The original idea for the Earth Camper was born in 2016 with the goal of giving ARB consumers the ultimate in outdoor adventures. The camper trailer has all the luxuries and more, with the ability to travel to places usually unattainable by regular vehicles (let alone vehicles towing).

ARB is a company that designs, fabricates, and manufactures world-leading products. They knew they had a highly skilled workforce when it comes to fabricating with steel and manufacturing suspension products. They knew they could enter the market with a camper, but it had to deliver in line with the ARB brand.

ARB manufactured the chassis, suspension, electrical, and windows themselves. They then lent on third-party providers, who are leaders in their field, to provide parts such as the diesel heater, the fibreglass walls and roof, and the hot water kit.

Significant investment has been made in development and equipment/tooling. For example, ARB purchased a hydraulically driven bender rather than an electrical one, to bend the larger tube size. They use an E-coat coating process for the chassis, common within the automotive industry. The chassis is then sprayed in a heavy-duty, stone-resistant poly paint. This is extremely durable and reliable for rust prevention, providing a great solution that will stand the test of time.

The Earth Camper is truly a culmination of all of ARB’s strengths. They have really brought together all of their years of knowledge and experience across each product category into one, extremely capable and compact off-road trailer.

If you’re looking for a camper trailer that can take you to the most remote places on Earth, the Earth Camper is the perfect choice. It’s built with the highest quality materials and construction, and it’s packed with features that will make your camping experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Built in 1809, Vernon House in Rowsley is an example of Georgian architecture at its finest and it was recently treated to a complete renovation in 2020 to make it a welcoming, luxurious and perfectly positioned property for anyone looking for a short stay in the Peak District this summer. We know the area in which Vernon House is located extremely well here at The Coolector but for those visiting for the first time, Rowsley is a lovely little village that boasts a heavily awarded hotel and restaurant, The Peacock, directly opposite Vernon House and a great pub called The Grouse & Claret not far away – so there are options on your doorstep if you don’t want to travel to Bakewell or Matlock (or, indeed, further afield).

Vernon House has four large bedrooms (including our own favourite that occupied the entire top floor with an extra day bed and games room setup) and there is more than enough space for 8-10 people to stay comfortably here so if you’re wanted to travel with friends or extended family, it is a great option. The cosy living room with oak fireplace will seat 8 comfortably and it is equipped with British Made sofas. A separate library/game room has another large sofa and armchairs, a card table, books, games and a record player.

The kitchen at Vernon House comes fully equipped for you to cook up a storm if you prefer doing a spot of home cooking during your short breaks. It boasts an abundance of stylish crockery and all the electrical appliances you’re ever likely to need during your stay including a range oven, dishwasher, Nespresso coffee machine, toaster, and kettle.

If you want to experience the grandeur of Georgian architecture in the very heart of the Peak District with amazing walks, stunning stately homes and first-class pubs and restaurants all around you, you’ll get all this and more by booking a short break at Vernon House. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Vernon House here at The Coolector and would definitely recommend it to anyone after a relaxing break in the midst of everything the Peak District has to offer.

No more bulky, expensive DSLRs – we’re going to break down the best smartphone cameras for travel photography, showing you the official tech specs, AI features, and hardware that makes these phones so special. 

The Basics of Smartphone Travel Photography

Smartphone photography has changed the way we capture & share our travel experiences. They’re a compact, convenient, and user-friendly alternative to traditional cameras that have given rise to an entire economy of travel influencers on TikTok & Instagram. Unlike expensive DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, you can document every second of your trip from the aeroplane to the secluded beach without having to unpack an entire camera bag or set up a tripod. 

With the right techniques, you can shoot professional travel photos without spending thousands on extra gear; the technology is already in your pocket. Not to mention, they’re lightweight & multifunctional, so you can take a picture, edit it, and share it with your friends without looking up from your screen. 

