5 Extraordinary Places to Sleep

It was a tough job, but we’ve picked our five favourite places around the world to rest your head. Ranging from the out-of-this-world and psychedelic to secluded spots for utter serenity, these places promise unforgettable stays.

1) Wadi Rum UFO, Jordan

Staying at Wadi Rum UFO in Jordan is a desert experience like no other, sleeping in a futuristic geodesic UFO Pod surrounded by desert sands. Sure, it’s technically camping, but in the loosest sense, with sumptuous linens and touches of luxe everywhere. Though frankly, no amount of decadence could trump the otherworldly scenery you’ll see from your Pod’s spacious private terrace. On our nine-day Desert to Dead Sea in Jordan itinerary, you’ll have a drink in your hand for sunset, followed by dinner under a starlit sky, then a night under canvas gazing skywards through your Pod’s glazed roof.

2) Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, Costa Rica

 The Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel is a collection of just 26 casitas, or bungalows, nestled in the verdant Volcan Tenorio National Park. Wake to a symphony of birdsong and cascading water from the hotel’s waterfall, then step out on to a private terrace for wildlife spotting with your morning coffee (blended from local Costa Rican beans, of course), followed by a refreshing outdoor shower. What’s more, Rio Celeste Hideaway is steadfastly committed to the environment that it exists in, actively working to offset their carbon footprint, and dedicated to chemical-free gardens and producing their own greens and vegetables. Spend time in this extra-special rainforest bolthole as part of our eight-day Rainforest & Restful Retreats trip in Costa Rica.

3) Feelviana, Portugal

Blending beautifully with the landscape on Portugal’s Costa Verde coast, Feelviana is a welcoming sanctuary and an ultimate escape. Its rooms and bungalows are flanked by pine forest and ocean, crafted in wood and flooded with light. On our five-day Digital Detox in Portugal, you’ll spend the whole time at Feelviana filling your lungs with fresh air as you cycle, surf and try SUP and yoga.  Four nights here allows plenty of time to try the on-site restaurants and spend relaxing evenings kicking back with your fellow travellers in one of the three bars (the Beach Bar at sunset is our personal favourite).

4) Grand Daddy Hotel, South Africa

Sitting proudly in the heart of the action on Cape Town’s Long Street, the Grand Daddy Hotel is something of a local legend. Occupying one of the city’s heritage buildings certainly hasn’t stifled its creativity – you’ll find a rooftop Airstream trailer park here with seven, gleaming Airstream trailers (designed to reflect a classic South African road trip). There’s a bar up there too, perfect for enjoying Cape Town’s cityscape. And in the morning, grab your coffee to go from Grand Daddy’s very own Thirty Ate Eatery food truck. Experience the fun of this inimitable city hotel on our eight-day Cabernet & Capers in South Africa trip.

5) Anakato Nubian Houses, Egypt

Anakato Nubian Houses in Aswan is a collection of technicolour rooms on the banks of the River Nile. With so many hotels offering muted tones for restful escapes, Anakato Nubian Houses breaks from the norm, with kaleidoscopic guestrooms that are richly patterned and decorated in traditional Nubian style.  Spend three nights in these colourful surroundings on a nine-day Pyramids and Pharaohs in Egypt trip, feasting on Nubian-style food and marvelling at the majestic Nile from the hotel’s terraces.