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Eight Extraordinary Tiny Hotel Rooms: Capsule Hotels Redefined for the Modern Traveler The concept of capsule hotels has evolved dramatically since its humble beginnings in 1979 in Osaka, Japan. Initially designed as compact sleeping solutions for overworked businessmen, the capsule hotel format has now captured the imagination of travelers from around the world. Today, these efficient yet innovative stays have been reimagined with increasingly unique designs, offering both luxury and adventure.From Colombia's colorful sewer pipe rooms to spheres suspended in the Canadian sky, these tiny hotels provide travelers with not only a place to sleep but a remarkable experience that often becomes the highlight of the trip. Below are eight of the most extraordinary tiny hotel rooms that are redefining the world of capsule hotels.1. Nine Hours: A Sleep Laboratory in JapanNine Hours, a chain of capsule hotels across Japan, offers more than just a place to sleep—it doubles as a sleep laboratory. Guests can take part in the “9h sleep fitscan” service, which tracks heart rate, monitors snoring, and even analyzes sleep apnea through advanced sensors. The minimalist design and sleek sleeping pods provide a futuristic, sci-fi vibe. With a focus on comfort, Nine Hours ensures that every moment counts, offering hourly rates and reducing room rentals to just the essential nine hours—seven for sleep and an hour on either side for washing and dressing.2. Natura Vive: Sleeping Pods on a Cliff Face Above Peru’s Sacred ValleyFor adrenaline seekers, Natura Vive’s Skylodge Adventure Suites offer the ultimate thrill. Transparent sleeping pods cling to the cliffs high above Peru’s Sacred Valley, offering 300-degree views of the surrounding mountains. While a 400-meter near-vertical climb is required to reach the pods, guests are rewarded with a unique stay, complete with a private bathroom and a deck where you can sip tea while watching the soaring condors. For added luxury, the nearby Starlodge offers hillside hot tubs, making the experience even more extraordinary.3. Tubo Hotel La Tatacoa: A Desert Oasis in ColombiaTubo Hotel, located near Colombia's Tatacoa Desert, brings a splash of color to the arid landscape with its tiny, concrete sewer pipe rooms. Painted in vibrant hues, these capsules offer a cozy, air-conditioned retreat after exploring the desert’s giant cacti and stony formations. Guests can enjoy a shared swimming pool, shaded gardens, and a bar and restaurant nearby. Despite their modest size, the rooms provide everything you need to rest
Discovering the UK’s Hidden Hiking ‘Hotels’: The Magic of Bothies Imagine hiking through the tranquil valleys of Wales’ Cambrian Mountains, enveloped in a silence that makes you acutely aware of nature’s profound solitude. This is the charm of Britain’s most remote areas and the allure of bothies—free-to-use shelters scattered across the wild landscapes of the UK. These simple structures offer a unique way to explore without the constraints of booking or cost.What Are Bothies?Bothies are basic shelters, often former shepherd huts or workers' accommodations, repurposed for hikers seeking refuge in Britain’s remote wilderness. Managed by the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA), a charity established in 1965, these shelters are a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration. The MBA oversees more than 100 bothies across Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, providing simple shelters for those who love wild and isolated places.The Bothy Experience: A Simple SystemThe beauty of bothies lies in their simplicity. They are free, open to everyone, and cannot be booked in advance. According to the unwritten rule, no bothy is ever “full.” However, large groups or commercial parties are encouraged to avoid them to maintain the experience for solo adventurers and small groups.To enjoy a bothy, you must follow the Bothy Code, which emphasizes respect for the shelter, its surroundings, and fellow users. Yet, the challenge often lies in finding them—grid references are available online, but navigating to these remote spots can be tricky without a reliable phone signal.A Journey Through the ‘Green Desert of Wales’One such bothy adventure leads to Nant Syddion, located in an area known as the “Green Desert of Wales” for its sparse settlements and lack of infrastructure. Despite its remote location, Nant Syddion exudes warmth and history. Once home to a lead miner and his family, it now offers a temporary refuge for hikers. The building, though simple, retains a sense of homeliness with its sturdy structure and recently painted door, welcoming weary travelers.The History and Maintenance of BothiesMost bothies are relics of a bygone era, remnants of a time when hill farming and remote living were more common. After World War II, as hiking and mountaineering gained popularity, outdoor enthusiasts began using these abandoned buildings as shelters. Bernard Heath and his friends founded the MBA to restore and maintain these structures for future generations.Maintaining these shelters is no small feat. Withstanding the h
