15 of the most extraordinary hotels worldwide and how to discover them

Planning your next getaway can be exciting, but do you ever crave something beyond the typical beach resort or city escape? Fortunately, a myriad of unique hotels await, offering bizarre and delightful experiences for both thrill-seekers and luxury aficionados. From floating lake palaces in India to glass igloos in Lapland and enchanting cave rooms in Italy, there’s a perfect option for every preference and budget. Read on to uncover my selection of the most astonishing hotels for an unparalleled stay.

1. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Review Score: 9.3

A trip to the Maldives is always a dreamy, otherworldly adventure, where you find yourself on your very own slice of paradise, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. However, this hotel elevates the experience with its groundbreaking underwater suite, allowing you to literally sleep beneath the sea. The split-level Muraka Residence at The Conrad features an outdoor deck with an infinity pool and an ocean-view bathtub upstairs, while a spiral staircase leads you to the main bedroom beneath the waves. This architectural wonder is designed as your personal aquarium, complete with a 180-degree curved acrylic dome where you can watch schools of fish swimming above as you drift into slumber. It’s undoubtedly one of the most stunning views I’ve ever experienced.

2. Icehotel, Sweden

Review Score: 8.5

You may have heard of ice bars, but did you know ice hotels exist? The original Icehotel in Sweden was crafted from massive ice blocks taken from the nearby Torne River in 1989. Today, it stands as one of the most extraordinary hotels globally, blending luxury with a constantly evolving art exhibit. Open from December to April and rebuilt each year (the hotel melts with the arrival of warmer weather), it offers around 20 standard ice rooms, each featuring minimalist designs. However, my favorite choice would be one of the 12 art suites, intricately sculpted by renowned artists worldwide to create stunning, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. One year, you might sleep in an ice-carved candy store, while another, you could find yourself in an igloo watched over by huskies. Each stay is a unique experience.

3. The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

Review Score: 8.5

Las Vegas, known as the adult playground, is celebrated for its themed hotels, allowing you to stay in everything from an Egyptian pyramid to the Eiffel Tower. Yet, perhaps the most iconic of them all is The Venetian, a breathtaking replica of Venice that showcases replicas of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and the façade of the Doge Palace. As you stroll along the Grand Canal and listen to the opera-singing gondoliers, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve been whisked away to Italy. Enjoy a gondola ride and indulge in some retail therapy at the numerous shops before relaxing at the grand neo-classical pool deck. The accommodations are equally lavish, offering over 4,000 suites, with the finest featuring sunken living rooms and luxurious Roman tubs.

4. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Review Score: 9.7

Have you ever dreamed of staying among the clouds? At this secluded Ecuadorian lodge, you can make that dream a reality, hidden within the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest. A three-hour drive from Quito leads you to a boutique hotel seemingly dropped into the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the stunning nature of the nearby rainforest. The lodge is designed to maximize its breathtaking setting, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that bring those enchanting, misty views right into your room. This is the perfect destination for immersing yourself in local wildlife, whether it’s birdwatching from the panoramic terrace, discovering countless butterfly species in the garden, or exploring the many hiking trails on the property.

5. The Fish Hotel, United Kingdom

Review Score: 9.0

At some point during our childhood, we all dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse – and now that dream can come true at The Fish hotel in the picturesque Cotswolds. Nestled among the trees in this stunning Oxfordshire retreat, these treehouses are perfect for both kids and adults, featuring luxurious touches that cater to the whole family. Each of the three treehouses, accessible via a rope bridge, is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, boasting open-plan lounges and wooden-clad bedrooms. Children will adore the custom-built bunk beds, but the standout feature has to be the two heated outdoor baths on the deck, complete with an intercom for drink and room service delivery, allowing you to relax, enjoy nature's sounds, and soak to your heart's content.

6. Kruger Shalati, South Africa

Review Score: 9.4

Views don’t get much more breathtaking than those at Kruger Shalati, a luxury train hotel perched on a historic bridge overlooking the Sabie River in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Here, you can watch wild animals as they wander beneath the bridge, coming to drink from the river or bask in its waters. The hotel itself is incredibly unique, situated in a repurposed train carriage that evokes the golden age of travel. The décor is steeped in Art Deco elegance, featuring four-poster beds and geometric designs. Each carriage boasts a small bar area with its own Juliet balcony, but my favorite highlight is the circular infinity pool located on the bridge. Once a water tank stand, it provides mesmerizing views of the winding river and the expansive plains below.

7. Amberley Castle, United Kingdom

Review Score: 8.9

This hotel in the English countryside dates back to 1103 and was once a real castle that welcomed kings and queens, including Henry VII, Charles II, and Elizabeth II. Now transformed into a luxury hotel, it invites guests to rest their heads within walls steeped in history. Entering feels like a journey back in time, as you walk through the original portcullis and into the beautifully landscaped grounds. The estate spans 12 acres of manicured parkland, perfect for romantic strolls among the topiary hedges, and features a delightful croquet lawn nestled beneath the battlements. Be sure to request the Chichester room, which offers a lavish four-poster bed, antique furnishings, and an original fireplace, ideal for warming the cool stone walls.

8. Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Italy

Review Score: 9.5

For romance, few places compare to this cave hotel in Italy, where the rustic accommodations date back to the 13th century. Nestled in the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Matera, the setting is nothing short of magical, overlooking the stunning Gravina canyon and surrounded by medieval churches and Baroque palaces. The cave rooms are beautifully simple, highlighting the curved, honey-colored walls with minimalist furniture. The ambiance is elevated by the gentle glow of numerous candles and lanterns, so don’t expect a TV or mini-bar, as the rooms intentionally lack modern technology. Breakfast is served in the rock-hewn church at the heart of the cave complex, setting the stage for a day of exploration and hiking in the nearby Murgia National Park. Bellissima!

9. Apukka Resort, Finland

Review Score: 8.7

If you’ve always dreamed of witnessing the Northern Lights, this might just be the ultimate destination to experience them. Located in the heart of Lapland, the resort features a collection of glass-roofed, igloo-style cabins, allowing you to gaze at the stars from the comfort of your own bed. Enjoy private saunas, hot tub sessions in the snowy landscape, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. However, the true highlight of Apukka is their ‘aurora wagon’—a mobile vehicle with a glass roof designed for deep forest excursions to catch those elusive Northern Lights. Equipped with a double bed, a small kitchen, and a bathroom, it offers everything you need for a night above the Arctic Circle, where you can indulge in some serious stargazing. It’s truly an experience unlike any other.

10. Pioneertown Motel, California

Review Score: 9.2

Film enthusiasts will appreciate this distinctive desert getaway in Pioneertown, originally established as a permanent film set in the 1940s to meet the rising demand for Western films. Now situated just outside Joshua Tree National Park in California, this site has transformed into a trendy retreat for creatives and Angelenos seeking a unique weekend escape. This eclectic motel, which was part of the original set and once hosted stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, boasts a charmingly rustic vibe with original planked buildings constructed from railroad sleepers. Inside, it exudes cowboy chic—think cowhide rugs, woven throws, and breathtaking desert views that extend to the San Bernardino Mountains. As night falls, head over to the nearby Pappy & Harriet’s, a live music hotspot where legends like Paul McCartney and Arctic Monkeys have performed.

11. Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, India

Review Score: 9.2

The first glimpse of the Taj Lake Palace in India is nothing short of enchanting, as it gracefully floats on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. You might recognize this stunning white edifice from the James Bond film Octopussy, where it served as a prominent filming location, but this hotel offers far more than cinematic allure. Rich in history—originally constructed in 1743 as a summer retreat for the royal Mewar dynasty and transformed into a hotel in the 1960s—it stands as one of the world's most exquisite and distinctive accommodations. This serene oasis feels like a world apart from the bustling city of Udaipur, yet it’s merely a short boat ride away. Once you arrive, you may find it hard to leave, as every guest is treated like true royalty with their own dedicated butler.

12. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand

Review Score: 9.1

Experience wildlife like never before at this elephant camp and resort in Thailand, featuring some of the most unique accommodations I’ve encountered—transparent outdoor pods known as ‘Jungle Bubbles,’ where you can sleep surrounded by the natural habitat of the majestic Asian elephants. Drift off under the stars and wake to the sounds of the jungle as these magnificent animals roam freely nearby. Meals are served outdoors on your elevated terrace, accompanied only by the soothing sounds of native birds and a few friendly elephants. For those eager to learn more about these gentle giants, the hotel can arrange walking tours, allowing you to stroll alongside them as they graze on shrubs and leaves along the Ruak River plain.

13. Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica

Review Score: 8.9

When it comes to the coolest hotels in the world, Costa Verde is definitely at the top. Tucked away in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle is a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe, transformed into the stunning two-bedroom Fuselage suite—my top recommendation for visitors. Elevated on a 50-foot pedestal above the tree canopy, the views here will truly make you feel airborne. Inside, the decor features hand-carved teak furnishings and wood-paneled curved walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. My favorite feature is the outdoor terrace, which offers ocean views—perfect for sipping a cold beer or a glass of wine while watching playful monkeys and toucans.

14. Madonna Inn, California

Review Score: 8.7

If you’re a fan of delightfully kitschy décor and whimsical theme hotels, the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is a must-visit destination. This iconic Californian hotel is renowned for its extravagant interiors, boasting 110 uniquely themed rooms, each with imaginative names that hint at their decor. For instance, Jungle Rock resembles a wild forest, complete with a waterfall rock shower and tree-bark inspired furniture, while Love Nest features an all-pink aesthetic with floral wallpaper and even a flower-covered sink in the bathroom. The rest of the property is equally eccentric, featuring a Gold Rush-themed steakhouse adorned with curved fuchsia banquettes and a gold chandelier, alongside Barbie-pink tennis courts. At the Madonna Inn, the motto is clearly ‘more is more.’

15. Hotel Ještěd, Czech Republic

Review Score: 9.0

Perched at an elevation of 1,012 meters on Mount Ještěd in the Czech Republic, this architectural gem is a true marvel. Designed by the famous architect Karel Hubáček, the property combines a television transmitter, restaurant, and hotel into one striking tower that seems plucked from a sci-fi film. Adventurers will enjoy the ride to Ještěd, accessible only by cableway (but if heights make you uneasy, it's best to avoid looking down). The sleek, modern rooms resemble luxurious spaceship cabins and feature slanted windows that frame stunning views of the snowy mountains. Meanwhile, the restaurant boasts expansive windows that create the illusion of dining outdoors amid the breathtaking landscape.