Private Islands, Treehouses, and More: Meet the World’s Most Mind-Blowing Hotels
What could make traveling to exotic places even better? Staying at five-star accommodations, to start. These venues, which hail from all over the world, rank among some of the most incredible (and luxurious) hotels you could hope to crash at. From animal kingdoms turned into deluxe apartments and treehouses that have been converted into luxurious floating orbs, all are dressed to impressed. Just don’t let your significant other find out about them: Otherwise, you’ll never be allowed to book a budget rental again.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Ever wanted to live inside a glass igloo and watch the Northern Lights? Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finland has you covered. This property features an array of lodging options, from glass igloos to log chalets and even snow igloos. The hotel operates all year-long, but offers different accommodations depending on the season (the glass igloos are only available from the end of August through April). If you’re looking to do a little pampering, it’s also home to the world’s largest smoke sauna. Adventurous sorts can also enjoy ice swimming, where they cut a hole in the ice for swimmers to jump through.
Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia
Situated on the banks of the Nambezi River near Victoria Falls, this lodge in Zambia marries safari with luxury. The hotel is made up of six private houses, five river cottages, and even a Tree House. Each room comes with a personal valet who will take care of you for the duration of your stay. The hotel also comes with access to a Sindabezi Island, a private island 15km upstream from Victoria Falls. Tongabezi has been highly regarded as one of the best hotels in the world, receiving accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast, Trip Advisor and more.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Want to bring the magic of wild kingdom into your sitting room? Here, the giraffes are not only a part of the hotel experience, but they’re as integral to hospitality as the patrons. The hotel is situated on 12-acres of private land with its stately buildings surrounding the perimeter. The giraffes are free to walk in and out of the sanctuary and are even encouraged to poke their long necks into the hotel for a bite of breakfast.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort
Regarded by some as the most beautiful hotel in the world, the Conrad Maldives spans two islands in the Indian Ocean. The main Island, Rangalifinolhu, houses the resort’s beach villas. Rangali, the smaller island, houses the luxurious water villas and spa that the hotel is known for. The thatched-roof water villas sit on piers above the crystal clear water and each comes with a private sundeck as well.
Astarte Suites Santorini Hotel, Greece
This small, boutique hotel in Santorini is built on a volcanic cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The hotel is painted with the white and blue colors often associated with the Grecian island, and it blends luxury and nature. It features only 13 suites and each room is inspired by the ancient Mediterranean culture. Every room has a Jacuzzi, and some include private sundecks with pools; each room also provides views of the sea and the volcano in the distance.
Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is a giant, sail-shaped building in the middle of Dubai — the iconic building has become a symbol of progress and modernity. Its resident lodging has consistently been voted as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, and it’s no wonder why. Every room at this five-star hotel comes with access to the private beach, the five pools and nine of the best restaurants in the world. The hotel also offers a terrace that stretches 100 meters out into the Arabian Sea. The terrace contains restaurants and bars, two pools, butler-serviced cabanas and, of course, a beach.
Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
Have you always wanted to live amongst the canopies of Scandinavia? You can turn that dream into a reality at Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. The hotel offers multiple different suites to choose from — including the mirrorcube, the bird’s nest, the cabin, and the UFO — and each one sits on stilts and looks like it’s floating in mid-air. Residences blend in perfectly with nature, and are within walking distance of the Lule River. If you plan your trip correctly, you can even watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own treehouse.
The Boulders, Arizona
This luxurious spa, hotel and world-class golf course in Arizona sits on 1,300 acres of the Sonoran Desert. Its resident boulders date back millions of years and are an integral part of the experience at this hotel; they even come into play on how the golf course was constructed. The suites range from private villas to haciendas and casitas. There’s plenty to do on the property too, with tennis, swimming, hiking, and tons of other recreational activities available.
This floating oasis in the South Pacific features only overwater, private villas. The villas combine modern architecture with Polynesian design, and each one comes with a private terrace; some have access to private pools, but all of them allow you to jump into the lagoon below, only steps from where you woke up. The property offers seven hotels and bars, and tons of activities can be found at the hotel, including cooking classes, diving, paddle boards, and other cultural activities. And, of course, there’s a spa if you want to do a little pampering while staying at this deluxe hotel.