Why These Places Are Special
Bored of the same old hotels and busy resorts? There are amazing, lesser-known places to stay that give you quiet, unique accommodations.
These hidden gems aren’t just places to sleep; they are exciting spots that offer peace and a closer connection to nature and culture. They change how you travel, giving you something unique. From treehouses to floating hotels, this guide shows you wonderful unique accommodations you’ve probably never heard of but should definitely check out.
1. Why Choose Hidden Gems?
1.1 Avoiding Crowds
Big tourist spots can be fun, but hidden gems let you enjoy quiet moments and nature without crowds.
Think about going somewhere quiet where you can relax and leave behind the noise of busy places. Hidden stays give you privacy and calm, whether it’s a small cabin by a lake or a cozy retreat in the mountains. These unique accommodations offer a perfect escape from the busyness of daily life.
1.2 Trying Something Different
From treehouses to underwater hotels, these special places make your trip unforgettable.
Going to these unique accommodations means you’ll have stories to tell for years. Imagine sleeping under the stars in a glass dome or staying in a houseboat on a peaceful river. These are experiences that stand out from the usual vacation.
2. Different Types of Special Stays
2.1 Eco-Lodges: Nature and Comfort Together
Think about waking up in a green forest in a lodge that cares for the environment.
Eco-lodges mix comfort with being kind to nature. They are built to protect the environment around them. For example, there’s the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in Peru, which is deep in the Amazon rainforest. These lodges are relaxing and help you connect with the beauty of the world. These unique accommodations make you feel close to nature.
2.2 Historic Places: Stay in the Past
Stay in places like castles or old houses and feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Historic stays let you live in history while enjoying modern comforts. Picture yourself in a castle like Ashford Castle in Ireland, which is hundreds of years old. These places are full of stories and charm. They are unique accommodations where history meets relaxation.
2.3 Fun and Strange Places
If you like different things, try a stay in a UFO-shaped hotel or a house that looks like a hobbit hole.
Why stay somewhere boring when you can choose a fun and creative spot? Places like the Dog Bark Park Inn in Idaho, shaped like a giant dog, or the Treehotel in Sweden, where rooms hang in trees, give you a stay that’s as much fun as the trip itself. These unique accommodations turn your visit into an adventure.
2.4 Floating Hotels: Living on Water
Stay on water and enjoy the gentle waves right outside your door.
Floating places to stay give you a peaceful, water-filled experience. Whether it’s an overwater bungalow in the Maldives or a houseboat in India, these unique accommodations let you wake up to the sound of water and beautiful views.
2.5 Treehouses: A Stay Up High
Feel like a kid again by staying in a treehouse high above the ground.
Treehouses aren’t just for children anymore. They’re now luxurious spots to stay. In places like Thailand’s Keemala Treehouses or South Africa’s Lion Sands, you can enjoy great views and a closer connection to nature. These unique accommodations bring out your adventurous side.
3. Amazing Hidden Gems Around the World
3.1 Asia: Peaceful and Beautiful
Asia has many hidden stays that mix culture, beauty, and comfort.
Check out places like Amanoi in Vietnam, surrounded by green hills, or Japan’s old-style inns called ryokans. These unique accommodations offer calm, culture, and amazing views.
3.2 Europe: Old-World Beauty
Europe has charming spots, from Italian villages to icy hotels in the north.
Stay at Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Italy, where old village life is preserved, or visit Sweden’s Icehotel, which is made from snow and ice every year. These unique accommodations show Europe’s mix of history and creativity.
3.3 The Americas: Wild and Wonderful
From jungles to deserts, the Americas have hidden gems for every traveler.
You can explore places like an old Portuguese estate in Alentejo or Australia’s Camp Kulning. These unique accommodations offer adventure and beauty far from the usual tourist spots.
4. How to Find Your Own Hidden Gem
4.1 Smart Research
Finding these hidden places takes time and the right tools.
Look beyond big travel websites. Try smaller booking sites, social media, and travel blogs. You might find some amazing suggestions in online groups or by talking to locals. These tips can lead you to unique accommodations you’ll love.
4.2 Travel at the Right Time
Even popular spots feel special if you visit when it’s quiet.
Traveling during off-seasons can save you money and give you a more relaxed trip. It’s easier to enjoy hidden gems and unique accommodations when they aren’t crowded.
4.3 Be Open to Surprises
Sometimes, the best places are the ones you didn’t plan for.
Leaving room for last-minute changes can lead to unexpected finds. A chat with a local or a random detour could take you to the perfect hidden spot. Unique accommodations often reveal themselves when you least expect it.
5. How These Places Help Local People
Staying in these hidden places helps local businesses and keeps traditions alive.
Hidden stays often hire local people and use local materials. By choosing them, you support communities and help protect their culture and way of life. These unique accommodations benefit everyone involved.
6. Ready to Find Your Hidden Gem?
These places aren’t just where you sleep—they’re experiences that make your trip truly special.
When you pick a hidden gem, you’re choosing something unique. Whether it’s a treehouse, a floating hotel, or a historic inn, these unique accommodations give you stories to tell and memories to keep. Start looking and find your best place today.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I find these hidden places?
A: Check small booking sites, ask locals, and look at travel blogs or social media groups for tips.
Q: Are these places expensive?
A: Some are luxurious, but many unique accommodations are affordable and give great value.
Q: Are these stays safe?
A: Yes, as long as you read reviews and check the property’s details online.
Q: Can families stay at these places?
A: Many unique accommodations have options for families, like large cabins or private villas.
Q: When should I book?
A: Book 3-6 months ahead, especially for popular times of the year.
