LONDON’S TOP AFTERNOON TEA

Taking Afternoon Tea is the ultimate English pastime. Dating back to the early 19th century, the upper classes would drink tea and nibble on sandwiches to get them through 'the afternoon lull'. Today, no trip to London is complete without whiling an afternoon away in one of London's most luxurious hotels and being served-up a quintessentially English experience by the most exceptionally acclaimed hosts.

THE GORING HOTEL

Best for: Overall exceptional experience
Award: 'Top London Afternoon Tea Award 2013 from the UK Tea Guild'

Hours: 3pm, 3.30pm and 4pm every day
Venue: The Afternoon tea is served daily on the Terrace overlooking the private garden, or alternatively in the Goring Lounge Bar which exudes a refined Edwardian elegance.

Traditional Afternoon Tea
Cost: £42.50 per person
Menu: The Goring’s signature tea blend, selection of finger sandwiches, homemade Scones and delicate afternoon tea pastries.

Bollinger Afternoon Tea
Cost: £52.50 per person
Menu: Traditional menu plus Bollinger Champagne and Strawberries & Cream

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THE DORCHESTER

Best for: Impressive venue and Ice Cream Tea offering
Awards: 'The Tea Guild special Award of Excellence 2013'. The award was also received a further four times in previous years, making it the only London hotel to achieve this distinction.

Hours: 1pm, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm, 5:30pm & 6.45 every day
Venue: Afternoon Tea is served in the legendary Promenade, the ground floor lobby of the hotel, where potted palms, impressive marble columns and towering arrangements of flowering plants surround exquisite seating options.

Traditional Afternoon Tea
Cost: $45 per person
Menu: The menu is served with a choice of handpicked rare and grand teas. Delicate savoury finger sandwiches are filled with smoked salmon, egg, chicken, prawn and cucumber, homemade warm scones and the pièce de resistance, the assortment of cakes and tartlets. Among the irresistible treats are delicate white chocolate and praline pyramids, a creamy apple and macadamia delice, scrumptious chocolate marquis, miniature raspberry macaroons, a fresh berry crumble tart and delicate pineapple financiers on a coconut mousse.

Champagne Upgrade
Laurent-Perrier NV Champagne: £55 per person
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé: £59 per person

Vintage Afternoon Tea
Cost: £55 per person
Menu: Vintage Afternoon Tea is a more intimate affair, served from a balcony overlooking the hotel’s iconic lobby. Watch the world go by as you dine on a similar selection of delights, however chose your cakes from a trolley and of course sip your teas from The Dorchester's vintage Minton china set.

Ice Cream Afternoon Tea
From 1st - 31st August Ice Cream Afternoon Tea menu replaces the Traditional Afternoon Tea menu.
Cost: £55 per person

Menu: Introducing a modern and exciting twist to the traditional cream tea, The Dorchester's Ice Cream Tea is an array of mouth-wateringly delicious, homemade ice creams served in miniature cones and in four quintessentially British flavours - Cox apple, Elderflower sorbet, Earl Grey tea and English honey.

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INTERCONTINENTAL PARK LANE

Best for: Selection of themed teas
Award: 'The Tea Guild special Award of Excellence 2013'

Hours: 1pm to 5pm every day
Venue: The tea is served in Wellington Lounge, which pays respect to the building’s heritage by offering traditional Afternoon Tea in London with a modern twist; an experience fit for Royalty.

Wellington Tea
Cost: £38 per person
Menu: “Honouring the original Duke with the best British ingredients and influences from his travels”
Champagne, a selection of teas, a luxury selection of sandwiches, English scones with Devonshire clotted cream and an array of fancy sweets.

Botanical Tea
Cost: £38 per person
Menu: “Celebrating the hotel's location overlooking the iconic Royal Parks, this delicate and whimsical tea mixes citrus, berries, spices, and herbaceous botanicals for a taste of spring”
Cardamom and vanilla infused champagne, a luxury selection of sandwiches, Citrus infused scones with Devonshire cream and an array of spring inspired sweets.

Royal Tea
Cost: £38 per person
Menu: “Royal-Tea honours its location on the site of the former Royal residence with a dainty selection of pretty English classics that are fit for a Queen. Royal-Tea presents long-time favourites created with a selection of British ingredients”
Dubonnet cocktail, deluxe traditional English sandwiches, a luxury selection of sandwiches and an array of quintessentially British sweets.

