Hotels for the not-so-adventurous adventure traveler

by Melanie Nayer on

The term “adventure travel” has many definitions, and each one varies based on the traveler. I’m not adverse to adventure – I’ve hit the rapids in what seemed to be nothing more than a floatie device I’d find in my parents pool; I’ve jumped from a tall building with only a cord and a little spring keeping me from face-planting into concrete; I’m about to take on one big bridge in Sydney next month. But there’s one difference between me and the other adventure travelers out there: I wouldn’t do it again.

OK, never say never. Truth is, I’ll be the first one to safari walk with lions and tigers, and as soon as I collect $200,000 I’m buying a seat on the first Virgin Galactic flight to space. But in the meantime, I’ll get my kicks by staying at some of the most adventuresome hotels in the world. No, not the kind of adventure that includes bed bugs and dirty bathrooms, and violates every health code in the system. These hotels add a little excitement to your stay, which can be the perfect dose of adventure for the not-so-adventurous traveler.

1. One by the Five, Paris: The floating beds add excitement to this hotel. Too much champagne at dinner and you’ll fall right off in the middle of the night, but the design technique that keeps the bed ‘floating’ is pretty spectacular. (The ‘floating bed’ concept could add a little spice your late-night, too…) If Paris is too much love-not enough adventure, Berlin’s Propeller Island City features similar rooms with ‘magic mirrors’ that create various illusions, including one room with a flying bed.

2. Loisaba, Kenya: Talk about unleashing your animal instincts… If sleeping with the animals sounds exciting, but a little too dangerous for your blood, the “Star Bed” in this Kenya resort might be the perfect compromise. The beds are on raised platforms (complete with mosquito nets) so you can watch the stars, or gaze at the animals roaming in their natural habitat. Reviews note that most people don’t get a good night’s sleep the first time they take on these beds, thanks to the unfamiliar sounds from wild kingdom just meters away from where you sleep.3. The 727-suite at the Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica: Some people can sleep on planes, some choose to sleep IN a plane. The fully outfitted two-bedroom executive Boeing 727 fuselage suite at the Hotel Costa Verde allows travelers to sleep in a refurbished 1965 Boeing 727. This hotel rooms adds a whole new meaning to the mile-high club.

4. Park Hyatt Shanghai: The bedrooms on the 88th floor of the Park Hyatt in Shanghai are not for the faint of heart. If you want to conquer your fear of heights, this is the place to stay. One piece of advice: don’t look down when you wake up in the morning – the drop might be too much for your decaffeinated brain to comprehend. The Park Hyatt Shanghai was the tallest hotel in the world until the recent opening of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. We’re not sure what type of views the Burj has but it’s a good bet they’ll rival the Park Hyatt.

5. Magic Mountain Hotel, Panguipulli, Region X, Chile: What’s so magic about this hotel? It’s built under a waterfall, which makes walking into the hotel an adventure in and of itself. Located in the heart of the Huilo Huilo nature reserve, this hotel was built with Mother Nature in mind- miles of walkways that snake through the forest and a mini-golf course 40 feet above the ground give this hotel its dose of adventure.

Remote Places: the Nanda Devi Sancturary, India

by Kraig Becker on

Travelers have always been drawn to remote places. There is an undeniable lure to visit distant lands seldom seen by others. To trek through beautiful, untouched landscapes that allow us to escape the distractions of modern life, and get in tune with nature.

One such remote destination is the Nanda Devi Sancturary, located deep inside the Garhwal Himalaya of northern India. The lands surrounding the Sanctuary were established as a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site six years later. The region is nearly 400 square miles of rugged wilderness that is renowned for its mountain meadows lush with wildflowers and diverse wildlife that includes the Asiatic black bear and the elusive, almost mythical, snow leopard. And while the entire park is remote, the Sanctuary itself takes it to an entirely different level.

Surrounded by a ring of mountains, ranging from 19,700 to 24,600 feet in height, it is a serous challenge just to get inside the Sanctuary itself. These incredibly steep and rugged peaks form a wall that is nearly impassable. In fact, they kept out all trespassers until the famous explorers Eric Shipton and H.W. Tillman found their way in through the Rishi Gorge in 1934, ending a fifty year search for an entrance. Once inside, they were greeted with breathtaking views of the Uttari Rishi and Dakkhni Rishi Glaciers, a sight never looked upon by human eyes before.

At the very heart of the Sanctuary is Nanda Devi itself, a twin-peaked mountain whose name means Bliss-Giving Goddess. Renowned for its beauty, legendary mountaineer Willi Unsoeld went so far as to name his daughter after the peak. The 25,643 foot mountain is considered to be one of the jewels of the Himalaya, attracting top climbers from around the globe who come to challenge their skills on the rocky prominence which was first conquered in 1936. While not as high as Everest or K2, Nanda Devi consistently makes the list for favorite mountains amongst climbers.

