
Buckle up for a memorable experience at the most unique hotels in the world.
Picture this: you’re staying in a glass dome overlooking the Northern Lights in Finland or mingling with llamas by a giant tipi amongst picturesque mountains in Peru… Sure, we love our mix of five-star accommodations and quaint boutique hotels but if you’re planning to stay at a unique hotel, the world has plenty. For starters, we’ve gathered a few unconventional escapes that’ll satisfy your wanderlust.
13 unique hotels in the world for offbeat adventures
1. The Icehotel, Sweden
For ice queens (and kings) who live for cold winter nights, you’ve got to stay at the Icehotel. Located in the town of Jukkasjäarvi, Sweden, this frosty marvel is rebuilt each winter (from December to April) by artists before it melts away during spring. Talk about effort. The standard ice rooms are furnished with decor and beds made of ice while the art rooms are impressive masterpieces designed and hand-carved by commissioned artists. Autumn and winter activities include dog sledding, snowmobile adventures, ice sculpting, and relaxing in the sauna or a hot tub.
The Icehotel, Marknadsvägen 63, 981 91 Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
2. Free Spirit Spheres, Canada

Glamping, but make it futuristic. We’re talking about the suspended spherical treehouses at Free Spirit Spheres. Nestled in the coastal rainforest of Vancouver Island, Canada, this unique accommodation presents a back-to-nature adventure like no other, combined with a trendy glamping vibe. Select from three different spheres – Luna, the newest and most luxurious pod with the best design elements and features; Melody, the first fibreglass sphere; and Eryn, a handcrafted wooden sphere.
With a diameter of 10.5ft, each sphere has all the essentials you’ll need for a tranquil stay in the forest. Think double beds, filtered water, counter space, a settee, a sky light, and a sink area to make a cup of coffee or tea. The five windows also capture different angles of the forest. And don’t worry if nature calls. Luna has an electric composting toilet outhouse below the sphere.
Free Spirit Spheres, 420 Horne Lake Road, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1Z7, Canada
3. Crazy House, Vietnam

Crazy House aka Hang Nga Guesthouse at Dalat, Vietnam is unlike any other. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into Tarzan’s crib – if it was made by American director Tim Burton. Talented Vietnamese architect Dang Viet Nga is the mastermind behind this design, which features twisting shapes and whimsical sculptures like giant mushrooms and spiderwebs. The kitschy interior inspired by nature is continued in the rooms too. But there won’t be televisions or any modern equipment here as the whole idea of the stay is to return to nature.
Crazy House, 03 D. Huynh Thuc Khang, Ward 4, Da Lat City, Lam Dong 66115, Vietnam
4. Finn Lough Resort, Northern Ireland

Escape to a hidden forest hideaway and experience nature in a transparent dome. Finn Lough is located on a secluded peninsula beside the Donegal-Fermanagh border on the north shore of Lough Erne for ultimate privacy. Take in panoramic views of the dreamy forest and night-filled sky in a forest bubble dome. Or enjoy a combo of two in the premium bubble domes which include a bedroom and free-standing stone bath overlooking the woods. This magical retreat for two is the perfect romantic stay for nature lovers.
Outside the domes are spa treatments in forest cabins and on the banks of Lough Erne. Nourish yourself at the three restaurants – The Barn for dinner, The Bay for alfresco dining by the lake, and the House Bar for speciality drinks and cocktails.
Finn Lough Resort, 33 Letter Road, Aghnablaney, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 2BB
5. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, Finland

From the iconic glass igloos to log chalets, The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort has a variety of accommodations suited to your liking. But most pick the glass igloos from August to April to experience the magical Northern Lights and starry winter skies. If you’re going with friends, the four-person igloo comes with its own toilet and shower. For the best of both accommodations, the new Kelo-Glass Igloos combine a cosy log chalet with the glass igloo. It sleeps up to six people and features a private sauna, fireplace and kitchenette.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, Kiilopääntie 9, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
6. Schlaffass Austria

Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a barrel? Experience this unique hotel at The Sleeping Barrel Village in Tattendorf, Austria. Nestled inside a lush green forest, the Barrel Village creates an oasis of relaxation for the whole fam. But the fun doesn’t stop with the cosy barrels – the nearby climbing and dino park adds an extra layer of excitement for everyone. It’ll be criminal to skip the Rahofer Bräu specialty with beers brewed right here along with wines, spirits, and delish grub.
Schlaffass Tattendorf, Dumba Pk. 1, 2523 Tattendorf, Austria
7. Casa Caracol, Mexico