6 Trailblazing Travel Firms Transforming Tourism Through Sustainability and Inclusivity In today’s world, travelers are increasingly aware of the need for responsible tourism—an approach that combines environmental consciousness, cultural respect, and community support. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Responsible Tourism Awards, the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global highlights the remarkable contributions of six travel firms that embody sustainable tourism. From eco-lodges that uplift local communities to hotels that prioritize inclusive experiences, these companies are paving the way for a tourism industry that truly benefits people and the planet.1. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South AfricaWinner in the category of community empowerment, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-lodge set on 3,500 hectares of protected wilderness in South Africa. As part of their mission to support the surrounding communities, Grootbos funds the Grootbos Foundation, which provides free training in hospitality, conservation, and entrepreneurship to local residents. Guests at Grootbos can enjoy guided nature walks, marine safaris, and explore the region's famed fynbos landscapes, all while knowing their stay directly benefits conservation efforts and local employment. The Responsible Tourism judges praised Grootbos for continuously innovating to blend luxury tourism with sustainable practices, making it a model of responsible tourism in action.Grootbos Foundation supports community conservation, offering skills training in hospitality and environmental management for South Africa’s future generations.2. Rajasthan Studio, IndiaRajasthan Studio won recognition for its dedication to cultural tourism and art preservation. This company provides travelers with a chance to engage in hands-on experiences with local artisans, learning crafts like Jaipur’s blue pottery, Udaipur’s sea foam carving, and Jodhpur’s leatherwork. By facilitating intimate, authentic cultural exchanges, Rajasthan Studio ensures artisans receive fair compensation while educating travelers on the significance of traditional arts. Founder Kartik Gaggar’s approach has created a sustainable model for community-centric travel experiences that respect and preserve Rajasthan’s heritage.Rajasthan Studio transforms traditional tourism by offering immersive, craft-focused experiences that celebrate India’s rich artisanal legacy.3. Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, ThailandSivatel Bangkok was recognized for its commitment to sustainable sourcing and creating va
Exploring 400,000 Years of Human History: A Journey Through the Neanderthal Museum in Germany Nestled in Germany’s scenic Neander Valley, the Neanderthal Museum offers a fascinating journey back 400,000 years, exploring our close relatives and the evolution of humanity. Here, visitors encounter “Mr. Four Percent,” a lifelike statue of a Neanderthal in modern clothes, designed to emphasize the surprising similarities between Neanderthals and modern humans. With genetic studies revealing that many people carry up to 4% Neanderthal DNA, this museum challenges us to rethink common stereotypes of these ancient hominids.The Evolution of Neanderthal PerceptionsThe museum’s mission goes beyond displaying relics and models; it aims to shift our understanding of Neanderthals from “grunting brutes” to complex, sophisticated beings. According to Bärbel Auffermann, the museum's director, there’s a common misperception of Neanderthals as primitive. However, recent research reveals a different story. Neanderthals crafted rope, painted cave walls, and cared for disabled community members. This portrayal, combined with a renewed interest in human ancestry fueled by DNA testing, has drawn record numbers of visitors to the museum, surpassing 180,000 in 2023.Captivating Exhibits: Ancient Relics, Modern ConnectionsThe Neanderthal Museum offers an immersive experience with realistic models, Ice Age artifacts, and an engaging four-million-year timeline of human evolution. Highlights include figures of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis), an early ancestor, alongside Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. The star attraction, "Mr. N," a lifelike Neanderthal statue, has become a visitor favorite, embodying the bridge between past and present.New Perspectives on Neanderthal SocietyOpening November 23, a new temporary exhibit delves into the roles of women in Neanderthal society, with an audio tour narrated by Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art. Sykes’ insights bring ancient lives to the forefront, showcasing women as caretakers, hunters, and community leaders. According to Sykes, the Neanderthal genome sequencing in 2010 profoundly connected people to their heritage, revealing that Neanderthals’ DNA is 99.7% identical to that of modern humans.An Award-Winning Observation TowerThe museum’s recent addition, the 22-meter "cave view" observation tower, invites visitors to immerse themselves in Neanderthal landscapes via virtual reality. This structure, crowned by a giant Neanderthal skull replica, offers a unique vantage po
