Personally I have always loved train travel, there's just something so special and nostalgic about riding through the countryside in the comfort of your window seat. I thought I would share with you here some of the most incredible trains in the world.
Trains were the backbone of any country’s economy back in the days of industrial revolution and they still are the lifeline of communication for many. Large coaches sitting on tracks traveling long distances for hours even days, equipped with all the necessary amenities evoke a sense of romance and adventure unlike any other form of travel!
Something to think about when planning your next travel adventure. Here are some of my favorite picks:
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS
This train is probably the father of the concept of luxury train for the masses! No other luxury voyager would evoke a similar sense of romance and adventure as the infamous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the setting for Agatha Christie’s famous novel “Murder on the Orient Express” that has also inspired several movies on the story.
Apart from being a part of a historic novel, the train also has a rich political and dark history behind it. It is said that Hitler was also one of the fans of the train. The train was a French pride and in 1940 the Germans hauled the train to the spot of their previous surrender and took it over. Later, the train narrowly escaped its doom of being exploded by the Nazis when Hitler’s downfall was imminent as he didn’t want this trophy of luxury travel to shine on his enemies’ land.
The legendary train, which is the most popular luxury carriage around the world has more scoop behind it, spies during world wars used it as a secret weapon, a president once tumbled down from it and much more. But perhaps the most understated story of them all is how the train remains the perfect symbol of romance with train rides and classy travel.
An uncontested icon of the rails, this train has long captured the hearts and imaginations of glamorous guests. Three elegant dining carriages exude culinary sophistication, from Lalique glass inlays in Cote d’Azur to black lacquer panels in L’Oriental. A steward in blue and gold livery waves with a white-gloved hand, welcoming you on board with a knowing smile. Settle in to your cabin, adorned with art-deco details and French-polished cherry wood, and sit back as a grand voyage begins.
Take the classic route from London to Venice, the gateway to the Orient. This breathtaking journey through rural French farmlands and Swiss Alpine valleys can be travelled in either direction, or both. Go further afield with Paris to Istanbul, an authentic adventure over six days to the edge of Europe. Delve into culture with stops in Budapest and Bucharest before arriving in soulful Istanbul.
Paris to Berlin is the newest journey in the repertoire, a thrilling voyage connecting two of Europe’s most vibrant cultural hubs. The tradition of the grand tour thrives with a luxurious escape on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
PALACE ON WHEELS
Nothing can beat the romanticism of the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that chugs along the scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks. The history of Palace on Wheels is as interesting and fascinating as its journey itself. A definite tribute to the royal tradition of Indian Maharajas, this train travels down to the heart of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, Rajasthan. Dotted with forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and green forestry, Rajasthan is the land where the folklores of yore are still alive.
The coaches of Palace on Wheels get their names from the former princely states of Rajputana. There are 4 twin bedded chambers in each coach soaked in the ethnic Rajasthani decor. Each guest cabin is equipped with channel music, running hot & cold water, shower, attached toilets, intercom, and wall to wall carpeting to offer a comfortable and luxurious travel. There also is a personal attendant ‘Khidmatgar’ in each saloon catering to the needs of the guests round the clock.
The 14 Guest Coaches of the train meet the aesthetics and interiors of the prineledom they are named after different cities in Rajasthan like Alwar , Bharatpur , Bikaner , Jodhpur , Jaipur , Udaipur and so on. In each saloon, there is a mini pantry and a lounge equipped with television, DVD player and small library. The guests are offered hot and cold beverage along with refreshments and a place to get-together and relax.
The cabins of the Palace on Wheels are the perfect epitome of regal lavishness and gracefulness. The train has 14 fully air-conditioned coaches in total with 4 Cabins in each coach . There are 39 Deluxe cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, with an amazing décor that reminds one of complete luxurious comforts, experienced by the erstwhile Indian royalty. The interior of the cabins is inspired from the décor of the palaces of the Maharajas. The use of rich silk fabrics is the main highlight and looks extremely attractive.
The antique wooden furniture with beautiful delicate artworks adds an amazing character to the rooms and the padded beds in the cabins offer a comfortable sleep. Every cabin is well-laden with all the world-class modern facilities including attached bathroom with plush toiletries, electronic safety deposit, internet connectivity, individual temperature control, telephone, etc. Availability of a special attendant called Khidmatgar to meet all your travel needs is a major attraction.
The dining experience on-board the Palace on Wheels is itself an extraordinary affair. Maharaja and Maharani, the two royal restaurants aboard, serve sumptuous food of Indian and other popular world cuisines. Dishes of Rajasthani and Marwari cuisine are the highlights. The expert chef and his team take care of hygiene and cleanliness. The guests can enjoy the highest level of hospitality services. The ambiance of both the restaurants is welcoming because of the luxurious fabrics, imported crockery, delicate glass carvings, mahogany paneling, striking chandeliers and colorful wall lamps, aptly matching the mood of the train.
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Riding Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of those pinch-me moments. Ranking among the world’s most luxurious trains, our mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. Ten intricately designed carriages, including the sublime Bamford Spa, form a palace on wheels.
From the moment you step onto Belmond Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury. Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for an exhilarating clay pigeon shoot. As night falls, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit dinners and live ceilidhs—a fine finale to the day’s adventures.
The train first launched in 1985. Following a whirlwind five-year operation of award-winning success, the original carriages were retired and replaced by a new set of Pullman cars to be renovated by James Park Associates. Lacquer-polished wooden-panels and warm tonal fabrics perfected the Edwardian country-house appeal. En-suite cabins, complete with steamy showers, established unprecedented comfort and the birth of a luxury legend.
In 2007 the train was christened Belmond Royal Scotsman and has continued to raise the bar of style and innovation since. The recent addition of the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage marks a world first in the pursuit of perfect pampering. A true chieftain of the rails, Belmond Royal Scotsman is an awe-inspiring way to delve into the soul of the Scottish highlands.
