Ultimate Luxury Resorts for a Lavish Escape Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Maldives
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12 Unique Stays in the World

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We can all agree that booking accommodation is the most entertaining and exciting part of planning a trip. Whether it be a luxury beachfront hotel in Greece or a quaint B&B in the English countryside, we’ll never tire of finding fascinating places to stay. However, we all look for different things.

Some people choose hotels based on location or experience, while others choose them for luxury and exclusivity. Meanwhile, others seek something that stands out, surprises, and intrigues. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 unique stays worldwide. These entries were selected because they offer incredible experiences you won’t forget.

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Unique Stays in the World_Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland Image courtesy of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland 1/5
Unique Stays in the World Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru © Mark / Adobe Stock
Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru 2/5
Unique Stays in the World Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada © Paulmckinnon / Adobe Stock
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada 3/5
Unique Stays in the World Das Park Hotel, Austria © Animaflora PicsStock / Adobe Stock
Das Park Hotel, Austria 4/5
Unique Stays in the World Icehotel, Sweden © Joachim Beauvilain / Adobe Stock
Icehotel, Sweden 5/5

Results

Unique Stays in the World_Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland 1
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
3 4
Unique Stays in the World Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru 2
Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru
3 4
Unique Stays in the World Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada 3
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada
1 6
Unique Stays in the World Das Park Hotel, Austria 4
Das Park Hotel, Austria
3 4
Unique Stays in the World Icehotel, Sweden 5
Icehotel, Sweden
2 5

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Unique Stays in the World_Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Photo courtesy of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Starting price: $185

If you’ve always dreamt of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the Arctic, look no further than Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, one of the best places in Finland for watching the Aurora Borealis. Located at the edge of the wilderness, on the road to the Arctic Sea, this unique hotel is a stone’s throw from Urho Kekkonen National Park, the largest national park in Finland.

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As such, the resort is exposed to much light pollution, which increases your chances of glimpsing the lights. Besides the Northern Lights, one of the biggest draws to this resort is its spectacular accommodation. Here, guests can stay in magical glass-domed igloos and charming wooden chalets. Kakslauttanen also offers many outdoor activities, such as husky safaris and snowmobile tours.

  • Stay in a Kelo-Glass Igloo for optimal comfort: Splurge on a Kelo-Glass Igloo, which combines a traditional log cabin with a glass-roofed igloo for aurora viewing. These are WAY nicer than the standard igloos. They offer a fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette for a cozy experience if the Northern Lights don’t appear.
  • Explore Urho Kekkonen National Park: Urho Kekkonen National Park is adjacent to the resort. Enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and access is free.

Read also: Ultimate Luxury Resorts To Stay

Icehotel, Sweden

Unique Stays in the World Icehotel, Sweden
© Joachim Beauvilain / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $702

If you want to take the Arctic experience to a new level, stay in the world’s first ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Located 124 miles (200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel is precisely as it sounds: a hotel made entirely of ice. It first opened in 1989. 

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Ever since, the hotel has been reincarnated yearly by 40 experienced artists. Therefore, no two visits are the same. Every room has a unique theme, layout, and interior, with everything made of ice. Even the bar and the glasses your drinks are served in are made of ice. During your stay, you’ll also have a fantastic opportunity to catch the Northern Lights. 

  • Enjoy Lunch or Dinner at ICEHOTEL Restaurant: ICEHOTEL REstaurant serves breakfast from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, Lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and Dinner from 5 PM to 10 PM between April 1st and November 30th. From December 1st to March 31st, breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, and Dinner is served from 5 PM to 11 PM.
  • Visit the Art Exhibition: Icehotel hosts an art exhibition open from December 13th to April 13th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and from April 14th to November 30th (ICEHOTEL 365 only) from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM 3. Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Read also: Exotic Jungle Resorts to Explore

Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru

Unique Stays in the World Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru
© Mark / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $882

Adventure enthusiasts looking for their next thrill should consider planning a trip to Peru, home to the iconic Machu Picchu. Peru has some of the world’s best hiking trails, endless outdoor opportunities, and impressive landscape vistas. You’ll also find unique accommodation options that will get your heart racing. Skylodge Adventure Suites in Ollantaytambo is one of the best. 

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Here, guests sleep in rooms called the condor’s nest. They are given this name because they hang from the side of a 656-foot (200-meter) cliff face. To make things even scarier, these unique pods are transparent. As you would expect, the views are phenomenal. You’ll dine, sleep, and participate in activities like zip-lining from the pods during your stay.

  • Visit the local market: Experience the vibrant culture of Ollantaytambo by visiting its local market. This market offers a wide array of locally crafted goods, traditional textiles, and unique souvenirs, allowing you to immerse yourself in the heart of Peruvian culture.
  • Pack light: Since you’ll be climbing or ziplining to the suite, pack only essential items.

