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Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Top 10 Most Unique Hotels in the World

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By Lucy Weatherston


From hotels made entirely of ice to secluded rainforest retreats, take your pick from our selection of the world’s most unique hotels, ranked from 10 to 1.

These hotels are a destination within themselves; perhaps find your breakfast interrupted by a curious giraffe or enjoy truly imaginative designs and stay within a renovated train suspended above a river.

10. Keemala, Thailand

A tropical wonderland of innovative and inspiring design, Keemala features a remarkable variety of thatched pool villas, enchanting treehouses, canvas-covered hideaways and stunning treetop villas, some loosely resembling birds’ nests. Each villa features a private pool, many seemingly suspended amongst the trees, making a stay here an unforgettably unique experience.


Top Tip: Try to time your stay during the mid-week when complimentary activities such as yoga are offered.


 

Villa at Keemala in Thailand

9. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

True to its name, Huvafen Fushi, which translates to ‘Dream Island’, is a luxurious resort set within a tranquil turquoise lagoon teeming with marine life and fringed with white sand beaches. Setting it apart from other exclusive Maldives resorts, it is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa.


Top Tip: Pre-book the popular, overwater SALT restaurant from which you can enjoy an idyllic setting and watch the nurse sharks swim below.


 

Underwater spa in the Maldives

8. Knight Inlet Lodge, Canada

Arrive by seaplane to the uniquely isolated, Knight Inlet Lodge located in the heart of British Columbia’s wilderness. Specialising in bear sightings, activities are designed to look out for these incredible animals in their natural habitat. If you book a four night package, you will also have the chance to see humpback whales, orca, seals and more!


Top Tip: Time your stay for September/October for the best chances of seeing bears during the salmon run season.


 

Bears at Knight Inlet Lodge in Canada

7. Lizard Island, Australia

The only hotel located on the lush 2,503 acres Lizard Island National Park, Lizard Island Resort boasts an incredible setting within the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. Fringed with white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs, it is the ultimate place to soak up an exclusive slice of paradise.


Top Tip: Rent a private boat for the day for unbeatable snorkelling and a truly special experience.


 

Lizard Island, Australia

6. Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Awake to the sounds of the jungle in this isolated eco retreat immersed in the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest. The wow factor at Mashpi Lodge is truly its location which can be appreciated from the floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the property. Offering activities as unique as the resort, enjoy hikes to waterfalls and ride tandem bike along a zipline high above the forest floor!


Top Tip: Why not treat yourself to a massage at the waterfall for a truly special and relaxing experience?


 

Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

5. Kruger Shalati, South Africa

A safari experience that promises to be unlike any other in the Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati’s rooms are housed within renovated train carriages perched on the historic Selati Railway bridge high above the Sabie River. 


Top Tip: It’s well worth the upgrade to the Carriage Suites which are suspended on the bridge itself, however, for those who aren’t so keen on heights, the Bridge House Suites located adjacent to the bridge are a fantastic alternative!


 

Kruger Shalati, South Africa

4. Memories Aicha Camp, Jordan

Feel transported to Mars at Memories Aicha Camp. Located in the heart of Wadi Rum’s otherworldly, desert landscape, this collection of luxury tents, some of which boast unique glass domes, offer a truly unforgettable experience. 


Top Tip: Upgrade to a panoramic tent for uninterrupted views of the desert and stars from the glass domes.


 

Panoramic Tent Terrace, Memories Aicha Camp, Jordan

3. Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos, Finland

Experience a magical night in a uniquely dome-shaped glass igloo where you can gaze at the starry night from the comfort of your bed. Each glass igloo is equipped with a Northern Lights alarm should they appear! Alternatively, the hotel boasts the equally unique Snowhotel, where everything, from the bed frames to the bar are constructed of ice and boast beautifully creative ice sculptures throughout.


Top Tip: Make sure to keep the Aurora alarm switched on and if you are lucky you may see the Northern Lights from your igloo.


Entrance - Snowhotel - Arctic Snowhotel & Glass Igloos

2. Taj Lake Palace, India

Built in 1746 as a royal summer retreat, the luxurious Taj Lake Palace lies in the middle of Lake Pichola. Appearing to float on water, only hotel guests will have the privilege to be taken by boat to the hotel to uncover the grand luxury within and be treated like royalty.


Top Tip: Embrace unforgettable experiences and book the Gangaur dinner cruise, a magical candlelit dining experience aboard the Ganguar, an 150 year-old personal barge of the Maharanas, the kings of the Mewar Kingdom.


 

India - Taj Lake Palace

1. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

You are not the only residents at this unique manor house - a herd of wild Rothschild/Nubian giraffes also like to call Giraffe Manor home. On the outskirts of Nairobi, surrounded by acres of wildlife, these friendly giraffes poke their heads through windows in hopes of a tasty breakfast or dinner.


Top Tip: Don’t wait to book or you may miss it! The manor’s immense popularity and limited rooms mean you should consider booking at least a year in advance.


 

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
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Written by Lucy Weatherston

Lucy is a Content Executive based in our Kensington head office. Lucy has worked at TF since 2023 and has travelled to 22 countries. Her favourite destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Peru and Belize.

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