For travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary, traditional hotels simply won’t do. The thrill of sleeping in a structure that defies gravity—perched high in the trees, clinging to a cliffside, or floating above a valley—creates an unforgettable experience. These unconventional hotels offer more than just a place to rest; they redefine adventure, blending luxury with nature in breathtaking, gravity-defying settings.
From jungle treehouses swaying in the breeze to transparent pods hanging off sheer rock faces, these hotels are designed to immerse guests in their surroundings while offering a sense of excitement that can’t be found in a standard hotel room.
Sky-High Treehouse Stays: Sleeping Among the Canopies
- Tucked deep in the boreal forests of Harads, Sweden, the Treehotel is a masterpiece of modern design and environmental harmony. Each treehouse is a unique architectural marvel, from the reflective Mirrorcube, which camouflages seamlessly into the forest, to the Bird’s Nest, an intricate structure covered in branches. Suspended several meters above the ground, these treehouses offer panoramic views of Sweden’s untouched wilderness. The design of Treehotel emphasizes sustainability, utilizing local materials and eco-friendly energy solutions. Guests can hike through the Lule River Valley by day and, in winter, watch the northern lights dance across the sky from the comfort of their elevated retreat.
- Finca Bellavista. Hidden within the dense rainforests of Costa Rica, Finca Bellavista is an off-the-grid treehouse community that brings eco-conscious travelers closer to nature. Accessible only by foot via suspension bridges, each treehouse is uniquely crafted, some perched nearly 30 meters high in the canopy.
Visitors wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds before setting out on jungle hikes, ziplining between trees, or swimming in natural waterfalls. Solar-powered and built using sustainable materials, these treehouses provide an unparalleled immersion into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
- Located in the lush hills of Phuket, Keemala offers a luxurious take on treehouse living. The resort’s suspended villas resemble bird’s nests, cocoon-like structures, and canopy dwellings inspired by Thai mythology. Each villa comes with its own infinity pool, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest and Andaman Sea.
Guests can enjoy holistic spa treatments, Thai cooking classes, and nature-based excursions while staying in these elevated sanctuaries. Keemala blends adventure with indulgence, making it one of the most extraordinary treehouse retreats in the world.
Cliffside Retreats
- Skylodge Adventure Suites. For travelers unafraid of heights, the Skylodge Adventure Suites in Peru offer a truly exhilarating experience. Suspended 1,200 feet above the Sacred Valley, these transparent pods cling to the rock face, accessible only by climbing, via ferrata, or ziplining. Once inside, guests are rewarded with uninterrupted views of the Andean mountains and star-filled night skies. Each pod is fitted with comfortable beds, eco-friendly bathrooms, and gourmet meals delivered by adventurous staff. The descent in the morning is just as thrilling as the ascent, with zipline routes leading back to the valley floor.
- Hotel Marqués de Riscal. While not hanging from a cliff, the Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Spain’s Rioja wine country is a surreal architectural masterpiece. Designed by Frank Gehry, its ribbon-like titanium roof appears to defy physics, flowing over the structure like a work of modern art.
Set against rolling vineyards, this unconventional hotel offers a luxurious experience that includes wine tastings, Michelin-starred dining, and an exclusive spa infused with vinotherapy treatments. The contrast of avant-garde architecture and traditional wine country landscapes makes this stay one of a kind.
- Post Ranch Inn. Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn merges luxury with the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline. Suspended 1,200 feet above the ocean, its eco-friendly treehouses and cliffside lodges are designed to maximize panoramic views.
Guests can soak in infinity pools overlooking the ocean, practice yoga above the clouds, or explore the dramatic landscapes of Big Sur. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the inn uses solar power, organic materials, and farm-to-table cuisine sourced from its own gardens.
Floating
- Manta Resort’s Underwater Room. A hotel room that floats on the ocean’s surface by day and submerges beneath the waves at night? The Underwater Room at Manta Resort in Zanzibar offers just that. A private floating island off the coast of Pemba Island, this structure allows guests to sleep beneath the sea, surrounded by tropical marine life. By day, visitors can relax on the sun-drenched rooftop deck or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. As night falls, underwater spotlights attract fish, creating a mesmerizing aquarium effect. The gentle rocking of the ocean and the solitude of being surrounded by water make this one of the most unique hotel experiences in the world.
- Conrad Maldives’ Muraka. The Muraka, part of the Conrad Maldives resort, is a two-level villa with an underwater suite encased in acrylic. Guests can watch sharks, stingrays, and vibrant coral reefs from the comfort of their bed, giving the sensation of living inside an aquarium. Above water, the villa features an infinity pool, private chef, and overwater deck with direct access to the Indian Ocean. The Muraka redefines oceanfront luxury, offering an unparalleled connection to marine life.
- Salt & Sill. Floating hotels aren’t limited to tropical locations. Salt & Sill, Sweden’s first floating hotel, drifts along the Bohuslän coast, offering a minimalist yet luxurious experience. With a sleek Scandinavian design, it provides guests with direct access to the surrounding fjords and archipelagos. The hotel is famous for its seafood-focused restaurant, featuring locally sourced fish and shellfish. Guests can explore the coastline by kayak, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a floating sauna with panoramic ocean views.
Cave and Underground Hotels
- Kokopelli’s Cave. Dug into the cliffs of New Mexico’s desert landscape, Kokopelli’s Cave is an underground retreat that combines prehistoric charm with modern comfort. Originally created as a geologist’s experiment, this hand-carved cave now serves as a luxury stay with breathtaking views of the Four Corners region. Guests enter via a steep staircase carved into the rock, leading to a spacious suite with a waterfall shower, hot tub, and Southwestern decor. Sunsets over the desert, viewed from the cave’s entrance, create an otherworldly experience.
- Gamirasu Cave Hotel. In the heart of Cappadocia, Gamirasu Cave Hotel offers guests a chance to sleep within ancient rock-hewn dwellings. These caves, once used by monks over a thousand years ago, have been transformed into elegant accommodations while maintaining their historical integrity.
The region’s surreal landscapes, dotted with fairy chimneys and hot air balloons at sunrise, add to the magic of staying underground. Guests can explore ancient underground cities, hike through valleys, and experience traditional Turkish hospitality.
High above the earth, perched on cliffs, floating on water, or hidden within caves, these unconventional hotels redefine travel. Designed to blend seamlessly with nature while offering unparalleled adventure, they provide experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