Twilight Afternoon Tea
Cost: £40 per person
Menu: Rose champagne and the best selection of the above menus.

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THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Best for: Variety of rare teas

Hours: 1 to 5.30pm every day
Venue: Set against a stylish, contemporary backdrop, The Rosebery at The Mandarin Oriental offers a choice of teas exclusively crafted to the hotel's specifications, together with a selection of bespoke teas created in partnership with the iconic East India Company. The Rosebery's very own Tea Master will delicately mix selected teas to suit your preferred tastes, and recommend the perfect accompaniments for the chosen menu.

The Rosebery Afternoon Tea
Cost: £45 per person, (and 'Mini Tea' for under 12's, £25 per child)
Menu: A selection of finely designed sandwiches, scones with a selection of strawberry jam, rose-petal jelly or homemade lemon curd and an assortment of beautifully created handmade pastries.

Champagne Upgrades
Ruinart Blanc de Blanc: £54 per person
Ruinart Rosé £58 per person
Krug Grand Cuvée £82 per person

The Rosebery Tea Master's Choice Afternoon Tea
Cost: £62 per person
Menu: The Rosebery Afternon Tea menu plus a selection of 3 varieties from the rare tea list.

The Rosebery Sake Afternoon Tea
Cost: £78
Menu: The Rosebery Afternon Tea menu plus a selection of 3 Sake varieties to complement the different elements of your afternoon tea.

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FOUR SEASONS PARK LANE

Best for: Specialised Teas - Italian and Vegetarian
Award: 'The Tea Guild special Award of Excellence 2013'

Hours: 1pm to 5pm every day
Venue: Inspired by the greenery of Hyde Park, the Four Seasons is fresh and chic and presents a completely new twist on the Afternoon Tea experience in the very heart of Mayfair. Tea is served in Amaranto - Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, where high ceilings bring the gardens indoors and one dramatic space transitions seamlessly through a series of rooms, each with its own character and décor.

English Afternoon Tea
Cost: £34 per person
Menu: A beautiful selection of traditional English sandwiches with a modern twist, scones with clotted cream, jam and a Manjari-caramel chocolate spread and an array of delectable tea fancies.

La Dolce Vita – Italian Afternoon Tea
Cost: £34 per person
Menu: “La Dolce Vita' is Amaranto's signature Afternoon Tea, which offers a unique Italian twist, featuring Brushetta, Focaccia, Parma Ham and Baby Panettone, among other Mediterranean inspired delicacies”

Vegetarian Afternoon Tea
Cost: £34 per person
Menu: A specialised menu that closely resembles the traditional English tea offering, but whilst making sure that there are additional choices for the vegetarians among us.

Add a serving of Caviar: £56 per person

Champagne upgrades
Bollinger Special Cuvée Champagne: £48 per person
Bollinger Rosé Champagne: £53 per person
So Jennie, Alcohol Free Rosé Sparkling Wine: £45 per person

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THE LANGHAM

Best for: Vintage style and elegance, the birthplace of afternoon tea
Award: 2010 and 2012 saw The Langham awarded the Tea Guild's 'Top London Afternoon Tea' award, the most prestigious in the industry.

Hours: 1pm, 3:15pm and 5:30pm every day
Venue: Located in the heart of West End, the five-star Langham hotel has one of London's most enviable addresses. Palm Court at The Langham, the dazzling centrepiece of the hotel, is the height of elegance, reflected in the wooden floors, the sage and lavendar leather chairs and fresh flowers as far as the eye can see. It is also famed as the place where the tradition of Afternoon Tea was born over 140 years ago.

Wonderland Afternoon Tea
Cost: £44 per person
Menu: Chose from a range of teas, and assortment of beautifully created sandwiches, a selection of warm scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve and a selection on French pastries and specialist mini cakes including a traditional Eton Mess.

