These Prisons With Perks Defy Expectations
Realistically, there’s no great place to serve time in prison. No matter how comfortable an institution may be, incarceration still means a lack of freedom and separation from friends and family. But if you have no choice, there are definitely some prisons that are better than others.
Here you’ll find a collection of prisons that make doing hard time a little easier. From revolutionary humane prison experiments to corrupt posh jails that had to be shut down, these prisons come with major perks.
Halden Prison (Norway)
Known as the most humane prison in the world, Norway’s Halden Prison is changing the game when it comes to incarceration. Rather than cramped cells, the 252 inmates live in dorm-style rooms complete with bathrooms. During the day, the inmates can watch flat-screen TVs, shoot hoops in the gym or even climb a rock wall.
There’s a great library, a school and even a fully functioning recording studio. The guards, none of whom carry guns, maintain a friendly relationship with the prisoners, focusing on rehabilitation rather than simple punishment. That may sound too soft, but while more than 75 percent of U.S. convicts go on to commit another crime five years, Norway only has a recidivism rate of 20 percent. The system works.
Butner Federal Correctional Institution (North Carolina, United States)
Known as the crown jewel of the U.S. federal prison system, Butner is home to many notorious white-collar criminals, such as Bernie Madoff and former U.S. Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham. The staff and facilities are known for their excellent reputation, and the facility is often the requested destination of high-profile convicts.
The prison is also well-known for its state of the art medical facilities and boasts a leading cancer treatment program. While he’ll no longer enjoy living the high life on other people’s money, Madoff definitely isn’t likely to get shanked any time soon.
Suomenlinna Prison (Finland)
Suomenlinna is quite possibly the only prison in the world that occasionally has to lock its doors to keep people from wandering in rather than trying to get out. One of the only “open prisons” in existence, it houses about 100 inmates and is located on an island near the capital of Finland.
Rather than cells, the inmates live in cozy cabins and enjoy saunas. The prison shares the island with a historic fortress that’s open to tourists. Many of the inmates work to help maintain the fortress, with the focus being on reintegrating them into society.
San Pedro Prison (La Paz, Bolivia)
Though plans were recently put underway to shut down Bolivia’s San Pedro prison, it’s survived for years as one of the most unique prisons in the world. Among the largest prisons in the country, San Pedro was less a prison and more its own flourishing community.
Inmates buy or rent their own cells, which can range from tiny rooms to posh apartments for the rich. The guards hardly ever enter the community, resulting in a prison literally run by the inmates. Inside you can find restaurants, shops and less than legal substances.
Pensacola Federal Prison Camp (Florida, United States)
If you’ve got to serve time in federal prison, Pensacola isn’t a bad place to do it. Located on the Pensacola Naval Air Station in the Florida panhandle, the minimum-security prison is pretty relaxed. Perks include TV time, Internet access and classes that teach everything from knitting to aerobics.
One anonymous inmate commented, “If I knew it would be this easy, I would have surrendered long ago. I would have saved money from my attorney … I was serving a harder sentence when I was home, wondering what this would be like.”
Bastøy Prison (Bastoy, Norway)
By all accounts, the 115 inmates at Norway’s Bastoy prison might as well have been sentenced to terms in summer camp. They’re housed in cozy wooden cottages, have keys to all the locks and enjoy freedom from armed guards. There’s plenty of fishing, a beach nearby, tennis courts and a stable with horses.
The food is far from standard prison fare, with menu options including salmon, chicken con carne and fresh eggs from the prison’s chickens. Though it seems like a place most tourists would pay to stay, its humane approach to rehabilitation does seem to be working.
Ashland Federal Correctional Institution (Kentucky, United States)
The federal correctional institution in Ashland, Kentucky is a minimum-security prison that comes with plenty of opportunities. Located near the Ashland Community and Technical College, some prisoners put their time to good use by earning degrees or trade certificates.
