Treehouses are one of the most beloved forms of accommodation for nature lovers. These elevated homes provide a unique way to stay close to nature while offering comfort and privacy. Treehouses range from simple, rustic structures to luxurious hideaways with all the amenities you could need. They’re often built in scenic forests or rainforests, allowing you to wake up surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife.
Notable Locations
- The Treehotel – Sweden
Nestled in the Swedish Lapland, The Treehotel features several futuristic treehouses designed by different architects. One of the most famous is the “Mirrorcube,” which camouflages itself in the forest by using mirrored walls. - Treehouse Lodge – Peru
Located in the Amazon Rainforest, this eco-lodge offers treehouses that are fully immersed in the jungle. You can listen to the calls of exotic birds and monkeys from your balcony.
Why It’s Special
Sleeping in a treehouse provides an intimate connection with nature. The feeling of being high above the forest floor, with the gentle sway of the trees in the breeze, is truly magical. It’s an experience that combines adventure, tranquility, and the beauty of the great outdoors.
2. Glamping: Glamorous Camping in Style
Overview
Glamping, short for “glamorous camping,” is a perfect blend of nature and luxury. It offers all the enjoyment of a camping experience but with the comfort and amenities of a high-end hotel. Think of it as a glamorous safari tent or a spacious yurt with a king-sized bed, hot showers, and gourmet meals served at your door.
Notable Locations
- Soneva Fushi – Maldives
On this private island, you can stay in luxurious tents that come with stunning ocean views, private pools, and personal butlers. The island is an eco-friendly haven that encourages sustainability. - Under Canvas – USA
Under Canvas offers luxurious glamping sites near national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Their safari-style tents feature king beds, wood-burning stoves, and a range of activities such as guided hikes and stargazing.
Why It’s Special
Glamping is perfect for those who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort. The combination of outdoor adventure and luxury amenities makes it a great choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.
3. Caves: Stay Inside the Earth
Overview
Staying in a cave is one of the most unique accommodation experiences you can have. While some caves are completely natural, others are modified or built into the rock for comfort. Whether it’s a remote cave in the desert or a luxurious cave hotel, this type of accommodation lets you sleep within the very earth itself.
Notable Locations
- Cave Hotels – Cappadocia, Turkey
The cave hotels in Cappadocia are famous for their unique history and stunning architecture. These ancient homes were carved into soft volcanic rock, creating a cool and cozy environment. Many modern cave hotels offer luxury suites with panoramic views of the region’s fairy chimneys. - The Cave Hotel – Spain
In the village of Guadix in southern Spain, you can stay in traditional cave homes that have been converted into comfortable accommodations. The caves maintain a natural temperature and offer a peaceful and unique experience.
Why It’s Special
Cave accommodations offer a truly one-of-a-kind stay. The cool, quiet, and naturally insulated environment provides a sense of peace and solitude that few other places can match. Plus, there’s something undeniably special about sleeping in a home that has been carved from rock.
4. Floating Hotels: Sleep on Water
Overview
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on the water, a floating hotel might be the perfect option. These accommodations are built directly on the water, offering stunning views and the calming sound of waves lapping beneath your feet. Floating hotels can range from luxurious overwater bungalows to eco-friendly floating houses.
Notable Locations
- The Maldives
The Maldives is famous for its overwater bungalows, with luxury resorts like Soneva Jani offering private villas built on stilts over turquoise lagoons. These resorts often come with glass floors, private infinity pools, and direct access to coral reefs for snorkeling. - The Floating Hotel – Indonesia
In Indonesia, you can stay at the Aqua Blu in the Komodo Archipelago. This floating hotel offers a luxury cruise experience, where you can explore remote islands by day and sleep on the water at night.
Why It’s Special
Floating hotels offer an immersive experience in the marine environment. With panoramic ocean views and easy access to the water for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, staying on a floating hotel allows you to truly disconnect from the world and unwind in paradise.
5. Eco-Lodges: Sustainable Stays in Nature
Overview
Eco-lodges are designed with sustainability and environmental consciousness in mind. These accommodations aim to minimize their impact on the environment by using renewable energy, promoting recycling, and sourcing food locally. Eco-lodges are typically located in nature reserves, forests, or remote areas, allowing guests to experience nature up close while contributing to conservation efforts.
Notable Locations
- The Greenhouse – Costa Rica
Set in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, The Greenhouse is an eco-lodge that uses sustainable building materials and energy-efficient systems. The lodge offers guided tours of the surrounding rainforest, where guests can spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds. - Mashpi Lodge – Ecuador
Located in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Mashpi Lodge is committed to conservation and sustainability. The lodge’s unique architecture blends into the natural landscape, and guests can take guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and even visit a nearby private reserve.
Why It’s Special
Staying in an eco-lodge offers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and embrace a more sustainable way of living. These accommodations often provide educational experiences about local ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and the importance of environmental stewardship.
6. Ice Hotels: Sleep in a Winter Wonderland
Overview
Ice hotels are built entirely out of ice and snow, creating an ethereal, chilly experience for travelers who want to embrace the beauty of winter. These unique accommodations are usually located in regions that experience long, harsh winters and feature intricate ice sculptures, frozen furniture, and glowing light displays.
Notable Locations
- Icehotel – Sweden
Located in the village of Jukkasjärvi, the Icehotel is the world’s first and most famous ice hotel. The hotel is rebuilt every year from ice and snow from the nearby Torne River, featuring stunning ice sculptures, ice bars, and ice rooms with elaborate themes. - Hotel de Glace – Canada
In Quebec, the Hotel de Glace is a magical winter destination. The hotel features intricately designed ice suites, ice chandeliers, and even an ice chapel for weddings.
Why It’s Special
Staying in an ice hotel is a truly extraordinary experience, where everything around you is made from ice and snow. The beautifully carved sculptures and ethereal, icy interiors make for a surreal atmosphere, while guests are kept warm with cozy sleeping bags and insulated rooms.
7. Safari Tents: A Glimpse Into the Wild
Overview
Safari tents are an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while having the comforts of a hotel. Often found in national parks, game reserves, or remote wilderness areas, safari tents typically feature a mix of canvas walls, wooden floors, and luxury bedding. These accommodations offer a taste of adventure while keeping you comfortable and safe.
Notable Locations
- Singita – South Africa and Tanzania
Singita offers luxury safari tents in the heart of South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti. Guests can experience safari adventures by day and relax in stylish, fully-equipped tents by night. - Olakira Camp – Tanzania
This mobile camp follows the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti and offers safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and incredible views of the wildlife-rich plains.
Why It’s Special
Safari tents combine the best of both worlds—adventure and comfort. They provide an intimate way to experience the wilderness while still offering luxurious touches like plush beds, hot showers, and gourmet meals. It’s the perfect accommodation for those who want to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort.
Conclusion
Unique accommodations in nature allow travelers to experience the beauty of the great outdoors in an entirely new way. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat in a treehouse, an eco-conscious stay in a sustainable lodge, or a thrilling night in a safari tent, these options provide unforgettable opportunities to connect with nature while enjoying comfort and luxury.
The next time you’re planning a getaway, consider stepping out of the traditional hotel and embracing one of these extraordinary nature-based accommodations. From sleeping among the trees to floating on water, these experiences will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
