Imagine waking up, stretching, opening the curtains, and – fucking hell, would you look at that: there’s only a big ol’ GIRAFFE standing outside the window.
Unless you live on a savannah or have stayed in Kenya’s famous and uber-expensive Giraffe Manor hotel, we’re guessing that hasn’t happened to you just yet. But soon you actually could bed down for the night in the middle of a giraffe reserve – and in the UK, of all places.
Giraffe Hall in Kent is yet to open, but 9,000 people have already signed up to the waiting list to stay in the hotel, which will occupy an existing building in the Port Lympne wildlife reserve.
As part of the conversion project – which is being led by conservation charity the Aspinall Foundation and has just received approval from the local council – a Grade II-listed building called the French House will be transformed into a ten-bedroom hotel, with grounds featuring five luxury cabins for up to 40 guests.
New paths for both guests and giraffes are being built, while the wildlife park’s Lapa restaurant is to be extended with a decking area overlooking the animals’ grazing areas. There will also be a new ‘cabana-style retreat, where guests can take in the stunning views, while relaxing with a drink’, said a spokesperson for Port Lympne.
‘Once completed, the hotel will offer a luxury safari feel, while incorporating the comforts and décor of an English stately home,’ they added. Though no opening date has been announced yet, you can register your interest by signing up to the waiting list. And once you’re there, just remember not to totally freak out when you open those curtains.
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These teardrop-shaped tents will let you holiday in the trees