Up until a few years ago, smartphones were incapable of producing studio-quality images. The light sensors & zoom features simply weren’t good enough. But as manufacturers upgraded their operating systems, processing speeds, and screen quality, they also invested millions of dollars into the photo & video capabilities. Now, anyone who is capable of holding a cell phone can take breathtaking landscape photos of mountain ranges, oceans, and other iconic landmarks. 

But if you really want to step up your travel photography game, you’ll want to make sure you have the right smartphone. 

What to Look for in a Smartphone Camera

Every modern smartphone is equipped with a high-quality camera lens, and in some cases, several. But if you’re shopping around for a new phone, and camera quality is the most important factor, you shouldn’t choose just any smartphone. There are several things to consider: 

•  Sensor size – Larger sensors capture more light and provide a greater dynamic range, resulting in sharper images with better color accuracy and less noise, particularly in low-light situations.
  
• Pixel size – Larger pixels allow for more light absorption, leading to higher image detail, better color reproduction, and overall better performance in sub-optimal conditions.
  
• Lens quality – A high-quality lens reduces distortion, enhances detail, and improves the overall image quality by more efficiently directing light to the sensor.
  
• Adjustable aperture – The aperture controls how much light is let into the camera. In low-light conditions, you’ll want to set a wider aperture (lower f-stop number) to let more light in. In bright conditions, you’ll set a smaller aperture (higher f-stop) to minimize the amount of light that enters the camera. You can also adjust the f-stop to create bokeh (blurred background) effects.
  
• Camera software – The software processes the raw data from the sensor to turn it into a final image, automatically enhancing factors like color reproduction, sharpness, and dynamic range. It also gives you the ability to shoot in HDR, night, and portrait mode, turning you into a semi-professional photographer.
  
• Image stabilization – One of the primary benefits of smartphone photography is that you usually don’t need a tripod, unless you’re taking self-portraits. Most smartphone cameras have impressive image stabilization to reduce blur for action shots & low-light scenarios.
  
• Zoom capabilities – Though the zoom capabilities of smartphones are nowhere near DSLRs yet, they’ve come a long way, enabling you to capture even the most distant details in landscape photos.

The Best Smartphone Cameras for Travel Photography

1. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Samsung has traditionally lagged behind Apple in terms of camera quality, but the S23 Ultra gives the latest iPhone a run for its money. The rear camera features several shooting options:

• 200MP Wide with ƒ/1.7 aperture (compared to 48MP on the iPhone 14 Pro)
• 12MP Ultra Wide with ƒ/2.2 aperture
• 10MP Tele 3x Optical Zoom with ƒ/2.4 aperture
• 10MP Tele 10x Optical Zoom with ƒ/4.9 aperture
  

As with most smartphone cameras, the front camera is more limited, with a standard 12MP and ƒ/2.2 aperture. The latest S23, as well as the S22, has a built-in scene optimizer that utilizes AI to recognize scenes & optimize colors for travel shots.

Arguably the most impressive feature, especially for travel photography, is the 100x zoom feature, which deploys AI to sharpen mountains, palm trees, and monuments that are thousands of feet away. The latest Galaxy is equipped with ISOCELL Plus technology, which separates pixels & reduces interference between them, improving light sensitivity and color fidelity.

2. iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max

Released in September 2022, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are currently the best smartphone cameras that Apple has produced. They feature the same camera specifications on each of the primary shooting modes:

• Main
  • Megapixels – 48MP
  • Lens size – 24 mm
  • Aperture – ƒ/1.78 
  • Image stabilization – 2nd generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS)
  • Lens type – seven element lens
    
• Ultra Wide
  • Megapixels – 12MP
  • Lens size – 13 mm
  • Aperture – ƒ/2.2
  • Field of view – 120° field of view
  • Lens type – six‑element lens
    
• 2x Telephoto
  • Megapixels – 12MP
  • Lens size – 48 mm
  • Aperture – ƒ/1.78 
  • Sensor type – quad pixel
  • Image stabilization – 2nd generation sensor-shift OIS
  • Lens type – seven element lens
    
