The White Desert hotel in Antarctica which has played host to the likes of Prince Harry and Bear Gryllis, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by undergoing a complete overhaul to add to the already long list of creature comforts provided in the middle of nowhere: heated domes, fur throw blankets, gourmet meals and once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Emperor penguins. The heated dome pods shelter guests from the bitter cold (it is a balmy 15 °C, maximum), sleep them in plush double beds, and serve up gourmet meals prepared by a professional chef who cooks for a Formula 1 team when she’s not in the Antarctic. Dining chairs are warmed by fur throws, beds are backed by decorative fabric and bamboo headboards, floors are hardwood, and amenities such as hot showers, sustainable toiletries and writing desks are all there. Items for the refurbishment were flown in from Cape Town but what is more impressive is what they fly out of Antarctica, to keep the place pristine. The White Desert hotel claims to have zero impact on the environment there, keeping all structures temporary and literally whisking away waste of all sorts (including human waste)— flying it out of the continent. Most of the power to keep things running here is from renewable sources and the company is an accredited CarbonNeutral venture. The hotel is set to reopen with its new look in November. Due to harsh weather conditions, it is only open for two months, November and December, with seven to 11-night itineraries cost a steep $71,500.
