From Treehouses to Ice Palaces: The World’s Most Unusual Stays

When it comes to travel, where you stay is just as important as where you go. For many, a hotel or resort is simply a place to rest between sightseeing adventures. But for the true adventurer, the accommodation itself can be the highlight of the trip. Around the world, creative architects, designers, and hoteliers are redefining what it means to spend a night away from home, offering unique experiences that range from treehouses suspended in forests to ice palaces sculpted from frozen rivers.

Whether you're seeking a whimsical escape, a connection with nature, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there are accommodations that go beyond the traditional hotel. These unusual stays offer travelers not just a place to rest their heads, but the opportunity to dream in environments that defy imagination. In this article, we’ll explore the world’s most unique and unusual stays, taking you from treetop heights to the depths of the earth and everywhere in between. Pack your bags and get ready to be inspired by these extraordinary destinations.

1. Treehotel (Sweden) – Sleep Among the Treetops

Nestled in the forest of northern Sweden, Treehotel offers one of the most surreal and eco-friendly stays on the planet. Each room is a modern architectural marvel suspended high in the trees, allowing guests to live out their childhood fantasies of sleeping in a treehouse while surrounded by stunning Scandinavian wilderness.

Why It’s Unusual:

Treehotel’s rooms are designed to blend into the natural environment while offering cutting-edge design. Each room is different—one is a giant mirror cube that reflects the forest, another is shaped like a bird's nest, and another takes the form of a UFO. These artistic designs create an otherworldly atmosphere, offering guests both luxury and a deep connection to nature.

Highlights:

The Mirrorcube: One of the most famous rooms, this mirrored cube blends seamlessly into its surroundings, reflecting the sky, trees, and wildlife. Inside, the cube offers sleek, minimalist design with panoramic windows.

The UFO: Designed to look like a flying saucer, this room is suspended among the trees, offering a space-age experience in the heart of the forest.

Sustainability: Treehotel is committed to eco-friendly tourism. The structures are built with minimal impact on the environment, and guests are encouraged to experience the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.

Why You Should Stay:

Treehotel provides a perfect escape from the modern world, offering tranquility, adventure, and luxury all in one. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a unique, nature-immersed experience far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

2. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Finland) – Sleep Under the Northern Lights

Located in Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is famous for its glass igloos that allow guests to gaze up at the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own bed. The resort offers a winter wonderland experience with reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and husky safaris, but the real magic happens when the skies light up with the aurora borealis.

Why It’s Unusual:

Sleeping in a glass igloo in the Arctic Circle is unlike any other accommodation experience in the world. The igloos are heated and insulated, providing comfort in the extreme cold while allowing guests to feel as if they’re sleeping under the stars. The resort’s remote location makes it one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.

Highlights:

Glass Igloos: These modern, glass-domed rooms offer 360-degree views of the sky, making them perfect for witnessing the Northern Lights without having to brave the freezing temperatures outside.

Aurora Hunting: During the winter months, the resort organizes aurora hunting trips, giving guests the best chance to see the lights dance across the sky.

Snow Activities: From snowshoeing to ice fishing, the resort offers a wide range of activities that let you embrace the Arctic wilderness.

Why You Should Stay:

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is the ultimate bucket-list destination for anyone dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights. The combination of luxury and adventure in the heart of the Arctic Circle makes it a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

3. Giraffe Manor (Kenya) – Dine with Giraffes

Giraffe Manor, located just outside Nairobi, Kenya, is a boutique hotel where the resident Rothschild giraffes roam freely on the property, often poking their heads through the windows in search of a snack. The manor is set on 12 acres of private land and is home to a herd of endangered giraffes that guests can interact with during their stay.

Why It’s Unusual:

Where else in the world can you eat breakfast while a giraffe stretches its neck through the window to join you? Giraffe Manor offers a truly unique experience where guests can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. The manor itself is a 1930s-era colonial mansion, offering luxurious accommodations with an old-world charm.

Highlights:

Breakfast with Giraffes: Each morning, the giraffes wander up to the manor, often poking their heads through the windows or the dining room doors to be fed by guests.

Giraffe Conservation: Giraffe Manor is part of a conservation project that helps protect Rothschild giraffes. Guests can learn about the efforts to preserve this endangered species while staying at the manor.

Luxury Accommodations: The manor’s rooms are elegantly decorated, combining traditional colonial architecture with modern comforts.

