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Imagine staying the night deep in
the desert,
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00:00:08,723 --> 00:00:10,723
sleeping underneath the stars...
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00:00:14,003 --> 00:00:16,083
..lodging in an airship hidden in a
forest...
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00:00:19,163 --> 00:00:22,363
..or holidaying in a resort perched
on top of a glacier.
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00:00:24,243 --> 00:00:27,523
In this series, we venture across
the globe...
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00:00:28,203 --> 00:00:31,643
It's literally built into the rock.
You wouldn't even know it was here.
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00:00:31,683 --> 00:00:35,163
..to reveal some of the world's most
unique hotels...
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00:00:35,203 --> 00:00:38,003
hidden in the most surprising of
places.
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00:00:38,043 --> 00:00:41,723
Even people who are from here, they
have no idea
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00:00:41,763 --> 00:00:43,763
that this is here.
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00:00:43,803 --> 00:00:45,803
From reinvented bunkers...
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00:00:45,843 --> 00:00:47,883
and converted jumbo jets...
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00:00:49,163 --> 00:00:51,163
I've never experienced something
like this.
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00:00:51,203 --> 00:00:53,203
It's just a really cool place.
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00:00:53,523 --> 00:00:56,883
..to floating hideaways and
futuristic escapes...
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00:00:57,643 --> 00:00:59,643
Like nothing I've ever seen before!
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00:01:02,323 --> 00:01:04,723
We meet the teams who keep them
running...
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We're inviting people to create
unforgettable experiences.
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00:01:09,923 --> 00:01:12,403
..and the guests living their
dreams...
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This is an entrance you don't
normally see, isn't it?
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00:01:15,003 --> 00:01:17,003
Wow!
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00:01:17,043 --> 00:01:19,043
..as we explore...
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00:01:26,363 --> 00:01:29,523
This time, we travel to the Scottish
wilderness
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in search of space ships.
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00:01:32,683 --> 00:01:35,643
There's a secret path, and then if
you come round the corner...
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you see the airship.
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00:01:39,243 --> 00:01:41,323
We visit the Welsh mountains to
probe
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some mysterious-looking spheres...
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They are very hidden.
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Very individual, very secret.
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00:01:49,683 --> 00:01:52,723
And we explore a tower in Greece
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with a deadly history.
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To me, it feels like going back in
time.
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It felt like, for me, going back
into a fairy tale.
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00:02:05,923 --> 00:02:09,283
Our adventure begins deep in the
mountains of Italy.
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00:02:18,963 --> 00:02:20,963
700km north of Rome,
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00:02:22,043 --> 00:02:25,523
and more than 3,000m above sea
level,
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soars the majestic Hochjochferner
Glacier.
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00:02:35,643 --> 00:02:38,603
The glacier sits on top of Mount
Grawand.
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It is considered an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty,
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00:02:42,723 --> 00:02:46,363
and has been designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
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During the winter months, those in
search of an adrenalin fix
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flock to this ski resort.
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00:03:00,203 --> 00:03:03,563
And in summers, hikers take
advantage of
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the mountain air and spectacular
views.
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00:03:07,763 --> 00:03:09,803
Deep in the Val Senales Valley
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is the village of Maso Corto.
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00:03:13,723 --> 00:03:16,563
It's a bustling hub for tourists all
year round.
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Ski lifts...
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00:03:20,243 --> 00:03:23,563
and a cable car dart off in
different directions,
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00:03:23,603 --> 00:03:26,243
shuttling people around the
mountains.
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Perched right up in the clouds...
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accessed in winter only by the cable
car's uppermost station,
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is...
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the Grawand Glacier Hotel.
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Like a futuristic eagle's nest,
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frozen in ice, this is the highest
mountain hotel in Europe.
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From the ground, you'd never know
this place existed.
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00:04:10,083 --> 00:04:12,083
You are at the end of the valley.
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00:04:12,763 --> 00:04:15,483
And you look up to the mountain,
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00:04:15,523 --> 00:04:18,163
and at the top you see a little
house,
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00:04:18,203 --> 00:04:20,203
but it's a large house.
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00:04:22,723 --> 00:04:26,723
The hotel took three years to build,
and opened in 1975.
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A cable car was constructed first,
and used to
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transport workers and materials up
to the mountain peak.
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Here, you can immerse yourself in a
peaceful world of ice and snow,
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far away from civilisation, a place
where
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you can leave the stress of everyday
life
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thousands of metres below you.
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We are surrounded by over 126
mountain peaks.
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00:05:00,443 --> 00:05:04,723
If you wake up in the morning, and
you look around,
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it's like being in the cinema.
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It's great. You see all the
mountains.
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00:05:11,643 --> 00:05:13,643
You'll see the sun coming up.
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00:05:15,683 --> 00:05:17,683
That's very, very special.
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00:05:21,283 --> 00:05:25,163
Every inch of this hotel was
designed with views in mind...
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..from the restaurant...
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..to the bedrooms...
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..and the viewing deck.
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00:05:42,523 --> 00:05:46,283
Looking north towards Austria is the
Weisseespitze.
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00:05:48,123 --> 00:05:50,123
To the east, there's the Similaun.
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And due south is the imposing Mount
Cevadale.
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STRONG WINDS BLOW
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00:06:04,243 --> 00:06:08,003
Because of its location, the hotel
has a distinctive shape.
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00:06:08,043 --> 00:06:10,043
Some say it looks like a space ship
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00:06:10,083 --> 00:06:12,883
that's landed on a ridge in the
glacier.
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00:06:12,923 --> 00:06:14,923
It's built across two levels.
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On the lower floor, 30 double rooms
with panoramic windows
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00:06:19,603 --> 00:06:21,603
span either side of the rear of the
hotel.
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00:06:22,523 --> 00:06:24,523
There are also five triple rooms,
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00:06:24,563 --> 00:06:27,843
and a family suite along the wider
section at the front,
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00:06:29,363 --> 00:06:31,483
as well as a boot room, a gym,
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00:06:31,523 --> 00:06:33,523
sauna, a treatment room,
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00:06:33,563 --> 00:06:35,563
and a laundry room.
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00:06:36,323 --> 00:06:38,563
On the upper level is the reception,
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a bar, and a restaurant with
panoramic windows
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to take in the incredible scenery,
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alongside an open-air viewing deck.
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The style is Alpine style,
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with big windows.
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00:07:03,523 --> 00:07:07,603
You don't need TV, you have only to
look at the mountains.
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00:07:08,563 --> 00:07:11,803
There's no doubt the views are
breath-taking,
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but so is the altitude.
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00:07:14,483 --> 00:07:18,723
Oxygen levels here are 30 per cent
lower than those at sea level.
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00:07:20,243 --> 00:07:23,163
The first night, maybe, for a lot of
people,
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00:07:23,203 --> 00:07:27,083
because the highness of 3,000m,
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00:07:27,123 --> 00:07:29,163
maybe they don't sleep very well,
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00:07:29,203 --> 00:07:32,763
but after the second or third, you
really will enjoy it.
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00:07:37,603 --> 00:07:41,523
During peak season, the hotel can
accommodate up to 80 guests.
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And those guests need
round-the-clock service.
