Vacation Spots With a Difference

Tuscany|Madagascar|Marrakech |Capetown| Labasa|Thailand

Vacation Spots that are different is the point of this article, and it is hoped you will find the six vacation spots with a difference we have selected.

To get more information click on the blue links

The first of our vacation spots with a difference is well away from a beach, and hidden away in Tuscany

La Bandita is a Luxury Retreat in Tuscany. This isn’t a typical Tuscany farmhouse conversion, all rustic, wood, and exposed brickwork. What you have to do here is think of infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, giant beanbags, huge sunken bathtubs, massive waterfall showers, white sofas, eight huge soothing minimalistic bedrooms, and this gives you an idea of why it is a luxury retreat. This is real solitude and tranquillity, stood within its four acres of land, and yet you can if you choose nip in and out of nearby villages, which is ideal. The atmosphere at La Bandita is really a cross between an hotel, and someone’s home, where you are staying with friends over a long weekend. Part of the charm of La Bandita is the quality of the dinners that the chef produces, and they are eaten in a large open plan space in the garden, dinner party style. It can be nice to meet other guests in this way, and the quality of the wine certainly helps to make conversation flow.For more information about La Bandita CLICK HERE

From Tuscany in Italy we are off to Madagascar for an interesting vacation spots with a difference.

The Princesse Bora Lodge is located near the East Coast of Madagascar and provides the perfect location for your whale watching and luxury beach relaxation. If you want to be surprised by quality, and you love being pampered, and you don't mind a long flight from Europe, and you like to name drop about having been to a place that almost nobody has heard of, then plump for The Princesse Bora Lodge on Ile Sainte Marie in Madagascar. Oh by the way, if you not only love whales, but want to get up real close and personal, then this must be the best place in the world to be between June and September, when literally hundreds and hundreds of humpback whales are in the waters offshore to breed. The accommodation is lovely, the ambience is lovely, the food, mainly seafood is quite splendid, the owner is worth the trip alone, and the whole ambience is amazing.For more information about the Princesse Bora Lodge CLICK HERE

For the third of our vacation spots with a difference we travel to Marrakech to a Riad

Riad El Mansour is a six bedroomed boutique hotel, situated a short stroll from the beating heart of Marrakech and the world famous 'souk'.  A Riad is normally a converted house, and when it also has history as does the Riad El Mansour, then that is very special. If you are looking for a very personal vacation in luxury surroundings then a small Riad such as this is so much better than a modern soulless hotel. Although recently refurbished the Riad retains its authentic original feel, and the brightly coloured Moroccan furnishings and the art work are a thing of beauty. 
What impresses the most is the high level of service and hospitality, together with the magical setting that has been created. It is absolutely perfect for a stay for a few days, or even much longer. Many guests regard the food presented here as the best in Marrakech, and after a busy day sightseeing, there is an old fashioned hamman to relax in, along with a jacuzzi and a spa, and for the fitness fanatics a gym. The Riad El mansour is a place you won't forget in a hurry.For more information about Riad El Mansour CLICK HERE

Our fourth foray into the world of vacation spots with a difference takes us to Capetown in South Africa

Les Cascades is possibly the most romantic hotel in Cape Town which is situated in the exclusive area of Bantry Bay on the Cape Town Atlantic coast, less than a ten minute drive from the city.It has been included because it is such a surprise that such a wonderful hotel is so well disguised that if you didn't know where it was or what it was you would miss it. Once a private house,now a boutique hotel hidden behind a huge wooden front door.  It is like another world, and the initial impression of luxury, comfort, warmth, and the views from reception are reinforced by the sheer quality of the furnishings in the suite.The bedroom is enormous, a huge bed with fine cotton linen, and then the bathroom is a designer’s dream with a lovely big bath, and a large shower. The suite comes complete with a little kitchenette, and a private terrace.What is so incredible about Les Cascades is how isolated, and ‘away from it all’ you feel, and yet it is effectively in suburbia!! You feel as if you are on a mountain overlooking the ocean, and that enhances the feeling of privacy.There are three pools, and elegant dining villa restaurant. It feels not so much a hotel as small village.Dinner is superb, magnificent food, beautifully presented, and fine wines. The breakfast is in similar mode. Everywhere has superb sea views, but best of all is the almost telepathic superb service.For more details about Les Cascades CLICK HERE

Our fifth visit is to the Pacific Ocean and the islands of Fiji for another of the vacation spots with a difference

Nukubati Private Island is probably one of the most romantic islands in the South Pacific. Small and for couples only it would be ideal as a honeymoon destination. You will be greeted by the harmonious voices of the hotel staff on the beach, and you will find nothing is too much trouble. Jet lag is a big issue, but you will find no matter when you awake, whatever food and drink you want will arrive as if by magic. By the way Nukubati is an all inclusive island, so you can pretty well eat what you want when you want, and where you want. This means from candlelit on the beach, even to a small sandbar at low tide. The accomodation is quite simple but very comfortable, but it is the service given with a permanent smile you will remember forever. The most perfect place for a honeymoon.For more details on Nukubati Private Island CLICK HERE

For our final vacation spots with a difference we move right up to the borders of Thailand

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle A journey by riverboat through exotic bamboo jungles to a corner of the world known as the Golden Triangle on the border of  Thailand where it meets two other countries, to get there. An arrival where you bang a gong three times before ascending the stairs. Here you will find a luxurious camp of fifteen well spaced tents high up on the banks of the Ruak River, they are suspended over the jungle like a treehouse on stilts. These are splendid affairs with huge soft beds, feather pillows. The bath is hammered copper, and is big enough to fit two. In addition there is an outdoor shower, with amazing views, and a verandah which is almost as big as your room. The attention to detail from the staff is quite outstanding, they are always there when needed, but totally unobtrusive when not. The meals, and this is an all inclusive hotel, and this means drinks as well, are a Thai/Burmese/Laotian variety, and you will find there is something for everyone, and the quality is quite magnificent. It’s expensive but amazing.For more information about the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle CLICK HERE

 Hopefully you have enjoyed vacation spots with a difference, don't forget to check out

Best Places to Vacation | Top Destinations for Honeymoon | Beautiful Vacation Places | Best Honeymoon Places|  Beach Vacation Resorts |  
Best Vacation Spots| Alternative to Hotels|  10 Top Vacation Spots| Best Tropical Vacation Spot