A wonderful place to stay at Antarctica? White Desert hotel will help!

Welcome to the 21st century, when almost anything is possible, even traveling to Antarctica – the Earth’s most southern continent - for a vacation. However, not only the idea of traveling to the coldest place on Earth is exciting; but to stay in Antarctica in fiberglass pods at White Desert hotel - one of the most luxury yet environmental-friendly hotels – is something that will make you unable to forget.

The igloo-shaped pods of White Desert hotel, Antarctica

When to visit and stay?

Apparently, you cannot just get on your plane and come to White Desert hotel every time you want to. Despite their off-the-top price (up to €68,000/person), the demand for a sleeping pod here is pretty high, and the owners shared that it is advisable to book your stay at least 1 year ahead.

Officially, the hotel opens its luxury pods only on November and December. However, this can be changed due to weather conditions. For instance, in 2015 the famous hotel in Antarctica had to send apologies to their guests for not being able to welcome them on November due to harsh weather situation then. Check the weather, contact the hotel and cross your fingers for your best luck!

How to get there?

Make sure that you contact the hotel beforehand, so they can offer to schedule transportation for you. If you still want to know the brief details, here you are.

Transportation map of Antarctica

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Once you have reached Cape Town International airport in Cape Town (South Africa), a 6-hour flight to Antarctica’s “Unknown Int. Airport” will bring you to the continent and your journey starts right there – only 7 kilometers away from the hotel. Don’t worry that you have to walk those 7 kilometers in extreme coldness, because the hotel will send their specialized vehicles to bring you to your pod.

What makes the hotel so famous?

-The location

The empty land of snow and penguins

White Desert literally lies in the middles of nowhere: in Antarctica, where there is no permanent resident, no street, no permanent house, and no country (the reason why you can travel here without a visa); where there is nothing else besides snow (a lot of snow), Antarctic animals (lovely yet strong types of penguins, seals, whales, and several types of birds).

Because of this really significant character, Antarctica is not your destination if you are a party animal. This continent is for nature exploration and self-exploration, because you will be surrounded by beautiful silence and stunning nature scenery most of the time.

- The special pods

Durable fiberglass pods

Since the idea incubation in 2006, White Desert hotel was finally opened for booking in the same year and showed the world its igloo-inspired pods. The domes themselves are made out of fiberglass which is a lightweight yet strong and durable material and even is used in building aircrafts. Therefore, though the pods are temporary structures, they are completely reliable and keep residents safe and warm during their stay.

There must be a reason why White Desert is one of the most environmental-friendly hotels on Earth. Since it is situated in middle of Antarctica, the only source of energy which can be used is solar and wind power. This proves to be none of a problem due to 24-hour exposure to massive sun and wind on this continent.

- Its facilities

Small yet well-furnished bathroom

In 2016, to welcome the 10th birthday of the hotel, innovative founders upgraded their pods to five-star standard which will satisfy the pickiest guest. There are 6 heated sleeping pods here which can accommodate up to 12 guests at one stay, each of which is well-furnished with wood, bamboo and cozy fur. During their stay in Antarctica, guests will get familiarized with the concept of minimalism as each room is equipped with minimal yet enough furniture: a double bed, a work table, 2 cabinets, a clothing hook and an en-suite bathroom.

Cozy dining room

Besides the sleeping pods, guests will enjoy their delectable dining experience at a luxury dining room and they can also spend some peaceful time at the hotel's made-to-order bar and library.

Activities during your stay in Antarctica

Stunning ice tunnels in Antarctica

On their website, they offer 3 (and keep on counting) amazing itineraries: The Greatest Day (one-day tour in Antarctica), Emperors and Mountains (8-day tour and stay in Antarctica), and Emperors and South Pole (8-day tour to South Pole). Each of them has a different price range and different offered activities.

Close encounter with Emperor penguins

Depending on your physical ability, customers can choose their suitable ventures: getting close to the Antarctica wild life, admiring the nature scenery including ice tunnels, and walking up on the glacier. If your stay in Antarctica is longer than one day, the experience at White Desert hotel will be added up with a part of untold history of Antarctica, a steaming Russian sauna, camping at the South Pole for a night and various adventurous activities here.

A cozy bar/library for your soul

It is totally up to you to stay in the pod and enjoy the nature. Just remember to dress yourself up with hotel-provided suits when you get out of your sleeping pod. Oh, and don’t forget your special factor 100 sun-screen too!