Once associated with sleazy extramarital affairs and one night stands, Japan’s love hotels have a brand new reputation.
Tag: accommodation
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Japan’s Love Hotels Just a Little Bit Naughty
These days the Asian country’s approximately 30, 000 hotels are being utilized by couples simply looking for a little private time together. Many of the couples that frequent these hotels live with their parents or flatmates, and so look for a place to be intimate away from prying eyes. Others prefer to take time out without worrying about their children sleeping down the hallway. And some aren't looking to get busy at all. Instead they use the rooms of love hotels for hosting gatherings, or enjoying quiet time alone. The hotels have seen a lot of changes since their inception in the 1950s. In the free love period of the 1960s and 70s you might expect to find kinky treats like revolving beds and mirrors on the ceiling. In the 1980s the fixtures were childishly cute, or kawaii as the Japanese say. In recent years love hotels have received another makeover, one that’s sophisticated and subdued. At least, most of them have. If you're still looking for raunch, or walls adorned with your favorite cartoon characters, there are still a few love hotels in Japan to suit you. Love hotels rent rooms in blocks of at least 90 minutes, for which you can expect to pay between Y2000 and Y5000 depending on their luxury. If you're looking to spice up your Japanese vacation, they're well worth considering. -
Stay in a New Zealand Shoe at The Boot Bed and Breakfast
Those Kiwis are a funny lot. Rather than bemoaning the plight of the old woman who lived in a shoe, they clearly thought it was a good idea!
And so they erected The Boot Bed and Breakfast, one of the quirkiest places to stay in New Zealand. You'll find The Boot Bed and Breakfast in Tasman on New Zealand's South Island. The region is home to the famous Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi National Parks, and it's just a stone's throw from Nelson's celebrated wine districts. That makes The Boot Bed and Breakfast a good base for many Kiwi getaways. There's something strangely romantic about The Boot Bed and Breakfast, which fits its amenities around the curves of its strange shoe shape. I somehow don’t think the old woman in the nursery rhyme had it so good. Downstairs The Boot has a cosy lounge area with a brick fireplace, a bathroom equipped with a shower built for two, and a small kitchen. Scale the spiraling staircase and you'll find the bedroom, with its comfy queen-sized bed. Step outside and you can enjoy the al fresco dining area and the expansive gardens.
The Boot’s owners, Judy and Steve Richards, are friendly without being intrusive. They'll happily cook whatever breakfast takes your fancy, although I recommend opting for their free-range eggs or fresh fruit from the on-site orchard. There's no need to give up your sleep in, as your meal can be delivered any time before midday.
A stay at The Boot Bed and Breakfast costs NZ$300 a night, although 10% discounts are available when booking two or more consecutive nights. That's a lovely excuse for extending your stay in the Tasman region!
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Auckland’s Best Backpacker Accommodation for Travelers on a Budget
New Zealand is a haven for adventurous young tourists who’d prefer to spend their travel budget on the next big thrill than accommodation.
Thankfully the major metropolitan center of Auckland offers plenty of great value hostels for the visitors who'd prefer to save their pennies. YHA Auckland Hostel was called one of the country’s best by Frommers, and many of the 50, 000 guests who check in each year. There’s a lot to like about this place, from the location (just five minutes’ walk from the city center) to the features. Guests can choose from basic share rooms to private twins, doubles, and ensuites. The lounge area has a pool table and SKY TV, and you can stay in touch with WiFi access. Beds start at NZ$23 and private rooms start at NZD $82. City Garden Lodge is located in Parnell, on the city's fringes. There are private rooms and share accommodation, including the ladies share option for girls who don’t want mixed company. You can walk to local restaurants and retail stores, and the Link bus service is close by if you want to get to the centre of town. Prices range between NZD$28 and NZD$68 a night.
If you'd prefer to get out of the city altogether consider Verandahs Backpackers Lodge in ritzy Ponsonby. This suburb is pretty exclusive, but rooms here cost between NZD$23 and NZD$50 a night. Add an extra $2 onto the bill if you need to hire towels. The family-run business offers an alternative to the rowdy hostels of the city, with dorm rooms and private suites catering for the "peace seeking traveler." The lodge has two separate villas, each with their own lounge area equipped with a book exchange and computers with internet access.
Pentlands Backpackers in Mt Eden offers beds at a comparable price. The standard range of accommodation costs travelers between NZD$28 and NZD$58 a night. Pentlands is another family owned business set in a renovated colonial homestead. While the setting has an old world charm, it offers plenty of modern conveniences including internet access, heated rooms, a video and book library, and a comfortable lounge area. It’s located three kilometers from the city, but Mt Eden has a shopping center if you’re in need of a quick retail fix.
These backpackers hostels are the district’s most popular, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. Visit AucklandNZ to discover more of the city's affordable accommodation options.
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Private Polynesian Luxury at Vanuatu’s Bokissa Private Island Resort
Bokissa Private Island Resort in Vanuatu is a place where travelers can truly take it easy. Footwear isn’t compulsory, and formal uniforms of ties and jackets are actually banned!
