The Discovery Experience

Intimate Lodging at Small Group | Discovery Tours by Gate 1

Intimate Lodgings Reflect Local Character

Stay immersed in the culture long after your touring day is done

You have never felt so welcomed. Sitting on a plush pillow, you raise your cup for another pour of mint tea from your Moroccan host. All is peaceful around the fire in this desert camp. As darkness falls, the towering dunes turn from faint shadow to black. As the happy chatter of your small band of travelers fills the night air, you say to yourself again: Tonight I will sleep under Sahara stars.

Unique Accommodations Bring Your Destination Alive

Because we're traveling in a small group, we can pass right by those blasé hotels. Instead, we'll opt for intimate, conveniently located lodgings that keep you immersed in the culture. Our regional staff has hand-picked small, unique accommodations whose atmosphere, decorative touches, and genuine warmth reflect the rich traditions of your destination... each dedicated to excellent service and comfort.

Here are some of the unique accommodations you'll enjoy with Discovery Tours:

Dar L'Oussia - Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira's Dar L'Oussia is a lovely beachside hotel. Palm fronds sway in its openair courtyard and warm Moroccan hospitality greets you at every turn. From the rooftop terrace and restaurant, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Hotel amenities include a lounge, 24-hour reception, multilingual staff, steam room, laundry service, and free high-speed internet. Each room offers an exterior entrance from the private courtyard, safe, television, and private bath with shower, hair dryer, and bathrobes.

Villa Contarini Nenzi - Treviso, Italy

The elegant Villa Contarini Nenzi hotel is set in peaceful Marca Trevigiana, an area characterized by age-old locations filled with art and history alongside nature trails and parks. It is strategically located along the Terraglio, the main road between Venice and Treviso. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and wellness centre. Guest rooms are furnished with eighteenthcentury furniture and decor. They are spacious and combine the charm of a period residence with modern comforts.

Bumi Hills - Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

The Bumi Hills Safari Lodge rests on a hill that overlooks breathtaking Lake Kariba. Its infinity pool, outdoor bar, and dining deck offer splendid sunset views, and a delightful path down to the private lakeshore delivers you to a campfire on the beach. From your terrace or balcony, you'll have views of the lake and its abundant birdlife. Each room is air-conditioned with a minibar, coffee/tea maker, and private bath with hot shower.

Colca Lodge & Spa Colca, Peru

With its stone structures, thatched roofs, and terraced property, the Colca Lodge & Spa exudes a true Andean character. The Colca's mesmerizing setting boasts splendid views of the river and valley, and its riverside thermal baths offer the perfect way to end a day of exploring. Its dining room serves a fusion of Peruvian and Swiss cuisine. Each room is richly hued with the earthen colors of the region and includes a private bath with hot shower.

Please note that some Discovery Tours by Gate 1 hotels have not received industry-standard ratings because they may be too small, too new, or too remote. Gate 1 has rated these properties using our exacting standards for quality, service, and comfort. Note also that we use larger hotels when smaller accommodations are not available