Amazing Hotels: 10 Out of This World Places to Stay

In a time when enthusiasm for travel has never been higher, it’s no surprise that we’re increasingly looking for the most spectacular stays on our regular jaunts around the world. Be it the world’s most expensive suite in Las Vegas, an underwater villa in the Maldives or a boutique hotel in Kenya where you can dine with giraffes, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most amazing hotels in the world to inspire your next great adventure.

Happy planning…

1. Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas

2. Rockstar Suites on Virgin Voyages

Always equated cruises with a serious case of cabin fever? Luckily you won’t have that problem on board Virgin Voyages – particularly if you opt to stay in one of the impressive Tom Dixon-designed VIP suites. Set amidst the self-proclaimed ‘Rockstar Quarters’, they are the epitome of top-tier luxury with large marble bathrooms, hand-woven terrace hammocks, outdoor hot tubs on a private terrace and even your own personal music room. What’s more, you’ll also get access to Richard’s Rooftop which, exclusive to members, is the perfect spot for a post-dinner cocktail under the stars.

3. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

While The Maldives is hardly short of an amazing hotel or two, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the crème de la crème. More specifically, its underwater The Muraka villa which has a bedroom literally submerged under the sea. A place to watch marine life while you rest, wash and get dressed, the bedroom in question comes encased in curved, seven-inch thick transparent walls where you can get up close and personal with incredible marine life without having to don a pair of flippers. Elsewhere in the villa there’s a level above water home to a kitchen, living room, dining area and three more bedrooms. Family holiday, anyone?

4. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Looking for the most amazing hotel in Africa? The award goes to Giraffe Manor which, sitting directly next to Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, is most famous for its friendly neighbours – a herd of Rothschild giraffes who will regularly stick their long necks through the hotel’s windows to be fed treats by guests. Perhaps one of the most unique hospitality experiences in the world, there are only twelve rooms which get booked up well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

5. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Exploring the remote Arctic wilderness often means compromising on modern amenities, but luckily that’s not the case at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Famous for its dreamy glass-domed igloos perfect for viewing the Northern Lights (there are snow igloos and luxe pine cabins with their own sauna, fireplace and stargazing dome too), this unique hotel is set amidst mile after mile of silver-white spruce forest rolling into the serene fells of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, making for one of the world’s most magical stays. Go ice fishing, skiing, husky-sledding and aurora hunting by reindeer or horse-drawn sleigh, returning for a blast in Finland’s biggest smoke sauna.

6. Longitude 131, Australia

Unspoilt nature? Check. Authentic food? Check. Private views of the Ayers Rock without even having to lift your head off a pillow? Check! As the closest hotel to Uluru, and surrounded by the rugged wilderness of the Simpson Desert, a stay at Longitude 131 (as pictured at top) in Australia’s Northern Territory is a real bucket-list experience. Comprising white draped tents that err on the side of luxury cabins, each named after a celebrated Australian explorer or wilderness pioneer, you can even unroll one of the retreat's bespoke swags and snooze under the stars on your balcony. Does life get much better than that?

8. Taj Lake Palace, India

One of the world’s most romantic destination hotels, Taj Lake Palace in the heart of Udaipur is a former palace sitting majestically in the middle of Lake Pichola. A maze of courtyards, corridors and pavilions inlaid with stone, gilt moulding and mirrors, guests reach the four-acre man-made island via private boat before being taken to rooms decorated with hand-painted motifs, mosaics, silk bolsters, swings and stained glass. If you’re really looking to impress that someone special, this should more than do the trick.

9. Hotel Marqués De Riscal, Spain

It’s hard to miss the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués De Riscal. A titanium-clad hotel standing tall against the rolling vineyards of La Rioja in Spain, it’s as luxurious as it is jaw-dropping, with curved maple wood walls, leather furniture and marble bathrooms. Suited to both design lovers and foodies alike, the hotel also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves up signature French dishes by Francis Paniego, and is a lovely spot to relax after a long day of wine-tasting.

10. Ice Hotel, Sweden

If you’re a fan of quirky themed hotels then you’ll love Jukkasjärvi’s Ice Hotel. Home to captivating rooms that border on art installations, each intricately and individually carved out of ice, it’s easily one of the most amazing hotels in the world. While inside possesses a unique and ethereal beauty that can’t help but captivate, there’s plenty happening on the outside to keep you busy too, including husky-sledding, cross-country skiing and more, making it a great base for an active break.

If these amazing hotels have got you feeling inspired, there’s plenty more on offer at Hotels.com.