Hidden away in Jordan's largest nature reserve you'll find the Feynan Ecolodge, one of the most beautiful ecolodges in the world.

Jordan: Stargazing at the Feynan Ecolodge

At the end of a bumpy road, deep in the heart of the mountainous Dana biosphere reserve, lies the Feynan Ecolodge: an idyllic lodge in Wadi Feynan, which lights up romanticly in the evening with candlelight. Enter the world of Bedouin in the desert-like Dana National Park, about 200 kilometers from Amman: a green oasis between vast sandy plains.
The remote, solar-powered Feynan Ecolodge was awarded by National Geographic Traveler in 2013 as one of the 25 best ecolodges in the world. Only the bathrooms have electricity, generated by solar panels. In the evening, candles made by local Bedouin women light up the pink walls full of traditional handicrafts. In their own words, the entire 26-room lodge uses less power than a two-room apartment in Amman.
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<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/9f45d107-c4cc-4f39-8f18-2898840ebb24/6e0e484f-b2b8-480e-accf-d0d7e95a565d.jpg" alt="Guide guided us through the Dana nature reserve" width="990" />
Salah guided us through the Dana nature reserve.
The eco-hotel is owned by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a Jordanian NGO dedicated to protecting the most beautiful natural landscapes in the kingdom. They protect endangered species in Dana Nature Reserve &ndash; the largest reserve in Jordan where more than 50 percent of all the plants and animals in the country live &ndash; and try to offer local residents new opportunities.
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<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/3b72ad7f-c656-4ff0-a0c2-1998c409810d/9368273c-f50c-48a3-9530-138c8bfece17.jpg" alt="Coffee beans are roasted over the fire in Jordan" width="990" />
Coffee beans are roasted over the fire.
The area full of sandstone cliffs, where the endangered Nubian ibex, Syrian serin (a yellow bird) and the kestrel live, invites you to go on an adventure. At the end of the afternoon, when the worst heat is over, we go for a cup of tea with a Bedouin family in the nature reserve.
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<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/e2328140-d367-41b6-827f-6d5a5c6f501c/2058fdc6-65b6-46de-b435-5d83fde5fdd4.jpg" alt="A Bedouin family in the nature reserve Dana in Jordan" width="990" />
The Bedouin boys are whispering to each other.
There is a heat wave in Jordan when we are visiting and in the middle of the day the temperature rises above 40 degrees. We hang out in the shade of the tents of the traveling nomads. The scent of cardamom fills the open space. &lsquo;The smell of hospitality,&rsquo; says guide Salah.
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<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/5302a232-26ca-4f56-94e6-e781dffacb20/83e72bc3-e6cf-4efe-a7fc-7f73eb64d7bd.jpg" alt="View over a valley in the Dana nature reserve in Jordan" width="990" />
View over a valley in the Dana nature reserve.
We are served Arabica coffee, which is normally stored for special occasions. The beans are baked on the fire, after which they are mashed with a loud, flaky sound, so that all neighbors in the area know that coffee is being prepared. Water is then set up, in which the coffee is cooked. Finally, they grind cardamom that is put in a thermos before the coffee is added. &lsquo;Coffee without cardamom is not coffee for us,&rsquo; Salah laughs as he hands me a cup.
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<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/fc6e675f-e2c9-4f8b-acb0-4dd56ae32ac1/7ea71285-fa65-405d-843f-5d04548a7f65.jpg" alt="A boy climbs a hill during sunset in Dana nature reserve in Jordan" width="990" />
A boy climbs a hill during sunset in Dana nature reserve.
After a sunset hike to the highest peaks of the Dana National Park we go to check out the stars on the roof terrace of the Feynan Ecolodge, which is now romantically lit with candles. Due to the remote location of the ecolodge, you will not be bothered by light pollution. Unfortunately, there is a sandstorm in the Middle East, which hides the clear starry sky behind a layer of dust, while we are here. But it does not make the setting less romantic...

