A bucket list of exceptional hotels from around the world
The fourth century Catholic philosopher St. Augustine once said; “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Indeed, since the dawn of time, travel has been at the center of the human condition; inspiring generations and fueling us to better understand the world around us.
Being unable to experience the myriad of wonderful places our planet has to offer has been one of the most difficult changes to arise due to our present lockdown for millions of travellers. Never before have the treasures hidden across the globe seemed so rare and desirable.
As our ability to roam is slowly reintroduced across the world, we can once again begin to allow ourselves to dream of the beautiful places we have yet to discover. To help you along your future journeys, we have compiled a list of the 10 most beautiful and rare places to stay… Enjoy!
The Madonna Inn
No hotel in history has captured the Instagram imagination more than the kitsch-tastic Madonna Inn. A throwback from 1958 this hotel has grown from its original 12 rooms to 110 rooms and suites. Each room is themed with over-the-top decor and buckets of personality. Located between LA and San Francisco, this is a cultural stop-over you cannot miss.
The Orient Express
On the other side of the spectrum is the timeless elegance of the world’s most famous train, the Orient Express. A decadent 5-star sleeper train that runs from London or Paris to Verona and Venice, it provides the type of once-in-a-lifetime experience that few hotels can match in style or history. As a bonus – add a little mystery to your trip with a reading of Agatha Christie’s classic “Murder on the Orient Express”.
Steamship Sudan
Another Agatha Christie favourite – the Sudan is a Belle Epoque ship that delivers all the comfort and services of a luxury hotel whilst travelling down the Nile to see the sites of ancient Egypt.
Giraffe Manor
Across the African continent in Nairobi you can find Giraffe Manor, a grand 1930s building set in a giraffe conservatory. Tick a few items off your bucket list by feeding the world’s longest mammal whilst you have a rum punch.
Taj Lake Hotel
The Taj Lake is considered the most romantic hotel in the world. Set inside an actual palace situated at the centre of a lake, this property is the stuff of dreams with it’s pastel walls and gorgeous Indian artifacts.
The Spitbank Fort
For those still looking to stay as remote as possible, the Spitbank Fort off of the coast of England is for you. Accessible only by helicopter, this nineteenth century coastal fort is a uniquely isolated hotel that promises a full getaway from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.
Kemi Snow Castle
Every January, deep in the dark woods of Finland, you will find the largest snow sculpture on Earth, the Kemi Snow Castle. Operating as a full hotel, complete with dining areas and guestrooms, Kemi is fully made of carved snow and ice… a perfect getaway for those more adventurous travellers.
Alila Purnama
Tackle the seas of Indonesia in absolute pampered luxury with the Alila Purnama, a reconditioned traditional sail boat that looks like a pirate ship crossed with a five-star resort.
La Grotta della Civita
Located in Southern Italy’s Matera village this hotel is part of an underground network of hundreds of caves that once functioned as dwellings, churches and palaces. Le Grotte della Civita is in the oldest part of town and comprises 18 rooms and an ancient church, the “Cripta della Civita”.
The Saugerties Lighthouse
A romantic landmark beacon on the Hudson River, the Saugerties Lighthouse was constructed in 1869 at the mouth of the Esopus Creek. It offers bed and breakfast to those travellers that want to enjoy the delights of the local wildlife and colonial architecture.
Still wondering when you can fly to all of these amazing destinations? Check out our handy guide of opening dates for airports across the world 🛩🛬🛫✈️:
- Lebanon 🇱🇧 July 15, 2020
- Bahrain 🇧🇭 June 10, 2020
- Qatar 🇶🇦 June 10, 2020
- Jordan 🇯🇴 July 15, 2020
- Iraq 🇮🇶 (Air Corridor) August 1, 2020
- Iran 🇮🇷 August 1
- Egypt 🇪🇬 August 1
- Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 August 1, 2020
- Tunisia 🇹🇳 August 1
- Baghdad 🇮🇶 August 1
- Japan 🇯🇵 June 15, 2020
- Northern Macedonia 🇲🇰 June 15, 2020
- Lithuania 🇱🇹 June 15, 2020
- Hungary 🇭🇺 June 15, 2020
- Poland 🇵🇱 June 15, 2020
- Romania 🇷🇴 June 15, 2020
- Serbia 🇷🇸 June 15, 2020
- Netherlands 🇳🇱 June 20, 2020
- Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 June 20, 2020
- Albania 🇦🇱 June 22, 2020
- Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 June 22, 2020
- Denmark 🇩🇰 June 22, 2020
- Estonia 🇪🇪 June 22, 2020
- Finland 🇫🇮 June 22, 2020
- South Korea 🇰🇷 June 22, 2020
- Ireland 🇮🇪 June 22, 2020
- Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 June 22, 2020
- Latvia 🇱🇻 June 22, 2020
- Norway 🇳🇴 June 22, 2020
- Slovakia 🇸🇰 June 22, 2020
- Australia 🇦🇺 July 1, 2020
- Belgium 🇧🇪 July 1, 2020
- Belarus 🇧🇾 July 1, 2020
- China 🇨🇳 (Beijing only) July 1, 2020
- Sweden 🇸🇪 July 1, 2020
- Canada 🇨🇦 July 1, 2020
- Colombia 🇨🇴 July 1, 2020
- Kosovo 🇽🇰 July 1, 2020
- Malaysia 🇲🇾 July 1, 2020
- Moldova 🇲🇩 July 1, 2020
- Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 July 1, 2020
- Republic of Taiwan 🇹🇼 July 1, 2020
- Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 July 1, 2020
- Ukraine 🇺🇦 July 1, 2020
- Indonesia 🇮🇩 July 10, 2020
- India 🇮🇳 July 10, 2020
- Pakistan 🇵🇰 July 10, 2020
- Algeria 🇩🇿 July 15, 2020
- Morocco 🇲🇦 July 15, 2020
- Philippines 🇵🇭 July 15, 2020
- South Africa 🇿🇦 July 15, 2020
- Georgia 🇬🇪 (only for Georgia City) July 15, 2020
- UK 🇬🇧 July 15, 2020
- Kuwait 🇰🇼 July 15, 2020
- Libya 🇱🇾 July 15, 2020
- Cyprus (Turkish side) June 1, 2020
- Russia 🇷🇺 July 15, 2020
- Bulgaria 🇧🇬 June 10, 2020
- Brazil 🇧🇷 August 1
- Armenia 🇦🇲 August 1, 2020
- France 🇫🇷 August 1
- Greece 🇬🇷 June 10, 2020
- Germany 🇩🇪 June 15, 2020
- Spain 🇪🇸 August 1
- Italy 🇮🇹 August 1
- Austria 🇦🇹 June 15, 2020
- Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 June 15, 2020
- Czech Republic 🇨🇿 June 15, 2020
- USA 🇺🇸 September 1, 20
- Switzerland 🇨🇭 June 15, 2020
- UAE first flight to Beirut airport on 1 / 7
Data source: ICAO