The Monte Pacis looks like a palace, like a luxury hotel, but there is something even greater inside — a functioning monastery. Since monasteries have high standards, only a measure of comforts are provided. However, you won’t care because the scenery and the experience is powerful. The massive courtyard, surrounded ...

Eremito has been called a traveler’s “soulful experience”, one that intentionally downplays modern luxury and instead spoils you with peaceful and unique atmosphere. Visitors can expect monastery-like settings, with fixtures inspired by old monastic cells. It’s austere and yet highly meditative. Total peace awaits you, with no modern urban urgencies. ...

*A converted Indian fortress* This 14th-century fort was built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs who claim to be decendants of Lord Krishna – though they probably weren’t as good flautists. The fort has had many owners over the years - the Mughals, the Jats, the British and, of course, today it ...

*A restored Indian fortress* Built in 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on a hill with brilliant views of the Indian countryside. It is a 55-room heritage resort covering six acres of land with multiple levels and palatial wings. Left to ruin for much of the 20th Century, it was ...

*The heart of Snowdonia* Snowdonia is a majestic and ancient land. Riddled with myth, this is where the great magician Merlin is said to have been born. Explore the cliffs and crags of Wales. Check out the mountain Cader Idris where, according to legend, if you spend a night on ...

*Divorced, Beheaded, Made Pies* Hampton Court is one of only two surviving palaces once owned by legendary English king, Henry VIII. In fact it was originally meant for the king’s favourite, Thomas Wolsey but he fell from grace and was executed. Since then the palace had been owned by the ...

*Your Moroccan Private Spa Palace* This 17th century palace is located in Medina of Fez and is a prime spot for indulgence and exploration. Medina of Fez is the largest contiguous car-free urban zone in the world and has been occupied since 859AD. It’s rich heritage has lead it to ...

*The essential Italian farmstead* Located in a handful of 16th Century farm buildings perched on a hillock overlooking a fertile plain, this hotel was a working farm for centuries. You can stay in the peculiar “trulli” houses that were the preferred residencies of farm laborers. They are dry-stone conical huts ...

*Greensleeves optional* In a world obsessed with Hobbit films and where Game of Thrones is spawning meme after hilarious meme it is no surprise that the Medieval Hotel is doing fast business. It offers you the experience of living a medieval lifestyle except with hot water, human rights and no ...

*Renaissance, people* In Tuscany there is a beautiful villa that has been restored. With only seven rooms, this exclusive hotel has married modern furnishings with the traditional style. The half-ancient wooden beams hold up the ceiling as you sit in front of a 200 year-old fireplace next to a stone ...

*Old School European Elegance* This Norwegian hotel was opened in 1891 to cater for the crème-de-la-crème of European society. Over the years it hosted Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, King Oscar II, Queen Maud and King Haakon VII. In 1989 the hotel was restored to its ...

*By the hammer of Thor!* Who were the coolest iron-age tribe? The Vikings of course. Their horned helmets, love of pillage and super-fast longboats made them a fiercesome force to be reckoned with in early Europe. Every summer, in a typically unpronounceable Icelandic town, Viking culture comes alive in the ...

*Besotted with Ottoman* Sitting boldly in Old Istanbul, Hotel Niles is located near all the best sites: the Blue Mosque, Iyos Sophia and Topkapi Palace. It is the perfect base for you to explore the city from and one you will secretly long to return to. Why? Well look at ...

Safari was an Indian invention. The word Sahar means travel in Sanskrit/Hindi and the British appropriated the word and took it to Africa. The India Safari club takes you on trips in the Rajastani wilderness using 4x4, camels or even elephants. It was all the brainchild of founder, Reggie Marwar ...

About three million years ago an enormous volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself much to the hilarity of the other volcanoes who laughed so much they blew their own tops. This massive event created what is known today as the Ngorongoro Crater. For millions of years the crater has ...

This hotel was built by the Serbian Tim Burton, Emir Kusturica and is based on his film Life is Miracle. Everything is constructed from wood mixing traditional with modern styles. The famous director still lives there with his family in the large main house. The design was set to recreate ...

If you were a French Celt living in the 2nd Century AD under threat from the Romans you would want to in Les Baux-de-Provence. Set high in the Alpilles mountains on a rocky outcrop with a view of the surrounding plateau, the location has been inhabited for thousands of years. ...

*‘At night it is so quiet that you begin to hear the stars’* (Benedict Allen) The ancient Egyptians called Siwa the ‘Field of Trees’. Today this most isolated settlement is home to a small population of Berbers and one of the world’s most interesting hotels. You won’t find marble sinks ...

Goa is one of the most popular destinations on the globe. Its year-round sunshine, laid back culture and infinite stretches of beach attract people the world over. Now wouldn’t it be nice if you could break-off a piece of this paradise to call your own? Well you can at Elsewhere. ...

You go to Istanbul because it is one of the world’s great historic cities. So why stay in a boring hotel? You want to stay in something charming, something with a connection to the city with a unique character. Step forward the Dersaadet Hotel. The name means “place of felicity ...

This compact luxury inn or “ryokan” is situated in a perfect location with mountains falling like curtains behind small valleys and rivers. The inn has balconies where you can relax and take in the amazing Japanese countryside. There is a nearby train station so you will easily be able to ...

Kasbah Tamadot is part of Richard Branson's portfolio of unique retreats. It is a traditional Moroccan castle in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The Kasbah is surrounded by scented gardens, terraces and staircases and maintains traditional glamour. You can stay in the Berber Tent suites which are in the ...