A deluxe suite on the Blue Train, South Africa

Guide to unusual and special places to stay

Fancy staying overnight in an elephant hide? Or on a train? Or in a palace? Or geodesic dome? Yes, we do too!

A deluxe suite on the Blue Train, South Africa

Not just a place to lay your head

The best kinds of places to stay are those which add a little je ne sais quoi to your overall travel experience. Perhaps it’s the quirky décor or ridiculous luxury, maybe it’s the unusual location or the people who run the lodging who make it special, or it could be that the place has some incredible history.

Hacienda Zuleta is a most wonderful charming hotel. A stay here was described to me as like being a privileged guest in someone's luxurious home. What can I say? That is exactly how it was.

Unusual and special places to stay

Mashpi Lodge in the cloud forest, Ecuador

Whether you’re travelling in Africa, Latin America or India, where you stay plays is a huge part of your holiday. Finding the right fit is important and adding something a little different into the mix could just be the icing on the cake.

Over the years we’ve stayed in some very special places and new ones are popping up all the time. Perhaps you enjoy a more rustic experience such as sleeping outdoors under the stars in the Okavango Delta - we can arrange it. Some of you might be looking for a floating haven, perhaps along the Amazon River - we can arrange that too. There’s everything on offer from houseboats, luxury trains, treehouses, repurposed buildings, opulent palaces, to cosy homestays and that’s just scratching the surface.

Whatever your destination, if you want somewhere a little unusual to lay your head, then we’ll be able to make some excellent suggestions. We’ve done some extensive research and pride ourselves in seeking out these gems for you, many of which we’ve been lucky enough to experience first-hand.

In this guide we will share suggestions for more unusual places to stay. As we tailor-make all our trips, it’s easy to include the accommodation that suits your wants and needs. The list is by no means complete, but it’s here to give you some ideas. If you don’t see what you are looking, let us know and we’ll do our best, together with our knowledgeable partners to find the perfect fit for you.