Are you looking for an experience that goes beyond ordinary travel? If classic hotels aren't enough, get ready for an inspiring overview of six exceptional places where adventure, architecture and nature come together in perfect harmony.
From a room under the ocean to a night in an ice palace to breakfast with giraffes, these are the destinations that will show you that the concept of Accommodation can have a whole new meaning.
Photo: Kora27, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Manta Resort, Tanzania: accommodation among fish
On the island Pemba in Tanzania, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, stands an unassuming wooden structure that from a distance resembles a technical platform. In reality, it is unique underwater hotel - the main part of which is several metres below the surface.
From the bedroom, surrounded by walls of glass, you can observe marine life up close - day or night, when the surrounding water is lit up by underwater lighting.
This eco-resort connects luxury and minimalism with perfect privacy. Cutting off from the outside world takes on a whole new dimension here - you are literally in another world.
"You want a room with an ocean view? At Manta Resort, you literally have it."
Skylodge Adventure, Peru: a night on the rocks
From the depths of the ocean, we move high into the mountains - specifically Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru. On the cliffs at a height of about 400 metres there are several transparent capsules that function as hotel rooms.
However, getting to them is not easy - you have to climb up the ferrata, or the downhill zipline.
Inside you'll find simple furnishings, but with stunning views of the Peruvian Andes. The Skylodge is ideal for adventurous travelers looking for adrenaline and calm at the same time.
But if you suffer from vertigo - this place is not for you.
Photo: Dietmar Rabich CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) via Wikimedia Commons
Kruger Shalati: safari from the train.
The Kruger Shalati, South Africa: safari from the train
Do you love trains, wilderness and the romance of the last century? Kruger Shalati in South Africa will offer you everything at once.
On the old railway bridge over the Sabie River in Kruger National Park stands a converted colonial-era train whose 24 carriages now serve as luxury hotel rooms.
Every morning you can watch from the terrace or the pool elephants, hippos or crocodiles - literally underneath me.
Historic design complemented by modern amenities make this place one of the most romantic accommodations in all of Africa.
Photo: BisaktoD, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Icehotel, Sweden: the kingdom of ice
In the north of Sweden, in the municipality of Jukkasjärvi, is the world's first hotel built made entirely of ice and snow.
It is rebuilt every winter - from the ice of the River Torne - and offers guests a combination of art, design and an Arctic experience.
Ice sculptures, a bar, even chapel for weddings - everything is made of ice. The temperature in the rooms is around -5 °Cbut the special sleeping bags make it surprisingly comfortable.
Staying at the Icehotel is literally like entering winter fairy taleswhich lasts only a few months of the year.
Photo: Push the button, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Giraffe Manor, Kenya: holidays with giraffes
In the suburbs of Nairobi, this historic building dates from 1932 and is in the style of a Scottish country house. At first glance, it looks ordinary - until a giraffe leans up to your window.
Giraffe Manor is not only a boutique hotel, but also part of a rescue programme for endangered giraffes.
Guests share space with a herd of these majestic animals, which roam freely around the grounds.
During breakfast, they'll look at your plate - and you can offer them a treat right from the table.
Montana Mágica, Chile: waterfall in the middle of the forest
In Chilean Patagonia, in a nature reserve Huilo Huilo, there is a hotel that could easily be the home of wood elves.
Montana Mágica Lodge resembles an overgrown mountain from the top of which gushes Waterfalldripping down the stone cladding of the building.
The hotel was built using local natural materials and blends in perfectly with the surrounding jungle. The windows of the rooms are surrounded by greenery and every detail looks as if it has always been there.
Montana Mágica is architectural dream for all those who desire accommodation in perfect harmony with nature.
When accommodation becomes an adventure
Whether you dive into the depths of the ocean, sleep on a rock, or have breakfast with giraffes, there's one thing all these hotels have in common - changes the way we perceive travel.
Each of them offers not only comfort, but also a story to remember for a lifetime.
Photo: Mireya Peters Martínez CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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