Forget four walls and a bed; the world’s coolest hotels come in all shapes, sizes, and unique locations. From underwater rooms to floating resorts, these extraordinary destinations redefine what a hotel experience can be.
Whether you’re seeking stunning views, cultural immersion, or one-of-a-kind stays, these 20 bucket-list hotels around the world offer much more than just a place to sleep.
1. Hotel Emma—San Antonio, Texas, USA
At the heart of San Antonio’s trendy Pearl District, Hotel Emma breathes new life into a former brewery. The industrial-chic decor pays homage to its history, with a cocktail lounge carved into old beer tanks and vintage machinery adorning the lobby. This stylish hotel merges modern luxury with historical charm, offering beautifully detailed rooms, tiled bathrooms, and locally sourced mini-bar treats.
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2. Qualia, Saturdays, Queensland, Australia
Perched on Hamilton Island, Qualia provides a serene escape on the Great Barrier Reef. The resort boasts infinity pools overlooking the ocean and offers exclusive access to Whitehaven Beach, known for its pristine white sand. With two restaurants, bars, and stunning views, Qualia is perfect for a luxurious getaway amidst natural beauty.
3. Fogo Island Inn—Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Fogo Island Inn, located in a remote fishing village in Newfoundland, is a minimalist masterpiece. The inn offers 29 suites, each with breathtaking views of the North Atlantic. Guests can enjoy rooftop hot tubs, a contemporary art gallery, a library rich in Newfoundland history, and immersive cultural experiences in this unique setting.
4. Faena Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Faena Hotel Miami Beach is an opulent art lover’s dream. Its extravagant design by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin includes gold-leaf columns, murals, and Damien Hirst’s iconic sculpture of a gold-plated woolly mammoth skeleton by the pool. Faena brings glamour, art, and luxury to South Florida like no other.
5. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Hidden within the Ecuadorian Andes, Mashpi Lodge offers a remote, immersive experience in nature. The lush rainforest surrounds guests with floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine, explore the nearby waterfalls, and take guided night hikes to discover the rich biodiversity of the region.
6. The View Hotel, Arizona, USA
The View Hotel offers breathtaking views of Monument Valley’s iconic sandstone formations. Located on Navajo Tribal Park land, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Most rooms feature private balconies overlooking the majestic scenery, while the top-floor StarView rooms offer unobstructed night sky vistas.
7. The Torridon Highlands, Scotland, UK
Nestled along Loch Torridon, this luxury resort showcases the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, gorge scrambling, and whisky tasting, all while staying in boutique rooms with views of either the loch or the towering Liathach mountain.
8. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, British Columbia, Canada
Accessible only by seaplane or boat, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge sits in one of the last untouched rainforests on Earth. Guests stay in luxury safari-style tents and can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and helicopter adventures. This wilderness escape provides a perfect blend of luxury and nature.
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9. The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
The Manta Resort offers an underwater room filled with marine life for a truly unique experience. The bedroom submerges in the Indian Ocean, providing guests with an intimate view of the underwater world. With an open-air lounge and meals delivered to your room, it’s an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude.
10. Le Sirenuse-Positano, Italy
Le Sirenuse offers a chic, intimate retreat along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The Sersale family has been running this boutique hotel since 1951, and it has inviting interiors, lush landscaping, and breathtaking views. Its Michelin-starred restaurant and pool overlooking the coast make it a favorite destination for luxury travelers.
11. Schlosshotel Kronberg – Kronberg, Germany
Experience royalty at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a 19th-century castle outside Frankfurt. Originally built for German Empress Victoria, the hotel retains many of its original furnishings and artworks. Visitors can take a tour of the empress’ library, unwind at the spa, and enjoy a fine meal while in a historical setting.
12. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
At Giraffe Manor, guests share breakfast with a herd of Rothschild’s giraffes that freely roam the property. Located just outside Nairobi, this stately manor also educates visitors about giraffe conservation. It’s a must-visit for animal lovers who want to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.
13. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Lapland, Finland
The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort are the ultimate spot to watch the Northern Lights. Tucked deep in the Arctic wilderness, these cozy igloos offer panoramic views of the aurora borealis from the comfort of your bed. Some igloos even come with private saunas for a warm, luxurious stay.
14. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a dream destination with its luxurious overwater bungalows. Guests can enjoy private pools and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The resort’s Muraka suite even features an underwater bedroom, offering a once-in-a-lifetime marine experience.
15. Alila Jabal Akhdar, Al Khuţaym, Oman
This canyon-side retreat in Oman offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The luxurious rooms and villas at Alila Jabal Akhdar offer private pools and steam rooms, perfect for soaking in the scenery. The hotel also organizes guided hikes, yoga, and outdoor adventures.
16. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India
This stunning white marble palace hotel, built in the 18th century, is a floating jewel in the middle of Lake Pichola. Once home to an Indian prince, Taj Lake Palace now welcomes guests to experience its opulent interiors, which include silk furnishings, teak furniture, and intricate decor inspired by Indian royalty.
17. Belmond Hotel Caruso-Ravello, Italy
Perched 1,000 feet above the Amalfi Coast, the Belmond Hotel Caruso is a restored 11th-century palace. With frescoed ceilings, antiques, and terraced gardens, the hotel offers stunning views of the coastline and luxurious amenities, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and an infinity pool.
18. Hanging Gardens of Bali—Bali, Indonesia
Hidden in Bali’s jungle, the Hanging Gardens resort offers private villas with stunning terrace views. The hotel’s infinity pool, suspended over the jungle, is world-famous for its jaw-dropping beauty, making this resort a must-visit destination for nature lovers and relaxation seekers.
19. Hotel Everest View, Khumjung, Nepal
Situated 13,000 feet above sea level in Sagarmatha National Park, Hotel Everest View lives up to its name with panoramic vistas of Mount Everest. This high-altitude hotel features cozy rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and access to trekking adventures for those seeking a Himalayan experience.
20. Off Paris Seine—Paris, France
Off Paris Seine is a floating hotel located on the Seine River. Its striking glass design offers guests the chance to sleep on the water, with rooms featuring views of either the right or left bank. Close to major attractions, this hotel provides a unique stay in the heart of Paris.
Final Thoughts
These 20 bucket-list hotels offer more than just accommodation; they provide an unforgettable experience in some of the world’s most unique locations. Whether you’re dreaming of an underwater suite or a mountaintop retreat, each of these hotels promises a stay that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