Free of these Western shackles, the private island’s guests can enjoy life at a much slower pace. And these tropical surrounds are a wonderful place to do it.
Just step outside the door of your private bungalow, known as a fare, and you're on the beach. The sea breezes cool the cottages in spring and fall, but there's also air-conditioning for those balmy summer nights. Wood shutters ensure the early morning sun doesn't interrupt your beauty sleep, while the netted beds keep the island mosquitoes from biting. Each fare also has an ensuite bathroom, vanity, and minibar to satisfy your late night munchies. The centerpiece of the Bokissa Island Resort is a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar. Lazing about the pool, cocktail in hand, sounds like an excellent way to while away the hours. But your vacation on Bokissa Island doesn't have to be all about taking it easy. You could snorkel or scuba dive on the beach, take a boat out and fish for marlin, or explore the tropical rainforests. With Bokissa guests enjoying exclusive use of the island's 175 acres, there's plenty to discover. And with no more than 36 guests staying on the island at any one time, it's never hard to find some quiet time. Bokissa Private Island Resort offers accommodation, return airport transfers from Vanuatu, and all meals for approximately $300 per person per day. It’s not cheap, but it's quite reasonable for such luxury, exclusive accommodation. -
Nam Hai Villas in Vietnam, Accommodation That’s Heaven on Earth
Vietnam is rarely a vacation destination associated with luxury, but Nam Hai Villas in Hoi An is doing its best to change all that.
You'll find the one-bedroom villas on a 32-hectare property in Central Vietnam. Tranquil China Beach borders one side of the resort, and the Cham Islands are just a stone's throw away. The local environment is stunning, and the villas have been careful to preserve that natural beauty. There are 60 villas in all, each with indoor and outdoor sitting areas, perfectly manicured gardens, and private outdoor showers. You'll get a blissful night’s sleep on the beds, which are surrounded by mosquito netting to keep the creepy crawlies at bay. And for the ultimate luxury, 40 villas even have their own pools!
The pool villas have their own kitchens, but if you feel like letting someone else do the work make sure you visit one of the resort's two gourmet restaurants. Local Vietnamese cuisine and international dishes are served side by side in both establishments.
You need never leave Nam Hai Villas, as there are plenty of activities to help you wile away the hours. You can work up a sweat in the gym, or soak up the sunshine on the tennis, badminton, and basketball courts. Then wind down in the Spa Center or library.
Nam Hai translates to "Heaven on Earth," and it seems a moniker befitting such a special resort.
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Luxury in the Bay of Islands at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa
If you’re looking for ultimate luxury during your New Zealand stay, consider bunkering down at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa is located in the Cavalli Islands, a small cluster of isles located to the east of Matauri Bay.
It opens its doors to just eight guests at a time, who clearly enjoy the privacy and pampering. These visitors arrive aboard a luxury yacht, which is also available to them at any time during their stay. On stepping foot on the island, the lucky travelers are greeted with a traditional Maori powhiri ceremony. There are contemporary and old world accommodation options. Modern tastes will love the sophisticated suite in the main pavilion. In contrast, the cottage dates back to the 1800s. Its open fireplace and antique bath are remnants of the past, but of course there are all the creature comforts of the 21st century too including cable television on the big screen.
The rooms are just a stone's throw from the beach, but guests preferring to avoid the waves can enjoy the water in the lodge's private pool. It's easy to relax here, with a jacuzzi and the famous spa treatments upping the opulence. If you want to raise your heart rate, the lodge also has a professional gymnasium.
Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa also employs award-winning chefs who are willing to whip up a gourmet dish using the freshest local produce whenever your tummy grumbles. And these meals always taste best paired with one of New Zealand's favorite wines from the retreat's private cellar.
It's probably obvious that a stay at Cavalli Island Retreat and Spa isn’t cheap. At $13, 230 a night per couple at the time of writing, it's out of the reach of most mere mortals. But if you've got the cash to spare, there are worse ways to spend it!
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Our Jungle House, Back to Basics Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Thailand
Thailand’s Our Jungle House invites travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and get back to nature.
The setting of this eco-friendly accommodation could not be more idyllic. The resort is set on 25 acres of private rainforest near Khao Sok National Park. These parklands, majestic with their limestone peaks, are a thriving habitat for Thailand’s tropical flora and wildlife. The sounds of the native animals, including lemurs and civet cats, only add to the atmosphere of Our Jungle House.
Our Jungle House’s bungalows and tree houses were built to complement the surrounding rainforest rather than disturb it. All natural building materials were used and environmentally-friendly practices made the Jungle House the area’s first green resort.
The rooms are neat but not overly luxurious, delivering guests what they need without the frills. Many tourists may be disappointed by the lack of air conditioning, but there are fans to help keep you cool. The lack of hot water is also disappointing, but at least drinking water is made available. The mosquito coils and nets also come in handy during summer. Free WiFi is also on hand so you won’t feel completely cut off from civilization!
The resort’s staff are friendly and attentive to all your needs. You need not worry about a language barrier either, as staff members are trained to speak English and German.
As the resort is somewhat isolated, you’ll probably enjoy many meals at Our Jungle House’s restaurant.
