Weird & Wonderful
PLACES TO STAY
Add into the mix one of the most haunting and desolate landscapes on the planet, the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia and you’ve got an unmatched South American glamping experience.
Each of the Airstreams sleeps two people (with the option of a third traveller on a sofa-bed) and it's fully equipped with everything you might need; a bathroom, toiletries, shower with hot water, hair dryer, heater, air conditioning, a comfortable queen-size bed, electric blankets and the best part, wait for it, a complimentary fully-stocked mini bar.
You can also breathe easy with your own portable oxygen tank, which we’re told you might need due to the altitude. Which is both terrifying and luxurious at the same time.
From US$3800 as part of a 3 day tour
FUTURO HOUSE, MARSTON PARK
Somerset, United Kingdom
If you were walking your dog through Marston Park, Somerset, about 15 minutes from the site of the famous Glastonbury Festival, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled upon a UFO.
But there are no little green men here. It’s Futuro House you’re seeing, a piece of futuristic fiberglass madness designed by post-war Finnish left-field thinker Matti Suuronen.
Only 68 of these futuristic pods were ever built, all in the 1960s and 1970s. On one hand this is understandable - unless you’re an alien, who wants to live permanently in a UFO? On the other hand, we’re very glad this one somehow made its way to Marston Park, where it contrasts spectacularly with the quaint section of English countryside it resides on.
Restored lovingly to ensure a comfortable stay, Futuro represents a truly unique, out of this world experience.
From US$550 per night
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THE CLIFFS
Columbus, Ohio, United States
The Cliffs are the new ‘American Dream’.
Based at Hocking Hills, just 45 minutes out of Columbia, Ohio, the location alone is everything you could want: a stunning waterfall that cascades down into a private gorgeous swimming hole, massive rock faces that form dramatic cliffs and a boundless forest offering genuine seclusion.
This is before you even begin to consider the lodge. In fact, the term lodge severely understates this place: fitting 18 guests, it features a truly epic games room, countless stylish bedrooms and bathrooms, a bunker, a fire pit and of course, Netflix.
Originally built in 1929 as a boy scout cabin, it’s now arguably the mecca of a boy’s weekend away.
From US$999 per night
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THE CABIN, SWEDISH TREE HOTEL
Harads, Sweden
They say there’s been a few proposals on the terrace at The Cabin, and it’s easy to see why.
The Cabin is perched halfway up the trees, slightly askew, in the middle of a ridiculously idyllic Swedish forest. The buzz of the city is a long way away. The Cabin is a rebellion against the hustle and bustle, and a homage to the slow pace of nature.
At 24 square metres it’s big enough to hold a double bed, bathroom and a terrace from which you can see the valley which spreads out beneath it.
At The Cabin, the birds and the flow of the nearby river is all you will hear in the morning. Just another example of how the Scandis really are the kings and queens of cabin life.
From US$608 per night.
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PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands, Maldives
There were about 300,000 plants dug up in the making of Patina Maldives, all of which were brought to the hotel for replanting upon its completion. This tells you everything you need to know about the eco-conscious mindset of this new luxury resort, which is also powered mostly by the sun, and built from biodegradable and reusable materials where available.
What it does not tell you is that Patina is situated across a new group of man-made islands of ridiculous beauty, with several other resorts opening up at around the same time to create a new, world class, luxury destination. Patina’s commitment to the environment makes escaping into the rustic, tropical-style villas (each with a private pool overlooking a lagoon) even more appealing.
There’s the typical resort options like snorkeling, gym access, spas and stand-up paddleboards, which are supplemented by the slightly less common gelato-serving tuk-tuk, and a campfire that offers toasted marshmallows. This really is our sort of luxury.
From US$1992 per night.
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TREEFUL TREEHOUSE
Okinawa, Japan
Set in dense forest in the north of Japan, Treeful Treehouse EcoResort is a series of three breathtaking residences with beautiful views in every direction.
The Spiral Treehouse, which features a winding set of wooden stairs that lead to extraordinary 360-degree jungle views at the top, is our pick. A huge trunk protrudes right through the middle of the bedroom in this one, removing any doubt as to whether or not you are staying in a treehouse.
The treehouses are the brainchild of Maha Kikugawa, who did not stop at just the treehouses themselves: she also undertook a regeneration of the land and waterways around the property to create an outpost of absolute tranquility.
From US$1814 for two nights.
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