Endless Summer

Tropical getaways are so good for the soul – you get a great dose of Vitamin D, an extra helping of relaxation and a large scoop of happiness.

This resort offers almost a million people a year a great time, and is staffed by some 500 staff. What sets it apart from other tropical resorts is its location; Germany. Furthermore, they can guarantee perfect weather all year round. How do they manage it?

Well, the resort known as Tropical Islands is actually a former Soviet military air base in Krausnick, Germany, and it is entirely indoors. It was originally a hangar built to house airships designed to haul long-distance cargo. And despite it looking like temperatures are through the roof – outside the giant hangar it is actually snowing.

With its sandy beaches, clear blue water and palm trees, holidaymakers can be seen relaxing in swimming shorts and bikinis. Even the occasional flamingo can be spotted.

There is a beach, lagoon, and water slide and adventure park. Guests can enjoy numerous restaurants, evening shows and can also relax in a sauna.

Visitor can stay, and choose their level of luxury – from pretty basic, to absolute indulgence. Accommodation includes quaint looking cottages and even beach tents. As well as flamingos, canaries also fly free around the site. It is believed that the hall which Tropical Islands is located in is the biggest free-standing hall in the world.

Tropical Islands opened to members of the public in 2004. Incredibly, the hangar, which is 360 metres long, 210 metres wide and 107 metres high, is tall enough to enclose the Statue of Liberty.