Why You Should Stay:

Giraffe Manor offers a rare opportunity to interact with giraffes in an intimate and responsible setting. For animal lovers and those seeking a luxurious stay with a wildlife twist, Giraffe Manor is an unforgettable experience.

4. Icehotel (Sweden) – Sleep in a Frozen Palace

Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, the Icehotel is the world’s first and largest hotel made entirely out of ice and snow. Every winter, artists from around the globe come to create new rooms and sculptures, turning the hotel into a frozen wonderland. When the weather warms, the hotel melts, only to be rebuilt the following winter.

Why It’s Unusual:

The Icehotel is not just a place to stay—it’s an ever-changing art exhibit. Each room is individually designed by artists, turning the frozen walls, beds, and sculptures into intricate works of art. Guests sleep in thermal sleeping bags on beds made of ice, and the hotel offers experiences like ice sculpting and Northern Lights tours.

Highlights:

Art Suites: Each Art Suite is unique, designed by a different artist every year. The rooms feature incredible ice sculptures and frozen artwork, creating an atmosphere of frozen beauty.

Ice Sculpting: Guests can take ice sculpting classes and learn how to carve their own masterpieces out of blocks of ice.

Northern Lights: Jukkasjärvi is an excellent location for viewing the Northern Lights, and the hotel offers guided tours to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.

Why You Should Stay:

The Icehotel is a destination unlike any other. Staying in a hotel made entirely of ice is a surreal experience that combines adventure, art, and the beauty of the Arctic. If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter getaway, the Icehotel is a must-visit.

5. Cappadocia Cave Suites (Turkey) – Sleep in Ancient Cave Dwellings

In the heart of Turkey’s Cappadocia region, you’ll find a landscape of unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. The Cappadocia Cave Suites offer a chance to experience this historical wonderland by staying in luxury rooms carved into the soft volcanic rock. These cave hotels provide a blend of ancient architecture and modern comfort, allowing guests to step back in time while enjoying a luxurious stay.

Why It’s Unusual:

Staying in a cave might sound primitive, but the Cappadocia Cave Suites offer a unique blend of history and luxury. The rooms are carved into the stone, maintaining their cave-like atmosphere while being furnished with modern amenities like plush beds, en-suite bathrooms, and even spa facilities. This combination of history and comfort is what makes the cave suites so extraordinary.

Highlights:

Fairy Chimneys: Cappadocia is famous for its “fairy chimneys,” towering rock formations created by volcanic eruptions and erosion. Many of the cave suites are located within these unique geological structures.

Hot Air Ballooning: One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings from above.

Historical Charm: The cave hotels are located within a region that’s steeped in history, with ancient churches, monasteries, and underground cities nearby.

Why You Should Stay:

Cappadocia Cave Suites offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and luxury. Whether you’re exploring the region’s historical sites or simply relaxing in your cave room, this unusual stay offers a truly immersive experience in one of the world’s most magical landscapes.

6. The Manta Resort (Tanzania) – Sleep Underwater

The Manta Resort, located on the island of Pemba off the coast of Tanzania, offers one of the world’s most unique accommodations: an underwater room submerged in the Indian Ocean. Guests can sleep surrounded by tropical fish, coral reefs, and the sparkling blue sea, making it one of the most extraordinary stays imaginable.

Why It’s Unusual:

The Manta Resort’s underwater room is a floating structure with three levels, but the most impressive part is the submerged bedroom, which offers panoramic views of the underwater world. Guests can watch fish swim by, and at night, underwater spotlights illuminate the coral reefs, attracting marine life for an unforgettable spectacle.

Highlights:

Underwater Bedroom: The submerged bedroom is the highlight of the Manta Resort. Guests can relax on their beds and watch the underwater world unfold around them through large windows on all sides.

Snorkeling and Diving: The surrounding waters are home to vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Private Island Experience: Pemba Island is less developed than its neighbor Zanzibar, offering a more remote and secluded island experience. The Manta Resort provides an exclusive, luxurious getaway surrounded by nature.

Why You Should Stay:

For those seeking an underwater adventure combined with luxury, the Manta Resort offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Sleeping surrounded by the ocean is a dream come true for any ocean lover, and the resort’s remote location adds to the sense of peace and tranquility.

