I am budget travel girl, but the fact of the matter is; once in a while you have a special occasion and need something that's one of a kind and that pampers you in some way. Here's some great options for that time that's a honeymoon, or special anniversary where you want to have something unforgettable.
1. Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, Carvoeiro, Portugal. I love Portugal, so this one is amazing to me. Set upon a cliff in the middle of the Algarve Region of southern Portugal is where you'll find this amazing luxury resort hotel. It has luxury rooms of all kinds, indoor and outdoor pools, spa, fitness center, several bars and restaurants, periodic events and on and on.
This place; however, has something amazing. Almost anywhere you go, you have a view off of a cliff in the Algarve of Portugal with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop with breathtaking sunsets. You can even book a picnic on a cliff at this place.
There are trails to walk along the cliffs. There are beaches below to hang out at. There are boat tours you can take all up and down the coast of this area. This is the sunniest, warmest, and most popular fun in the sun spot in the entire country. Here's the best part; for a luxury resort hotel, it doesn't even cost that much with rooms starting at 148 Euros per night.
2. The Muraka Hotel, Mandhoo, Rangali Island, Maldives. This is a place that has so many levels of luxury, it's hard to describe. And I mean that both figuratively and literally. The Muraka is the home of underwater luxury.
You can get an above water room for under $1,000 a night. That's a fact. You don't need to pay the exorbitant price of the underwater bedroom, but if you want for your honeymoon; I say go for it. Even if you don't sleep underwater, you can dine underwater at the Ithaa Restaurant.
This is a private resort, far away from any bustling anything. You can get a private butler, all kinds of services. You can have glass portals in your floor where you can watch the sea life go by. There are all kinds of activities to do and excursions to take. You can snorkel, scuba dive, go to an island for the day that you have all to yourself. The possibilities are endless. And the view is something you can only see a few places in the world. If you want to try something underwater; this could be for you.
3. Palacia de Sal, Colchani, Bolivia. Have you ever heard of the Uyuni salt Flats? Guess where this hotel is? Right in the middle of the almost 8,000 mile salt flats. This is one of those destinations that sits on a bucket list. It's one of the most surreal places in the whole world. The best part? The hotel is made of salt. The whole place.
Over 12,000 feet above sea level in the salt flats of the Andes sits this amazing luxury hotel resort with rooms starting at the mid $200 per night. They have luxury rooms, luxury spa, great gastronomy. It's one of the most amazing things in the world.
You can relax and take it all in. Most of this will be done as part of a tour of the salt flats. It's typically part of a trip booked with a professional tour company, but don't let that change your view. This is a rare find. It has a spa where most of the treatments are based in salt therapy. And, when you go to sleep at night, you're looking at salt blocks for your ceiling. Will the rain melt it? Nah; it's one of the driest climates on the entire planet. So, if you've ever wondered what you'd do in Bolivia? Here's an idea worth looking into.
4. Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi, Ecuador. Once in a while, I love to commune with nature. Mashpi Lodge is located in the middle of a cloud forest in Ecuador. It doesn't get much more natural than that. You'll have some of the dreamiest views anywhere.
What can you expect at this place? You can expect to pay at least $1,000 per night. Just being fair, but it's in the middle of a cloud forest and it's environmentally friendly and it's cool. Nature is always just outside the door or window.
There's a spa with massages, outdoor jacuzzies, treatments and serenity. There are some truly cool activities like the Sky Bike, which is just that. It's like a zipline of sorts but you pedal yourself through the canopy. It's a great and original place. You can go up the viewing tower for a look and see some views that you may have only seen on TV. The quiet, the amazing food, the spa, the activities. It's one of a kind and it's in the middle of a cloud forest in the middle of nowhere in Ecuador. Pretty special.
5. Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, Turkey. Where else can you stay in a luxury hotel in a cave? I don't know; probably somewhere, but this is awesome!
This is mystical. Cappadocia is one of the most historic regions in the world. Filled with hoodoos or fairy chimneys, it looks unreal. Argos is built in an old monastery from ancient times and has all the luxury you can imagine. Rooms actually start at just over $800 a night and you get so much.
There's a spa, world class restaurants, excursions out into the area, including that morning hot air balloon ride that Cappadocia is so famous for. You have indoor pool, outdoor pool, private jacuzzies in some accommodations. The view will knock you over and the rest is frosting. The town is ancient, dating back to the Hittites and the culture is as authentic as it gets.
There you have it. I don't talk about luxury often, but once in a while you have a special occasion that needs something over the top. I love the pure idea of these hotels. I'd love to go to any of the places, but I've never looked at the luxury possibilities of the areas. These hotels will help you enjoy your honeymoon, 50th anniversary, retirement or whatever huge occasion deserves something truly unique and unforgettable. If you have just such an occasion, book a unique and amazing hotel, pack your bags (and don't forget something kinda fancy for those gastronomy nights out) and enjoy!
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