17 Bucket-List Attractions Where You Can Actually Spend the Night
Sleeping under the shimmering Northern Lights or waking up among curious giraffes takes the experience of staying overnight at a bucket-list attraction to a whole new level. These unique accommodations offer an immersive way to connect with iconic destinations, pairing luxury, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Overnight stays at these extraordinary places are becoming an increasingly popular trend among travelers. Airbnb statistics show that between 2020 and 2024, the number of unique stay listings on platforms increased significantly. Read on for 17 stunning places worldwide where you can check off a dream destination and spend the night.
The Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada
Imagine sleeping in a suite made entirely of ice and snow at the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec. This unique hotel is rebuilt every winter and features incredible ice sculptures and a magical ambiance. Nearly 2 million people have visited this attraction over the years, with around 100,000 visiting annually, as reported by CBC.
While many come to marvel at its beauty during the day, only about 5,000 brave souls stay overnight each year during its operational season from January to March. This experience offers an exclusive bucket list adventure for those who dare to spend a night surrounded by ice!
Overwater Bungalows in Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora maintains 11 prestigious resorts that secure overwater bungalows to deliver remarkable lodging experiences to their guests. More than 652 rooms were built in these resorts to accommodate different types of vacationers seeking diverse degrees of luxurious stays.
According to Overwater Bungalows, these rooms are designed to showcase the island’s natural splendor while delivering a blend of exclusivity and comfort. With direct ocean access, glass floors, and private pools featured in many of these rooms, guests are invited to immerse themselves fully in the beauty of Bora Bora’s turquoise waters and tropical tranquility.
The Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya
At Giraffe Manor, giraffes roam freely around the 1930s-style boutique hotel, offering guests a truly unique experience. Don’t be surprised if one of these majestic creatures joins you for breakfast!
Giraffe Manor, one of the most Instagrammed hotels in the world, offers an unforgettable combination of wildlife and luxury.
Underwater Suites at The Manta Resort on Pemba Island, Tanzania
Stay in an underwater suite at The Manta Resort for a truly unique experience. Vibrant marine life surrounds you, and guests enjoy unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean’s colorful fish gliding right past their windows.
Named one of the “Top 10 Most Unique Hotels in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler in 2023, this accommodation is as unforgettable as it is beautiful.
Glass Igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort provide the perfect way to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The Arctic sky comes alive with green and purple hues as the auroras dance overhead between August and April.
The unique Finnish attraction receives a substantial portion of tourist revenues that surpass other destinations in the country due to the attraction it holds for visitors.
Cappadocia Cave Hotels in Turkey
Cappadocia’s cave hotels blend history, mystery, and luxury. Carved into ancient volcanic rocks, these accommodations let guests stay in the heart of this surreal region while exploring its otherworldly landscapes.
Thanks to its famous cave hotels and hot-air balloon rides, the picturesque region famed for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty continued to be a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists, attracting a total of 4.82 million visitors last year, Nevşehir Governor Ali Fidan noted.
The Royal Suite at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai
As one of the most opulent hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab’s Royal Suite is the pinnacle of luxury. With a private butler, gold-adorned interiors, and breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, this “seven-star hotel” redefines extravagance.
Staying here comes with a hefty price tag—over $25,000 per night—making it one of the most lavish accommodations globally.
Aman Canal Grande Venice Hotel’s Private Palazzo Rooms, Italy
Aman Canal Grande Venice Hotel perfectly combines 16th-century palace architecture with contemporary luxury design. The hotel operates from a historic Venetian palace, where guests can enjoy magnificent views of the Grand Canal while experiencing a truly distinctive housing experience.
Venice’s hotel industry has seen a revival post-pandemic, with boutique experiences like this one often achieving full capacity more than traditional hotels.
Treetop Villas at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia
The Treetop Villas in the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi give visitors a chance to live among the natural environment. Each private villa of this rainforest location comes with infinity swimming pools together with sundecks which create a direct link to nature’s beauty. The Datai Langkawi, a renowned resort, is at the forefront of sustainability efforts with its initiative, “The Datai Pledge.”
The program handles waste management while minimizing carbon emissions to support Langkawi’s initiative for environmental appeal improvement. Tourism on Langkawi has continuously expanded over recent years. The Indian Ocean island attracted about 68,000 visitors in the first week of 2023 school holiday season illustrating its rising position as a vacation hotspot.
Polar Cruises with Aurora Expeditions
Travelers can experience exciting polar expeditions by booking a cruise with the luxurious services provided by Aurora Expeditions. Explore Antarctica’s icy wilderness, encounter incredible wildlife, and take in awe-inspiring landscapes, all while enjoying onboard luxury.
Polar cruises remain on the rise because Aurora Expeditions anticipates higher traveler interest for 2023 by forecasted demands to increase by 20%.
Icebreaker Cruises to the North Pole
Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey aboard a nuclear-powered icebreaker, navigating through stunning Arctic landscapes. This boutique travel experience blends adventure with comfort.
The number of tickets available for North Pole icebreaker cruises stays low because only 500 travelers visit annually, creating a distinct exclusivity for passengers.
Treehotel UFO Room, Sweden
Stay high above the forest canopy in the whimsical UFO-shaped treehouse at Sweden’s Treehotel. This unique accommodation provides a cozy yet imaginative escape under the stars.
The Swedish eco-tourism trend increased the popularity of the UFO Room so much that bookings soared significantly during the 2023 season.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – Underwater Villa
Dive into luxury with a stay in the all-glass underwater villa at Conrad Maldives. Located 16 feet below sea level, this suite offers unparalleled ocean views, a private chef, and 24/7 butler service.
The Maldives saw a surge in demand for underwater accommodations in 2023, and Conrad’s villa remains the pinnacle of oceanic luxury.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum’s Overnight Program, USA
An entirely distinct experience awaits visitors who book a stay within the prison cell accommodations at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Dive deep into crime history with immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits.
As one of only two museums in the US offering overnight programs, this is a rare and captivating opportunity for history enthusiasts.
Fairmont Orchid Hawaii – Luxury Tents
Discover the perfect blend of luxury and nature with Fairmont Orchid’s glamping setup. Nestled among Hawaii’s tropical gardens and close to its famous black sand beaches, these luxury tents offer an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The global glamping market size increased from USD 2.7 billion in 2022 to USD 3.0 billion in 2023, showing how this is an increasingly popular choice for travelers seeking a unique connection to nature.
Montana Treehouse Retreats, USA
Escape to the wilderness with Montana Treehouse Retreats. These unique accommodations provide breathtaking mountain views and unmatched tranquility, perfect for a serene getaway.
Located near Glacier National Park in Whitefish or Columbia Falls, these luxury treehouses offer a private and serene setting close to stunning natural attractions. With rates starting at around $399 per night and a three-night minimum stay, they provide an ideal getaway for those seeking both comfort and adventure.
Treehouses at Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
High above the forest floor, the treehouses at Post Ranch Inn offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur’s dramatic coastline. Combining luxury with harmony with nature, this serene escape is a rare gem.
Big Sur, California, a top tourist destination in the United States, attracts between 4.5 and 7 million visitors annually, according to the New York Times. Yet, only a few get to enjoy the serenity of staying in its unique accommodations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information
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