• 3x Telephoto
  • Megapixels – 12MP
  • Lens size – 77 mm
  • Aperture – ƒ/2.8 aperture
  • Sensor type – quad pixel
  • Image stabilization – OIS
  • Lens type – six element lens
  • Zoom capabilities – 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 6x optical zoom range, and digital zoom up to 15x

Apple’s computational photography utilizes machine learning to enhance image quality, optimizing elements like lighting & focus in real time. For beginner smartphone photographers, the Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR features will help you take studio-quality photos without adjusting any of the settings, meaning you can just point & shoot in various lighting conditions. The phones also cater to more advanced photographers, featuring Photographic Styles & ProRAW, which give you even more control over the look & feel of your favorite travel images. Apple even automatically geotags each photo, a convenient feature when you want to reminisce on previous trips or quickly find an old photo.

These specs are just the tip of the iceberg, as both iPhone 14 Pros are also equipped with a sapphire crystal lens cover, adaptive true tone flash, and hundreds of other features. Just make sure you pick up a protective case to keep your iPhone safe from drops, cracks, and water. 

3. Google Pixel 7 Pro

Despite holding a significantly smaller market share than Apple & Samsung in the smartphone arena, Google has changed the travel photography game with the latest Pixel 7 Pro. Here are the official tech specs: 

• 50 MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera with ƒ/1.85 aperture
  • 1.2 μm pixel width
  • 82° field of view
  • 1/1.31″ image sensor size
    
• 12 MP ultrawide camera with autofocus & ƒ/2.2 aperture
  • 1.25 μm pixel width
  • 125.8° field of view
  • Lens correction
    
• 48 MP Quad Bayer PD telephoto camera with ƒ/3.5 aperture
  • 0.7 μm pixel width
  • 20.6° field of view
  • 5x optical zoom
  • Super Res Zoom up to 30×13

Google has been a tech giant for decades, and they didn’t miss a beat when they started building smartphone cameras. With computational photography, advanced machine learning, and HDR+, you can shoot beautiful adventure photos even when the lighting conditions aren’t in your favor. The most unique feature of the Pixel is its astrophotography capabilities, which automatically engage if your phone is in a dark setting and away from light pollution – you can finally take high-definition pictures of stars, galaxies, and the northern lights (aurora borealis). 

How to Take Better Travel Photos on Your Smartphone

• Some general tips and advice for enhancing the quality of travel photos taken on a smartphone.

Learn the Art of Composition

If you want to take travel photos that get hundreds of likes on Instagram and impress your family & friends, you’ll need to do more than simply point-and-shoot. Though some locations will do the heavy lifting for your image quality, you should still learn the art of photo composition. Here are the most important methods to keep in mind: 

• Rule of Thirds – As you view your subject & background on the screen, divide the screen up into a 3×3 grid, then align your subject on the outer third of that grid. All smartphones have built-in grids, which makes it easy to create more balanced & engaging photos.
  
• Leading lines –  Guide the viewer’s eyes toward a specific point in the image with lines and lines being visual paths that guide the viewer’s eye towards a specific point on the image.
  
• Symmetry – Mirror portions of the scene to create a balanced, aesthetic composition. This works best with tall trees, reflective bodies of water, and skyscraper buildings.
  
• Lighting – Light can be your best (or worst) friend in photography. But when used properly, you can dramatically affect the mood, texture, and depth of your images, and by highlighting the subject, creating shadows, or adding contrast.

Change Your Camera Settings

The default/automatic camera settings are great for standard photos and beginner photographers. But if you want full control over your travel photos, you’ll need to play around with a few manual settings. 

Manual controls offer precision, allowing you to adjust exposure for brightness, focus for sharpness, and white balance for color accuracy based on your scene. The HDR settings can balance the lights and darks in high-contrast scenes, making it ideal for landscapes, backlit scenes, or any situation with extreme light variations. 

