If your goal in life is to make your #wanderlust dreams a reality, here are 10 accommodations you’ll need for the complete travel experience.
1. A Night Under the Northern Lights
What’s the best way to enjoy the spectacular Northern Lights in Finland? It’s definitely from these glass igloos found in Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Think cozy log cabins, glass igloos and a traditional Lapland house for the most authentic experience of Finland.
Kakslauttanen is known for its freezing temperatures, so most visitors would prefer staying indoors early. But thanks to the glass ceiling of the igloos, you can enjoy the charm of the Aurora from the comfort of your cozy beds. Did I mention that these accommodations come with fireplaces, saunas and free-standing tubs?
While there are no TVs available, visitors can participate in activities such as ice swimming, sleigh rides and reindeer safaris.
This bucket list experience might burn a hole in your wallet, as the price ranges from $372 to $1699 a night. However, the breathtaking view and extraordinary experience makes it all worth it.
2. A Night in a Tree House
Ever dreamt of sleeping under the stars? At seven meters up in the air, Bangkok Tree House makes your dream a reality. They offer 4 designs of cosy nests, such as the family nest, the Bee Hive and the treetop nest.
The family nest features a master bedroom, a study room (which can be converted into a second bedroom) and a bathroom, as well as three green roof areas for guests to enjoy the fresh air and breathtaking view of the majestic river below.
Before you confirm your booking in this charming out-of-the-ordinary accommodation, there are a couple of things you need to consider.
Bangkok Tree House offers outdoor showers in most of the nests, where only birds and and other animals could potentially see you. Next, there are no roads leading to the accommodation, meaning that guests will have to travel by foot, bike or boat. Lastly, the vicinity is strictly smoke-free, in order to protect the health of other guests and the environment.
If these conditions don’t deter you, head over here to enjoy special discount rates from 170 SGD a night!
3. A Night in the Deep
The Bangkok Tree House lets you sleep seven metres up high in the air, but what about down low? You’re looking at the world’s deepest suite, at 155 metres under the ground. The Sala Silvermine Hotel provides suites surrounded by winding galleries and thrilling cavities, giving you insight on the mining culture.
Upon arrival, guests will be brought on a guided tour, and served with a basket of refreshments including cheese, biscuits, sparkling wine and chocolate. Although the temperature in the mine is at 2 degrees celsius all year round, the suites are warmed up to 18 degree celsius, and the beds are fitted with a thick cover and extra blankets to keep you nice and warm.
You might have guessed that mobile phones won’t receive signal at this level, but fret not. Guests will be given an intercom radio to communicate with a staff member who will be available above the ground throughout the night. If you’re wondering about the usual hotel amenities, the Silvermine hotel does provide showers and a lounge in the hostel above ground. Find out more about Sala Silvermine Hotel here.
4. A Night Behind Bars
If you’re looking for a hotel with a twist, this is it. Once a fully functioning prison, Alcatrez Prison in Germany has now been transformed into a modern guest hotel. “Enjoy” a night behind bars, complete with stripy prison pyjamas for willing inmates to get the full experience.
There are 56 rooms (or cells) available, and guests will be brought through a guided tour upon arrival. The tour brings you to the older parts of the prison, which includes three levels of cells.
Unlike your average prison stay, guests at Alcatrez can be sure to enjoy great hospitality, as well as other amenities for a pleasant experience.
5. A Night on the Water
If “glamping” (glamourous camping) is on your bucket list, 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is the place to visit. Located on the Tatai river, the lodge features 12 floating tents, making them the first floating tent accommodation in the world.
The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge offers a panoramic view of the river, as well as the Cardamom Mountains and the richest virgin rainforest of Southeast Asia, and it sure promises to rejuvenate the spirit and calm the senses.
SourceCommitted to providing sustainable tourism, the lodge strives to protect the beautiful nature and wildlife of the area, and offers guided tours for guests interested in the culture of the local people and the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.
With the vision to create high impact on people and low impact on the environment, we can expect an unforgettable experience while fully immersed in the beauty of nature.
6. A Night with a Theme
When travelling, there are typically two camps of people. The first loves sticking to the itinerary and having all their plans fall into place. The other camp however, enjoys an adventure and a good surprise. If you belong to the latter, Red Rose Hotel will be your pick in Thailand.
