Ice Hotel – Sweden

Ice Hotel
photo by Laplandish / CC BY-SA 3.0

Constructed of ice and snow, Ice Hotel is a splendid work of art carved and sculpted by the hands of international artists, designers and architects with an eye for singular beauty that is unforgettable. This amazing hotel is open from December to mid-April, after which it melts away back into the Torne River from where the ice is harvested annually.

Four Seasons Resort – Bora Bora 

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
photo by Moeava de Rosemont
courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Arguably the best way to experience the magic of Bora Bora in Tahiti, nothing quite beats staying in a bungalow over the jewel-toned colors of this sanctuary’s lagoon. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has captured the essence of the Tahitian spirit with its spacious accommodations that include teak furniture, thatched roofs and Polynesian decor that puts you right in the beautiful South Pacific.

Selous Serena Camp – Tanzania 

Selous Serena Camp
courtesy of Serena Hotels

Located on the largest game reserve in Africa, Selous Serena Camp is found in Tanzania, along the east coast of the African continent. This wilderness retreat offers safari camping which would be better defined as “glamping” – glamorous camping. The luxurious facilities include twelve luxury tents with ensuite bathrooms, plush rugs, crystal chandeliers, and elegant rosewood furniture. Breathtaking, panoramic views of this World Heritage Site make a stay here unlike any other.  The rolling savannah, rivers and dense forests are like something out of an Ernest Hemingway novel.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Finland

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
courtesy of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

The glass igloos at Hotel Kakslaurttanen in Finland are spectacular. The pristine wilderness surroundings make a splendid backdrop to the luxurious accommodations of this remarkable resort. Nothing beats a wilderness retreat where you can stare at the starry sky and northern lights while wrapped in the warmth and comfort of this enchanting igloo.

Fairy Chimney Inn – Turkey

Fairy Chimney Inn
photo by Curious Expeditions

Once belonging to a 1,500-year-old hidden Byzantine cave monastery, most of the rooms at the Fairy Chimney Inn in Cappadocia, Turkey are carved right out of the tufa rock cones that are common to this area. The region is renowned for its history and rocky landscaping, which lends itself well to the hotel that blends beautifully with its surroundings. It makes for a fascinating immersive experience.

Hotel de Glace – Canada 

Hotel de Glace
photo by Matias Garabedian

Hotel de Glace is another masterpiece made from ice and snow. Its ice sculptures and artwork create a magical mood that seems to transport guests to a mythical world that dazzles at every turn. Hotel de Glace is open from early January through late March, and offers visitors a Nordic experience with gorgeous themed suites artistically designed with subtle lighting and details that are simply stunning.

Montana Magica – Chile 

Montana Magica
photo by Christian Cordova

Montana Magica is nestled within the remote Patagonian Rainforest in Chile. Located in the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, there are waterfalls, rivers, estuaries and the rainforest teeming with lush wildlife that creates an exceptional experience in this pinnacle-roofed lodge. Excursions at this unspoiled setting include things like ziplining through the forest, kayaking in the Fuy River, and hiking through the mystical rainforest.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – Dubai 

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
photo by ernieski

Billed as the world’s most luxurious hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai is shaped like the sail of a ship, and is quite stunning considering it appears to float upon the sapphire sea. The hotel prides itself on its unparalleled service and luxury, like discreet check-in, private receptions and butler service. It is an iconic symbol of Dubai.

San Alfonso del Mar – Chile 

Aerial view of San Alfonso Del Mar
courtesy of San Alfonso del Mar

San Alfonso del Mar in Santiago, Chile holds the world’s record for the largest swimming pool. It stretches over one kilometer lengthwise! This crystalline lagoon is perfect for sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, swimming and more. The white sands of its private beaches are as alluring as the turquoise waters of this spectacular salt-water lagoon.

Ariau Amazon Towers – Brazil 

Ariau Amazon Towers

This luxurious treetop hotel is tucked within the Amazon Rainforest. Ariau Amazon Towers is located on the banks of the Rio Negro about 35 miles from the city of Manaus in Brazil. The accommodations are connected by more than five miles of wooden catwalks cutting through the canopy of the rainforest where colorful macaws and curious monkeys frolic in the trees, high above the forest floor. The scenery of this jungle paradise is like something out of the legend of Tarzan.