The 4 Elements of Travel: EARTH-AIR-FIRE-WATER
Balance your life with 4 elements style travel
The ancient Greeks believed that there were four elements that everything was made up of: earth, water, air, and fire. Each of the four elements contains its own unique properties, which work simultaneously to create one united universe. Like each one of the Secret Retreats Journeys that has its own unique qualities to offer the experiential seeking traveller.
Experience the true natural wonders of earth, water, air, and fire at these Secret Retreats’ destinations.
– Earth –
Earth Building, Tulou Boutique Hotel
Fujian, Great China
Earth: Created in Earth style building, Tulou Boutique Hotel is set in an ancient rural village in green hills and well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in history, architecture or traditional culture.
Located in the unspoilt Taxia village, a UNESCO Word Heritage site, the hotel is a luxury stay, but also a well-protected historic site. Around the property, the village has a history of more than 600 years and includes many well-preserved original Tulou Buildings. Get lost in culture and forget the time as you take tea in the tea rooms and observe the people and their unique lifestyle, join a pottery workshop or listen to the traditional Hakka music while admiring the timeless scenes surrounding you and the mountains beyond.
Earthly Elegance in the Heart of Ladakh, Chospa Hotel
Leh, India
Paying homage to the traditional architecture of the Ladakh region, the Chospa Hotel in Leh embodies the essence of the element of earth. This eco-luxe, family-run property is crafted from compressed stabilized earth blocks, creating thick walls that provide peace and quiet while keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. The sturdy exterior, with its solid geometric design, contrasts beautifully with the airy, spacious interior. High narrow windows flood the rooms with natural light, and the design thoughtfully incorporates locally sourced, ecologically sustainable materials. Each of the 17 Club Rooms showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary comfort and traditional craftsmanship, with solid wooden desks, quality linens, and locally crafted furnishings. Guests can enjoy freshly baked delights at the Old Road Café & Bakery or savor traditional Ladakhi and Tibetan dishes at the Juniper Restaurant. The Chospa Hotel offers a true sanctuary in the heart of Ladakh’s largest city, allowing guests to connect deeply with the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
– Air –
Fresh Mountain Air, Qayaam Gah
Kashmir India
Qayaam Gah Hotel in Srinagar, India, captures the essence of the element of air. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan mountains and overlooking the serene Dal Lake, the hotel offers a tranquil retreat where guests can breathe in the crisp, refreshing mountain air. The architecture, inspired by local Kashmiri design elements, is perfectly positioned to allow guests to enjoy the best views of the surrounding nature, mountains, and Dal Lake. Many rooms feature private balconies or patios, inviting guests to unwind while taking in the stunning vistas and the soothing sound of the wind rustling through the trees. The beautifully landscaped gardens and colorful flowers around the hotel further enhance the serene ambiance, creating a haven of peace and tranquility. Guests can enjoy the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace while sipping on a cup of Kashmiri Kahwa, feeling the gentle breeze that carries the scent of the mountains. This unique setting encourages visitors to slow down, live in the moment, and find inner peace and rejuvenation.
– FIRE –
Warung Cooking Class, Tugu Bali
Bali, Indonesia
Fire: Fire up your cooking skills in a traditional Balinese-style kitchen, complete with wood-fired mud brick stoves. The Warung cooking class in Hotel Tugu offers more than just a cooking experience. This museum boutique hotel owned by an Indonesian antiques collector since the mid 1960s contains one of the largest original art collections in Southeast Asia. With architecture inspired by a secluded village in Central Bali. The charming thatched suites are peppered amid lush tropical gardens and lotus ponds.
The Warmth of Fire in the Himalayas, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge
Pokhara Valley, Nepal
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal offers an enchanting experience that beautifully embodies the element of fire. Perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Annapurna mountain range, the lodge provides a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can gather around a beautiful central fireplace. As the sun sets, the fire pit becomes the heart of the lodge, where travelers can share stories, enjoy the mesmerizing dance of the flames, and bask in the warmth on cool mountain evenings. The lodge’s design, with its traditional stone walls and wood accents, complements the natural beauty of the surroundings, while the fireplace adds a cozy, communal touch that brings people together. Whether enjoying a quiet moment of reflection or engaging in lively conversation, the fireplace at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge offers a perfect blend of comfort and connection, making it an integral part of the guest experience.
– Water –
Cottages over the water, Papua Paradise Eco Resort
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Set on the uninhabited island of Birie in the Raja Ampat archipelago of Indonesia, Papua Paradise Eco Resort embodies the element of water. The resort’s 26 traditional and comfortable overwater bungalows offer incredible sea views across the House Reef. From their spacious decks, guests often catch glimpses of passing turtles, sharks, manta rays, and even dugong in the surrounding reefs. The pristine nature of the island and its surrounding waters create a paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling, with an equally rich diversity of flora and fauna above water, including the spectacular bird of paradise. Papua Paradise Eco Resort features the only luxury spa in Raja Ampat, a 5 Star PADI dive center, a restaurant, and a bar, all set between the sea and pristine jungle. The resort echoes only with the sound of gentle waves below the bungalows and the calls of exotic birds from the surrounding jungle, making it the perfect place to escape a busy modern life and immerse yourself in nature both above and below the waterline.
Whether it’s the serene waters, refreshing air, grounding earth, or captivating fire, Secret Retreats offers a unique and unforgettable stay at each of our handpicked properties. Book your escape with Secret Retreats today and discover the perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and natural beauty. Your extraordinary adventure awaits.
