Who said sleeping has to be boring?
Come along on a journey to discover our favourite faraway places to rest our heads in style. From icy chambers glowing under the aurora to cosy nooks amidst towering treetops, here are the world’s ten most unique places to surrender to dreams.
Ice Hotel, Sweden - In the heart of Swedish Lapland, the Ice Hotel emerges each winter from the frozen embrace of the Torne River, a transient palace of ice and snow. Guests are swathed in expedition-grade sleeping bags atop ice beds veiled by reindeer skins. Surrounded by intricate ice sculptures, your breath turns to mist in the air, with the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights overhead promising a night like no other. https://www.icehotel.com/ice-room
Giraffe Manor, Kenya - On the fringes of Nairobi, Giraffe Manor is a colonial-era sanctuary where elegance meets the wild. As dawn breaks, Rothschild giraffes meander to the manor, craning their long necks through open windows to share your breakfast. This intimate encounter, set against a backdrop of lush gardens and sunny terraces, offers a surreal communion with nature, blurring the lines between wild and domestic. https://www.thesafaricollection.com/properties/giraffe-manor/
The Manta Resort, Tanzania - Floating off Pemba Island’s azure coast, The Manta Resort's Underwater Room is a solitary haven anchored in the ocean's heart. Below the waterline lies your submerged bedroom, where glass panes open to an illuminated ballet of reef life. Drift off to sleep as fish glide past and the soft ocean sounds soothe you. https://themantaresort.com/
Treehotel, Sweden - In the serene forests of Harads, the Treehotel is a childhood fantasy realised. Suspended among the pines, each treehouse is a unique in design, from the camouflaged Mirrorcube to the whimsical Bird’s Nest. Encased in modernity and silence, your room among the branches is a secluded nest, offering views that stretch to the horizon. https://treehotel.se/
Netherlands - In the creative heart of Amsterdam’s NDSM docklands, lies the Crane Hotel Faralda. This converted industrial crane houses exclusive suites suspended high above the river, each a blend of luxury and edgy design. As the crane gently sways, your panoramic view shifts across the city’s twinkling lights; the perfect nighttime perch for dreamers. https://faralda.com/
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland - Beneath the emerald glow of the aurora, Kakslauttanen’s glass igloos offer a front-row seat to the heavens’ mysteries. Nestled in the Lapland’s silence, these warm, crystal domes offer a night under the stars, shielded from the frost. Lie back and enjoy the celestial dance of the stars above. https://www.kakslauttanen.fi/
The Hobbit Motel, New Zealand - In the rolling green hills of Waitomo, The Hobbit Motel transports you to Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Earth-ensconced units with circular doors and windows invite you into a realm of fantasy. The cosy, burrow-like rooms, adorned with rustic charm and unique furniture pieces, are a nod to the Shire, offering a peaceful retreat from the world’s hustle. https://www.woodlynpark.co.nz/
Capsule Hotels, Japan - Japan’s capsule hotels encapsulate the essence of efficiency and futuristic charm. These compact, pod-like accommodations offer a sanctuary of minimalism, where each capsule is a cocoon of privacy amidst the urban sprawl. Equipped with modern amenities, these sleeping quarters represent a unique blend of solitude and community – a cutesy, high-tech nook in the heart of the neon city. https://www.gotokyo.org/en/story/guide/a-guide-to-capsule-hotels-in-japan/index.html
Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru - Clinging to a cliff in the Sacred Valley, the Skylodge Adventure Suites are transparent capsules that dangle above gorgeous vistas of the Andean expanse. Reached by climb, hike, or zip-line, these sky-high retreats are for the daring and make a truly thrilling roost for daring dreamers. https://naturavive.com/web/skylodge-adventure-suites-35-quirky-hotels-around-the-world/
Palacio de Sal, Bolivia - On the vast salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, lies the Palacio de Sal, a hotel carved from the very salt of the earth. With walls, floors, and furniture crystalline with saltiness, adventurers find that the rooms glow softly in the high-altitude light. The surreal landscape outside your window offers a stay like no other. https://palaciodesal.com.bo/en/
These extraordinary places to sleep not only offer a bed for the night but an immersive experience that can redefine your travel experience. Whether you're dreaming of dozing under the sea, atop a tree, or within a work of art, the world has no shortage of unique spots to rest your head and awaken your sense of adventure.
*Please note that all images are owned & copyrighted by each hotel.