in royal palaces and a specially commissioned oil painting by Indonesian maestro, Srihadi Soedarsono hangs behind reception. …

This 5-star Dubai stunner revolves around the myth of Atlantis. It was designed with Arab and Western influences and is home to one of the best waterparks in the world. It covers 113 acres and has 1,548 rooms. There is an 11-acre Dolphin bay for you to experience swimming with …

SwissTubes and the attached campsite are located on the shores of Lake Thun surrounded by snow-capped mountains. A nearby nature reserve will convince you that all those writers and philosophers who came to this location over the centuries were right – it really is a place of inspiration. The tubes …

This hostel in Buenos Aires has its own art gallery. Set in an old colonial building located in San Telmo – the art district of the city – the hostel has a funky, mellow vibe while exposing you to the creativity of the local art scene. Take the “art walk” …

This hotel is housed in a French neoclassical house refurbished with an eye for detail that has made owners, Grupo Habita famous worldwide. Set on a tree-lined street in Mexico City’s trendy artist neighborhood, La Condesa, this hotel is sandwiched between their rooftop Sushi bar and basement dance club. So …

The historic Pera Palace Hotel held its opening ball in 1895. Its clientele often arrived on the Orient Express train and, over the years, the hotel hosted such luminaries as Atatürk, Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Greta Garbo. Recently, it has undergone a full restoration and has re-opened its doors …

This traditional Indonesian Phinisi ship is the first of its kind to offer cruises for up to 10 passengers. These ships were first built by the Konjo tribe in the 17th Century and have been in continuous use ever since. For the most part, they have been used for trading …

This Norwegian hotel was opened in 1891 to cater to the crème-de-la-crème of European society. Over the years it hosted Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, King Oscar II, Queen Maud, and King Haakon VII. In 1989 the hotel was restored to its former glory after years …

On the Niyama resort website, they talk about their hotel having “Epicurean Delights” – what does this mean? Well Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who advocated community living and friendship. He was particularly interested in maximizing pleasure and kicking pain in the ass. But that is not to say that …

This hotel loves nature. They like to make olive oil from their own trees - in fact; you can get involved and learn the ancient art of extracting the rejuvenating and delicious oil yourself. Then you can bake your own bread using the special herbs that grow nearby and learn …

Ålesund is a seaport in Norway and is home to a large concentration of Art Nouveau Architecture – an ostentatious style that utilizes sweeping organic forms and a harmony of shape popular in Europe in the early 20th Century. The town makes for a unique visit. But hang on; what …

These futuristic eco pods nestle in the Alps creating a little igloo village. Your pod is made out of insulating fiber and has a wood-burner for comfort. There is an en-suite bathroom and super luxurious bedding. Whitepod is part of the eco-tourism movement and aims to be carbon neutral. Each …

Situated in a historic trading building – part of the Bryggen world heritage site – the Hanseatiske Hotel is a place where you can step back in time. In its long history the house has been a workplace, residence, warehouse, and restaurant. This 17th Century house has original features preserved …

This was originally the home of a Turkish ‘pasha’ or high ranking military officer. In the 19th Century, it became home to a Swedish and American ‘colony’ who were all members of the ‘Christian Utopia Society’. The colony lived a communal lifestyle and engaged in philanthropic work for all the …

Shanghai is the center of commerce for Asia. It is rapidly expanding like China’s economy and is home to a staggering 21 million people. It is home to many architectural oddities and unique buildings but this is the only 24-story swimming pool with a glass-bottom I have ever seen. The …