A palace hotel on an island? done; a luxury lodge overlooking a cliff? done! When it comes to luxury today, unique is the keyword. Unique, exclusive, exquisite is what true connoisseurs are after. And if you’re looking to commemorate a milestone or celebrate a special day, staying at a unique hotel might make it more special. While extreme comfort was one of the factors we zeroed in on while putting this list together, immersive experiences around the property, activities unique to the hotel, and, not to mention, an exquisite menu, also mattered.
Dwarika Hotel, Nepal
A living museum
The vast hotel with 80 rooms has walls lined with terracotta tiles. The hotel has an extensive collection of rescued and restored wood. The entire construction is a tribute to the traditional Newari architecture, which originated in Nepal. Antique carved windows, handmade pottery lamps, and brick reliefs that colour the multi-faceted structure. The swimming pool is modelled on a 12th-century bath and has dragon heads spewing water. The hotel also has a wellness retreat, ‘Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa’, which draws from Buddhist medicine and ancient healing rituals. The hotel has three eateries and a bar. Krishnarpan, which serves traditional Nepali fare, Mako, which serves authentic Japanese fare, and Toran for international cuisine. Fusion, the bar, serves up stylish cocktails and overlooks the pool.
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
A volcano retreat
The Tabacon is located at the foothills of the Arenal volcano. It is the only resort in the area with a naturally flowing thermal river. Besides spa treatments, one can experience a private nature walk and taste hearty Costa Rican flavours at the Tucanes or the Ave restaurant. The property also boasts four bars. The spa treatments are done al fresco, with a thicket of trees providing you privacy; the natural smells of the region and sounds of the thermal river complement the treatments.
Cappadocia Cave Suites, Göreme, Turkey
A pre-historic sanctuary
In Turkey’s Cappadocia region, history and hospitality merge at Cappadocia Cave Suites, where guest rooms are built directly into the ancient caves once inhabited by locals centuries ago. The interiors blend rustic stone walls with modern amenities, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and luxurious. It’s a dreamlike blend of geology, history, and wonder.
Kapama Karula, South Africa
Offers a unique safari experience
The Kapama is located between the northern Drakensberg mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park. Spanning across 37,00 acres, the property is very exclusive, with only 12 villas. This is where you head to for an African adventure, where you are likely to spot close to 40 species of mammals and 350 varieties of birds. The stay includes two safari drives a day, plus, if you like, a photography workshop. One can also go for a bushwalk or sleep outdoors on a raised platform.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
A villa stay under the sea
The Muraka is the world’s first underwater villa. The two-level residence features a master bedroom submerged 16 feet below sea level, with curved acrylic walls that provide panoramic views of passing reef fish, sharks, and stingrays. Above water, the villa includes an infinity pool and private butler service.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Peru
Machu Picchu at your doorstep
The Belmond is the only accommodation situated at the entrance of Machu Picchu. This luxury lodge with 32 rooms gives a chance to take in the view of the orchid gardens situated just before the national park. There are two restaurants and a bar for guests to unwind. The Tampu restaurant offers excellent Peruvian delicacies like fish ceviches and stuffed alpaca, while the Tinuky buffet restaurant suits anyone who might be in a hurry. Partake in a coca leaf reading ritual led by a shaman, or just wake up to an energising smoothie while taking in the sights of the Inca citadel.
Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge, Norway
Experience luxury in an Igloo
The Sorrisniva is situated near the Alta River in Norway’s high Arctic. The premium accommodation includes a high-end restaurant and a bar with glass facades that allow you to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and river. One can go for a river boat experience, a salmon fishing sport, or book a king crab experience and try catching a prized delicacy, or opt for a hike through the wilderness, experiencing local cuisine and even dog sledding.
The Burj al Arab, UAE
World’s only 10-star hotel
This iconic tower stands at 321 metres high and houses the world’s only 10-star hotel. Every one of the 202 suites is a duplex. All of them have floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf. The decor includes extravagant chandeliers and 24-karat gold leaf decor, and Hermes amenities, including perfumes for him and her. One can arrive at the hotel in a helicopter or a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce. A private butler will be assigned 24*7; there is an infinity pool and a luxurious spa. The hotel also boasts eight restaurants offering gourmet international cuisine.
Kempinski Berchtesgaden, Germany
For a dip in history
About 100 km from Munich is Kempinski Berchtesgaden. It was considered the ‘seat of evil’, for that’s where Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leadership took most of the decisions that cost 70 million lives. There are 138 rooms and suites, three restaurants, and a spa. One can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alpine peaks from anywhere in the hotel. Le Ciel: Welt, a Michelin-star restaurant, offers a purely vegetarian menu called Kraut & Rüben. The Bergstüberl restaurant serves traditional Alpine dishes, while the Johann Grill serves regional cuisine.
Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, Canada
Suspended in fantasy
Free Spirit Spheres are spherical treehouses that resemble something from a fantasy book, and they are tucked away in Vancouver Island's rainforest. These handcrafted wooden pods, suspended by ropes between tall cedars, give the impression that they are floating among the trees as they softly wave with the wind. There are beds, desks, and windows gazing out over the forest canopy in the comfortable, wood-panelled rooms.