Feast on the best produce from Scottish land and sea. Rich game, seasonal seafood and wild salmon are all regular highlights on our acclaimed menu.
Fuel up with classic kedgeree, or savour steamed Scottish mussels after a day’s outdoor pursuits. Dining is an extravagant affair and may include delicate pigeon salad or spiced roast halibut. Just add superb wines and new friends.
GOLDEN EAGLE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS
Aboard your luxurious private train, you can expect well-appointed en-suite cabins, fine dining and elegant surroundings - no matter where you choose to explore. First-class service is included as standard, with a personal cabin attendant service, available at all times, to look after all of your needs.
The Golden Eagle has been carefully designed with emphasis on your comfort, relaxation and enjoyment. In addition to our private en-suite sleeping cabins, we offer a beautifully appointed Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars.
Throughout your journey the Bar Lounge Car and Restaurant Cars will host a variety of entertaining and enriching activities such as Russian language lessons and engaging lectures on local history and culture from expert guest speakers.
It is also here that our Tour Manager will organise a programme of activities for the journey ahead. Daily itineraries detailing train arrival and departure timings and information on the following day’s excursions and activities will be provided, plus useful weather forecast and time zone information.
As evening falls, enjoy the sounds of the resident pianist playing on the baby grand piano in the Bar Lounge Car. Each night the bar stays open until the last person leaves.
Each morning, enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet in the beautifully appointed restaurant car, offering a fresh selection of fruit, cereals, cold plates and freshly squeezed orange juice. For something more substantial enjoy a breakfast cooked to order by the onboard Chef, all accompanied by steaming hot tea and coffee.
At lunch and dinner you will be welcomed by their resident Guest Relations Manager to enjoy a delightful culinary experience inspired by the countries they venture through. Whether it is some of Russia’s gastronomic specialties, such as black sturgeon and red pacific salmon caviar or their quality international cuisine, all meals are skillfully prepared by the Executive Chef and his onboard team, using the very best ingredients and locally sourced wherever possible. Vegetarian and other dietary options are also available.
Attentive service and an excellent choice of wines, personally selected by the Company Founder, Tim Littler, accompany all the meals at lunch and dinner, in addition to bottled mineral water, draught beer and soft drinks.
Expect a relaxed and convivial atmosphere at meal times with the freedom to dine wherever, and with whomever, you please in a single sitting. An informal dress code is applied throughout the journey.
Aboard your luxurious private train, you can expect well-appointed en-suite cabins, fine dining and elegant surroundings - no matter where you choose to explore. First-class service is included as standard, with a personal cabin attendant service, available at all times, to look after all of your needs.
ROVOS RAIL - PRIDE OF AFRICA
This train is for those in search of the thrill of wilderness coupled with the unique combination of luxury. This is a trip not to be missed by photographers and artists. The train runs from early April to May which is the best season to venture through the African wilderness. The train offers passengers the opportunity to explore some of Africa’s famous spots like diamond mines, the exciting cosmopolitan city of Namibia, National parks giving sights of wild animals in their natural habitat, and the famous Kalhari desert and more.
Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.
Step aboard the vintage wood-panelled coaches and sit back as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration.
The beautifully rebuilt trains, which may be hauled by diesel or electric locomotives, carry a maximum of 72 passengers in 36 superbly appointed suites and are also available for charter, while the Events Train caters for up to 250 guests and is suitable for daytime journeys.
The wood-paneled sleeper coaches, remodeled and refurbished to mint condition, offer every modern convenience and comfort with fittings and facilities that are of the highest standard. The suites accommodate one or two passengers with the option of double or twin beds. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily. There is adequate storage and small cupboards with hangers and shelves.
The Royal Suites each take up half a carriage with their own private lounge area and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath, separate shower, toilet and basin. They accommodate one or two passengers in double or twin beds. A dedicated host/hostess is available at all times and services the suites daily. A bar fridge is filled with the on-board beverages of the passengers’ choice.
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
This is one of the few luxury train services in North America offered by the Golden Leaf Service of the Rocky Mountaineers. This was the last, grueling leg of the great rail expansion westwards that united Canada in the late 1880’s and offers a unique experience of exploring the Rockies. There are several routes to the Rockies but by far the most famous one is the Banff to Vancouver ride that still captures the imagination of travelers with the promise of green panoramic views of the mountains.
You are on the train by day and stay in a luxury hotel room by night.
THE BLUE TRAIN - AFRICA
As time meandered from the 19th Century towards the dawn of the new era, a dream was born. A dream of harnessing steam technology to link Africa’s vast south to north, around the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the apparently arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife. From the Cape all the way to Cairo… all of this on parallel lines of tempered steel.
It is from this dream that The Blue Train was born. Cairo was never to be, but the dreamers persevered and The Blue Train now traverses South Africa and its breath-taking scenery in a manner that befits the mystique that has grown around it.
Kings and presidents have indulged on this magnificent, moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”. From love-struck honeymooners, to adulated celebrities. And even ordinary folk who fantasize about a life of spectacular luxury, a life that has seemed tantalizingly out of reach. Until now…
While The Blue Train lives up to its five-star reputation in every sense, its cuisine surpasses even the highest expectations. It could be said that dinner will be the most unforgettable experience of your adventure.
On board chefs regularly refresh their menus to intrigue and tantalize your palate, as they prepare their signature dishes using the freshest of local ingredients. From Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, to Knysna oysters and other award-winning Cape cultivars. All artfully presented in delicate crystal or on fine china, all contributing to the ultimate experience.
Underscoring the Dining Car’s atmosphere is a delightful selection of tasteful background music, ranging from smooth jazz to light classical to the mellow tones of the Soweto String Quartet.
