France is perhaps better known for its colossal family-friendly caravan parks and campsites (think Eurocamp et al.), but glamping is becoming a trend nonetheless. Certainly an upgrade from flapping flysheets and rickety camp beds, the modern domes at Le Monteil Revolution are, intriguingly, owned and managed by two former helicopter pilots, Charley Tysler and Calum O’Connor (last name courtesy of their great-grandparents from Belfast), who in 2016 he traded his life in the Navy for the quiet, rolling hills of the Haute-Loire region of south-central France.
It’s quite a road trip from the nearest airport, Lyon and Bordeaux — almost four hours away — but the two off-grid dome tents (each with private loo, Japanese hot tub, wood-burning stove, patio) and the rural setting of a working farm make it worth the effort. Rental car required due to rural location. From €95 for a minimum stay of two nights; week-long packages too. lemonpartrevolution.com
Brutalism as an architectural style isn’t for everyone, but its appeal is undeniable The standard Hotel in London’s King’s Cross. What was once an ugly ex-council building is now where the cool cats hang out: a vision of “giant airplane windows,” its designer Shawn Hausman describes, punctuated by a pillar-box red exterior elevator.
The hip factor is on the rise after the 11th-floor rooftop bar opened last week, where Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias created the Decimiño casual diner, featuring Spanish-Mexican light bites and a range of sundowner cocktails presented in front of a live backdrop, DJ sets skyrocket. The High Standards B&B package starts at £289 per room and includes rooftop cocktails for two; Standard Rooftop is also open to non-residents; Advance reservation recommended. standardhotels.com
Yellowstone National Park in California is not the only natural site celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2022 (150 years and more): Big Paradise is Italy’s first and oldest national park at 100 years old. Its 70,000 hectares of protected mountains, forests, lakes and 59 glaciers provide the Aosta Valley with vital lungs, nutrients and habitats: ibex, marmots, chamois and Europe’s largest bird, the bearded vulture, can be spotted here, as well as rare plants. Countless accommodation options. pngp.it
For business travelers and visitors to the Dublin 3Arena: The Samuel Hotel opens this week. Rooms are light and airy, while the all-day bar and grill are sublime in Art Deco style, which suits work chats and pre-concert dining. Opening offers are available now. thesamuelhotel.com
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/the-wander-list-sleeping-under-stars-rooftop-raves-and-wildlife-wonders-41535421.html The Wander List: sleeping under the stars, rooftop raves and natural wonders
