The Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars 2 – Europe
We have already told you about great hotels where you can enjoy nature in its natural form and at the same time enjoy a comfortable bed. So if you don’t like camping, this is a great option to admire the night sky without having to warm yourself in a sleeping bag.
Our first such walk traveled the world, which nowadays is quite difficult to realize, not to mention impossible given the COVID19 situation. However, there are several proposals that are much closer – in Europe. For those most worried about the pandemic, we will say that there is already such an option in Bulgaria – in the Vratsa Balkans.
Top Hotels with a View of the Stars in Europe
Attrap’Rêves Hotel, France
Comfort and unique view – this is what this hotel offers for a night under the stars. The rooms are actually transparent balloons placed in beautiful places among the French forests. And to make guests feel good, the balloons are furnished with the essentials and are no less comfortable than other hotels – they have electricity, running water in the bathroom and lighting. And if you’re wondering how they don’t fall, we immediately reveal the secret – they are kept inflated by a quiet compressor, which also provides clean air in the room. The price varies depending on the place and amenities.
Golden Crown Igloos, Hotel Finland
We have already told you about these great glass igloos in our series of uniquely strange hotels, so we just remind you. There you can admire the phenomenon of “Northern Lights”, huddled warmly under the covers. You can also take advantage of some great extras such as an outdoor jacuzzi or free Wi-Fi.
Cabriolet Suite in L’alberta Relais Chateaux, Italy
If you just want to enjoy the starry sky – without any barriers, you can go to Italy. The Cabriolet apartment at L’alberta Relais Chateaux overlooks the surrounding vineyards and Lake Iseo. Guests can also open and close the roof at the touch of a button.
Null Stern Hotel, Hotel Switzerland
Here you now have only a comfortable bed, blankets and pillows… and that’s it. The hotel was “built” on a bunker by artists Frank and Patrick Ritlin. It offers a superb location at almost 6,500 meters above sea level in the Graubünden mountains of Switzerland.
PurePod, Hotel New Zealand
Complete relaxation in the mountains… If you want, you can go for a walk or just lie on the sun lounger on the sun terrace. The villa has a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchenette. And if you are worried that you will be cold, know that there is central heating. Well, you won’t have internet access, but you’re unlikely to need it there.
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For all who have a trip to Sofia we offer other interesting place – Art Hotel Simona. It is near to the city center and we offer you low prices, artistic atmosphere and design rooms, coziness, comfort, impeccable hygiene and very tasty food in the restaurant Simona.
Fairyland: Hobbiton (PHOTOS / VIDEO)
Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy adventure stories like The Lord of the Rings, you will agree that such titles show some pretty beautiful places. Extremely impressive is one of the locations used for the filming of The Hobbit. And although many of the shots look unimaginably unique, we will tell you that they are not the work of an artist, but of the nature. It’s a real place in the middle of New Zealand.
The plot
The films from the “The Hobbit” trilogy based on the novel of the same name by J. R.R. Tolkien traces Bilbo Baggins’ experiences in Middle-earth. Fans of the author are probably aware that the events here take place 60 years before those in The Lord of the Rings.
The beginning
It all started in 1998, when the team of New Zealand director, screenwriter and producer Peter Jackson began researching for suitable locations. They discovered a unique 1,250-acre sheep farm in the heart of Waikato, New Zealand (10 km southwest of Matamata). The unique hills and lush green pastures were strikingly similar to those described by the author Tolkien, and the cinematographers immediately realized that this was the right place to shoot.
Attraction
And to date, this is a real tourist attraction, where you can see 44 traditional cave houses with the same fantastic details of the film production. To screen the history of Tolkien, the caves are decorated with beautiful round windows and doors and lined with wood. Just as we remember them from the screen – without right angles and with carefully maintained gardens. And especially for the people who want to relax like in a movie theater, the Green Dragon Inn now also functions as a landmark and visitors can have a drink there.
The Best Places to Sleep Under the Stars (Part 1 – Africa)
Nature is unique – an incredible combination of colors, captivating views and charming sounds. We will never stop enjoying every opportunity to be as close to the nature as possible, even though modern life is moving us further and further away from this beauty.
And what about one night under the stars?! No, we are not talking about a holiday by the sea or in the mountains in a tent. We mean top luxury ideas – both offering luxury and an escape from urban chaos. Here are some interesting suggestions.
Beds Under the Stars in Africa
Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge, Hotel South Africa
In the middle of the wild nature of the protected reserve Madikve is nestled a very luxurious place – Sanctuary Makanyane. There you can sleep under the captivating starry sky, surrounded by incredible beauty and sounds. The bed is placed on a raised platform, and the lanterns around create additional romance.
Nkwichi Lodge, Hotel Mozambique
Secluded luxury eco complex on the eastern shore of Lake Malawi. There are 6 bungalows and two private houses from which to admire the pristine natural beauty – the total opposite of the hectic world in which we live.
Mukokoteni in the Chalby Desert, Kenya
You will hardly find a person who would not want to wake up in such a place every morning. And the uniquely designed outdoor bed, made of a handmade wooden platform, is the final touch to the details.
Sanctuary Baines ’Camp, Botswana
Another hotel for connoisseurs – 5-star luxury and design rooms, as well as the opportunity to spend the night under the open African sky. Especially for those wishing to enjoy the night outside, the hotel team offers to move the beds to private wooden terraces overlooking the glistening waters of the Boro River.
Bonus: Bangkok Tree House, Thailand
And an additional offer from Asia. Guests at this hotel have the option to book a room view. And what they will get is a stylish bamboo platform about 7 meters high. They will feel like in fairy tales, and to complete the picture there is a terrace nearby for romantic evenings.