“Imagine living in a house shaped like a shell” – that’s the brilliant idea behind Casa Caracol. Conceptualised by creative duo and brothers, architect Eduardo Ocampo and artist Octavio Ocampo, the beachfront rental is a dreamy and whimsical space adorned with intricate seashell-themed details. Casa Caracol features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a pool – all overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
We hear the locals love teasing tourists about how a giant shell washed up near the house and had enough conch meat to feed the entire island ceviche for days. The empty shell was then converted into an art studio for Octavio Ocampo.
Casa Caracol, Carretera Garafon KM 5, Punta Sur Mar Turquesa, 77400 Q.R., Mexico
8. Mountain View Experience, Peru

Whisk yourself away to the dreamy mountains of Sacred Valley in Peru and stay in traditional Andean harvest huts at the Mountain View Experience elevated with modern amenities. The highlight has to be the impressive views of the mountains. Pick a tipi that includes an outdoor hot tub for the ultimate experience – embrace the valley views, immerse in nature’s beauty, and befriend adorable llamas. While you’re at it, go on a bike tour with the free bicycles provided, participate in day activities such as horseback and ATV riding, or experience Peruvian culture through the Machu Picchu, Valle Sagrado and Rainbow Mountain private tours.
Mountain View, Maras 08655, Peru
9. Casa Etérea, Mexico

Did you know that a Singaporean conceptualised this mesmerising stay? Prashant Ashoka took cues from Mexican architect Luis Barragán and sculptor-painter Mathias Goéritz to present the concept of “emotional architecture”. The result is Casa Etérea, a mirrored house located on the slopes of the extinct volcano Palo Huérfano.
While the exterior reflects blue skies from the mirror panels, the same panels double up as floor-to-ceiling windows from the inside, giving you a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. The off-grid hideaway is also big on sustainability and integrating with the environment. It runs on solar energy and collected rainwater, and features a patterned ultraviolet coating on the mirror for birds to safely fly around without any surprises.
Casa Etérea, Palo Huérfano, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
10. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Jungle Bubble, Thailand

Experience your own private jungle observatory at the Jungle Bubble in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Planted right in the middle of an elephant sanctuary, you’ll witness gentle giants roam freely in their natural habitat. Cosy up in the air-conditioned room with a king bed, transparent roof and a non-transparent en-suite bathroom. Bring your crew and share the adventure in the Jungle Bubble Lodge, a luxurious two-bedroom bubble with a communal living space, an outdoor deck with a plunge pool, and your private chef and butler.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, 1290 Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
11. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Travel enthusiasts will know a thing or two about the Giraffe Manor. Or at least you’d have seen countless TikTok videos of guests having breakfast with the giraffes there. Situated within the indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is a safari haven.
The moment you arrive, you’re whisked away to a timeless oasis that feels straight from the movie Out of Africa. All rooms boast a majestic facade, elegant interiors with lush green gardens, and sunny terraces. Of course, the highlight is the resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes swinging by in the morning and evening, and playfully poking their long necks into the windows to say hello.
Giraffe Manor, Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya
12. Alila Fort Bishangarh, India

Nestled in the majestic Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, India, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a unique heritage property. Once a formidable warrior fort, it’s now a luxurious and regal retreat, combining history and modern luxury seamlessly. Step into opulent suites that embody the charm of a bygone era, boasting intricately carved arches, hand-painted frescoes, and views of the picturesque countryside. Perfect for history enthusiasts and adventurers seeking a unique experience, this is one stay for the books.
Alila Fort Bishangarh, off NH-8 at Manoharpur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, 303104
13. Wild Coast Tented Lodge at Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka

This enchanting beachfront safari lodge right next to Yala National Park in Sri Lanka has a breathtaking design, mirroring the golden beach’s scattered boulders. The clever layout, shaped like a leopard’s paw, pays homage to the park’s iconic resident. Get ready for an experiential journey filled with adventure and relaxation as you arrive at your cocoon suite. Step into the rooms with high vaulted ceilings, glass facades, a copper bathtub and an outdoor viewing deck. The fun extends to the Cocoon Pool Suite which boasts a private plunge pool.
Resplendent Ceylon, 46/38 Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka
We’re manifesting an unforgettable stay at these unique hotels in the world.