It’s quite common to hear travelers mention they’re not fussed on being picky with accommodation as they won’t spend a lot of time there – but for others, the adventure is all about the hotel room. Unique accommodation is becoming more popular and the range of quirky and adventurous accommodation options is on the rise. Europe in particular is flourishing when it comes to innovative accommodation – from snow domes to restored bull fighting arenas! From sourcing the globe, here’s our top ten (in no order) for the bucket list...
Jule’s Undersea Lodge – Key Largo, Florida
The world’s only underwater hotel – scuba dive 21 feet below the surface to find the hotel room, and even order a pizza delivery for dinner! (starting $675 US for single)
Rayavadee Krabi, Thailand
It’s more than just luxury traditional beachfront villas – dine in a grotto which nestles under an ancient limestone cliff on the edge of Phranang Beach (starting from $350 US per night)
Whitepod, Les Cerniers Switzerland
Situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters this is the ultimate Swiss Alps ‘pod’ experience – a 40m2 geodesic shaped tent designed to resemble igloos (approx. $500 US per night)
Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island
Yep – it’s the luxury Maldives ‘floating on the water’ villas to be expected, paired with one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world – the famous ‘Ithaa Undersea’ where you dine at the bottom of the ocean (starting at $940 US per night for beach villa)
Panchoran Retreat, Bali
An icon in Ubud this retreat features 7 private houses, a yoga pavilion, a bamboo bridge over a river, a group of “hideaway huts” and a 26-metre swimming pool which is fed with water from a spring. (starting from $275 US per night)
Attrap' Rêves, Allauch France
Choose from 6 bubbles (literally) – all cozy cocoons to discover the night under the stars and pick the ambience you want – Love, Zen, Nature to name a few. Made from recycled materials they are all eco-friendly. (starting from $140 US per night)
Hotel Kakslauttanen, Lapland Finland
Admire the Northern Lights in your very own glass igloo – situated next to Urho Kekkonen National Park in remote Lapland, rest easy in these temperature controlled igloos! (Starting from $290 US per night)
The Manta Resort, Zanzibar Africa
Check out the photo above - yep, it has to be seen to be believed - a private floating island with your bedroom four meters below the surface. ($1500 US per night for double)
Montana Magica Lodge, Chile
Deep in southern Chile, hidden away in the centre of a 300,000-acre private nature reserve - this amazing rainforest hotel is shaped like a volcano, spews water and is only accessible by rope bridge! (starting from $240 US per night)
Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
The world’s first and largest hotel built of snow and ice – constructed each year by visiting artists and designers from around the world, this is not only a hotel but a protected work of art. (starting from $300 US per night)