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The fact is that most of these stunning places are in Africa, but there are similar ones in Europe and soon we will present some of them. Expect another “portion” of virtual trips, and in the meantime if you have to stay in Sofia, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. Here we will take care of your unforgettable stay, because satisfied customers are what make us happiest.
For Real Daredevils – The Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Do you like nature? Do you regularly hike in the mountains?! Eco-trails are your passion and the hours of walking and climbing do not scare you?! Think twice! Why? We are going to show you some eco-trails which are incredibly beautyfull, but real dangerous for the physical health of the visitors, too.
Top 3 of the Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Huashan Mountain, China
Unique place of great religious significance for more than 2 millennia. The first Taoist temple was built there 2300 years ago and since then the place and its surroundings have been among the favorites of travelers. There are many temples, but the most impressive is the network of long and dangerously steep paths leading to five peaks arranged in the shape of a flower.
And if you do not believe that it can be dangerous, we will note that in some places there is no real path, but just stiff wooden boards and carved grooves in the rock to support the legs. The only security is sticking to slightly rusted chains attached to the stone. So in case you are afraid of heights and you are not among the most careful people in the world, you better not go there.
The Way of the King (El Caminito del Rey), Malaga, Spain
So beautiful, but just as dangerous route, which was created in 1901 to provide access to hydropower workers to two waterfalls. Construction was completed in 1905. However, the path did not get its name until 1921, when Alfonso XIII passed through it.
Over time, the path became very dangerous, which is why the authorities decided to block access to it. It has been rebuilt and secured since April 2015, after being closed for more than a decade due to multiple deaths. It winds on dangerous rocks 100 meters above the river Guadalorse and is 3 km long (its width is only a meter).
Angels Landing, Utah, USA
One of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah in the United States. In ancient Hebrew, “zaion” means a sanctuary, a temple, but the place is more for lovers of strong adrenaline, rather than for meek religious people.
The eco-trail is about 4 km long and for the most part is not so scary. Towards the end, however, things change dramatically. Continuing means walking on a steep and narrow ridge with dangerous ravines on both sides. A set of chains are placed to help tourists, but even they can not bring you peace of mind. However, those who dare to cross the dangerous terrain receive an indescribable reward – one of the most stunning views in the world.
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The situation this year is not the most suitable for such distant destinations, but if you have a job in Sofia, we will be waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. With us you will not raise the adrenaline as with the most dangerous eco-trails, but you will satisfy your need for art experiences with our designer rooms. In addition, you will feed your eyes and stomachs with the amazing offers of the Simona restaurant. And, of course, everything is in line with the new conditions and safety requirements!
Top 5 Most Famous Beaches in the Cinema
It’s a summer and probably everyone is making plans to collect some tan by the sea. That’s why we ranked our top 5 on the popular beaches in the cinema. Here are some locations that are not only preferred by millions of tourists each year (even in the new reality), but are also among the favorites of the representatives of the Seventh Art.
Top 5 of the Famous Cinema Beaches
Petit Tabac, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
The Caribbean paradise on Earth – exotic with turquoise lagoons, dazzling white sand, huge palm trees, coral reef and wild beaches… What more do you need?! Well, maybe Johnny Depp to make you feel like in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”.
We will not go into details about the history of this beautiful place, discovered in 1498 by Christopher Columbus. But let’s get back to cinema. The exact location where most of the footage for the various episodes of “Pirates of the Caribbean” was taken is Wallilabou Bay, on the northwest coast of St. Vincent. There, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) found himself in the company of Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley), but their stay was not at all romantic, especially after the beauty set fire to the hideout with rum.
Laughing Waters Beach, Jamaica
Fans of the Agent 007 series have probably heard of this beach, especially fans of older episodes. A private exotic place that became famous after the shooting of the first James Bond movie. There, Ursula Anders (one of the girls of the agent) appears from the surf. Her photos from the production can be seen at the local restaurant.
GoldenEye is the most famous address in Jamaica, which is a magnificent high-end resort, including a lagoon and a private beach. There is also the villa where Ian Fleming writes all his James Bond novels.
Mónsul Beach, Almeria, Spain
Captivating beauty, incredibly fine sand and crystal clear water appear in many movies and commercials. One of the favorite destinations of directors of western, military and fantasy films. Among the most popular titles are Lawrence of Arabia (1962), A Fistful of Dollars (1965), Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). Lucky Luke (2004), Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and others.
Undoubtedly, the charming nature is not the only reason why this is a preferred destination. Costs here are often significantly lower than in the United States. And another plus – the desert is close to all the amenities of the big city, necessary for the film crew. Just 30 minutes away are the fantastic natural beaches of the Mediterranean – Cabo de Gata Nature Park.
Capriccioli Beach, Sardinia, Italy
Another location of Agent 007 from the time of the incarnation of the late Roger Moore (1977). Some of the shots were taken in one of the most expensive hotels in the world – Cala Di Volpe, a favorite of many celebrities. It is located in Porto Cervo, one of the most luxurious resorts in Sardinia. Most of the film was shot south of Porto Cervo and around San Pantaleo. Somewhere here is shot the white Lotus Esprit “jumping” into the ocean.
Ko Phi Phi Le, Thailand
Unearthly beautiful, exotic and devoid of the vulgarity of the commercial world. This is exactly the beauty we see in the thriller “The Beach” with Leo DiCaprio. The Hollywood star walks around this fine sand and trembles at the terrifying sharks. But don’t worry, on-screen marine predators predominate in movie production, so if you get a chance to bounce to this beautiful beach, don’t worry about your life.
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And if you have to travel to Sofia and are wondering where to stay, we are waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. The artistic atmosphere of each of our six themed art floors, the incredibly delicious food and the special attitude towards each guest will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