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00:07:45,803 --> 00:07:48,163
So, to keep things running smoothly,
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there are 20 staff permanently
living on site.
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00:07:52,563 --> 00:07:56,083
Helmut Mellauner joined the front
of house team about a month ago,
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and the first thing he had to
overcome was the altitude.
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I had to get acclimatised, you know.
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00:08:02,803 --> 00:08:04,803
To the oxygen.
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All these physical circumstances,
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00:08:07,323 --> 00:08:10,043
but after three days everything is
fine.
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It is a secret place to me.
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00:08:16,683 --> 00:08:19,643
Although I come from this province
here,
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up till almost one month and a half
ago
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00:08:23,683 --> 00:08:25,683
I didn't even know that this place
exists.
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00:08:33,203 --> 00:08:36,323
Getting to the hotel is an
experience in itself.
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00:08:36,363 --> 00:08:39,883
Unless you have a helicopter, the
cable car is the only way
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00:08:39,923 --> 00:08:42,723
up the final 1,000m during the
winter months.
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00:08:43,723 --> 00:08:48,243
It takes just six minutes, and it
shuttles around 2,000 people a day.
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00:08:49,083 --> 00:08:53,483
It's almost 40 years old, and has
made around half a million trips
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00:08:53,523 --> 00:08:55,523
up and down the mountain.
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00:08:55,563 --> 00:08:58,523
The machine is nearing the end of
its working life.
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00:08:59,363 --> 00:09:02,443
So the hotel is gearing up to build
a new one
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00:09:02,483 --> 00:09:05,243
which will cost around 14 million
euros,
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00:09:05,283 --> 00:09:08,163
as this place can't operate without
it.
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00:09:10,403 --> 00:09:13,403
The cable car will be a bigger one.
134
00:09:13,443 --> 00:09:18,923
So it can bring about 80 people in
one cable car,
135
00:09:18,963 --> 00:09:24,163
and bring about 700, 800 people per
hour
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00:09:24,203 --> 00:09:26,203
to the mountain.
137
00:09:30,523 --> 00:09:32,563
The cable car isn't just essential
for
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00:09:32,603 --> 00:09:34,683
shuttling guests up and down the
mountain.
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00:09:34,723 --> 00:09:38,843
It's used to deliver crucial
supplies such as food,
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00:09:38,883 --> 00:09:40,883
beverages, and laundry.
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00:09:40,923 --> 00:09:44,723
It's also used by maintenance teams,
and it transports staff.
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00:09:46,403 --> 00:09:48,523
Georgio Della Gatta has worked as
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00:09:48,563 --> 00:09:51,243
the hotel's receptionist for five
years.
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00:09:51,283 --> 00:09:55,283
I love the morning, because at seven
there is the sunrise,
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00:09:55,323 --> 00:09:57,723
and it's very, very wonderful,
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00:09:57,763 --> 00:09:59,843
and you see the purple colour in the
sky,
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00:09:59,883 --> 00:10:04,563
and you have that ten minutes of
quiet, and then start work.
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00:10:07,643 --> 00:10:10,643
Not many jobs offer such
spectacular views,
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00:10:10,683 --> 00:10:12,683
or that fresh mountain air,
150
00:10:12,723 --> 00:10:15,483
but it takes dedication to live on
site full-time.
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00:10:19,643 --> 00:10:23,483
For the first time, it's not easy,
and I try to find some hobby.
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00:10:24,563 --> 00:10:26,563
Painting.
153
00:10:26,603 --> 00:10:28,603
Read many books.
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00:10:35,643 --> 00:10:39,243
This hotel was built to allow winter
sports enthusiasts
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access to incredible ski slopes.
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00:10:42,643 --> 00:10:46,283
But there's another extraordinary
attraction worth seeing here
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that had been hidden in the ice for
more than 50 centuries.
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30 years ago, in late summer,
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a couple of mountain hikers stumbled
across
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00:10:56,443 --> 00:11:00,243
one of the most remarkable finds in
archaeological history.
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00:11:01,123 --> 00:11:06,483
A perfectly preserved 5,300-year-old
mummy,
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frozen in the glacier.
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00:11:09,603 --> 00:11:13,123
The best thing here - Otzi.
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00:11:13,163 --> 00:11:15,163
The oldest man in the world.
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Circa 5,000 years old!
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Found here.
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00:11:23,443 --> 00:11:26,563
Known as Otzi the Iceman, he's been
laid to rest
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00:11:26,603 --> 00:11:29,683
in a specially designed refrigerated
tomb
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00:11:29,723 --> 00:11:32,403
that will preserve his body for many
centuries to come.
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A viewing platform was built 400m
from the hotel
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to commemorate his life.
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00:11:39,563 --> 00:11:42,483
From it, you can see the place where
he was discovered.
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00:11:48,963 --> 00:11:52,723
Construction of this striking
platform was no easy task.
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00:11:52,763 --> 00:11:56,483
Built in parts off-site, they were
transported by trucks
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00:11:56,523 --> 00:11:59,123
as far as possible up the mountain.
176
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Then they were lifted into position
by helicopter,
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00:12:02,443 --> 00:12:04,483
and assembled on the mountain peak.
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00:12:07,443 --> 00:12:09,923
It was a great challenge to build
this platform,
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00:12:09,963 --> 00:12:12,403
because it's all built with steel.
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00:12:12,443 --> 00:12:14,443
There are steps to go up.
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00:12:21,323 --> 00:12:25,323
Building anything at this altitude
has always been a challenge.
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The most recent addition to the
hotel is
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the panoramic roof terrace up on the
top floor.
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00:12:33,443 --> 00:12:39,163
It's a good place to sit back, to
escape hectic everyday life.
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Once you're out here, very relaxing
moments you can spend
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00:12:45,123 --> 00:12:47,723
out here, even if you only stay five
minutes.
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It's one of those captivating views
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that's hard to tear your eyes away
from.
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00:12:56,123 --> 00:13:00,123
But when you do, there will always
be the thrill of the slopes.
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00:13:05,003 --> 00:13:07,003
WIND WHISTLES
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00:13:07,043 --> 00:13:09,043
Still to come...
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00:13:09,083 --> 00:13:11,843
we uncover a remote Scottish
hideaway...
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00:13:13,243 --> 00:13:16,963
It's not just a wee hotel, it's like
a kind of secret club.
194
00:13:17,003 --> 00:13:19,483
You're only going to know where it
is if you've been told.
195
00:13:20,843 --> 00:13:24,243
And an ancient and protected Greek
tower of war.
196
00:13:24,283 --> 00:13:27,683
We had to build all these terraces
197
00:13:27,723 --> 00:13:33,043
to plant literally olive trees,
since we're not allowed
198
00:13:33,083 --> 00:13:36,043
to make any other constructions next
to the building.
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00:13:48,643 --> 00:13:52,723
We're exploring some of the world's
most secret getaways,
200
00:13:54,923 --> 00:13:57,763
from remote lodges hidden in
rainforests...
201
00:14:00,803 --> 00:14:03,963
..to cottages built on lava
fields.
202
00:14:10,203 --> 00:14:12,883
Our next stop is located in
Scotland.
