Unique Accommodation Options: Discover Extraordinary Places to Stay

For travelers seeking something beyond the typical hotel or resort, unique accommodations offer memorable experiences that are as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. From treehouses nestled in lush forests to igloos under the Northern Lights, these extraordinary places to stay provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, history, or even futuristic designs. Here’s a look at some of the most unique accommodation options around the world, perfect for adding an extra element of wonder to your travels.

1. Treehouses: Sleep Among the Treetops

Best for: Nature lovers and adventure seekers

Treehouse accommodations provide an enchanting escape into nature, often perched high among the branches with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you want a rustic, back-to-basics experience or a luxurious stay in a treetop villa, treehouses offer a serene and magical place to rest.

• Examples:
  • Treehotel, Sweden: This collection of architecturally unique treehouses is set in the forests of Northern Sweden. Stay in futuristic pods, mirrored cubes, or even a UFO-shaped treehouse, all suspended high in the pines.
  • Finca Bellavista, Costa Rica: A sustainable treehouse community set in the Costa Rican rainforest, Finca Bellavista offers an off-grid experience with canopy bridges, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife.

Why It’s Unique: Treehouses offer a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the tranquility of sleeping high among the trees, often with beautiful views and a sense of adventure.

2. Ice Hotels: Chill Out in a Frozen Wonderland

Best for: Adventure travelers and winter lovers

For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, ice hotels provide an unforgettable stay in structures made entirely of snow and ice. These hotels are typically rebuilt every winter, with intricate ice sculptures and unique designs that make each stay different from the last.

• Examples:
  • Icehotel, Sweden: The original ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is rebuilt each year with rooms featuring intricate ice carvings, frozen furniture, and even ice beds covered with thermal sleeping bags and reindeer skins.
  • Hotel de Glace, Canada: Located near Quebec City, this ice hotel features beautifully carved ice suites, an ice bar, and even an ice chapel. Guests can enjoy hot tubs under the stars and cozy up in thermal sleeping bags.

Why It’s Unique: Ice hotels offer the thrill of sleeping in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by stunning ice sculptures, all while staying warm and comfortable with specialized winter gear.

3. Cave Hotels: Dwellings Carved into Stone

Best for: History enthusiasts and those seeking a unique, rustic experience

Cave hotels offer the chance to stay in ancient dwellings carved into rock, providing a unique blend of history, comfort, and natural beauty. These accommodations are often found in locations rich in archaeological significance and provide a cool, quiet retreat.

• Examples:
  • Cappadocia Cave Suites, Turkey: Nestled in the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, these cave hotels are built into the region’s famous rock formations. Enjoy modern comforts while staying in centuries-old cave dwellings with views of hot air balloons floating overhead.
  • Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, Italy: Located in the ancient cave city of Matera, this hotel offers luxury within the confines of ancient stone caves. The design preserves the original features of the caves while adding modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

Why It’s Unique: Cave hotels offer a rare opportunity to stay in natural or ancient structures, combining rustic charm with historical intrigue for a truly memorable experience.

4. Floating Hotels: Sleep on Water

Best for: Water enthusiasts and those seeking serenity

Floating hotels offer a unique experience of staying directly on the water, whether it’s on a lake, river, or ocean. These accommodations provide stunning views, the gentle sound of water, and the opportunity to relax in a serene setting.

• Examples:
  • The Float House River Kwai, Thailand: Located on the tranquil River Kwai, these floating villas are made from local materials and offer beautiful views of the surrounding jungle. Each villa has its own private deck for enjoying the peaceful river atmosphere.
  • Salt & Sill, Sweden: Sweden’s first floating hotel, located on the west coast, features minimalist Scandinavian design and incredible sea views. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and access a floating sauna.

Why It’s Unique: Floating hotels allow you to wake up to the calming sounds of water, offering a sense of peace and a connection to the surrounding aquatic environment.

5. Glamping: Luxury in the Great Outdoors

Best for: Glampers and outdoor enthusiasts

Glamping combines the experience of camping with the comfort of luxury accommodations. From safari tents to yurts, glamping allows travelers to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing modern conveniences like plush beds, running water, and gourmet meals.

