Slovenia, Greece and New Zealand are our chosen arrival points for today’s whirlwind journey of the most extraordinary places to stay on the planet. First up, we head to the vineyards and somewhere that really takes luxury camping to a higher level, in a refreshingly natural setting. Our second stop is the simply stunning Peloponnesse, where a traditional Greek tower has been transformed into a contemporary hideaway with panoramic views to leave you speechless. We end in the Banks Peninsula, NZ, in one of our most unique finds yet – repurposed and eco-friendly circular silos – and these really go against the grain!
Chateau Ramšak, Slovenia
The scenic wine region of Styria is characterised by towering mountains, flowing rivers and green forests, so imagine the idyllic glamping experience that awaits you at Chateau Ramšak. Nestled within over thirty-five acres of rolling hills and exquisite vineyards, this really is the ideal playground for nature lovers and those who like fresh air in undiscovered locations (and wine, of course!). Unzip the door of your unique glamping abode and enter your luxurious bamboo and canvas tent, with sublime outdoor deck and jacuzzi. Or perhaps head high up into the trees, level with the songbirds, in your very own tent-shaped treehouse with unbeatable views over the spectacular vineyards. Needless to say, wine tasting is on offer here, as is exploring Slovenia’s beautiful landscapes and sights- this is life amongst the leaves at its most enriching.
Tainaron Blue, Greece
Blessed with one of the most breathtaking and unobstructed panoramas that we have discovered so far here at Host Unusual, Tainaron Blue (above, and main picture) is a true one-off and impressive conversion. This is a traditional Greek ‘Mani’ or stone tower dating back to the early 19th Century and has been painstakingly adapted to the 21st Century, keeping the exterior and interior structure unchanged, whilst upgrading and providing modern facilities. The result is a masterpiece and a unique experience, with rooms spread across different areas of the tower each with its own special merits, from direct access to a hydrotherapy pool to stunning sea views from the top section of the tower’s loft. And we haven’t even mentioned yet the Maniot cuisine only available to guests of the tower; this is a truly memorable Greek experience!
SiloStay, New Zealand
How many of us can claim to have stayed in a grain silo before? We’re guessing not many… Yet that is exactly what you can experience on the South Island of New Zealand, on the Banks Peninsula just outside Christchurch. SiloStay is an innovative and fascinating project that consists of individual circular repurposed silos. Using eco-friendly pellet boilers, cruelty-free wool insulation, and a ‘bio-pod’ waste management system, this is a perfect example of an environmentally friendly retreat. Modern facilities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod speakers, electric blankets and fully-equipped kitchenettes ensure you have all you need for your stay, and you can hire bikes to explore the local area, including the Little River Rail Trail – a trail that follows an original railway line, an area steeped in Maori history.