There are also plenty of chances to exercise and quality healthcare with co-pays for as little as $4. Inmates can also learn vocational skills at the prison’s auto shop or through virtual welding classes with simulated torches. The staff is also known to get along well with the inmates, who are treated with respect.
Penal Cordillera (Chile)
While some of the prisons in this collection offer revolutionary advances in reform, this one was far less noble in its intentions. This lush prison in Santiago was located on a military base and housed only 10 inmates, all of whom were former military officers convicted of crimes against humanity.
Needless to say, people were a tad upset to discover they were enjoying their own pool, BBQs and tennis courts. After multiple protests, Chilian President Sebastian Pinera finally closed the prison’s doors and transferred the prisoners elsewhere.
Yankton Federal Prison Camp (South Dakota, United States)
When it comes to where non-violent offenders prefer to do their time, Yankton is often at the top of the list. While some of the prisons on this list look like college campuses, Yankton literally was one. When the university shut down, it was transformed into a federal prison camp with no walls or fences.
Known as the cushiest prison in South Dakota, some prisoners are occasionally even allowed to roam around the surrounding town. Fighting and violence are virtually non-existent, and the whole thing is run more like a boarding school than a prison.
APEC Prison (Brazil)
Imagine a prison run by the prisoners themselves. Though this may sound like the stuff riots are made of, it’s a peaceful reality at APEC Prison in Brazil. At APEC, the prisoners have keys to the doors and are allowed to help run things themselves.
They’re provided teachers to study with and jobs to complete, and they perform their own cell inspections each day. The cleanest cell of the day is even awarded a trophy. APEC has proven to cost a mere quarter of a traditional prison to run and has changed the lives of countless inmates.
FPC Alderson (West Virginia, United States)
The tabloids had a field day a few years ago when famous TV personality Martha Stewart was sent to prison. The reality, however, is that she definitely wasn’t serving alongside hardened convicts. Martha’s time was spent at FPC Alderson, which sports the nickname Camp Cupcake.
The low-security institution is set on a scenic 159-acres and houses inmates in cottages rather than cells. Inside, there are plenty of activities, including yoga (which it’s rumored Stewart started), fitness classes, and cosmetology. It doesn’t sound like a bad place to catch up on a little reading.
Sukamiskin Penitentiary (Indonesia)
A raid in 2018 revealed that things weren’t exactly what they seemed at Sukamiskin Penitentiary in Indonesia. While most Indonesian jails are regularly criticized for things like violence and poor conditions, it turned out that Sukamiskin was one big bribe-fest.
Wealthy prisoners had been able to bribe their way into renovated cells with full-sized refrigerators, loudspeakers, and flat-screen TVs. It was even discovered that one prisoner enjoyed a lavish, apartment-style cell that featured a full-on karaoke room. Several officials were arrested for accepting bribes in the form of money and even cars.
Sollentuna Prison (Sweden)
Finland’s Sollentuna Prison doesn’t seem like such a bad place as far as prisons go. The inmates are allowed to cook their own meals and can even make smoothies if they’re feeling up for one. They mostly spend their days watching TV or working out in the weight room and aren’t surrounded by walls of barbed wire.
In fact, one of the prison’s buildings won an award last year for its eco-friendly overhaul. The building is wrapped in insulated glass to regulate temperature and features a green room made of plants and turf.
Justice Center (Austria)
While some jails may conjure up images of cement buildings that lock inmates away from sunlight for months at a time, Austria’s Justice Center definitely defies such stereotypes. Built in 2005 by renowned architect Josef Hohensing, the prison is among the most beautiful in the world.
It features floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, private bathrooms, TVs, a basketball court, a weight room and kitchenettes for prisoners. One wall even proclaims that “All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.”
Aranjuez Prison (Spain)
One of the worst parts about being in even the most comfortable prison is undoubtedly being separated from your family. At Spain’s Aranjuez Prison, however, that’s not always the case. Aranjuez is the first prison in the world to feature cells designed for families.
