Alila means “surprise” in Sanskrit and you can expect many of those during your stay. Beginning with the fact that your 5-star boutique hotel is actually a 230-year old fortress! Rajasthan is famous for its spectacular hill forts, many of which are crowded with tourists all year long. Luckily, you ...

This Martello Tower was originally built by the British when they were threatened by the armies of Napoleon. It was part of a string of 29 fortresses that ran like a necklace around the British coast. Each was home to a garrison of 25 men – one can imagine the ...

This 19th Century fort was built during Napoleon’s carefree conquering of Europe. The British were a bit concerned and installed a number of forts around their coastline like so many Red Alert bases. Fort Clonque was originally designed to house 68 soldiers while black metal cannons peered over the battlements. ...

For thousands of years, the most popular pastime in Europe was killing your neighbors. England and France win the prize for managing to have a war that lasted for 100 years. Because of a readiness for violence, castles began to sprout all through Europe’s green hills and many survive to ...

*Your private seaside fortification* This fort was named after the first Earl of Leicester who was a 16th Century English statesman and close friend of Queen Elizabeth I. Originally designed to deter the French from invading England again, it remained an isolated post in the British channel until it was ...

When arriving at Masseria Torre Coccaro, you will see ancient olive groves where connoisseur olive oil is pressed, a wave-lapped Adriatic shore where a private yacht is moored and a restored farmhouse where you will be staying. The farmhouse is hundreds of years old and is more fortress than house. ...