A new year brings new adventures, and here at HIP Hotels we wanted to share some of our favourite experiences and expeditions with you so that you can make a plan for your big adventure of 2022! From mountain hikes with mesmerising views, to water sports in the epitome of paradise, there is something for every adventure seeker and adrenaline lover.

With how overwhelming the last couple of years have been, we believe you deserve to let loose and have some fun. What better way to do that than in a beautiful place you’ve never been to before? Whether you need some time alone as you trek through the Costa Rican rainforest, or are hoping to reunite an old group of friends or your entire family for a week (or two!) of exciting excursions, we have something for everyone.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas - Hanging Bridges And Sloth Hike

Hidden away in one of the lesser-known destinations of Costa Rica, is Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas, a luxurious adults-only (yes really!) hotel formed of 21 stunning private villas. Perched along the blissfully beautiful Guanacaste coast, each of the villas look out onto the Sugar and Penca beaches, for the ultimate ocean view escape. The contemporary interiors compliment the lush surroundings, the panoramic views of the ocean are unparalleled, and the stylish infinity pool will leave you feeling a gorgeous level of peace that is difficult to find elsewhere. Whilst indulging in the beauty of this place and its serene solitude, be sure not to miss the cliffside hotel restaurant, with its stunning sea-and-farm-to-table seasonal ingredients crafted to delicious perfection.

When you think of Costa Rica, a lot of people think of the huge luscious flora and fauna of the rainforest, breathtaking beaches and of course its wildlife. Offering a dozen activities and excursions, the one that caught our eye is the Hanging Bridges And Sloth Hike… The 2.5km hike edges the base of one of the inactive volcanoes in the region, Tenorio Volcano, crosses over three mystical hanging bridges, and leads you through the primary and secondary forests, showing you the beauty of the various ecosystems that converge in this stunning rainforest. You’ll likely catch sight of the local wildlife including, only if you’re slow enough, some sloths! Can you imagine it hanging above you in the trees? With this hike from Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas, you’ll not need to imagine it for much longer!

Find our more information here.

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Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villas & Spa - Kitesurfing And Watersports

Did someone say tropical paradise? Zanzibar White Sands Luxury Villas & Spa is perched amongst lucious flora and fauna along the eastern coast of the archipelago of Zanzibar, and is the epitome of the typical paradise vision. The neutral tones of the villas perfectly highlight the thriving ecosystem that surrounds them, and with 1500 square meters of blissful, private luxury, it’s easy to believe it’s the best place on earth. A sustainable resort, their aim is to preserve the island’s natural environment, but that doesn’t stop them offering completely romantic beach-front villas and dreamy family rooms, all filled with antiques, beautifully designed elements and unique architectural finishes.

We can’t, however, talk about this tropical paradise without discussing the ocean to which it faces! For adrenaline seekers and paddlers alike, there is a water sport or activity for everyone at the Zanzibar Kite Paradise. With its shallow waters, sandy beach and year-round winds, Paje is well-known for being one of the top kitesurfing spots in the world, and Zanzibar Kite Paradise will have you set up for a fantastic experience with their high-quality services and equipment. Not only can you take kitesurfing lessons, you can also hire kitesurfing and windsurfing equipment, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up-paddle boards and kayaks. And for the ultimate heavenly experience? Rent a transparent kayak for the best ocean view there is!

Find out more information here.

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The Kumaon - Hike Around The Mountains

1600 metres above sea level amongst the treetops is The Kumaon, nestled perfectly in Kasar Devi, a ridge above the historic city of Almora. On a visit to this stunning place, be prepared to find it hard to leave, as the stunning surroundings of native forests and hidden waterfalls have captivated many an artist, scholar and seeker, such as Bob Dylan, D.H. Lawrence and Swami Vivekananda. From the comfort of your own bedroom, that has been designed and put together using locally sourced materials, you can spoil yourself with breathtaking views of the magnificent mountain peaks, for a completely authentic experience.

One thing The Kumaon does best, thanks to its breathtaking surroundings, are hikes - and we’re not just talking about one or two small trails for a 30-minute wander. The Kumaon offers hiking excursions of three durations; 2-3 hours, 4-6 hours, and 6-9 hours, to some of the most incredible places you would only imagine in your dreams. The Kasar Devi Temple round trip is one of their shorter excursions, with its history dating back to India’s Ancient texts. For a longer half day hike, you can visit the Sun Temple, Binsur Wildlife Sanctuary or a magnificent waterfall. And for the more ambitious of the hikers amongst us, one of The Kumaon’s walks is dedicated to the experience of Kumaoni culture - what better way to immerse yourself in the region than that?!

Find out more information here.

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Las Alamandas Resort - Horseback Riding

Perfectly situated in Jalisco, midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo on Mexico's Pacific coast, Las Alamandas Resort is the idyllic retreat for every beach and ocean lover looking for that escape of barefoot luxury. Offering the perfect balance between privacy and togetherness, there’s a reason this resort is one of Mexico’s most famous and exclusive getaway destinations! The stunning white sand beaches, secret coves, rocky islands, private landscapes and fresh water lagoons all set on a spectacular 2000-acre nature reserve, make this hideaway seem like it could have only formed in dreams. The rooms are expertly decorated with lavish Mexican fabrics, Mexican folk art, and vivid hues of pink, orange and blue to completely immerse you in the culture of this incredible country.

Have you ever had that vision of riding on horseback along a sandy beach, the sun setting beyond the horizon and the desire to gallop within the shallow surf? Because we know it can’t just be us! Horseback Riding is a signature experience at Las Alamandas, and it is the utterly perfect place to make this vision become a reality. Alongside the endless private trails of the resort to explore, are the four (yes four!) breathtaking private beaches along which you can ride on horseback. If you’re hoping to do this with a partner, we don’t blame you! It’s one of the most romantic experiences Las Alamandas has to offer, and will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Find out more here.

