Quirky overnight stays: From caves to converted planes

When it comes to travel, accommodation is no longer just a place to rest your head—it’s an integral part of the experience. For those seeking something beyond the standard hotel stay, quirky accommodations offer a chance to make unforgettable memories. From sleeping in ancient caves to spending the night in a converted airplane, these unique options promise both comfort and adventure.

1. Sleep in Ancient Caves: Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscape isn’t the only thing that attracts visitors from around the world. Its cave hotels, carved into soft volcanic rock, offer a blend of history, luxury, and natural beauty. These accommodations, many of which are centuries old, have been transformed into boutique stays with modern amenities.

Guests can enjoy cozy rooms with stone walls, arched ceilings, and traditional Turkish decor. Many of these cave hotels also provide panoramic views of Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, especially magical at sunrise when hot air balloons fill the sky.

2. Stay Afloat in a Houseboat: Kerala, India

For a serene experience surrounded by nature, consider a houseboat stay in Kerala, India. These traditional wooden boats, known as kettuvallams, cruise through the tranquil backwaters, offering guests a front-row seat to lush landscapes, palm-fringed canals, and local village life.

Equipped with comfortable bedrooms, dining areas, and open-air decks, houseboats combine the charm of rustic living with modern comfort. The gentle movement of the water and the sounds of nature make for a peaceful night’s sleep.

3. Sleep Among the Trees: Treehouses Around the World

Treehouses are no longer just for kids—they’ve been transformed into luxurious retreats for adults seeking a closer connection with nature. From the rainforests of Costa Rica to the forests of Sweden, these elevated accommodations provide a unique perspective on the surrounding environment.

For instance, the Treehotel in Sweden offers futuristic designs like the Mirrorcube, which blends seamlessly into the forest, while the treehouses in Ubud, Bali, feature bamboo structures overlooking lush rice terraces. Falling asleep to the sounds of rustling leaves and waking up to birdsong is an experience like no other.

4. A Night in a Converted Plane: Costa Rica and the Netherlands

For aviation enthusiasts, spending the night in a converted airplane is a dream come true. In Costa Rica, the 727 Fuselage Home offers a luxurious stay inside a refurbished Boeing 727. Perched on a jungle ridge, this unique accommodation features wood-paneled interiors, ocean views, and even a balcony on the wing.

Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the Vliegtuigsuite (Plane Suite) provides a cozy stay in a decommissioned airplane complete with a jacuzzi and cockpit-turned-lounge area. These stays merge innovation with nostalgia, making for a truly memorable night.

5. Igloos and Ice Hotels: Arctic Adventures

For a frosty but magical experience, igloos and ice hotels in Arctic regions like Finland, Sweden, and Canada offer a one-of-a-kind adventure. The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is rebuilt each year using ice and snow, featuring intricately carved rooms, an ice bar, and even ice sculptures.

Alternatively, glass igloos in Finland’s Lapland region allow guests to marvel at the northern lights from the comfort of a warm, insulated bed. These transparent domes provide unparalleled views of the starry sky and snow-covered landscapes.

6. Sleep in a Lighthouse: Coastal Retreats

For a maritime escape, lighthouses provide a charming and secluded stay. Perched on rocky coastlines, these historic structures offer stunning ocean views and the calming sound of waves crashing against the shore.

In places like Scotland, Maine, and Croatia, lighthouses have been repurposed into guesthouses or boutique hotels. Many still retain their original architecture, allowing guests to experience a slice of history while enjoying modern comforts.

7. Underwater Stays: Sleep Beneath the Waves

For those who dream of living under the sea, underwater hotels offer an incredible way to immerse yourself in marine life. The Manta Resort in Zanzibar features a floating room with an underwater bedroom, allowing guests to watch tropical fish and other sea creatures through large windows.

Similarly, the Atlantis The Palm in Dubai offers luxurious suites with floor-to-ceiling views of a massive aquarium. Falling asleep surrounded by vibrant coral and curious fish is an unforgettable experience.

8. Vintage Railcars: Sleep on the Tracks

Train travel has always been romantic, and now you can relive its golden age by spending the night in a vintage railcar. In locations like South Africa, the UK, and the US, old railway carriages have been refurbished into charming accommodations.

The Rovos Rail Station Hotel in South Africa allows guests to sleep in elegantly restored carriages, while the Train Station Inn in Nova Scotia offers caboose cars transformed into cozy rooms. These stays combine nostalgia with the charm of slow travel.

9. Yurts and Tents: Glamping in Style

For those who love the idea of camping but prefer a touch of luxury, yurts and glamping tents offer the perfect compromise. Yurts, traditional circular tents used by nomads in Central Asia, have been adapted into stylish accommodations worldwide.

In Mongolia, you can stay in authentic yurts and experience the nomadic lifestyle, while glamping sites in the US and Australia offer tents with plush beds, electricity, and even en-suite bathrooms. These stays combine the adventure of the outdoors with the comforts of home.

10. Sleep in a Windmill: The Netherlands and Beyond

Windmills have become iconic symbols of pastoral beauty, and some have been transformed into cozy accommodations. In the Netherlands, you can stay in a traditional windmill and enjoy views of picturesque canals and fields.

These unique stays often retain the original mechanics of the windmill, providing an authentic experience. Other destinations, such as Greece and Portugal, also offer windmill accommodations with modern amenities and stunning countryside settings.

11. Cave Hotels in Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s volcanic history has given rise to charming cave hotels carved into the cliffs of the island. These accommodations combine natural rock formations with minimalist Cycladic design, offering spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

The Canaves Oia Suites are a prime example, featuring luxurious cave rooms with private terraces and infinity pools. Staying in a cave hotel allows you to experience Santorini’s rich history while enjoying modern indulgence.

12. A Castle for the Night: Europe’s Fairytale Stays

For a regal experience, consider spending the night in a castle. Across Europe, historic castles have been converted into luxury hotels, offering guests a taste of royal life. From Ireland’s Ashford Castle to Germany’s Schloss Lieser, these accommodations combine medieval charm with five-star service.

Guests can explore grand ballrooms, dine in elegant halls, and sleep in rooms adorned with antique furnishings, making it a truly magical stay.

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