Global travel offers opportunities to stay in accommodations that go beyond the ordinary, providing unique experiences in stunning natural settings or opulent urban environments. These extraordinary hotel rooms and retreats offer distinctive features, from "no walls, no doors" concepts to historic restorations and close encounters with wildlife.
In Botswana's Okavango Delta, the &Beyond Nxabega Camp offers an intimate wilderness escape with just three tents. Located in a region recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its wetlands and wildlife, the camp provides guests with a front-row seat to nature. The tents, accommodating two people, are equipped with amenities such as super-king beds, power showers, and Wi-Fi. Daily game drives and walking expeditions allow for close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos. Due to the presence of free-roaming wildlife, guests are advised to stay on paths during the day, and guides escort everyone to their tents at night. This "jungle escape" is recommended for older families (children must be over 12), solo travelers, and couples, with tents starting at approximately £1,055 per night.
For a different kind of immersion, The Banyan Tree resort in Buahan, Bali, features 16 adult-only villas, known as bales, designed with a "no walls, no doors" concept. The Seven Peaks villa, in particular, boasts uninterrupted views of mountains, rainforest, and rivers, along with a private plunge pool. The open-air design offers a close connection to the jungle, though it may not appeal to those hesitant about insects or small reptiles. This option is suggested for adventurers and individuals seeking a digital detox, with villas starting around £700 per night.
London's Mayfair district is home to The Twenty Two, a hotel that presents a flamboyant interior behind a traditional Edwardian mansion facade. Established in 2022 by Navid Mirtorabi and Jamie Reuben, this 31-room establishment, restaurant, and private members' club blends art deco opulence with 18th-century French style, featuring elaborate wallcoverings and marble floors. It has become a celebrity hotspot, with notable guests including Tom Cruise and Kylie Jenner. The hotel's appeal lies in its offer of a seamless transition from its chic bar to its opulent bedrooms, making it a destination for couples and revelers alike. Rooms begin at £725 per night.
Scotland's Cromlix estate, near Dunblane, is a grand country house with a rich history. Originally built in 1874, it was rebuilt in 1880 and later transformed into a luxury hotel in 1981. In 2013, tennis star Andy Murray and his wife Kim purchased the property, using it as their wedding venue before reopening it as a hotel in 2023. This 20-room retreat is set within 34 acres of grounds, featuring its own chapel and lochan. Each bedroom offers unique character with antique Scottish furniture and garden views. Guests can also enjoy the estate's tennis court. Cromlix is suited for those seeking a country-house experience or who appreciate its connection to Andy Murray, with prices starting from £445 per night.
China's The Silk Lakehouse, situated on the northern shores of Hangzhou's West Lake, combines the grandeur of a traditional silk merchant's residence with a maximalist design. The property features rich silks, handcrafted furniture, and colorful murals, with many rooms offering views of the lake and surrounding hills. The hotel can arrange cultural experiences, art sessions, and wellness activities, and includes an indoor pool. It is described as ideal for culture enthusiasts and romantics, with rates starting around £440 per night.