As the sky darkens over the landscape, you adorn yourself in your finest silks and satins, diamonds and pearls, tuxedos and ties, as you prepare to relish a banquet glowing with the camaraderie of new friends or dine entwined in the subtle intimacy of a table for two – or even if you opt to dine in the privacy of your own suite – you become aware that every taste you’re about to experience is a memory in the making, a tantalizing highlight on a menu of magical moments.
And indeed, there’s a menu for every taste. Whether you require Kosher or Halaal meals, or gluten-free vegan options, simply make your needs known at the time of reserving your passage. You’ll also need to reserve your ideal dinner sitting. Our very elegant Dining Car comfortably accommodates 42 guests in a single sitting and, in the event of having more guests on the train, meals are served in two sittings to ensure all our guests experience utter luxury and decadence.
Your Luxury Suite will enchant you from the moment your personal butler ushers you aboard. It extends the offering from a De Luxe suite even further; by an extra metre of your domain, with twin or double bedded suites which offer you long and luxurious bath tubs and a private digital interactive entertainment system, with an inviting selection of music CDs and big-screen movies on Blue-Ray DVD.
Luxury coaches have three Luxury Suites that each measure 5,13 by 2 metres and give you the option of twin beds or a double bed.
Your De Luxe or Luxury suites are your home-away-from-home lounges. Need to send an important email halfway across the world or make that urgent phone call? Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary to all guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge, for an apéritif or even call family and friends across the Atlantic and relay your Blue Train experience at a minimal fee.
An act of alchemy transforms your sitting area into a restful night-time sanctuary. Goose down duvets and pillows and 100 percent percale cotton bedding envelop you as you drift off after a soothing, scented soak or shower in your marble and gold-appointed bathroom, lulled by the rhythm of the whispering wheels.
If you've been staying at hotels whose rooms all seem to blend, well you're in for a surprise when you read about these incredible establishments! Many world-travelers now want new and different experiences when they travel, where they stay has become as important as the destination for many people (myself included!).
I have always dreaded the phrase "I only go there to sleep"...OMG please know that this is no longer the case for many. Personally I find there is nothing worst then traveling to a beautiful historic city filled with charming architecture and then arriving in a hotel that looks like any drab clone which could be anywhere in the world, not reflecting where you are. Arriving in a room which reflects your city is so satisfying as it continues your experience.
Having said that, the following are extreme examples in unusual hotel rooms, not for everyone but I thought it would be fun to take a look at them. Sorry for the long post but I think you will enjoy it.
THE MURAKA- MALDIVES, RANGALI ISLAND
Discover THE MURAKA, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort.
Experience a private seaplane arrival or travel from the main resort by their private speedboat, which you can use for the duration of your stay, before being escorted along THE MURAKA jetty by your personal island host.
Above water, enjoy living and dining areas fitting of one of the world’s most exclusive residences.
* Two bedrooms and a bathroom with ocean-facing tub
* Outdoor deck with infinity pool
* Private 24-hour butler and private chef
* On-call fitness trainer and spa treatments
* Private jet skis
Make your way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater aquarium and architectural masterpiece.
* Master bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome
* Floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet
* Dedicated tunnel viewing theater
KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT, FINDLAND
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Igloos and Chalets.
Surrounded by nature, this unique property is located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. The property offers glass igloos and traditional wood chalets and has the world’s largest smoke sauna. Free WiFi and free parking are available.
The thermal glass igloos feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxury beds. Some igloos include a bathroom with sauna, while others have shared shower facilities. The chalets feature cooking facilities, a seating area and fireplace. A private sauna is also included.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers 2 à la carte restaurants, which serve Laplandic specialities such as reindeer and char-grilled salmon. The hotel’s smoke sauna even has its own restaurant, Savusauna.
Six saunas are available, each has a relaxation room with an open fireplace. A nearby ice hole is ideal for cooling off.
Husky and reindeer safaris can be arranged, and snowmobiling is also possible. Guests can also rent cross-country skis, Nordic walking sticks and snow shoes. Urho Kekkonen National Park is 5 km away.
THE YAYS CRANE APARTMENT - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
To say The Yays - Crane Apartment is a special place to spend the night would be selling it short. It’s the ultimate experience for fans of history, design and architecture, and for those who seek exclusivity and uniqueness. Built in 1957, this crane has seen the KNSM Island evolve from industrial area to creative hub, and underwent a similar transformation when it was turned into a luxury apartment. Wake up to the sun rising over the IJ river. Explore the KNSM Island on your Yays bicycle. Cross the bridge into town to discover everything it has to offer. In The Yays - Crane Apartment, you’re not just staying in one of the most unique accommodations in the city - you’re staying in a piece of Amsterdam history.
GIRAFFE MANOR - NAIROBI, KENYA
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. Often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection.
FANTASYLAND HOTEL - EDMONTON, CANADA
Fantasyland Hotel is located within North America’s most comprehensive retail and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall. The hotel is ideal for any adventure seeker as its uniquely decorated theme rooms will allow you to live out your fantasy. Feel like an astronaut in the space room, live like a Caesar in one of the Roman rooms, relax on an island in the modern Polynesian rooms and experience several other ageless, exotic locales in the many other theme rooms offered.
Fantasyland Hotel also has classically decorated rooms that feature free WiFi, LCD televisions, a hairdryer, voicemail, clock radio and air conditioning. Offering many pet-friendly rooms, you can also bring your furry-friend along for your stay.
DOG BARK INN - COTTONWOOD, IDAHO
Dog Bark Park Inn is a bed & breakfast guesthouse inside the World's Biggest Beagle. Guests enter the body of the beagle from a private 2nd story deck. Some of the dog's decorative furnishings are carvings by Dog Bark Park chainsaw artists Dennis & Frances. Inside and up another level to the head of the dog is a loft room with additional sleeping space plus a cozy alcove in the muzzle.
