Covid-19 has been restricting our social and civic life for months. Due to the curfews and isolation, the longing for a well-deserved holiday only grows. Our selection of special places should provide some change in these difficult times and inspire you for your next destination.

1.   For a luxury stay at the seaside: La Vista Lodge in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is a beautiful town in South Africa’s Western Cape province. La Vista Lodge offers its guests an incredible panoramic view over Keurbooms Lagoon, Tsitsikamma Mountains and the vastness of the Indian Ocean.  Visitors can take advantage of the waves of the crystal-clear sea for surfing, explore the nearby nature reserve or take to the winding paths of the rocky peninsula. Adventurers can even take a trip to the Nelson Bay Caves to retrace the footsteps of the Stone Age.

At La Vista Lodge’s restaurant, you can sit back, relax and let yourself be pampered. The exquisite dishes are cooked with seasonal ingredients, some of which even come from the lodge’s own permaculture garden.

2.   For a winter ski resort in the mountains: Hotel Bellevue des Alpes, Switzerland

Situated in the Swiss Alps, the Hotel Belevue des Alpes is one of the few 19th century grand hotels that have survived to this day. It is family-owned and run with great passion by Silvia and Andreas von Almen. As the hotel is located in the center of the Swiss skiing and hiking region, visitors can use their time for all kinds of leisure activities. The physical well-being is catered for in the attached daytime restaurant.

3.   For an exotic island escape in a cottage: Aleli Cottages in Culebra, Puerto Rico

The Aleli Cottages in Culebra offer a very special kind of time-out. Culebra is a small island that belongs to the Spanish Virgin Islands and is under the jurisdiction of the Puerto Rican government. Despite its modest size, Culebra has its own airport and welcomes tourists with open arms. At Aleli Cottages, guests can take a time out and enjoy the spectacular colors of the sunrise and sunset up close. There are 11 bungalows in total, all with their own special charm. The rustic and unique decor provides residents with all the necessities while they soak up the tranquility and beauty of nature.

4.   For a horseback safari at the bottom of the Kilimanjaro: Makoafarm, Tanzania

Those in search of an extraordinary adventure should head to Tanzania. At the Makoa-Farm, the African wilderness can be discovered on the horseback. Natural wonders such as the rainforest, the savanna and Mount Kilimanjaro will stretch out before your eyes and provide unforgettable moments. The rides are specially adapted to the needs of the visitors. This means that both beginners and professionals will get their money’s worth. In addition, the Makoa-Farm has the welfare of the animals at heart. The horses are well cared for and can relax in the open stable with adjacent pasture. The Makoa-Farm is located on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro and is a colonial-style estate built in 1901.

5.   For a very special book night: Shinsaibashi Hostel in Tokyo, Japan

A very special experience awaits the guests of Shinsaibashi Hostel. This is a bed & book hotel. Wherever you look in the hotel, you will see rows of shelves full of books. The accommodation currently has a total of 2,000 bestsellers and books that make the heart of every bookworm beat faster. The guests’ beds are integrated into the bookshelves and thus have a very special flair. If you feel like going outside, you can experience the hustle and bustle of Tokyo at first hand.