Whisk yourself away to the beauty of Southern Europe, where citrus groves, olive trees, mountain ranges and blazing sunshine all create the perfect setting for holiday heaven. As you’ve come to expect, we won’t be showing your average holiday apartments or villas at Host Unusual. Choose instead from a range of quirky glamping escapes from a roundhouse to a gypsy truck in Portugal’s Algarve, or hop over the border into Spain’s Andalucia and perhaps you’ll be tempted by a luxurious tent suite adorned with chandeliers with private hot tub, or maybe even a 15th century Roman chapel, now converted into a beautiful architect-designed home from home.
Far from the busy tech-driven world, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve, lies Conscious Earth. A restorative retreat comprising a 40 hectare eco-estate nestled in the energising hills of Southern Portugal, you’ll find it perfectly located for you to enjoy all the beauty of the Algarve coast, far enough away from the tourist towns for you to just…breathe. Completely WiFi-free and with next to no mobile phone signal, you’ll find sweet-scented olive and citrus groves, wildlife-steeped lakes, a sparkling river and plenty of opportunities to snack on seasonal fruit as you stroll through the hills (or hike, if you prefer a challenge!) The eclectic accommodation discovered at Conscious Earth is designed for you to relax amongst the elements of nature, in adults-only couples or groups – and includes a unique Roundhouse, Fijian-style home and Shambhala – a vibrant Gypsy Truck and home-from-home for the curious and young at heart alike! So unplug and recharge your soul amidst Portugal’s natural splendour.
Featured in The Times as one of the UK and Europe’s Top 20 Glamping Retreats, DDG Retreat (above and main picture) invites you to take everything you know about glamping holidays…and apply a seriously luxurious upgrade. Located in Sierra Crestellina, one of the region’s protected national parks, you’ll be completely surrounded by the very best of coast and country at this four-hectare, family-run woodland estate. Privately situated 500 metres above the sea on the stunning coast of Spain’s Costa del Sol, you’ll find sun-soaked relaxation ridiculously easy. Tents by name, palatial suites by nature, the lavish Royal and exotic Maharaja each come complete with a hot tub or plunge pool, showcasing those panoramic views to perfection, and with stunning features such as marble floors, gleaming chandeliers, home cinema screen and outdoor shower, you’ll soon realise – as you take in distant views of Gibraltar and the African Coast from the comfort of your pool or hot tub – that this couldn’t be further removed from your average glamping experience if it tried!
Turn back time amongst superlative surroundings, with a stay in a divine chapel conversion located within the Andalucian natural park of la Subbética, an unspoilt paradise of Mediterranean woodland, mountain ranges and olive gardens. Ermita del Carmen is a dream holiday home made beautifully real. Once a 15th century Roman sanctuary and later a chapel, this light, whitewashed building has been sympathetically remodelled by a team of architects. These days, you’ll discover an incredible four-bedroom cottage complete with salt water swimming pool, for a sun-soaked break that offers so much more uniqueness and authenticity than your average Spanish villa! Accommodating up to eight guests, décor throughout the house is elegant, minimal and focused on comfort, along with contemporary artistic touches to feast your eyes upon. Climb the open staircase to the mezzanine, complete with three cosy bedrooms and two indulgent bathrooms, or enjoy the vast space leading from the living area to open terrace and that glistening 15 metre pool.
