Stay in a Trailer | Capsule | Lighthouse | Igloo | Treehouse | Boat | V8 Motor | Motorhome… Your imagination is free to be a child again or do something totally unique as an adult. Here are a few of our favorite, truly unique vacation trip accommodation options: Unusual Places to Stay all over the world.
Best Travel Advice Ever:
Who says a business trip has to be dull? Or why not choose somewhere unique and exciting for your next family getaway?
“Life is short, and every trip should be an adventure worth remembering. When you travel, why settle for the ordinary? Choosing a destination with something unique or unusual can turn a simple getaway into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems, trying new foods, or immersing yourself in local traditions, these moments are what make traveling truly special. So, next time you plan a trip, go beyond the usual and seek out those one-of-a-kind experiences.” Jo-Anne Naude
One-of-a-kind-places like:
Where: Ula, Saudi Arabia
The moment I saw Our Habitas AlUla, I understood why people come here for more than just a place to sleep. This is one of those rare stays where the setting becomes part of the experience. Surrounded by the dramatic sandstone cliffs of AlUla, the hotel feels beautifully connected to the desert landscape rather than simply placed in it. From the moment you arrive, there is something wonderfully peaceful about being here.
The first thing that stays with you is the setting. Imagine waking up surrounded by enormous sandstone cliffs, stepping outside with your morning coffee, and realizing that this extraordinary desert landscape is not a view from your hotel window — it is your backyard. Our Habitas is tucked into the Ashar Valley, with villas carefully placed among the rocks and desert scenery.
I love the fact that the villas don’t try to compete with AlUla. They are understated, comfortable and designed to let the landscape do most of the talking. The outdoor decks are exactly where I would want to spend time — especially in the late afternoon when the light starts changing across the sandstone.
And then comes the evening…
This is when I think Our Habitas AlUla becomes really special. The desert gets quiet, the cliffs take on completely different colours, and you have that wonderful feeling of being far away from ordinary life.
I would definitely resist the temptation to spend the whole day sightseeing. Give yourself some time simply to enjoy the resort. There is complimentary daily programming covering wellness, art and culture, adventure, food and music, along with activities such as hiking, stargazing and desert adventures.
For me, that is the appeal of staying here: AlUla is the destination, but Our Habitas makes the stay part of the adventure.
It is certainly not the kind of hotel I would recommend simply because you need somewhere to sleep. I would choose it for a special trip to AlUla, when you want to slow down, enjoy the scenery and wake up somewhere that feels completely different from home.
My verdict: Our Habitas AlUla is a place to experience rather than simply a place to stay>>>
The dramatic Ashar Valley setting, beautiful villas and outdoor-focused atmosphere make it one of those rare hotels where the location is every bit as important as the accommodation.
Where: Masarykovo nabrezi, Prague, Czech Republic
There is something rather special about waking up on the water, especially when you are in the heart of Prague, with the city just a short walk away. The boat is anchored in a wonderfully convenient position, about 1 km from Charles Bridge and roughly a 10-minute stroll from Charles Square.
I think the biggest appeal is the experience itself. Instead of staying in another ordinary city hotel, you get to spend the night on a boat, with the river right outside your window. It feels peaceful and a little different, yet you are still close enough to walk into the centre and spend the day exploring Prague.
The rooms are compact, as you might expect on a boat, but that is part of the charm. I would choose this hotel for the atmosphere and location rather than for a large, luxurious room. There is something lovely about returning after a busy day in Prague and watching the river instead of looking out over another street or car park.
My verdict: If you like unusual places to stay, Boat Hotel Matylda is a lovely choice in Prague. The combination of sleeping on the Vltava, being close to Charles Bridge and having the city within easy walking distance makes this much more memorable than an ordinary hotel stay.
