Top 5 Favorite Stays Around the World: Unique Accommodations to Inspire Your Next Trip
When it comes to travel, finding the right place to stay can be just as important as the destination itself. A unique accommodation isn't just about having a bed for the night—it's about, for a short time, living in a place that tells a story, offers new experiences, or connects you to the local culture.
We've stayed in some pretty unforgettable spots around the world, each offering something special that made our travel experiences even richer. Whether sleeping under a starry sky in Switzerland or spending time caring for wildlife in Costa Rica, these are the kinds of stays that leave a lasting impression.
Here are our top 5 favorite stays, all with their own unique vibes—and we hope they inspire your next adventure!
Exclusive Desert Experience
Dubai, UAE
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Glamping Adventure
We often joke that after our stay at the luxury desert camp outside Dubai, we'll never need a honeymoon—nothing could possibly top it. It was hands down the most romantic experience we've ever had (and trust me, we're not usually the romantic type).
The adventure began with an adrenaline-pumping 4x4 ride through the dunes, taking us deep into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. As the sun began to set, we mounted our camels and rode off into the desert. By the time we reached our private camp, we were already in awe.
Our luxurious desert camp was everything we'd dreamed of. We had the entire setup to ourselves—delicious food, drinks, shisha, and the pure magic of the silent desert. After dinner, our guide took us on a hike through the dunes and built a cozy fire as he shared stories about the reserve and the culture of the region.
The next morning, we woke before dawn to catch the sunrise over the endless sea of sand—just the two of us. It was one of those moments that felt like it could've been straight out of a movie. As we headed back through the park, we were lucky enough to spot wildlife like oryx and gazelles, which made the experience even more surreal.
So, if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this luxury desert camp is as close to perfect as it gets.
Animal Rescue Center
Alajuela, Costa Rica
An Unforgettable Stay with Purpose
On the flip side of luxury, our time at an animal rescue center in Costa Rica was all about heart, purpose, and connection with wildlife and nature. While this stay didn't come with five-star amenities, it offered something far more valuable: the chance to make a difference.
We stayed in simple, eco-friendly accommodations in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature's sounds. Every morning, we woke up to the calls of howler monkeys and the chatting of parrots in the trees above.
During our time there, we had the privilege of working alongside passionate conservationists, helping to care for rescued animals like sloths, monkeys, raccoons, and exotic birds. The hands-on experience of feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures, and learning about their rehabilitation was deeply moving.
It's one thing to admire wildlife from afar, but being part of the effort to protect these creatures gave us a new perspective. This stay is perfect for those who want to make their travel meaningful, combining a love for nature with a desire to leave a positive impact.
If you're looking for a travel experience that feeds your soul, this is it.
Bubble Hotel
Weinfelden, Switzerland
A Stay That's All About the Views
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping under the stars with nothing but a clear dome between you and the sky? That's exactly what our stay in a bubble hotel in Weinfelden, Switzerland, was like—and let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as it sounds.
We arrived in the afternoon, settled into our transparent bubble, and cracked open a bottle of local wine to enjoy on our private terrace. With the Alps as our backdrop, it felt like we were in the middle of a postcard.
As night fell, the stars came out, and we were able to look at the sky from the comfort of our cozy bed. It was surreal—like camping but with all the comforts of a luxury hotel. And waking up with the sunrise filling the dome? Absolutely unforgettable.
A bubble hotel is the perfect blend for anyone who loves being surrounded by nature but doesn't want to sacrifice comfort. Bubble hotels can be found all over the world, and they're sure to be a fantastic experience—no matter where you are.
Eco Lodge
Tubagua, Dominican Republic
An Off-the-Grid Experience for the Conscious Traveler
High in the hills above Puerto Plata, Ecolodge Tubagua Puerto Plata is a dream for travelers who love eco-conscious living and off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you value sustainability and want to feel more connected to the environment and local culture, this is the place for you.
The accommodations are simple yet beautifully designed to blend into the lush landscape. What we loved most was the connection to the local community - enjoying farm-to-table meals, learning about the region's culture, and sharing stories with fellow travelers and locals.
A highlight of our stay was a guided jungle hike led by a local guide wielding a machete. After trekking through the dense forest, we reached a hidden gem known as "God's Swimming Pool," where we cooled off in crystal-clear waters.
This ecolodge is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic, eco-friendly experience. It's a stay where nature, culture, and sustainability come together, creating a unique experience you won't want to miss.
Trulli airbnb
Puglia, Italy
Living Like Locals in a Fairytale Setting
In the heart of Puglia, we stayed in a traditional trulli house. These whitewashed, cone-roofed buildings are unique to this region, and staying in one was always a dream of mine. What made this stay so special was the feeling of living like a local, immersed in this region's slow pace of life.
The architecture of the trulli itself is fascinating, but the overall experience made this AirBnB stay genuinely memorable. There's something magical about staying in a place that feels like it belongs in a storybook.
We spent the day exploring the tiny local shops, shopping for freshly baked bread and other delicacies. In the evening, we'd relax on our terrace, watching the sunset over the Italian countryside while enjoying a glass of local wine.
If you love history, charm, and the slower pace of life, staying in a trulli house is an absolute must.
We hope our top 5 favorite stays have sparked your wanderlust and inspired you to seek out extraordinary places for your next trip. To us, these places are so much more than just accommodations - they're experiences that stick with us.
Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or the chance to make a difference, there's something special out there waiting for you. After all, the right accommodation can turn a simple vacation into an unforgettable journey. So, where will your next stay take you?
Happy Travels!