OTTOMAN CAVE SUITES - CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Ottoman Cave Suites is a charming and comfortable small rock hotel located near the center of Göreme and in an area with easy access to many important tourist sites in Cappadocia. As a family business, they believe that small and spiritual things are what matter in life, and therefore they take care of even the smallest detail to provide all kinds of help and comfort to make your time here valuable and enjoyable.
From charming and original old doors, to ornamented fireplaces and authentic cave décor, everything here will make you feel at home. The pleasant, friendly and humble atmosphere offers you the perfect refreshment for a romantic weekend or business trip in Cappadocia. Your complimentary tea and coffee await you in your room!
All of the rooms are individually and carefully decorated in order to capture the Ottoman spirit and ambiance that permeates the hotel with the advantage of being a rock hotel. Unlike any hotel chain, all rooms come in different shapes and sizes, gaining a different and characteristic atmosphere. In this place where traditional and modern texture are melted in the same pot, we have a variety of warm and comfortable rooms suitable for all kinds of budgets.
You can choose their magnificent double suites or their chic, rock-carved rooms with enormous bathrooms. It has elegant double king size beds and is the perfect option to crown your honeymoon, romantic weekend getaway or any special day within some hammam services. The luxury rock carved suites specially designed with romance inspirations are their most popular and preferred rooms. All rooms are equipped with a thin screen TV, LAN connection and telephone.
Prepare yourself for a busy sightseeing trip in Cappadocia and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast! The open buffet breakfast is served in their restaurant from 7.30 to 10. For breakfast, different types of local bread, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, olives, different types of cheese, eggs (boiled, in oil or omelet style), yogurt, fruit juice, milk, cereal, honey, homemade jams, & dried fruit with fresh tea and coffee.
THE VILLA CASA CASUARINA (VERSACE MANSION) - MIAMI, FLORIDA
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world.
Freeman, always well-travelled and very intelligent, loved the adventurous spirit of Christopher Columbus and on one of his many trips around the world, went to visit the Alcazar De Colon in Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) which was built by Diego Columbus (Christopher Columbus’s Son) and is known for being the oldest residence in the western hemisphere. Alden was so inspired by the house that he decided to build his own home in Miami Beach as homage to the Alcazar De Colon and bought back 2 bricks from the house. One sits to the right hand side of the main entrance.
The property had a total of 24 apartments. Freeman lived in the top-floor-front apartment on the southeast corner. The remaining 23 apartments in the building were available for rent and to house many of Freeman’s friends that visited Miami Beach.
In 1992, while on vacation with his family in Miami Beach, Versace took a walk down Ocean Drive and was immediately attracted to the house by the “Kneeling Aphrodite” statue and fell in love with the unique Spanish architecture of the property. Obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, Versace purchased the original house built by Freeman for $2.95 million and the lot next door, an old art deco hotel called the Hotel Revere. Although this neighborhood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and despite strong opposition from the Miami Design Preservation League, Versace bought the Revere Hotel next door for $3.7 million in order to demolish it and put in the Garden, Swimming pool and South Wing.
Versace invested an additional $32 million in renovations in which he added the south wing, the pool and garden and turned the 24 apartments into 10 large suites in the original house and an additional 2 new suites in the south wing.
What still remains here from the Versace era are the richly decorated walls, floors, ceilings, and windows, as well as the pool, garden, and the entire south wing.
TREEHOTEL - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Even though you might be a world away from home, at the Treehotel they we welcome you like family. They will take you away from the stresses and demands of everyday life.
Living up among the tall trees in the pine forest of Northern Sweden has never been so easy. Gaze out at Sweden’s spectacular nature from up in the Mirrorcube or the UFO. From September to March you have the chance to watch the Northern Lights illuminate the sky above you, or take a family fishing trip and learn all about the berries you pick up along the way. One thing’s for sure at the Treehotel, you’ll be inspired by your surroundings and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing break or simply to wind down in nature, Treehotel invites you to experience nature, their restaurant and surroundings, in the most unique and memorable way you can imagine.
SUN CRUISE RESORT - SOUTH KOREA
Located on a coastal cliff in Jeongdongjin, a tourist destination known for having the best view of the sunrise in South Korea, Sun Cruise Resort is one of the country’s biggest tourist destinations. The hotel is a specially designed cruise ship on land. It is constructed high on the edge of a mountain, so that a stroll on the sun deck allows its guests to feel they are out at sea without suffering from motion sickness. Sun Cruise Resort features 211 rooms, both condominium and hotel style, a Western and a Korean restaurant, revolving sky lounge, a night club, a karaoke, and sea water pool.
HOTEL COSTA VERDE - COSTA RICA
Costa Verda is located on a coastal rainforest bluff nestled between the lush green of Manuel Antonio National Park and the incredible blue of the Pacific Ocean. Hotel Costa Verde is a perfect destination for either a short stay or for those seeking a comfortable base camp for adventure travel, ecotourism, sport fishing, surfing or the peace and tranquility of Manuel Antonio’s legendary white sand beaches and National Park.
Just three hundred yards from the beach overlooking the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Verde features 3 cliff-side pools with sundecks and spacious rooms, studios and bungalows. All rooms offer balconies with a bird’s-eye view of the Park’s majestic coastline or rainforest canopy vistas dotted with toucans, sloths, coatis and monkeys.
The resort is home to one of the world’s most unusual hotel suites, a refurbished Boeing 727 airframe (built in 1965), which in its prior life shuttled globetrotters on South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines (Colombia). This fully outfitted, meticulously detailed, two bedroom, Boeing 727 fuselage suite jets out from the jungle canopy, affording you views that will make you feel like you’re flying.
