Visual Hotel Reviews - Photogenic Places to Stay around the World

Parque Futangue: A Valdivian Rainforest Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:10:54 +0000

Where Stillness Meets Ancient Wilderness A Visual Hotel Review – Luxury Adventure Retreat in Chile Deep within Chile’s Los Ríos Region, Futangue Hotel & Spa sits quietly within a private nature reserve at the edge of the Valdivian rainforest, near Lake Ranco and framed by the Andes. The landscape feels untouched, where rainfall lingers in the air, ancient trees wear moss like cloaks, and rivers echo the mountains’ quiet power. Arriving here feels like entering another world. The tree-lined road gives way to a lodge whose timber, stone, and glass façades reflect the same calm stillness that surrounds it. From my first step inside, despite being incredibly weary after flying direct from Australia, I sensed this would be more than a stay, it was a chance to become part of the rhythm of the landscape…after a decent sleep. Waking early on my first morning, birdsong joined in a chorus with rain on the roof, a sound that echoed the environment we’d be soon out exploring, with Laguna Pichi first on the itinerary for a wander in the Valdivian Rainforest. Beyond the comforts lies adventure, and the hotel sits within a 34,000-acre private reserve with more than 100 km of trails,...

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Where Rolling Hills Meet Rainforest: A Visual Retreat at Beechmont Estate

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:00:52 +0000

Visual Hotel Review – Beechmont Estate, Queensland There’s a place where morning mist drifts through tall gums and the sound of birdsong carries across open paddocks. A place where you can wake slowly, breathe deeply, and let time unfold at a more relaxed pace. Nestled in the hinterland of Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate sits quietly on a ridge surrounded by ancient rainforest and farmland. Though just an hour from the coast, it’s remote enough to feel off-grid, yet close enough to slip away to for the weekend. I recently spent two nights here with my family, surrounded by nature and good food with a gentle rhythm that brought us back to the joy of appreciating the beauty of downtime and the great outdoors. A Setting That Invites Stillness Set on 75 acres of rolling hills in Yugambeh Country and bordered by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels far removed from city life and invites guests to relax and retreat. Surrounded by open paddocks, ancient Gondwana rainforest, and views that change with the light, it’s an ideal place for a creative reset, hiking, and indulging in some culinary delights. Upon waking on our first morning, we saw kangaroos grazing...

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Tokyo Hotel Review: Goldfish, Geisha and Views of Mt Fuji from Bed

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:02:57 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Park Hotel Tokyo Walking into a room filled with goldfish swimming across the walls, Geisha smiling from behind the bed, and a view towards Mt Fuji, it felt like I’d stepped into a colourful dream of all things quintessentially Japanese. Perched in the Shiodome Media Tower, Park Hotel Tokyo offers more than just a luxurious stay—it provides an immersive journey into Japanese art and culture. With panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and an artistic ethos that permeates every corner, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional aesthetics. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, while its unique art-focused concept ensures a stay that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable. Location Situated in the heart of Tokyo’s Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo occupies the upper floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel is conveniently connected to Shiodome Station, providing easy access to Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Ginza, renowned for its shopping and dining, is within walking distance, and other major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are easily accessible. From Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 20-minute taxi...

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Books and Beds in the Heart of Tokyo – Visual Hotel Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:32:57 +0000

Shiba Park Hotel: A Haven for Book Lovers in the Heart of Tokyo Imagine a hotel where you can wander the hall to find a curated library just waiting to provide a book for the evening. If you can’t find an ideal book on your floor, you can venture down to the lobby or second floor for even larger areas designated to books from around the world, covering topics of art, travel, culture and more. Shiba Park Hotel combines contemporary comfort with a unique literary concept, creating a welcoming space where guests can unwind and explore the world through books. It’s a concept I believe should be replicated in cities around the world, I would happily stay at a library hotel wherever I travel! Located in a quiet yet central area of Tokyo, this boutique-style hotel offers a distinctive experience for those seeking a retreat that inspires both relaxation and curiosity. The Location Situated in Tokyo’s Minato district, Shiba Park Hotel is ideally positioned for both leisure and exploration. The hotel is within walking distance of major attractions such as Zōjō-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower, offering guests the chance to discover the city’s cultural and architectural highlights. Shiba Park itself...

