Top of the World - China

Jade Screen HotelYuping Peak, China

For centuries artists and poets have been inspired by the scenery here. To get to the hotel there are 60,000 steps to climb but before you freak out about having to climb all those steps there are a couple of other options.  You can take a cable car to the top or be carries up in a wicker chair by porters.  If you choose to make the climb you will have to have some what of a steady nerve as you begin your climb by climbing through the cleft of the cliff know as the thread of the sky.  A little further up the steps are aboout a shoulders width apart and a sheer drop on either side.  However you choose to get to the hotel the views are spectacular.

It is considered to be the most beautiful during the winter when it resembles an ice castle and at $68 for a double room, it’s a bargain you can’t beat.  You will surely feel inspired, refreshed and renewed after a stay at this hotel.

Treehouse Lodge Adventure in South Africa

Marc's Treehouse

http://www.marcscamp.com/

If you are traveling to South Africa and you want to really experience the African bush and want to stay in unique accommodations but are also on a budget Marc's is the perfect place.

Another great feature of three of these unique rooms is that they have been built around a lighted waterhole, which is very popular with the animals and affords you great game viewing opportunities. The other nine treehouses are built along the serene river, surrounded by lush forest.

Located on the Motlala Game Reserve, guests staying at Marc's Treehouse Lodge stay in one of twelve secure reed and thatch treehouses with complete facilities exclusively available to each. Tents are available for those who wish a more camping feel and guesthouses for those who want a little more of a hotel feel.  Four of the suites have their very own bathrooms on the ground below, while the other eight are fully ensuite. Each treehouse has its own viewing deck where guests can watch for wandering wildlife.  The night time comes alive with the sounds of animals such as leopards and hyena's roaming the grounds while in the mornings guests are awoken by the songs of the many varieties of birds.


Multi-day safari's itineraries including accommodations are available.  An African adventure doesn't have to break the bank, this budget conscious accommodation and safari is a great option and an adventure you are sure to remember. 

Glass Dome Accommodations Provide Perfect Northern Lights Viewing

Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, Finland

Located in one of the most stunning sceneries you will find.   Kakslauttanen Igloo Village is located just outside the Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s largest national park.  The village’s surroundings are the cleanest in the  world and probably one of the few places you can drink directly from the nearby stream or lake. 

You can choose to stay in one of the two different styles of glass igloos that allow guests to sleep under the stars and watch the northern lights right from the comfort of their warm, comfortable beds.  For a real adventure guests can opt for a night in the snow igloo while even though the temperature outside can easily dip down to 40 below the temperature inside the snow igloos stays between minus 2-6 degrees.  But don’t worry you will be given everything you need to have a comfortable, though probably slightly cool, night.

There are also more traditional style lodges available as well.

Winter activities include husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, horse riding, ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowboarding.

Summer  activities include gold panning, horse and husky safaris, ATVing, hiking, mountain biking, chasing the northern lights, canoeing and white water kayaking.  (northern light viewing is between August and April, see website for exact dates).

Small glass igloos start at $437 per night

Large glass igloos start at $638 per night

Mythical Wonder in Chile

Magic Mountain Lodge, Chile

This hotel looks like it came straight out of a mythical fairy tale.  The cone shaped building is covered with foliage with guests entering by way of a suspended rope bridge.  Down the side of the hotel cascades a waterfall the full length of the building.

There are thirteen rooms, a bar, restaurant and sauna in the hotel and outside guests will find hot tubs made from the hollowed out tree stumps.  The hotel is located in the southern Andes and gives guests the opportunity to see several different species of animals.  Rates start at $188 per night.

Luxury Tent Accommodations in Zimbabwe

Linkwasha Camp, Hwange, Zimbabwe

This camp is all about luxury and location.  The camp is located in Hwange National Park and situated on the renowned Ngamo Plains and consists of eight luxury en-suite tents and one family tent.  The main area includes multi-level decks, a pool area and winter lounge with a library.  The nearby watering hole attracts an abundant of wildlife and provides spectacular viewing for guests,

 

While this is tent, camp style accommodations you definitely won’t feel like you are ruffing it yet at the same time you will get the experience of being immerse in the African bush.

The luxury tents have heating / air conditioning units, hair dryers and even stocked minibars.  One of the best features of the tents are the glass walls that provide incredible views of the watering hole, a regular gathering place for the animals.  The infinity pool, modern dining room, and large bar and lounge are focal points of the camp. 

The Zimbabwean rangers that take guests out on game drives and walks are known to be the best in the business.  Rates starting at $490 per person, per night.