Have you had enough of the cold and gloomy winter weather? Then travel to the village of Kawazu in eastern Japan to celebrate the beginning of spring under the no less than 8,000 blooming cherry blossoms.

Cherry blossom madness in Japan

Everywhere you look, the view is dominated by the pink Sakura trees. Although the flowering season in most areas in Japan only starts in March or April, you can enjoy this colorful miracle much earlier in Kawazu. No trip to Japan planned? Brighten up your day with these photos!
<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/b5b10fd0-2703-48f0-8dab-2906d1c5423f/david-emrich-hb5advcjkms-unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="990" height="661" />Foto: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@davidemrich">David Emrich/Unsplash</a>
How come the blossoms are already blooming in this village? This has to do with the location of Kawazu, which makes it a lot warmer in February than in the rest of Japan. Because most tourists do not know that the flowering season starts a month earlier here, you'll find mainly Japanese people visiting this village.
<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/80947959-85b7-49ab-9009-0cc195b374f5/jonathan-kim-o9f5zlsichs-unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="990" height="557" />Foto: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jonnyxk1m">Jonathan Kim/Unsplash</a>
The time that the cherry blossoms are in bloom is also called the hanami season, which literally means &lsquo;looking at flowers&rsquo;. Many Japanese people come to these Cherry Blossoms Festivals with their friends and family to celebrate the beginning of a new working or school year here while enjoying food and drink.
<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/05e32812-8c83-4687-bd05-7edc7eea7f18/bady-qb-w5tk0gdzn9g-unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="990" height="1485" />Foto: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@bady">bady qb/ Unplash&nbsp;</a>
Cherry Blossoms have a symbolic meaning and are important for Japanese culture. The temporary nature of their beauty is compared to the short duration of life and is therefore also reflected in Japanese art, including many paintings, kimonos or anime drawings.
<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/6ce841e3-034a-4974-8aec-dbfd81a0d425/library-of-congress-awznowzyjno-unsplash.jpg" alt="" width="990" height="1220" />Foto: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@libraryofcongress">Library of Congress/ Unsplash</a>&nbsp;
In about 3 hours you travel by train or bus from Tokyo to Kawazu, where a small locomotive transports you through the romantic landscape. For a truly special experience you have to stay until the end, because then the trees will be illuminated and you will find yourself walking through a magical fairy tale. Don't miss it!
<img src="https://cloud.squidex.io/api/assets/travel-diaries/0c798f9c-98fd-42da-b04b-3a6d366cfccb/yu-kato-824owkp7sgk-unsplash.jpg" alt="yu-kato-824OwkP7sgk-unsplash.jpg" width="990" />Foto: <a href="https://unsplash.com/@yukato">Yu Kato/Unsplash</a>

White beaches, waving palm trees, the crackling sound of the turquoise sea rolling gently over the sand and... nothing else. Welcome to the Secret Gili’s: a dozen small islands that you only share with a handful of other tourists.