Giresun, Turkey: The Hazelnut Capital of the World Fans of flavored coffee or sweet treats may not realize that a significant majority of the world’s hazelnuts originate from a specific coastal mountain range in Turkey, where women have been nurturing these precious nuts for centuries. Nestled on the slopes of the Pontic mountain range overlooking the Black Sea in northeastern Turkey, the ancient city of Giresun is renowned not only for its breathtaking coastal views and dramatic jagged mountains but also for its exceptional hazelnuts.Turkey is responsible for producing over 72% of the world’s hazelnuts, with approximately 60% coming from the Eastern Black Sea region, where Giresun is situated. This tradition of hazelnut farming dates back thousands of years; even Herodotus, the “father of history,” praised the region's hazelnut abundance in the 5th century BC. Since the 1400s, hazelnuts from Giresun and its neighboring areas have been exported to Europe and beyond, establishing a long-standing reputation.The Role of Women in Hazelnut ProductionA recent episode of the BBC program Discovering the World's Table delved into Turkey's rich culinary landscape, shedding light on the journey of hazelnuts before they find their way into popular products like Nutella. In Giresun, hazelnut cultivation has historically been the domain of women, and this trend is continuing as they increasingly take over the production and sale of hazelnut goods, including a variety of chocolate products.Traditionally, the nuts were exported overseas only to return to Turkey in the form of chocolate bars and spreads. However, local businesses like Home of the Hazelnut, founded by three sisters with deep family roots in the hazelnut industry, are striving to change that narrative.“In this region, 80% of the hazelnut products are processed by women,” Sayari Sungur, one of the company’s owners and co-founders, shared with Discovering the World's Table host Nick Kwek. “It is always women who are best at taking care of these nuts, both in the fields and in the gardens. So now we want those women to become both the growers and the decision-makers.”Empowering Local Women and Revitalizing TraditionSince its inception nine years ago, Home of the Hazelnut has worked to preserve Giresun's ancient traditions while also serving as a beacon of inspiration for a new generation of local women. Sungur takes pride in her family's success, which has motivated other women in the region to establish their own businesses. “Now that lots
Holidaymakers Left ‘Traumatised’ After Troubling Experience with Travel Agent Holidaymakers Report Being "Stressed" and "Traumatised" After Chaotic Trips Booked Through Travel AgentSeveral holidaymakers have come forward claiming they were left feeling "stressed" and "traumatised" after experiencing a series of chaotic and poorly organized holidays arranged by the same travel agent.Over 30 individuals from the Winchester area have now joined a Facebook group, sharing their concerns and making allegations about their troubling experiences with a representative from InteleTravel, a well-known travel company. According to members of the group, numerous bookings were marred by unexpected changes, cancellations, or mishandled details, leading to significant disruption during their holidays.In response to the growing complaints, InteleTravel issued a statement confirming that it had terminated the contract of the representative involved. The company emphasized that it took the allegations seriously and moved swiftly to sever ties with the individual as a result of the mounting concerns from customers.The situation escalated when Hampshire police became involved. Authorities have confirmed that a woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position, though further details about the case have yet to be made public. The police investigation is ongoing as officers work to gather evidence and conduct interviews with affected holidaymakers.Among those affected is Marisa Noyce, who had been planning a family holiday to Morocco. However, at the last minute, her destination was abruptly changed to Crete without proper explanation. She and her family were left scrambling to adjust to the sudden shift in plans, adding considerable stress to what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation.Noyce’s story is just one of many from the Facebook group, where other members have shared similar frustrations. Some report being left stranded at airports without accommodation, while others faced sudden itinerary changes, leaving them feeling overwhelmed and distressed.The case has raised concerns about the practices of independent travel agents working under larger umbrella companies like InteleTravel. Many of the holidaymakers involved in the group are now calling for stricter regulation and oversight within the industry, arguing that the lack of accountability can lead to devastating consequences for unsuspecting customers.One of the group's members, who wished to remain anonymous, shared, "We trusted this person with our holiday plans, and instead