Champagne Upgrade: £52 per person

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GROSVENOR HOUSE PARK LANE

Best for: Children friendly teas
Award: 'The Tea Guild special Award of Excellence 2013'

Hours: 2pm to 6pm every day
Venue: Frequented by royalty, celebrities and business leaders since its opening almost 100 years ago, this historic hotel is considered by many as the "Grande Dame" of Park Lane hotels, offering a quintessentially British experience. The Park Room and Library is a tranquil and pleasant setting, with large comfortable sofas, elegant flower displays and live piano entertainment.

Anna’s Tea
Cost: £35.30 per person
Menu: Choice of teas, a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones with a fabulous assortment of British jams and Devonshire clotted cream, tantalising afternoon tea pastries and freshly home baked cakes.

Champagne Upgrades
Piper Heidsieck Champagne: £ 46.50 per person
Taittinger Rose Champagne: £ 48.50 per person

Grover’s Tea (for children)
Cost: £14
Menu: Children can enjoy their very own Afternoon Tea treat with Grover's Tea Time which includes tropical fruit salad, an assortment of ice creams, French pastries, a glass of Luscombe wild elderflower bubbly and their very own cuddly Grover to take home - £14.00 per child

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THE CORINTHIA HOTEL

Best for: Alfresco Tea

Hours: 2:00pm to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 6:00pm Saturday & Sunday
Venue: Bathed in natural light, the dramatic lobby, crowned with a stunning glass dome and bespoke chandelier provides the perfect setting for Afternoon Tea. On a beautiful summers day, an enclosed courtyard lined with manicured maple trees is a perfect spot for an Al Fresco Afternoon Tea.

Traditional Afternoon Tea
Cost: £45 per person
Menu: selection of finger sandwiches served on artisan breads, warm scones and an assortment of seasonal English tea fancies.

Champagne Upgrades
With Laurent-Perrier NV: £55 per person
With Laurent-Perrier Rosé: £58 per person

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THE ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL

Best for: Value for money
Awards: 'The Tea Guild special Awards of Excellence' in 2012 and 2013

Hours: 2:00pm to 5:30pm Monday - Thursday and 1pm to 5pm Friday - Sunday
Venue: Afternoon Tea is served in the Lounge area of the Park Terrace Restaurant, which enjoys views towards Kensington Palace and Gardens and the tinkling of the resident pianist.

The Kensington Tea
Cost: £26 per person
Menu: Assorted freshly prepared finger sandwiches, freshly baked raisin and cinnamon scones served with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade preserves, a selection of cakes and pastries from
the Royal Garden patisserie and with freshly brewed organic leaf tea from the Royal Garden’s fine selection.

The Royal Tea
Cost: £36 per person, inc. Champagne
Menu: All aspects of The Kensington Tea, but upgraded to include strawberries with vintage balsamic drizzle and a glass of Théophile Roederer NV champagne.

TOP 5 UK TRAVEL EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE OF LONDON

The UK attracts over 31 million visitors per year, but with a capital as large and buzzing with activity as London, unfortunately most of these don't leave the city. While London itself is of course magnificent in its own right, the British countryside is brimming with natural beauty and to venture there is surely the only way to be truly immersed in the traditional and authentic culture of the country.

With hundreds of quaint towns, stunning landscapes and places of cultural and historical significance to chose from, the following should be considered as some of the must-see experiences:

1. BATH SPA & STONEHENGE

Having been built and founded by the Roman's, Bath today still boasts a beautiful old and majestic feel, with what is considered to be some of the finest architecture in Europe. With impressive Roman Baths and nearby natural thermal spring waters, the city was transformed into the country's first spa resort.

Today, the enormous Bath Thermae Spa combines the best of the historical spa with a much more contemporary design and facilities - the highlight of a trip here is no doubt the open-air rooftop hydro-pools that look out across the city. Beautiful museums, quaint shops and Georgian houses also work to make Bath the epitome of English heritage.

An easy drive from Bath and in the middle of a barren expanse, you can find one of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge. It is thought that the earliest parts date back to around 3000 BC, when the ancient Britons quarried, chiselled and manoeuvred these vast stones into their mystifying positions. Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, this really is a place you must visit once in your lifetime.

Stay at: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

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2. SCOTLAND'S CASTLES & HIGHLANDS

Despite its relatively small size, Scotland is certainly packed to the brim with treasures.

