17 Hotels You’ll Miss More Than the Destination
Traveling is about ticking off landmarks, taking photos and making memories. A hotel experience steals the show every once in a while. They aren’t just places to crash at night; they’re immersive escapes that make you want to throw out the itinerary. A few hotels have managed to make their guests feel like royalty, or at least someone who knows their way around luxury.
Let’s go to places where the hotel itself is worth packing your bags for. So spectacular, in fact, you might even forget you ever booked a plane ticket in the first place.
Amangiri, Utah
Amangiri is the ultimate desert retreat as it is hidden in the landscapes of Utah. This hotel’s sleek minimalist architecture marries perfectly into the sandstone cliffs, while affording sweeping views of the canyons. Guests can also float in a pool that seems to pour onto the desert or enjoy spa treatments based on Navajo healing. The stars aren’t just visible here, they dominate the night sky, and the spectacle is better than any Hollywood premiere.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Once Marlon Brando’s private paradise, The Brando is now located on a private island of Tetiaroa. Private plunge pools open directly on to pristine beaches in each villa. The resort is solar powered and uses the latest techniques to conserve the environment. Don’t let the eco friendly vibe fool you, it’s pure indulgence with chef prepared Polynesian and French cuisine that will have you booking a return trip before dessert.
Icehotel, Sweden
Sleeping in a hotel made entirely of ice is a dare, but at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, it’s an unforgettable experience. Every year, it’s rebuilt from ice from the Torne River to house elaborate sculptures and rooms that look like the stuff of winter fairytale. Guests sleep on beds covered with reindeer hides, under thermal sleeping bags. And the bonus? Breakfast of hot lingonberry juice before going husky sledding.
Badrutt’s Palace, Switzerland
Badrutt’s Palace in St. Moritz is a winter retreat reminiscent of a fairtale characterised by Alpine elegance. World class skiing, horse drawn carriage rides, a legendary après ski scene, this historic hotel has it all. Grand dining halls, lake views and impeccable service are no wonder the jet set crowd returns year after year.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
Giraffe Manor is a place where you sometimes eat breakfast with a side of giraffes. A herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes poke their heads through the windows to greet guests at this Nairobi boutique hotel. The neighborhood is a lovely area of colonial architecture with gardens pressed around it. It’s the giraffes that take centre stage to make every moment absolutely Instagram worthy.
Treehotel, Sweden
The Treehotel in Harads will make your inner child do a happy dance if you’ve ever dreamed of living in a treehouse. The treehouses are all designed differently — from a UFO shaped pod to a mirrored cube that reflects the surrounding forest. The cabins are elevated up above the ground, affording great views out over the Lule River Valley. It may well be a slice of tranquility and whimsy all rolled into one wonderful stay.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
A luxury hotel within the 13th century fortress of Ashford Castle, in County Mayo, is the place to step into a fairytale. It is home to opulent interiors, manicured gardens, and views of Lough Corrib making it feel like you’ve walked straight on to a movie set. Activities include falconry, horse back riding or traditional afternoon tea in the drawing room. It’s not just a stay, it’s an invitation to live like Irish nobility.
Fogo Island Inn, Canada
Located on the edge of the North Atlantic, Fogo Island Inn blends rugged natural beauty with cutting edge design. With its stilt supported structure, the building provides uninterrupted views of the ocean, where icebergs float by in the spring. Locally crafted furniture and textiles in each room tie the island’s heritage to guests. It’s a place where luxury and raw power of nature collide to create an experience so personal.
Post Ranch Inn, California
Post Ranch Inn is your escape into serenity – high above the cliffs of Big Sur. Rooms have fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs and views that stretch for miles, and the eco friendly architecture fits in with the coastal landscape. Yoga sessions, guided nature walks or just stargazing from your private balconies are all on the agenda for guests. It’s a retreat where time just stops.
Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland
Hotel Kakslauttanen is the place to be for those chasing the Northern Lights. Glass igloos are designed for an unobstructed view of the Aurora Borealis and guests stay in them. The hotel also has traditional log cabins, a snow chapel and even the opportunity to meet Santa Claus all year round. The front row to one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays, it’s a winter wonderland.
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
In the glittering city of Dubai, Atlantis The Royal has raised the bar yet again on luxury. It’s a hotel featuring underwater suites, rooftop infinity pools and celebrity chef restaurants and iconic architecture. The all in one experience includes private beaches, an aquarium and waterparks. It’s a feast for the senses, whether you’re chilling at the pool or eating Michelin starred dining.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, India
One of the world largest private residences turned hotel is the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. It was built in the 20th century and is adorned with extensive gardens, luxurious interiors and history laden rooms. The experiences range from palace tours, to bespoke meals to heritage walks, and guests are treated like royalty. It’s like stepping into the pages of an epic saga to stay.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
This Maldivian paradise is a masterclass in refinement. Villas at Cheval Blanc Randheli are set on private islands with private infinity pools. The sumptuousness of each minute here is complete with a professional butler to fend off all your needs, gourmet dining options and water sporting activities from snorkelling to paddle boarding.
Hotel de Glace, Canada
Hotel de Glace is North America’s only ice hotel, located in Quebec. Each year it is rebuilt, carved out of ice on site, the ice sculptures are intricate in their design, as are the themed suites made entirely out of snow and ice. Sipping cocktails from ice glasses, relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, and marveling at the creativity behind this one of a kind winter experience is all possible for guests.
Hoshinoya Kyoto, Japan
Located on Oi River, on the outskirts of Kyoto, Hoshinoya Kyoto is a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Reached only by boat, the hotel has serene rooms with a view on the river and kaiseki meals prepared with great care. This Zen like retreat offers guests cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies and kimono fittings.
The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland
The Chedi Andermatt is a modern mountain luxury hotel set in the Swiss Alps. It has striking architecture, Alpine charm with Asian influences. Guests are treated to unforgettable escape be it while relaxing in heated outdoor pool surrounded by snow capped peaks or dining at the hotel Michelin starred restaurant.
Hacienda Uayamon, Mexico
Hacienda Uayamon is a colonial history with modern luxury in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. Lush grounds, serene pools and rooms with antique furnishings are found at the restored 18th century hacienda. Nearby Mayan ruins are also accessible to guests or you can simply be lulled by the timeless beauty of the property.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
