If you’re one of those people who hasn’t found the time yet to book that relaxing, inspiring yet slightly quirky destination for your next vacation, here’s Arab News’ list for the best places to visit in 2012.
Tree house
If sleeping in a regular house has become a bit of a bore to you, why not try a tree house? Cabanes als Arbres in Sant Hilari Sacalm, at a short distance from Barcelona, offers the pleasure of a stay in a house that is only accessible by ladder. The terrace of each cabin offers superb mountain views and breakfast is served in a basket that you can hoist up by pulling on a rope.
www.cabanesalsarbres.com
Island in the sun
Only a small dot in French Polynesia is the island of Nuku Hiva. It enchanted the famous Paul Gaugain, who painted many colorful paintings here, and it’s easy to see why. The azure colors of the ocean lap the white sands invitingly as the lush jungle beckons at the other edge of the beach. Although Internet and mobile phones have made an entrance on the island, it still holds fast to its old charm.
www.pearlresorts.com
Greek windmills
Kissamos Windmills are located on the Greek island of Crete in Drapanias, a coastal village near a great beach and surrounded by olive groves. The accommodation had been built to resemble traditional Greek windmills, which can sleep two to six people. It is a great way to experience the famous Cretan hospitality and the idyllic surroundings.
www.anemomyloi.gr
Rock ‘n Roll
The Pavilion Hotel in central London is small, funky and ideal for artistically minded people. Its 30 rooms have each been designed individually and bear names such as ‘Green With Envy, ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ and ‘Casablanca Nights’.
The hotel has rapidly become extremely popular with supermodels, actors, musicians and TV stars. If you’re looking for something different and glam, then the Pavilion is definitely for you.
www.pavilionhoteluk.com
Holy city
Once a large commercial center on the Great Silk Road, Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Since Sheikh Bahautdin Nakshbandi developed the mystical Sufi approach to philosophy, religion and Islam in this place, the city has acquired a reputation throughout the Islamic world. The 350 mosques and many historical and architectural monuments attract an increasing number of people to this ‘museum city’.
Olympic spirit
To soak up some Olympic spirit, while giving London - this year’s host – a miss, you may want to consider Whistler in Canada. The city was host to the Winter Games in 2010 and is now ensuring its visitors can enjoy the facilities to the fullest. Of course the Olympic venues warrant a visit, but make sure you also enjoy the hiking, summer skiing, bear viewing and rafting.
www.whistler.com
Narrow streets
In southeast Europe, in Montenegro, lies the city of Kotor on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The most famous part of the city is its old town, where history, culture, and tradition are being preserved. It boasts a great number of medieval monuments: churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums. A multitude of narrow streets, squares, and markets complete its beauty. The old nucleus of Kotor has been listed an UNESCO world heritage site since 1979 and is considered to be the best-preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean.
www.visit-montenegro.com
Under water
Has scuba diving and the world below the sea surface always attracted you? The Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji is the world’s first seafloor resort and the only place where you can spend a couple of days 40 feet under water in a luxurious environment. The resort is located in the crystal clear water of a Fiji lagoon and is accessed by elevator. Make sure to bring a fair bit of money, as a week’s stay at the Poseidon will set you back about $ 30,000.
www.poseidonresorts.com
Victoria Falls
The Stanley Safari Lodge in Zambia is the perfect gateway to the mighty Victoria Falls and exclusive getaway in an African setting. The views of the falls’ sprays in the distance and the mighty Zambezi River are splendid.
Take a helicopter or a microlight flight to enjoy the falls from above. Or enjoy a sunset cruise, river safari, or canoe trip. For the more adventurous among you, take one of the best rafting trips in the world, go for a bungee jump, gorge swing or abseil.
www.stanleysafaris.com