Red Rose offers themed rooms that are “the wackiest places to stay in Chiang Rai”. From Star Wars, Disney to Thai Boxing, there’s something for everyone. You can choose to spend 350 baht/ night, or 3500 baht/ night — it’s all up to you.
Guests who have stayed at Red Rose Hotel are extremely satisfied with its cleanliness, good value and service. Check it out here!
7. A Night on the Train
SourceFor a taste of Toto-chan’s railcar school experience, take a look at Aurora-Express, a Bed and Breakfast in Alaska.
These authentic Alaskan railroad cars sit high on a hill, overlooking Fairbanks, the Tanana River and the Alaska Mountain Range.
Each of the old railroad cars represent a different period in the history of Alaskan railroad, with options such as the National Domain Car, a 1956 Pullman sleeper, as well as the more luxurious Golden Nellie Caboose.
8.A Night in The Crazy House
Inspired by the beauty of the natural environment surrounding Da Lat, the Hang Nga Guesthouse in Vietnam is the brainchild of Architect Dang Viet Nga. Often dubbed “Crazy House”, the building represents Dang’s expression of freedom in the art of architecture.
The building’s overall design resembles a giant tree, and even looks like the type of house found in fairy tales. There are 10 themed guest rooms, featuring animals such as tiger, eagle, kangaroo and plants such as gourd and bamboo. The furniture found inside the rooms are handcrafted, giving it a touch of personality.
Crazy House has been featured in numerous travel guidebooks, and it is easy to see why. Take in the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam in an equally beautiful guesthouse. Make your reservations here!
9. A Night Surrounded by Salt
Located on the eastern shore of Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni, Palacio de Sal appears to offer the usual comforts of a hotel – until you realise that it is constructed entirely from salt.
If you remember the story of Price Pondercherry’s chocolate palace from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, that’s a little like Palacio de Sal. From the floor to the ceiling to the furniture, everything is made from salt!
If you’re wondering exactly why the saline theme is chosen, it’s because the hotel lies on the world’s biggest salt flat, which stretches over 4,000 square miles. Expect to see salt everywhere, especially at its restaurant which offers the signature dish, salted chicken.
Before you jump straight in, there are some things to consider. The most important of which is the timing of your visit. Salar de Uyuni is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season between April to December, and the rainy season from December to April.
In the dry season, Salar de Uyuni enjoys temperatures around 5 to 14 degree celsius, and visitors can safely cross the salt flat from end to end. However, during the rainy season, the Salar fills with water, and visitors are forbidden to go beyond 15km inside the salt flat. The cloudy and raining weather calls for the use of waterboots, which are provided by the hotel.
Get ready to be mesmerised by this gorgeous view? Head over to the website here!
10. A Night of Culture, Comfort and Class
SourceOn the outside, Hotel Marqués de Riscal features a titanium, ribbon-shaped canopy, and sits strikingly among the greenery of Elciego in Spain. Once you step inside, the luxurious interior will immediately impress you.
SourceThe rooms and suites are fully equipped with 21st century comforts such as wifi, a 32-inch TV, a minibar and of course, air conditioning. In addition, guests are granted complimentary access to the Spa, Jacuzzi and Fitness Center. Guests with an interest in architecture will be impressed by the tilted walls and zigzag windows, and the design sensibility of it all.
SourceThe best part is that Hotel Marqués de Riscal is a stone’s throw away from many attractions, such as vineyards and villages. A 5-minute drive will take you to medieval Laguardia, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyard. Guests should also visit famous wineries such as Gomez Cruzado and Lopez Heredia, as well as the UNESCO heritage site San Millan Yuso and Suso Monasteries to discover the birthplace of the Spanish language.
Discover what Hotel Marqués de Riscal has to offer here!
Bonus:Wizardry at B&B
At first glance, Bed & Breakfast at Llety Cynin doesn’t appear to have any distinctive features. Except that throughout 2017, they’re offering Wizards Tea.
Every weekend, the team at Llety Cynin whips out a Harry Potter-inspired tea, taking inspiration from the books and films to create the most magical teatime experience.
For £10.95 per child and £15.95 per adult, you’ll be served Chocolate Frogs, House Shortbread, Hot “Beer” and Gamekeepers Rock Cake, among other delicious treats.
Take a look at the full menu here!