Such rooms feature child-friendly decorations and allow an inmate’s family to stay until the child is three years old. There are even amenities such as classes, a supermarket and a playground on-site in order to ensure that inmates and their babies bond in a healthy environment.
Cumberland Federal Correctional Institution (Maryland, United States)
Cumberland FCI is another federal U.S. prison where disgraced politicians and white-collar criminals tend to do time. While it’s not exactly the Hilton, few inmates at so-called Club Fed prisons such as Cumberland ever find themselves in fear of extreme violence.
Cumberland has developed a reputation for being like a dormitory, and the biggest complaint of most inmates is boredom. Prisoners are sometimes even allowed to leave the campus for work assignments, as long as they return. While not an ideal living situation, it’s not exactly hell, either.
FPC Montgomery (Alabama, United States)
If an inmate is sincerely looking to build a better future, then they’ll find plenty of help at Montgomery Federal Prison. The prison has strong substance abuse programs for those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction as well as several educational opportunities.
Troy University offers prisoners the chance to study at no cost and earn certifications in everything from painting to dog training. The prison is also located on an Air Force base, and many inmates are able to find work assignments there while serving.
Pondok Bambu Prison (Indonesia)
Indonesia’s Pondok Bambu Prison for women has gained some attention in recent years for the perks it offers on the inside. Inmates have access to a salon where they can get everything from a blowout to a manicure. Things are even more comfortable for those who come from wealthy families.
If you have the money to do it, you can buy unlimited visitation rights, a flatscreen TV, a personal A/C, a larger bed or even your own private office. Though Pondok Bambu functioned under the radar for several years, these discoveries have since sparked a social backlash.
Her Majesty’s Prison Parc (Wales)
Wales’ Parc prison is home to many juvenile offenders, so it’s no surprise that it’s packed full of opportunities for a fresh start. The prison offers an in-house education system where inmates can study a variety of general ed subjects and enroll in Open University courses and vocational programs.
Prince Charles himself even paid a visit to chat with inmates who were taking part in a football course aimed at building motivation and confidence. The prison also houses workshops where prisoners can study things like metalwork, carpentry and graphic design.
JVA Fuhlsbuettel Prison (Germany)
You won’t find the traditional concrete cinder block walls at JVA FuhIsbuettel Prison in Germany. Known throughout the country as a pretty posh place to serve time, the prison looks more like a castle than a correctional facility. While it’s reserved for those serving long sentences, it was designed to keep things fairly comfortable.
Inmates enjoy plenty of space, couches and private showers and toilets. There are also washing machines and dryers for laundry, spotless floors and a recreation room. Though it may not sound like much, you could definitely do worse.
Oxford Federal Correctional Institution (Wisconsin, United States)
Okay, so it’s not exactly Oxford University, but Oxford Federal is still pretty posh as far as prisons are concerned. The prison features a dorm-style set-up that’s nestled among beautiful lakes and natural scenery. In the yard, you’ll find a track field that’s kept up to par by inmates assigned to landscaping detail.
But the real perks come with the prison’s free educational offerings. Oxford offers courses with college-level requirements as well as courses that teach inmates how to manage stress, stay in shape and eat right in the hopes of achieving long-term rehabilitation.
Champ-Dollon Prison (Switzerland)
Over the past few years, Switzerland’s Champ-Dollon prison has garnered a great deal of attention for its vast overpopulation issues. Intended to house inmates who are awaiting trial or who have yet to be sentenced, it’s often found itself at double the capacity it was built for.
Recently, however, the Swiss government put $40 million into building a brand new wing for the prison. It features brand-new three-bed cells, each of which has its own private bathroom. While not a 5-star experience, a stay ranks with that of an excellent budget hotel.
