Embarking on a family adventure often means seeking out destinations that offer more than just a place to rest your heads; it’s about finding experiences that create lasting memories. From treehouses nestled high in lush canopies to glass bubbles under the northern lights, the world is full of unique and unusual hotels that transform every family vacation into an extraordinary journey. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most imaginative lodgings across the globe, where each stay promises not just a bed, but an unforgettable memory for your family.
Treehotel
Harads, Sweden
PHOTO BY TREEHOTEL
Overview: Treehotel offers a whimsical and eco-friendly lodging experience in the treetops of northern Sweden. Designed by various Swedish architects, each treehouse is unique and provides a blend of nature and modern design. The Bird's Nest is perfect for families with a double bed and two single beds.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Moose tours
Dogsledding and ice dining
Horseback riding or sleigh riding
Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating
Pizza making
Kayaking and hiking
The Manta Resort
Pemba Island, Tanzania
PHOTO BY THE MANTA RESORT
Overview: The Manta Resort offers an underwater room experience on Pemba Island, off the coast of Tanzania. The Floating Room is an extraordinary lodging option that provides a unique perspective on marine life. Keep in mind that children must be 12 years old to stay in the Underwater Room, but there are other lodging options available for younger children at the resort.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Sunset cruises and sailing excursions
Fishing and island tours
Beach, pool, and spa
The Conrad Maldives
Rangali Island - Maldives
PHOTO BY CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND
Overview: The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is renowned for its luxury underwater accommodations, offering guests an immersive marine experience in the Maldives. While the Muraka Suite is far from cheap, it does include 3 bedrooms with the master bedroom submerged below the sea, perfect for marine life viewing.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Underwater dining
Sailing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding
Jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding
Windsurfing, scooter snorkeling, scuba diving
Dolphin cruise, fishing, jetblading
Cooking classes
Beach, pool, spa
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Saariselkä, Finland
PHOTO BY KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT
Overview: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers a magical experience with its glass igloos and snow igloos located in the Finnish Lapland. The resort is renowned for its spectacular views of the Northern Lights and what better way to maximize your chances of seeing them than to sleep in a glass igloo with an uninterrupted view of the sky. The Kelo-Glass Igloos provide the perfect option for families of up to six people and combines the comfort of a cabin with the views of the glass igloos.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Husky and reindeer safaris
Snowmobiling, ice karting, skiing and snowboarding
Northern lights hunting
Hiking, mountain biking, ATV
Gold mining and fishing
Canoeing and whitewater kayaking
Giraffe Manor
Nairobi, Kenya
PHOTO BY GIRAFFE MANOR
Overview: Giraffe Manor is a luxury boutique hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, known for its resident giraffes that interact with guests during their stay. It offers a unique and intimate experience with wildlife.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Wildlife safaris at Nairobi National Park
Breakfast with giraffes
Helicopter tours
Pool, gym, and spa
The Kruger Shalati
Kruger National Park, South Africa
PHOTO BY KRUGER SHALATI
Overview: The Kruger Shalati offers a unique lodging experience aboard a refurbished train located on a bridge overlooking the Kruger National Park. It combines luxury with stunning wildlife views. Families with children above the age of 12 can stay in the Train Carriage Suites suspended up on the bridge. Families with younger children can stay in the Bridge House Suites located next to the train with access to resort amenities on the bridge.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Wildlife viewing from your room
Daily game drives
Nearby golf course
Three pools, spa, and a restaurant
Montaña Mágica Lodge
Huilo Huilo, Chile
PHOTO BY MONTANA MAGICA LODGE
Overview: Montaña Mágica Lodge is a unique hotel shaped like a volcano, located in the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in Chile. It offers a magical and immersive experience in the Patagonian rainforest.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Glacier tour, cable car ride, hot springs
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
Kayaking, fly fishing, scenic tours
Canopy zip lining, whitewater rafting
Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling
Shipwreck Lodge
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
PHOTO BY SHIPWRECK LODGE
Overview: Shipwreck Lodge offers a remote and extraordinary lodging experience on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. Designed to resemble shipwrecks, the lodge provides a unique and adventurous stay in one of the world’s most desolate yet beautiful landscapes.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Sunset drives, sandboarding
Quadbiking, 4x4 drives
Introduction to Skeleton Coast
Skylodge Adventure Suites
Sacred Valley, Peru
PHOTO BY SKYLODGE ADVENTURE SUITES
