1. The Icehotel, Sweden
Imagine waking up in a room sculpted from pure ice, its walls glittering with intricate carvings that shimmer in the soft glow of LED lights. The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is rebuilt every winter by international artists, making each year’s design a fresh surprise. Temperatures inside are kept at a constant -5°C, so guests bundle up in thermal sleeping bags atop beds of ice covered with reindeer hides. Beyond the rooms, visitors can explore a frozen art gallery, sip cocktails from ice glasses, and marvel at the ethereal beauty of the surroundings. The hotel draws more than 50,000 visitors annually, according to its own statistics, underscoring its global appeal. Adventurous travelers can try dog sledding or chase the northern lights, turning a night’s stay into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Icehotel is not just accommodation—it’s an art installation, an adventure, and a celebration of winter’s magic all rolled into one.
2. The Treehotel, Sweden
High up in the pine forests of Harads, Sweden, the Treehotel lets guests sleep among the treetops in rooms that look straight out of a fairytale. Designed by leading Scandinavian architects, each treehouse is a work of art, from the reflective Mirrorcube that disappears into the woods to the whimsical UFO that seems ready for takeoff. Sustainability is at the heart of the Treehotel, with eco-friendly materials and minimal environmental impact. Visitors can step outside for hiking, ziplining, or simply meditating to the sound of the wind in the trees. The hotel has earned praise from architecture and travel publications worldwide and won awards for its innovative and green approach. With only a handful of rooms, the Treehotel offers a rare sense of tranquility and exclusivity. Guests often describe the experience as both magical and grounding, combining childhood fantasies with modern comfort.
3. Giraffe Manor, Kenya
In Nairobi’s leafy suburbs, Giraffe Manor has become world-famous for its breakfast guests—towering Rothschild’s giraffes who poke their heads through the windows in search of treats. Set on 140 acres, the 1930s manor is more than just a hotel; it’s a haven for endangered giraffes. Guests can feed the giraffes from their bedroom windows or the sunny terrace, creating unforgettable moments and photos. The property’s tranquil gardens and elegant colonial interiors amplify the feeling of stepping into another era. Giraffe Manor works closely with the Giraffe Centre, contributing to the conservation of a species with fewer than 2,500 individuals left in the wild. Visitors often leave inspired by the close encounter with wildlife and the property’s commitment to animal welfare. For animal lovers and families, it’s an enchanting and meaningful place to stay.
4. The Silo Hotel, South Africa
Rising above Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel occupies a converted grain silo, seamlessly blending history, art, and luxury. Its distinctive pillowed glass windows offer panoramic views of Table Mountain, the city, and the harbor. Each suite is individually decorated, featuring contemporary African art and bold design choices that surprise and delight. The rooftop pool and bar have quickly become city hotspots, especially for sunset views. The hotel also houses the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the continent’s largest museum of contemporary art. Since opening in 2017, The Silo has helped revitalize Cape Town’s art scene, drawing international visitors and art lovers. A stay here is as much about culture and creativity as it is about comfort and views.
5. Burj Al Arab, UAE
Shaped like a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab stands on its own man-made island off the coast of Dubai, epitomizing luxury and excess. Often described as the world’s only seven-star hotel, it spares no expense: gold leaf decor, private butlers, and Rolls-Royce chauffeur service set the standard. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and is equipped with every imaginable modern convenience. Guests can dine underwater, on the beach, or in the sky at its array of acclaimed restaurants. Its iconic silhouette is a Dubai landmark, featured in countless films and magazines. The hotel welcomes over a million visitors a year, according to Dubai Tourism, and is a favorite among celebrities and dignitaries. Staying at the Burj Al Arab is an experience designed to dazzle at every turn.
6. Aman Tokyo, Japan
Perched atop a sleek skyscraper in the heart of Tokyo, Aman Tokyo is a serene sanctuary that fuses traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design. Rooms are minimalist yet luxurious, with shoji screens, deep soaking tubs, and sweeping views of the city skyline and Mount Fuji on clear days. The tranquil spa and 30-meter swimming pool offer a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Guests can savor kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients or tea in a ryokan-inspired lounge. The hotel’s attention to detail and flawless service have earned it international accolades, according to reports by the Japan National Tourism Organization. Aman Tokyo is a favorite among discerning travelers seeking calm, beauty, and exclusivity in the world’s largest metropolis. The atmosphere is so soothing that many guests say they forget they’re in the center of a bustling city.
7. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
At Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, guests stay in glass igloos gazing up at the shimmering northern lights—a spectacle that draws travelers from around the world. The igloos are heated and cozy, offering a warm vantage point for nature’s greatest light show. The resort also features traditional log cabins and snow igloos for the truly adventurous. Activities abound, from husky and reindeer safaris to ice fishing and snowshoeing in the pristine Lapland wilderness. The resort’s popularity has soared, with visitors flocking to experience the aurora borealis in comfort, as confirmed by the resort’s own statistics. For many, seeing the northern lights is a lifelong dream, and Kakslauttanen makes it possible to do so in style. The sense of isolation and wonder here is unlike anywhere else on earth.