“I knew this was going to be a little different from an ordinary hotel the moment I walked in. At V8 HOTEL Classic Motorworld Region Stuttgart, cars are not simply parked downstairs — they are part of the whole experience.” – Emma
For anyone who loves classic cars, this is the kind of place where you can happily spend time looking around even when you are not out sightseeing. LOL
The hotel is part of Motorworld, so there is plenty to see right around you, from beautifully restored classics to impressive modern cars. The themed rooms add another fun touch, with individual designs inspired by motoring and racing.
What I particularly like is that the hotel doesn’t take itself too seriously. It feels playful and imaginative, while still giving you a comfortable place to stay. You don’t have to be a serious petrolhead to enjoy it — there is something fascinating about sleeping in a hotel where every corner seems to have a motoring story.
My verdict: I would choose the V8 HOTEL Classic for the experience rather than simply for a bed for the night. If you love cars, this is a hotel you will remember long after you’ve left the region of Stuttgart >>>
Even if you are travelling with someone who isn’t quite as enthusiastic about cars, this hotel gives them plenty to look at too. It is a really fascinating place…
Where: Jalan Pantai Nyang-Nyang, 80351 Uluwatu, Indonesia
Nope, it is not a “villa”. You’ll be staying in a stylish, modern airplane with stunning views of the ocean>>>
Any Instagrammers dream destination. But also the dream destination for the discerning traveler wanting to experience something different.
“I rarely write reviews, but I can’t keep quiet about this experience. It’s amazing how everything works here. My expectations were nowhere near reality. I never thought a real plane could turn into such a modern villa where you really relax. The best part is the sunsets on the wing of the plane. You won’t find such beauty anywhere else.” – Review on booking.com
Where: Elciego, Spain
I think my first impression says it all: “You don’t simply overnight in Hotel Marqués de Riscal — you arrive at something that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.” Frank Gehry’s extraordinary design twists and curves above the vineyards, with shimmering metal ribbons catching the sunlight.
But the real pleasure is stepping inside and discovering that this isn’t just a spectacular building.
The hotel sits at the heart of the Marqués de Riscal winery, surrounded by the beautiful vineyards of Rioja Alavesa. You can enjoy the scenery, explore the winery and, of course, make time for some Rioja wine.
The rooms are stylish and contemporary, but for me, the architecture and location are the real stars. This is not the hotel I would choose simply because I need somewhere to sleep in Rioja. I would choose it because staying here is an experience in itself.
My verdict: Hotel Marqués de Riscal is a fantastic choice for a special Rioja getaway. You get vineyards, wine, spectacular architecture and a wonderfully unusual place to spend the night — all in one beautiful setting.
One day you will be able to tell the story: “Did you know we stayed at a hotel entirely made out of salt?”. Can you believe that? Well here is an opportunity to stay in Palacio de Sal, built out of salt bricks and also featuring salt furniture. I think this definitely qualifies as a unique and unusual accommodation option.
Where: Colchani, Bolivia
Where: Noszvaj, Tósétány utca 22, Hungary
Dreams of living in a treehouse can come true. The air-conditioned units feature a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a wardrobe, a living room, an equipped kitchen, a patio, and views over the lake. Offers free bikes and a garden.
I can’t think of many hotel experiences quite as magical as this. Imagine lying in a warm bed, surrounded by the quiet of Finnish Lapland, with a glass roof above you and nothing but the night sky overhead.
The glass igloos are what made this place famous, and I can certainly understand the attraction. On a clear winter night, you can lie back and watch the stars from the comfort of your bed. If the Northern Lights appear, you don’t have to stand outside in the freezing cold hoping they will show up — you can simply look up.
The resort also has traditional log cabins and chalets, so you don’t have to stay in an igloo to enjoy the Lapland experience. And during a winter visit, there is plenty to do beyond the accommodation, from snow activities and husky experiences to reindeer and other Arctic adventures.
My verdict: Kakslauttanen is one of those places I would book because of the experience. Sleeping beneath the Arctic sky in Finnish Lapland is something you are unlikely to forget. Just remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so nobody can promise they will appear on your particular night. The magic is in the possibility…
A room with a view…starting in the lobby of this hotel, which is very beautiful. The photos say it all…
Where: Jakarta, Indonesia
An Outstanding luxurious hotel in all aspects: design, service staff, comfort, location, high-end accommodation with beautiful views. If you’re looking for opulence, this is it.
