Image courtesy of noam_fein

If you want to experience desert island life without rubbing shoulders with amorous honeymooners, then the Carti Homestay could be just what you’re looking for!

Just don’t expect chilled champagne on arrival or 24 hour room service here, because the Carti Homestay is all about giving you an authentic rustic experience.

Located in the archipelago of San Blas, you’ll live alongside the indigenous Kuna Yala family and have the chance to experience their colourful traditions, culture and beautiful island home.

As you might expect, much of island life is centred around the surrounding Caribbean Sea, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Seafood is a speciality at Carti Homestay, so expect to sample lots of freshly caught lobster, octopus and crab during your stay.

Looks like the weeks of travelling have finally started to take their toll! The crew’s last pit stop on this leg of their journey is at the Carti Homestay in Panama’s Kuna Yala region. Having enjoyed the local culture and traditions, the team look more than ready to return home for a well deserved rest and a nice cup of tea.

Who’d have thought it? You travel all the way to the Panamanian rain forest and it rains! Fortunately there’s no expense spared on Weird & Wonderful Hotels, and the production team remembered to pack their state-of-the-art, waterproof camera protector – aka a plastic sheet! With disaster averted, the crew were able to get some great (albeit slightly damp) footage of Canopy Tower Eco Lodge.

Nestled deep within the Hakone Mountains of Japan lies Hakone Ginyu, a traditional Ryokan guesthouse where you are encouraged to “take your ease in the bosom of nature”.

Mountainous bosoms aside, the hotel has adopted the philosophy that “nature is the best physician”. And since each room offers such eye-popping views of the surrounding landscape, we’re inclined to agree with them!

The hotel itself is a fabulous fusion of classic and contemporary design, and at Hakone Ginyu they’re big on the small details too! The copperplate room keys are so pretty you’ll begrudge handing them back, and the handcrafted coffee cups are almost too nice to use!

During your stay, keep your eyes peeled for the delicate pin striping which adorns the hotel woodwork. They’ve been hand painted by skilled artist Mr. Ishii – better known to his friends as Mooneyes!

Konichiwa! The Weird & Wonderful production crew have made it to the land of the rising sun where they are busy shooting Hakone Ginyu. This traditional Ryokan guesthouse mixes old with new to create a uniquely ‘Zen’ environment. And with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, you might feel so at peace that you’ll never want to leave!

Whilst filming at the Kilindi eco-resort, our camera man got some unexpected assistance from one of the locals! As you can see, this chap seems to have a natural flare for framing a shot, giving our regular camera man a little time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.  Back to work now please!

Our production team are off again, shooting even more fantastic examples of Weird & Wonderful Hotels.

Despite their camera equipment raising a few eyebrows at Tanzanian customs, the team managed to make it safely to Chole Mjini where they enjoyed a night in one of their fabulous tree houses. Nothing like waking up to the dawn chorus just a few feet from your bed!

Image courtesy of Anna Sulzmann

Chole Mjini is located 100 Km south of Zanzibar on the tiny island of Mafia. But don’t worry, you won’t be sleeping with the fishes here or waking up with a horses head in your bed!

Instead you’ll be roosting in one of seven rustic tree-houses, and enjoying a truly back-to-basics lifestyle. Shed your inhibitions (and clothes) in one of the open air showers, but leave your hairdryer at home because there’s no electricity here!

A you might expect from a tree house hotel, bird watching is excellent at Chole Mjini. You’ll also get the rare opportunity to observe the local population of giant Madagascan bats. No need to pack your garlic though, we’re told they’d rather nibble on fruit than your neck!

For the last word in dramatic views, look no further than Post Ranch Inn.

This luxury hideaway is nestled high on the cliffs of Big Sur, California, giving guests a unique position from which to enjoy the breathtaking coastline.

The organic architecture of the resort is designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, and includes such a variety of accommodation you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Each one is designed to showcase a different aspect of the spectacular scenery, so whether you decide on mountain, forest, cliff or ocean you’re pretty much guaranteed a room with a view.

Escape to the rails by visiting Karrels’ Double K Ranch, the perfect retreat for train enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Here Ken and Mary Karrels will welcome you to their comfortable homestead, where you can stay in your own private caboose – now fully restored and refurbished for your comfort.

During your stay, pay a visit to the Garden Railway where you can enjoy a full ranch breakfast and explore Ken’s impressive collection of model railways. Or if you need to stretch your legs, then take a walk along one of the many nature trails and track down Brighty, the resident wild burro!