Athens, Georgia: Where College Town Cool Meets Cultural Maturity Renowned for its party scene and home to some of the most influential bands of the last century, Athens, Georgia, is a small city that continues to grow while maintaining its edgy, creative spirit. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, about 70 miles north-east of Atlanta, Athens is best known as the home of the University of Georgia (UGA) and its powerhouse football team, the Georgia Bulldogs. But there’s much more to Athens than its sports reputation, and visitors today are discovering a city that has evolved without losing its indie roots.Athens was once primarily associated with its legendary music scene, producing iconic bands like The B-52s and REM, whose groundbreaking sounds in post-punk, new wave, and indie rock influenced generations of musicians. Today, the city still attracts up-and-coming artists, but its modern appeal has expanded beyond its music halls and late-night dives. Athens has matured into a city that seamlessly blends Southern hospitality with urban sophistication.From Music Legacy to Modern AppealThe Athens of today may shimmer with boutique hotels, upscale cocktail bars, and a blossoming food scene, but its deep musical roots still pulse through the city. This year marks several major milestones for the city's musical heritage, including the 40th anniversary of REM's first album, Murmur, and the 45th anniversary of The B-52s’ debut album. Venues like the famed Georgia Theatre and the gritty 40 Watt Club, which once hosted Nirvana, Patti Smith, and Sonic Youth, continue to offer a taste of Athens' indie past while showcasing new talent.For longtime residents like Mike Mills, founding member of REM, Athens' enduring creative energy comes as no surprise. "The fact that we were off the beaten path really allowed for unbridled creativity," says Mills. "There are still a lot of music happenings here, and it's great to see how the city has grown without losing that special vibe."Athens' music scene is set to enter a new chapter with the opening of the Akins Ford Arena, an 8,500-person venue debuting with a concert by The B-52s in December. The arena, which will host the local hockey team (aptly named the Rock Lobsters, after The B-52s’ hit song), is expected to draw national touring bands and add another layer to the city's cultural offerings.A Culinary TransformationWhile Athens has long been celebrated for its music, its recent culinary evolution is just as noteworthy. Over the last few decades, the city has emer
A Revolutionary Gin from Sir Isaac Newton's Iconic Apple Tree A Revolutionary Gin from Sir Isaac Newton's Iconic Apple TreeAfter more than 300 years, the legacy of Sir Isaac Newton’s law of gravitation continues to inspire innovation in unexpected ways. On a warm January afternoon in Cambridge, England, I journeyed through cobblestone streets and picturesque meadows to discover a spirit that encapsulates both historical significance and cutting-edge technology.The Cambridge Distillery ExperienceIn the tranquil village of Grantchester, I arrived at the Cambridge Distillery, renowned for its avant-garde approach to gin-making. The distillery, founded by William and Lucy Lowe in 2012, has evolved from the UK's smallest distillery to one of the largest dedicated vacuum gin distilleries globally. Unlike traditional distilleries, Cambridge Distillery resembles a high-tech laboratory, with its beakers and flasks more akin to a chemistry lab than a conventional gin distillery.William Lowe, a Master of Wine and a PhD student at Cambridge, has revolutionized gin-making by vacuum distilling each ingredient individually at optimal temperatures. This method, inspired by 17th-century British chemist Robert Boyle, allows for a level of precision in flavor extraction akin to that of a perfumer or master winemaker. This meticulous approach has earned him the title of "the world's first gin tailor."The Fusion of Tradition and InnovationAmong the distillery's groundbreaking creations is the Curator’s Gin, crafted in exclusive collaboration with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG). This gin features rare botanicals such as lemon lavender, ginger rosemary, and apples from a descendant of Sir Isaac Newton’s legendary apple tree. The result is a spirit with a complex profile of citrus, spicy, and herbaceous notes, blending seamlessly into a floral fragrance.The apple tree used for this gin is a clone of Newton's original tree at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire, England, where Newton famously pondered the concept of gravity. Although the original tree still stands and bears fruit, its younger scion in Cambridge was damaged by Storm Eunice in 2022. Despite this setback, the distillery has preserved enough apple essence to continue production until a new sapling matures.A Global LegacyNewton's apple tree has left a global imprint, with its descendants now found across six continents. While many outside the UK and Europe are scions of scions, the essence of Newton’s apple continues to inspire and captivate. Emma Michalak,