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Category Archives: Unique Lodging

Laucala Island Resort in Fiji is a bit of Paradise

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Bungalow, Fiji, Hiking, Lodging Type, Sailing, Scuba, Sight Seeing, Snorkeling, Travel Cost, Travel Cost $$$$$, Travel Destinations, Unique Lodging
Laucala Island Resort in Fiji

Laucala Island Resort in Fiji

Okay, stop whatever you’re doing now, go to http://www.laucala.com and play the video on the front page and then tell me if that isn’t what you imagine paradise to look like.

At first site it reminded me a little of the Rockwater Secret Cove Resort in Canada but with an island flare.  You can get your own rooms looking out over the ocean but no one can see into your room.

This is a jaw-dropping site to behold, you’re exquisite bungalow is perched on a peninsula of the island, with lush tropical forests at your back and crystal clear and azure Pacific Ocean out your front window and door.

The infinity pool true feels like you’re looking out into infinity, an infinity of blue paradise that is a view like no other I’ve ever seen, Imagine whiling away your days snorkeling, hiking, sailing, dining and so much more in this paradise.

This bit of paradise has to be one of the most expensive price tags I’ve seen on such a room.  It makes Bora Bora look like a bargain.  For a one room bedroom Plateau Villa with sweeping South Pacific views it will set you back just over $5000 per day.

This includes food and beverage, with house wines. Activities included golf, tennis, horseback riding and water sports. In addition one 90min spa treatment per person per stay is also included. Plane transfers from Nadi to island at 600 USD per person one way for adults addl. Children 3 years to 11 years at 300 USD per child one way addl. 15 pct Tax and 5 pct Occupancy Tax addl.

Room description

“One Bedroom Plateau Villa 160-190 sqm/1722-2045 sqft Situated on the Nawi Hill, these villas offer unforgettable views out to the sea and neighbouring islands. Large outdoor bathing areas with oversized bath tub and garden situated outdoor shower. Large outdoor dining pavilions allow guest to dine under the stars. Yoga deck overlooking the coconut plantation.”

Okay, so 99% of us will never be able to afford paying for this beauty, but you’ve got to just go dream a little and check out the sites http://www.laucala.com/#Philosophy.

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort on the Sunshine Coast Canada

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Adventure/Extreme Travel, Canada, Hiking, Lodging Type, Romantic Getaway, Sailing, Travel Cost, Travel Cost $$$$, Travel Destinations, Unique Lodging 1 Comment
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

Rockwater Secret Cove Resort

The Rockwater Secret Cover Resort on the Sunshine Coast in north western Canada is a place that dreams and memories are made of.

The canvas tents sprinkled about the shoreline are an amazing juxtaposition. While the outside is surrounded by the rugged outdoors and the walls are just canvas tents, the inside is heated slate floors, bathtubs built for two, showers, beds with ceiling fans, fireplaces and iHome docking stations. Every comfort you have in four and five star hotels is on the inside.

While the tents are near each other you can at the same time see out of your tent nature all around, but no one else can see inside your tent. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The resort is at one a throwback to yesteryear and fully embracing the future with both arms wide open.

If you truly want to get away from it all the Secret Cove Resort is the place.

Melting Away the Stress on Maui

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Adventure/Extreme Travel, Food, Hawaii, Hiking, Hotel, Lodging Type, Maui, Romantic Getaway, Sailing, Scuba, Snorkeling, Sushi, Travel Cost, Travel Cost $$$, Travel Cost $$$$, Travel Cost $$$$$, Travel Type, Unique Lodging, USA
Banyan Tree in Maui

Banyan Tree in Maui

Maui is simply amazing from the towering Mt. Haleakala to Iao Vaalley to the winding road of Hana to the beaches of Makena and Kaanapali. Each stop opens your eyes to another island wonder.

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Adventure/Extreme Travel, Lodging Type, Maldives, Romantic Getaway, Scuba, Snorkeling, Travel Cost $$$$$, Travel Destinations, Travel Type, Unique Lodging 1 Comment
Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island

I’ve posted this at least a hundred times before, but every time I see it I want to again.  The underwater bedroom/honeymoon suite at the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa on Rangali Island is simply breathtaking and mind boggling.

This is so at the top of my bucket list right there with Bora Bora and walking to Mordor.   This is probably about as pricey as outfitting a fellowship to Mordor as this type of magic doesn’t come cheap.

If you want to spend the night, it’ll cost you — about $1,000 an hour and you must give a two weeks’ notice to reserve the overnight suite.  I think it would be worth every penny though, but that is a lot of pennies.

Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Adventure/Extreme Travel, Hiking, Romantic Getaway, Sailing, Snorkeling, St. Lucia, Travel Cost $$$$$, Travel Type, Unique Lodging 1 Comment
Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia Straight out of a Painting

The Jade Mountain resort on St. Lucia is straight out of a painting.  It’s hard to believe that there is someplace this beautiful on earth.

“Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain St.Lucia is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.”

Imagine swimming in an infinity pool with your special someone and looking out over the ocean and island.  It’s one of the most amazing panoramic shots you could imagine.

“Each infinity pool sanctuary at Jade Mountain is a carefully designed, individual work of art and architecture. All of the sanctuaries celebrate an unparalleled view of the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. In all of the sanctuaries, the 4th wall is open to the views while at the same time allowing for complete privacy. An additional panoramic quality is provided by sanctuaries on particular elevations and those located on corners. Four rate categories of infinity pool sanctuaries have been created to reflect the square footage of the sanctuaries and size of pool. Also, there are five Sky jacuzzi suites.”

With lodging names like star and moon you can imagine your stay will be nothing short of celestial.  How do you pick just one room to stay in though?  Take a look at their accommodations.  I’m ready to go stay for a month, how about you?

 

 

Temple of the Blue Moon at Treehouse Point

Posted on by Posted in Activities, California, Hiking, Lodging Type, Romantic Getaway, Travel Cost, Travel Cost $$, Travel Type, Treehouse, Unique Lodging, USA

Temple of the Blue Moon at Treehouse Point

In THP’s own words, “TreeHouse Point is an intimate alternative for individuals and groups who seek comfort and style in friendly and natural surroundings. All accommodations are well designed and artfully decorated, with touches like handmade beds, original art and charming vintage furnishings.”

Mushroom Dome Cabin Near Santa Cruz California

Posted on by Posted in Activities, Adventure/Extreme Travel, California, Hiking, Lodging Type, Travel Cost $$$, Travel Destinations, Travel Type, Unique Lodging, USA

Mushroom Dome Cabin Near Santa Cruz California is a very unique lodging.

Here it is in their own words, “The cozy and clean semi-rustic cabin has a loft under a geodesic dome (the “mushroom cap”) with a double bed, which is a cotton futon with 1″ of latex foam and 21/2″ gel memory foam on top. (It is now softer for you folks who like a soft cushiony bed.) We provide clean sheets and pillow cases: you can chose either smooth cotton sheets or cotton flannel. Plenty of blankets are also provided.

In the loft, we have a 22″ LCD Screen with a DVD player (no TV) for movies. (We have some movies you can view as well.)

On the main floor (a Pentagon) is a couch that doubles as a narrow futon (which could sleep a third person for an extra $10. a night), as well as a mini kitchenette. Here you will find a double hotplate, small refrigerator, toaster oven, blender, Hot Air Popcorn Popper, French Coffee press, a salad spinner – even a mixer- and all the dishes and equipment you would need to prepare a snack or a meal. We have 2 tables where you can enjoy meals, games, etc.: 1 inside and 1 outside on the large deck that faces the redwoods. We now have a barbecue grill on the deck. We also provide Organic Coffee, teas, Oatmeal, popcorn, raisins, spices, oil and vinegar and various snacks. Our well water is treated by an ozonator and a soft water filter.

The cute bathroom has a Travertine shower, custom tiled sink and flushing boat toilet. We provide towels, soap, a hair blow-dryer, etc. (a word of caution: the bathroom has a low ceiling. If you are over 6′ you may have to do a little ducking here and there.)

As the dome used to leak in the winter (a problem with domes), there are some water stains on the ceiling. We have now completely sealed the roof so it is no longer leaking. We have also sterilized the fabric on the ceiling. It does look a little funky to some, so we warn you in case you don’t like the rustic look. (In Feb. we are planning to replace the ceiling.)

As Saturdays are very much in demand, (and we like to be free on Saturdays), we require a minimum 2 day stay on the weekends. Keep in mind that Friday and Saturday nights are $110. each. Therefore, to stay here on a weekend will cost $220. plus the $30. cleaning fee plus 10% that airbnb will charge you ($25. and the 9.5% Santa Cruz County Transient Tax of $23.). So the total for the weekend will be $298. To stay for 2 days mid-week costs a grand total of $274. On 3 day holidays, we require a 3 day reservation. (This includes Memorial Day and Labor Day.) As we have experienced some damage from guests, we are now requiring a $100. security deposit which will be returned to you 48 hours after check-out – as long as you haven’t caused any damage!

Although it feels very isolated here, we are less than 10 minutes to Aptos Village where you will find stores, restaurants, a theater, a health food store, Safeway, etc.”