Travel enthusiasts are increasingly seeking unique experiences that go beyond traditional hotel stays. Unusual accommodations have emerged as a trend, offering travelers the opportunity to create unforgettable memories in extraordinary settings. From treehouses perched high above the forest floor to subterranean suites nestled deep within the earth, these unconventional lodgings redefine the concept of a night's stay.
The allure of these distinctive accommodations lies in their ability to transport guests into worlds they've only dreamed of. Whether it's sleeping under the stars in a transparent bubble or drifting off to sleep in a floating eco-lodge, these extraordinary options cater to the adventurous spirit in all of us. Let's explore some of the most captivating and unusual places to rest your head around the globe.
Treehouse retreats: elevated eco-luxe experiences
Treehouse accommodations have come a long way from the rustic backyard structures of our childhood. Today's arboreal abodes offer a perfect blend of luxury and eco-consciousness, providing guests with an immersive natural experience without sacrificing comfort. These elevated retreats allow you to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature in the most literal sense.
Finca Bellavista: Costa Rica's sustainable canopy community
Nestled in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, Finca Bellavista stands as a testament to sustainable living and eco-tourism. This treehouse community offers visitors the chance to experience life in the canopy, with a network of sky-high walkways connecting various treehouse accommodations. Each uniquely designed treehouse provides panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, allowing guests to wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds.
The community's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of solar power, rainwater collection systems, and organic farming practices. Guests can participate in guided nature walks, zipline adventures, and even help with conservation efforts during their stay.
TreehotelSweden: architectural marvels in the arctic circle
In the heart of Swedish Lapland, Treehotel offers a collection of avant-garde treehouse suites that push the boundaries of design and imagination. From the reflective "Mirrorcube" that seems to disappear into the forest to the UFO-shaped room that appears to have landed among the pines, each accommodation is a work of art in itself.
These elevated rooms provide a unique vantage point for observing the Northern Lights during winter months and the midnight sun in summer. The juxtaposition of modern design against the pristine Arctic wilderness creates an unforgettable experience for guests seeking both luxury and adventure.
The Pinecone Treehouse: transparent geodesic wonder in California
Perched 35 feet above the ground in a redwood forest, the Pinecone Treehouse in California offers a truly immersive natural experience. This geodesic dome structure features transparent panels that provide 360-degree views of the surrounding forest canopy. The unique design allows guests to feel as if they're floating among the treetops, with nothing but glass separating them from the great outdoors.
Accessible via a sturdy ladder, this one-of-a-kind accommodation is perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. The minimalist interior focuses attention on the breathtaking views, making it an ideal retreat for meditation, stargazing, or simply escaping the everyday world.
Underground havens: subterranean accommodations
For those who prefer to delve deeper into their travel experiences, underground accommodations offer a unique perspective on hospitality. These subterranean spaces transform what was once considered uninhabitable into cozy, intriguing lodgings that challenge our perceptions of comfort and design.
Sala silvermine: Sweden's deep-earth hotel suite
Descend 155 meters below the surface of Sala, Sweden, and you'll find the world's deepest hotel suite. Carved into the bedrock of a historic silver mine, this underground chamber offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The suite is adorned with silver details and luxurious furnishings, creating a stark contrast to the rough-hewn rock walls.
Guests are treated to a guided tour of the mine before settling in for the night, learning about its rich history and geological significance. The absolute darkness and silence of the underground environment provide an unparalleled opportunity for deep relaxation and reflection.
Kokopelli's cave: New Mexico's cliff dwelling B&B
Carved into the face of a sandstone cliff in Farmington, New Mexico, Kokopelli's Cave offers a modern take on ancient cliff dwellings. This 65-foot deep cavern has been transformed into a comfortable bed and breakfast, complete with all the amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel.
The cave's natural insulation keeps it cool in summer and warm in winter, while large windows carved into the cliff face provide stunning views of the La Plata River Valley. Guests can enjoy stargazing from the cave's entrance or explore nearby archaeological sites for a deeper connection to the region's history.
La Grotte du Vigeron: Loire valley's troglodyte guesthouses
In France's Loire Valley, a region famous for its châteaux and vineyards, La Grotte du Vigeron offers a different kind of historical accommodation. These troglodyte guesthouses are carved into the soft limestone cliffs that line the Loire River, continuing a tradition of cave dwelling that dates back centuries.
Each cave has been carefully renovated to provide modern comforts while maintaining its unique character. Guests can enjoy wine tastings in the underground cellars, explore nearby troglodyte villages, or simply relax in the peaceful, naturally temperature-controlled environment of their cave retreat.
Floating retreats: aquatic accommodation innovation
For those who dream of life on the water, floating accommodations offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. These innovative lodgings allow guests to experience the gentle lull of waves and unobstructed views of marine environments, all while enjoying the comforts of a luxury retreat.
The Manta Resort: underwater room off Pemba Island, Tanzania
Off the coast of Pemba Island in Tanzania, The Manta Resort offers a truly unique aquatic experience with its underwater room. This three-level structure features a submerged bedroom surrounded by windows, allowing guests to observe marine life in its natural habitat.
The upper deck provides a perfect spot for sunbathing or stargazing, while the water-level deck offers easy access for snorkeling. At night, underwater lights attract a variety of nocturnal sea creatures, turning the bedroom into an aquarium-like spectacle. This extraordinary accommodation provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the underwater world of the Indian Ocean.
4 Rivers Floating Lodge: eco-tents on Cambodia's Tatai River
Nestled in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains, the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge offers a luxurious eco-retreat on Cambodia's Tatai River. The resort consists of floating tented villas that combine the adventure of camping with the comforts of a high-end hotel.
