A few years ago I had the wonderful experience of going on a Safari in Kenya; staying at excellent lodges throughout the trip. One of them being an the shores of Lake Naivasha, but wow, if I’d come across the privately owned Hippo Point Wildlife Sanctuary this would have been the icing on the cake!
Hippo Point Tower
Hippo Point House is an Elizabethan style house belonged to a magistrate and was built in the 1933. The house has recently been restored to the higest standards with just seven double bedrooms, a swimming pool, open gazebo and lush gardens where you can indulge in yoga courses and body treatments. However the nearby Hippo Point Tower is really where its at! This nine storey Tower is rated as one of the top retreats in the world, and one of Kenya’s less known, but most luxurious hideaways. It is for exclusive use only and had a lounge and deck on the first floor and three double bedrooms - one on each floor above.
With magnificent views over Oloidien Bay it’s designed for romantics (by Dodo Cunningham-Reid) and guests are able to watch the hippo’s grazing at the foot of the Tower.
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Fed up with paying singles supplements and dining alone? Don’t want to sign up for tacky singles hol
idays or advertise for a travelling companion? Do want un-limited choices regarding where and when to go and discover where locals go and avoid tourist traps? Oh, and possibly travelling on a budget?
The concept of couchsurfing could be the solution for you. It’s a non profit-making organisation / project funded by those who join up and make a donation for doing so. The amount donated is up to the individual, especially because of the disparities between different countries economies. Once you are signed up you can offer your couch (or spare room / camping bed / even floor) as somewhere for others to stay, and of course surf to find other peoples couches for you to stay on. Of course this isn’t for everyone, but there is a definite group of people to whom it appeals. So far they have over a million members in 232 countries and more signing up every day. It has to be said that the majority of members / hosts are young (85% are between ages 18 and 34).
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When most of us think of the Maldives we conjure up visions of empty white sandy beaches, palm trees and luxury. Well, Havafen Fushi takes such visions to new heights, or should I say new depths with its claims to be the world’s first underwater spa.
The resort has found itself on the Conde Nast Traveler gold list in 2007, and named best beach resort by Harper’s Bazaar in 2008. So, what is all the fuss about?
Underwater spa
Firstly, the setting helps – its set in a lagoon on a pristine island (a 30 minute speed boat ride from the international airport). The ‘Lime Spa’ includes an under-water treatment room – seriously relaxing while you are having treatments, flotation pool, yoga pavilion, and six over-water glass-floored treatment rooms. There are a range of differently styled bungalows and pavilions to choose from – some over-water (with infinity pools and Jacuzzi), some on the beach, but are well equipped with Bose technology, plasma screens, Culti luxuries in the bathroom and a guide to dreams by your bed!
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Want an unusual, eco-friendly, but comfortable camping holiday? The Really Green Holiday Company have set up three luxury Mongolian-style yurts (and two bell tents) in the Afton Park apple orchard at Fairwater Bay on the Isle of Wight.
Yurts are more spacious than regular tents, with solid wood floors, a wood-burning stove, lanterns and pine furniture. There are two family yurts that are 16ft in diameter that will accommodate up to 5 (on a double bed, a sofa bed and a single fold-away bed) and a smaller yurt sleeping 2-3 (a double bed and fold-away). The 16ft bell tents have low beds, ethnic furniture and sheepskin throws, and have either a stove or gas heater. All are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities.
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I sentence you to a luxurious and pleasant stay! A somewhat more welcome sentence than some that have been passed down through the years in this historic building!
It’s situated in the heart of one of London’s best shopping areas; just off Regent Street, so nearby Bonds Street and Oxford Street are within walking distance. As are underground stations, so as well as shopping you can take in the sites of this wonderful city.
The Hotel is in a grade II listed building, what was at one time a famous courthouse, retaining much of its original grandeur - and many quirky features!
It was known as The Great Marlborough Streets Magistrates Court, and many illustrious names have had their names up in ‘lights’ there. Including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Oscar Wilde.
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