Unique Accommodations to Try on Your Next Overseas Trip

25 October 2025

When it comes to travel, where you stay can be just as thrilling as the destination itself. Why settle for a generic hotel room when you can sleep in a treehouse, bunker down in an ice hotel, or spend the night floating on water? Unique accommodations are becoming a hot trend, and they offer immersive experiences you just can't get from a traditional hotel stay.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most extraordinary places to rest your head on your next overseas adventure.

1. Treehouse Hotels: Sleeping Among the Treetops

Have you ever dreamed of living like Tarzan, perched high above the ground, surrounded by lush greenery? Well, treehouse hotels make that dream a reality.

Why Stay in a Treehouse?

- Unparalleled views of nature
- A perfect eco-friendly option
- Ultimate peace and tranquility—no noisy neighbors above or below!

From Costa Rica to Thailand, treehouse accommodations blend luxury with nature. Some even come with glass walls, private decks, and outdoor showers. Whether you want a rustic adventure or a five-star experience in the treetops, there's an option for you.

2. Ice Hotels: A Chill Worth Experiencing

If you're up for a frosty adventure, ice hotels offer a once-in-a-lifetime stay. These architectural masterpieces are carved completely from ice and snow, rebuilt every winter for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.

What Makes Ice Hotels Special?

- Entire structures (including beds, bars, and even glasses) made of ice
- Ever-changing designs and ice sculptures each year
- The chance to witness the Northern Lights in some locations

The rooms may be cold, but don't worry—you'll be wrapped in thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides for warmth! From Sweden’s Icehotel to Canada's Hôtel de Glace, these magical frozen retreats are well worth braving the chill.

3. Underwater Hotels: Sleep Beneath the Waves

Ever wondered what it’s like to live under the sea? Underwater hotels give you a front-row seat to the stunning marine world, letting you fall asleep surrounded by tropical fish and coral reefs.

Highlights of Underwater Hotels

- A surreal experience of marine life up close
- Luxurious underwater suites with panoramic windows
- Some even offer private submarine rides

Whether you choose Dubai's Atlantis The Palm or the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, underwater hotels redefine what an "ocean view" truly means.

4. Cave Hotels: Living Like an Ancient Explorer

Sleeping in a cave might sound primitive, but cave hotels flip that idea on its head. These accommodations take old rock dwellings and transform them into stunning boutique stays.

Why Choose a Cave Hotel?

- Naturally cool interiors, perfect for hot climates
- A deep sense of history and cultural immersion
- Unique designs blending rock formations with modern luxury

Turkey's Cappadocia is world-famous for its charming cave hotels, offering travelers a cozy yet surreal experience with views of the region’s iconic hot air balloons drifting above.

5. Capsule Hotels: Futuristic and Minimalistic

If you're a minimalist traveler who values function over frills, capsule hotels could be your perfect fit. Originating in Japan, capsule hotels offer small, pod-like sleeping spaces stacked side-by-side, resembling sleeping in a sci-fi spaceship.

Why Try a Capsule Hotel?

- Affordable and efficient for solo travelers
- High-tech features, including smart beds and mood lighting
- An experience that feels like stepping into the future

Though compact, these ultra-modern hubs provide a comfortable and budget-friendly stay in major cities across Asia and Europe.

6. Floating Hotels: Sleeping on the Water

For those who love the sound of water lapping beneath them, floating hotels offer a unique mix of relaxation and adventure. These accommodations range from elegant overwater bungalows to houseboats gently drifting on rivers.

Highlights of Floating Hotels

- Direct access to the water for swimming or diving
- Stunning sunset views from your private deck
- A peaceful escape from the bustling city life

Overwater bungalows in the Maldives and houseboats in Kerala, India, are some of the best ways to experience this unique style of lodging.

7. Desert Glamping: Luxury in the Middle of Nowhere

If the idea of sleeping in a tent sounds too rugged, think again. Desert glamping combines the adventure of camping with the comforts of a luxury hotel, offering spacious, beautifully decorated tents with plush beds and modern amenities.

What Sets Desert Glamping Apart?

- Breathtaking night skies filled with stars
- Unique cultural experiences, including camel rides and traditional Bedouin dinners
- The perfect blend of nature and comfort

From Morocco’s Sahara Desert camps to Dubai’s high-end desert retreats, this style of lodging turns the harsh wilderness into an unforgettable stay.

8. Converted Airplane Hotels: Sleeping in the Sky Without Flying

Ever wanted to sleep inside a jumbo jet—without actually flying anywhere? Airplane hotels repurpose retired aircraft into quirky accommodations, giving travelers a feel of aviation history while grounded.

Why Stay in an Airplane Hotel?

- A rare and exciting experience
- Fully restored interiors with comfortable beds
- Often come with stunning cockpit views

Costa Rica’s Boeing 727 Fuselage Home and the Jumbo Stay in Sweden are two standout airplane hotels that aviation lovers shouldn’t miss.

9. Lighthouse Hotels: Sleeping by the Sea

Lighthouses aren't just for guiding ships—they can also be one of the most unique places you’ll ever stay. Perched on rocky cliffs or remote islands, these maritime landmarks offer a secluded escape with breathtaking ocean views.

What’s Special About Lighthouse Stays?

- Stunning panoramic sea views
- An isolated, peaceful atmosphere
- A chance to stay in a historic, often centuries-old structure

Whether in Scotland, the United States, or Croatia, lighthouse hotels make for a truly romantic and secluded getaway.

10. Hobbit Houses: Live Your Fantasy

Ever wished you could step into the world of The Lord of the Rings? Hobbit-style accommodations exist around the world, letting fans of the fantasy genre live like Bilbo Baggins for a night.

What Makes Hobbit Houses Fun?

- Quirky underground designs with round doors and cozy interiors
- A storybook-like atmosphere in lush greenery
- A great pick for nature lovers and fantasy fans alike

New Zealand, the home of Middle-earth, has some of the best Hobbit houses, although there are similar stays popping up in unexpected places worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Why stay in a boring hotel when you can turn your accommodation into an experience itself? From ice hotels to floating sanctuaries, the world is full of incredible places to lay your head at night. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of magic, these unique accommodations will make your next trip unforgettable.

So, which one are you adding to your bucket list?