Looking for a warm tropical climate, but with the option to sight-see and take in the rich history typically found in many European cities? Then why not cross the Atlantic and head to the Tropical Islands. Located right outside the German capital of Berlin, the giant airplane-hanger-like structure is a massive dome that stretches across 22,000 square feet and is roughly the equivalent of eight football fields. It is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest and takes the prize as Europe’s largest tropical sauna and spa complex.
Inside, guests can lie on the 200 meter-long man-made beach, swim in the “ocean” and enjoy warm 78.8 degree weather. The complex is open year round, 24 hours a day, with a multitude of attractions to keep you busy. There is a swimming pool, large enough to accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day, restaurants serving gourmet meals, shopping pavilion, bars, daycares, and even overnight camping on Paradise beach.
Tropical paradise even has some environmentally-conscious features, such as recycled water from the swimming pools that waters the plant life found inside — which itself grows from custom-made soil made of sand, organic waste, clay, and tree bark. Thanks to the giant dome’s panels, natural UV light is also able to permeate through, granting visitors and plant-life access to the natural benefits of sunlight and warmth. And because of the humidity found within, water condensation periodically gathers inside the dome, which then falls back down producing spontaneous rain showers, further adding to the resorts tropical climate.
It’s a truly unique experience that may be worth exploring if you’re looking to try something different this holiday season, and with the German capital nearby, the Tropical Islands may just be the perfect combination of a warm tropical climate, with the bustle and excitement of one of Europe’s largest cities.