Furnishings are hand-carved, teak furniture from Java, Indonesia. This 727 home features two air conditioned bedrooms–one with two queen sized beds and the other with one queen sized bed, each with its own private bath, a flat screen TV, a kitchenette with microwave, dining area foyer, an ocean view terrace, a private entrance up a river rock, spiral staircase, and 360 degrees of surrounding gardens.
Enjoy an evening on the terrace while sipping a glass of wine and observing your tree top neighbors: sloths, toucans, monkeys and more.
PALACIO DE SAL (SALT HOTEL) - BOLIVIA
Their story begins with the crazy initiative of a great visionary, a nobleman, Don Juan Quesada Valda, a pioneer in organized tourism in the south of the country, who in 1998 decided to create a salt hotel. And precisely, this innovative and creative idea of building a 100% salt hotel, that is, walls, ceilings, tables, chairs and other implements, was materialized in what he called “Palacio de Sal”, a suigeneris hotel, of unique and special architecture, whose objective was to provide visitors who came to the salt flat, a magical place where they can find balance with nature and enjoy a pleasant and unforgettable rest that will last in their memories.
In 2004 the hotel was moved to the shores of the salt flat, this with the intention of offering tourists the comfort and convenience they need. Since then, the exotic, the modern and the indigenous have been harmoniously combined to create, on more than 4,500 square meters, the first salt hotel in the world, an unusual and incomparable space that falls in love with everyone who visits it and that, with everyone the services that modern hotels demand, is capable of turning your visit into a magical experience.
What makes this hotel unique in it's class is for being entirely built with salt: walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, sculptures … everything is salt!
HOTEL MARQUES DE RISCAL -ELCIEGO, SPAIN
Since its unveiling in 2006 this masterpiece hotel created by Frank Gehry has become a highly sought-after contemporary, luxury retreat. Design, art, gastronomy, wine and the lush landscape all combine to create a memorable sojourn among medieval towns in Elciego. The hotel’s luxurious interior bears the unmistakable stamp of Gehry’s design. Tilted walls, zigzag windows, cathedral-height ceilings and a host of bespoke details create the impression of accommodation as a work of art in its 43 rooms & suites.
THE SHIRE OF MONTANA - MONTANA, USA
Carved out on the hillside in Trout Creek, Montana, the Hobbit House is a charming and faithful recreation of Shire. If you’re a Tolkien fan, the level of detail in this place will blow you away with references to the books on every corner.
The Shire of Montana is truly a sound architectural masterpiece that boasts an eco-friendly mentality for heat conservation. The dome ceiling provides a peaceful acoustic experience that softens any stressful mood. As a partially underground suite that is embraced within the earth and designed with aesthetic appeal, it offers many modern day conveniences, yet incorporates the mystique and caricature of a cozy home featured in your favorite fantasy books. With master craftsmanship details throughout the premises, combined with the imaginative surroundings the Shire of Montana is a meticulously built, unique and mystical experience.
With the hustle and bustle of today’s busy world, there needs to be a place where adults can get away and let their “Inner Child” emerge. No worries, no hassles, no cell phone and no children. Our resort was built with this idea in mind using only the finest in quality and craftsmanship that makes up the Shire of Montana.
When individuals leave the Shire, they marvel at the intricate details and the imagination of this Fairy-tale like village. Sometimes couples just need several days to themselves to sit back with a nice glass of wine and be bathed in the lap of luxury, re-confirm their relationship, reconnect with nature or meditate on their spirituality while being surrounded with magic and fantasy.
BIVACCO GERVASUTTI - MONT BLANC, ITALY
Looking to spend a night or two in a space-age capsule that appears to be teetering off the edge of a cliff? Set 9,300 feet above sea level on the Frebouze Glacier in the Mont Blanc massif in Italy, Bivacco Gervasutti, named after the Turin-born Alpine climber Giusto Gervasutti, replaces a modest wooden shelter built in his memory in 1948. Mont Blanc, literally meaning “White Mountain,” has the highest peak in Europe and lies in a range that spans Italy and France. A popular spot for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, Mont Blanc is now home to this capsule hotel.
Designed and built by Italian architects Luca Gentilcore and Stefano Testa, using helicopters to fly in each section, the unique new structure includes living and dining areas, and two sleeping quarters that can accommodate up to twelve people. Anyone capable of the challenging ascent from Val Ferret by foot is welcome to visit and stay in the bivouac. With its solar-powered energy and Internet access, this modern Alpine shelter is a far cry from the old, draughty wooden version.
INNTEL ZAANDAM - AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Inntel Zaandam looks like a patchwork of traditional wooden cottages that are typical for Zaandam district of Amsterdam. Inside it’s every bit as creative as it is outside so you’re in for a lot of surprises.
This incredible-looking hotel is twelve stories high and looks as if a giant has taken a number of the green-painted cottages typical of the Zaan region and mashed them together. One blue house stands out in the mix – it is a reference to Monet’s painting “The Blue House” completed in Zaandam in 1871. The inspiration behind the project was the concept that the hotel is your temporary home. Located in the newly-revamped Zaandam district in Amsterdam, when you stay here you will be only a short train ride from Amsterdam’s city center. The area is a well-known day trip for tourists and is famous for its windmills and quiet streets. The historic streets and waterways are being restored to bring back some of the old style living and the Inntel Hotel fits right into this plan. Your room is decorated in a modern way but with traditional accents and vintage photographs. Some have a rain shower and whirlpool tub, all have wifi.
