Fogo Island, Newfoundland / Fogo Island Inn

A Dickian structure against the serrated sea sprayed boulders, if this remote pioneer of sustainability on stilts doesn’t leave you dreaming of a life in the Canadian wilderness, nothing will.

They say great things come to those who wait, and this could not be more accurate about the journey here. Admittedly, it takes a while (plane, to car, to ferry, to car again), but once that futuristic façade appears surrounded by the rocky foreshore, it’s oh so worth it. There’s seven seasons in this part of the world, so no two stays are the same – hence why travellers just can’t get enough. Each is assigned a Community Host who, of course, really know their local history and encourage a diverse range of endeavours. For culture, think craft workshops and fishing heritage tours. Nature? There’s whale watching and caribou trekking for that. Not to mention the stargazing, foraging, and music and storytelling around a bonfire. Oh, and you can even take their resident Newfoundland named Break, out for a stroll.

Designed as a modern take on the stilted fishing shacks, founder Zita Cobb has seemingly achieved her dream of constructing a hotel that revives her homeland’s folklore. All furnishings are inspired by traditional outport living and created by local craft persons, plus there’s floor-to-ceiling windows throughout to make the most of the dramatic scenery. A place that puts both it’s people and planet first, the sustainability credentials are also off the charts. Not only do they support a plethora of local initiatives, but the Inn itself has a low carbon footprint and reduced impact on the environment; plus a special partnership to offer guests a completely carbon neutral stay.

Travel notes:

• 29 rooms
• With a focus on local cuisine, the dining room overlooking the Atlantic serves up locally sourced ingredients and sustainably caught cod
• Cars and drivers are on hand all day, even driving hire cars to the ferry line-up the night before departure
• Along with an extensive selection of activities, there’s also an abundance of festivals and events to fill up an itinerary
• A pre or post stay in Halifax, Nova Scotia makes for a great city/country twin centre here
• Fogo Island Inn is 100% a social enterprise, putting their profits back into the community to help secure the island’s future