8. Fogo Island Inn, Canada
Perched on stilts at the edge of the North Atlantic, the Fogo Island Inn on Canada’s remote Fogo Island is a marvel of contemporary design and community spirit. The inn’s angular architecture echoes the island’s fishing stages, while interiors are filled with locally crafted furniture and art. Every room offers breathtaking views of iceberg-dotted waters and dramatic shores. The inn supports the local economy and culture, employing islanders and funding community projects, according to Fogo Island Arts. Guests can join island hosts for nature hikes, berry picking, or boat trips, drawing them into the rhythms of island life. The inn is both a retreat and a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and adventurers from across the globe. Staying here is an immersion in wild beauty and heartfelt hospitality.
9. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Spanning two idyllic islands, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is luxury redefined. Its overwater and beachfront villas offer total privacy, direct access to the turquoise lagoon, and open-air bathrooms. The star attraction is Ithaa, an underwater restaurant where guests dine surrounded by colorful marine life. Activities range from diving with manta rays and snorkeling vibrant reefs to indulging in spa treatments set over the ocean. The resort consistently ranks among the world’s best, according to the Maldives Tourism Board, drawing honeymooners and families seeking paradise. Sustainability is a focus, with coral restoration projects and eco-friendly initiatives. Every moment here feels like a dream, with nature and indulgence in perfect harmony.
10. Hotel Marques de Riscal, Spain
In Spain’s celebrated Rioja wine country, the Hotel Marques de Riscal is a masterpiece by Frank Gehry, famed for its undulating titanium ribbons and playful forms. The avant-garde exterior contrasts with the rolling vineyards and historic wineries that surround it. Inside, guests find luxurious rooms, a state-of-the-art spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant serving local delicacies. Wine lovers can tour ancient cellars and taste the estate’s acclaimed vintages steps from their door. The hotel has become a regional icon, boosting local tourism and drawing architecture buffs as well as oenophiles, according to the Spanish Tourism Board. The experience is a celebration of creativity, flavor, and tradition all in one striking setting.
11. Longitude 131°, Australia
Set on the red dunes near Uluru, Longitude 131° offers luxury tents with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spiritual heart of Australia. The “tents” are more like plush suites, complete with king beds, designer furnishings, and private decks for sunset cocktails. Guests join guided walks to learn about Aboriginal culture and the area’s unique ecology. Dining features modern Australian cuisine with native ingredients, often enjoyed under a blanket of stars. The resort operates with a strong commitment to sustainability, minimizing impact on the fragile desert environment. According to Tourism Australia, Longitude 131° is ranked among the country’s top eco-luxury resorts. The sense of connection to the land and its stories makes every stay deeply memorable.
12. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Jade Mountain rises above St. Lucia’s lush rainforest, its bold architecture blending seamlessly with the landscape. Each enormous suite, called a “sanctuary,” has a missing fourth wall, opening directly to views of the iconic Pitons and the Caribbean Sea. Private infinity pools, chromatherapy whirlpool tubs, and personalized service make it a favorite for honeymooners and romantics. Organic cuisine is sourced from the resort’s own farm, and activities include snorkeling, hiking, and chocolate-making workshops. The resort has won countless travel awards, and according to the St. Lucia Tourism Authority, it’s regularly ranked among the Caribbean’s top hotels. The experience is both dramatic and deeply private, with nature and luxury in perfect balance.
13. Palacio de Sal, Bolivia
Built entirely from salt blocks, the Palacio de Sal sits on the edge of Bolivia’s dazzling Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. The hotel’s shimmering white corridors, salt furniture, and domed ceilings create a surreal, otherworldly feel. Guests can soak in saltwater baths, dine on gourmet cuisine (including local llama), and explore the vast, reflective salt flats just outside. The hotel follows strict environmental guidelines to protect the fragile landscape, and its uniqueness has attracted global attention. According to Bolivian tourism authorities, Palacio de Sal is now one of the country’s most-visited luxury hotels. For adventurous travelers, it offers a stay that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
14. Amangiri, USA
Hidden among the red rocks and mesas of Utah, Amangiri is an architectural oasis blending seamlessly into the desert landscape. The minimalist design uses natural materials and colors that echo the surrounding canyons. Floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor lounges bring the vastness of the landscape inside. Guests can explore slot canyons, take hot air balloon rides, or relax in a world-class spa with views of the mesas. Amangiri is favored by celebrities and those seeking privacy and tranquility, according to recent features in top travel magazines. The setting is so evocative that many guests feel they’re staying on another planet, surrounded by silence and timeless beauty.
15. Explora Patagonia, Chile
Set within the dramatic Torres del Paine National Park, Explora Patagonia is a lodge designed for adventure and awe. Its modern wood-and-glass structure offers jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and vast pampas. Guests can join expert-led treks, horseback rides, and glacier explorations, returning to hot tubs and gourmet meals at day’s end. Sustainability and local culture are woven into every aspect of the experience, from architecture to cuisine. The lodge has helped put Patagonia on the map for luxury ecotourism, according to Chile’s national tourism board. For those seeking dramatic scenery and active exploration, there’s nowhere quite like it.
A visionary in modern design, Nate Berkman is known for his ability to blend timeless elegance with personal storytelling. With years of experience in high-end interiors, his book Living with Style explores how to create meaningful spaces that reflect individuality.