From gravity-defying mountain retreats to underwater havens, the world’s most extraordinary resorts push the boundaries of architecture and hospitality. These remarkable properties demonstrate humanity’s ability to create luxury accommodations in places once impossible to build.
Let’s explore 19 incredible resorts that challenge our perception of what’s possible in
hotel design. These architectural marvels provide unprecedented comfort in extreme
locations and showcase the perfect harmony between human ingenuity and natural
landscapes.
Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this architectural marvel
features individual bridges leading to open-air sanctuaries. Each suite eliminates the
fourth wall, creating an infinity pool that seems to float between the Piton Mountains
while maintaining complete privacy for guests.
Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Rebuilt entirely from scratch each winter using ice from the Torne River, this
ephemeral masterpiece houses guests in rooms carved from solid ice. The hotel
features intricate ice sculptures, a bar serving drinks in ice glasses, and thermal
sleeping bags to ensure guests stay cozy in temperatures below freezing.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Set within 140 acres of indigenous forest, this colonial mansion allows guests to
share their breakfast with curious Rothschild’s giraffes. The resident herd frequently
pokes their long necks through the manor’s windows, creating unforgettable dining
experiences while supporting conservation efforts.
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Home to the world’s first underwater spa, this resort features treatment rooms with
panoramic views of the vibrant coral reef. The property combines overwater bungalows with submerged spaces, allowing guests to experience both above and below the ocean’s surface.
Skylodge Adventure Suites, Sacred Valley, Peru
Suspended 400 feet above the Sacred Valley, these transparent capsules cling to
the side of a mountain accessible only by climbing or hiking. Each pod offers 300-
degree views of the valley below, combining extreme adventure with luxury
accommodation.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Magic Mountain Lodge, Chile
This unique lodge, resembling a moss-covered hill with a waterfall cascading from its
peak, sits in the heart of the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve. The building’s design
pays homage to local legends while providing modern amenities within its fairytale-
like structure.
Attrap’Rêves, France
Located in the pristine forests near Marseille, these transparent bubble rooms offer
unobstructed starry sky views. Each climate-controlled sphere creates a private
observatory where guests can stargaze from their beds while remaining completely
protected from the elements.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Famous for its glass igloos that offer perfect views of the Northern Lights, this resort
combines traditional Lapland culture with modern luxury. The thermal glass structures maintain warmth while providing unobstructed views of the aurora borealis during winter.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Manta Resort, Zanzibar
This resort takes marine viewing to new heights (or depths) by featuring a floating
suite with an underwater bedroom. The three-level structure includes a roof deck for
sunbathing, a water-level living area, and a submerged bedroom surrounded by reef
fish.
Hotel Costa Verde, Costa Rica
This hotel offers a unique jungle experience. It houses guests in a restored 1965
Boeing 727 airframe perched on a 50-foot pedestal. The aircraft-turned-suite
features hand-carved teak paneling and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean
and surrounding rainforest.
Caves Resort, Negril, Jamaica
Built into the limestone cliffs of Negril’s coastline, this adults-only resort features
caverns, caves, and hidden nooks transformed into private dining spaces. The
property seamlessly integrates natural cave formations with luxury amenities while
preserving the authentic Caribbean atmosphere.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
This medieval castle-turned-luxury resort dates back to 1228 and is located on 350
acres of ancient woodland. The property combines centuries of history with modern
luxury, featuring falconry lessons, traditional afternoon tea, and dungeons converted
into wine cellars.
Aura House, Bali, Indonesia
Constructed entirely of sustainable bamboo and perched above the Ayung River
valley, this eco-luxury treehouse showcases innovative green architecture. The
three-story structure features curved walls, spiral staircases, and open-air living
spaces that blend seamlessly with the surrounding jungle.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman
Situated on the rim of a great canyon, this resort is the highest five-star hotel in the
Middle East. The property offers sunrise views over the mountains from infinity pools
that seem to float above the canyon’s edge.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada
Balanced on stilts at the edge of the North Atlantic, this modernist structure appears
to float above the rocky coastline. The inn’s design pays homage to traditional fishing
stages while providing contemporary luxury in one of the world’s four corners.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Home to the world’s first underwater restaurant and residence, this resort features a
suite submerged 16 feet below sea level. This architectural marvel pushes engineering boundaries by featuring a two-level residence with an above-water living area and underwater suite.
The structure’s acrylic dome provides 180-degree views of marine life while ensuring guests remain comfortable in their underwater sanctuary.
Longitude 131°, Australia
This luxury camp faces directly toward Uluru. It features elevated tented pavilions
with floor-to-ceiling windows. Each tent floats above the red dunes, offering
uninterrupted views of Australia’s most iconic natural landmark while leaving minimal
impact on the desert environment.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Lion Sands Treehouses, South Africa
Elevated above the African bush, these luxury treehouses offer an immersive safari
experience under the stars. The private platforms provide panoramic views of the
surrounding wilderness while allowing guests to observe nocturnal wildlife safely.
Äscher Cliff Restaurant and Guest House, Switzerland
Built directly into the face of a cliff in the Alpstein mountain range, this historic inn
seems to defy gravity. The 170-year-old structure offers breathtaking views of the
Alps while maintaining its original charm and traditional Swiss hospitality.
Embracing Nature’s Most Spectacular Locations
These extraordinary properties remind us that remarkable accommodations can be
created in the most challenging locations with innovation, determination, and respect
for natural surroundings.
Each resort offers not just a place to stay but an unforgettable experience that
connects guests with their environment in unique and meaningful ways. These
pioneering destinations inspire the next generation of hoteliers and architects to
dream bigger and push the boundaries of what’s possible in hospitality design.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
More from Travel Pug
- 15 Dangerous European Cities to Avoid
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- 15 Hidden Places in the Smithsonian Museums Locals Love: A Guide to Lesser-Known Treasures
- 15 Once-Popular Tourist Destinations Now Considered Too Dangerous
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.