The Gili Islands that nobody knows yet

A trip to Indonesia and a visit to the Gili Islands are often mentioned in the same breath. The paradisiacal islands off the coast of Lombok are extremely popular with both backpackers and luxury tourists. While Gili Trawangan is known for its vibrant nightlife and Gili Air is loved by brand new married couples, the Secret Gili's are known for their, indeed, unknownness.
Travelers who are limited in time but still long for peace and beautiful beaches will find a worthy alternative in the Secret Gili's. After all, they are close to the coast in southwestern Lombok and are so small that you can visit several in one day. If you follow the coastline from Mataram, the capital of western Lombok to the south, you'll find the islets Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Kedis and Gili Nanggu where Lombok sticks out its tongue to Bali. In the far west you will find even more of the secret Gili Islands, but for that you have to drive a little further.
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A winding road takes you along idyllic bays with deserted beaches. You pass the port in Lembar and a few kilometers further you arrive in the village of Taun, the departure point for the Secret Gili's.
Colorful, wooden boats float in the water while locals chat in the shade of the trees. Ask for the Secret Gili's and no doubt someone will jump up to help you out. With a private boat you glide over the clear blue water and after 20 minutes you will already come across the island of Gili Kedis. Gili Sudak, Tangkong and Nanggu are only 5 to 10 minutes apart. Perfect for a day trip!
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The green heart of Gili Nanggu is completely surrounded by beaches: you can walk around the entire island in an hour. However, the beach where the boats moor is the most beautiful and the best place to snorkel.
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It is bursting with life so take your snorkel or rent one on the spot. Allow yourself to float on the gentle current in the shallow water and keep your GoPro ready. You'll see purple and yellow coral: the underwater version of Provence, as it were.
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The island is so small that the choice for a restaurant is made for you: after all, there is only one dining tent. Enjoy fresh fish dishes while the sea breeze blows through your hair. Those who want to enjoy this mini-paradise for several days can spend the night in the romantic-looking cottages on Gili Nanggu.
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Also on Gili Sudak there is a simple resort for travelers looking for a quiet getaway. In the cooling shade of the trees you can enjoy fresh squid while admiring the 50 shades of blue of the water. Besides lazing around, it is also great to snorkel here. Those who prefer to be up in the water can rent a kayak and explore the island while paddling.
If you really want to be all alone, you can get dropped off at Gili Kedis. The heart-shaped island is near the coast and is very small. Unless you want to sleep under the starry sky, there are no accommodation options. You can sunbathe, snorkel or just stare into the distance. The only company are the few trees that are standing in the middle of the island.

Asia is not only the largest, but perhaps also the most varied continent on earth. Discover temples, rainforests and white beaches in Thailand, metropolises and vast tea plantations in China and green rice fields and amazing cuisine in Indonesia. Dance along at an Indian festival or sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in the Maldives... Asia has something for everyone!

Asia is not only the largest, but perhaps also the most varied continent on earth. Discover temples, rainforests and white beaches in Thailand, metropolises and vast tea plantations in China and green rice fields and amazing cuisine in Indonesia. Dance along at an Indian festival or sun on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in the Maldives... Asia has something for everyone!

Asia

No better way to experience a destination than to be active in nature. Climbing, rafting, jungle tours, mountain walks, mountain biking, kayaking, water sports&hellip; we love it. Read our blogs for the best place in Canada to spot orcas, a unique northern lights experience and a once-in-a-lifetime ranger course in South Africa!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

No better way to experience a destination than to be active in nature. Climbing, rafting, jungle tours, mountain walks, mountain biking, kayaking, water sports… we love it.

Adventure Travel

Adventure

Traveling will never be 100% ecologically responsible, but by making conscious choices while traveling you can make a big difference. Compensate your CO2 emissions when you fly, take the train or go sailing. Immerse yourself in a destination and ensure that you do not contribute to animal suffering, opt for environmentally friendly activities, sleep in eco-hotels and participate in nature conservation projects. Make sure that you do not have a negative influence on a destination, but that you make a positive contribution. Read our blogs about sustainable travel!

Immerse yourself in a destination and ensure that you do not contribute to animal suffering, opt for environmentally friendly activities, sleep in eco-hotels and participate in nature conservation projects. Read our blogs about sustainable travel!

Sustainable travel

Looking for sustainable travel gadgets, the most beautiful train journeys in the world or the best travel vloggers to follow? Or how about building your own dream house on wheels or the most original gifts for travel enthusiasts? Let the travel tips in our blogs inspire you!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Looking for sustainable travel gadgets, the most beautiful train journeys in the world or the best travel vloggers to follow? Or how about building your own dream house on wheels or the most original gifts for travel enthusiasts? Let the travel tips in our blogs inspire you!    

Travel tips

From cycling along colorful canal houses and endless shopping in stylish Copenhagen to wandering through narrow streets in Lisbon and tips for a summer city trip to Berlin. Read our blog to get inspiration for your upcoming city trip!

From cycling along colorful canal houses and endless shopping in stylish Copenhagen to wandering through narrow streets in Lisbon and tips for a summer city trip to Berlin. Read our blog to get inspiration for your upcoming city trip!

