Antarctica
Whichaway Camp
Polar luxury outpost
Insulated fiberglass domes sit on exposed rock between frozen freshwater lakes and towering blue icefalls in the Antarctic wilderness.
“Six fiberglass sleeping pods accommodate 12 people and are outfitted with natural wood floors, fur textiles, efficient heating…”
What it’s good at
Silver
Modular fiberglass geodesic pods feature wood floors, Saarinen chairs, fur textiles, and panoramic glass conservatories overlooking blue ice.
Bronze
Expedition chefs prepare multi-course meals from fresh Cape Town provisions, supported by dedicated polar guides for twelve guests.
Bronze
A dedicated geodesic wellness dome features a wood-lined Finnish sauna and ice plunge overlooking frozen freshwater lakes.
Outside the door
In the Schirmacher Oasis of Queen Maud Land, beside Whichaway Lake and blue icefalls.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Its base, Whichaway Camp, in the remote spaces of Queen Maud Land in the east, must count as one of the most exclusive stays in the world.
The rooms
Heated polar pods feature natural wood floors, electric blankets, and private glass conservatories framing panoramic views across the frozen lake.
The spa
Leave the phone upstairs.
A dedicated geodesic dome houses a wood-lined Finnish sauna, an ice plunge bath, and space for yoga overlooking the snow.
At the table
Expedition chefs serve multi-course dinners inside the dining pod, using fresh ingredients flown in from Cape Town alongside evening cocktails.
The spruce up is, given the extraordinary wildness of the setting, surprisingly luxurious – fabric headboards and Saarinen chairs are accented with fur throws...
How it began
Polar explorers Patrick and Robyn Woodhead founded the camp in 2005, engineering modular domes that can be dismantled without leaving a trace.
Somewhere apart
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis, where rocky hills meet glacial nunataks and frozen blue ice waves stretch to the horizon.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
Outside the door
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.