All journeys should start with the historical city of Edinburgh, a town intimately entwined in the surrounding landscape. Various monuments and its world famous castle are set high atop rocky crags overlooking the surrounding hills and coastline, but the city itself oozes a more boutique cosmopolitan vibe.

From here is it imperative to explore the dramatic landscapes of rural Scotland. From breath-taking coastlines, historical castles amongst mountainous highlands and mystical lakes such as Loch Lomond and Loch Ness, to world-class spas, deer hunting and salmon fishing, wildlife galore and the world's finest whisky distilleries, there really is something in this magical country to appeal to all tastes.

Stay at: Gleneagles Hotel and Spa, or Inverlochy Castle

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3. THE NORTH WESTERN CITIES

The UK’s North West has something for everyone. From the cosmopolitan and cultural-rich major cities, to traditional British seaside resorts and the stunning Lake District, a visit to this area of the country can be as relaxed or energetic as you wish.

Manchester and nearby Liverpool, are the pinnacle cities of the North West – both oozing with culture and cool. Home to some of Britain’s biggest music legends, thriving arts scenes and of course three of the most successful Premiership Football teams in the country, a trip to either of these edgy metropolises is never short of excitement.

And then there is Blackpool, The UK’s most popular family seaside resort. Just as bold and brash as it is beautiful, the waterfront is lined with seaside attractions such as arcades and rollercoasters, to celebrated theatres and chiming trams. This town is the epitome of an old English playground by the sea.

Stay at: The Radisson Blu Edwardian, Manchester

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4. THE COTSWOLDS & SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY

Considered by many as one of the most enchanting areas remaining in Britain today, The Cotswolds is home to a collection of small towns and villages set amongst the epitome of picturesque British countryside.

Think rolling hills and quaint little historical cottages made from the local mellow honey coloured Cotswold stone, and old English attractions such as model villages, Roman Britain museums, steam railways and outstanding antique shopping.

In the surrounding area and statistically the most popular tourist attraction outside of London, Stratford-upon-Avon is better known as Shakespeare Country. Having been home to The UK's most famous writer of all time until his death in 1616, the town has become somewhat of a shrine to his life and works. And with a number of buildings having been restored to how they would have looked back in that particular period, a visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon really is like taking a step back in time and experiencing the old Britain.

Stay at: Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham Spa

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5. CORNWALL'S COASTLINE

Hands down The UK's number one coastal destination, Cornwall is completely surrounded by beautiful beaches, dazzling seas and picturesque seaside towns and cottages.

During the winter months, the atmosphere is sleepy and laidback, however, as soon as the sun comes out, the coast comes to life with bountiful activity. Enjoying some of the best weather England has to offer, a trip to Cornwall is best spent outdoors on the beach, either surfing, tackling stunning coastal walks or simply just sampling the traditional local delicacies such as the Cornish Pasty, Cornish Ice Cream or just plain old freshly caught fish & chips.

Stay at: The Carlyon Bay Hotel, Golf & Spa

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LONDON'S MOST UNUSUAL HOTEL FEATURES

With an increasing thirst for the extraordinary and something-to-write-home-about, there is no question that London's hotel scene is more exciting than ever. From budget, to boutique to grand luxe, new hotels are popping up across the city with unusual twists designed to add considerable intrigue to your stay.

THE CORINTHIA
FEATURE: HARRODS SHOP

The Corinthia Hotel is the first ever hotel to boast its very own Harrods store. Not only can you shop here for souvenirs or have your Harrods purchases delivered for collection, but the minibars in every room are stocked with Harrods goodies.

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HAM YARD HOTEL
FEATURE: CROC BOWLING ALLEY

The newly opened Ham Yard Hotel hosts surely one of the most interesting events spaces in London; The Croc Bowling Alley.  The room itself has a sort of swanky lounge feel, and includes a bar, dancefloor, exquisite decor collected from all around the world and an impressive vintage style bowling alley.

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ANDAZ LIVERPOOL STREET
FEATURE: MASONIC TEMPLE

Hidden deep within the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel by Hyatt lays an extraordinary room laden from top to bottom with marble and gilt. The stunning and secret space was only rediscovered when the hotel was fully refurbished during the 1990's. Reportedly it cost £4 million in today's prices to construct well over 100 years ago - not surprising when you see the lavish use of twelve types of marble, a gold piped organ and meticulously crafted mahogany furniture.

