When we talk about cool hotels, we’re not talking about hotels where the “cool” kids stay. We’re talking about places that make you say “oh wow, that’s cool!” when you see them. Sure, they might also be hip and trendy, but it’s more likely that their sheer unexpectedness is what really got your attention.
If there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s that surfing is cool. And while you may never attain the skills of Kelly Slater or Stephanie Gilmore, you can at least stay in a hotel that makes you feel like you could.
When it opened in 1984, Thorngrove Manor was a response to the bland and banal chain hotels of the day. As boutique hotels in 2020 march further into the mainstream, the mission is much the same for this eccentric castle in South Australia.
If climate change has taught us anything, it’s that nothing lasts forever. As ice caps melt and coral reefs die, tourists are rushing to see the world’s most precious treasures before they’re gone. Those visits can raise much-needed awareness, but the extra attention isn’t always for the best.
Throughout 2019 we’ll be introducing selections of unique attractions to consider visiting on your next big trip. Volume 1 explores destinations that are worth seeking out in New Mexico, Australia, Chile, and Zimbabwe.
Our favorite destinations for 2019 each have long and lasting histories. They’ve humbled travelers for many years — and they deserve a visit during the upcoming one as well.