• Examples:
  • Under Canvas, USA: With locations near iconic U.S. national parks like Yellowstone and Zion, Under Canvas offers luxury safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, and private decks, providing an upscale outdoor experience.
  • Longitude 131°, Australia: This glamping resort in the heart of the Australian Outback offers luxurious tented pavilions with views of Uluru. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, stargazing, and guided excursions to explore the region’s natural beauty.

Why It’s Unique: Glamping offers the best of both worlds—immersive outdoor experiences in beautiful natural settings, paired with the comforts of a luxury hotel stay.

6. Igloos and Glass Domes: Sleep Under the Stars

Best for: Stargazers and adventure travelers

Igloos and glass domes provide the rare opportunity to sleep under the stars or even beneath the Northern Lights. These transparent accommodations are often found in remote locations, where light pollution is minimal, and the night sky is at its most dazzling.

• Examples:
  • Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland: Stay in a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights dance overhead from the comfort of your bed. Located in Finnish Lapland, this resort offers a variety of glass domes and igloos, along with winter activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling.
  • Whitepod, Switzerland: These eco-luxury pods are set on a mountainside in the Swiss Alps, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The pods are designed to blend into the landscape while providing a comfortable and sustainable stay.

Why It’s Unique: Sleeping in an igloo or glass dome allows you to experience the night sky in all its glory, making it a perfect choice for stargazers and those looking to witness natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis.

7. Converted Trains and Airplanes: Travel Back in Time

Best for: History buffs and nostalgic travelers

Some unique accommodations are set in beautifully restored trains, airplanes, or other forms of transportation, offering a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of travel. These stays allow you to relive a bygone era while enjoying modern comforts.

• Examples:
  • The Train Station Inn, Canada: This charming hotel in Nova Scotia allows guests to stay in vintage train cars converted into cozy suites, complete with dining options in the station’s original train car.
  • Jumbo Stay, Sweden: Located near Stockholm Arlanda Airport, this retired Boeing 747 has been transformed into a hostel. Stay in one of the quirky cabins inside the plane, including the cockpit suite with panoramic views of the runway.

Why It’s Unique: Staying in a converted train or airplane offers a whimsical and nostalgic experience, perfect for travelers who appreciate unique design and transportation history.

8. Lighthouse Stays: Stay on the Edge of the Sea

Best for: Ocean lovers and adventurers seeking solitude

Lighthouses, often located in remote, scenic areas, provide a unique and tranquil place to stay. With breathtaking ocean views, these accommodations offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, often accompanied by stories of maritime history.

• Examples:
  • The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse, USA: Located on a small island off the coast of Maine, this charming lighthouse offers luxury accommodations, including private boat transfers, gourmet meals, and stunning ocean views.
  • Norrsken Lodge, Finland: This remote lighthouse on the Finnish coast offers a secluded retreat with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, as well as the Northern Lights during the winter months.

Why It’s Unique: Lighthouse stays offer a sense of isolation and serenity, perfect for travelers seeking an escape to a rugged coastal landscape.

9. Desert Camps: Experience the Vast Open Spaces

Best for: Adventure seekers and cultural explorers

Desert camps provide an extraordinary opportunity to experience the vastness and beauty of the desert, often with the added benefit of cultural immersion. Stay in luxurious tents surrounded by sand dunes and enjoy stargazing, camel rides, and Bedouin hospitality.

• Examples:
  • Scarabeo Camp, Morocco: Located just outside of Marrakech, Scarabeo Camp offers luxury tents set in the Agafay Desert. The camp provides stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and a peaceful desert atmosphere, along with gourmet meals and guided excursions.
  • Al Maha Desert Resort, UAE: This ultra-luxurious desert camp in Dubai offers tented suites with private pools and views of the Arabian Desert. Guests can enjoy wildlife safaris, camel treks, and fine dining.

Why It’s Unique: Desert camps combine the raw beauty of desert landscapes with cultural experiences and modern comforts, making them ideal for travelers looking for both adventure and relaxation.

Conclusion: Stay Somewhere Extraordinary

From treetop hideaways and icy igloos to historic lighthouses and floating hotels, these unique accommodations offer more than just a place to rest—they provide unforgettable experiences that turn your stay into an adventure of its own. Whether you’re seeking serenity in nature, a cultural immersion, or a night under the stars, these extraordinary places to stay will add an extra layer of magic to your travels.