Some of the nicest luxury prisons in the world are more like holiday camps, today we take a look at the Top 10 Nicest Prisons In The World.
10 – Pondok Bambu Prison, Indonesia
Equipped with everything from air-conditioners and refrigerators to karaoke machines and nail salons, Pondok Bambu Prison in East Jakarta is a dream women’s prison, compared to others.
This notable facility in the country’s penal system has long struggled with an inmate population far exceeding its intended capacity, yet authorities have made efforts to address overcrowding and improve conditions.
Initiatives have included the construction of new facilities and the implementation of reforms aimed at reducing the prison population, with alternative sentencing options explored.
Rehabilitation programs include vocational training, educational opportunities, and psychological counseling.
Prisoners have access to recreational communal areas where they can discuss problems over tea and biscuits, while beauty treatments brighten up their daily routine.
Cell renovations are also offered, at a cost, with some prisoners living in the lap of luxury with flat-screen TVs, wall-to-wall carpeting, and even one having a plush L-shaped sofa.
While Pondok is better than many prisons in the country, if you want your favorite food and access to hot water, you better be able to pay for it.
9 – Cebu Prison, Philippines
Named “The Dancing Prison of the Philippines”, Cebu does not have some of the more luxurious facilities that others on this list have access to.
Located in Cebu City, this prison gained international fame in 2007 for an unconventional rehabilitation program involving dance.
Known for its viral YouTube videos, the prison’s dancing inmates program showcased prisoners performing choreographed routines to popular songs.
This aimed to provide exercise, discipline, and mental stimulation in an environment that prisoners otherwise struggled with due too overcrowding and resource limitations.
The dancing program was introduced by former Cebu provincial security consultant Byron Garcia as part of an effort to improve the lives of the inmates.
Initially met with skepticism, it soon proved to be a hit, both within the prison and worldwide.
Videos of inmates performing routines to songs like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” drew millions of views on YouTube, bringing global attention to the prison.
The dances served as both a form of physical exercise and a creative outlet, promoting teamwork and discipline among the prisoners.
Not only do prisoners perform for YouTube videos, they also take pictures with civilian’s and even sign autographs for those watching from the public gallery.
8 – Halden Prison, Norway
Named as the most humane prison in the world, Halden Prison is located in southeastern Norway, yet despite its atmosphere, it is still one of the countries maximum-security prisons.
Known for its progressive philosophy, Halden Prison has earned international recognition for treating prisoners with respect and offering them the tools to lead a better life upon release.
The prison’s design includes modern, comfortable living spaces with private cells, each equipped with a bathroom, flat-screen TV, and mini-fridge.
Large windows allow for natural light, and prisoners can decorate their rooms to make them feel more personal.
The prison also includes communal kitchens, workshops, and recreational areas such as a gym, music studio, and library.
The surroundings at Halden are intentionally designed to be open and free of oppressive elements like barbed wire, as the facility’s creators believe that harsh conditions can hinder rehabilitation.
Inmates are encouraged to take responsibility for their lives and provides them with a strong emphasis on education, work, and therapy.
Inmates can participate in various vocational training programs, from woodworking and culinary arts to electrical work and graphic design.
Education programs are also available, helping prisoners improve their skills in areas like literacy, math, and technology.
Inmates have access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and counseling, ensuring that the root causes of criminal behavior are addressed.
To complete Halden’s setup, a fully equipped gym and an actual functioning musical recording facility make this prison every long-serving inmate’s dream and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
7 – JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison, Germany
Home to many of the countries long-serving inmates, JVA Fuhlsbuettel is located in Hamburg and was established in 1879.
The prison has a long history over the years, with strict discipline, but has since undergone significant changes over the years to adapt to modern penal standards.
Nicknamed “Santa Fu,” the facility has been a central institution in Hamburg’s correctional system for over a century.
Despite its history, JVA Fuhlsbüttel is now part of Germany’s broader effort to reform its prison system, with an increasing emphasis on the humane treatment of inmates and offering opportunities for personal development.
The prison offers vocational training, education programs, and psychological support to help address the causes of criminal behavior.
Inmates enjoy spacious cells that have beds, a couch and a private shower with toilet, along with considerable natural light.
Prisoners also have access to a conference room and a recreation room with a washing area that includes machines to do their own laundry.
JVA Fuhlsbüttel is now part of Germany’s broader effort to reform its entire prison system and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
6 – Sollentuna Prison, Sweden
Unlike traditional prisons, Sollentuna offers inmates a relatively comfortable environment, with private rooms that include en-suite bathrooms, televisions, and basic furnishings.
The prison also features communal areas, such as kitchens and living rooms, where inmates can prepare their own meals and socialize, fostering a sense of responsibility and normalcy.
Designed to promote dignity and respect, underlining Sweden’s belief that treating inmates humanely can contribute to lowering re-offending rates.