Editing and Post-Processing on Your Smartphone

They say great photos are made, not taken. And with the best editing & post-processing applications at the touch of your fingertips, “making” a great travel photo has never been easier. Play around with lighting, colors, and cropping in mobile apps like Lightroom, Photoshop, Instagram, and VSCO. If you’re a seasoned expert, you can make in-depth edits on the desktop version of Lightroom & Photoshop, removing photo bombers, reducing background noise, and improving overall composition.

Before you book your next flight, make sure to upgrade your smartphone so you can capture the true beauty of whichever destination you choose. Whether it’s the Samsung Galaxy S23, iPhone 14 Pro, and Google Pixel 7 Pro, you can’t go wrong with any of the latest smartphone cameras. Each of them has unique specifications, features, and AI optimizations that will satisfy your creative needs. 

Images: Freepik, Wirestock

It is the location of Bloc Hotel that really makes it such an appealing proposition in our opinion here at The Coolector given that it is located minutes from departures but, truth be told, a hotel in the middle of an airport has no right being as cool as this one and, if you’ve got plane loving offspring, you’ll find that they are in their absolute element with one of the hotel’s runway facing rooms (which we were lucky enough to snag).

There are a number of different room types to choose from at Bloc Hotel – from the no-frills “Sleep” rooms right through to the incredibly luxurious Runway Suite which is billed as Gatwick’s most prestigious penthouse. If you’ve got a small family, the Aspire Family Suite (which we stayed in) with runway views to see planes landing and departing was absolutely perfect.

Taking the stress out of getting to the airport in time and the mad rush of checking luggage and barrelling through the airport looking for your gate is, in our opinion, priceless and that’s exactly what a stay at Bloc Hotel Gatwick the night before your flight achieves. You just need to wake up, roll out of bed and you’ll be close to your security gate the minute you’ve handed your key back to reception.

The rooms are, as you’d expect, not cavernous but that’s not why you’re booking this hotel. You just need a room for the night that will alleviate any airport tensions and Bloc Hotel delivers this with some considerable aplomb and they’ve cultivated a bit of a boutique hotel vibe that you’ll appreciate amongst all the chain hotels you typically find orbiting airports.

Each room at Bloc Hotel boasts a sophisticated climate control system and Italian-tiled wet rooms with powerful drench showers which means you’ll leave your room in the morning feeling refreshed and ready for your flight from London Gatwick airport to your holiday destination. Small details are important to us when travelling and they’ve got this covered at this small but perfectly formed airport hotel.

Smart in every sense of the word, on the day of arrival at Bloc Hotel Gatwick, they will send you a message that includes a unique link to check in, find your allocated room number and access your digital room key. You’ll then be able to customise the temperature, adjust the lights and blinds, and even channel hop on the TV from the palm of your hand. The ultimate in streamlined, stress-free pre-flight stays.

If you’re flying from Gatwick this summer and want to get there the night before for a more relaxing start to your holiday than rushing down the motorway praying for no traffic, then we couldn’t recommend Bloc Hotel more and the fact they have views of the runway for aviation aficionados is the real icing on the cake.

It’s impossible not to be blown away by the amount of space on offer at this FiDi loft – at nearly 1,000 square feet, it’s downright huge for two people, so there’s more than enough room to make yourself at home. Secondly, the kitchen is the stuff of dreams – not only is there an island that can comfortably fit ten people, but it has everything you’ll need to rustle up mouthwatering meals.

This minimalist studio-style offering in Long Island City is a perfect base for those visiting the Big Apple on business or for a couple on a romantic trip. You’ll enjoy the less touristy location, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Yet, you’ll know you’re not far away from the action, especially with the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline that you can marvel at from the communal rooftop terrace.

Located in the Chelsea district of NYC, sitting on your private rooftop terrace, overlooking the concrete skyline, is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that stays with you forever at this great New York spot. The magical experience can be relived over and over again, all in a beautiful outdoor space that’s reserved just for you.

