Forget ordinary hotel stays—this is about experiences that make your jaw drop, your heart race, and your soul feel alive. Imagine waking up surrounded by an underwater world, sharing breakfast with wildlife, or sleeping in a glass pod hanging off a cliff. These aren’t just places to rest your head—they’re stories waiting to be told.
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying somewhere truly extraordinary, where every moment feels surreal, you’re in the right place. Some of these hotels will excite you, some will challenge you, and all will leave you speechless. Ready to see where your next adventure begins?
1. Treehotel – Sweden
Ever dreamed of sleeping among the treetops like a bird, but with all the modern comforts? That’s exactly what Treehotel in Sweden offers—except this is no ordinary treehouse. Located in the untouched pine forests of Harads, Sweden, this architectural marvel features suspended rooms that blend into nature, including a Mirrorcube that reflects the forest around it, a UFO-shaped pod, and even a cabin that feels like it’s floating midair.
Beyond the jaw-dropping design, Treehotel delivers a tranquil escape unlike any other. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds instead of honking cars, stepping outside to breathe in crisp Arctic air, and knowing the Northern Lights might put on a show at night. There’s something undeniably magical about disconnecting from the modern world while still enjoying a heated room and gourmet meals.
For adventure seekers, there’s no shortage of activities. Whether it’s dog sledding, snowshoeing in the winter, or kayaking under the midnight sun in summer, there’s a way to connect with nature in every season. Treehotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that makes you feel like a part of the wilderness.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: December to March for Northern Lights & snow adventures, June to August for green landscapes & long daylight hours
- Unique stay features: Mirrorcube, UFO room, floating cabin, bird’s nest
- Price range: $$$ – Luxury experience, but worth every penny
- Best for: Couples, adventure lovers, and people who want a digital detox
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
If there’s one place in the world to witness the Northern Lights in total comfort, it’s Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. The resort’s famous glass igloos give guests a front-row seat to the Aurora Borealis, allowing them to watch nature’s most spectacular light show right from their warm, cozy bed.
Located in Finnish Lapland, this place is the epitome of winter wonderland vibes. Beyond the igloos, they offer log cabins with private saunas, snow igloos for the truly adventurous, and even a Santa’s Village for families. It’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale.
During the day, you can ride a reindeer sleigh, go husky sledding, or try ice fishing—activities that make you feel like you’re in a scene from a Nordic adventure movie. And at night? Well, if you’re lucky, the sky turns into a breathtaking mix of greens, blues, and purples, all dancing above your head. It’s hard to describe just how surreal and peaceful it feels—you just have to experience it.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: September to March for Northern Lights, December for full winter magic
- Unique stay features: Glass igloos, log cabins with saunas, snow igloos
- Price range: $$$ – Luxury, but bucket-list worthy
- Best for: Romantic getaways, nature lovers, photographers
3. Giraffe Manor – Kenya
Now, let’s switch things up—because where else in the world can you have breakfast with giraffes? At Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, these graceful creatures poke their heads into the dining room, hoping for a treat while you sip your morning coffee.
This boutique hotel, set in a colonial-style mansion, is home to a resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes. It feels like stepping into a scene from an old Hollywood safari film, except instead of just watching the animals from afar, you’re part of their world. It’s not uncommon to open your bedroom window and find a giraffe curiously peeking inside.
Beyond the incredible animal encounters, Giraffe Manor offers luxurious rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning grounds that make you feel completely immersed in the African wilderness—even though you’re just 20 minutes from Nairobi’s city center. Whether you’re an animal lover, a photographer, or just someone who appreciates truly unique experiences, this is one for the books.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: June to October & January to February (dry season = best wildlife viewing)
- Unique stay features: Up-close giraffe encounters, historic mansion, exclusive guest experience
- Price range: $$$$ – Ultra-luxury, but unforgettable
- Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners, families
4. Hôtel de Glace – Canada
Sleeping in an ice hotel sounds crazy… until you do it. Located in Québec, Canada, Hôtel de Glace is rebuilt every year entirely from snow and ice, making it a true work of art that only exists for a few months before melting away.
Everything—from the intricately carved ice sculptures to the ice beds (with warm furs and thermal sleeping bags)—feels like stepping into a frozen fantasyland. But don’t worry, while it may sound cold, the experience is surprisingly comfortable. Plus, you’ll have access to a hot tub and sauna under the stars, which makes for a perfect way to warm up before bed.
