Island Travel
Coolstays: The Ultimate Alternative for Unique and Sustainable Accommodations
2025-09-04

Coolstays.com has emerged as a groundbreaking platform, redefining the travel accommodation landscape by moving beyond conventional lodging options. Unlike typical booking websites saturated with uninspired properties, Coolstays curates a distinct collection of quirky, character-filled, and environmentally responsible stays. Launched in the UK in 2013, the site now showcases over 3,000 properties globally, ranging from renovated vintage trains and working windmills to 16th-century forts and 18th-century jails transformed into hotels. This innovative approach caters to discerning travelers who seek unique experiences and value sustainability, as Coolstays is a carbon-neutral certified company with wildlife partnerships and a robust eco-rating system for its properties, many of which utilize renewable energy sources.

The allure of Coolstays lies in its diverse array of unconventional settings, offering everything from the whimsical to the truly remote. Imagine inhabiting a genuine castle like Middleton Castle in eastern England, a 15th-century marvel encircled by a moat, capable of hosting up to 30 guests across 15 bedrooms. After indulging in a royal slumber, visitors can explore nearby Heacham Beach or embark on safari-style excursions at the Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. For those drawn to spiritual or romantic getaways, a restored Gothic church in Somerset awaits, complete with stunning stained-glass windows, a hot tub, and a private cinema room. In Southern Italy, guests can retreat to hotel suites intricately carved into ancient caves, offering breathtaking views of Murgia National Park. For the adventurous spirit, the Peace and Quiet Hotel in the Swedish Lapland countryside presents an Arctic dream, accessible only by dogsled, snowmobile, or boat. These unique accommodations feature glass ceilings and fronts, perfect for experiencing the mesmerizing Northern Lights, complemented by spa treatments, reindeer encounters, skiing, and dogsledding.

A core tenet of Coolstays' mission is its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. The platform enables users to specifically search for sustainable properties, each rated for its eco-friendliness. A prime example is the Treshnish Shepherd's Hut on Scotland's Isle of Mull, an off-grid glamping experience boasting a Green Tourism Gold Award and Coolstays' highest 5-leaf eco-rating. This cozy hut includes an ensuite bathroom, a wood-burning stove, and a small kitchenette. Guests can unwind in the private outdoor bathtub while enjoying ocean views and observing sheep in neighboring fields, with a wood-fired pizza oven available for alfresco dining. The area offers numerous activities, including the Treshnish Headland walk and wildlife tours to spot dolphins, whales, and puffins on nearby islands. Another remarkable eco-friendly option is the Wolf Wood Spa Treehouse in Devon, England, a luxurious arboreal retreat featuring an outdoor hot tub, sauna, and panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows. This property has also earned a Green Tourism Gold award for its use of solar panels and biodiversity efforts, including planting over 600 trees since 2017. For a more contemporary and extraordinary stay, Coolstays features the PYTCHAir, an eco-friendly converted Boeing 727 located in Bristol, England. Powered entirely by over 300 solar panels, this unique retreat combines opulent retro-glam interiors with lavish lounges, an outdoor private hot tub, and a fully fitted cockpit, offering a private jet experience without the carbon footprint.

Coolstays stands out as a visionary platform that not only provides extraordinary travel experiences but also champions environmental stewardship. By curating a collection of truly unique and sustainable properties, it offers travelers a refreshing and responsible way to explore the world, fostering memorable stays that go beyond the ordinary and align with a conscious approach to tourism.

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