In a previous life, this hundred-year-old building was one of the many factories found across Brooklyn – but it’s now home to some seriously cool apartments. This two-bedroom property still keeps several features that echo its past, such as the wooden ceiling beams and exposed brick walls. However, there are also plenty of modern comforts to keep you feeling fine during your trip to New York, from the sleek kitchen to the polished wooden floors.

This awesome loft-style apartment in the heart of Williamsburg has New York cool written all over it. Dark wood floors, a moody colour palette in the kitchen and metro tiles combine with tropical prints and modern art to create a look that’s funky yet grown-up. The real wow factor here is the vast crittall-style window that floods the apartment with light and gives it a sense of space that’s hard to find in NYC. You’re conveniently close to the pulsing energy of the city centre (five minutes from the subway and NYC Ferry) but with Williamsburg’s relaxed cafes, bars and shops on your doorstep. Win, win.

Found on a storybook street just a few blocks from Gramercy Park, this is a trendy neighbourhood amongst the rich and famous, for obvious reasons. It’s easy to tell that the hosts have put a huge amount of effort into this stunning three-story townhouse. The walls are lined with art, and the open-plan living area and rich use of wood give this home a welcoming and lived-in feeling. The luxury bedding, jacuzzi tubs and steam showers are just the cherry on top of an already impressive space.

For those in need of a show-stopping stay in NYC, it doesn’t get much better than this Broadway home. Placing you right in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district, you’ll find everything you’ll need to embrace the timeless magic of New York City living. From shopping and dining your way across SoHo to sightseeing and strolling along the river’s edge, there are endless ways to experience the unique diversity of this location. And when you’re looking for total rest and relaxation, make your way home to this light-filled abode.

Set yourself up for success at Popeye & Olive. A top choice for an unforgettable NYC stay. Each space boastschic decor, a fully equipped kitchen, and access to the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Looking for that iconic New York City skyline? The seasonal rooftop overlooks the city and Brooklyn Bridge. The huge lounge, communal kitchen, and co-working space are all yours to enjoy. This home is in the heart of the Financial District. You’ll find Wall Street, The Battery, and plenty of unique retail and dining.

ISLE OF BLUE, ISLE OF MAN

With stretches of blue as far as the eye can see, this property is a luxurious escape for those wanting fresh air, unparalleled views and the seaside lifestyle all in one. Spread across two floors, huge windows invite the sunshine inside all day long – one of the perks of a south-facing property. While neutral interiors make the home even brighter, giving way to a laid-back beach house theme throughout.

LILYPADS & LIMESTONE, MILNTHORPE

Nestled in thirty-five acres of verdant fields, this wonderfully renovated farmhouse is overflowing with rustic luxury from the offset. Woodlands, streams, ponds, and limestone clint pavements make up this unique landscape, with your glorious stone cottage at the middle of it all. We love the outdoor seating on the lawns, as well as patios and even a garden kitchen with its very own pizza oven. Great for spring / summer breaks.

PORTWRINKLE RETREAT

Love being beside the seaside? Then this elegant, contemporary home in the little village of Portwrinkle, Cornwall, is the one for you. Set over three floors, all facing the sea just steps away, it’s part of a gleaming new development of a handful of striking, contemporary properties. Decorated in greys and blacks, with balconies and terraces boasting clear glass balustrades, it’s a wonderful location with some pretty eye-catching added luxuries.

LUXURIOUS LIGHTHOUSE, CUMBRIA

This breathtaking lighthouse in Walney, Cumbria, really is one of a kind. Perfectly suited to nature lovers, this cottage stands beside a lighthouse in the heart of the South Walney Nature Reserve at the southern tip of Cumbria. Staying here, you’re surrounded by wildlife, with sea views as well as those of the nature reserve. At high tide, you may spot grey seals bobbing off the coast.

TWO LOGS COTTAGE, NORFOLK

This period house in the village of Langham in Norfolk offers the chance to explore the local village hall and cosy pubs, but with such a striking home setting, you might not feel the need to leave. Intricate stonework with red-brick frames around the windows, a terracotta roof and a chimney stack – it’s exactly what you’d hope from an English country abode.