If you’re looking for some fabulous award-winning places to stay, check out this article: Award-winning destinations
Where: Urubamba, Peru
Described as: “The most incredible experience!”. You’ll have the opportunity to sleep under the starry sky…but with a dramatic difference…
Skylodge Adventure Suites is an experience from the moment you arrive. Imagine climbing high above Peru’s Sacred Valley and then discovering that your bedroom is a transparent capsule hanging from the side of a mountain, about 400 metres above the valley floor.
I think the real attraction is that incredible feeling of being completely surrounded by the Andes. During the day, you have an enormous view across the Sacred Valley, and at night the transparent capsule turns your attention upwards to the stars. There are only three capsules, so the experience feels remarkably exclusive.
Getting there is part of the adventure. You can reach the lodge by climbing the 400-metre Via Ferrata or taking a route involving hiking and ziplining. The following morning, breakfast is served before you make your way back down the mountain.
And this is where you need to be honest with yourself: You would need to be comfortable with heights! This is adventure accommodation, not a relaxing luxury resort. There is no conventional hotel lobby, no leisurely stroll to your room and, importantly, no shower. You are there for the extraordinary location and the thrill of the experience.
Access by Climbing or Ziplining: To reach the pods, guests have two options: climbing a vertical via ferrata (iron path) that involves ascending the cliff using a series of metal rungs and safety lines or ziplining directly to the pods. Both methods provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure before settling in for the night.
Unique Dining Experience: Guests can enjoy dinner and breakfast in the pods, hoisted up through a pulley system by the staff. Imagine dining while suspended on the side of a cliff, surrounded by the breathtaking landscape.
Starry Overnights: Spending the night in the Skylodge offers a unique opportunity to stargaze. Being away from city lights, the clarity of the night sky is awe-inspiring, providing an unforgettable celestial experience.
My verdict: If you want one truly unforgettable night in Peru, this has to be on the list. Sleeping inside a transparent pod high above the Sacred Valley is the sort of travel story you will still be telling years later. It is definitely not for everyone — but for adventurous travelers who enjoy doing something completely different, this could be one of the most exciting nights of your trip.
Overnight in a hotel for book lovers: The hotel has the biggest hotel library on the planet, with more than 45,000 titles in its collection. You can enjoy the book lovers Literary Gin Bar which features a collection of premium gins or indulge in your favorite activity if you love reading books. Ever dreamt of staying in a library? Well, this is your chance.
Where: Óbidos, Portugal
Where: Clanwilliam, South Africa
This is the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying. Tucked into the Cederberg Mountains, about three hours from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof feels wonderfully remote, with wide-open landscapes, sandstone cliffs, rock pools and waterfalls surrounding the lodge.
I think what makes Bushmans Kloof so special is that the wilderness is the experience. You can spend the morning exploring the reserve, perhaps heading out on a nature drive or walking to some of the more than 130 ancient San rock-art sites, and then spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing beside a pool or enjoying the spa.
There are some wonderfully memorable ways to enjoy the setting, too. A quiet picnic beside the river, a swim in a natural rock pool or an evening meal under the stars feels much more special here than it would at an ordinary luxury hotel. The reserve also offers activities such as hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and archery.
My verdict: I would choose Bushmans Kloof when I wanted to get away from busy sightseeing and simply enjoy being somewhere beautiful. It combines luxury, wilderness and complete peace, but without losing the feeling that you are actually in the South African landscape. For a few nights of fresh air, good food, beautiful scenery and time to slow down, this is a very special escape.
Situated in Ponsanooth in the Cornwall region, Glamping 1970 American Airstream motorhome has a patio and lake views. Self-catering accommodation offers air-conditioned units, complimentary WiFi, own kitchen with microwave and oven.
Where: Ponsanooth, a village in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.