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LONDON SYON PARK
FEATURE: BUTTERFLY HOUSE

As a tribute to the beautiful estate and gardens in which the hotel stands, an exquisite glass butterfly house was built in the centre of the London Syon Park's lobby, exhibiting a haven for exotic species from all over the world. The nature of the insects adds a gentle and serene nature to the most busy area of the building.

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HAYMARKET HOTEL
FEATURE: SWIMMING POOL BAR

Many London hotels these days come complete with spa and swimming pool. However, what makes the Haymarket Hotel’s offering stand-out is that the poolside area; with a pewter bar serving cocktails, a surround sound system and hundreds of fibre optic lights, this pool is considerably more bar than spa.

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ROUGH LUXE
FEATURE: PEELING WALLPAPER

Not at all your average boutique hotel, the architecture and design here uses an unusual combination of classic English luxury furnishings and urban shabby chic finishings. Think peeling walls, unfinished surfaces and bare floorboards juxtaposed with top quality furniture and an array of modern art pieces. Unusual at its best.

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THE CHELSEA HARBOUR HOTEL
FEATURE: CATAMARAN

Set on the banks of the Thames and offering stunning views of both city and river, The Chelsea Harbour Hotel lies within one of London’s most prestigious addresses. The hotel itself also owns its own private catamaran which is available for charter; and what a fantastic way to see London.

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ECCLESTONE HOTEL
FEATURE: MASSAGING BEDS

Behind the doors of a beautiful 19th Century Grade II listed Georgian building; this hotel has taken cutting-edge technology to the next level. Boasting a range of in-room features from 3D TVs and SmartGlass shower walls to iPads controlling everything from the curtains to your room-service, our favourite though has to be the state-of-the-art fully adjustable beds with a range of massage settings.

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HAM YARD HOTEL (again)
FEATURE: HYPOXIC STUDIO

As already mentioned, this new hotel ticks a lot of boxes. A highly unique feature of the Soholistic Spa is a small Hypoxic Studio, where more serious guests can use the most advanced natural performance enhancing tools available to adjust oxygen levels (mimicking high-altitudes in training), to achieve optimum performance results.

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THE ZETTER HOTEL
FEATURE: EXOTIC VENDING MACHINES

Definitely more budget quirky than luxury, The Zetter Hotel has had the novel idea of installing vending machines on each floor that dispense everything from deodorant and toothbrushes to champagne and bloody marys!

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THE TOWN HALL HOTEL
FEATURE: MAGISTRATES COURT

Perhaps the most unusual on this list, The Town Hall Hotel, in London's East End features its very own court room for guests to enjoy breakfast or lunch in. Complete with a judges chair, jury benches and mahogany wall panels the superbly restored room dates back from when the hotel acted as Bethnal Greens county hall at the turn of the 19th century.

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THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL
FEATURE: JAIL CELLS

 

The bar at the Courthouse is particularly of interest – its architecture contains a number of pointers to the room’s history as a magistrate’s court. None more so than the three original holding cells that are now utilized as VIP enclaves. They still contain their original layout with the prisoner benches (now comfortably upholstered) and even (thoroughly cleaned) toilet bowls. The booths can be privately booked for up to 8 people if you fancy being locked away behind their thick iron doors.

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THE GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL BY JW MARRIOTT
FEATURE: ABANDONED SWIMMING POOL

Not many five star hotels have a swimming pool in London, making it even more curious that the Grosvenor House Hotel on prestigious Park Lane has a 25m pool that has sat gathering dust since the early 2000's. Not surprisingly the hotel were not keen to provide a photo of its forgotten asset.

For more guides to the best London Hotels visit: www.bluebirdvip.com

The Most Unusual Hotels in the World

Its that time of year were drizzly weather and falling temperatures make us dream of a holiday. And where better to escape reality than to go a wacky hotel; whether it be a Boeing 727 in the jungle, glass bubbles under the northern lights, an Indian Palace in the middle of a lake or a Latvian prison camp. Take a look at the most unusual hotels in the World.

