Best new places for travellers to stay in 2018

Whether you’re looking to splash cash or save on your stay, there are some extraordinary new places to lay your head in 2018. The only issue? The excitement may keep you awake.

Silo Hotel, South Africa

Built within the lift tower of an old grain silo in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, this incredible boutique hotel is as stunning as the views it offers of Table Mountain. The Silo juxtaposes modernity with history, featuring geodesic windows bulging out of the 1920s industrial concrete exterior. And as the much-hyped Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) has opened downstairs, it just gets better.

MOCAA’s sculpture garden will be accessible from a weighbridge on the Silo’s sixth floor.

Floating Capsule Hotel, Japan

In 2015, Huis Ten Bosch created the world’s first hotel staffed by robots, and in late 2017 it is scheduled to complete its new floating capsule hotel. The two-storey spheres, complete with beds under a glass dome, will travel slowly across a 6km stretch of water during the night, bringing guests to a new island adventure resort.

Huis Ten Bosch is located in the city of Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Thousand Lakes Lodge, Australia

The chance to explore the rugged and isolated beauty of the Unesco-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is now a step closer, thanks to this freshly opened lodge. Transformed from a former training facility for Antarctic expeditions, the nine-room Thousand Lakes Lodge is an incredibly welcoming (and warming) place to base yourself for hiking, fishing, mountain biking and wildlife watching on the beautiful highland plains.

The low-impact eco-lodge is a 90-minute drive from Launceston in northern Tasmania.

Moss Hotel, Iceland

The steaming Blue Lagoon is Iceland’s most famed sight, and this year it will be possible to wake up with a spectacular view over it. Powered by sustainable energy from geothermal activity, this modern and minimalist luxury hotel sits atop moss-covered lava flows that date back to 1226. And, of course, a Blue Lagoon hotel wouldn’t be complete without a subterranean spa – the Lava Cove.

The Lagoon Suite features access to a private portion of the lagoon.

Jam Hotel, Belgium

When Jean-Michel André, the brains behind Château de la Poste, Chelton and Le Berger hotels, combined forces with architect Olivia Gustot to transform the former St Luke School of Architecture in Brussels, the result was bound to be exceptional. Urban tones abound, with exposed brick, concrete and plywood throughout. The 78 rooms are topped out with an attractive bar and lengthy rooftop pool and terrace.

There’s the 18-bed Giga dorm (€18), Super singles (€49) and other private rooms for groups ranging from two to six people.

The Sill, UK

Youth hostels are rarely gleaming, stylish sculptures of glass and steel. And it’s not often one forms part of a unique ‘discovery centre’. But at historic Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, The Sill is replete with space for exhibitions, plays and music events. Rooms sleep two, three or four people, and have access to a kitchen, chill zones, wi-fi and some of the starriest skies around.

The whole complex is powered by renewable energy. Beds (with breakfast) start from £21.

Awasi Iguazú, Argentina

Building on its pioneering properties in the Atacama and Patagonia, Awasi has created a wonderful 14-villa lodge just 15 minutes from the legendary Iguazú Falls. Perched on stilts to reduce environmental impact, and well spaced in dense jungle along the banks of the Iguazú River, villas feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers and large living areas.

Each villa has a 4WD and private guide to explore the area.

The Robey, USA

Like a thick slice of Art Deco pie, this wedge-shaped hotel towers over an area of Chicago that eats, drinks and breathes art and culture – namely the neighbourhoods of Wicker Park and Bucktown. The eclectic energy on the streets carries right up to The Robey’s 13th-floor lounge, which offers uninterrupted 180-degree views of the city’s skyline.

Late check-outs, transport links aplenty and rooms from US$155... happy days (and nights).

The Highlands Camp, Tanzania

While other travellers queue to enter the wildlife haven of Ngorongoro, Africa’s most famous crater, guests at Asilia’s Highlands Camp will awake inside a remote part of the conservation area. Taking glamping to a new level, this eco-conscious camp’s eight large rooms are quilted, cocoon-like domes with unforgettable views over the African wilderness. And Asilia’s long-term relationship with local Maasai carries over to rich and meaningful cultural experiences for guests, too.

Wildlife drives, hikes and meals are all included.

Null Stern, Switzerland

Five stars? Try no stars (well, except those above your head), and no walls for that matter. The brainchild of twin concept artists Patrik and Frank Riklin, the Null Stern is nothing but a beautiful bed in the middle of the Swiss wilderness. The original ‘Alpine Room’ sold out quickly in 2017, but 25 more beds in secret Swiss locations will crop up in 2018.

Add your name to the waiting list before it’s too late.

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