Luzira Maximum Security Prison (Uganda)
Make no mistake, Luzira prison is far from a walk in the park. It’s overcrowded, hot and full of violent offenders. Recent reforms at the maximum-security prison, however, have reportedly resulted in a dramatic transformation of prison life. It now offers vibrant football games, counseling and access to education.
Organizations like the African Prisons Project have helped provide everything from basic courses to the chance to earn university degrees while serving in Luzira. Inmates have also been given more responsibilities, including growing food and maintaining their own units, which has helped cut down on violence dramatically.
The Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility (California, United States)
When it came to the layout of San Diego’s Las Colinas Detention & Reentry Facility, officials looked to mimic the style of a college campus rather than that of a traditional prison. The facility is sprawled across a large campus that’s connected by pathways to promote freedom of movement rather than tightly controlled restrictions.
Aiming to give inmates a chance to establish a routine, the facility provides educational programs and vocational training. You’ll also find recreation and spiritual centers that offer everything from dance to meditation classes.
Morgantown Federal Correctional Institution (West Virginia, United States)
Morgantown Federal Correctional Institution has served as the home of federal criminals such as Survivor star Richard Hatch and a former US Congressman. The 400-acre campus has no guard towers and likely goes unnoticed as a prison by most people driving past.
The dormitory-style atmosphere offers prisoners plenty of freedom of movement. Though held accountable for showing up to their assigned jobs, inmates also enjoy luxuries such as a movie theater, a basketball court and a bocce ball court.
UN Detention Unit (Netherlands)
Ever wonder where war criminals are kept until they’re up for trial? In many cases, the answer is the UN Detention Unit in the Hague, Netherlands. As much as you’d like to picture it as some grimy hole into which the worst of the worst disappear forever, it’s actually a far cry from that.
The interior of the prison looks more like the inside of an average hotel, but in many cases, even homier. Inmates are allowed to roam throughout their floor during most of the day, visit rec rooms with ping pong tables, play board games and watch television.
Alexander Maconochie Centre (Australia)
One of Australia’s first human-rights compliant prisons, the Alexander Maconochie Center offers several programs to help keep its inmates from returning after they’re released. The prison has implemented programs that teach skills needed for in-demand jobs in the surrounding area.
Vocational subjects that the inmates can choose from include things like construction courses, baking classes, and a certification in horticulture. Combined with behavioral and therapy sessions, the prison hopes to give inmates the skills they need to turn their lives around upon being released back into society.
San Antonio Prison (San Antonio, Venezuela)
Believe it or not, one of the best places to party in San Antonio, Venezuela is in prison. The town’s penitentiary has gained a worldwide reputation for being one of the biggest “party prisons” on the planet. More like a small community than a prison, families and guests are encouraged to visit and even stay overnight.
Inside, you’ll find a huge pool for the kids and plenty of things to do for adults. There are makeshift bbq restaurants, bars, cockfighting events and even a boxing ring. You’ll often find small concerts with live musicians and plenty of dancing.
Cebu Prison (Philippines)
While Cebu Prison is no place you’d want to end up, it has developed a unique program that’s made it internet famous. Byron F. Garcia, the national security advisor of the maximum-security prison, was struck with inspiration while watching The Shawshank Redemption.
He decided to introduce dancing to the daily exercise routines of the inmates. Though it started naturally enough, the project evolved into the making of full-scale dance mobs. Over time, prison officials began filming them and releasing them online, garnering fans from all over the world. Thriller is among their most famous routines so far.
Cereso Chetumal (Mexico)
Though Mexican prisons have developed a notorious reputation in the U.S., Cereso Chetumal seems to be a cut above the rest. The prison encourages arts and crafts among the inmates and provides several courses to encourage their creativity. Prisoners are even allowed to sell their pieces to visiting tourists in the prison gift shop.
The warden has also developed an ingenious method for cutting down on violence. Whenever two prisoners have a dispute, they’re ushered into a ring, given boxing gloves, and allowed to work it out in a controlled, supervised manner.