Cities

Vast vineyards, rugged mountain landscapes and amazing cities full of architecture and history ... no continent has as much variety as Europe: within an hour you can find yourself in a completely different world. Drink cocktails on a hip rooftop terrace in Milan, go island hopping in Greece or discover the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands. &nbsp;

Vast vineyards, rugged mountain landscapes and amazing cities full of architecture and history ... no continent has as much variety as Europe: within an hour you can find yourself in a completely different world. Drink cocktails on a hip rooftop terrace in Milan, go island hopping in Greece or discover the mystical beauty of the Scottish Highlands.  

Europe

We love to discover the world! What will be your next destination? Read our blogs and discover the most special places on this beautiful world.&nbsp;

We love to discover the world! What will be your next destination? Read our blogs and discover the most special places on this beautiful world. 

Destinations

From deserts to jungle: on this second largest continent on earth you will discover vast savannas full of animals, white beaches lined with palm trees and remote villages where traditional peoples live. Come face to face with elephants, lions and rhinos on safari or swim with wild dolphins and whale sharks. Africa is the place to be for nature lovers!

 From deserts to jungle: on this second largest continent on earth you will discover vast savannas full of animals, white beaches lined with palm trees and remote villages where traditional peoples live. Come face to face with elephants, lions and rhinos on safari or swim with wild dolphins and whale sharks. Africa is the place to be for nature lovers!

Africa

Hike through impenetrable jungle and stroll through colonial streets. Celebrate Carnival in Rio and climb to the highest peak of Machu Picchu. Dance the tango in Argentina and go surfing in Ecuador. Swim with hundreds of sea lions off the Galapagos Islands and ride a 4x4 across the largest salt flat in the world in Bolivia. South America is a content of extremes. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hike through impenetrable jungle and stroll through colonial streets. Celebrate Carnival in Rio and climb to the highest peak of Machu Picchu. Dance the tango in Argentina and go surfing in Ecuador. Swim with hundreds of sea lions off the Galapagos Islands and ride a 4x4 across the largest salt flat in the world in Bolivia. South America is a content of extremes.     

South America

From the world cities in the United States to the vast national parks of Canada, from the pristine jungles in Costa Rica to hundreds of deserted palm islands off the coast of Panama. Celebrate in Mexico, visit ancient ruins in Guatemala and swim with wild manatees in Belize. Discover deserts, huge forests, deserted roads, snow-covered peaks and rare animal species in the beautiful North-America.

From the world cities in the United States to the vast national parks of Canada, from the pristine jungles in Costa Rica to hundreds of deserted palm islands off the coast of Panama. Celebrate in Mexico, visit ancient ruins in Guatemala and swim with wild manatees in Belize. Discover deserts, huge forests, deserted roads, snow-covered peaks and rare animal species in the beautiful North-America. 

North America

From white beaches, kangaroos and the largest coral reef in the world in Australia to rare birds, deep fjords and snow-covered volcanoes in New Zealand, from diving with whales in French Polynesia to sleeping in the shade of a palm tree in Fiji. Discover jungles, waterfalls, deserts and glaciers in Oceania, the continent with the most remote places in the world!

From white beaches, kangaroos and the largest coral reef in the world in Australia to rare birds, deep fjords and snow-covered volcanoes in New Zealand, from diving with whales in French Polynesia to sleeping in the shade of a palm tree in Fiji. Discover jungles, waterfalls, deserts and glaciers in Oceania, the continent with the most remote places in the world!

Oceania

From a romantic tree house to amazing eco-lodges in the middle of nature, from a tiny house in Washington to a bamboo house in Bali. We love special accommodations and share the best ones we found in our blogs.&nbsp;

From a romantic tree house to amazing eco-lodges in the middle of nature, from a tiny house in Washington to a bamboo house in Bali. We love special accommodations and share the best ones we found in our blogs. 

Asia

Jordan: Stargazing at the Feynan Ecolodge

Cherry blossom madness in Japan

The Gili Islands that nobody knows yet

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