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Latest Holiday Accommodation ideas...

Ireland

Historic coastal cottages near Dublin

Coastal cottage accommodation near Dublin Ireland
Recently renovated to luxury standards, these 300 year old thatched roof holiday cottages enjoy the best of both worlds: just 25 minutes from Dublin airport yet situated in a peaceful haven on the beach front of Ireland's east coast. With over 40 top golf courses within an hour's drive, this is a golfer's wet dream!

Where: Ireland › Co. Meath › Bettystown

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Germany

The Art Hotel in Berlin

The Art Hotel in Berlin Germany
Now a unique hotel with each of the 50 rooms decorated by a renowned artist, this neo-classical building began life as a residential palace in 1825. Situated in a historical area of Berlin within view of the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, the hotel has been described as an art gallery where you can sleep the night.

Where: Germany › Berlin

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New Zealand

Unusual house-truck at Golden Bay

Unusual holiday accommodation on South Island New Zealand
With views of mountains and sounds from the ocean, this quaint truck sits in the lush gardens of a backpacker's guesthouse where it has been creatively refashioned into private holiday accommodation. Just a short amble to Pohara Beach, at Golden Bay on the South Island, the living area is suitable for 4 people.

Where: New Zealand › South Island › Pohara

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Scotland

Octagonal luxury tree house in Argyll

Luxury tree house accommodation in the Highlands Scotland
During our research for Treehouse Buzz, we've seen a lot of tree houses of all shapes and sizes but none quite as substantial as this luxury tree house in the grounds of Kinlochlaich House, in the West Highlands. Eco-friendly and built from local timber, the staircase to the gallery spirals around a tree trunk in its centre.

Where: Scotland › Argyll › Appin

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Portugal

Solar powered yurt in the mountains

Eco-friendly yurt accommodation in Portugal
There's no better way to get back to nature without forgoing any creature comforts, than a holiday in this romantic yurt in the mountains of central Portugal, an hour inland from the ancient university town of Coimbra. Set on an organic smallholding, a natural spring provides the water and energy courtesy of the sun.

Where: Portugal › Beira › Arganil

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Australia

Straw bale house in the Blue Mountains

Straw bale eco-house accommodation in Leura Australia

This straw bale house forms part of an old dairy farm, now transformed into an award winning eco-retreat. Located in the Blue Mountains region, a World Heritage site, the house is a masterpiece of ingenuity, created mostly from recycled materials with a truth window offering a glimpse of the straw walls within.

Where: Australia › New South Wales › Leura

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France

Beach hut resort in Saint-Tropez

Beach hut accommodation in St Tropez South of France
Widely regarded as being the best beach in the Saint-Tropez area on the French Riviera, Pampelonne plays host to this exclusive resort of thatched beach huts. Fully equipped, including wireless internet, not all of the huts have direct front-facing sea views and the ones that have are naturally more expensive.

Where: France › Côte d'Azur › Saint-Tropez

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Netherlands

TV tower overlooking Rotterdam

Euromast TV tower hotel in Rotterdam The Netherlands
A regular tourist attraction since it was built in the early 1960's, this former TV tower has two luxury suites commanding the best views of Rotterdam. There can't be many hotels in the world that allow their guests to abseil and rope-slide, but from May 2008 you'll have the opportunity to give it a go. It would be rude not to!

Where: Netherlands › South Holland › Rotterdam

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Morocco

Charming riad hotel in Marrakech

Riad hotel accommodation in Marrakech Morocco
Just a short stroll from the Djemaa El Fna, where all the drama of Marrakech unfolds 24/7, this charming riad hotel is located in the Mouassine district of the city's old medina. Its vast roof top terrace, with plenty of discreet corners, offers views over the city with the Atlas Mountains forming a majestic backdrop.

Where: Morocco › Marrakech

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Italy

Boutique straw bale hotel in Lana

Esserhof straw bale hotel in South Tyrol Italy
Perhaps the most surprising fact about this boutique eco-hotel is not so much it was built using straw bales, but that it didn't win the regional architecture award - it came second! Situated in South Tyrol, the mostly German speaking region of Italy, Esserhof is a simple yet impressive example of organic architecture.

Where: Italy › South Tyrol › Lana

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South Africa

Floating shed in Kraal Bay

Houseboat accommodation in Western Cape Province South Africa
This houseboat may look like a garden shed floating on a pontoon but appearances can be deceptive as it can accommodate up to six people in its three cabins. Moored at Kraal Bay, in the Langebaan Lagoon, where you'll enjoy year-round sunshine, plenty of silence and an entire national park to yourself.

Where: South Africa › Western Cape Province › Kraal Bay

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Sweden

Forest huts at the Kolarbyn eco-lodge

Forest huts at the Kolarbyn eco lodge Sweden
Regarded as Sweden's most primitive hotel, the Kolarbyn eco-lodge is set in dense forest by the beautiful Lake Skärsjön, just two hours from Stockholm. There's no electricity in these thirteen cosy little huts but that's all part of the appeal. Families with kids seeking true adventure, and fun, will find it all here.

Where: Sweden › Västmanland › Skinnskatteberg

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USA

The lighthouse on Rose Island

Lighthouse accommodation in Rhode Island USA

Ever fancied yourself as a lighthouse keeper? Well, here's your big chance. Accessible only by boat, this working lighthouse on Rose Island is offering a unique and rewarding holiday experience where, for a fee, you'll be in charge for a week. Your first official duty will be to take down the flag at sunset.

Where: USA › Rhode Island › Newport

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