Even if you don’t stay the night, Hôtel de Glace is worth a visit. The ice bar serves cocktails in glasses made of ice, and the ice chapel is a dream wedding venue for couples who love the idea of a frosty fairytale. Whether you’re embracing the chill or just here for the unique atmosphere, this is one stay you won’t forget.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: January to March (before it melts!)
- Unique stay features: Ice-carved rooms, ice bar, heated spa access
- Price range: $$ – Surprisingly affordable for a bucket-list hotel
- Best for: Adventure seekers, winter lovers, couples
5. Skylodge Adventure Suites – Peru
Do you love adventure and heights? Because at Skylodge Adventure Suites, you’re sleeping inside a glass pod hanging off a cliff, 1,200 feet above Peru’s Sacred Valley.
The only way to reach your room? You have to climb, zipline, or hike up the mountainside. It’s an experience that gets your heart pumping before you even check in! But once you’re there, the reward is a 360-degree view of the stunning Andean landscape, with nothing but sky and mountains around you.
Each pod is completely transparent, so you fall asleep under the stars and wake up to a sunrise unlike any other. And don’t worry—despite the rugged location, the pods have cozy beds, solar-powered lighting, and gourmet meals. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking beauty, this is the ultimate overnight adventure.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: April to October (dry season for best views)
- Unique stay features: Cliffside glass pods, epic views, adventure-based access
- Price range: $$ – Surprisingly budget-friendly for the experience
- Best for: Thrill-seekers, couples, outdoor enthusiasts
6. Montaña Mágica Lodge – Chile
Tucked away in Chile’s Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, Montaña Mágica Lodge is straight out of a fairytale. Picture a volcano-shaped hotel covered in lush greenery, with a waterfall cascading down its sides—that’s what you get here.
This eco-hotel is built entirely from natural materials, blending seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest. The rooms feel cozy and rustic, with wooden interiors and views of the misty forest. At night, the lodge glows under soft lantern light, making it feel like something out of a Tolkien novel.
Beyond the enchanting atmosphere, the activities here are unbeatable. You can go hiking through untouched nature, soak in an outdoor hot tub made from hollowed-out tree trunks, or explore the dense forests that are home to pumas and rare deer. If you love nature, seclusion, and magical places, this should be high on your bucket list.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: December to March (warmest weather for hiking & wildlife watching)
- Unique stay features: Waterfall-covered exterior, forest views, eco-friendly design
- Price range: $$ – Affordable & totally worth it
- Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, eco-conscious travelers
7. The Manta Resort – Tanzania
Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep underwater? At The Manta Resort, located on the island of Pemba (near Zanzibar), you can do exactly that. Their Underwater Room is a floating three-level suite, with the bedroom submerged four meters below the surface.
Lying in bed, you’ll have a full panoramic view of the ocean, watching fish and even the occasional octopus swim by. At night, underwater spotlights attract bioluminescent creatures, making it feel like you’re in your private aquarium.
During the day, you can relax on the floating sundeck, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or indulge in spa treatments on the main resort island. If you want the ultimate mix of luxury and adventure, this is one of the most unique stays in the world.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: June to October (best weather for snorkeling & diving)
- Unique stay features: Private underwater bedroom, floating sun deck, crystal-clear waters
- Price range: $$$ – Luxury experience, but a once-in-a-lifetime stay
- Best for: Honeymooners, ocean lovers, luxury travelers
8. The Mirrorcube at Treehotel – Sweden
If you loved the Treehotel idea but want something extra futuristic, The Mirrorcube is the most mind-blowing option. This ultra-modern, reflective cube is hidden among the trees, blending into the forest so perfectly that it’s nearly invisible.
Designed for total privacy and immersion in nature, the Mirrorcube feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. The mirrored walls reflect the trees and sky, while the interior is cozy yet sleek, featuring a floating double bed, minimalist décor, and a rooftop terrace to enjoy the Arctic views.