203
00:14:21,523 --> 00:14:24,803
Three-and-a-half hours from the
nearest major airport,
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00:14:25,603 --> 00:14:29,403
surrounded by sea and 1,000m high
mountains,
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00:14:30,163 --> 00:14:32,763
is an area cut off from
civilisation.
206
00:14:35,843 --> 00:14:39,283
The nearest large town is a
five-hour round trip,
207
00:14:39,963 --> 00:14:41,963
and almost no-one lives here.
208
00:14:42,803 --> 00:14:44,803
Or even visits.
209
00:14:45,803 --> 00:14:48,643
It's a place to get away from
everything.
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00:14:49,843 --> 00:14:52,763
For those seeking to escape it all,
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00:14:52,803 --> 00:14:56,803
one ferry, or 45km of single track
lanes
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00:14:56,843 --> 00:14:59,803
along Scotland's Morvern Peninsula
213
00:14:59,843 --> 00:15:02,123
lead to something that looks more
like
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00:15:02,163 --> 00:15:04,243
a scientific outpost than a hotel.
215
00:15:04,283 --> 00:15:06,323
But it's the ultimate retreat for
216
00:15:06,363 --> 00:15:08,523
those looking to escape
civilisation.
217
00:15:10,523 --> 00:15:14,243
Shandelle Horsford manages the site
with her husband Daniel.
218
00:15:14,283 --> 00:15:17,563
The path here leads down to Drimnin,
it's a secret path
219
00:15:17,603 --> 00:15:19,603
that only guests really know about.
220
00:15:19,643 --> 00:15:22,563
Then if you come round the corner,
you see the airship.
221
00:15:34,803 --> 00:15:38,603
This mini-hotel measures 9m by 4.3m.
222
00:15:38,643 --> 00:15:42,203
It can sleep two in an ornate,
bespoke double bed.
223
00:15:43,243 --> 00:15:46,763
There's a shower and toilet, a
galley and breakfast bar,
224
00:15:46,803 --> 00:15:50,763
and a study-living area with
fold-out dining table and desk.
225
00:15:51,843 --> 00:15:54,683
At either end, a huge
floor-to-ceiling curved window
226
00:15:54,723 --> 00:15:57,563
boasts views across the nearby
wilderness.
227
00:15:59,163 --> 00:16:02,323
The building is made from an
aluminium framework
228
00:16:02,363 --> 00:16:04,803
that was assembled by hand on site.
229
00:16:05,723 --> 00:16:09,523
This space-age structure has some
unusual features inside.
230
00:16:12,203 --> 00:16:15,843
Coming into the airship, you'll come
into a nice, cosy living area.
231
00:16:16,923 --> 00:16:20,323
We've got the woodburning stove, a
full galley kitchen,
232
00:16:20,363 --> 00:16:23,403
and a lovely, cosy sort of snuggle
couch.
233
00:16:24,203 --> 00:16:26,843
You walk in, and it's, like, so
calming.
234
00:16:26,883 --> 00:16:29,923
You only have what you need.
Everything's just there.
235
00:16:29,963 --> 00:16:32,163
And just...oh, relaxing.
236
00:16:36,603 --> 00:16:38,883
The building may have a small
footprint,
237
00:16:38,923 --> 00:16:42,883
but the architects worked hard to
make the most of the interior space.
238
00:16:44,003 --> 00:16:47,763
Striking metal and clean
Scandi-style wood panels,
239
00:16:47,803 --> 00:16:50,563
combined with ingenious little
touches...
240
00:16:53,003 --> 00:16:55,563
We have lovely fresh spring water
that comes
241
00:16:55,603 --> 00:16:59,243
straight from an underground source
down at the bottom of the hill.
242
00:17:00,923 --> 00:17:04,643
There's also a fully functioning
bathroom and toilet,
243
00:17:04,683 --> 00:17:09,003
flushed using rainwater collected in
a reservoir below the room.
244
00:17:13,603 --> 00:17:16,003
The airship's divided into two equal
spaces.
245
00:17:16,043 --> 00:17:19,403
From the living area we come through
into the bedroom.
246
00:17:20,243 --> 00:17:24,363
The rear half of the airship has a
bespoke, handmade double bed,
247
00:17:25,563 --> 00:17:28,923
but sleeping in this part of
Scotland isn't straightforward.
248
00:17:28,963 --> 00:17:33,243
It's as far as north as the
sub-Arctic Hudson Bay in Canada,
249
00:17:33,283 --> 00:17:36,643
so in the height of summer, the sun
barely sets.
250
00:17:39,323 --> 00:17:42,563
We've got full blackout curtains for
the summertime,
251
00:17:42,603 --> 00:17:45,723
especially when we don't actually
get any darkness.
252
00:17:47,003 --> 00:17:52,123
We also have the porthole covers so
you can really black out everything.
253
00:17:52,163 --> 00:17:55,883
Each porthole cover is actually made
individually for each window,
254
00:17:55,923 --> 00:17:57,923
because they're all different.
255
00:18:02,403 --> 00:18:06,083
But the real charm of this getaway
isn't the interior,
256
00:18:06,123 --> 00:18:09,843
or even the striking spaceship-like
aluminium exterior.
257
00:18:11,483 --> 00:18:16,523
It's the almost complete escape from
civilisation this place offers.
258
00:18:19,763 --> 00:18:23,123
At both ends of it, it's got these
amazing windows
259
00:18:23,163 --> 00:18:25,163
that just...they're completely open.
260
00:18:25,203 --> 00:18:28,083
It's like...it's like dragonfly eyes
or something.
261
00:18:30,043 --> 00:18:32,443
I always feel a bit like I'm in,
like, a submarine.
262
00:18:33,763 --> 00:18:36,403
Because when you're in the clouds
and sort of you look out,
263
00:18:36,443 --> 00:18:38,443
it's like more under the water than
above.
264
00:18:40,643 --> 00:18:46,523
The spectacular dragonfly windows,
handmade from 32 separate panels,
265
00:18:46,563 --> 00:18:49,643
were extremely hard to create, a
challenge that means
266
00:18:49,683 --> 00:18:53,603
that this airship is unlikely to
ever be replicated.
267
00:18:54,403 --> 00:18:58,443
They facilitate amazing views out
across the rugged wilderness.
268
00:19:00,523 --> 00:19:02,563
The Morvern Peninsula is probably
269
00:19:02,603 --> 00:19:04,963
the least-inhabited area in
Scotland.
270
00:19:05,003 --> 00:19:07,443
There's no roads, it's completely
wild.
271
00:19:08,323 --> 00:19:10,763
A lot of people come up for the
wildlife.
272
00:19:11,843 --> 00:19:15,763
We see a lot of seagulls, but we
also see the orcas come through.
273
00:19:17,123 --> 00:19:19,643
And there's a lots of dolphins and
seals that we can see.
274
00:19:27,883 --> 00:19:31,683
We get a lot of young people sort of
wanting to get away from the city.
275
00:19:31,723 --> 00:19:33,723
We get a lot of artists coming,
actually.
276
00:19:33,763 --> 00:19:36,723
And they just end up sitting for
ages, and looking out,
277
00:19:36,763 --> 00:19:38,763
and getting inspired.
