The Most Unique Accommodation You Can Stay At With Culture Trip

Unique hotels and unusual accommodations can add that extra bit of flavour to your holiday, whether it’s all about immersing yourself in nature or embracing local tradition. These are the most interesting hotels, lodges and camps you can stay at on a Culture Trip adventure.

Elephants drinking from the infinity pool at Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge (Western Cape Game Lodge)

Gondwana Kwena Game Lodge, South Africa

There aren’t many hotels where you get to share your infinity pool with the local elephants. Well, that’s the case at this luxurious five-star safari lodge on Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa’s Western Cape. You’ll have 11,000ha (over 27,000 acres) of private wilderness to explore via morning and afternoon game drives, cycle rentals and guided hikes. The lodge itself features multiple indoor and outdoor dining options, lounges and spa facilities, while our suites put a modern twist on traditional Khoi-San huts. Each room is nestled amid natural surroundings, boasting 180-degree views of the spectacular mountainous landscape and the passing wildlife. You’ll also have easy access to that infinity pool, which has amazing views across the valley.

From US$2899

Next available from 3rd Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

ENDS AT

Cape Town, South Africa

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Holiday Sale

Golgulsa Temple in Gyeongju-si, South Korea.

Golgulsa Temple, South Korea

It doesn’t get more unique than staying at an actual, practising Buddhist temple. The art of temple stays are a tradition in South Korea, and our trip here features a night at Golgulsa Temple, which dates all the way back to the sixth century. Vegetarian monastic food, a traditional tea ceremony and an archery lesson await, not to mention a masterclass in the meditative martial art of Sunmudo. The accommodation is cosy and comfy but stripped back, as you’d expect from a Buddhist temple. The main draw of this experience, though, is the chance to bring yourself closer to ancient Korean traditions, embracing the spirituality that has been present in this land for centuries.

From US$3499

Next available from 10th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Winter Sale

Mekong Eyes River Cruiser, Vietnam

The last leg of our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip kicks off on the Vietnamese side of the Mekong River. The best way to explore the incredible Mekong Delta is by cruising down it, but this is no ordinary cruise. The Mekong Eyes is a gorgeous old wooden ship, built with the finest quality wood taken from traditional old rice barges. Inside is a more modern affair, with lavishly decorated rooms, a large dining room and bar, and a scenic panorama lounge on the upper deck. It’s hard to look beyond the sun deck terrace, however, which is undoubtedly the best way to watch the Mekong float by.

From US$2499

Next available from 25th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Bangkok, Thailand

ENDS AT

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Close up of giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galápagos Magic Camp, Galápagos Islands

There is literally nowhere else on Earth that you can glamp alongside giant tortoises. A stay at this relaxing wildlife sanctuary camp, nestled in the Santa Cruz highlands, is a truly immersive experience. The retreat is designed to showcase the singular natural wonder of Ecuador’s famous archipelago, with cosy safari-style tents and treehouses barely getting in the way of the region’s wildlife. There are hundreds of giant tortoises who roam freely and comfortably throughout the camp, while human facilities include an open-air lodge, a lava cave restaurant and crackling campfire – perfect for an after-dinner tipple.

From US$2499

Next available from 13th Jan 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

ENDS AT

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island

DURATION

5

GROUP SIZE

14

PHYSICAL RATING

Light

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Winter Sale

Desert Camp Jaimas Madu, Morocco

Our Epic Morocco trip features a range of incredible accommodations, including a gorgeous traditional riad, but it’s hard to look past this Sahara desert camp as the highlight of the trip. Sip mint tea around a roaring fire, enjoy hearty Berber cooking and dine under the stars as you bask in the glory of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’re bound to sleep well in the cosy haima tents, all of which come with private bathrooms and ensuite showers. When you wake, emerge from your tent to freshly squeezed orange juice and Moroccan crepes, followed by a stunning sunrise camel ride.

From US$2369

Next available from 10th Feb 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Casablanca, Morocco

ENDS AT

Marrakech, Morocco

DURATION

11

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

Winter Sale

Interior of a dining room within a traditional ryokan inn, Japan

Ryokan Hakone Ashinoko Toranoyu, Japan

No trip to Japan is complete without staying at a traditional ryokan. Usually built with wood and featuring tatami-matted rooms, these old-school Japanese inns offer a glimpse into authentic ancient Japan, as well as the warm hospitality this nation prides itself on. The ryokan you’ll stay at is in hot spring territory, which means you’ll also be able to wind down by soaking in a soul-soothing onsen bath. Situated at the base of Mount Hakone, your leafy surroundings will be just as quaint as the gorgeous old ryokan itself.

From US$4119

Next available from 28th Mar 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Osaka, Japan

ENDS AT

Tokyo, Japan

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

STYLE

Discovery

View Trip

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.