When it comes to travelling, most of us view hotels as that pit-stop where we go to rest our head after a day’s adventure. But what if we told you there are some places in the world where the hotels are so exotic, so spell-binding, that spending time in them is the adventure itself?
We’ve rounded up nine of these amazing hotels for you. Of course, there are definitely other famous establishments out there that are seen as “unusual”, but we decided to only include those unique, sexy hotels that our readers would appreciate – not something weird for the sake of being weird.
Any of the places on our list will leave you with some seriously unforgettable memories. If you’re lucky enough to have spent the night in any of these hotels, please drop us an email. We’d love to hear from you!
Without further ado, here’s The List in no particular order:
Located 1,400 meters above sea level, Whitepod offers magnificent, unobstructed views of Lake Geneva. The resort has 15 high-tech tents. Each of these ‘pods’ sleeps up to 4, and are luxuriously equipped with a wood-burning stove, bathroom, terrace and kitchen.
As a guest, you have access to 7 km of private ski runs, serviced by private ski lifts, as well as two chalets, Japanese baths, Finnish saunas, and a restaurant and bar. A resident chef provides 2 nightly menus.
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This luxury resort is located on a 7 mile stretch of coastline in Negril, Jamaica. Even though the location is remote, the hotel is not short on luxury. A salt water swimming pool and Jacuzzi overlooks lush Jamaican landscapes, along with hidden sundecks and grottoes linked by rocky walkways – there’s plenty of hideaways here for couples to be up to no good!
A total of 12 cliff-side accommodations are offered at The Caves, including a deluxe 4 bedroom villa, 2 bedroom cottages and a selection of suites.
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#3 – The Magic Mountain Hotel, Chile
This wild hotel is designed to look like a volcano, spews water from the top, you enter it via a cable bridge, and its outer surface is draped in moss and plant life. Each of the hotel’s 9 rooms is equipped with modern amenities and large windows that overlook the lush forest outside.
The Magic Mountain hotel is located in the Huilo Huilo Private Natural Reserve, which is also home to spectacular waterfalls, the world’s smallest species of deer, and the longest zip line in South America.
Doesn’t it remind you of The Hobbit home?
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#4 – Sala Silvermine Suite, Sweden
If you want a story you can tell your friends for years to come, spend a night in this place with your special someone. It’s cold, damp, dark…and oh so sensual.
Located 155 meters underground in a well preserved silver/lead mine, you’ll be housed in a single bedroom suite, with full access to dark winding galleries, vast caverns and magical lakes. It really is one of the wildest place for you to let off some steam. Just keep in mind that sounds do echo off the walls when you’re down there 😉
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#5 – Iglu Dorf, Switzerland
This igloo village is one of 7 located across Andorra, Switzerland and Germany that accept guests during the winter months. Every year 3000 tons of snow are used to build each of these magical villages, with artists from around the world crafting sculptures inside each village.
Expedition sleeping bags, plush sheepskin rugs, hot tubs, swirling ice designs on walls illuminated by candlelight…the pictures really don’t do this experience justice.
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#6 – Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
One the home of gigantic volcano, today the Ngorongoro Crater in Africa is home to 25,000 mammals, including wildebeest, rare black rhinos, lions and cheetahs. It is also home to one of the world’s most elegant and luxurious places to stay.
Perched on the edge of the crater and its swirling mists, this safari lodge offers unbelievable views, ornate architecture, and experiences such as Game drives, crater floor banquets and nature walks to the large soda lake at the base of the crater. If you’re an animal lover, vacationing here is a must.
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#7 – Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
With its astonishing architecture and breath-snatching views of the Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain is a curvy spider web of zigzagging stone walkways, sculpture-topped stone pillars and cascading koi pools.
Every one of the resort’s suites has a three-walled concept, allowing guests to enjoy mind-blowing panoramic views of the Piton mountains. Other goodies include private infinity pools, a full-service spa, and rooms are techno-free. Now you have a legit reason for not reading those work emails pushed to your Blackberry!
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#8 – Attrap’Rêves, France
If you’re the nature lover that could do without the bad weather and pesky bugs, then we got your cup of tea! Guests of the Attrap’Reves Bubble Hotel in France sleep in fully-furnished, transparent pods that provide amazing views of their surroundings and the open night sky, without the…’undesirable’ elements.
There are 5 unique themes that you can choose from. For example, the “Nature” bubble is fully transparent with glass floors and panaromic views of the surroundings. The “Glamour” bubble is ideal for couples or honeymooners, and features heart-shaped decor and a tinted bubble, which offers more privacy.
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#9 – Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Simply put, staying in this gorgeous hotel will make you feel like royalty. And rightly so! Located in the Udaipur region of north-west India, over the years hotel guests have included the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy, the King of Nepal, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Taj Lake Palace occupies a four-acre island in Pinchola Lake and gives the illusion of floating on the turquoise water. It was built in 1740 (no that’s not a typo) as a summer retreat to take advantage of the cooling lake breezes.
Amenities include private balconies, cypress-shaded courtyards filled with lily ponds, opulent decor and world-class luxurious surroundings that makes this the perfect romantic getaway.
And if you aren’t already drooling, let this do the trick: Guests can choose to arrive by gondola at twilight, when the city lights twinkle in the background and the Aravalli Mountains are silhouetted against the evening sky.
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