hotel review Archives - Photo Tips, Creative Photography + Travel Guides - The Wandering Lens

Wilderness Wonders at Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 07:19:14 +0000

Kulala Desert Lodge – A Visual Hotel Review Staring into the distance, sand dunes dance in a haze of heat and oryx are spotted wandering on the horizon. It’s a desert scene of dreams, one that you can experience somewhere just as rugged as it is luxurious; Kulala Desert Lodge. Namibia is one of those places that takes your breath away at first sight. Flying over vast landscapes of rocky, sandy wonders was just the start of my time in the Namib Desert, on route to Sossusvlei, one of the most photogenic regions on earth. As we descended towards the runway, a small dirt airstrip beside mountainous ranges, it became obvious the desert was far larger than I’d imagined. Those images we see of Sossusvlei on Instagram are one thing, actually seeing the entire region from above and witnessing the expansive landscapes as they stretch for hundreds of miles is another. I’d actually say that nothing can really prepare you for how Namibia will dazzle you, especially when travelling with Wilderness Safaris. From Windhoek it’s roughly one hour by small plane with Wilderness Air, a flight you want your camera out for the entire way. The scenes below are some of...

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London Luxury: Sofitel London St James Visual Hotel Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:44:55 +0000

If you could take a few days to walk in the footsteps of royalty, wake up to views of the past yet sleep in the luxury of today, would you be tempted? Well if your hand isn’t up in the air mine sure is! As a big fan of London’s historic buildings, streets and parks I based myself in the St James’ area for a weekend at the Sofitel London St James. Located right in the heart of the city the hotel is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the West End and the beautiful Hyde Park. Actually, you don’t really need to walk that far at all to see a bit of history with the hotel itself located inside an old bank and the hallways telling their own stories of years gone by. Just around the corner is Her Majesty’s Theatre, Trafalgar Square and Clarence House, then there’s also one of my favourite places in London, St James’s Park and the Horse Guards Parade within a five minutes stroll. Sofitel’s reputation for luxury is showcased throughout the rooms and facilities with little French touches blending with traditional English décor. The Rose Lounge, filled with so much pink,...

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Glamping in the Cook Islands: Ikurangi Eco Retreat

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 05:23:47 +0000

Let’s begin with the thought of camping…now add in all the little luxuries you could ever want for a night sleeping outdoors. Furthermore add visions of a tropical island lagoon, lush rainforests and twinkling star filled skies. The place you’re imagining exists. It’s called Ikurangi Eco Retreat on the island of Rarotonga. Waking to the sound of roosters, a gentle sea breeze wafting over the sheets and the smell of fresh pastries outside the tent I thought quite possibly I was dreaming. When did camping get so plush? As the first glamping site in the Cook Islands, Ikurangi has set the bar high up in the coconut palms. There’s no roughing it, here you get to experience all the outdoor magic of camping but rest your head on a soft pillow and queen size bed inside a bug-free glamourous safari tent. The best part? A private outdoor bathroom! Thatched walls and a open air decked area mean you can clean your teeth as the palms sway above and use eco-luxe products made from coconut and vanilla while you shower beneath the stars. Unzipping your tent at the front reveals views toward the mountainous core of Rarotonga as chickens roam freely...

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Visual Hotel Review: Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 00:17:39 +0000

great rates hereArriving in darkness I knew we were in for a sunrise like no other on our first day in Queenstown. Like kids on Christmas morning, we ran straight to the window to peel open the curtains and reveal the scene that was waking behind. Rugged mountain peaks with a fresh coating of snowy goodness stood tall above the teal perfection of Lake Wakatipu. Sunshine was slowly crawling into the valleys as the snow began to glisten in it’s morning glow. It immediately confirmed our suspicions…winter in Queenstown is like being in a real world snow globe. Lets rewind though to the previous night when my sister and I checked into the luxe Hotel St Moritz, part of Accor’s MGallery collection. The entrance was reminiscent of a European ski village with stone and wood blending by a log fire where people sat sipping mulled wine. Hello winter perfection! Opening the door to our Alpine Suite we were blown away by the size and grandeur. If you can imagine two squealing adults running from room to room in disbelief, thinking so many thoughts but only managing to say ‘eeee’. This was us. Calming down enough to soak it all in, the...

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A Night At 2132m High In The Swiss Alps

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 04:33:35 +0000

There’s something romantic about being in the mountains. The crisp fresh air, sweeping views and majestic heights of rugged peaks as far as the eye can see. If you’re after a unique hotel experience, I’ve found one that’s pretty special! The beautiful Swiss Alps are home to ski villages and chalets aplenty, but on top of Mount Pilatus which overlooks Lucerne, you’ll find Hotel Pilatus Kulm. Originally opened in 1890, the hotel has been recently been refurbished and offers an experience like no other…sleeping at 2132m above sea level. During the day it’s a popular tourist attraction and you’ll find it can get quite busy. During the evening however if you’re lucky enough to be spending the night, it’s just you, the mountain air, the odd mountain goat and the stars. From 5pm until 8am Mount Pilatus is yours to explore without any selfie sticks or tour groups getting in the way. Sit outside with a giant rug and a hot chocolate while you watch the stars twinkle over the snow covered mountains, or take a hike to watch the lights of Lucerne sparkle below. Staying at Hotel Pilatus Kulm can be as romantic or adventurous as you wish....

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Camp Ripan aka Winter Wonderland: Visual Hotel Review

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 10:40:27 +0000

Where to stay in Kiruna, Sweden When picturing my dream winter scene I always envision a little cabin in the woods surrounded by fields of snow and a sleigh out the front. Being from one of the warmest places in Australia, far from snow or any kind of cold weather, it’s just how I imagine winter should be. Upon deciding to take a last minute (very last minute) trip to Swedish Lapland to photograph the northern lights I researched online for the perfect little cabin to stay. This is what I found… Can it get any closer to my dream? Welcome to Camp Ripan. My winter wonderland! Camp Ripan is located in Kiruna, about 145km above the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Kiruna is known for its giant Iron Ore mine and as one of the most accessible places to experience a real winter environment with dog sledding, reindeers, northern lights and any other outdoor activity imaginable nearby. Arriving into a -18 degree snow storm I wasn’t sure what to expect about my chosen accommodation…was it literally a ‘camp’? Was it going to be warm inside? The photos online looked beautiful but you know how you just can’t be sure until you...

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NH Porta Rossa, Florence

Lisa Michele Burns — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 06:55:18 +0000

Where to Stay in Florence NH Portra Rossa: Website for Bookings Via Porta Rossa, 19, 50123 Firenze, Italy Researching hotels in Florence left me a little spoilt for choice. Based in the historic centre with a room that had some character and a comfy bed was my check list. The only thing that made my choice difficult was that most hotels are in charming buildings, it is Florence after all and almost all have something special about them. Then I came across the NH Porta Rossa. A little gem amongst the endless list of options. I kind of fell in love with an image of this hotel more than anything else and to be honest this happens pretty regularly with me. The photograph showed a narrow alley leading toward the historic façade of the 12th century building, rustic wooden shutters and ornate detailing around the giant red doorway, it just looked so welcoming and I could instantly see myself walking along the street and right into this hotel. NH Porta Rossa boasts more than 70 rooms each restored and decorated with white marble, natural wood and in some, original ceiling frescoes. I stayed in a standard room which despite being...

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