Overview: Skylodge Adventure Suites offers a daring lodging experience in transparent pods suspended on the side of a mountain in Peru’s Sacred Valley. This hotel provides breathtaking views and an adrenaline-pumping stay for adventurous travelers. Due to the adventurous nature of this hotel, children must be at least 15 years old to enjoy this experience.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Via ferrata and ziplining
Scenic lunch and dinner
Night sky viewing
Ashford Castle
Cong, Ireland
PHOTO BY ASHFORD CASTLE
Overview: Ashford Castle is a majestic and historic castle-turned-hotel in Ireland, offering a blend of medieval charm and modern luxury. Set on a sprawling estate with beautiful gardens and lakes, it provides an opulent and enchanting experience.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Boating, kayaking, horseback riding
Fishing, biking, tennis, golf
Clay shooting and archery
Golf, tennis, guided walks
Gardening and food experiences
Theatre, pool, and spa
Anantara Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, Thailand
PHOTO BY ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Overview: Anantara Golden Triangle is a luxury resort nestled in northern Thailand’s lush jungle, offering stunning views of the Golden Triangle region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The resort is renowned for its unique experiences and luxurious accommodations. For families, the two-bedroom jungle bubble offers ample space for an unforgettable evening.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Elephant experiences and jungle walks
Sightseeing and boat tours
Squash, kickboxing, tennis
Pool, gym, and spa
Railroad Park Resort
California, USA
PHOTO BY RAILROAD PARK RESORT
Overview: Railroad Park Resort in California offers a nostalgic experience with accommodations in vintage railroad cars. Set in a picturesque location, the resort combines historic charm with modern comforts. Cabooses offer several different bed configurations to accommodate families of 5.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Waterfall hikes, fishing, and sightseeing
Pool, hot tub, and restaurant
Game room and playground
Fuselage Hotel
Costa Rica
PHOTO BY FUSELAGE HOTEL
Overview: The Fuselage Hotel in Costa Rica offers a unique lodging experience by converting old airplane fuselages into guest rooms. Set in a lush, tropical environment, it combines a quirky design with comfort and adventure. Accommodations are spacious for families with two bedrooms featuring a total of three queen beds.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Canopy tours, zip coaster, surfing
Boating, fishing, dolphin watching
Waterfall rappelling, ATV, horseback riding
Sailing, kayaking, jet skiing
Waterfall hikes and parasailing
Rotel Tours
Worldwide
PHOTO BY ROTEL TOURS
Overview: Rotel Tours offers a unique lodging experience with its rotating hotels on wheels, known as Rotel, combining hotel and bus travel. This mobile hotel concept allows travelers to explore multiple destinations with comfortable accommodations.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Activities vary by location, but can include hiking, safaris, and sightseeing
Levin Iglut
Levi, Finland
PHOTO BY LEVIN IGLUT
Overview: Levin Iglut offers a luxurious stay in glass igloos located in Finnish Lapland. The igloos provide an ideal setting for viewing the Northern Lights while enjoying the comfort of modern amenities. Suites Igloos are designed to fit families of up to four members.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Northern light tours
Biking, hiking, golfing
Horseback riding and kayaking
Skiing and snowshoeing
Snowmobiling, husky and reindeer safaris
Sun Cruise Resort
South Korea
PHOTO BY SUN CRUISE RESORT
Overview: Sun Cruise Resort offers a unique stay on hotel designed to resemble a luxury cruise ship. Located on land, the resort provides a maritime experience with stunning ocean views.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Sailing and parasailing
Kids indoor play area and karaoke
Infinity pool and restaurants
Mustang Monument Resort
Nevada, USA
PHOTO BY MUSTANG MONUMENT RESORT
Overview: Mustang Monument Resort offers an adventurous stay in a tipi on a working wild horse sanctuary in Nevada. The resort provides a rustic yet luxurious experience amid the scenic Nevada landscape. Rates are all-inclusive and special family rates are available.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Wild horse experiences
Paintball, archery, shooting
Mountaintop picnics and cooking classes
Off-roading excursions
Jumbo Stay
Stockholm, Sweden
PHOTO BY JUMBO STAY
Overview: Jumbo Stay is a unique hotel located in a converted Boeing 747 at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport. This quirky accommodation offers a distinctive aviation-themed experience. Rooms are available in multiple configurations to accommodate families of different sizes aboard this unique hotel.
On-Site and Nearby Activities:
Airport viewing and themed dining
Stockholm city tours and sightseeing
Summary
These unique and unusual hotels around the world offer extraordinary experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From staying in a castle to sleeping in a luxurious treehouse, these properties provide immersive and memorable stays that cater to a variety of interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, family-bonding, or a connection with nature, these hotels promise to deliver unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve checked out.
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