The 12 Most Unique Hotels in the World
Whether it's in the middle of Giraffes in Kenya or Under the Sea or in an Igloo...
A Sustainability Ranking in partnership with ETIC Hotels
Whether it’s in the middle of Giraffes in Kenya or Under the Sea or in an Igloo, niood lists you the 12 most unique hotels in the world:
1. Giraffe Manor
Gogo Falls Road, Nairobi, Kenya
From $600 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection. Often referred to as one of the most instagrammed properties in the world, Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. Giraffe Manor is one of Nairobi’s most iconic buildings. The historic manor house has extraordinary appeal, that harks back to the 1930s when visitors first flocked to East Africa to enjoy safaris. With its stately façade, elegant interior, verdant green gardens, sunny terraces and delightful courtyards, guests often remark that it’s like walking into the film Out of Africa: indeed, one of its twelve rooms is named after the author Karen Blixen.
One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. Giraffe Manor can be booked for the night or as part of a complete tailor-made safari with The Safari Collection.
2. The Manta Resort – Pemba Island
Psv-zanzibar estate, Tanzania
From $550 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Switch off your noisy, pressurised, polluted electronic world and enter a completely different one – not as a tourist, but as a sentient human being with simple needs – sunshine, fresh sweet-smelling air, natural food, a pristine comfortable bed and friendly company to care for you and yours. All to be found folded into the edge of a primitive forest and set on rising land overlooking the purest, most turquoise waters that ever caught your breath – these waters hide secrets of the most exquisite kind – coral reefs unspoilt – and they are fringed by snow white, delicately soft sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
This is Manta, our treasured, remote island hideaway where you can feel the simplicity of a naturally evolved traditional Swahili island culture – and timeless peace and quiet.
3. Golden Crown – Levin Iglut
Harjatie 4, 99130 Levi, Finland
From $500 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
The glass-roofed Levin Iglut offer their guests luxury next to the wilderness: a view of the rugged fell landscape and the northern sky, high-quality accommodation and personalised heartfelt service. The igloo hotel is located on the slope of a fell at a height of 340 metres, and the centre of Levi, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Lapland with diverse services complementing ours, is just 10 km away. The distance from the lights of the centre and the unobstructed view of the northern sky from the slope make us an ideal place for admiring the Northern Lights.
4. Hôtel de Glace
1860, boulevard Valcartier, G0A 4S0 Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Canada
From $250 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
With its majestic snow arches, crystal clear ice sculptures and beautiful rooms, the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) offers its guests a one-of-a-kind winter experience. Unique in North America, the hotel transforms itself year after year to charm its visitors. Immerse yourself in the hotel’s magical atmosphere and enjoy a luxurious Nordic getaway within this winter masterpiece!
5. Faralda Crane Hotel
NDSM-plein 78, Amsterdam Noord, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands
From $900 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
The 3 suites are located 35, 40, and 45 meters above the ground. This gives the suites a magnificent view of the “Ij” and the city of Amsterdam.
Each of the three suites, Free Spirit, Secret, and Mystique are themed and tastefully decorated. The first is themed after the harbor and industry of Amsterdam as well as a view from 35 meters high. Secret Suite is a colorful oriental-themed room with stunning décor and a magnificent view from 40 meters in the air. The last suite is located 45 meters above the ground and is a contemporary themed oriental room with rich dark hues and tasteful furnishings.
The Faralda also has a jacuzzi on the top floor as well as a unique activity for thrill-seekers. From the top of the Faralda Crane, you can use the mega swing and bungee jump off the building. All jumps are supervised by certified professionals.
6. THE MURAKA at Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island, Maldives
From $40,000 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Discover THE MURAKA, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort.
Above water, enjoy living and dining areas fitting of one of the world’s most exclusive residences.
- Two bedrooms and a bathroom with ocean-facing tub
- Outdoor deck with infinity pool
- Private 24-hour butler and private chef
- On-call fitness trainer and spa treatments
- Private jet skis
7. The Villa Casa Casuarina At The Former Versace Mansion
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
From $800 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
The Villa was originally built in 1930 by the architect, author, and philanthropist, Alden Freeman. Mr. Freeman was the heir to the Standard Oil fortune. In 1992, The Villa was purchased by the famous Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace. Today the Villa operates as a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and event venue.
With a view of the Mosaic Garden from its private terrace, The Garden Suite overlooks The Thousand Mosaic Pool. With its sitting area and king-sized bed, the Suite offers a relaxing haven in which to luxuriate.
