In September 2026, news about unusual leisure destinations appeared simultaneously in Asia and Europe: in Hokkaido, a hotel shaped like a Pokéball is being built, while in the Venetian lagoon, the private island of Crevan with a Napoleonic fortress is for sale. These projects seem unrelated, but together they reveal how modern tourism balances between mass pop culture and the pursuit of absolute privacy.
The Pokéball Hotel is the result of a collaboration between the Japanese brand NOT A HOTEL and the Pokémon Sleep app. The spherical structure, reminiscent of half of the famous ball, will appear among the forests of Hokkaido. Guests will be able to spend the night inside, as if they themselves became Pokémon—an idea that references the comfort promised in the games. Full details, including interiors and conditions for the overnight giveaway, are promised to be revealed on September 15.
At the same time, in Venice, the island of Crevan, covering 5700 square meters, has been put up for sale. For 5,5 million euros, the buyer will receive a restored Napoleonic-era fortress converted into a home with four bedrooms, two moorings, and views of neighboring islands. This is a rare chance to own a piece of the lagoon where history intertwines with seclusion.
Both projects illustrate a shift in traveler preferences: from standard hotels to immersive or fully private spaces. In an era when popular destinations suffer from overcrowding, such offerings provide a sense of control—whether it's immersion in a fictional world or owning a real island. However, behind exclusivity often lies marketing: the Pokéball is available only to winners of the campaign, and the island to a narrow circle of buyers.
Hokkaido, with its nature, is ideal for themed glamping, where the Pokéball blends with the landscape, enhancing the sense of adventure. The Venetian lagoon, on the other hand, offers historical depth and proximity to cultural heritage, but requires care for the ecology and preservation of the fragile environment. These contrasts show how different regions adapt tourism to demands for authenticity and novelty.
In the end, such news reminds us: choosing a vacation spot today is not just a booking, but a decision about which experience is more valuable—collective delight in pop culture or personal territory away from the crowd.