278
00:19:39,603 --> 00:19:41,763
They get to sit here and look out.
279
00:19:41,803 --> 00:19:46,283
On a clear day you can see Ben Mhor,
and all the mountains on Mull,
280
00:19:46,323 --> 00:19:48,323
and in the winter they're covered in
snow,
281
00:19:48,363 --> 00:19:52,083
so you can see the sea eagles flying
around the snow-capped mountains.
282
00:19:53,723 --> 00:19:57,363
We just wanted something different,
and something completely remote
283
00:19:57,403 --> 00:19:59,403
just to get away from everything
else.
284
00:19:59,443 --> 00:20:04,123
It really showcases Scotland's
beautiful scenery and nature.
285
00:20:04,163 --> 00:20:07,643
It's not just a wee hotel, it's like
a kind of secret club.
286
00:20:07,683 --> 00:20:11,323
You're only going to know where it
is if you've been told. Yeah.
287
00:20:11,363 --> 00:20:14,683
This is one of the westernmost
points of the British mainland.
288
00:20:14,723 --> 00:20:19,123
It's extremely remote, but there are
some inhabitants.
289
00:20:20,763 --> 00:20:23,363
These are our babies.
290
00:20:23,403 --> 00:20:26,883
This is Glenda, and Brunhilde.
291
00:20:26,923 --> 00:20:31,203
And Becky. And they're all named
after our grandmas, actually!
292
00:20:31,243 --> 00:20:33,243
And James Brown, the rooster.
293
00:20:35,003 --> 00:20:38,683
Running a hideaway like this in such
a far-flung spot
294
00:20:38,723 --> 00:20:40,723
creates unique challenges.
295
00:20:41,883 --> 00:20:45,243
We have a lot of laundry, and we
actually take that to Oban,
296
00:20:45,283 --> 00:20:47,283
so that's two and a half hours'
drive
297
00:20:47,323 --> 00:20:49,323
to get the laundry done once a
month.
298
00:20:50,443 --> 00:20:54,643
If something goes wrong with a
guest's car, or we puncture a tyre
299
00:20:54,683 --> 00:20:58,243
it takes us an hour and a half to
get to the local garage.
300
00:20:59,563 --> 00:21:01,963
To get our groceries is a full day
out.
301
00:21:02,003 --> 00:21:04,563
It takes us two and a half hours to
get there,
302
00:21:04,603 --> 00:21:08,363
and if you forget anything, it's
another full day out.
303
00:21:08,403 --> 00:21:12,363
A huge megacomplex here would spoil
the wilderness,
304
00:21:12,403 --> 00:21:16,563
so this pint-sized hotel smartly
manages to blend style, comfort,
305
00:21:16,603 --> 00:21:20,403
and seclusion, but building it was a
challenge.
306
00:21:21,403 --> 00:21:24,763
Exposed to the salty sea air of the
Atlantic Ocean,
307
00:21:24,803 --> 00:21:28,763
steel would rust, and the
hard-to-navigate single track
308
00:21:28,803 --> 00:21:31,523
running along one of Scotland's
longest sea lochs
309
00:21:31,563 --> 00:21:33,963
would make machinery hard to
transport here.
310
00:21:34,803 --> 00:21:37,803
Instead, the hotel is made from
around 3,000
311
00:21:37,843 --> 00:21:40,403
lightweight aluminium components,
312
00:21:40,443 --> 00:21:43,723
all of which had to be precision
laser-cut
313
00:21:43,763 --> 00:21:46,763
and welded into sections that could
be assembled on-site.
314
00:21:48,643 --> 00:21:52,003
The result was a rust-proof, easily
transportable design
315
00:21:52,043 --> 00:21:55,883
that could be assembled in one of
Scotland's wildest corners,
316
00:21:55,923 --> 00:21:58,763
giving guests the perfect place to
explore,
317
00:21:58,803 --> 00:22:01,363
AND act as a bolthole from the
elements.
318
00:22:02,563 --> 00:22:06,763
60 million years ago, this area was
an active volcano,
319
00:22:06,803 --> 00:22:10,043
and fossils on the sea shore date
from the Jurassic period
320
00:22:10,083 --> 00:22:12,083
around 200 million years ago.
321
00:22:13,203 --> 00:22:17,883
This place offers charming access to
a spot where you're guaranteed
322
00:22:17,923 --> 00:22:21,763
to be outnumbered by rare and
beautiful wildlife.
323
00:22:21,803 --> 00:22:24,483
This is the ultimate couple's
retreat, I think.
324
00:22:24,523 --> 00:22:27,603
It's very secluded, very romantic,
325
00:22:27,643 --> 00:22:31,403
especially when the fire's going,
and the light are all moody,
326
00:22:31,443 --> 00:22:34,883
and especially when it's sort of
windy and stormy outside.
327
00:22:34,923 --> 00:22:37,243
It's just gorgeous.
328
00:22:37,283 --> 00:22:40,203
It's definitely not your usual hotel
stay.
329
00:22:40,243 --> 00:22:43,443
All these ideas into a tiny, tiny
little space
330
00:22:43,483 --> 00:22:47,723
that actually makes you feel like
you're...elsewhere.
331
00:22:47,763 --> 00:22:50,443
In a sort of make-believe world, or
something.
332
00:22:50,483 --> 00:22:53,643
In a fantasy land, and it's not
something you'd get everywhere else.
333
00:22:53,683 --> 00:22:56,083
It's not four walls and a box, it's
somewhere that
334
00:22:56,123 --> 00:22:58,523
stretches your mind and your
imagination.
335
00:23:05,883 --> 00:23:08,203
Still to come...
336
00:23:08,243 --> 00:23:11,763
A historic tower built to protect
people from attack
337
00:23:11,803 --> 00:23:14,603
that today provides a very different
type of shelter.
338
00:23:14,643 --> 00:23:17,163
I never stayed in a place like this
before.
339
00:23:17,203 --> 00:23:19,203
It's unique for me.
340
00:23:30,523 --> 00:23:34,483
We're exploring some of the world's
most unusual holiday escapes,
341
00:23:36,323 --> 00:23:38,323
from jumbo jet hotels...
342
00:23:39,803 --> 00:23:41,803
..to farmyard milk sheds.
343
00:23:43,963 --> 00:23:46,403
Our next stop is Greece.
344
00:23:54,883 --> 00:23:58,363
With over 13,000km of coastline,
345
00:23:58,403 --> 00:24:01,843
Greece is one of the world's most
popular holiday destinations.
346
00:24:04,643 --> 00:24:07,923
Far away from the large-scale
tourist hotspots,
347
00:24:08,683 --> 00:24:11,443
on the southernmost tip of the Greek
mainland,
348
00:24:12,283 --> 00:24:14,283
is Cape Tainaron.
349
00:24:15,843 --> 00:24:18,643
This is one of the most remote areas
in the country.
350
00:24:21,763 --> 00:24:25,683
Built around 1820, near the remains
of a Mediaeval tower,
351
00:24:26,483 --> 00:24:28,523
is the Tainaron Blue Retreat.
352
00:24:33,483 --> 00:24:36,043
This area is called the Mani
Peninsula,
353
00:24:36,083 --> 00:24:38,563
and this tower was built for war.
