Tired of ordinary hotel rooms? If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, these unusual hotels take accommodation to a whole new level. From sleeping underwater to staying in an ice palace, here are the top five most unique hotels in the world that will make your trip unforgettable.
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1. The Muraka – Maldives
Imagine waking up to sharks and tropical fish swimming around you—that’s exactly what you’ll experience at The Muraka, the world’s first underwater villa at The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This luxurious two-level suite features a glass-walled underwater bedroom, offering 360-degree views of marine life.
Why stay here?
- Sleep beneath the ocean in a completely submerged glass-walled room.
- Enjoy VIP treatment, including a private butler and infinity pool.
- Dine at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first underwater dining experience.
Best time to visit: November to April for the best weather and marine visibility.
2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland
Ever dreamed of sleeping under the Northern Lights? At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland, you can stay in a glass igloo, offering breathtaking views of the aurora borealis right from your bed. For the adventurous, there are also ice rooms where you can experience the magic of sleeping in a frozen wonderland.
Why stay here?
- Witness the Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm glass igloo.
- Stay in a snow hotel, where everything—including the bed—is made of ice.
- Enjoy dog sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling in Lapland.
Best time to visit: September to March for the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
3. Giraffe Manor – Kenya
Located just outside Nairobi, Kenya, Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel where giraffes roam freely and even poke their heads through the windows at breakfast time. This historic mansion is surrounded by the African wilderness, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.
Why stay here?
- Have breakfast with friendly giraffes—they’ll poke their heads inside to say hello!
- Enjoy a private safari experience at nearby nature reserves.
- Stay in a colonial-style mansion with elegant, vintage decor.
Best time to visit: June to October, when the weather is dry and wildlife is most active.
4. Free Spirit Spheres – Canada
For a magical escape into nature, stay in a giant spherical treehouse at Free Spirit Spheres, located in a rainforest on Vancouver Island, Canada. These suspended orbs sway gently with the wind, offering a peaceful, nature-immersed experience.
Why stay here?
- Sleep in a floating orb treehouse, unlike anything else in the world.
- Wake up surrounded by lush rainforest and wildlife.
- Experience a completely off-grid, eco-friendly stay.
Best time to visit: June to September for mild temperatures and outdoor activities.
5. Hotel Palacio de Sal – Bolivia
Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a hotel made entirely of salt? Located on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, Hotel Palacio de Sal is built entirely from salt bricks, salt furniture, and even salt floors.
Why stay here?
- Everything is made of salt! The walls, beds, and even chairs.
- Look into the stunning Salar de Uyuni, which transforms into a giant mirror after rainfall.
- Experience a completely unique and eco-friendly stay.
Best time to visit: December to April to see the mirror effect of the salt flats.
These hotels prove that accommodation can be more than just a place to sleep—it can be an adventure in itself! Whether you’re sleeping under the ocean, watching the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, or dining with giraffes, these extraordinary stays promise an experience you’ll never forget. So, which one will you check into first?
FAQs
Is The Muraka completely underwater?
Only the bedroom and lounge are underwater, while the living area is above sea level.
Can you really see the Northern Lights from Kakslauttanen?
Yes, the glass igloos are designed for viewing the aurora borealis.
Do the giraffes at Giraffe Manor roam freely?
Yes, they are part of a conservation program and interact with guests.
Are the Free Spirit Spheres safe?
Yes, they are securely suspended from trees and designed to withstand weather conditions.
Is the Hotel Palacio de Sal really made of salt?
Yes, almost everything in the hotel, including walls and furniture, is made of salt.v