LA BALADE DES GNOMES - DURBUY, BELGIUM
Architect, Mr Noel, built and operates La Balade des Gnomes – an unusual hotel with 10 crazy rooms guaranteed to captivate the imagination. In fact, the motto of the hotel is “all that you can imagine is real”. It is located near Durbuy in Belgium which is a tiny 17th century town with cobbled streets and lovely shops. The inspiration for each of the hotel’s rooms comes from traditional fairy tales. In fact “La Balade des Gnomes” translates as “the walk of the Gnomes”. Each room leaves an impression like a good Tim Burton movie. There is a Trojan horse (which isn’t technically a fairy tale, but we wont quibble semantics) where you can stay in, well, a giant wooden horse. Other rooms include the Macquarie Island room where your bed is a boat which appears to float on real water and there is a real beach with real sand in your room. The suites are filled with wooden toadstools, starry skies (glowing on your ceiling) and crooked windows.
QUEEN MARY HOTEL - LONG BEACH, CALIFORMIA USA
If the splendor of Titanic captivated your imagination, then the Queen Mary Hotel is probably right up your alley. Once a luxury liner for the rich and famous, Queen Mary now serves as an indulgent hotel with art deco suites.
All the pomp and grandeur of the Titanic without any of that silliness with icebergs; the Queen Mary has had a long and prosperous career with no bad renditions of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ yet.
Beginning life in the 1930s, it was built in Scotland and became the luxury liner of choice for celebrities and rich people. It saw action in the 2nd World War when it was painted grey and converted to carry troops. It then rode the White Star Line and did cruises before being moored in Long Beach and turned into a hotel. An added plus is that it is rumored to be haunted!
KAROSTA PRISON - LATVIA
Unchanged since Tsarist Russia, for 100 years this prison served to brutalize those who fell foul of the Tsar and Communist Party. The place is said to be haunted. Perhaps you feel brave enough to take their tour. Just don’t blame your captors… I mean hosts when you see a cell door open and slam of its own accord or hear the sound of chains echo down the halls. If you are especially unlucky you might witness the ghost of a long-dead prisoner – skeleton thin, just staring at you.
For a truly unique experience, the very brave can spend a night in the cells to experience some of what prisoners might have gone through. Perhaps you want to take some of your friends with you for a slice of real adventure. If so, the prison/hotel has special packages for hen and stag nights and, incredibly, weddings. I can only assume that any woman who wants to spend her wedding day in a communist jail must be completely insane.
Happily for everyone this unusual experience can include tours of the surrounding naval base, perfect for people with a historical interest in the period and it does mean that you are allowed outside eventually. They will even let you ride bikes around the prison… before executing you. No, that was a joke. They don’t execute their guests – I think.
LIFEBOAT HOTEL - HARLINGEN, NETHERLANDS
Unusually for a decommissioned lifeboat hotel (wow, I’ve talked about so many unique hotels that this phrase doesn’t even seem strange) this one is still functioning. You can hire a captain to take you, your partner and your whole hotel out into the open sea. Now that sounds fun!
This lifeboat saw active service for over 30 years as part of England’s royal coastguard. It performed 105 rescue operations and saved 45 people from drowning. It was saved itself from the scrap yard by a Dutch lifeboat enthusiast who restored it and moored it in Harlingen Harbor. Now it will rescue you from mundane hotels. You will find two cabins below deck which are divided into a sitting room and bedroom. You can fix yourself breakfast using catering facilities located in the cockpit. There are plenty of local restaurants and sauna for you to visit and the Hannema museum to explore. Wonderful.
NAKAGIN CAPSULE TOWER - TOKYO, JAPAN
This historical building is an example of metabolism a movement in Japanese architecture that drew inspiration from how living organisms arrange themselves. Metabolists viewed society as an organism and the Nakagin Tower is one of the few remaining examples of their work.
Each capsule is like a cell, a self-contained living space designed for bachelor salarymen. One wall is all appliances such as cabinets, TV, and microwave, and the rest of the space is used for a bed and airplane-sized toilet. Each capsule was assembled off-site and then attached to a concrete pillar so each one can be removed without affecting the others.
Recently there has been discussion of demolishing the tower but Nicolai Ouroussoff, architecture critic for The New York Times, spoke out against the idea, “like all great buildings, it is the crystallization of a far-reaching cultural ideal. Its existence also stands as a powerful reminder of paths not taken, of the possibility of worlds shaped by different sets of values." Today, it remains standing.
Nakagin Capsule Tower was recognized as a unique building by Hollywood too. It was featured in the 2013 superhero film The Wolverine as a love hotel in Hiroshima Prefecture.
THE SHELL HOUSE - ISLA MUJERES, MEXICO
You know when you hold a shell to your ear, listen and hear the sea? What if you could live inside the shell? The Shell House is such a place. Inside, you will always hear the sea and smell the sea too, because the Caribbean waters are just footsteps away.
The Shell House is comprised of two living areas. There is the main holiday home with a living area and kitchenette on the ground floor and master bedroom on the second. Next door is the second room which has a kingsize bed and bathroom. There is a courtyard with a swimming pool too.
The Shell House was built from concrete and found materials by the artist-owner and his wife. They live nearby and are on-hand to make sure you have a fantastic trip. The interior living area has no corners, it is completely round. The shell-themed bathrooms are a real trip; the sink is made of conch shells, the taps are made of coral, and the towel racks from other seashells found along the beach.
THE MATA RESORT - PEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA
Located on Pemba Island in Zanzibar, The Manta Resort has a remarkable jewel in its crown of luxury, an underwater sea room. It’s part of an ingenious floating structure. There are three levels. The landing deck is where the boat drops you off and the location of the lounge and bathroom. The top floor has daybeds and shades for relaxing in the day and watching the stars at night - they say you can see the Milky Way and the planets due to the lack of light pollution.
Below sea level is the submariner room, a bedroom bubble where fish glide past your window. There are even fish that have made their homes around the structure; out here you won't be visited by other guests but by three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick (although I heard Nick the trumpetfish is an alcoholic, but he's fine if you catch him before 4 pm). The room is located in a “blue hole” in the middle of a living coral reef so it is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts and also people who just really like The Little Mermaid.