354
00:24:46,483 --> 00:24:48,563
After the fall of Ancient Rome,
355
00:24:48,603 --> 00:24:52,283
and the subsequent domination of
Greece by the Ottoman Empire,
356
00:24:52,323 --> 00:24:55,003
the Mani people resisted Turkish
domination.
357
00:24:57,603 --> 00:25:01,603
Local families built watchtowers
like these to defend their lands,
358
00:25:01,643 --> 00:25:04,283
and give warning of any hostile
approach.
359
00:25:07,923 --> 00:25:10,603
With victory gained over the Turks,
360
00:25:10,643 --> 00:25:14,683
Greece became independent, and these
towers eventually fell into ruin.
361
00:25:17,563 --> 00:25:21,363
This tower was discovered by
architect Kostas Zouvelos
362
00:25:21,403 --> 00:25:23,403
in 1994,
363
00:25:24,883 --> 00:25:29,563
although at the time, establishing
a retreat here was the last thing on
his mind.
364
00:25:36,723 --> 00:25:39,603
About 27 years ago,
365
00:25:39,643 --> 00:25:43,803
I visited Mani for the first time in
order to propose to my wife.
366
00:25:44,963 --> 00:25:48,923
As we passed by, we saw the ruin,
367
00:25:48,963 --> 00:25:52,603
and we assumed that the view from
this ruin would be very nice.
368
00:25:52,643 --> 00:25:58,803
As I passed the ruin, I noticed on
the cornerstone the sign for sale.
369
00:26:03,643 --> 00:26:05,963
The unspoiled beauty of this spot,
370
00:26:06,003 --> 00:26:08,883
and the fantastic views convinced
Kostas
371
00:26:08,923 --> 00:26:11,723
it would be the perfect place for a
secret hotel.
372
00:26:14,003 --> 00:26:17,483
So he bought the ruined tower and
the surrounding land,
373
00:26:17,523 --> 00:26:19,523
and made plans to restore it.
374
00:26:19,563 --> 00:26:22,883
However, this was NOT a simple
undertaking.
375
00:26:25,403 --> 00:26:28,203
The permits were quite difficult to
obtain,
376
00:26:28,243 --> 00:26:31,403
because the area is highly
protected,
377
00:26:31,443 --> 00:26:33,723
so we spent around two years
378
00:26:33,763 --> 00:26:36,283
to get all the necessary licences.
379
00:26:42,083 --> 00:26:45,603
Once planning permission had been
granted, the first thing to do
380
00:26:45,643 --> 00:26:49,483
was to secure the building, and then
restore it back to its former state.
381
00:26:51,203 --> 00:26:56,283
The main steps were first of all to
complete the tower,
382
00:26:56,323 --> 00:26:58,323
because the upper floor was missing.
383
00:26:59,723 --> 00:27:01,723
Conservation regulations restricted
384
00:27:01,763 --> 00:27:04,243
any alterations to the building's
appearance,
385
00:27:04,283 --> 00:27:07,603
so Kostas used local stone for the
reconstruction.
386
00:27:09,843 --> 00:27:13,123
Using traditional methods, skilled
local stonemasons
387
00:27:13,163 --> 00:27:15,163
were used to rebuild the walls,
388
00:27:15,203 --> 00:27:20,243
100cm thick at the base, and 60cm
thick at the top.
389
00:27:21,763 --> 00:27:24,803
A traditional lime mortar known as
(GIVES GREEK NAME)
390
00:27:24,843 --> 00:27:27,203
which had been used by the ancient
Greeks
391
00:27:27,243 --> 00:27:30,763
was applied internally and
externally to reinforce the walls.
392
00:27:35,883 --> 00:27:40,003
We tried to apply the minimum
intervention.
393
00:27:40,043 --> 00:27:45,003
We just put literally the
appropriate and necessary elements
394
00:27:45,043 --> 00:27:47,443
so as to make it a liveable space,
395
00:27:48,403 --> 00:27:53,003
and to offer to our guests the
feeling that they stay
396
00:27:53,043 --> 00:27:58,763
in a living monument with all the
authenticity of the place.
397
00:28:01,923 --> 00:28:06,003
With the tower rebuilt, they
constructed a road to the site,
398
00:28:06,843 --> 00:28:08,843
levelled the uneven ground,
399
00:28:09,963 --> 00:28:12,963
and surrounded the spot with dry
stone walls.
400
00:28:15,443 --> 00:28:18,603
We had to build all these terraces,
401
00:28:18,643 --> 00:28:23,683
stone fences, to plant literally
olive trees,
402
00:28:23,723 --> 00:28:27,323
so as to obtain shade for the
summer,
403
00:28:27,363 --> 00:28:31,523
since we're not allowed to make any
other constructions
404
00:28:31,563 --> 00:28:33,563
next to the building.
405
00:28:35,443 --> 00:28:40,403
Kostas used cast concrete and local
stone to build an infinity pool
406
00:28:40,443 --> 00:28:44,163
that teeters on the lip of the 180m
drop.
407
00:28:47,603 --> 00:28:51,523
The swimming pool had to be at the
edge of the property,
408
00:28:51,563 --> 00:28:56,043
giving infinity, offering this
amazing view to the sea,
409
00:28:56,083 --> 00:28:59,203
and also to be very well integrated
410
00:28:59,243 --> 00:29:01,243
to the environment.
411
00:29:08,483 --> 00:29:11,123
From start to finish, the whole
project
412
00:29:11,163 --> 00:29:13,163
took seven years to complete.
413
00:29:14,123 --> 00:29:17,003
Externally, the building now looks
very much
414
00:29:17,043 --> 00:29:19,283
as it would have done 200 years ago.
415
00:29:22,123 --> 00:29:26,643
At full capacity, three rooms can
accommodate up to nine people.
416
00:29:28,523 --> 00:29:32,363
On the ground floor is a double room
with en-suite bathroom.
417
00:29:34,083 --> 00:29:37,003
This leads through to a small suite
with double room,
418
00:29:37,043 --> 00:29:39,283
bathroom and separate single
bedroom.
419
00:29:42,763 --> 00:29:45,283
Above is another terrace,
420
00:29:45,323 --> 00:29:47,843
and a shared kitchen and reception
area.
421
00:29:49,643 --> 00:29:54,203
And on the top floor is the master
suite with bedroom, bathroom,
422
00:29:54,243 --> 00:29:57,683
private balcony, and a second
mezzanine bedroom.
423
00:30:08,763 --> 00:30:11,843
The tower may have a
Mediaeval-looking exterior,
424
00:30:11,883 --> 00:30:16,283
but Kostas has made sure that the
interior is more 21st Century.
425
00:30:19,883 --> 00:30:22,323
The structure inside and outside
426
00:30:22,363 --> 00:30:24,363
had to remain unchanged.
427
00:30:24,403 --> 00:30:27,123
All the facilities and
infrastructure
428
00:30:27,163 --> 00:30:29,643
had to be settled invisibly.
429
00:30:29,683 --> 00:30:32,603
With the stonework restored, Kostas
worked with
430
00:30:32,643 --> 00:30:35,523
electricians and carpenters from
Athens
431
00:30:35,563 --> 00:30:39,083
to create the interior levels, and
make the building fit for purpose.
