12 Abandoned Resorts From a Bygone Era You Can Still Visit
In the world of travel, there exists a unique allure in the exploration of places that once thrived with life and now stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era. Abandoned resorts, with their crumbling facades and overgrown pathways, offer a glimpse into the past, where luxury and leisure once reigned supreme. These forgotten havens, now enveloped in mystery and nostalgia, beckon the curious traveler to step back in time and experience the echoes of grandeur. This article delves into 12 such resorts around the globe, each with its own story of rise and fall, and yet, each still accessible to the intrepid explorer. Through this journey, we will uncover the beauty, history, and cultural significance of these abandoned retreats, inviting you to step into a world where elegance lingers amidst the ruins.
1. The Ghostly Grandeur of Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel
Nestled in the heart of New York's Catskill Mountains, Grossinger's Catskill Resort Hotel was once a premier destination in the mid-20th century. Known for its lavish amenities and star-studded guest list, the resort was a symbol of opulence and entertainment. Today, the remnants of its once-grand ballrooms and Olympic-sized pool stand as a testament to its illustrious past. Visitors can wander through the decaying halls, imagining the laughter and music that once filled the air. The resort's closure in 1986 marked the end of an era, but its legacy continues to captivate those who venture into its forgotten elegance.
2. The Eerie Silence of the Haludovo Palace Hotel
On the Croatian island of Krk, the Haludovo Palace Hotel stands as a relic of Cold War-era luxury. Opened in 1972, this extravagant resort was financed by Penthouse magazine publisher Bob Guccione, who envisioned a hedonistic paradise. The hotel's bold architecture and lavish interiors attracted a global elite, but geopolitical tensions and economic downturns led to its decline. Today, the hotel's skeletal remains offer a haunting yet fascinating exploration of a place where decadence once thrived. The overgrown gardens and empty pools whisper stories of lavish parties and international intrigue, inviting visitors to imagine its glamorous past.
3. Exploring the Decay of the Varosha Resort
In Cyprus, the Varosha Resort stands as a poignant symbol of conflict and abandonment. Once a bustling tourist destination in the 1970s, Varosha was deserted almost overnight during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. The resort's hotels and beaches, once teeming with life, are now frozen in time, surrounded by barbed wire and military presence. Recently, parts of Varosha have been reopened to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into a world left behind. Walking through the streets of this ghost town, one can feel the weight of history and the enduring hope for reconciliation and peace.
4. The Haunting Beauty of the Hotel Belvedere
Perched high in the Swiss Alps, the Hotel Belvedere offers breathtaking views and a haunting sense of solitude. Built in the late 19th century, this iconic hotel was a favorite among travelers seeking adventure and tranquility. However, with the advent of modern transportation and changing tourism trends, the hotel fell into disrepair. Today, its grand staircase and ornate architecture remain, drawing photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The Belvedere's isolated location and stunning vistas make it a must-visit for those seeking to experience the serene beauty of an abandoned alpine retreat.
5. The Forgotten Splendor of the Ryugyong Hotel
In the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea, the Ryugyong Hotel stands as an imposing monument to ambition and unrealized dreams. Construction of this pyramid-shaped skyscraper began in 1987, with plans to create the world's tallest hotel. However, economic challenges and political isolation halted progress, leaving the structure incomplete for decades. Though recently revitalized with a new facade, the hotel's interior remains unfinished and inaccessible. The Ryugyong Hotel's towering presence and enigmatic history continue to intrigue visitors and symbolize the complexities of North Korea's relationship with the outside world.
6. A Journey Through the Ruins of the San Zhi Pod Village
Located in Taiwan, the San Zhi Pod Village is a futuristic relic that never reached its full potential. Originally designed as a luxury resort in the 1970s, the pod-like structures were abandoned due to financial difficulties and rumored accidents during construction. The village's eerie, otherworldly appearance has made it a popular site for urban explorers and photographers. Walking among the colorful, UFO-shaped pods, visitors can imagine the innovative vision that inspired this unique project and ponder the mysteries surrounding its sudden abandonment.
