Varkala was the first stop on our Kerala adventure and we wanted to begin the holiday with a treat, which is what led us Eden Garden. It’s a peaceful Ayurvedic resort at the south end of Varkala, about 15 minutes away from the party and backpacker-heavy north cliffs. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a quiet … Read more
Last week I introduced our new Special Places series. I’ve added lots of our old reviews to the group, but this is the first official brand new addition. It’s called The Siphon and I found it when searching for a place to stay for Steve and I plus three friends on our trip to Cornwall. … Read more
To finish our road trip around Slovenia, we ended up in Lake Bled and spent our final night in a particularly special place in Slovenia – a newly opened green resort near Lake Bled called Garden Village. As soon as I saw its website, I knew it was our kind of place – stylish glamping in … Read more
The first time I went to The Sanctuary ten years ago, I felt a little like I was cheating. It wasn’t something backpackers my age did. They stayed in the most basic places they could find and ate the cheapest food. Choosing The Sanctuary was splashing out. It was a choice in ease, convenience and … Read more
Last week, we told you about a special place to stay in Bali’s central highlands, a village suspended in the island’s quieter days before the tourism boom. The Village Above the Clouds is one of the most peaceful places we’ve ever stayed. As we said in our last post, it’s a place where you feel … Read more
As soon as I saw the Village Above the Clouds website, I knew we had to go there. I’d found it while searching for eco-hotels in Bali and it was the most charming and visually stunning one I came across. A few weeks later, I chanced across the owner at one of the many workshops … Read more
Details Casa Isabel, Yelapa, Mexico Price From $35 for a single room, and $70 for a double. Three night minimum stay. In a nutshell… In their words: “A peaceful retreat for the enjoyment of nature and rejuvenation of the human spirit”. Probably the most characterful and sustainable place you can stay in Yelapa, Mexico’s road-less … Read more
Details Izhcayluma Hosteria and Spa, Vilcabamba, Ecuador Price $10 for a dorm; $25-45 for a double In a nutshell… In their spot-on words “the luxury of a resort priced for backpackers”. It’s an affordable spa hotel that doesn’t cut corners on style or quality – and the views are incredible. It’s one of our favourite … Read more