The Sanctuary is also a popular destination for trekkers who want to explore the unspoiled wilderness of the park. Popular trekking routes run along the same path that Shipton and Tillman took when they explored the region, crossing through deep valleys and mountain passes. Backpackers can spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks hiking the area, which is held as sacred ground in the Hindu culture, with the central peak representing the patron-goddess of the local state.

When it comes to remote places, there are few as alluring and stunningly beautiful as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Visiting the region isn’t for everyone, but for those that do go, it can be a life altering experience.

Exploring Venezuela’s lost world

by Kraig Becker on

We told you about Roraima, the remote and rugged region along the border of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil last year. Known for its flattop mountains, called tepuis, Roraima was made all the more famous when it was featured prominently in last year’s Pixar movie Up. Now, U.K. newspaper the Guardian has discovered the allure of the place, posting a story of their own.

Known as the Lost World, Roraima is said to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book of the same name. Grainne Mooney, the travel writer for the Guardian, was similarly inspired when visiting the place, starting with the wildlife. The lowland areas are teeming with animals, including crocodiles, giant anteaters, monkeys, and capybara, the largest species of rodents in the world.

Eventually, the writer’s attention turned to the mountain itself, which towers more than 9200 feet above the jungle below. The entire trek would take six days to complete, including two nights spent on the flat summit. Beginning in arid grasslands, the hike eventually moves up into humid rainforests, before climbing above the tree line altogether. On top, the mountain seems like another world, and the rocky surface is often described like being on the moon.

Not only is this story a good overview of what it is like to visit Roraima, it offers plenty of insights into current conditions traveling through Venezuela as well. The writer notes that the capital city of Caracas is the most dangerous in the world after Baghdad and with inflation running wild, it is recommended that you exchange your dollars for bolivars on the black market, where the exchange rate is much better.

Seems like visiting Roraima isn’t the only adventure to be had in Venezuela.

All roads to Yosemite National Park closed

by Kraig Becker on

The National Park Service has announced that all roads leading into Yosemite National Park are currently closed due to excessive snow and ice, as well as fallen trees in the area. The roads were officially closed last night and will be reevaluated throughout the day today to determine when access to the park can be restored.

Winter storms hit the Yosemite region on Thursday dumping loads of fresh snow across the park. The valley floor reportedly received two feet of accumulation, which pales in comparison to other locations. For instance, Badger Pass received as much as eight to ten feet of new snow and Tuolumne Meadows also received six feet of fresh powder.

Those planning on visiting the park this weekend are encouraged to call the 24-hour road conditions hot line at 209-372-0200 to determine the current status of access to Yosemite. Additionally, all vehicles that do enter the park over the next few days are required to carry snow chains and be prepared to deal with rapidly changing conditions that could include more falling trees.

Yosemite National Park, located along the western slopes of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a popular hiking and climbing destination throughout the year, offering more than 1200 square miles of landscapes to explore, including high peaks, remote valleys, and lush forests.

Return to the void with Simon Yates

by Kraig Becker on

Touching the Void is one of the most well known, and loved, mountaineering books of all time. It is so popular in fact, that it spawned a film of the same name. For those who aren’t familiar with the story, back in 1985 British climbers Simon Yates and Joe Simpson went to the Peruvian Andes to climb Siula Grande, a 20,814 foot peak. On the descent, Simpson fell, and broke his legs, which is usually a death sentence on a remote mountain. Yates did his best to try to bring his partner down, but eventually, thinking his friend was dead, he was forced to cut his rope while Joe dangled over a cliff. Simpson fell another hundred feet into a crevasse, but miraculously survived the fall. He then proceed to drag himself down the mountain over the course of the next several days, and in the process, spawned one of the great survival stories of the past 25 years.

Now, Simon Yates is heading back to the Andes as part of a trekking tour, and we’re all invited to go along with him. U.K. based adventure travel company World Expeditions is hosting two treks this fall along the legendary Huayhuash Circuit in Peru, with Yates serving as a guide. This will be the first time he has trekked through the region since that fateful trip back in 1985.

Some of the highlights of the trek include visits to ancient Inca ruins, an acclimatization day in Huaraz, and 13 days of trekking through the Cordillera Huayhuash and Blanca ranges of the Andes. Trekkers will climb as high as 16,400 feet while taking in spectacular views and absorbing plenty of local culture, in an area of Peru that still remains a bit off the radar of most travelers.

Of course, the real highlight for those making this trip will not doubt be the hike to base camp on Siula Grande, the very peak that made for such a dramatic backdrop for Yates and Simpson. We’re told that we can expect to hear first hand accounts of the events that took place on that mountain all those years ago, with Simon giving his personal account of what he saw and felt. It will no doubt be a moving and emotional experience for all, and a once in a life time opportunity for fans of the book.

The first trek, scheduled for September 4-22 is already sold out, but there are still openings to join the second trek, which runs from September 25 – October 13. To join the adventure, head on over to the Wold Expeditions trekking page to reserve your spot and to find out more information.