We like to travel. It’s fun, inspiring, enlightening and feels plain wonderful. Whenever we travel, we see so many cool and unique things that give us a boost of energy, rejuvenation, and help us relax. We work really hard over here at The Sleep Club and any time we can grab a break, we do it.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re all about the “staycation.” And we’ll get into that big time at some point — there are so many fabulous and soothing ways to turn your home and hometown into the best spot to wind down as you could ever dream. But we also imagine finding those special, pampering spots that are unique, exciting and a little daring. Jumping off into new experiences is a favorite way to embrace life and sleeping in new spots after exciting activities, indulgent meals and culture clashing, has some pretty awesome affect on your dreams. (We don’t know that for sure, but we believe it in our hearts, so it must be true.)
Here is a handful (5, to be exact) of dreamy “someday” spots that make us smile with wishful thinking:
Paramount House Hotel
Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
There’s something distinctly zen about The Paramount House Hotel in Surry Hills. Located in the former Paramount Picture Studios, it’s a perfect mix of modern with vintage, exuding calm as well as golden age history. Surry Hills is one of Sydney’s urban hubs, filled with diverse restaurants and pubs offering a broad range of local and exotic dishes and brews, and gorgeous, industrial architecture. The unique space reflects the epitome of escapism with its pedigree. Lay back on your lush bed and drift off amidst the memories that fill every corner of this one-time creator of silver screen dreams.
Le Pigalle
Paris, France
Pigalle is Paris’ infamous red light district once known for its sex shops and sinuous music, today one of the hottest new “must go” spots in the city. It is home to Moulin Rouge — even now — and was a favorite of such artists as Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Van Gogh. While it’s cleaned up some, its allure is still as magical as ever and continues to grow with the addition of Le Pigalle. There is an electricity to the area that makes you want to dance on tables, and the hotel, a refurbished 19th century neoclassical building, serves as an elegant and vibrant centerpiece that pays homage to the sultry bygone era. Le Pigalle’s forty rooms have each been lovingly designed to make you feel you’ve stepped back in time and serve as the perfect place to slip into a hot, clawfoot bath with an ice cold glass of the hotel’s own brewed beer after a night of clubbing or, well, whatever.
Papaya Playa Project and Be Tulum
Tulum, Mexico
The discovery of Papaya Playa Project and Be Tulum confirms our belief in pure and total relaxation. The two hotels are seaside oases that are such intrinsic parts of the landscape, you’ll feel like you’re immersed in the beauty of the nature that surrounds you even when you’re inside. Located in Tulum, one of the most riveting archeological wonders along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the natural feel and look of both are transformative, and the town is a wonder to explore and discover. It’s the perfect spot for jumping into the warm waters of the ocean, running or just strolling along the beach, or stretching out in one of the rustic cabañas to watch the sun rise and set while you do absolutely nothing.
Bonus: Houtouwan
Shengshan Island, China
It’s like falling into a dream. Or, better yet, traveling 36 hours then hiking into a dream. An abandoned fishing village east of Shanghai, Houtouwan has been reclaimed by the plants that were left behind. Walking through is like floating through a sea of green with vines and moss covering every ghostly building in an emerald wave. Former residents return frequently to visit along with tourists and to share stories of life gone by. Not for the faint of heart, Houtouwan is hilly, steep and exquisite. While you can’t sleep there — it’s abandoned, remember — you can lose yourself for hours, traversing the paths, peeking into the lives left behind, and listening to the wind in the leaves rustling the memories.
This handful of 5 wishful thinking spots are just a taste of what is out there in the world. Explore.
