Explore 5 unique hotels worldwide: Sweden's Icehotel and Treehotel, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, a Maldives icon, and Tanzania's underwater suite. Book now.
Travel keeps surprising us: every corner of the planet hides its own trove of wonders. When it comes to choosing a hotel, more and more people want something that goes beyond a standard room key—places that turn a night’s stay into a memory.
From ice-carved castles to suites below the surface, hotel concepts are stretching the imagination and inviting guests into carefully crafted worlds. These stays don’t just provide a bed; they build a setting where everyday worries recede and atmosphere takes center stage.
Here are five of the world’s most distinctive hotels—remarkable for their creativity, bold architecture, and singular guest experiences. Each one offers a different kind of adventure with moments that tend to linger long after checkout: Icehotel (Sweden), Giraffe Manor (Kenya), Treehotel (Sweden), Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (Maldives), and The Manta Resort (Tanzania).
Set in the small village of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden, about 200 kilometers beyond the Arctic Circle, Icehotel sits on the banks of the Torneelven River. In winter the river freezes and becomes the source of the hotel’s building material.
Founded in 1989 by artist and entrepreneur Igor Emergren, Icehotel became the first—and most famous—hotel built entirely from ice and snow. Each year it’s constructed anew. Blocks are cut from the Torneelven, and every winter an international team of artists and architects designs fresh suites and installations.
The property includes ice and snow structures—rooms, vaulted spaces, a bar, even a chapel. Every suite is unique, with themes and designs created by invited artists. Ice sculptures and details make each space feel like a work of art. Guests can choose cold rooms or warm ones, depending on whether they want the full frosty immersion or classic comfort.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel lines up a mix of activities: dog-sled and snowmobile excursions through the snowy landscapes; skiing and snowboarding nearby; an ice bar serving drinks in frozen glasses; prime conditions to watch the northern lights; and ice-sculpting workshops where guests try their hand at carving.
Icehotel welcomes visitors from December to April, when temperatures keep the structures intact. In summer it transforms into an art gallery showcasing the past winter’s creations.
Its popularity means planning ahead pays off. The hotel offers various packages with accommodation, tours, and dining, plus options for weddings and other events. In 2024, a 10-night stay for two adults in mid-July starts from 152 thousand rubles.
Giraffe Manor stands in the quiet, leafy Langata suburb of Nairobi. Surrounded by gardens and greenery, it feels secluded despite the city address.
Built in 1932 in the style of a Scottish hunting lodge, the manor carries the imprint of Kenya’s colonial past. The elegant two-story house has 12 individually styled rooms that balance classic refinement with modern comfort. Antique furniture, art, and touches of African culture add character, while the grounds—lawns and lush gardens—set a romantic tone.
The headline act here is the resident Rothschild’s giraffes, which roam the estate and often peer through windows and doors in search of treats. Guests feed them by hand—an encounter that’s hard to forget. Breakfasts are especially sought after, as long-lashed faces may appear right beside the table.
Alongside the giraffe encounters, the manor offers thoughtful diversions: visits to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage; time at the Giraffe Centre for education and conservation; tranquil walks on nearby paths; and spa services, including massages and skincare treatments.
Open year-round, the property is most popular in the dry seasons—June to October and December to March—when travel and wildlife viewing are at their best. Given the demand, booking early is wise. Rates for a double room start from 292 thousand rubles per night.
Treehotel lies in the village of Harads in northern Sweden, not far from the city of Luleo. Tucked into scenic forest near the Luleelven River, it offers solitude and a direct connection to nature.
Opened in 2010 by Kent and Britta Lindvall, the idea was to craft a hotel that blends with the landscape while delivering an uncommon experience: sleeping in designer treehouses. Inspiration came from the Swedish documentary “The Tree Lover,” a meditation on the role of forest and trees in human life.
Each treeroom was conceived by different Scandinavian architects, making the line-up a small gallery of architecture: Mirrorcube, its mirrored panels reflecting the forest until it nearly disappears; The UFO, a playful spacecraft silhouette; Bird’s Nest, a giant twig-wrapped hideaway; The Cabin, a modern perch with sweeping views of forest and river; The Blue Cone, simple and cozy, bright in form; and The Dragonfly, one of the largest spaces, which can also host meetings.
Treehotel is open year-round. Summer brings green forests and time on the water; winter covers the landscape in snow and opens the door to cold-weather pursuits. Each season shifts the mood—and the possibilities. For two adults, a seven-night stay in mid-July starts from 503 thousand rubles.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island sits on two private islands in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. A private seaplane whisks guests from Velana International Airport (Malé) in about 30 minutes.
Opened in 1997, the resort has collected awards for its luxury and its inventive approach to leisure. Part of Hilton, it aims for top-tier comfort with a focus on harmony with nature and on delivering unique experiences.
The two islands—Rangali and Rangalifinolhu—are linked by a bridge. Guests choose from contemporary villas finished in natural materials like wood and stone. Some sit right on the beach, others stand over the water with wide-open views of the lagoon.
There’s a broad roster of dining, spa and wellness, snorkeling and diving, kayaking, water-skiing, and many other water sports. Excursions range from fishing and whale shark watching to trips to nearby islands, opening up more of the Maldives beyond the villa deck.
The resort welcomes visitors year-round. The most favorable window is November to April, when the weather is reliably sunny and dry. Summer can bring brief showers, which tend to pass quickly. In 2024, a 10-night stay for two adults in mid-July starts from 539 thousand rubles.
The Manta Resort is on Pemba, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. The island’s mangroves, vivid seascapes, and rich marine life make it a natural draw for nature lovers and divers.
Opened in 2008, the resort is known for its seclusion and its one-of-a-kind underwater apartment. The concept centers on immersion in nature and the ocean, with a high standard of comfort and service. Sustainability and environmental care are a clear priority.
Accommodation ranges from beach villas to the signature underwater suite. Beach villas sit right on the shore, wrapped in greenery with open views of the sea, and are finished in traditional style with natural materials like wood and stone. Garden rooms, tucked into the resort’s landscaped grounds, are designed for privacy and quiet while offering everything needed for a comfortable stay. The underwater apartment is the showstopper: spread over three levels—an above-water deck at sea level, a lounge and bathroom over the water, and a submerged bedroom with panoramic windows onto the reef.
The resort welcomes guests year-round. The best conditions usually fall between June and October and from December to March, ideal for the beach and diving. During the rainy seasons (April–May and November), showers are possible but rarely disruptive. Rates range from 35 thousand rubles in low season to 118 thousand rubles in high season per person per night.
