Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, unique hotels offer immersive experiences far beyond a standard stay. From sleeping under the stars to relaxing in underwater rooms, these distinctive accommodations promise to elevate your travel experience. Here’s our list of the top 12 unique hotel experiences worldwide, each designed to create memories that last a lifetime.
1. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland – Northern Lights Igloos
In the Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers cozy glass igloos where guests can sleep under the magical glow of the Northern Lights. With clear views of the sky from a heated bed, it’s a unique way to experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles in comfort. Book your stay here!
2. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya – Breakfast with Giraffes
At Giraffe Manor, guests can enjoy breakfast with the resident Rothschild giraffes, who often poke their heads through the windows for a treat. This boutique hotel, set within 140 acres of indigenous forest, offers a truly one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter that is both intimate and unforgettable.
3. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Zanzibar – Underwater Room
For a secluded and luxurious experience, The Manta Resort offers an underwater room surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s vibrant coral reefs. This floating suite includes a bedroom submerged beneath the waves, providing a 360-degree view of the underwater world, perfect for romance and relaxation.
4. Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru – Cliffside Pods in the Sacred Valley
For thrill-seekers, Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru’s Sacred Valley offers transparent pods perched on a cliffside 1,200 feet above the valley floor. Accessible only by hiking or ziplining, these hanging capsules provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Andean landscape. Book your stay here!
5. Treehotel, Sweden – Mirrorcube & UFO Rooms
Treehotel in Northern Sweden offers innovative accommodations such as the Mirrorcube, a room camouflaged by reflective glass walls that blend into the forest. They also feature UFO-themed rooms, providing a surreal experience of “sleeping among the stars” in a futuristic and playful setting. Book your stay here!
6. Hotel de Glace, Quebec, Canada – A Hotel Made Entirely of Ice
Open each winter season, Hotel de Glace near Quebec City is crafted entirely of ice and snow. With intricately carved rooms, ice sculptures, and a frozen bar, guests experience the charm of a winter wonderland. The hotel’s chilly ambiance is balanced by cozy sleeping bags and fur blankets.
7. The Hanging Gardens of Bali, Indonesia – Infinity Pool Overlooking the Jungle
Renowned for its stunning tiered infinity pool, The Hanging Gardens of Bali offers guests a unique jungle experience. Each suite features its own private pool, blending seamlessly with the lush jungle surroundings. It’s a serene, luxurious escape into Bali’s natural beauty. Book your stay here!
8. Bubble Hotel, Iceland – Sleep Under Iceland’s Midnight Sun
Experience Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes with a stay at the Bubble Hotel, where guests sleep in transparent bubbles under the stars or the midnight sun. Nestled in secluded locations across Iceland, these bubbles offer unobstructed views of the northern skies while being comfortably nestled in the wild. Book your stay here!
9. Kumbuk River Resort, Sri Lanka – Elephant-Shaped Villa
At Kumbuk River Resort, guests can stay in a villa shaped like a giant elephant on the banks of the Kumbukkan Oya River. This eco-friendly stay, made with natural materials, is a favorite for nature lovers who want a unique and sustainable experience with the chance to spot local wildlife.
10. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – The Muraka Underwater Villa
This luxurious underwater villa is part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort. The Muraka is a two-level suite with an underwater bedroom surrounded by glass walls, offering unobstructed views of marine life. It’s an indulgent and immersive way to experience the beauty of the ocean. Book your stay here!
11. Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada – Treehouse Living
Suspended in the trees of Vancouver Island’s rainforest, the Free Spirit Spheres are round treehouses that offer a unique forest retreat. These cozy, spherical pods swing gently with the trees, providing a peaceful and immersive nature experience that’s both innovative and inspiring.
12. Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Florida, USA – Sleep Beneath the Waves
Located off the coast of Key Largo, Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the world’s first underwater hotel. Guests can dive 21 feet below the surface to enter the lodge and enjoy panoramic views of marine life from their rooms. It’s an unforgettable experience for scuba divers and ocean lovers alike.