Read also: Luxury Resorts on the Greek Islands

Das Park Hotel, Austria

Unique Stays in the World Das Park Hotel, Austria
© Animaflora PicsStock / Adobe Stock

Starting price: Free

Travelers with a passion for finding the most unusual, unique accommodation options will quickly fall in love with Das Park Hotel in Austria. What would you say if we told you this hotel allows guests to stay in sewer pipes? You’d likely think we’d lost our minds. However, that’s precisely what Das Park offers.

While the sewer pipes look simple outside, they are surprisingly comfortable inside. You’ll find a cozy double bed, wool blankets, sleeping bags, storage space, lights, and electricity. Das Park Hotel is in a rural setting near Ottensheim in Upper Austria, in a picturesque location near the Danube River. It’s also worth noting that you can stay for free.

  • Book Online: To book a stay at Das Park Hotel, reservations must be made online at dasparkhotel.net.
  • Bring Your Own Toiletries: Guests should bring their own toiletries as there are no en suite bathrooms.

Read also: Luxury Caribbean Resorts

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada

Unique Stays in the World Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada
© Paulmckinnon / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $138

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel in Canada’s capital city is proof that you don’t need to commit a crime to go to jail. All you have to do is book a prison cell. This fascinating former prison building has been brilliantly converted into a hostel, allowing budget travelers to find somewhere affordable and fun to stay.

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You’ll be pleased to hear that the hostel has added some comfort to the former jail cells, but the 150-year-old jail cell walls and iron doors remain. Therefore, you can still get a sense of what it’s like to live as a criminal, minus the uncomfortable bed and dangerous cellmate. You’ll be served complimentary breakfast daily, and a wide range of activities, including prison tours, are available.

  • Walk to Nearby Attractions: Saintlo Ottawa Jail is steps from the Parliament Buildings, Byward Market, and Rideau Canal.
  • Enjoy Free Activities: The hostel offers free activities, including mini pub crawls, strolls along the Rideau Canal, and museum visits on Thursday evenings.

Read also: All-inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas

Unique Stays in the World The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas
Photo courtesy of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Starting price: $174

Las Vegas, famously known as Sin City, is an adult playground best known for its luxury resorts, world-class casinos, and live entertainment. The city is also well-known for its unique themed hotels, where you can stay in everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Egyptian Pyramids. The most famous themed hotel is the Venetian Resort.

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This impressive hotel features an incredible replica of Venice, Italy, including some of the city’s most iconic features. You’ll find imitations of Venice’s Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and Doge Palace. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Venice. You can even ride one of the gondolas. The rooms here are no less luxurious, offering elegant bathrooms and city views.

  • Dine at Yardbird Table & Bar for Southern cuisine: Yardbird Table & Bar is highly rated for fried chicken and craft cocktails. It’s open Sunday–Thursday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, and Friday–Saturday until midnight. Reservations are suggested, especially for dinner.
  • Visit the Grand Canal Shoppes for luxury retail: The Grand Canal Shoppes mall inside the resort is open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It features more than 160 designer stores and live entertainment along the canals, making it a great midday or evening activity.

Read also: Best Beach Resorts

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Amberley Castle, United Kingdom

Unique Stays in the World Amberley Castle, United Kingdom
© Gfdunt / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $400

If you’ve ever wondered what living like a King or Queen would be like, you must visit Amberley Castle in the English countryside. Dating back to 1103, this breathtaking hotel used to be a real castle. It hosted some of England’s most famous monarchs, including Henry VII, Charles II, and Elizabeth II. 

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Now, it’s a luxury hotel where travelers can experience the royal life. Steeped in history, you’ll never tire of exploring the castle grounds, relaxing in the lush gardens, and playing sports like tennis and mini-golf. As for the rooms, you can expect luxurious fixtures and fittings, cozy beds, beautiful bathrooms, and plenty of old-world charm.

  • Visit the nearby Amberley Museum: Amberley Museum is just a 10-minute walk from the castle and showcases local history. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with tickets from 18.50 GBP (about 23.40 USD) per adult.
  • Dine at the Queen’s Room Restaurant: Queen’s Room Restaurant is housed in a spectacular 12th-century hall with vaulted ceilings. It is highly praised for both dinner and afternoon tea service, with mains like Sussex lamb starting at 45 GBP (about 57 USD). 

Read also: Tips For Last-Minute Holidays

Ancient Hue Garden Houses & French Villas, Vietnam

Unique Stays in the World Ancient Hue Garden Houses & French Villas, Vietnam
© Pierrick / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $240

Ancient Hue Garden Houses & French Villas is a beautiful accommodation in Kim Long village, Vietnam, a stone’s throw away from Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. Here, guests can indulge in a luxurious yet authentic experience that blends traditional-style Vietnamese lodgings and French colonial charm. Every room features elements of a bygone era but with the luxury fittings of a 5-star hotel.

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The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and features a spa and swimming pool. As if things couldn’t get any better, the on-site restaurants, Le Soleil de Hue and Kim Long Fine Dining, provide visitors with an exceptional culinary experience. To top things off nicely, this unique accommodation has a gym house, too.