432
00:30:41,363 --> 00:30:44,363
So, here for example, all the wiring
433
00:30:44,403 --> 00:30:48,163
is behind the mortar, inside the
stones,
434
00:30:48,203 --> 00:30:53,083
and only the vintage switches are
accessible.
435
00:30:59,483 --> 00:31:01,963
Some of the rooms have high vaulted
ceilings.
436
00:31:02,803 --> 00:31:05,323
The modern fixtures and fittings are
made from steel.
437
00:31:08,883 --> 00:31:11,643
The junior suite next-door also has
a plate glass wall
438
00:31:11,683 --> 00:31:13,963
to separate the bedroom from the
bathroom.
439
00:31:15,603 --> 00:31:17,603
Above this is a room that can be
shared
440
00:31:17,643 --> 00:31:19,843
if the whole tower is let out to a
large group.
441
00:31:22,483 --> 00:31:25,963
Now we are in the reception and
kitchen area.
442
00:31:28,683 --> 00:31:32,203
Also, here, we built this staircase,
443
00:31:32,243 --> 00:31:35,843
so as to have access to the master
bedroom.
444
00:31:35,883 --> 00:31:39,403
200 years ago, they didn't have this
staircase,
445
00:31:39,443 --> 00:31:43,123
they had just moveable wooden,
simple ladders
446
00:31:43,163 --> 00:31:47,963
they could easily pull up in case of
an invasion.
447
00:31:58,563 --> 00:32:03,043
The master suite is now at the top
of this steep flight of stairs,
448
00:32:03,083 --> 00:32:05,763
and occupies the two top levels of
the tower.
449
00:32:07,603 --> 00:32:11,883
Above this is a private terrace for
visitors to take in the views.
450
00:32:15,163 --> 00:32:18,363
There is also a private restaurant
on site.
451
00:32:19,283 --> 00:32:21,803
Here, the resort chef serves up a
menu
452
00:32:21,843 --> 00:32:24,123
based on traditional local recipes.
453
00:32:29,843 --> 00:32:32,683
To me, it feels like going back in
time.
454
00:32:32,723 --> 00:32:34,723
Stepping back in time.
455
00:32:34,763 --> 00:32:38,923
And it felt like, for me, going back
into a fairy tale.
456
00:32:40,083 --> 00:32:42,083
And so for me, it was magic.
457
00:32:53,283 --> 00:32:59,043
As we walked in, the first thing we
saw - this huge, amazing view
458
00:32:59,083 --> 00:33:02,923
of the sea, like, never-ending sea.
459
00:33:02,963 --> 00:33:06,443
And rocks on the left, and a little
bay down just below us.
460
00:33:06,483 --> 00:33:08,483
It's infinity.
461
00:33:11,803 --> 00:33:13,803
I never stayed in a place like this
before.
462
00:33:13,843 --> 00:33:15,843
It's unique for me.
463
00:33:18,123 --> 00:33:20,803
For me, it's more peaceful in the
mind...
464
00:33:21,683 --> 00:33:26,363
..to stay here, to clear my mind, to
relax,
465
00:33:26,403 --> 00:33:29,683
to enjoy the view, to enjoy this
unique place.
466
00:33:29,723 --> 00:33:31,723
(QUOTES GREEK SAYING) as we say in
Greece.
467
00:33:31,763 --> 00:33:34,883
Meaning everywhere and always.
468
00:33:36,203 --> 00:33:39,763
The tower may have been built to
protect people from attack,
469
00:33:39,803 --> 00:33:43,083
but today, it provides a very
different type of shelter.
470
00:33:55,843 --> 00:33:57,843
Still to come...
471
00:33:59,003 --> 00:34:03,483
..two unusual spheres that look like
they've landed from outer space...
472
00:34:03,523 --> 00:34:07,243
It's a kind of Narnian experience
where you go through the wardrobe,
473
00:34:07,283 --> 00:34:09,283
and it's a different world.
474
00:34:19,883 --> 00:34:23,763
We're exploring some of the world's
most secret escapes,
475
00:34:25,483 --> 00:34:27,563
from mountain top retreats...
476
00:34:30,283 --> 00:34:32,283
..to lakeside log cabins.
477
00:34:37,083 --> 00:34:39,323
Next, we're heading to Wales.
478
00:34:48,403 --> 00:34:52,683
The Cambrian Mountains lie 70 miles
from Cardiff, in Powys.
479
00:34:54,483 --> 00:35:00,203
The stone in these ancient hills was
forged around 440 million years ago.
480
00:35:01,723 --> 00:35:04,603
It's an area steeped in romance.
481
00:35:05,363 --> 00:35:08,003
This is, effectively, the land of
dragons,
482
00:35:08,043 --> 00:35:10,043
poets, singers.
483
00:35:10,083 --> 00:35:13,443
It's really secret. The locals don't
know where it is.
484
00:35:13,483 --> 00:35:15,603
It fits with the mythology and the
legend
485
00:35:15,643 --> 00:35:17,643
of this wonderful rugged landscape.
486
00:35:19,643 --> 00:35:23,243
For those prepared to brave the
trip, the wilderness here
487
00:35:23,283 --> 00:35:25,923
conceals a remarkable holiday
hideaway.
488
00:35:26,843 --> 00:35:29,603
Down long, winding roads, with no
phone signal,
489
00:35:31,243 --> 00:35:35,203
two high-tech orbs seem to have
dropped from the infinite cosmos.
490
00:35:40,323 --> 00:35:42,323
The Earth Conker...
491
00:35:43,123 --> 00:35:45,123
and the Moon Conker.
492
00:35:46,723 --> 00:35:49,363
They are very hidden.
493
00:35:49,403 --> 00:35:51,403
Very individual. Very secret.
494
00:35:52,643 --> 00:35:54,923
Very much off the beaten track.
495
00:35:54,963 --> 00:35:58,763
We want people to have that sense of
secrecy and isolation,
496
00:35:58,803 --> 00:36:01,483
and just feeling like they have got
a chunk of nature.
497
00:36:08,683 --> 00:36:11,603
Set in 81 acres of pristine forest,
498
00:36:12,403 --> 00:36:15,683
the Earth Conker is made from an
aluminium skeleton,
499
00:36:15,723 --> 00:36:20,163
clad in up to 230mm of thick
insulation,
500
00:36:20,203 --> 00:36:22,883
and thermo-formed plastic panels.
501
00:36:24,243 --> 00:36:27,123
It has one bedroom that can sleep
two guests.
502
00:36:29,443 --> 00:36:32,363
In the sphere's base is underfloor
heating.
503
00:36:33,963 --> 00:36:36,323
Power and water are channelled
through its legs.
504
00:36:38,163 --> 00:36:40,883
Further across the site is the Moon
Conker,
505
00:36:40,923 --> 00:36:43,443
also with room for two guests.
506
00:36:47,643 --> 00:36:50,403
Anjana and David Devoy are the
owners
507
00:36:50,443 --> 00:36:54,723
who have created this cosmic holiday
destination in the middle of
nowhere.