Costa Verde, Quepos Costa Rica

A hotel within a Boeing 727

Like a scene from the TV show Lost, the Costa Verde hotel has a two bedroom suite housed within a 1965 Boeing 727 jet that has seemingly crash landed in the jungle. The plane juts out over the jungle canopy by 15m to give its occupants the feeling they are flying when inside their quarters; albeit flying with the sound of Toucan’s and Monkeys from the on-board balcony. Let’s just hope there are no snakes on this plane.

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Karslautten Hotel, Finland

A glass dome hotel under the Northern Lights

Nestled in the wilderness near Finland’s Urho Kekkonen National Park, the Karslautten hotel is made up of over 20 glass domed igloos - allowing each guest to watch the mesmerising Northern Lights from their very own beds. Every igloo has its own ensuite, king/twin beds, endless views of the night sky and, thankfully, is well insulated from the minus 22 degree temperature outside.

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The Caves Resort, Jamaica

A stunning resort with a unique dining proposition

Poised upon 9 miles of honey coloured limestone cliffs on Jamaica’s west coast the Caves resort is paradise. This however is not what sets the hotel apart; that would be the numerous caves that dot its coastline. One of these natural caves houses the resorts seductive private dining restaurant where guests can enjoy an astonishing candlelit dinner.

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Magic Mountain Lodge, Chilie

?????

Like its name suggests, the Magic Mountain really is a wacky fantasy come to life. The rooms are burrowed inside a conical granite tower that appears to have come from a children’s cartoon. The tower spews water from its pinnacle that cascades down the guest room windows, only adding to the bizarreness. Originally built as a place for friends of the owner to stay while they enjoyed the hunting and fishing trips in the stunning Patagonia region, thankfully the resort is now open to all.

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Sala Silvermine, Sweden

Sleep 155m underground

Sala Silvermine is a Mecca amongst mines, being one of the oldest and best preserved mines from the 19th century. Nowadays it lays claim to hosting the world’s deepest bedroom, 155m below the surface. The corridors maybe damp, cold and dark, but the winding galleries, vast caverns and mystical underwater lakes will win over any guest looking for an experience.

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Tree Hotel, Sweden

The Invisible hotel

A quite remarkable hotel, designed with one simple concept…….to be invisible. Located within a hardwood forest in Idyllic Northern Sweden, the developers wanted to make the hotel blend in with its surroundings and be at one with the forest. A feat which they have thoroughly achieved; One of the suites of the hotel is a floating cube high in the forest, with reflective glass on all 6 faces. In total there are six absolutely unique tree houses for guests to enjoy.

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Fairy Chimney Hotel, Turkey

Fairytale hotel built within fairy chimneys

Another enchanting hotel, the Fairy Chimney Hotel in Turkeys Unesco heritage site Cappadocia blows guests away with its amazing natural architecture. Large parts of the hotel are carved out of the areas famous tufa rock cones amongst soaring buttes, sudden caves and sweeping arches. The setting is like to a movie set in the Stone Age, which the hotel brings up to modern standards with luxuries such as underfloor and Hamman style bathrooms.

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Karosta Prison Hotel, Latvia

Soviet Prison/Hotel?

Originally constructed in 1906 as military hospital at the base of the Soviet Baltic Fleet, the dilapidated building actually spent most of the last century as a Nazi and Soviet Prison. Many Latvian deserters where sent to the camp for solitary confinement and/or eventual death. Today, despite years of being obsolete, the prison has reopened (and rebranded?) as a boutique hotel where courageous tourists can enrol for an authentic jail experience. On arrival visitors can either ask for the full Karosta experience – including a prisoner garb, interrogation, harassment and being locked into a cold dank dark prison cell for the night.

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Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Eye balls in the forest

About as unusual as it gets, the Free Spirit spheres, located deep within a Vancouver Island forest, are eye ball like structures suspended from the trees by nothing but guide ropes. Each one is beautifully handcrafted with natural wood joinery and brass trims. One discerning travel remarked "...At night it felt like as though we were adrift in a sea of trees and stars."

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V8 Hotel, Böblingen, Germany

A petrol heads dream

A remarkable hotel, based on a simple concept; cars. Each of the 34 rooms are individually themed after a classic car. The cars, including vintage Mercedes models, are reengineered in to bed frames in a room that takes the shape of either a car wash, petrol station or mechanics workshop. Situated in a former Zeppelin base, the hotel is well located for tours of the nearby Mercedes or Porsche factories.