  • Book a traditional spa treatment: The on-site spa offers signature Vietnamese massages and herbal therapies, with treatments starting at 850,000 VND (about 33.30 USD) for 60 minutes. The spa is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
  • Enjoy a sunset cocktail at Le Soleil de Hue: Le Soleil de Hue serves French and local cocktails in a lush garden setting. Cocktails start at 190,000 VND (about 7.40 USD).

Read also: Family Resorts With Indoor Pools in Europe

Treehotel, Sweden

Unique Stays in the World Treehotel, Sweden
Photo courtesy of Treehotel

Starting price: $610

The following unique stay on our list is perfect for anyone who loved their treehouse as a child. Tucked away in the lush pine forests around Harads in Northern Sweden, Treehotel offers several unique and innovative treehouses that captivate imaginations. It also offers basic rooms, but they’re not as exciting.

🏨 Book this hotel here

Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, the treehouses here are out-of-this-world. No, they literally are, as one features a UFO theme. Other treehouses in the forest include a lifelike bird nest, a reflective mirror cube, and an otherworldly biosphere. As if that wasn’t enough, the Treehotel even has a tree sauna for guests to enjoy. We’ll see you there!

  • Dine at Treehotel Restaurant for Swedish game dishes: The on-site Treehotel Restaurant specializes in Lapland cuisine, with wild game and foraged ingredients. Signature dinners, such as reindeer or elk, are served in a cozy Scandinavian setting. The restaurant is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and reservation for dinner is recommended 4.
  • Book the tree sauna for a private spa experience: Treehotel Sauna is perched among the trees and can be reserved for private use. The sauna experience starts from 95 USD per session and includes a relaxation area and panoramic forest views.

Read also: Hidden Beaches Around the Globe

SiloStay, New Zealand

Unique Stays in the World SiloStay, New Zealand
© Zenstratus / Adobe Stock

In Little River, New Zealand, travelers can stay in one of the world’s most unique accommodations. Truly one of a kind, SiloStay lets visitors spend the night in custom-built grain silos. Just 350 yards (320 meters) from the Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail, these innovative and eco-friendly silos are perfect for travelers seeking something different.

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Each silo is designed across two floors and is equipped with a bedroom, kitchen, television, shower facilities, and a balcony. Kindly, the accommodation will also provide you with takeaways and microwavable meals should you need them. During your stay, you can participate in various activities, including an alpaca meet, a nature cruise, and a hiking excursion.

  • Cycle or walk the Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail: The famous, mostly flat bike trail passes just outside SiloStay, linking beautiful countryside, wetlands, and Lake Ellesmere. Bike hire is available in Little River, and the trail is free and open year-round.
  • Visit the Little River Gallery: Little River Gallery features contemporary New Zealand art, jewelry, and sculpture, open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free admission.

Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations for Americans

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

Ultimate Luxury Resorts for a Lavish Escape Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Maldives
© Tyler / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0

Starting price: $869

Let’s start this list with a luxury experience in paradise. For many people, the ultimate luxury vacation is a trip to the Maldives, where they can expect to soak up the sun on white sand beaches, sleep in an overwater villa, and indulge in world-class cuisine. If that sounds good to you, check out Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, this exclusive island accommodation offers travelers a luxurious experience with delicious cuisine, breathtaking overwater villas, private pools, underwater bedrooms, and memorable experiences. When you’re not sunbathing on the beach or relaxing in your private villa, you’ll likely participate in watersports, enjoy a romantic beachfront dinner, or have a calming spa session. What’s not to like?

  • Book a couples’ treatment at the Spa Retreat: The Spa Retreat offers holistic wellness journeys with ocean views. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Popular options include the Maldivian Indigenous treatment (90 minutes for 295 USD).
  • Sample Japanese fusion at Ufaa by Jereme Leung: Ufaa by Jereme Leung presents Chinese and Japanese cuisine, with signature dim sum and noodle dishes. Open daily for dinner, 6:00–10:30 PM.

Read also: Warm February Destinations

Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam, Netherlands

Unique Stays in the World Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam, Netherlands
© Pitsch22 / Adobe Stock

Starting price: $122

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famed for its vibrant and uniquely shaped architecture, so it’s not a surprise that one of the city’s unique accommodation options makes this list. However, Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam takes things to a new level with a facade that defies logic.

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This otherworldly hotel’s facade comprises almost 70 stacked houses, including quaint cottages and traditional townhouses. Inside, the hotel’s rooms are inspired by the city’s history and feature beautiful pieces of artwork. However, they also feature a modern design and amenities, such as en-suite bathrooms, televisions, and luxury beds. Inntel Amsterdam Zaandam has a spa, swimming pool, and Finnish sauna.

  • Relax in the Finnish sauna or heated pool: Spa access, including pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center, is included in room rates. Facilities open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
  • Try Dutch pancakes at Lagom Grand Cafe: Lagom Grand Cafe is a local favorite, only a one-minute walk from the hotel. Pancakes start at 8 EUR (about 8.70 USD), and the café is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Read also: Underrated Destinations in the Mediterranean

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