When it comes to travel, finding accommodation that goes beyond the ordinary can transform a trip from great to unforgettable. While luxurious resorts and charming boutique hotels have their appeal, unique hotels around the world offer experiences that push the boundaries of the conventional. From underwater suites to ancient cave dwellings, here are some of the most fascinating places to rest your head and make memories that will last a lifetime.
1. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
Imagine spending the night surrounded by the vast blue of the Indian Ocean in an underwater room. At The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, you can do just that. This floating hotel offers a submerged bedroom that provides panoramic views of vibrant marine life. As you drift off to sleep, schools of fish swim past your windows, giving you a front-row seat to nature’s aquatic wonders. It’s an accommodation that redefines the idea of being “immersed” in your destination and sets a high bar for extraordinary global hotels.
2. Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Each winter, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is constructed from scratch using blocks of ice from the nearby Torne River. Sculptors and artists come together to create a breathtaking frozen wonderland complete with intricately designed suites and an ice bar where you can sip your drinks from crystal-clear ice glasses. While the temperatures may dip well below zero, the adventure of sleeping on an ice bed surrounded by spectacular ice carvings is guaranteed to warm your sense of adventure. Truly one of the most unique hotel stays globally, the Icehotel isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s an art installation you can live in.
3. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
For a dazzling display of nature’s beauty, head to Finland’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Here, you’ll find glass igloos that offer an unparalleled view of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Equipped with thermal glass to keep you cozy despite the Arctic chill, these igloos allow you to stargaze in style. With the spectacular auroras dancing across the sky, it’s easy to see why this location stands out among hotels with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring the frosted landscapes by day or marvelling at the celestial show by night, this resort offers a uniquely magical escape.
4. Hotel Marqués De Riscal, Elciego, Spain
Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece in the heart of Spain’s wine country, Hotel Marqués De Riscal is a visual delight. The building’s unconventional design, with twisting titanium ribbons and asymmetrical shapes, makes it as much a work of art as a place to stay. While its bold exterior may be the first thing that catches your eye, the hotel’s luxurious interior, complete with spa treatments using grape extracts and tastings at the on-site winery, ensures that your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a must for those wanting to discover extraordinary global hotels that blend art, culture, and relaxation.
5. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
At Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, you won’t just be surrounded by luxury; you’ll also be surrounded by giraffes. This boutique hotel offers guests a rare opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures, who often poke their heads into the dining room windows for a friendly hello. The colonial-style manor exudes old-world charm, while the nearby wildlife sanctuary adds a touch of wilderness to your stay. It’s not every day that you share your breakfast with a giraffe, making this one of the most unique hotel stays globally.
6. Cappadocia Cave Suites, Göreme, Turkey
For a journey into the past, Cappadocia Cave Suites in Turkey allows you to sleep in a cave, just like the ancient inhabitants of the region. Carved into the soft volcanic rock, the rooms provide a rustic yet luxurious experience, complete with modern amenities and traditional décor. The landscape outside is just as captivating, with the iconic “fairy chimneys” and hot air balloons gracing the skyline. If you’re seeking a combination of history, culture, and a touch of fantasy, this is a place where you can truly discover extraordinary global hotels.
7. The Muraka, Maldives
The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes luxury to new depths, quite literally. As one of the world’s first underwater residences, it offers two levels—one above the waves, and one below. The underwater level includes a master bedroom encased in glass, providing a 180-degree view of the vibrant coral and marine life surrounding it. Waking up to rays of sunlight filtering through the water and casting shadows on the ocean floor makes it one of the hotels with unforgettable experiences. It’s not just a room; it’s a journey into the deep blue.
8. Palacio de Sal, Bolivia
On the edge of Bolivia’s expansive Salar de Uyuni salt flats sits the Palacio de Sal, a hotel made entirely of salt. From the walls to the furniture, everything is crafted from blocks of salt, creating a setting that is both surreal and stylish. The salt flats themselves offer a stunning backdrop, especially at dawn and dusk when the light reflects off the crystalline surface. Staying at Palacio de Sal is not just about admiring the unique architecture; it’s about embracing the otherworldly atmosphere of one of nature’s most impressive landscapes.
9. Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru
For those who seek a bit of adrenaline with their accommodation, Skylodge Adventure Suites offers transparent pods attached to the side of a cliff in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Accessible only by climbing or zip-lining, these pods provide panoramic views of the valley below and the star-filled sky above. While the experience is not for the faint-hearted, it’s certainly one of the most unique hotel stays globally, giving travelers a literal “on the edge” experience like no other.
10. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Dubai is no stranger to opulence, and Atlantis, The Palm epitomizes the city’s penchant for grandeur. The hotel’s underwater suites provide guests with a mesmerizing view of the Ambassador Lagoon, home to thousands of marine species. Staying here feels akin to residing in an extravagant aquarium. With its luxurious amenities, marine attractions, and architectural marvels, Atlantis isn’t just a hotel—it’s a destination in itself, offering unique hotels around the world a benchmark to aspire to.
These extraordinary hotels redefine the very notion of travel accommodations, providing not just a place to sleep, but an experience to cherish. Whether it’s a room beneath the waves or a suite carved from salt, each of these destinations promises to add a touch of magic to your journey.
