World’s first sandcastle hotel opens
Dutch sand sculptors have taken a childhood fantasy to a new level by creating the world’s first real-life “sandcastle hotel”, complete with a drawbridge and turrets.
Curious tourists and the young at heart flocked this summer to the small southern Dutch city of Oss to spend a night in a specially-built room deep inside the massive sculpture made entirely of sand.
Constructed from tonnes of sand trucked in especially for the purpose and reinforced with wood, the room gives those spending the night the unique experience of sleeping in a real-life sandcastle, and comes complete with sand-carved sculptures.
“It’s crazy!” said Dutch mechanic Erwin after sleeping in the sand hotel to celebrate his “twelve-and-a-half year anniversary” with his partner.
“I wanted to do something special and it’s a bit of a childhood dream of mine to sleep in a sandcastle,” Erwin, who declined to give his surname, said.
“The idea came from the ice hotels in Finland and Sweden,” says hotel manager Maud van Leeuwen, referring to the popular Scandinavian resorts that spring up in winter, featuring ice beds and room temperatures of about minus 8C.
“We have many artists who work with both sand and ice and suddenly we thought – why not build a sand hotel?” Van Leeuwen said.
Conditions are less harsh at the sand hotel, with guests being welcomed by a comfortably turned-down bed and fully-equipped bathroom for an overnight stay costing 150 euros ($A233).
But like the Scandinavian ice hotels, the sand hotel is built as an ephemeral artwork and will be broken down at the end of summer.
Two sand hotels were built in the Netherlands at venues where annual sand sculpture festivals are being held: one in Oss and the other in the northern Frisian city of Sneek.
In Oss, hotel guests can marvel at a collection of life-sized sand-sculpted dinosaurs, medieval explorers and robots while a “trip through Asia” is the theme in Sneek.
Guests need not worry about getting sand in their beds: the hotel offers a luxurious overnight stay in a “regular” bed and the floor is lined with a plush grey carpet.
“People say: ‘It’s a sand hotel, it’s going to be a like a muddy puddle’ but in fact it’s very luxurious,” Van Leeuwen laughed as she prepared the room, setting out two crystal glasses and a bottle of Italian bubbly.
The decor and structure however is indeed made from sand treated with a special lime to help it bind and harden, thereby preventing the room from crumbling in on its residents.
“The room was first built with wooden panels and then covered with sand,” for safety reasons, Van Leeuwen explained.
A sand-carved bust of Cleopatra stands in one corner while elsewhere in the room the city of Oss is represented by its coat-of-arms – also in sand.
“Touch the walls – you can feel it’s very hard,” Van Leeuwen said.
Sadly, a stay at the sand hotel will soon come to an end with the summer, Van Leeuwen said, saying the venue premiered to a bumper season.
“I think for some people it’s a childhood fantasy to sleep in a sandcastle, while for others it’s a bit like going on an adventure, or for a special occasion,” she said.
The sand hotels are expected to be back at same two venues next year – and will perhaps also make an appearance in Germany and Britain.
Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images and cw39
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!