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Featherbed Railroad, California, US

Sleeper cabins that go nowhere

Not quite first class, but this B&B offers all its guests club class tickets to a unique experience. All its suites are located in nine antique railroad cabooses, each one individually decorated to echo the railroads past former glory. The most notably of which is the Easy Rider caboose, with its on board Jacuzzi and Harley Davidson memorabilia.

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Prendiparte B&B, Bologna, Italy

Be Rapunzel for the night in a Medieval tower

Bologna’s medieval centre is littered with high rise towers from the period, each one built taller than the previous one to reflect that particular owner’s wealth. One of the tallest is the 60 meter high Torre Prendiparte which now days can be exclusively booked as a hotel room. Inside there is a living area, snug, bedroom, and kitchen and not to forget a spellbinding roof terrace.

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Mihir Garh, Rajasthan

A fort deep within the desert

Mihir Garh literally translates to ‘The Fort of the Sun’, and the resort lives up to this name. Sitting in splendid isolation like a mirage deep within the Thar Desert, the resort is a recently built, traditionally styled fort operated by super the luxury Relais Chateaux hotel chain. Everything within in the fort is completely bespoke and unique, from the cow dung fire places to the tapestry carpets that line the walls.

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Quinta Real Zacatecas, Mexico

A hotel built within a 17th century bull ring

The Hotel Quinta Real Zacatecas is a luxury conversion of the 17th Century San Pedro bullring into an all-suite hotel. The uniquely circular colonial architecture is married to modern interior design, creating a magnificent juxtaposition. Many of the rooms overlook the hotels beautiful piazza, the others? They overlook the town’s ancient aqueduct.

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Palacio del Sal Hotel, Bolivia

A hotel built from nothing but salt

Set 3,650m above sea level on the mirage inducing Bolivian salt flats, the Palacio de Sal is entirely constructed out of salt; yes the walls, floors, beds, chairs and even the hotels spa are made entirely of white rock salt. In addition to its unique construction the high altitude and dry climate makes the hotel ideal for stargazing and watching amazing sunset colours beam off the salt flats.

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Spit Bank Fort, Hampshire UK

An exclusively hired Gun Turret in the middle of a bay

Originally built to protect the UK navy from unwelcome visitors, this brutal concrete gun placement now welcomes those seeking a luxury stay. Isolated in the middle of the Southampton Solent the resort is about as exclusive as you can get. It features 8 bedroom suites, a Laurent Perrier champagne bar, wine cellar and games room in the accommodation quarters alone. Then you get to the observation deck where you can expect to find a fire pit, heated pool, sauna and restored lighthouse to help navigate your guests as they arrive at the private mooring station.

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Taj Lake Palace in Rajasthan, India

A marble palace built within a lake

"A real-life jewel in Lake Pichola" is how the Taj Lake Palace is described, and accurately too - the eighteenth-century palace is literally located within a lake, only to be reached by boat. Unless you are James Bond that is. During the filming of Octopussy he dressed up as a crocodile and swam to the palace, which was used as Octopussy’s lair. Inside, the palace is one of the most ornate on the planet with its sweeping corridors opening up to idyllic courtyards. The rooms are equally as impressive with gold gildings, painted motifs, mosaics, silk bolsters and stained glass.

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Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya

Have breakfast with Giraffes! 

On the face of it the Giraffe Manor a colonial country house on the outskirts of Nairobi is lovely if not completely remarkable. However wait until breakfast time, when the Manors resident giraffes are encouraged to feed with guests of the resort through specially designed windows. Guests can feed them right at the table, take photos or even have a cheeky kiss.

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Poseidon Undersea Resort (Fiji)

Sleep Underwater and spend hours finding Nemo

Still under construction but nevertheless we feel that the Poseidon Resort deserves a place on this list. Set in a lagoon located just off a private Fiji island, the luxury resort will house 25 underwater suites within acrylic bubbles forty feet under the sea.  Once finished, guests will be able to lie in their Egyptian cotton beds whilst gazing at tropical fish and blossoming coral life. Wow. Not to mention the underwater restaurant, bar, gym, and even a wedding chapel.

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