Eight Stays Fit for a Time Traveler
Pretend To Be a Time Traveler Day - yes, it really does exist - is celebrated around the world on 8 December. This fun day encourages people to pretend to be a time traveler, either from the past or from the future, just for the day. To celebrate this fun moment in time, we present eight unique destinations that will make you feel like you’re either living in a bygone era or have skipped forward in time. From futuristic capitals with dazzling neon lights to charming villages frozen in time, there is a destination for every kind of time traveler.
Fast-Forward to the Future
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a vast, teeming metropolis nestled between the mountains and Tokyo Bay. Neon lights, cutting-edge technology and state of the art innovation have transformed the city into one of the most futuristic places in the world. Home to stunning skyscrapers, advanced bullet trains, countless VR experiences and an actual robot restaurant, exploring this stunning and sprawling capital will make you feel like you’ve traveled into the future.
Where to stay: At Henn na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay dinosaur robots are waiting to welcome you at the reception and help with check-in. These mechanical robots are capable of helping guests in English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. What’s more is each room also features a little robot, which is there to help with controlling all the appliances of the room. During your stay, don’t forget to admire the huge fish tank with robotic fishes, located in the lobby near the trash can robot.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Not only is the cosmopolitan city of Dubai full of ultra modern skyscrapers, it’s also home to numerous artificial archipelagos in fanciful designs. Travelers to Dubai will feel as if they’ve traveled into the future as they relax on one of the city's sandy urban beaches surrounded by one of the region's most impressive skylines. The futuristic fountain show at the Dubai Mall will not only make you forget that you are in a desert, but also in this century.
Where to stay: Situated on its own island, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah features ultra-luxurious suites overlooking the Arabian Gulf. You may arrive at the property by either one of the world's largest chauffeur-driven fleets of Rolls-Royce's or alternatively by a dedicated helicopter transfer service.
Hong Kong
Fast-paced, densely-populated and neon-lit, Hong Kong has more than 1,200 skyscrapers, more than any other city on the planet, with lights reflected on Victoria Harbour and forest-covered mountains forming the backdrop. As well as being a global financial centre, Hong Kong is ahead of the curve in terms of technology – with fingerprint scanners and smart ID cards that allow locals to zoom through customs. With architecture and interior design influenced by feng shui and modern technology, this city is truly unique.
Where to stay: Designed by famous local architects, the stylish Hotel ICON offers stunning harbour views in Tsim Sha Tsui East Kowloon. The hotel’s modern rooms are decorated in dark colors and warm lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. A smartphone with unlimited data is also available in every room.
Singapore, Singapore
Clean, compact and compelling, Singapore seamlessly combines the best of Asia. While different cultures and cuisines live side by side in this dazzling destination, they still manage to maintain their own identity. Talking about forward thinking, Singapore is also home to the Supertree Grove, a series of massive tree-shaped structures that absorb heat, provide shade, collect rainwater and generate solar energy. Thanks to the city’s revolutionary and efficient public transport system, time travelers can explore Singapore quickly and easily.
Where to stay: Located in the Orchard Road shopping district, the modern Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore is connected to the Tanglin Mall. The hotel staff includes two clever robots, Jeno and Jena, who have been recruited to help with room service. The robots are one meter high, can use the elevators and, thanks to their sensitive sensors, can avoid any obstacles that appear in their path.
Blast From the Past
Tombstone, Arizona, USA
Known for its Wild West setting with old-fashioned saloons and classic wagon wheels, Tombstone is a place where travelers will feel like they’ve stepped back in time. Stroll down the East Allen Street to find most of the town’s famous attractions like the Bird Cage Theater and the iconic OK Corral, or book a tour through a former silver mine where you will have to navigate through twisting underground passages.
Where to stay: The Tombstone Monument Guest Ranch is a rustic accommodation just a ten-minute drive from historic Tombstone and features comfortable themed rooms with Old West décor. You can enjoy a 3-course meal with homemade meatloaf, chicken dishes, fajitas, steak, ribs, and salmon at the nearby Schieffelin’s Restaurant.
Enkhuizen, the Netherlands
The charming city of Enkhuizen is located in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands and is a scenic old harbour town with charming canals and traditional Dutch architecture. The open-air Zuiderzeemuseum is a village frozen in time and features more than one hundred authentic shops and houses that highlight the region’s history. Wander around the picturesque streets to discover old workshops and experience the Holland of the past.
Where to stay: Set in a former school, De Oude HBS, which roughly translates into "the old high school", offers refurbished, modern apartments overlooking a historical church. The property is near Enkhuizen train station and just a short walk away from the Zuiderzeemuseum, historical gateway Drommedaris, a former defense structure, and the city's harbor.
Sighişoara, Romania
The fortified city of Sighisoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval towns. Birthplace of Vlad Dracula, this little gem will make travelers yearning for the past feel right at home with its colourful historic houses, ancient churches, cobblestoned streets and beautiful towers. Make sure to visit the 14th-century clock tower, which is home to a history museum and boasts a balcony that offers great views of the city.
Where to stay: Located in a historic building next to the medieval citadel of Sighişoara, Casa Savri features traditional Transylvanian Saxon architecture and décor. To make you feel like you've really stpped back in time, the property’s rooms and suites have vaulted ceilings, traditional restored furnishings, exposed brick walls and wide plank hardwood floors.
Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea
The historic Hahoe Folk Village is an ideal place to learn more about Korean traditions and cultural heritage. Home to multiple tile-roofed houses, the village has preserved various ancient architectural styles, with some of the houses being open to the public. To complete your travel back in time, don’t forget to taste some authentic regional specialties at one of the traditional restaurants near the village.
Where to stay: Located in Andong, a short walk from Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Okyeon Jeongsa offers traditional accommodations overlooking the garden. Start your day with a traditional Korean breakfast before going back in time to explore the village.