508
00:36:56,243 --> 00:36:59,723
The Earth Conker might be made from
tough, space-age materials,
509
00:37:00,723 --> 00:37:04,563
but inside, that hard modernism is
turned on its head.
510
00:37:06,243 --> 00:37:10,003
It's an kind of Narnian experience
where you go through the wardrobe,
511
00:37:10,043 --> 00:37:12,043
and it's a different world.
512
00:37:12,083 --> 00:37:15,163
Outside, you've got this kind of
hard shell,
513
00:37:15,203 --> 00:37:17,843
designed thing that's dropped out of
the sky.
514
00:37:18,923 --> 00:37:22,083
And then inside you might expect to
be a bit more sterile.
515
00:37:22,123 --> 00:37:24,763
And in fact, it's lovely and soft.
It's cosy.
516
00:37:24,803 --> 00:37:27,083
Come in, play a game, have a cup of
tea.
517
00:37:27,123 --> 00:37:29,123
Loll around on the sofa, read.
518
00:37:31,843 --> 00:37:34,483
One of the secret features of the
Earth Conker
519
00:37:34,523 --> 00:37:37,243
is this system.
520
00:37:37,283 --> 00:37:39,923
It's a bed that turns into tables
and chairs.
521
00:37:40,843 --> 00:37:43,483
So at night, this all pushes
together
522
00:37:43,523 --> 00:37:46,683
and makes a nice, really big
super-king bed.
523
00:37:51,603 --> 00:37:54,443
It might be in the middle of
nowhere, but the Earth Conker
524
00:37:54,483 --> 00:37:56,483
does have access to electricity,
525
00:37:56,523 --> 00:37:58,723
channelled from a barn down the
hill.
526
00:37:59,683 --> 00:38:02,723
So it houses a few 21st Century
conveniences...
527
00:38:04,163 --> 00:38:06,363
You've got a little kitchen with the
electric stove.
528
00:38:06,403 --> 00:38:08,403
You've got a fridge, you've got a
sound bar,
529
00:38:08,443 --> 00:38:11,523
you've got plugs you can charge your
phone on.
530
00:38:11,563 --> 00:38:13,563
There's also a gas-heated shower,
531
00:38:13,603 --> 00:38:16,363
and an eco-friendly composting
toilet.
532
00:38:19,483 --> 00:38:23,123
For guests seeking to escape modern
life completely,
533
00:38:23,163 --> 00:38:26,443
the Moon Conker was designed to be
totally off-grid.
534
00:38:26,483 --> 00:38:30,603
It has no external electricity
source, but that doesn't mean
535
00:38:30,643 --> 00:38:32,643
it's foregone all the luxury.
536
00:38:32,683 --> 00:38:36,403
Power for lighting is provided by
solar panels,
537
00:38:36,443 --> 00:38:39,243
and there's a woodburner for
foraged wood,
538
00:38:39,283 --> 00:38:41,723
and a pizza oven for alfresco
dining.
539
00:38:42,723 --> 00:38:45,843
And instead of a shower, there's an
unusual feature
540
00:38:45,883 --> 00:38:47,963
to help connect guests to nature.
541
00:38:48,003 --> 00:38:51,283
We've got a moon-bathing bath
system, if you like.
542
00:38:52,123 --> 00:38:55,843
We've got our giant kettle. The
flames come up through the middle.
543
00:38:56,563 --> 00:38:58,883
I've got a little bit of cold water
from the river,
544
00:38:58,923 --> 00:39:01,243
which is already in that galvanised
bath.
545
00:39:01,283 --> 00:39:03,283
So we're going to add this hot water
to that one.
546
00:39:03,323 --> 00:39:06,363
Hopefully have something which is a
pretty nice temperature to bathe in.
547
00:39:08,323 --> 00:39:10,323
There we go. Now we're in.
548
00:39:11,243 --> 00:39:13,723
It's just a lovely spot to do a
little bit of
549
00:39:13,763 --> 00:39:16,483
really relaxing, tranquil bathing.
550
00:39:16,523 --> 00:39:20,563
And then we've got some nice Epsom
salts, a little bit of essential oil
551
00:39:20,603 --> 00:39:22,603
to complete the bathing experience.
552
00:39:23,363 --> 00:39:27,163
We're inviting people to create
unforgettable experiences.
553
00:39:29,763 --> 00:39:34,363
For all the technology and design
features, perhaps the real USP
554
00:39:34,403 --> 00:39:38,283
of these domes is their almost-total
seclusion.
555
00:39:38,323 --> 00:39:41,323
Simply arriving here is an adventure
in itself.
556
00:39:41,363 --> 00:39:45,243
It's about experience, so having to
follow signs,
557
00:39:45,283 --> 00:39:47,883
and little rutted roads and
potholes,
558
00:39:47,923 --> 00:39:50,323
it's all part of the adventure of
coming here,
559
00:39:50,363 --> 00:39:52,763
and if it's a little bit secret and
off the beaten track,
560
00:39:52,803 --> 00:39:54,923
for us that is a BIG plus.
561
00:39:55,683 --> 00:39:58,923
It's really different to going to
most hotels, you know,
562
00:39:58,963 --> 00:40:03,403
that sense of secrecy and isolation
here is what is really special.
563
00:40:03,443 --> 00:40:05,883
And there aren't very many hotels
which have
564
00:40:05,923 --> 00:40:08,683
a view like this one over the
Cambrian Mountains.
565
00:40:10,483 --> 00:40:13,003
These forests are among the oldest
in Europe.
566
00:40:13,963 --> 00:40:15,963
The domes are cleverly designed to
567
00:40:16,003 --> 00:40:18,603
blend seamlessly with those ancient
trees,
568
00:40:19,523 --> 00:40:22,123
especially in autumn, when the local
bracken turns
569
00:40:22,163 --> 00:40:25,523
a similar shade of copper to the
Earth Conker's cladding.
570
00:40:27,643 --> 00:40:31,003
The oak leaves become that colour as
well.
571
00:40:31,043 --> 00:40:33,683
There's a large part of the year
when the landscape
572
00:40:33,723 --> 00:40:37,083
blends completely with the
structure.
573
00:40:39,443 --> 00:40:41,843
It is a very space-age looking
object.
574
00:40:41,883 --> 00:40:43,883
It looks as if it's landed here,
575
00:40:44,203 --> 00:40:46,403
but at the same time, we wanted it
also
576
00:40:46,443 --> 00:40:48,643
to sort of meld with what's around
it.
577
00:40:51,123 --> 00:40:53,123
These remarkable hidden pods
578
00:40:53,163 --> 00:40:55,163
were developed by former luxury
automotive
579
00:40:55,203 --> 00:40:59,523
and aerospace
engineer-turned-designer Jag Virdie.
580
00:41:00,643 --> 00:41:04,243
Designing something to be installed
so far off the beaten track
581
00:41:04,283 --> 00:41:06,523
was a huge challenge, and it
required
582
00:41:06,563 --> 00:41:08,723
some extraordinary engineering,
583
00:41:08,763 --> 00:41:10,763
and a lot of legwork.
584
00:41:12,243 --> 00:41:16,843
How do we build a conker in an area
where there is absolutely no access?