Like the other rooms at Treehotel, it offers incredible outdoor activities—hiking in summer, dog sledding in winter, and catching the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. It’s perfect if you love modern design but also want to feel connected to nature.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: December to March (Northern Lights & snow activities), June to August (green forest views)
- Unique stay features: Mirrored walls, minimalist interior, rooftop terrace
- Price range: $$$ – Worth it for design lovers & nature enthusiasts
- Best for: Couples, photographers, architecture lovers
9. Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel – Switzerland
For those who love mountain escapes but want a unique twist, Whitepod in Switzerland is the perfect eco-luxury getaway. Instead of a typical ski resort, guests stay in geodesic dome pods that look straight out of a sci-fi survival movie.
Each eco-friendly pod is insulated for warmth and positioned for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps. Some pods come with fireplaces and panoramic windows, so you can wake up wrapped in a blanket, sipping coffee while gazing at snow-covered peaks.
Whitepod is all about sustainability and adventure—guests are encouraged to explore on foot, ski on private slopes, or take part in dog sledding and snowshoeing. It’s a unique yet luxurious way to enjoy the mountains while staying in an environmentally responsible retreat.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: December to March (for snow activities), May to September (for hiking & nature stays)
- Unique stay features: Geodesic domes, private ski slopes, sustainable design
- Price range: $$$ – Luxury, but eco-conscious & worth it
- Best for: Ski lovers, eco-travelers, winter adventure seekers
10. Attrap’Rêves Bubble Hotel – France
Ever wanted to sleep under the stars without camping discomfort? Attrap’Rêves Bubble Hotel in France offers transparent, inflatable bubble rooms, allowing you to stargaze from the comfort of your bed.
Tucked in scenic locations in Provence, these bubble rooms provide 360-degree views of the sky and forest while keeping you protected from bugs and weather. Each bubble is completely private, with optional opaque sections if you want some seclusion.
It’s a perfect romantic getaway, offering options like private jacuzzis, gourmet dining, and even telescope rentals for serious stargazers. If you’ve ever wanted to sleep under the Milky Way without roughing it in a tent, this is the ultimate experience.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: May to September (clear skies & warm weather)
- Unique stay features: Transparent bubble rooms, stargazing experience, luxury add-ons
- Price range: $$ – Affordable luxury
- Best for: Couples, astronomy lovers, glamping fans
11. Jules’ Undersea Lodge – USA
If The Little Mermaid had a vacation home, this would be it. Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Florida is the only hotel in the world where you need to scuba dive just to check in. Nestled 30 feet below the surface in a tropical lagoon, this underwater hideaway is both a marine adventure and a cozy escape.
Originally built as an underwater research lab, the lodge has since transformed into a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The moment you arrive, you’ll enter through a dive hatch, leave the world above behind, and step into a submerged suite with panoramic windows showcasing colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens. It’s surreal, like waking up in a real-life aquarium.
Don’t worry about going hungry—meals are delivered by divers, and you can even order a “mer-chef” experience where a personal chef dives down to prepare dinner for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of spending the night under the sea without losing any creature comforts, this is your chance.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: November to May (warm, dry season with the best underwater visibility)
- Unique stay features: Fully submerged rooms, underwater dining, scuba diving experience
- Price range: $$ – More affordable than you’d expect for an underwater stay
- Best for: Adventure seekers, scuba lovers, couples
12. Kolarbyn Ecolodge – Sweden
For those who believe luxury is overrated and nature is the best hotel, Kolarbyn Ecolodge is the ultimate back-to-basics escape. Often called “Sweden’s most primitive hotel,” this place ditches electricity, Wi-Fi, and running water in favor of total immersion in nature.
Here’s what you get: a tiny woodland hut covered in moss, a cozy fireplace instead of heating, and a lake nearby for washing up. It sounds extreme, but that’s exactly the point. This isn’t just about staying in a hotel—it’s about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and appreciating the simple things.
Days here are spent foraging for berries, hiking through deep forests, and even trying your hand at traditional Swedish survival skills. At night, you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the wind in the trees and the crackling of the fire. If you’re looking for a real wilderness retreat that feels like stepping into an old Viking story, this is it.
Other relevant info:
- Best months to visit: May to September (mild weather for hiking and outdoor activities)
- Unique stay features: No electricity, forest huts, real survival experience
- Price range: $ – Budget-friendly, but for nature lovers only
- Best for: Off-grid travelers, adventurers, people seeking digital detox
