Unique Hotels

2019

A sojourn these days would involve a standout lodging that makes all the difference from an enjoyable journey to an extraordinary one and some of these unique hotels are probably the reason that provides the impetus and trigger to finally make that journey. Disagree? Look no further below....

Kachi Lodge, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Why We Love It:

The new game-changer that will change the way you journey to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia - where it come a long way in redefining the style and panache of how to experience the world's largest salt flats. The Kachi Lodge with its futuristic geodesic domes resembles pods on a space station outpost under the star-lit skies right at the foot of the Tunupa Volcano. It's green eco-friendly concepts while not compromising on luxury and comfort endears us completely.  

Best Time To Visit:

Depending on what you are looking for, it's surreal both during the dry season (April through October) and the wet season when you can paddleboard out from camp in the shallow waters that creates the effect of the largest "mirror" in the world. We prefer the dry season for the sheer amount of activities that can be done - hiking, biking, outdoor campfire to immerse in some of the most alien-esque landscapes on Planet Earth. 

Check out Kachi Lodge in our Bolivia Bizarre Love Triangle journey

Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, Monsaraz, Portugal

Why We Love It:

Right in the heart of the Alentejo region close to the white village of Monsaraz, the Sao Lourenco do Barrocal is a farm retreat quite in its own league. Minimalist decor allows for an unpretentious experience that are well-complemented with its exceptional cuisine, its blend of wines and the authentic "gaucho" way of life that are never commercialized. Quite the experience for us is to take a Lusitano "the ferrari of horses" into the stunning Alqueva Lake admiring Monsaraz from a distance. 

Best Time To Visit:

Sublime in spring and autumn and while summer has scorching temperatures (July - August), the sun seemingly doesn't set, allowing for an unbelievable amount of daylight to enjoy. We love autumn in the Alentejo the most for its festivities of wine-harvesting, the spectacular colors of cork and olive trees in stunning autumn hues, the pleasant and cooler weather that makes the Alentejo such an incredible region to enjoy. 

Check out Sao Lourenco do Barrocal in our Spirit of Alentejo journey

Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Why We Love It:

10 "shipwreck" cabins spread out among the sand dunes with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean in between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in an untamed landscape of raw, rugged wilderness that only the Skeleton Coast of Namibia can inspire. All of the "shipwreck" cabins are solar-powered except for the wood burning stove for chilly evenings during the winter dry season. But sustainability and design does not go wrong in one of the most unique lodges in Africa. 

Best Time To Visit:

Undoubtedly the dry season from May to September. The weather can be cold but you'll stay dry and pleasant during the heat of the winter day which can still reach temperatures of up to 25 degrees celsius and more. The less treacherous waves of the Atlantic Ocean also enables a more enjoyable experience as well as the surrounding desert-adapted wildlife which roams in the Skeleton Coast National Park. 

Check with us on a tailormade journey of Namibia featuring Shipwreck Lodge 

Cava & Hotel Mastinell, Vilafranca del Penedes, Spain

Why We Love It:

Designed to resemble the beauty of stacked cava bottles, the Cava & Hotel Mastinell certainly ranks up there as one of the most architecturally-bizarre hotels in the world right in the heart of Vilafranca del Penedes in Catalonia's premier wine-making region. A destination experience not to be missed, surrounded by intoxicating Catalan wine and gastronomy, the great outdoors are as inviting as well. Almost "instagram-perfect", this is the hotel to be for the wholesome wine experience. 

Best Time To Visit:

Autumn season undoubtedly during the wine harvesting time in October to November for the late harvest where the festivities are in full flow. Summer allows for indulgence of not just the vineyards in its full green spectacle, but also the fervor of the Costa Brava and of course, the unique Catalan tradition of the castellers human towers that enhances your journey of this region of Spain to the maximum. 

Check out Cava & Hotel Mastinell in our Beyond Barcelona - Spirit of Catalunya journey

Guntu Floating Hotel, Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Why We Love It:

One of the latest and innovative luxury project comes to life in the shimmering Seto Inland Sea of Japan in the form of the Guntu Floating Hotel, a 19 room vessel that takes you on a tranquil journey through the Seto Inland Sea with its array of charming fishing towns of Hiroshima and Okayama Prefectures and the islands of Shikoku. Complete that with the uncompromising finesse and "omotenashi" of seasonal gastronomic offerings, a ryokan is literally transported to the sea and in some style. 

Best Time To Visit:

Late March to early April for the peak of the cherry blossom season that blankets Hiroshima, Okayama and the Shikoku islands in a sea of pink. Summer months are a delight for sake and seafood indulgence despite the heat and humidity and our favorite time of the year - Autumn in mid November which covers the region in a kaleidoscope of red, orange and yellow. 

Enquire with us about the Guntu Floating Hotel of Japan