585
00:41:16,883 --> 00:41:19,523
It's one hundred per cent modular.
586
00:41:19,563 --> 00:41:23,523
Every component is no more than
about 15 kilos.
587
00:41:23,563 --> 00:41:28,043
There were three of us. We between
us did 184 trips
588
00:41:28,083 --> 00:41:32,563
up the mountain to bring every
single component to the top.
589
00:41:32,603 --> 00:41:37,363
It was like, you know, watching
Sherpas climbing up the mountain
590
00:41:37,403 --> 00:41:39,403
with things, you know, on our heads.
591
00:41:40,123 --> 00:41:45,323
That lightweight design,
hand-assembled module by module on
site
592
00:41:45,363 --> 00:41:49,443
means the carbon footprint of these
pods is extremely low.
593
00:41:49,483 --> 00:41:52,323
They didn't require too much fuel to
transport,
594
00:41:52,363 --> 00:41:54,763
and no major construction equipment
had to be
595
00:41:54,803 --> 00:41:57,043
hauled across the forest to install
them.
596
00:41:59,843 --> 00:42:02,203
You can just put the conker down,
597
00:42:02,243 --> 00:42:05,363
and it has zero impact on its
environment.
598
00:42:05,403 --> 00:42:11,563
And the area that's covered by the
feet is four 700mm diameter pads,
599
00:42:11,603 --> 00:42:15,203
so if you wanted to move it at a
later date, you can just lift it,
600
00:42:15,243 --> 00:42:18,683
rake over the grass, and it will go
back to nature again.
601
00:42:18,723 --> 00:42:23,363
It takes a certain type of person to
come so far off the beaten path,
602
00:42:23,403 --> 00:42:27,763
but even for the most hardy, the
Welsh elements can be pretty brutal,
603
00:42:27,803 --> 00:42:30,123
and David and Anjana wanted the
domes
604
00:42:30,163 --> 00:42:32,163
to be available all year round.
605
00:42:32,203 --> 00:42:35,563
The materials for the conker are
quite unique.
606
00:42:35,603 --> 00:42:39,203
It's got five layers. You've got the
exterior layer,
607
00:42:39,243 --> 00:42:43,403
which protects you from the weather,
and keeps the heat out.
608
00:42:43,443 --> 00:42:45,443
Then we have the insulation
underneath.
609
00:42:45,483 --> 00:42:48,203
The bigger the surface area on the
outside,
610
00:42:48,243 --> 00:42:50,243
the more insulation you need
611
00:42:50,283 --> 00:42:53,963
in order to keep it cool, or keep it
warm.
612
00:42:54,003 --> 00:42:59,603
The fact that it's spherical allows
the surface area to be the smallest
possible.
613
00:42:59,643 --> 00:43:03,803
Not only do we have a small surface
area on the outside,
614
00:43:03,843 --> 00:43:07,963
the outside is reflective, so it
reflects all the cold,
615
00:43:08,003 --> 00:43:10,643
all the heat away from the conker.
616
00:43:12,163 --> 00:43:15,403
The bespoke windows too help
preserve heat.
617
00:43:16,403 --> 00:43:19,323
They're inspired by aeroplane
design, and are fixed
618
00:43:19,363 --> 00:43:22,243
permanently closed to stop that warm
air escaping.
619
00:43:23,243 --> 00:43:27,443
At night they offer views of an
awe-inspiring display.
620
00:43:30,803 --> 00:43:32,843
David Wynn Morgan has been coming
here since
621
00:43:32,883 --> 00:43:35,403
his grandmother brought him as a
child.
622
00:43:35,443 --> 00:43:39,523
He works with Anjana and David,
giving guided tours
623
00:43:39,563 --> 00:43:42,523
that help guests make the most of
the stunning night skies.
624
00:43:44,243 --> 00:43:47,283
One of the most top-secret elements
of the Cambrian Mountains
625
00:43:47,323 --> 00:43:49,323
are its dark skies.
626
00:43:49,363 --> 00:43:52,323
One of the darkest places in Europe.
627
00:43:52,363 --> 00:43:55,123
People come here to discover nature
by day,
628
00:43:55,163 --> 00:43:57,483
and get closer to the stars by
night.
629
00:44:00,323 --> 00:44:04,803
It's about 6,000 stars we can see in
the Cambrian Mountains in one night.
630
00:44:06,163 --> 00:44:12,523
You have the most incredible view of
the stars and the Milky Way.
631
00:44:12,563 --> 00:44:16,523
It is so dark here that you see
every last little bit
632
00:44:16,563 --> 00:44:19,683
of sort of peppercorn detail in the
sky.
633
00:44:19,723 --> 00:44:21,723
It's extraordinary.
634
00:44:25,363 --> 00:44:27,803
It's magical, actually.
635
00:44:27,843 --> 00:44:32,203
It's well worth coming out to the
top of this mountain just to witness
these stars.
636
00:44:33,043 --> 00:44:35,603
It's one of those secrets of the
area.
637
00:44:37,723 --> 00:44:40,283
The stunning combination of remote
location,
638
00:44:40,323 --> 00:44:44,803
spectacular wildlife, and
unparalleled stargazing,
639
00:44:44,843 --> 00:44:47,283
not to mention some stunning design,
640
00:44:48,043 --> 00:44:51,923
make for a great contrast between
modern and ancient
641
00:44:51,963 --> 00:44:55,003
for those intrepid enough to seek
out this hideaway.
642
00:44:56,203 --> 00:45:02,483
It looks so luxurious in middle of
the Cambrian Mountains, and it is a
complete secret.
643
00:45:02,523 --> 00:45:04,763
No-one would even know it's here.
644
00:45:04,803 --> 00:45:07,563
It's nestled in the trees and the
forests.
645
00:45:07,603 --> 00:45:10,203
All you hear is the animals, the
birds,
646
00:45:10,243 --> 00:45:13,403
but you've got a little bit of
luxury of staying
647
00:45:13,443 --> 00:45:16,363
in a nice bed, so you can just fall
asleep,
648
00:45:16,403 --> 00:45:19,283
looking up at the sky, looking at
the stars.
649
00:45:23,403 --> 00:45:27,683
By many measures, these bold, bright
and completely unnatural structures
650
00:45:27,723 --> 00:45:31,043
shouldn't work, but the combination
of design, furnishing,
651
00:45:31,083 --> 00:45:33,203
and ever-so-clever little details
652
00:45:33,243 --> 00:45:37,563
means this a truly special mix of
modern and ancient,
653
00:45:37,603 --> 00:45:40,723
all tucked away in a secret little
corner of Britain.
654
00:45:41,803 --> 00:45:44,163
Before we came to this valley...
655
00:45:44,203 --> 00:45:46,683
It's called (GIVES WELSH NAME)
which is a sheltered valley -
656
00:45:46,723 --> 00:45:48,843
but I think it could equally be the
hidden valley -
657
00:45:48,883 --> 00:45:51,603
there wasn't anything here, you
know, there were just trees.
658
00:45:52,403 --> 00:45:56,283
I think we've always liked that -
creating a different world somewhere
else, a secret world.
659
00:46:18,883 --> 00:46:20,883
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