This whole world, and everything in it, is filled with magic and wonder. Sometimes, we have to look for it; sometimes, we don’t. With so many brilliant architectural minds all around us, we can stay a night or two in a luxury treehouse resort in Ohio, a tiki hut in the Maldives, or an ancient Irish castle that’s been restored to its former glory. Wherever the road takes you, let’s take a look at a few incredible places to lay your head at night.
ICEHOTEL
‘Tis the season for the Northern Lights. And what better way to experience that kind of magic than in an ice hotel in Sweden? Not to go for the obvious pun, but it’s really the “coolest” hotel on this list. Known as the hotel that reincarnates itself every year, it transforms every winter into an actual ice hotel where you can enjoy the artistry, comfort, and uniqueness of it all. If you know anyone who runs hot when they sleep, this will feel like heaven’s gate to them.
The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
Quietly tucked away in Glenmont, Ohio, you’ll find something you don’t see every day: luxury treehouses. This place is so fascinating; they’re typically booked out at least three months in advance. But, sure enough, high up in the trees, you’ll be treated to stunning views, plush accommodations, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. This is probably a vlogger’s paradise.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Is there any place in the Maldives that doesn’t touch the heart and soothe the soul? People are willing to travel thousands of miles, going to great lengths, to touch this corner of the Earth. And, if you’ve made it this far, why not go with a 5-star luxury resort? These are those quintessential tiki huts, a.k.a. villas, on the water – private residences complete with their own pools. If you’ve been needing a sanctuary a world away from home, this is it.
The Roxbury
Although the ICEHOTEL is literally the coolest one on our list, this group of eight cabins in upstate New York’s Catskill Mountains may be the cherry on top. One accommodation is designed to mimic King Arthur’s Court, complete with secret passageways. Another one uses Cinderell’s ballgown as a chandelier – and a lifesize pumpkin as a bathroom feature. The fanciful details at The Roxbury are a feast for the eyes and a once-in-a-lifetime must-do.
Free Spirit Spheres
When you think of British Columbia, do you think of mountains or rainforests? They truly have it all, don’t they? Because, on Vancouver Island, you’ll find Free Spirit Spheres, a series of spheres suspended in the air, nestled deeply into the coastal rainforest. These certainly give The Mohican Treehouses a run for their money. Not only are the accommodations divine, but your easy access to beaches and rivers, hiking trails, and paddleboarding opportunities takes this secret hideaway to new heights.
Bungalows Key Largo
How about an upscale couple’s-only all-inclusive resort that bills itself as an island oasis for downtime and disconnecting? That sounds about right. As if it couldn’t get any more alluring, these bungalows are actually located within a botanical garden edged by about 1,000 feet of ocean shoreline. When you need a Gulf Coast getaway, this needs to be at the top of the list!
Treehotel
Let’s go back to Sweden. But, this time, not for an ice hotel – a tree hotel. These aren’t log cabins raised up in the trees, designed to blend in with nature. We’re talking UFOs, mirrored cubes, and lifesize bird nests. The architectural genius that went into this accommodation shows the type of imagination that the creators of The Roxbury would certainly admire.
Inn BoonsBoro
Have you ever gotten lost in the pages of a Nora Roberts novel? As one of the most prolific writers of our time, she invested a healthy portion of her fortune into the restoration of a historic building in Boonsboro, MD, that dates back to the late 1700s. Inside, all the suites are themed after famous characters in fiction, such as Marguerite and Percy from The Scarlet Pimpernel. The breakfasts are savory; the sheets are sumptuous; some of the bathtubs are copper. It’s a beautiful opportunity to kick back and relax by the fire, explore the surrounding area, and see her artistry brought to life.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
It seems like the moment we touch foot on the soil in Kyoto, waves of peace wash over us. For another architectural feast, you have to see how these builders blended modernity with the classic simplicity of the Japanese style. Here, you’ll sleep and eat better than you have in years; the staff will take extra special care of you, and you’ll leave with an undying appreciation and respect for the intense wisdom that underlies every aspect of their culture.
McMenamins Crystal Hotel
We’ve done an ice hotel. Why not a crystal hotel? Located in Portland, Oregon, this sparkler is a 1911 flatiron building with 51 guestrooms, all inspired by a song or performance from the neighboring Crystal Ballroom’s past. It’s a fun and eclectic hotel right in the heart of all the action, with colorful accommodations and easy access to all manner of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Montaña Mágica
This is not your Walt Disney World Magic Mountain. Instead, it’s a Chilean fairy tale that springs to life from the Southern Andes. Many people call it a monument to the majesty of Mother Nature. Each accommocation is more unique than the next and, nestled deep inside the Patagonian Jungle like this, well, you simply won’t find anywhere else on the continent to escape the rigors of every day life in quite the same way.
Hicksville Trailer Palace
If you were sucked into the astonishment of the Johnny Depp trial, you might’ve heard of this place. It surely has a unique spin. Located in Joshua Tree, The Hicksville Trailer Palace has, indeed, redone a series of trailers, but in a way that even an A-lister from Hollywood would care to enjoy. With plenty of onsite activities, including pools and mini golf, this is the place to come with friends and family and enjoy a beer or two by the fire as you loosen up a little.
Ashford Castle
In Ireland, you’ll find many former castles that have been converted into luxury hotels. But, few have done it to the scale of Ashford Castle. Located in County Mayo, you’ll be dazzled and delighted the moment you drive over the bridge and feast your eyes on this sprawling, 800-year-old castle. Every last detail is accounted for once you’re inside, whether you’re savoring Afternoon Tea, the sparkling crystal that accompanies your meals, or a day at their award-winning spa. Each suite takes on the essence of palace decor, providing you with the delicious treat of life as a royal.
The Library Hotel
On the isle of Manhattan, you don’t have to dig deep to find a unique hotel. But, in keeping with the theme of readers, let’s step inside The Library Hotel. A stone’s throw away from the splendor and glory of the New York Public Library, you’ll find a posh hotel with soft bedding, literary decor, and fantastic views of Midtown. After you’ve walked the city, you can return to the hotel at night for a craft cocktail atop their rooftop bar as you raise a glass to the high life and watch the sunset over the city.
Divan Cave House Hotel
When was the last time you slept in a circular bed or dipped your toes into a hot tub overlooking Cappadocia? If Turkey’s on your bucket list, this is the only place to stay. The suites are festooned with ensuite tubs, fanciful carpeting, natural architecture – and easy access to Turkish baths. This is a soul-healing experience, about as authentic as it gets, that will dazzle and delight every last one of your senses.
Clink a Crystal Glass In an Irish Castle
We hope you enjoyed this tour around the world of unique hotels. America surely has a stockpile, but so does Sweden, Chile, Turkey, and Ireland.
Whether you’re looking for a castle stay in Ireland or an ice hotel in Sweden, we hope you enjoy your adventures. It’s likely we also probably have a destination guide on tap to help you explore your new city. Here’s hoping we get to clink a crystal glass in an Irish castle with you someday!