8. Tree Hotel
Harads, Sweden
From $600 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Even though you might be a world away from home, at the Treehotel we welcome you like family. Let us take you away from the stresses and demands of everyday life.
At Treehotel nature, ecological values, comfort and modern design are combined for an exciting adventure.
Gaze out at Sweden’s spectacular nature from our separate, unique and secluded and comfortable rooms in the trees. From September to March you have the chance to watch the Northern Lights illuminate the sky above you. Summertime we have daylight all night long.
One thing’s for sure at the Treehotel, you’ll be inspired by your surroundings and experiences.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing break or simply to wind down in nature, Treehotel invites you to experience nature, and our restaurant and surroundings, in the most unique and memorable way you can imagine.
9. Conestoga Ranch Glamping Resort
Garden City, UT, United States
From $200 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Conestoga Ranch has a variety of unique and luxurious lodging options. The ultimate in Glamping Luxury, our Royal and Grand Tents sleep between 2 and 6 guests, and include in-suite bathrooms! “Circle The Wagons” with our extraordinary 4 and 6 person wagons. Cozy into our 4 person, value forward Traditional Tents.
Family members of all ages will treasure our breathtaking Glamping experience. Choose between tents or wagon circles to create your perfect private family adventure and make memories that everyone will remember for a lifetime.
Conestoga Ranch is located in one of the most gorgeous places in the United States. Find us within a few hours drive from amazing cities such as Salt Lake City, Utah and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We are conveniently located on Highway 89, the scenic route to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Whether for lunch or a quick overnight stay, we are your perfect road trip stop on the way to so many locations!
10. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
From $250 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
The Maharana (ruler) called this palace which he finished building in 1746, Jag Niwas. Jag Niwas is today the majestic and magnificent Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl.
This heritage hotel in Udaipur has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. The incomparable location provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite cuisines at the elegant restaurants of Taj Lake Palace. These are open only to resident guests.
Carefully created treatments draw on the ancient wellness heritage of India, and the fabled lifestyle and savoir vivre of Indian royalty. This 5 star palace hotel in Udaipur at Lake Pichola continues the tradition of grand soirees and formal levees which were hosted here by the royal family of Udaipur. Meetings and Incentives at Taj Lake Palace are like no where else in the world. Where else can you meet at a palace in the middle of a lake. And this most romantic of hotels, is the ideal venue for fairytale weddings and magical honeymoons.
Known as the Venice of the East, the city of Udaipur, with its elaborate palaces, serene lakes, exotic temples and resplendent gardens, has a lot to offer. Our concierge would be happy to assist you in making arrangements, and plan a special tour of the city of lakes in one of our vintage cars.
11. Bubble Lodge Ile aux Cerfs Island
Île aux Cerfs Island, Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius
From $450 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
The newly introduced Bubble Lodges are the first and only accommodations on the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Island. This means that staying in one of them is a unique, romantic and exclusive experience! Our team will welcome you at the private Jetty of « Pointe Maurice » to organise your 10 minutes boat transfer in the lagoon to reach Ile Aux Cerfs Island.
The elegant Bubble Lodges are extremely comfortable and surprisingly spacious with a lounge area, a cozy bedroom, a washroom and an open sky shower. Each unit has been tastefully decorated combining earthy tones and natural fabrics. A sofa bed is available, suitable for up to 2 children (12 years old max).
To ensure that your experience is all the more extraordinary at Ile aux Cerfs Bubble Lodges, there is a butler service provided to cater for all your needs. Special moments can be celebrated with a dinner on the beach or in the private garden of the Lodge for a timeless memory.
As a Bubble Lodge privileged guest, you will take advantage the private beach, and enjoy complimentary greenfees on the “must play” championship Golf Course designed by Bernhard Langer. The Bubble Lodges on Ile aux Cerfs have been created to have minimal impact on the environment which makes them very eco-friendly and well admired by nature lovers.
One thing is for sure, a stay in a Bubble Lodge on Ile aux Cerfs will allow you to connect fully with the stunning surrounds of this tropical island away from your daily routine and you will leave with a refreshed mind and body.
12. Free Spirit Spheres
Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
From $140 per night
ETIC Hotels Green Score: 9.2/10
Our cool, quirky and truly unique spherical treehouses offer an exquisite combination of back-to-nature experience with the trendy phenomenon of ‘glamping’.
This world renowned unique accommodation experience is set among the coastal rainforest of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Come spend a night or a week up in our trees, and you will find the peace and relaxation which you seek. Alternatively, our exceptional, exotic hotel makes a perfect base from which to explore all that our magnificent island has to offer! Recommended by roughguides.com.
