The Savoy’s website has now gone live.  The Savoy offers a luxury self-catering holiday experience on the Isle of Wight.   The resort offers guests a range of one, two and three bedroom cottages and high quality leisure facilities including an onsite spa.   This is a project which we are involved in via our sister company Planning Solutions Limited.

The accommodation units which are sections of concrete drainage pipes are the brainchild of an art college graduate who created the accommodation to be used in urban parks and at festivals.  

The concrete pipes measure some 2m in diameter and come equipped with a bed, linen and sleeping bags.  

There are no washing/toilet facilities within the units but the prototypes have been placed close to nearby public restrooms and cafes. 

Perhaps, the most interesting aspect is that currently you book online and are issued with a security code to open the unit.  Doing away with the need for permanent onsite staff to manage the facility. For further information visit the Dasparkhotel website.

The National Forest Company has announced plans to develop a youth hostel and campsite.  The Youth Hostels Association is set operate the site which is forecast to attract approximately 12,000 guests per annum.  The work is expected to be completed by summer 2007.

Incidentally, this is opening adjunct to Conkers a major day visitor attraction which our sister company Planning Solutions Limited operates.

The Blackstone Group have acquired seven Center Parcs sites in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.  The seven holiday villages will be leased back to Center Parcs Europe who manage 16 villages in continental Europe.

Another unique guest experience – Eco Camp in Patagonia and Longitude 131 in Austrulia.

The Bothy Lodge Company offers an innovative take on providing luxury accommodation for guests.  Clearly the product is aimed at creating a unique guest experience.  For further information click here.

Travelodge is trialing a ‘mobile bedroom’ “the room comes complete with a luxury double bed, bedside tables, lights, duvet, pillows, fully carpeted floor, dressing table with light, mirror, chair and even its own WC.”  To read more click here.

Butlins the traditional operator of UK holiday villages is offering customers timeshare owner opportunities.   For £6,000 guests can purchase a weeks holiday for 30 years.  The Blueskies scheme is due for completion in March 2007. Source: BBC

The Youth Hostel Association has announced plans to modernise its hostels over the next 10 years in a bid to refocus the product both in terms of revisions to target locations and its main target markets.  The main target markets remain predominantly with young people but also include families with children and independent travellers. 

Accommodation with private showers will replace washrooms and dormitories in many situations.