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Ilimanaq Lodge – Greenland’s Idyllic Seaside Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 06:16:23 +0000

Drift to sleep as icebergs float by your bungalow There are few places where waking up feels like an instant adventure. At this lodge, not only does the day ahead present the possibility of whale sightings, photogenic huts and hiking trails, but it also starts with an iceberg check. Before brushing your teeth, a peek out the window will reveal how many icebergs have floated into the bay overnight, or perhaps, even drifted out. The thrill is that it all depends on the seas, the wind, and those big floating beauties. You could wake to a 50ft frozen monster in front, or a whole bunch of bergy bits, bobbing around in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ilimanaq Lodge is located on the southern side of Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO site on Greenland’s west coast. Open from mid-June to early September, the lodge is remote, relaxing but oh so effortlessly luxurious. It’s easy to think a remote lodge will lean more toward the rustic side, but here, the beds are comfy, the lounge is spacious, the meals are world-class and the little extras, architecture and stylish decor all make for one of the best experiences you can have if you’re seeking...

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Adventure, Art and Altiplano Wonders at Awasi Atacama

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:47:37 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Awasi Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama There’s an atmosphere inside the walls of Awasi Atacama that’s hard to describe. A type of calm that allows you to breathe deeper and refresh. A warmth that makes you feel at home amongst carefully curated décor, cuisine and design. Then there’s the beautiful balance of immersive adventure, art and relaxation. It’s the type of place you’ll forever be grateful you stayed, somewhere so unlike anywhere else. For me, it was an artistic escape, a chance to explore the wildlife and natural wonders of the desert and Andean Altiplano, while focusing on my creative process, slowing things down and really taking the time to let it all soak in. Places like this are few and far between, and the Atacama Desert has continued to be somewhere that fuels my creativity, a stay at Awasi took that one step further. Take a peek at my experience below… ————- Let’s skip to the first evening, for which we’d arranged with our guide and private driver, Cecilia, to spend overlooking Lincancabur Volcano and the Mars Valley, just outside San Pedro de Atacama. Photographing sunset is something I always try and do on the first...

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Photographing the Kings of Madikwe Game Reserve

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:47:10 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Madikwe Safari Lodge Five years ago, I photographed the King. The Lion King to be precise. It’s a moment I remember so intensely, even shedding a tear or two at the time. The gazing eyes of a male lion, peering directly into my lens, were so overwhelming, all-consuming and wildly wonderful. It remains one of my favourite images to date and was taken in the wilderness of Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North-West province of South Africa. As luck would have it, I was invited back to photograph the reserve with Adventure World and South Africa Tourism, only this time, we stayed at the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge, a collection of private villas perched above the expansive plains. With 75,000 hectares to explore again, what do you think my chances were of photographing the same lion? Within moments of touching down on our charter flight from Johannesburg with Federal Air, I was taking photos of Giraffe, Impala and warthogs (I find them extremely cute). I’m talking mere minutes of stepping off the plane with the safari jeep still on the runway. The feeling of adventure strikes instantly. From my previous trip, I knew the photography opportunities commence...

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A Luxurious Coastal Escape in Cape Town: The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:16:36 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: The Twelve Apostles Hotel Warm hues were already glistening across the Atlantic as I checked into my room at the Twelve Apostles Hotel before quickly changing for evening cocktails at The Leopard Bar. When I know the sun is setting though, I don’t faff about getting fancy. With the Atlantic Terrace pool located between my room and the bar, I had the ideal opportunity to stop and photograph the sunset before meeting the group. Sparkles shone across the ornately tiled mermaid mosaic and the deep navy deckchairs and umbrellas were illuminated with one last dose of daily glow. Between shots I took a moment to stare out to sea, stopping to smell the thick salty air and listen to the waves as they crashed against the granite boulders dotting the coastline. Located within Oudekraal Nature Reserve just outside of Camps Bay, the towering cliffs of Table Mountain National Park are also a photogenic aspect of the hotel’s location, acting as a dominant backdrop to the meandering shoreline. Inside The Leopard Bar, the gorgeous light continued, highlighting the décor and artistic concepts which carried through to pair with stunning views from the deck toward Lion’s Head. Style and...

