In an era where travel has evolved beyond checklists and cookie-cutter itineraries, today’s globetrotters crave experiences that are personal, memorable, and truly one of a kind. Fortunately, the world of hospitality has responded with some of the most unique and extraordinary accommodations imaginable. From floating palaces in India to igloos under the northern lights in Finland, the One of a Kind – World list from Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards celebrates hotels and stays that redefine luxury, adventure, and storytelling through architecture and location.
These unique stays aren’t just places to rest—they’re destinations in themselves, each offering a transformative encounter with culture, nature, or sheer imagination. Below, we explore some of the most exceptional properties around the world that made the 2025 list.
1. Taj Lake Palace – Udaipur, India
Floating on the serene waters of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace is an architectural marvel built in white marble. With views of majestic palaces and the Aravalli hills, every corner of this hotel whispers royal heritage and grandeur. It’s not just the opulence that makes it unique, but the exceptional hospitality that transforms each guest’s stay into a personal fairy tale.
What makes it One of a Kind:
- 250-year-old heritage property
- Private boat access
- Personalized royal experiences and cultural immersion
2. Ashford Castle – Cong, Ireland
A stay at Ashford Castle is nothing short of stepping into a medieval fantasy. This 800-year-old castle offers regal luxury with activities such as falconry, horse riding, and archery, paired with 5-star service and manicured gardens. The castle’s rich history and elegance make it a favorite among families and luxury seekers alike.
Highlights:
- Original medieval architecture
- Ireland’s oldest falconry school
- Lakeside views and vintage interiors
3. Bambu Indah Resort – Ubud, Indonesia
Nestled in the jungles of Bali, Bambu Indah offers eco-luxury in hand-crafted bamboo suites that resemble giant woven nests. This sustainable resort champions nature, offering organic meals, natural pools, and an unfiltered connection to the environment, all while delivering comfort and style.
What stands out:
- Eco-conscious design
- Cliff-top views and open-air showers
- Authentic Balinese hospitality
4. Fingal Hotel – Edinburgh, Scotland
A permanently docked luxury yacht in Leith, Fingal Hotel offers a nautical stay with sophisticated design and a rich maritime legacy. Guests can enjoy sea-inspired cuisine, plush cabins, and a memorable high-tea experience—all without ever setting sail.
Unique features:
- Floating hotel concept
- Historical connection to the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Art deco elegance with Scottish charm
5. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Few hotels in the world offer the chance to share your breakfast with giraffes, but at Giraffe Manor, that’s a daily ritual. This colonial-era mansion is part boutique hotel, part giraffe sanctuary, and completely unforgettable.
Why it’s extraordinary:
- Resident herd of endangered Rothschild giraffes
- Colonial architecture with African wildlife
- Conservation-driven tourism
6. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – Chiang Saen, Thailand
This resort places you right in the heart of Thailand’s northern jungle, with transparent “jungle bubble” rooms that allow for 360-degree views of elephants roaming freely. It’s a fusion of wildlife adventure and luxury hospitality.
Special offerings:
- Elephant encounters and conservation programs
- Infinity pools overlooking Myanmar and Laos borders
- Open-air spa treatments amid bamboo forests
7. Nayara Bocas Del Toro – Panama
Set on Panama’s crystal-clear Caribbean waters, Nayara Bocas Del Toro features overwater villas that rival the best in the Maldives. With all-inclusive perks, private pools, and vibrant coral reefs just a dive away, this is a secluded paradise redefined.
Key experiences:
- Caribbean overwater luxury
- Seamless fusion of privacy and adventure
- Spa and wellness in the heart of nature
8. Valley Views Glamping – Kurow, New Zealand
Located in the Waitaki Valley, Valley Views Glamping offers luxurious off-grid geodesic domes that frame the landscape like a living painting. Stargazing, heated outdoor baths, and panoramic mountain views elevate the traditional camping experience into something magical.
Top features:
- Eco-glamping with full comfort
- Outdoor wood-fired bathtubs
- Seclusion and romance under the stars
9. Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita – Matera, Italy
This boutique hotel redefines rustic luxury, as each suite is carved into ancient stone caves. Located in the UNESCO-listed city of Matera, Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers a deeply atmospheric stay with candlelit rooms, arched stone walls, and views over the Italian countryside.
Unique touch:
- Cave rooms restored with historic accuracy
- Organic breakfast in a deconsecrated church
- Ethereal blend of antiquity and elegance
10. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve – South Africa
Situated in the untouched wilderness of the Cederberg Mountains, Kagga Kamma features rooms built into natural rock formations. For a truly wild experience, guests can sleep in open-air suites under a starlit African sky.
Why it’s unforgettable:
- Integration with nature
- Stargazing like nowhere else on Earth
- Cultural excursions to learn San rock art and traditions
11. Skylodge Adventure Suites – Peru
For thrill-seekers, Skylodge offers transparent capsules suspended 1,000 feet above the Sacred Valley. Accessible only via rock climbing or zip-lining, this adrenaline-fueled stay offers unmatched views and a genuine sense of achievement.
Extreme features:
- Cliff-hanging pods with panoramic windows
- Gourmet meals served with mountaintop ambiance
- Adventure-centric luxury
12. Apukka Resort – Rovaniemi, Finland
Apukka Resort offers Arctic experiences in glass igloos where guests can watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of a warm bed. Dog sledding, reindeer rides, and snowmobile safaris make it a winter wonderland for families and couples alike.
Magical moments:
- Aurora-viewing glass domes
- Authentic Finnish sauna experiences
- Arctic Circle adventures
13. Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Built entirely from ice and snow, the Icehotel is recreated every year with new ice sculptures and frozen rooms. Guests sleep on beds made of ice, wrapped in thermal sleeping bags, with access to heated lounges and saunas for comfort.
Coolest aspects:
- Ice art suites by global artists
- Seasonal transformation with every visit
- Polar adventures like ice sculpting and dog sledding
14. The Hotel Chalet – Chattanooga, USA
Located inside a historic train station, The Hotel Chalet features repurposed Pullman train carriages as rooms. This nostalgic stay delivers retro vibes with modern comfort, ideal for travelers who love design and storytelling.
Nostalgia-driven highlights:
- Authentic vintage train cars
- Boutique interiors with cinematic style
- Rooftop lounges and heated pools
15. Port Lympne Hotel – United Kingdom
Combining safari excitement with boutique lodging, Port Lympne is a wildlife reserve and luxury retreat rolled into one. Guests can view endangered species like rhinos and tigers from their hotel windows or enjoy guided jeep tours through expansive grounds.
Family-friendly features:
- Glamping, lodges, and treehouses
- Onsite wildlife safaris
- Educational and conservation programs
Conclusion: More Than Just a Place to Sleep
What unites these One of a Kind stays is not just their extraordinary locations or architecture, but the emotions they inspire. They invite travelers to not just visit a place, but to feel it. Whether it’s breakfast with giraffes, sleeping in an ancient cave, or stargazing from a bubble in the jungle, these properties turn vacations into once-in-a-lifetime memories.
In a world overflowing with options, these hotels stand out for daring to be different—and in doing so, they’ve redefined what hospitality can be. If you’re seeking a stay that goes beyond the ordinary, these unique gems across the world await your discovery.