WOODLAND WISH COTTAGE, WEST YORKSHIRE

The frontage of Woodland Wish Cottage is fully glazed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the woodland and river. However you plan on spending your visit, you’ll find that you lose hours here and there as you simply gaze out at the view. This is a relaxing retreat, the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle and really unwind. The Japanese deep soak bathtub is a marvel, keeping the water hotter for longer so you can luxuriate for hours after a hike.

COTSWOLD CABIN, CIRENCESTER

Located in the centre of Cotswold Water Park – the property is in an excellent spot to dive into the action. From kayaking to wakeboarding and jet skiing – there’s plenty to do on the lake. For those wanting to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty, the picturesque village of South Cerney is a half-hour walk away. Make a stop in one of the lovely pubs, pick up supplies and simply soak in the countryside charm.

CADAIR IDRIS COTTAGE, WALES

The majestic mountain views of Cadair Idris really are a sight to behold and are the beautiful backdrop to this mesmerising cottage. Clad in Virginia creeper that turns a stunning fiery red in the autumn, this cottage, surrounded by farmland, is as quaint as it gets. It’s a paradise for bird watchers with an array of wildlife, or if you’re a fan of planes, you can enjoy watching them from the garden as the valley is a training area for aircraft.

The owners of Oak Cottage, Jane and Paul, which is located on a luxury Yurt campsite and adjacent to their own home couldn’t give you a warmer welcome upon arrival and go above and beyond in order to ensure that your stay is a memorable one. Surrounded by glorious fields and approached by a long driveway Oak Cottage is an expertly designed 2-bedroom single-storey holiday home and serves as a wonderful introduction to the delights of the Suffolk countryside. It boasts a light and airy open plan kitchen, dining and lounge area with spectacular views out across the surrounding Suffolk Countryside which, trust us, is about as relaxing as it gets. Surrounding the cottage, there is a superb south facing private patio area with seating, fire-pit and BBQ, and a separate decked area to the rear with seating and a quirky outdoor bath if you fancy taking in the views whilst taking a dip.

Glamping Surroundings

Given that we had our newest recruit in tow for the first time, namely our one year old son, Arthur, we decided not to stay in one of the ground’s amazing looking Yurts but, if you’re up for a spot of glamping, we’ve seldom seen better looking yurts here at The Coolector. Every little design element has been carefully considered and does justice to the amazing, secluded location in which Oak Cottage and the five, luxury yurts are found. Both Oak Cottage and the yurts will have full use of all facilities that includes a Playbarn with Information area, Playground and Seasonal outside honesty bar chock full of local craft beers with a wood-fired pizza oven (we definitely recommend the delicious pizzas).

Oak Cottage can be found less than two miles from the beautiful riverside town of Woodbridge (a place we’ve been to a few times before and was one of the bearings for choosing this fantastic cottage in the first place). In Woodbridge you’ll find a multitude of independent shops and award-winning restaurants and pubs. If you’re into walking, from the cottage there are a plethora of wonderful walks which will allow you to take in quintessential Suffolk Villages and the culinary delights of the local country pubs.

Within a short drive, around 20-30 minutes or so, or cycling distance if you’re into that sort of thing, you’ll find the whole of the Suffolk Heritage Coast is yours to discover – from beaches and heaths to towns and castles – there is never a shortage of things to see and do in Suffolk and Oak Cottage is the perfect place from which to discover them all. Whilst we were only there for a couple of nights, we definitely left Oak Cottage feeling more relaxed and rested than when arrived and that is testament to the wonderful welcome and unparalleled countryside views. Definitely recommended for anyone looking to discover the delights of Suffolk.