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Where Wilderness Meets Wonder: Bushmans Kloof, South Africa

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:57:04 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Bushmans Kloof – A Wilderness Retreat in South Africa Rarely does somewhere surprise me in the way Bushmans Kloof did. Knowing little about the Cederberg Mountains, my research before arriving conjured up expectations of an isolated luxury lodge where I’d be relaxing to the sweet sounds of silence and gazing upon a rocky wilderness. What greeted me was a botanical wonderland, visually diverse and vast, with a soundtrack of birdsong and a welcoming waddle of ducks outside my villa. It lived up to the expectations, and went beyond, about as far beyond as the visible galaxy of stars painted across the sky each evening. Don’t even get me started on the fluffy zebra foal, two days fresh with floppy ears. As the sun rose on my first day, weaver nests were illuminated in the swaying willows over the pond as a chorus of morning birds had me running to set my audio recorder. Leaving it to sit by the reeds beneath a tall tree, I grabbed my camera bag and wandered to the meeting point. It was sunrise safari time. The Location Three hours’ drive north of Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof is a wilderness reserve cradled by...

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Sea Breezes, Style and Skabenga: A Stay at The Oyster Box

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 12:02:52 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: The Oyster Box, South Africa Arriving late in the evening, the attention to detail was obvious as I glanced around the lobby, taking mental snapshots of the art, décor and architecture I wanted to photograph during my stay. Like stepping onto a film set, it felt timeless, charming, and so very welcoming, there’s even a resident cat, Skabenga, slinking around the halls. Heading straight to bed after the 22-hour travel day from Australia, I settled into the plush pink pillow and set my alarm for sunrise. I didn’t want to miss a moment of what The Oyster Box’s location promised, after all, I could already hear the waves as I drifted to sleep. Waking slowly to the alarm, my mind still thinking it was back at home, it took a moment to realise the glow appearing across framed art on the wall was filtering through from sunrise over the sea, in South Africa. As soon as I connected to where I’d woken up, I jumped out of bed, unzipped my camera bag and dashed onto the balcony, not even caring that anyone walking by may get a shock from the smiling zombie stumbling into the scene. It’s...

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In the Shadow of Patagonian Peaks: Hotel Las Torres

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:24:25 +0000

Torres del Paine Hotel Review – Hotel Las Torres Where horses roam outside your window beneath impressive mountain ranges. Where glacial water is blended into your evening cocktail at Chile’s first sustainable bar. And, where your days can be filled with photogenic adventures from sunrise to sunset. Welcome to Hotel Las Torres, my home whilst exploring Torres del Paine National Park. A traditional estancia and reserve that connects you with nature, Patagonian culture, and some of the best hiking trails in the world. Zipping up my jacket (all three of them in fact), I put my camera bag on my back, walked out the door and hit the trail to Mirador Las Torres. A comfortable base close to photogenic adventures in Torres del Paine National Park was exactly on my wish list, and Hotel Las Torres delivered on that, and so much more…let’s take a peek inside my 5-night stay. So much more than a hotel – Inside The Las Torres Reserve To explain more about the hotel, I think it’s important to first discuss the reserve in which it’s located, where you’ll find not only the hotel (where I stayed) and main restaurants, but mountain cabins, camping facilities, and...

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Aman Kyoto: A Tranquil Haven in Nature’s Embrace

Maja Laxdal — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:10:31 +0000

Visual Hotel Review of Aman Kyoto By Contributor and Photographer Maja Laxdal Nestled amidst the enchanting forests of Kyoto, Aman Kyoto stands as a testament to the seamless integration of modern luxury and traditional Japanese aesthetics. My recent stay at this exquisite resort left me captivated by its attention to detail and overwhelming feeling of serenity. Aman Kyoto’s secluded location provides a haven of tranquility, surrounded by the lush beauty of nature. The resort’s commitment to preserving the natural environment creates an atmosphere that immediately transports guests away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Aman Kyoto, designed by the brilliant late Kerry Hill, is an architectural brilliance. The resort embraces the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” celebrating the beauty found in simplicity and imperfection. The design reflects a deep respect for the traditional Japanese aesthetic, incorporating elements such as sliding doors, tatami mat flooring, and a minimalist design ethos. Walking through the carefully crafted spaces, one can’t help but appreciate the thoughtfulness put into every detail. The minimalist design of the guest pavilions and rooms perfectly balances modern luxury with the timeless elegance of Japanese architecture. Each room offers a sense of peace and harmony, creating a space where...

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