9 Beautifully Unusual Places to Stay

When we're not on the road, we love nothing more than looking up unique and fascinating places to stay in all of our favourite countries. If you're the same, you're going to love this list we've compiled of unique lodgings around the world.

Sleep under the stars in a semi-transparent bubble in Mauritius, take a luxurious train journey in India, or stay in a lodge that's perched above the swirling rapids of the Nile. The world is full of fascinating places, so here are our personal recommendations of places that are sure to inspire your sense of wanderlust and lift you out of the everyday. 

The Ark Lodge, Kenya

Sitting above its own floodlit waterhole and salt-lick, The Ark attracts a wide range of wildlife to delight guests. Located at the heart of the awe-inspiring Aberdare National Park in Kenya, this unique lodge is based on Noah’s Ark with its boat-shaped structure.

With wildlife beauty as its primary theme, The Ark provides the perfect hideout for a subtle viewing. The ground-level bunker provides a vantage point to see animals only metres away through viewing holes, while you remain in complete safety. So that you don’t miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. 

Maharajas' Express, India

This isn't just any train; it's a decadent five-star hotel on wheels. Relax in plush lounges, sip cocktails in a stylish bar, enjoy the most lavish feasts, or a captivating book from the well-stocked library – the entertainment is endless.

Allow this train to take you on an unforgettable adventure that lasts from three to seven magical nights, departing between October and April. Witness majestic tigers on a thrilling safari, immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, or follow the classic route through the Golden Triangle. Expert guides are at hand every step of the way, unlocking the secrets of magnificent forts, opulent palaces, and ancient sites.

For some peace and quiet, luxurious cabins await. Spacious and elegantly appointed, even the most basic room offers an en-suite bathroom, individual climate control, and the attentive service of a personal butler. Upgrade to a plush suite named after a precious stone, or for the ultimate indulgence, the Presidential Suite sprawls across an entire carriage, boasting a private living room, bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a private Jacuzzi.

Bubble Lodge, Mauritius

This unique lodging is situated around a lake at the historic Bois Chéri tea plantation just 17 kilometres from the airport. There’s also another location on the stunning, untouched Island of Île aux Cerfs, off the east coast of Mauritius.

The lodge was established in 2018 and is made up of semi-transparent, inflatable domes. With sustainability in mind, the energy-efficient domes are crafted from recyclable materials. They are surprisingly spacious, with a lounge area, bedroom, washroom and outdoor shower. No curtains are required as the location of each pod ensures total privacy (plus, there are a limited number of pods at both Bois Chéri and Île aux Cerfs).

The design of the domes allows guests to feel a continual connection with nature, with uninterrupted views of the beautiful surroundings including endemic trees, bird life and, at night, a sky full of stars. Float away in a bubble of bliss at Bubble Lodge.

Wilderness Bisate, Rwanda

In the heart of Rwanda's rainforest is a luxurious lodge recognised for its exceptional sustainability practices. Wilderness Bisate is arguably the finest base in Africa from which to trek to see the famous mountain gorillas of the Virungas, a group of around 350 of the estimated 1075 critically endangered wild mountain gorillas on the planet.

Designed to echo the traditions of Rwandan royalty, the six en-suite forest villas offer breathtaking views of the dramatic volcanoes – Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno. Picture yourself gazing out from your luxurious nest, nestled amongst the trees, before embarking on an unforgettable adventure.

Wilderness Bisate goes beyond luxury accommodation. Here, conservation is paramount. Their commitment is evident in the nourishing, locally sourced cuisine featuring fresh produce from the lodge's own garden and surrounding communities. Additionally, a visionary reforestation program and community initiatives ensure a positive impact on the region.

Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka

Perched on hills, this tranquil retreat offers panoramic views of the Sigiriya Rock. This luxury resort in Sri Lanka prioritises providing guests with the finest comforts and services. But it's the resort’s closeness to nature that makes it a true wonder.

Despite covering a staggering 1 kilometre from end to end, and rising up seven floors, Heritance Kandalama's presence is subtle; it appears to be a natural extension of the mountainside. Within a still forest of dense green, the resort and its surroundings blend into one entity. The flat roof and timber pillars support a screen of vegetation that attracts local wildlife and gives it the natural appearance it is known for.

Designed as a marvel of architecture, sustainability, and hospitality, the abundance of real-life animals around the hotel is complemented by stunning large-scale sculptures within it. These were commissioned by the architect, Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa to complement his design. Merging European ideas with island talent, he collaborated exclusively with renowned Sri Lankan artists.

Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, Uganda

Located on a private island mid-stream within the mighty River Nile in Uganda, the Lemala Wildwaters Lodge is uniquely perched on granite rocks with dramatic rapids roaring all around. This sublime location is only reachable by boat, making it an adventurer’s paradise and the perfect place to escape for a while.

The traditionally thatched, spacious rooms each boast private decks with free-standing open-air bathtubs. They are nestled in the rainforest with amazing river views. Raised wooden walkways snake along the treetops, linking rooms to the restaurant, bar, and library.

Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, South Africa

Imagine waking up on a train suspended over a majestic river, not just any train, but one steeped in the history of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge offers a truly unique opportunity to be part of the park's legacy. Here, on the very spot where the first visitors were allowed to stay almost 100 years ago, guests can experience the thrill of yesteryear explorers, reimagined for modern luxury.

Choose from 31 luxuriously appointed suites, either within the iconic train carriages or the stylish Bridge House Suites. Each room is meticulously designed to capture the essence of Kruger's past, offering an unparalleled immersive experience.

Manta Resort, Tanzania

Located on the pristine Pemba Island in Tanzania, this resort sits on the edge of a lush forest, overlooking turquoise waters scattered with unspoilt coral reefs. Guests can enjoy the ultimate island experience, from snorkelling excursions to white coral sandbank trips. There are several accommodation options, but the most noteworthy has to be the one-of-a-kind underwater room.

Anchored to the ocean floor, the impressive suite boasts three levels, with a below-water bedroom, an above-water lounge and bathroom, and a rooftop deck with a lounging area for stargazing or sun tanning. Guests are also provided with a kayak, snorkels, and fins for exploring the surrounding water.

The bedroom features large windows for uninterrupted viewing of the underwater expanse, including the shoals of reef fish and other sea creatures that swim by. By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window tend to attract the shyer and more unusual creatures, such as squid. For guests staying in the underwater room, a traditionally crafted wooden boat takes them to this special floating accommodation which lies 250 metres from the shore. It’s difficult to imagine a more private, serene, and memorable experience.

Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Kenya

This spectacular lodge offers a luxurious safari escape in the heart of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park. Easily reached by air, train, or road, it has long been one of Kenya’s flagship lodges. Overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tsavo plains, there are myriad opportunities to spot an incredible variety of animals and birds.

Guests stay in charming rooms that are raised on stilts for a breathtaking view of all the action below. In addition to this, the lodge offers an underground tunnel and bunker with ground-level windows that provide unbelievably close yet safe access to a variety of animals as they come to drink from the water hole, often one of the few sources of water during dry spells.

Enjoy a guilt-free stay at Salt Lick Safari Lodge, knowing that it’ll have no impact on your carbon footprint; the lodge runs on solar power and water from a natural spring. Delicious meals are elevated by the fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from the lodge’s own 2.5-acre organic garden. Encounter incredible wildlife in a breathtaking setting at this one-of-a-kind destination.

Found something you like the look of? Contact one of our friendly travel experts today and start planning your next adventure:
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