The Adega do Fogo Holiday Home from Diogo Mega Architects is housed in a former distillery on Pico Island in Portugal and boasts a stunning coastal location that will deliver sea air and restful relaxation aplenty. The holiday home has six rooms, a dining room, a pool with an incredible view of Portugal’s highest peak and is located in the area of Cabrito, in the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture in the Azores, a UNESCO classified site since 2004. The distillery’s origins are still somewhat of a mystery but according to the former owners, what is known is that it was built by a priest around 1820 and it has been painstakingly restored into the majestic holiday home you see before you.

Portugese Perfection

The interior design elements of Adega do Fogo Holiday Home invite you to contemplate its origins and to travel in time with bespoke furniture which has been crafted from chestnut wood. The restored ceiling beams, stone window surrounds and wooden floor deliver the space with an abundance of unique characteristics that revive its mysterious legacy. The white walls with their black stone indents from the original building are reminders of its original DNA and the history of the old distillery – and the place to which it belongs.

Beautifully restored by Diogo Mega Architects, Adega do Fogo Holiday Home in Pico Island, Portugal, has been purpose-designed to be enjoyed at different times of the day: from the pool with a view of Pico to the table under the trees beside the wood-fired oven and the lounge area under the roofing at the side of the kitchen that offers excellent views of the gardens and fig trees growing between volcanic rocks beyond. There is a real sense of peace and serenity to this holiday home which will make it a great escape for a family or group of friends who want to unwind after the crazy couple of years we’ve had.

The immaculate holiday home is located on the island of Pico in Lugar do Cabrito (in the parish of Santa Luzia, municipality of São Roque do Pico), and it is perfectly nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the imposing Pico mountain on the other. The coastal settlement of Cabrito is located on the coast of the parish of Santa Luzia in the municipality of São Roque do Pico and you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery wherever you travel around this island but, truth be told, such is the excellence of the property, you won’t want to leave.

Found close to Bryce Canyon National Park and within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, on the grounds of an old Drive-In movie theatre, Yonder Escalante will offer the ultimate in old school cool getaways and borders some of America’s most beautiful places and ensures its guests experience the luxury of the American West in a way that will never be forgotten.

Wild, Wild West

You can stay in Airstreams, Cabins and there is an RV site too so you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to visiting the superb looking Yonder Escalante near Bryce Canyon. Whether you bring all your gear or no gear at all, you will able to enjoy the Yonder experience. The Cabins and Airstreams are all fully equipped with everything required to enjoy yourself while on property and staff is available 24 hours a day to help. Shower and bath facilities are continually serviced and supplied with Yonder bath products to add to the overall glamping experience.

The team at Yonder Escalante are all about maximizing your every minute with them and the majestic landscape of Southern Utah truly is a sight to behold so it will be hard not to be mesmerised from the minute you arrive. To best prepare you for your Yonder experience it pays to be prepared but the site has a General Store located inside the Lodge. Here, you’ll find everything you need to fuel your adventure or help you unwind after a long day experiencing the wilderness.

Yonder Escalante has both a pool and hot tub which will be great for relaxing and unwinding with a craft beer or two and the site is full of awesome activities to experience throughout your stay which includes nightly movies at the drive-in, s’mores hour, campfire storytelling, guided dark sky observations, and much more. After your next unique adventure? You’ve definitely just found a prime candidate in the shape of Yonder Escalante.

The Willow, Pembroke, Wales

Perfect for a relaxing break close to the mesmerising Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, The Willow is an amazing little structure that has some great amenities for enjoying a UK staycation in 2021. Billed as the ultimate in luxury glamping, it is situated in a very private location with stunning countryside views. The Willow has been finished to a very high standard, full kitchen, 2 smart TVs, WiFi. Its got a big decked area outside with a Hot Tub, plus a grassed garden area for enjoying a craft beer or two in the sunshine.

