30 Magical Hotels To Mix Things Up On Your Next Vacation

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By: Emily Davies-Robinson
Published: November 15, 2015
Last Update: Oct 6, 2022

We've put together a list of hotels With Amazing Views, Unique Designs, and Locations Off The Beaten Path. Check them out and see if any make your list of hotels to visit and mix things up on your next vacation.

One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

This peaceful luxury island resort, located a 75-minute boat ride from the Maldives’ capital of Male, offers 130 resort villas that provides its guests with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and private access to a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sand beaches. Plus, they’re separated far enough apart from each other that it’ll feel like you have the entire island to yourself.One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

From: nottinghillmummy.com

Hotel Villa Honegg, Switzerland

This over 100-year-old 5-star Swiss villa located high on Mount Burgenstock contains some picturesque views of Lake Lucerne which can be enjoyed from the resort’s large heated mountaintop infinity pool. The hotel also includes 23 luxury rooms, a private movies theatre and a relaxing spa and wellness centre.SONY DSC

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA - Availability & Pricing
Situated on top of a 1,200 foot cliff above the Pacific, the Post Ranch Inn is one of the most stunning natural escapes in the United States. Built with organic wood and slate and featuring impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, this northern Californian retreat feels like a luxurious tree house. Some rooms contain roof lines covered in wildflowers, while other rooms overlook the forest floor. Add nighttime stargazing, infinity hot pools and a gourmet candlelit restaurant, and you have the makings of one of the most magical hotels.

Magical Hotels Post Ranch Inn From: wine-hotels.com

Jade Mountain, St. Lucia

Situated above the 600-acres beachfront resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain provides guests with stunning views of both the Piti and Gros Piton mountains. The bold architectural design of the hotel features individual bridges leading to infinity pool sanctuaries and stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky. It’s no wonder it has earned the reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most memorable resort experiences.

Jade Mountain

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Katikies Hotel, Santorini, Greece

Hanging on the cliffs 300 feet above the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea, the Katikies Hotel was the very first luxury hotel built on the island of Santorini. Bathe in the hotel’s picturesque infinity pools and unforgettable views.

Katikies Hotel

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Sala Silvermine, Sweden

Brave holidaymakers should head underground and stay in the world’s deepest suite, right in the heart of a silver mine. You’ll be cocooned in accommodation with a medieval vibe about it. The bijou quarters, 155 meters below ground level are not everyone’s cup of tea, but they are certainly unusual, and that’s what makes them so special - a thrilling hotel experience.

Sala Silvermine, SwedenFrom: salasilvermine.com

Amangiri Resort, Utah, USA

Built on 600 acres in Lake Powell Utah, this luxury resort is built in to the natural landscape, creating a beautiful desert oasis that is sure to mesmerize all those who visit. The fact that this remote hideaway located 4.5 hours from Las Vegas only has 34 rooms also means that it’s an ideal place to get away from it all. If you’re a fan of picturesque sunsets, there’s no better place to observe them than the Mesa View Suite. Not only are the guest rooms something to behold, but the resort also features an architecturally striking heated swimming pool which curves around the sandstone escarpment surrounding the property making it one of the most magical hotels.

Amangiri Resort, Utah, USAFrom: ljusarkitektur.com

Ashford Castle, Mayo, Ireland

This historic hotel dates all the way back to the 13th century and is the oldest castle in Ireland. It is the epitome of a medieval fortress, complete with towering turrets. Once owned by the famous Guinness family, it first opened as a hotel in 1939 with all its original features completely restored.

ashford-castle-ireland

Crazy House Hotel, Dalat, Vietnam

This appropriately named Vietnamese hotel started off as the private residence of architect Hang Viet Nga who let her imagination go wild. Made from the base of a dead tree, the house is full of ladders leading into hidden nooks and tight tunnels. Not only is it one of the most unique hotels you’ll ever stay in, but it also won’t break the bank. Rooms costs as little as $22 USD per night.

