Unique Stays: Overwater Villas, Treehouses, Castles, Igloos and More
The most memorable unique stays around the world: overwater villas, treehouses, castle hotels, glass igloos, desert camps, safari lodges and capsule hotels, with booking tips.
Key takeaways
- Unique stays turn a hotel into the highlight of the trip.
- Many sell out months ahead, especially Northern Lights igloos and overwater villas.
- Check practicalities: bathrooms, access, temperature, Wi-Fi and minimum stays.
- One or two special nights in a longer trip can be better value than a whole week.
In this guide
Sometimes the place you sleep is the reason you travel. Here are some of the world's most memorable types of unique stays and how to book them wisely.
Ideas by type
| Stay | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Overwater villa | Maldives, French Polynesia, Fiji | Honeymoons |
| Glass igloo | Finnish Lapland, Norway | Northern Lights |
| Treehouse | UK, US, Costa Rica, Bali | Families, couples |
| Castle hotel | Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany | Romance, history |
| Desert camp | Morocco, Jordan (Wadi Rum), UAE | Stargazing |
| Safari lodge | Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana | Wildlife |
| Ryokan | Japan | Culture. See ryokan guide |
| Capsule hotel | Japan | Budget, novelty |
| Cave hotel | Cappadocia (Turkey), Santorini | Romance |
| Ice hotel | Sweden, Finland | Winter adventure |
| Lighthouse or shepherd's hut | UK | Quiet escapes |
Booking tips
- Book early: limited rooms sell out fast.
- Check the practicalities: shared bathrooms, steps, heating, cooling.
- Read reviews focused on experience, not just looks. See how to read hotel reviews.
- Check minimum stays.
- Consider one special night within a wider trip.
- Understand cancellation terms: unique stays often have stricter policies.
Budget-friendly unique stays
- Shepherd's huts and glamping pods in the UK.
- Capsule hotels in Japan.
- Desert camps in Morocco.
- Treehouses in national parks.
- Local-island guesthouses in the Maldives. See Maldives on a budget.
Unique stays for families
Treehouses, safari lodges with family tents, farm stays and castle hotels with grounds can delight children. Check age limits and safety (balconies, water).
Unique stays by budget
| Budget | Ideas |
|---|---|
| Low | Glamping pods, shepherd's huts, capsule hotels, hostel treehouses, desert camps in Morocco |
| Medium | Treehouse hotels, castle B&Bs, cave hotels in Cappadocia, safari tented camps in South Africa |
| High | Overwater villas, Lapland glass igloos, luxury safari lodges, private-island resorts |
Unique stays by home country
UK travellers - Closer to home: castle hotels in Scotland and Ireland, shepherd's huts in the Cotswolds and Wales, lighthouse cottages, and glamping across the countryside. - Short-haul abroad: cave hotels in Santorini, treehouses in France, glass igloos in Lapland.
US travellers - Domestic: treehouses in the Pacific Northwest and Appalachians, desert glamping in Utah and Arizona, historic lodges in national parks, lighthouse inns in New England. - Abroad: overwater bungalows in Mexico and French Polynesia, ryokan in Japan.
Australian travellers - Domestic: outback glamping near Uluru, rainforest treehouses in Queensland, eco-lodges on islands, houseboats on the Murray. - Abroad: overwater villas in the Maldives and Fiji, jungle villas in Bali, ryokan in Japan.
Practical questions to ask
- Is the bathroom private, shared or outside?
- How do you reach the property: steps, boats, 4WD tracks?
- What is the temperature inside in the relevant season?
- Is there electricity, Wi-Fi and phone signal?
- Are meals included or available nearby?
- Are children allowed, and is it safe for them?
- What happens if the weather cancels a key experience, such as Northern Lights visibility or boat transfers?
Making it affordable
- Combine one or two "wow" nights with standard hotels for the rest of the trip.
- Travel in shoulder season when prices drop.
- Look for midweek rates.
- Watch for packages that include meals and transfers, which can be cheaper than paying separately.
- Book refundable rates if available, then rebook if prices fall. See rebooking when prices drop.
Photography and privacy
Many unique stays are popular on social media. Respect other guests' privacy, follow drone rules (many places restrict drones), and check whether the property limits photography in shared areas.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking for the photos without reading the practical details such as outdoor bathrooms or no heating.
- Booking too late for Northern Lights season or overwater villas.
- Ignoring strict cancellation policies.
- Not checking access: steep paths, boats and stairs can be hard with luggage or mobility issues.
- Expecting guaranteed natural phenomena: the Northern Lights and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The bottom line
A unique stay can be the memory you talk about for years. Book early, check the practical details and consider just one or two special nights to make it affordable.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular unique stays?
Overwater villas in the Maldives and French Polynesia, glass igloos in Finland, treehouses, castle hotels in the UK and Ireland, desert camps in Morocco and Jordan, and safari lodges in Africa.
How far ahead should I book a unique stay?
For popular options like Northern Lights igloos and overwater villas, book six to twelve months ahead, especially for peak seasons.
Are unique stays worth the money?
For special occasions they often are. Many travellers book one or two nights as a highlight within a longer trip to manage the cost.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