Each spacious tent is equipped with modern amenities and features a private terrace overlooking the river. Guests can kayak through mangrove forests, trek to nearby waterfalls, or simply relax on their private deck, watching the river life unfold around them. The resort's commitment to sustainability and local community involvement adds depth to the experience, allowing visitors to connect with the region's culture and environment.
Guntû: floating ryokan in Japan's seto inland sea
Combining traditional Japanese hospitality with modern nautical design, Guntû is a floating ryokan that cruises the tranquil waters of Japan's Seto Inland Sea. This 19-room hotel ship offers an intimate and luxurious way to explore the region's scattered islands and coastal landscapes.
Each cabin features floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace, providing panoramic views of the ever-changing seascape. The ship's design incorporates elements of traditional Japanese architecture, creating a serene atmosphere that complements the natural beauty of the Inland Sea. Guests can enjoy onboard hot springs, participate in local cultural experiences at port stops, and savor exquisite kaiseki meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Repurposed transport: from vessels to lodgings
The trend of repurposing retired vehicles into unique accommodations has gained momentum in recent years. These innovative lodgings not only provide a nostalgic nod to the past but also offer a sustainable approach to hospitality by giving new life to decommissioned transport.
Controversy Tram Hotel: refurbished streetcars in netherlands
In Hoogwoud, Netherlands, the Controversy Tram Hotel offers guests the opportunity to stay in beautifully restored vintage trams. Each streetcar-turned-hotel-room has been lovingly refurbished to provide comfortable accommodations while maintaining the charm and character of its original design.
The interiors feature clever space-saving solutions and modern amenities, creating a cozy and unique atmosphere. Guests can choose from various tram models, each with its own history and style. The hotel's location in the Dutch countryside provides a peaceful setting for those looking to escape the bustle of city life while enjoying a slice of transportation history.
Jumbo Stay: boeing 747 hostel at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
For aviation enthusiasts, Jumbo Stay offers the ultimate experience: sleeping in a converted Boeing 747 jumbo jet. Located at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, this grounded aircraft hostel provides a range of accommodations, from shared dormitories to a luxurious cockpit suite.
The interior of the plane has been completely transformed, with careful attention paid to preserving the aircraft's original features while creating comfortable living spaces. Guests can enjoy the novelty of sleeping in various parts of the plane, including the engine nacelles and the upper deck. The hostel's unique setting and aviation theme make it a popular choice for travelers with early flights or long layovers, as well as those simply seeking an unusual place to stay.
Old Mac Daddy: Airstream trailer park in South Africa's Elgin Valley
Nestled in the picturesque Elgin Valley of South Africa, Old Mac Daddy offers a quirky and luxurious take on the traditional trailer park. The resort features a collection of vintage Airstream trailers, each uniquely designed and decorated by local artists and designers.
These silver bullets have been transformed into comfortable, whimsical accommodations that blend retro charm with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding apple orchards and mountains from their private decks, or explore the valley's wineries, hiking trails, and farm-to-table restaurants. The resort's blend of nostalgia, artistry, and natural beauty creates a truly one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
Ice hotels: ephemeral arctic accommodations
In the far north, where winter reigns supreme for much of the year, innovative hoteliers have turned the cold into an asset, creating stunning accommodations entirely from ice and snow. These ephemeral structures offer a magical, if chilly, experience that must be rebuilt each winter.
ICEHOTEL Jukkasjärvi: Sweden's original ice architecture
Located 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi, ICEHOTEL is the world's first and largest hotel built of snow and ice. Each winter, artists from around the globe gather to create this frozen architectural marvel, sculpting rooms, suites, and public spaces from blocks of ice harvested from the nearby Torne River.
Guests can choose from a variety of cold accommodations, including art suites featuring intricate ice sculptures and lighting designs. For those who prefer a warmer night's sleep, the hotel also offers permanent rooms. Activities include ice sculpting workshops, Northern Lights viewing, and exhilarating dog sledding adventures across the Arctic landscape.
Hôtel de Glace: Quebec city's annual frozen marvel
Just outside Quebec City, Hôtel de Glace emerges each winter as a sparkling testament to human creativity and engineering. This entirely ice-constructed hotel features themed suites, an ice chapel, and even an ice bar where drinks are served in glasses made of ice.
The hotel's design changes annually, with local and international artists contributing to its creation. Guests are provided with arctic sleeping bags and are given instructions on how to stay warm in the sub-zero temperatures. Despite the cold, the experience of sleeping in a room made entirely of ice and snow is truly unforgettable, offering a unique perspective on winter's beauty and power.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: glass igloos under northern lights
While not made of ice, the glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland offer a similarly magical winter experience. These heated geodesic domes provide panoramic views of the night sky, making them perfect for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of your bed.
The resort also offers traditional snow igloos for those seeking an authentic Arctic sleeping experience. During the day, guests can participate in a range of winter activities, including reindeer safaris, ice fishing, and visits to Santa's home (as Lapland is, after all, the official home of Santa Claus according to Finnish tradition). The combination of modern comfort and pristine Arctic wilderness makes Kakslauttanen a truly unique destination for winter enthusiasts.
These unusual accommodations around the world offer more than just a place to sleep; they provide immersive experiences that become the highlight of any journey. From the treetops to the depths of the earth, from floating on water to sleeping on ice, these extraordinary lodgings challenge our perceptions of what a hotel can be. They invite travelers to step out of their comfort zones and into worlds of wonder, creating memories that last long after the journey ends. As the travel industry continues to evolve, these innovative and sustainable accommodation options are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of tourism, offering unique perspectives on our world and our place within it.