Airship 001 Sussex, England

If staying in an airship looking structure in the middle of some stunning Sussex woodland is your cup of tea, the Airship 001 Sussex on Airbnb is going to be ticking plenty of the right boxes. This unique, architecturally designed aluminium pod, delivers a glamorous retreat for UK staycations in 2021. Nestling in a private woodland, and overlooking a dew pond along with the valley below, Airship 001 in Sussex has a kingsize bed, shower/wc, living area and a ‘galley’ kitchen. Wood-burning stove, dining table and chairs and a sofa/ bunk bed round off its amenities.

Buttercup’s Shepherd Hut, Okehampton, England

Combining the peace and quiet of a rural farm location in the beautiful Devon countryside with the stunning, Dartmoor National Park & Lydford Gorge situated close by makes this quintessential hut a great choice for a coastal staycation this year. Buttercup’s Shepherd Hut boasts a wood burner and underfloor heating which mean this can be the ultimate year round escape. While the owners transport your luggage you can walk along the path to your own hideaway in a field surrounded by native woodland and far reaching views through the valley.

Boat House, Cambridgeshire, England

A wonderfully well converted 1945 boat which is nestled within a private forest and overlooks the mesmerising open fenland countryside. The Boat House in Cambridgeshire is the ideal retreat for couples looking to relax, explore and visit the local towns such as Ely and Godmanchester. It is located 15 minutes drive from Ely and 30 minutes from Cambridge. The boat forms part of the overall space incorporating the bedroom with a king size double or two singles, and this is accompanied by a adjoining boat shack with an eclectic industrial style kitchen and bathroom with walk-in shower. The boat is positioned on a large deck which has been crafted from reclaimed sleepers within a tranquil forest. A great escape for couples to relax, explore and enjoy the amazing sunsets.

Lotus Car Spa & Horse Hut, Medstead, England

If a hot tub inside a car sounds like your thing, look no further than the Lotus Car Spa and Horse Hut in Medstead. This amazing property has a fully functioning hot tub inside a Lotus Elan – which isn’t something that you see everyday it’s fair to say. The property is nestled in the corner of ‘horse field’ where the farm’s shire’s once roamed, on the outskirts of the village of Medstead. With views out onto Hattingley valley vista from the verandah or lotus spa, this is the ideal spot to enjoy the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The Horse Hut was once mounted on the back of a lorry and used for Polo and Shire horse shows. It has been converted to luxury holiday accommodation, but still manages to keep its horsey heritage.

Tree Dome, Ludlow, England

This glorious glamping accommodation boasts a king size four poster bed with plush pillows and a luxuriously cosy duvet, a dining room table and chairs, a comfy sofa, sideboard and tea and coffee making facilities. There is a full suite of outside furniture at Tree Dome in Ludlow including a large sofa, coffee table as well as a dining table and four chairs. There is a spa hot tub with lights and bubbles which is built into the deck. Set within 45 acres of private secluded woodland with many walks on the doorstep, this is one for the adventure inclined. The setting is in natural woodland and there is hardly any light pollution which allows guests to enjoy clear starry skies weather permitting.

Hobbit House, Northamptonshire, England

If you want to live like Bilbo Baggins et al during a UK staycation in 2021, this Hobbit House in Northamptonshire is the one for you. It is a unique hut which has been made from reclaimed trees and the grass roof is speckled with wild flowers. There is an unfenced fishpond that attracts dragonflies and frogs – ideal for the nature lovers out there. Think glamping rather than luxury accommodation with this one but there is a fridge, kettle, electricity and lighting inside. A wood burning stove is also there to provide warmth on a cold night.

Woodbridge Windmill, Suffolk, England

Trickers Mill is a 5 storey Grade 2 listed Tower Windmill with its own private courtyard and it is located in the heart of Woodbridge, Suffolk, close to the Market Square. The ground and first floors have been converted to deliver fabulous accommodation for two people. A stay here will be a highly unique experience as there are no other habitable windmills in Woodbridge area. From the bedroom there is a staircase and trapdoor to the upper levels where spectacular views over the roof tops of Woodbridge and the river Deben can be appreciated. This part of the windmill is a step back in time and is as it was over two centuries ago.