Wrap up in an Arctic treehouse
For a twist on the traditional, enjoy a stay in an Arctic treehouse in Rovaniemi, Finland! This unusual treehouse has stunning views of the surrounding forest and woodlands, which in the winter months are covered with a blanket of snow and ice. The pods are individual rooms, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a panoramic view. Each has a clean Nordic design with bathroom, mini bar and, if you’re really lucky, you can see the colours of the Northern Lights without leaving the comfort of your room. From there, staff can arrange husky safaris, reindeer farm tours, or a traditional Finnish sauna and, during the summer months, cycling, walks and local tours. The hotel has a rustic bar and restaurant, which you can organise for private dining if you’re celebrating something special.
• Stay at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel from £202 per night for two people. Book online at Booking.com
Chill in a beach bubble
Any sort of beach hotel on a small island in the Maldives is going to be amazing. But at the Seaside Finolhu resort, not only can you enjoy the luxury villas, they also offer a night away from it all in a stunning, secluded beach bubble experience. Sleep under the stars on a remote part of the island in a large bubble sphere with a double bed, private shower and bathroom facilities. Your night includes a private beach barbecue, served by your own butler, and then breakfast by the shoreline in the morning. For the rest of your stay, relax on the soft, white sandy beaches or chill out on your own private deck on one of the water bungalows or huts.
• Stay at Seaside Finolhu for four nights from £2,015 per person, including a night in the beach bubble on a B&B basis. Guests staying at the resort for four nights or more can book one night in the bubble from £577. Book online at Finolhu.com
Sleep in a converted prison
The renovation of the old, historic Bodmin Jail, originally built in 1779 on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, is finally complete. And not only does it house a fun, interactive family experience and visitors’ attraction, but part of it has now been turned into the stunning four-star boutique Bodmin Jail Hotel. Here, history meets modern luxury with 70 elegant rooms that have a backdrop of stone walls and original cell doors. Positioned across landings, each room (converted from three single cells) houses a beautiful free-standing bath, walk-in showers and luxurious beds and bedding, which is a far cry from its harsh past. Enjoy drinks in the old Governor’s office or head to the Jolly Hangman’s Tavern and tuck into Jailer’s Choice Cheeseburgers and Hot ’n’ Kicking Jail House Wings. And if you fancy a little bit of day release, then head to local Cornish attractions such as The Eden Project, Camel Creek Adventure Park or explore the charming coastal town of Padstow.
• Stay at The Bodmin Jail Hotel from £200 a night per classic room including breakfast. Book online at Bodminjailhotel.com
Bed down in a cave
Nestled within the heart of the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa, this cave-inspired hotel, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, is a truly unique escape offering caves, camping and huts. The ten man-made, cave-like suites have been designed to work with the original sandstone mountain formations to create fun, quirky suites with air-conditioning and seating areas that overlook the beautiful reserve. The resort also features an outdoor swimming pool and an à la carte restaurant, which serves traditional South African cuisine and wines from the Cape Winelands. Relax away from your cave at the outdoor pool then enjoy a massage at the on-site wellness spa, or take a nature drive or hiking tour to explore the area. At the end of the day, cosy up around the outdoor fireplace, while sitting under a sky full of stars.
• Stay in a cave suite at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve from £245 a night for two people. Book online at Booking.com
Feel zen in a Chinese courtyard
The Temple House is nestled in a renovated Chinese courtyard in the town of Chengdu, which was originally built nearly 100 years ago. This beautiful hotel combines modern design with stunning architectural elements taken from its original heritage. There are 100 rooms and 42 apartments, and each has its own sleek, oriental design set around courtyards and internal hills. Enjoy some quality me time at the Mi Xun Spa, which offers holistic therapies featuring natural teas. Afterwards, you can experience the Mi Xun Teahouse, which serves fine Chinese teas and plant-based regional Sichuan cuisine in a traditional on-site teahouse set in a tranquil courtyard. The menu is inspired by the dishes once served at the 1,000-year-old Daci Monastery nearby.
• Stay at The Temple Hotel by The House Collective in a double room from £222 per night, including breakfast. Book by calling +86 28 6636 9999 or visit Thetemplehousehotel.com
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