Inmates have access to a state-of-the-art gym, library, and workshops where they can learn trades such as carpentry or metalwork.
Designed to help inmates develop skills that will aid their reintegration into society, Sollentuna underlines Sweden’s belief that treating inmates humanely can make them better people.
5 – Champ-Dollon Prison, Switzerland
One of the country’s most well-known detention centers, Champ-Dollon was originally designed to hold inmates awaiting trial or sentencing.
This prison was once famous for its overcrowding problems, but has since had a complete refurbishment and now provides spacious triple-occupancy cells that include an attached bathroom.
The wide, clean rooms offer prisoners no discomfort thanks to a $40 million revamp which saw the overcrowding and daily riots end.
The prison’s population includes a high number of foreign nationals, many of whom are detained for immigration-related offenses or petty crimes.
Speeding up judicial processes to reduce pre-trial detention times has also helped bring the prison back into the 21st century and alleviate many of its previous problems.
Today, Champ-Dollon is a far better prison to be housed in than some of Switzerland’s other penitentiary’s and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
4 – Aranjuez Prison, Spain
Unique for its focus on family rehabilitation, particularly the maintenance of family bonds during incarceration, Aranjuez Prison houses a special family unit designed to allow incarcerated parents to live with their young children.
Aranjuez Prison is best known for its “family cells,” a designated section of the prison where parents are allowed to live with their children up to the age of three.
These cells are equipped with cribs, brightly colored walls, and play areas to create a more child-friendly environment.
The prison also provides access to playgrounds and day-care facilities, allowing incarcerated parents to take on active parenting roles.
The goal of Aranjuez’s family unit is to create a rehabilitative environment that encourages inmates to maintain strong, positive relationships with their families.
This can provide a powerful incentive for prisoners to reform, as they are reminded daily of their parental responsibilities.
Disney characters adorn the walls and the prison provides a more compassionate model of incarceration, highlighting the importance of social support while incarcerated and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
3 – Otago Corrections Facility, New Zealand
Located near Milton in the South Island of New Zealand, Otago Corrections Facility is one of the countries most advanced and modern prisons.
Otago Corrections Facility is a high-security prison, yet it combines strict security measures with a focus on relaxed rehabilitation programs.
The facility holds up to 485 male inmates and is equipped with high-security infrastructure to manage a variety of offenders that are offered education, vocational training, and skill development.
Inmates have the opportunity to participate in programs ranging from carpentry and engineering to agriculture and hospitality, equipping them with practical skills that are valuable in the job market.
The prison also offers educational courses for inmates who wish to improve their literacy, numeracy, or gain higher educational qualifications.
Otago also provides its inmates with comfortable rooms that include televisions, personal lighting, a comfortable bed and reading materials and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
2 – Justice Center Leoben, Austria
Opened in 2005 and representing a departure from the typical punitive atmosphere of prisons, Justice Center Leoben is a striking example of modern prison architecture.
Often described as more of a modern office building than a traditional prison, the facility’s sleek, glassy exterior symbolizes transparency and openness.
The luxury prison holds around 205 inmates and is equipped with private rooms, each with its own bathroom, kitchenette, and balcony.
Above the entrance, an inscription reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” echoing the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The prison offers therapy and counseling services to address issues like addiction, anger management, and mental health while preparing detainees for eventual release.
The facility houses mostly non-violent offenders that also have access to a fully-equipped gym, basketball court and outdoor recreation area and is one of the nicest luxury prisons.
1 – Bastoy Prison, Norway
Considered to be the best luxury prison in the world for spending time at, Bastoy Prison in Oslofjord only holds around 100 inmates within the complex.
One of the most remarkable prisons in the world, this prison operates more like a small community than a traditional correctional facility.
Unlike the stark and often harsh conditions seen in prisons around the world, Bastoy Prison resembles a peaceful village.
The prison is set on a scenic island spanning about 2.6 square kilometers and is home to around 100 inmates.
The prisoners live in cottages, each housing around six inmates, and are responsible for maintaining their living spaces, cooking their meals, and participating in daily activities.
The island has a farm, where prisoners work with livestock, and a variety of other labor opportunities, including forestry and maintenance.
These jobs are part of the rehabilitation process, teaching inmates responsibility, discipline, and valuable work skills.
Inmates have access to beaches, woodlands, and are even allowed to swim in the fjord during the summer.
This setting provides an environment conducive to self-reflection, personal development, and mental well-being, which are all key aspects of the prison’s philosophy.
The prison’s primary goal is to prepare inmates for a successful re-entry into society, rather than simply punishing them for their crimes.
And the prison appears to be working, with only 20% of prisoners re-offending after release.
Bastoy proves that treating prisoners with dignity and providing them with the tools for self-improvement can lead to positive outcomes in most cases.
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