Filed under: Travel News
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You'd be forgiven for thinking this white-sand paradise was in some far-flung exotic destination. But you'd be wrong.
Because this holiday idyll is actually an indoor resort found in a snow-covered former Soviet military air base in Krausnick, Germany.
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The Tropical Islands Resort occupies a hangar built originally to house airships designed to haul long-distance cargo - but is now a haven for winter-weary Germans.
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It offers visitors a tropical getaway complete with exotic flora and fauna, a beach, lagoon, restaurants, water slide, evening shows, sauna, adventure park and overnights stays ranging from rudimentary to luxury.
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It might not be the Caribbean, but it's a start...
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Fancy your own real-life getaway? Try one of these sunny hotspots:
Secret sunny escapes
- Bosnia<p> Bosnia may be best known for its war-torn past, but this image hides surprisingly beautiful countryside with sparklingly clean rivers and waterfalls, unspoiled beaches, friendly people and sunny summers, with temperatures of up to 27C. And it's cheap too. A seven-day Bosnia Adventure tour costs from £299 per person including b&b accommodation, a local guide and mini-bus transportation with <a href="http://balkanroadtrip.com/" target="_blank">balkanroadtrip.com</a></p>
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- Hadahaa, Maldives<p> More than 10km away from the nearest inhabited island, Hadahaa is in the remote south of the Maldives and surrounded by pristine coral reef. Being remote doesn't mean roughing it, though, Hadahaa is a five-star luxury resort complete with spa, dive centre and two fabulous restaurants. From 636 USD (approx £405) per night, all-inclusive, for a Park Villa. Visit <a href="http://maldives.hadahaa.park.hyatt.com/ " target="_blank">maldives.hadahaa.park.hyatt.com. </a></p>
![Hadahaa, Maldives]()
- Folegandros, Greece<p> Folegandros is known as the 'Island of Peace', and, as the name suggests, you won't find any wild nightlife here, just whitewashed houses, traditional villages and undiscovered beaches. Seven nights in July, including flights, ferry transfers and apartment accommodation, costs £1250 per person with <a href="http://www.islands-of-greece.co.uk" target="_blank">islands-of-greece.co.uk</a>.</p>
![Folegandros, Greece]()
- Almeria, Spain<p> One of the few remaining untouched areas of the Mediterranean - and its sunniest - Almeria is home to Europe's only desert, where much of Lawrence of Arabia was shot. A walking tour along the coastline will take you past dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, salt flats, red hills and the Cabo de Gata National Park. A one week self-guided walking holiday along the coast of Almeria costs £518 per person, not including flights. Visit <a href="http://www.inntravel.co.uk" target="_blank">inntravel.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![Almeria, Spain]()
- Eastern Algarve, Portugal<p> The idea Algarve conjures up images of crowded villa resorts and golf clubs, but the eastern end of this coast is still largely untouched and home to rural boutique hotels such as Fazenda Nova, a stylishly converted farmhouse only 25 minutes from Faro airport.Rooms from €155 per night, b&b. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.fazendanova.eu" target="_blank">www.fazendanova.eu</a>.</span></p>
![Eastern Algarve, Portugal]()
- Alentejo, Portugal<p> Portugal's other secret is Alentejo - a perfect base for exploring the traditional villages, megalithic monuments, castles and stunning views of Portugal's sleepy, secret south-central region. A seven-night cycling tour staying in this cosy farmhouse£716 per person, including b&b accommodation and cycle tour. Visit <a href="http://www.freedomtreks.co.uk." target="_blank">freedomtreks.co.uk.</a></p>
![Alentejo, Portugal]()
- Faralya, Turkey<p> Veer off the beaten track in Turkey, away from mega-resorts like Marmaris, to Faralya, where you'll find this eco-chic gem overlooking the Aegean and right on the Lycian Way trekking path. Seven nights at the <a href="http://www.perduehotel.com" target="_blank">Perdue Hotel</a> costs from £1,090 per person, including flights. Visit <a href="http://www.elixirholidays.co.uk" target="_blank">elixirholidays.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
![Faralya, Turkey]()
- Puglia, Italy<p> The Puglian coastline remains off most British travellers' radar, but tucked away between Brindisi and Bari, right on the Adriatic sea, you'll find Masseria San Domenico, a 15th century former watchtower, now a small luxury hotel with old-school service and child-free peace and quiet. Five nights at the Masseria San Domenico costs from £1,130 per person, including flights and transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk." target="_blank">abercrombiekent.co.uk.</a></p>
![Puglia, Italy]()
- Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda<p> With views of three bodies of water - the open Atlantic, the protected North Sound lagoon and the turquoise Caribbean sea - 140 acre <a href="http://www.biras.com" target="_blank">Biras Creek</a> has a pretty spectacular location, kept secret to all but guests staying in one of the resort's 31 suites by the fact it's only accessible by boat and helicopter. Garden suites from $400 per night.</p> <p> </p>
![Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda]()
- Fernando do Noronha, Brazil<p> The stunning islands of the secluded Fernando do Noronha archipelago off the North East Coast of Brazil are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with only 500 people allowed to stay there at any one time. In addition to the 499 or so other visitors, you'll share beach and sea space with dolphins, turtles and tropical fish.<7 days at the Pousada France in Fernando do Noronha costs from £2522 per person, including international and domestic flights and transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk" target="_blank">journeylatinamerica.co.uk</a>.</p>
![Fernando do Noronha, Brazil]()