MONTANA MAGICA LODGE - NELTUME, CHILE
Eschew Disney Land’s magical pretensions and come to Huilo Huilo Montaña Mágica Lodge for a truly magical experience. The magic should be plain to anyone who sees its main building. A gigantic man-made volcano that spews spa waters over its rocky sides instead of lava. Windows peak from the sides like so many giant eyes with deep green mossy eyelashes.
Entry to the hotel is pretty normal, from the treetop walkway to lobby via the monkey bridge. So no surprises there then. When you get in you will be able to see that you are located in amongst 232 square miles of living-breathing rainforest. There are outdoor hot-tubs peeking out from the walls of waterfall/volcano/hotel and around you are many unusual animals including the world’s smallest deer that stands 13 inches tall.
ARTE LUISE KUNSTHOTEL - BERLIN, GERMANY
One of the coolest galleries in the world…which room would you like?
There’s only one place to be in Europe if you want cutting edge art - Berlin. Artists from all over the world come here to open galleries, boutiques or, in the case of Art Luise, a hotel. The hotel is located in a beautiful neoclassical building built in 1829. It is located close to the Reichstag and other essential sights.
Previously home to the rambunctious Mowe Art Club it has taken current owners over 20 years to turn it into its current incarnation. The painstaking detail is clear. Billed as an ‘art gallery in which you spend the night’ the hotel has a number of rooms each decorated by a different artist. Even the staircases are curated by a philosophy professor. He designed them to induce a state of contemplation while on your way to get a sandwich. Nice. Your room is totally unique, just check out these photos, which one would you choose? The restaurant pays homage to the building’s long history and is maintained in the traditional German way while serving a contemporary menu.
KENNEDY SCHOOL HOTEL - PORTLAND, OREGON USA
This elementary school was built in 1915 in a semi-remote location in Northeast Portland. One of the first rules installed for pupils and parents in the early years forbade the taking of pop shots at the rabbits from the moving streetcar. It closed its doors as a school in 1974 and looked set to be demolished. But it was saved by a group of ex-pupils and townsfolk.
Today it has been named the ‘number one quirkiest hotel in the US’. So prepare to stay in a room where you can write your to-do list on a real-life chalkboard. They have their own brewery and the bar is located in the old detention rooms, who says the Americans are without a sense of irony? The school canteen is now a courtyard restaurant and there is more dining to be had in the old boiler room of the school. There is a beautiful soaking pool that is energy efficient as part of the hotel’s ‘green policy’ which is good to know.
MUSTANG MONUMENT RESORT - WELLS, NEVADA USA
The Mustang Monument Eco Resort, just south of Wells, Nevada, offers a unique safari and adventure experience for all its patrons. Mustang Monument covers about 2350 square kilometers and prides itself on being eco-friendly and sustainable.
All the private rooms, luxury teepees, and cottages at the Mustang Monument are tastefully furnished and ranch house themed. They offer all the modern amenities you need. If you need some relaxation time, spend a day in the spa and treat yourself to any of the packages offered by fully licensed relaxation and rejuvenation personnel.
This luxurious western-style ranch offers guests several unique safari experiences that allow you to reconnect with the majestic outdoors and the world of wild horses. During your stay at Mustang Monument, you also indulge yourself with the adventure of a lifetime by taking outdoor equestrian excursions, hikes, and much more. You can enter the habitat of 650 wild mustangs that have been rescued from the wild and roam the 900-acre spread. If you want more physical activity, sign up for archery, rappelling, rock climbing, off-road Tom-Car adventures, and paintball matches.
SALVA SILVERGRUVA - SALA, SWEDEN
Lounge on your luxury leather chair underneath a delicate chandelier that hangs from the roof of a room which has been tunneled out of a pure rock, 155 meters below the surface. As if you were Gollum from Lord of the Rings. Except for massively rich and less ring-obsessed. So yes, the hotel is in a converted silver mine.
You are pretty much left alone down there with staff on the surface. So you get the whole place to yourself. There is plenty of adventure to be had around the place. You can do a high-wire assault course, go whizzing on a zip wire and explore the subterranean world of the silver mine through several different tracks. If you like your golf, there is a fine course above ground for you to check out 10 kilometers from Sala Silvermine.
The hotel also conserves the mine’s unique history and historical tours are available too. It is also the site of some of the finest cave-diving in the world. Down here, under the water, there is no current and the environment has been untouched by oxygen and light so you enter and brave and mysterious world of labyrinthine tunnels and plunge-pools.
SKYLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES - CUSCO, PERU
Have you ever imagined what it’s like to be a bird, sitting high above the rest in a cozy nest, overlooking the vast beauty of nature’s surroundings? If so, you’re in for a treat! The Skylodge Adventure Suites in Cusco, Peru offer an incredible travel experience unlike any other.
Accessible only by climbing, hiking, or zip-lining, each transparent capsule suite vertically hangs at the top of a 1200 ft mountain (!!!) and offers a 300-degree view of the stunning Sacred Valley landscape.
Each capsule suite houses four beds, a dining room, solar-powered lighting, and, yes, bathroom facilities! While curtains are provided to block the sun and allow for privacy, guests may want to keep them open at all times to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Guests are also provided with breakfast and dinner complete with wine because, as you can imagine, dining options are rather sparse on the edge of a cliff! This food is made fresh and literally brought up to guests by a seasoned climber!
Whether you’re an avid climber or have no knowledge of traversing mountains at all, you can live on the edge by staying a night at the Skylodge.