The cooks specialize in authentic Thai cusine, but fussy appetites and young children are not forgotten. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes and western options including fried chicken, spaghetti, and homemade French fries. If you'd like to venture out, the resort has vans, cars, and motorcycles available for hire. A cheaper alternative is to use the public buses. Staff can provide free transport to the bus stop, so you need only pay a small fare. There's plenty to do around the resort though, whether you'd like to laze on the nearby River Beach, explore the surrounding area on your own, or enjoy one of the organized activities. These tours include jungle treks on the back of elephants, canoe excursions down the Sok River, scuba diving, and nighttime wildlife safaris. Our Jungle House may not offer much in the way of luxury, but its back-to-basics accommodation might be just what you need to recharge your batteries. -
From Rice Barges to Luxury Lodgings – Thailand’s Imperial Boat House
The Imperial Boat House isn’t just one of the most unique hotels in Thailand.
It's actually one of the most unusual in Asia. This five-star resort, located in tropical Koh Samui, gets its name from the old rice barges which have been converted into private two-storey bungalows. The boats are now moored on land, but water isn't far away. Guests have just meters to walk to the Choeng Mon beach. Each suite is lavishly appointed with a living room, dining area, sky-lit bathroom, luxury bedroom, and a sunbathing deck for soaking up the region's famous rays. The Imperial Boat House also offers more traditional rooms in a three-storey building near the gardens. These are a little smaller than the maritime themed rooms, yet still luxuriously furnished. The private balconies allow guests to enjoy the garden and seaside views.Sports lovers are well catered for at the resort. Guests can take a dip in the pirate boat-shaped pool (complete with cannon style water jets!) on site, or enjoy sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, and windsurfing in the bay. Land activities include table tennis, volleyball, and fun in the games room. Trips to the neighboring islands can also be arranged at the travel desk. When you need to wind down, soak in the jacuzzi, sweat it out in the spa, or indulge in a gourmet meal at the beachfront restaurant.
The kitsch nature of the Imperial Boat House may turn off serious travelers, but it's worth a look for those who enjoy their luxury served with a side order of humor.
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Visit Jeju-do, South Korea’s Island Paradise
Arriving at the South Korean island of Jeju-do, tourists could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped onto another country entirely.
The palm trees and volcanic landscape remind visitors of being in Hawaii. The sandy beaches look as if they belong in a Mediterranean travel brochure, while the festivals and circus shows are as close to Disneyland as you’ll find in these parts.
While most international travelers explore energetic Seoul, historic Gyeongju, and the seaside port of Busan, the Koreans themselves head to Jeju-do when they’re looking for a little rest and relaxation.
The island delivers, with a dozen beaches and lush golfing greens. If you’d prefer a little more activity, make sure you hike around Jeju-do’s famous volcanoes. Hallasan is the highest summit in all of South Korea, standing 1950 meters tall. Ilchulbong in the east is a stunning volcanic crater, while the island of Udo off the coast has incredible black lava cliffs. Scuba diving is also popular, with the area boasting colorful coral reefs and the warmest sea in Korea. The waters around Munseom Island off Seogwipo are considered one of Asia’s best diving destinations.
The action heats up in summer, with sporting contests, outdoor concerts, and movies held on the beaches throughout the warmer months.Your stay in Jeju-do is set to be a luxurious one, with the island boasting world class resorts and motels including The Shilla Jeju and Lotte Hotel. If you’d prefer to save your cash consider a bunking down in a private home, known as a minbak. This is the Korean equivalent of a bed and breakfast, with its homely feel and welcoming hosts. Gomangnandol and Bluesung Minbak are popular choices amongst budget travelers. Alternatively you can camp on many local beaches, including Geumneung Beach and Jungmun Beach, for less than $20US.
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Eco-Friendly Treehouse Rooms at India’s Vythiri Resort
The treehouses of Vythiri Resort in North Kerala, India, capture the magic of childhood for the environmentally conscious world.
The resort has two treehouses in 500 acres of private forest. The rustic elevated dwellings have two stories, with each floor housing a double room. Each has a bedroom, a bathroom, and a terrace which allows you to appreciate the view. At 90 feet above the ground, this vista is pretty incredible.
You access your treehouse using a primitive elevator fitted with a sack of water for a counterweight. It takes around 15 minutes for the water to fill, but in rural India no one is in a hurry. The basic facilities mean there is no electricity either, but the kerosene lamps cast a romantic glow over the rooms. Contemporary luxuries aren’t completely forgotten though. The hot water showers and flushing toilet should please those who appreciate mod cons.
The buildings are designed with green practices in mind. The integrity of the trees is preserved, with no nails actually penetrating the bark.
The eco-friendly resort’s grounds are so large you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you want to rest your feet, the resort’s friendly elephant Ammu will give you a ride. He only asks for bananas as payment! If you’d rather relax you can take a dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or feast in the resort’s traditional restaurant.
The resort is isolated, but staff are happy to collect guests from the city of Vythiri in their all-terrain jeep. It’s pricier than many accommodation options in India, but that added cost buys you a unique accommodation experience and all the luxurious solitude of the great outdoors.