7. The Dog Bark Park Inn (USA) – Sleep Inside a Giant Dog

The Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, might just be the quirkiest place you’ll ever stay. This bed and breakfast is shaped like a giant beagle, making it the perfect destination for dog lovers or those who appreciate a bit of whimsy in their travels.

Why It’s Unusual:

The Dog Bark Park Inn is a massive, two-story beagle, and guests stay inside the dog’s body. The room is filled with dog-themed décor, and the owners, who are chainsaw artists, have created canine carvings that are displayed throughout the inn. It’s a quirky, fun, and memorable place to stay for families or anyone looking for something completely out of the ordinary.

Highlights:

Themed Accommodations: The entire inn is dog-themed, from the furniture to the decorations. There’s even a loft inside the dog’s head where guests can sleep.

Chainsaw Art: The owners are chainsaw artists, and their unique carvings are on display throughout the inn. Guests can also purchase custom dog carvings to take home as souvenirs.

Pet-Friendly: It goes without saying that the Dog Bark Park Inn is a pet-friendly destination, so you can bring your own furry friend along for the adventure.

Why You Should Stay:

The Dog Bark Park Inn is a fun and whimsical stay that offers a playful break from more traditional accommodations. Whether you’re a dog lover or just looking for a quirky travel experience, staying inside a giant beagle is sure to be a memorable part of your trip.

8. Jules’ Undersea Lodge (USA) – Sleep in a Submerged Hot el

Located off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, Jules’ Undersea Lodge offers a unique opportunity to stay in a fully submerged hotel, where guests must scuba dive to enter. Named after Jules Verne, author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, the lodge is located 21 feet below the surface, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime underwater adventure.

Why It’s Unusual:

Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the only underwater hotel where guests must scuba dive to reach their rooms. Once inside, the lodge offers comfortable accommodations with large windows that look out into the ocean, providing views of the marine life and coral reefs surrounding the hotel.

Highlights:

Scuba Diving Entrance: Guests must be certified divers to reach the lodge, making it a truly immersive underwater experience. For those who aren’t certified, the hotel offers courses to prepare guests for the dive.

Underwater Views: The lodge’s portholes provide panoramic views of the ocean, and guests can watch fish and other marine life swim by throughout their stay.

Pizza Delivery: Believe it or not, the lodge offers an underwater pizza delivery service, bringing freshly made pizza to guests directly under the sea.

Why You Should Stay:

Jules’ Undersea Lodge is a must-visit for scuba diving enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience life underwater. It’s an adventure that offers both comfort and excitement, allowing guests to sleep below the ocean’s surface in a unique and unforgettable setting.

9. The Caves (Jamaica) – Sleep Inside Cliffside Grottos

Located in Negril, Jamaica, The Caves is a boutique resort perched on the cliffs of the island’s western coast. The resort’s suites and cottages are built into natural sea caves, offering stunning ocean views and a secluded atmosphere. It’s a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic, out-of-the-ordinary getaway.

Why It’s Unusual:

The Caves combines the beauty of natural limestone formations with luxurious accommodations. The suites are carved into the cliffs, with private terraces overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Guests can swim in the ocean directly from the cliffs or relax in candlelit caves at night, making it a truly magical experience.

Highlights:

Cliffside Cottages: The resort’s cottages are built into the limestone cliffs, offering panoramic views of the ocean and direct access to the sea.

Private Caves: Some of the resort’s dining experiences take place in secluded sea caves, where guests can enjoy romantic candlelit dinners by the water.

Water Sports: The Caves offers a range of water activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and cliff diving, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Caribbean’s natural beauty.

Why You Should Stay:

The Caves is an idyllic blend of nature, luxury, and romance. Whether you’re looking to unwind in a secluded sea cave or jump into the ocean from the cliffs, this resort offers a unique and unforgettable Jamaican experience.

Conclusion: The Art of Unusual Stays

Travel is about more than just visiting new places—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences, and where you stay can be just as important as the destination itself. From treehouses and ice hotels to underwater rooms and cave dwellings, these unusual stays offer travelers the chance to dream in extraordinary settings. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a unique connection to nature, these accommodations will redefine how you experience the world.

So next time you plan a trip, think beyond traditional hotels and consider an unusual stay that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Whether you choose to sleep in the treetops, under the sea, or in the heart of the Arctic, these one-of-a-kind stays promise to take your travel experiences to new heights.