EDEN MOTEL - TAIWAN
Set in the middle of the bustling Kaohsiung City in Taiwan, lies the rent by the hour Eden Motel. The 22 themed rooms come in four flavors: World – virtual travel to faraway countries, Fantasy – romantic and love overdose settings, Fashion – quirky rooms with barbwire and design that would make Christian Grey blush, and our favorite the Batman suite.
The carefully designed world of Gotham features a large Batman bed, a mini Batman mobile that seems to function as a sofa, Batman posters and logos all over and a TV to watch your favorite Batman movie, or something else. Did I mention that the minimum stay is 3 hours? Not days, hours. Which begs the question, is it the perfect playground for your kids to enjoy the mystical world of Batman, or something else?
AMAZON JUNGLE PALACE - COLONIA PARICATUBA, BRAZIL
The Amazon Jungle Palace is the first floating eco-friendly, luxury hotel to offer beautiful views and an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the Amazon rain forest on Rio Negro, the hotel is only 8 kilometers from Manaus and offers daily transfer to the international airport. The natural construction elements harness the natural beauty of the Amazon rain forest while offering panoramic views of Rio Negro and Lago Salvador.
The hotel was designed utilizing the most modern concepts of sustainable tourism, including state-of-the-art water treatment facilities and waste management systems to preserve the surrounding environment. Even though the hotel is focused on ecological preservation, each luxury apartment offers amenities on par with any five-star resort. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, water heating systems, a safe, a fully stocked mini-bar, and a hi-tech LCD television with satellite programming. All rooms offer a breathtaking view, but depending on your budget you can also splurge for a balcony, pool view, or even a deck with a Jacuzzi.
During your stay, be sure to try some of the local cuisines at the Araticum restaurant. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks as you lounge by the outdoor swimming pool. The Amazon Jungle Palace can also arrange for a wide array of activities including bird-watching, canoe trips, and ritual performances by the native tribes.
While there are many options in the area, the Amazon Jungle Palace offers you the authentic rain forest adventure with the comfort of luxury accommodations.
HOTEL JESTED - LIBEREC, CZECH REPUBLIC
Situated in the northern mountains of the Czech Republic, Hotel Ještěd dominates the skyline of the Liberec region. Reaching an altitude over 1,000 meters, it has been a significant landmark and place of historic importance. The first monument was built at its summit in 1737, but today guests can now sleep and dine above the clouds.
Due to its unique design, architect Karel Hubáček received the Perret Prize and the structure was declared a cultural monument in 1998. The overall aesthetics make it seem as if it belongs in a science fiction film, the innovative design has combined a TV tower, hotel, and restaurant all in the same structure. Each room offers breathtaking views on the nature around. You have your choice of a modern room or a more retro design, but no matter which you choose breakfast will be included with the room rate.
You will also receive complimentary tickets for the cable car which will take you to the summit. It is easily accessible, but keep in mind it does not operate in inclement weather. Also be sure to enjoy a meal in the circular restaurant which boasts stunning views as well.
This rare find in Northern Bohemia allows you to experience an important piece of the country’s heritage while providing and unforgettable experience.
THE BOOT - TASMAN, NEW ZEALAND
I like how this cottage-shaped-like-a-giant-boot actually has shoelaces. See that? Attention to detail. This romantic bed and breakfast cottage is the only accommodation in the 2.4 hectare Jester House Estate.
Inside, there is a fireplace, kitchenette, and bathroom with a shower built for two. Up the spiral staircase, there is a queen-sized bed and a Juliet balcony that overlooks the pond and the fragrant gardens. Outside you can relax on the lovely garden furniture surrounded by your grove of hazelnut trees perfect for more privacy in the mid-afternoon sun. The rest of the estate is at your disposal with the Jester House Café which cooks organic food and pours specialist beers.
The estate has a stream where tame eels live. You can actually feed them by hand. The extensive permaculture gardens are full of fruit trees and flowers. Much of the constructions are built along with eco principles and use timber and earth from the estate to resemble modern medieval constructs.
YELLOW SUB - LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM
Ever wanted to live the high life and join one of the biggest bands of all time? Even if you can barely play a tambourine, we can all live in a yellow submarine, at least for one night.
Fans looking for the full Beatles experience can book accommodation in this unusual boat hotel which is painted to look like the vessel on the cover of their record “Yellow Submarine”. This boat on the River Mersey in Liverpool (where the band is from!), features a stylish lounge area equipped with The Beatles gold discs, the mod scooter from the film Quadrophenia, and designer furniture from Paris and New York. The psychedelic interior design will make you feel like it’s the Summer of Love all over again!
In the submarine, there are three en-suite bedrooms, a kitchen, and plenty of space to practice your best John Lennon impressions. On top of all that you will also be staying in a piece of cinematic history. Prior to becoming a hotel, the boat had been used in the Sean Connery thriller, The Hunt for the Red October.
The Yellow Sub is situated near Albert Dock, so you are just steps away from the best bars and restaurants Liverpool has to offer. With great views, your own bar, and the chance to be the envy of every music fan on the planet, you will definitely want to twist and shout over this one.
EH'HAUSL - AMBERG, GERMANY
Fascinating stuff, this hotel. It was built in 1728 and could well be the smallest hotel in the world. The story goes like this: back in ye olden days in Germany, couples who wanted to marry had to own property. So some enterprising local put down his frothy beer and sausage (sorry Germans!) and built a tiny house in a 2.5-meter gap between two buildings. This house was then bought by a couple who owned it until they were married and after they tied the knot, they sold it to the next couple.
Today, “the marriage house” has been renovated by top designers and offers you the chance to take the keys and live in this remarkable property for a brief time. The emphasis is on luxury living and you can see from these pictures that time spent in the spa-bath, watching the antique fireplace, or listening to the music collection is the time when you experience some lovely relaxation.
Hope you enjoyed this visual trip around the world. If you would like information on any vacation please contact me at francine@grandexplorer.com or 1-800-903-5750