7. The Tragic Tale of the Bokor Hill Station
High above the jungles of Cambodia, the Bokor Hill Station tells a story of colonial ambition and wartime devastation. Built by the French in the 1920s as a mountain retreat, the resort offered a cool escape from the tropical heat. However, political turmoil and conflict led to its abandonment, leaving behind a collection of eerie, mist-shrouded ruins. Today, the site is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and history, offering panoramic views and a haunting reminder of Cambodia's turbulent past. The crumbling casino and church serve as poignant symbols of a lost era.
8. The Deserted Luxury of the Hotel del Salto
Overlooking the dramatic Tequendama Falls in Colombia, the Hotel del Salto was once a luxurious destination for the country's elite. Built in the 1920s, the hotel fell into disuse as pollution and urbanization took their toll on the surrounding area. Today, the building has been transformed into a museum, preserving its history and offering visitors a chance to explore its elegant yet eerie interiors. The hotel's picturesque location and tragic history have made it a popular spot for photographers and those intrigued by the supernatural, as legends of hauntings add to its mystique.
9. The Melancholic Charm of the Poveglia Island Asylum
Off the coast of Venice, Poveglia Island is shrouded in mystery and folklore. Once a quarantine station and later a mental asylum, the island's abandoned buildings are steeped in tales of suffering and the supernatural. The asylum's haunting architecture and overgrown grounds create an atmosphere of eerie beauty, attracting adventurers and paranormal enthusiasts. Though officially off-limits, the island's dark history and chilling legends continue to draw those seeking to explore its secrets. Poveglia stands as a testament to the enduring allure of places where history and myth intertwine.
10. The Majestic Isolation of Craco
In the hills of southern Italy, the ghost town of Craco offers a mesmerizing blend of history and natural beauty. Abandoned in the 1960s due to landslides and instability, Craco's medieval architecture and narrow streets remain frozen in time. The town's dramatic location and well-preserved ruins have made it a popular filming location, adding to its mystique. Visitors can wander through the empty streets, imagining the lives once lived in this isolated hilltop village. Craco's haunting beauty and rich history make it a captivating destination for those drawn to the romance of abandoned places.
11. The Enigmatic Ruins of the Gagra Resort
Nestled on the Black Sea coast in Abkhazia, the Gagra Resort was once a glamorous getaway for Soviet elites. With its subtropical climate and stunning architecture, Gagra attracted visitors from across the Soviet Union. However, the collapse of the USSR and subsequent conflict in the region led to its decline. Today, the resort's grand hotels and theaters lie in ruins, surrounded by lush vegetation and the sound of the sea. The juxtaposition of decaying opulence and natural beauty creates a unique atmosphere, drawing those who seek to explore the remnants of a lost utopia.
12. The Resilient Beauty of the Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium
Just outside Berlin, the Beelitz-Heilstätten Sanatorium is a sprawling complex of abandoned hospital buildings with a rich history. Originally built in the late 19th century to treat tuberculosis patients, the sanatorium later served as a military hospital during both World Wars. Today, its decaying halls and overgrown courtyards offer a hauntingly beautiful exploration of medical history and architectural grandeur. The site has become a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers, drawn to its eerie atmosphere and the stories of resilience and recovery that echo through its walls.
Embracing the Elegance of the Past
The exploration of abandoned resorts offers a unique opportunity to connect with history and experience the beauty of forgotten elegance. These destinations, though once vibrant and full of life, now stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Each resort tells its own story of rise and fall, offering insights into the cultural, political, and economic forces that shaped their destinies. By visiting these sites, we not only honor their past but also reflect on the impermanence of human endeavors and the enduring allure of places where history and imagination converge. As you step into the forgotten elegance of these abandoned resorts, may you find inspiration in their stories and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history they represent.