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Hotel Platz - Mountain Biking

A small town charm surrounded by the magnificent mountains of the Dolomites? Count us in! One of the oldest hotels in our collection, Hotel Platz has been providing exceptional hospitality for over 600 years, often to returning guests who simply fell in love. With the quaint village of Bulla nearby, stunningly decorated interiors, not to mention the Dolomite Mountains, who can blame them? Nestled within serene meadows and mystical woods, Hotel Platz is a place from which you can watch the sunrise from your private balcony with a warm, freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand. Sounds like bliss right? And only 5km from the beautiful village of Ortisei, a testament of the region and the adventure seekers that flock to this magnificent part of the world, what more could you possibly need from a gorgeous alpine hideaway?

Most people visit this region of Italy with the hopes of conquering some of the magnificent Dolomite Mountains. Whether on bike or on foot, many wish to climb the highest peaks, reach their limits over the South Tyrolean landscapes and return feeling as if they can now measure themselves against the mountains. There are many trails for the keen mountain biker to follow, but if you’d prefer a tour, then Andreas is your man - brother of host Leopold, Andreas is in charge of the hikes, bike tours and ski tours in the surrounding mountains, and trust us when we say he know the best spots! Upon returning to the hotel after your adventures, remember Hotel Platz has a panoramic sauna in which to help those muscles to recover, and a stunning pool in which to refresh yourself after a long day’s work!

Find out more information here.

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Kalukanda House - Safari Experience

Wanting to take a break from the fast lane and slow down surrounded by the best of nature’s beauty? Kalukanda House is ready and waiting for you in the heart of Sri Lanka. A private, luxury villa, for exclusive use only, boasts four spacious double bedrooms within the walls of a stunning building rebuilt to honour the original colonial architecture, complete with stunning high ceilings. Each bedroom has an en-suite and two have juliette balconies, from which you can relax with a cup of coffee or a cocktail and look out over the beautiful garden that wraps around the property, and marvel at the trees that slowly sway in the slow breeze of this magical place.

Encouraging what the owners call “experiential travel”, Kalukanda House is somewhere that wants you to become a part of your experiences rather than simply a spectator, and its safari options are no exception. Choose between the elephant transit centre at Udawalawe that looks after wild baby elephants, Yala with its elusive leopards, or a visit to Udawalawe, Yala, Wilpattu and more, depending on how much you want to see and how long you plan on staying! And trust us when we say it’s difficult to leave this place. What the owners of Kalukanda House want you to know is that they believe the magic of a holiday is made during the unexpected moments of interaction with other cultures, the “heartfelt way of touching another person’s life and our own” and “not only taking away memories, but leaving some behind.” There is no doubt in our minds that a safari organised by Kalukanda House and led by the passionate and committed guides will leave you with the best memories of your time spent in the heart of the wild.

Find out more here.

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Walliserhof - Skiing And Snowboarding

Perched within the beautifully picturesque scenery of Vorarlberg, Walliserhof is a perfectly executed combination of a design, family and ski hotel, all rolled into one. It’s at Walliserhof that tradition meets modernity in complete harmony, as the rooms take inspiration from Nordic countries as well as from Milan, creating a timeless design set against the mesmerising backdrop of the surrounding landscape of Montafon-Brandnertal. Spaced across three buildings, some rooms offer a nostalgic ambience, whereas others have a more chic finish. Self-described as "the sporty active hotel in Vorarlberg for design freaks", there is plenty of adventure for guests to indulge in, before retreating to the warm welcome of this blissful hotel.

Have you been missing the snow? The excitement of flying down a mountain, with blue skies above, stunning views all around, and fresh, powdered snow beneath your skis or snowboard? Us too. And Walliserhof are excited to welcome all snow sport enthusiasts for a stay filled with adventure out on the slopes of Montafon-Brandnertal. Whether your goal is to glide over pistes on skis or a board, toboggan down slopes, or gently curve through the idyllic winter landscape at a slower pace, Walliserhof will make sure you have the most incredible time in this winter wonderland. There’s even the option of a toboggan safari in the middle of the night! Can you imagine the stars? We can only dream of how bright they’d be, and Walliserhof is definitely the place where dreams come true.

Find out more here.

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Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa - Silk Trails Expedition

Hidden away in the stunning Indonesian Forest, Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa gives the ultimate experience of privacy and tranquility amongst a hidden paradise only found off the beaten track. If you’re looking to seclude yourself from the rest of the world in utter peace and harmony, there is no better place than this stunning utopia. The hotel’s Padma Spa is not to be missed, as here you can release all the stress and tension that has been building within your body and mind through the various treatments, and immerse yourself in the calm of the lush surrounding landscape.

When we saw that this hotel is offering a Silk Trails Expedition, we could hardly contain our excitement, and we just had to share it with our readers. Three days and two nights long, this expedition will be nothing short of divine luxury. Starting in Java, you will embark on the journey to Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa, spend two nights at the Duplex Royal Pool Villa, experience a sunset dinner at the mesmerising Enam Langit by Plataran and a BBQ dinner at Putri Dewi, adventure on a VW tour, receive daily breakfast and afternoon tea, and experience a round trip to Jakarta via a luxury train. This expedition is perfect for a group of travellers who are looking to explore this historic trail and immerse themselves in the culture. The journey is for twelve people minimum, so gather all the friends and family members you’ve been missing, and book this once in a lifetime adventure!

Find out more information here.

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