Travelling is about meeting something new, learning about something that has never been experienced before, and meeting the unexpected. When we go abroad, we often do so to step out of our comfort zone, to face the unknown, but also to have fun and enjoy the wonderful times away from our daily life.
So, what is better than looking for not only beautiful new places but also living in different places? And, while the experience can be amazing, we don’t have to go out of your comfort zone. I’ve found hotels, motels and resorts weird and weird – some of them unequal. Divided into six continents, there will definitely be something that appeals to most of you.
1. Lookout Cave Underground Motel, Coober Pedy, Australia
Coober Pedy is a strange place. It is located in central, northern South Australia, about the center of Adelaide and Alice Springs. It is an excellent hole in the ground, which also gave the \”town\” its name: it comes from the traditional place name \”white man in the pit.
But since Coober Pedy is a hole in the ground, surrounded by deserts, the people who live and work there live in caves dug inside the pit. There are no windows, but cooler than outside in the scorching heat and all the comfortable creatures, making the Lookout Cave Underground Motel a great place to experience how people live in this remote area. From your cozy cave, you can learn more about the history of opal mining, even my own. In the unlikely event that you arrive empty-handed, local stores have all the different bright colors you could wish for.
Pro Tip: Getting there usually by car, takes Stuart Highway, through Australia; by plane and rent a car, or as a trip from Ghan Train.
2. Kakslauttanen Igloo Village, Finland
From an empty desert to another, to the other side of the world. Kakslauttanen Igloo Village is located in northern Finland above the Arctic Circle. Here trees outnumber humans, such as reindeer and hled hounds. It\’s very magical in winter. The igloo Village is just that: a selection of glass-lined gloos, another room, allows you to lie in bed looking up at the sky, looking at the northern lights, or the stars. Activities here include snowmobile, sled or snowmobile safaris, reindeer or husky safaris, skiing, and, a visit to Santa. The reservation is open all year round, and each season brings something special to the table, but if you prefer, go for the winter.
Pro Tip: If you need a break from the snow, then at Kakslauttanen West Village you will find an art gallery that may have art exhibitions to the north.
3. Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
If staying on an Indian Ocean island off the coast of Tanzania and the neighboring island of Zanzibar nearby is not enough, then Manta Resort arrives. We have all seen waterproof villas in places like Tahiti, but they are often connected to a large living area with a wooden walkway. The underwater chamber is floating on its own, accessible only by boat (your breakfast and breakfast will be delivered by boat), and has two floors – or three if desired. The sea platform is ready to swim from, and on top of that, there is a roof terrace where you can enjoy the sun and enjoy the view across the green sea. Stairs under the sea level platform are your bedroom, underwater and fitted with glass so you can watch the fish while they watch. Loneliness and romance, and total privacy. If you do not count the fish.
Pro Tip: Between October and April, you will see why it is called the Manta Resort, which has a nice manta rays approaching the beach, and in your underwater room, you will have a great point.
4. Treehouse Lodge Resort, Iquitos, Peru
I never had a treehouse when I was a kid, but I would love it so much. Is there anything more magical than living in the branches of a big tree, in a green forest? The light is soft, the birds are singing, and you can really relax and hide in the outside world. Treehouse Lodge Resort is located near Iquitos along the Yarapa River, in the Amazon River stream, right in the rain forest. The only way to get to Iquitos by plane or boat, there are no roads connecting to the outside world. There are 12 tree houses to choose from, all well-designed and open to the elements. Some are designed to include tree branches, making hooks for different garments.
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Pro Tip: As it lies near the equator, temperatures are the same throughout the year, but between December and May there is a rainy season, which makes the rivers easier to navigate and provides the sight of pink dolphins under tree houses.
5. Kruger Shalati, Kruger National Park, South Africa
Converting a train into a living space is nothing new, even if the train is out of order. What is different about this luxury train, is that it is located on the historic and abandoned bridge of Shalati or Selati across a beautiful river with star views. Not only is the train turned into a luxury resort, but there is also a pool of lakes right there in the middle of the bridge. Also, all around you, the famous Kruger National Park, full of lush vegetation and abundant wildlife is your landmark. The train and bridge were once used to transport chic passengers in 1920 to a national park, now offering modern travelers a bit of walking and nostalgia and a truly unique place to stay overnight.
Pro Tip: Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, just remember that summer (winter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the rainy season.
6. Everest View Hotel, Solukhumbu, Nepal
There are hotels with great views in every city and every country, and there is nothing different about having an idea. Or is it there? Try Mount Everest outside your window. The Everest View Hotel brings what the name promises. Each of the 12 rooms has a seating area in front of the panoramic windows that open to the balcony, and the prominent triangular peak of Mount Everest is right in front of you. From the hotel, you will be able to explore the mountainous terrain from moderate to challenging, the length of many hours, and you can also choose to go up to the hotel to check in. Alternatively, there are helicopter transfers available.
Pro Tip: This hotel is mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest in the world, at 13,000 meters. The altitude sickness is a reality, so allow yourself at some point in the hotel to get used to the heights, or choose to walk higher, as that will give you time to reach a higher altitude.
7. Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
This is one of the most unique residential areas that includes an unusual place to drive home one night with the place you set out to get to. Once you get there, your experience will be enhanced. In this case, it\’s a plane, a drive, and a boat to get to the reception. Fogo Island, off the coast of the North Atlantic, is an archipelago where it is difficult to stay afloat. Technology businessman Zita Cobb was born there and after working on a high-end aircraft at home, he rebuilt the Fogo Inn using local materials, inspiration, design, and energy, and it all became sustainable with his island first in his mind.
The views of this ugly and small corner of the world are so beautiful that telescopes are everywhere. Well-designed, with local weaving and knitting on the island, in contemporary art and crafts, Fogo Island Inn offers all the luxury you can ask for. The Inn is a treaty for the island and its people.
Pro Tip: Walking, northern lights, whales and bird watching, nutritious food, art and more, offers a lot to do. Plan your trip according to Fogo\’s \”Seasons Seven\”.