Crazy House Hotel

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Montaña Mágica (Magic Mountain) Lodge, Chile

If you ever wanted to know what it felt like to be a hobbit, this is the perfect place to stay. This mountain-shaped, treelike structure emerging from between the southern Andes is the kind of place where every guest feels like they’re living a real-life fairy tale. The building has waterfalls along the sides to drench the moss, ferns, and flowers. Located within the remote Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve, this hotel is a bit of a trek to get to, but it’s well worth the effort!

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Thorngrove Manor Hotel, Adelaide, Australia

This stunning castle-like structure looks like it’s straight out of Disneyland. Although it looks like it is centuries old, it was actually only built in 1994 as part of a vineyard. Even though all the rooms are in one building, there are no common spaces ensuring that all guests feel like they’re staying in their own private cabin, making it one of the most magical hotels.

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Le Relais de la Reine, Ranohira, Madagascar

Bordering the Isalo National Park, this enchanting hotel has been designed to fit seamlessly into the striking surrounding landscape. It’s the respect shown for its setting that makes this hotel stand out from the crowd. Great thought has gone into selecting the materials and planning the look and layout of this great escape. Moreover, you’ll benefit from all of the luxuries you’d expect from a top-flight hotel, with the food, service and accommodation all deserving high praise.

Le Relais de la Reine, Ranohira, MadagascarFrom: lerelaisdelareine.com

Ice Hotel, Quebec, Canada

Open every January with a completely new theme, you’ll feel like you’re living in Arendelle from Frozen when staying at the Hotel de Glace (aka Ice Hotel)—the only one of its kind in North America. Located on the slopes of the Laurentian Mountains just north of Quebec City, the Ice Hotel contains 51 beds all made from ice and takes a month and a half to construct every year. When it’s time for bed, a cozy sleeping bag, an isolating bed sheet and a pillow are delivered to the rooms. If you’re craving some warmth, head to the bathrooms as they are the only heated facility on the premises and are understandably located in a separate insulated structure, making it one of the most magical hotels.
Ice Hotel, Quebec, Canada

Amberley Castle, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Take a trip back to the Middle Ages by staying at this magnificent medieval castle. Located at the foot of the South Downs in West Sussex, England, 900 year-old Amberley Castle features a 60-foot-high curtain wall. While the resort may be steeped in history, the Castle’s 19 guest rooms have an elegant and modern design, featuring period accents. The two dining rooms not only feature world-class cuisine but are stunning examples of Norman architecture, including high lancet windows, open fireplace, oak flooring, tapestry and suits of armor.

Amberley Castle, West Sussex, United KingdomFrom: travelfeatured.com

Neemrana Fort Palace, Jaipur, India

One of India’s oldest heritage resorts, this 15th century hillside palace includes stately views looking over the nearby village. The Neemrana Fort Palace is full of authentic décor from many different periods of India’s history and contains fascinating displays that educate guests about the palace’s interesting past, making it one of the most magical hotels.

Neemrana Fort Palace

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Crane Hotel Faralda, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Like heights? Then book a stay at the Crane Hotel. You might think the title refers to the ornithology of the Netherlands, but no, you will, in fact, be staying in a crane of the industrial sort. ‘Unique’ is a word too often bandied about these days, but this hotel deserves the description – you won’t experience another quite like it.

Crane Hotel Faralda, Amsterdam, NetherlandsFrom: faralda.com

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Midlothian, Scotland

Follow in the footsteps of Henry IV, Mary, Queen of Scots and Cromwell when you adjourn to 13th Century Dalhousie Castle Hotel, for these three legendary figures have all played a part in the history of this imposing building. Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle, situated just 10 miles from Edinburgh, contains a winning blend of contemporary and historic features. What other luxury hotel has musket balls embedded in the walls?

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Midlothian, ScotlandFrom: dalhousiecastle.co.uk

Helga's Folly, Sri Lanka

Helga’s Folly is not for the faint-hearted, and it certainly won’t suit everyone - it’s a hotel that splits opinion – but hotels don’t come more idiosyncratic than this. Emerging from a jungle and clinging to a hillside, you’ll have superb views across the valley beneath. As for the accommodation, dating back to the 1930s, this quirky building is the product of one remarkable woman’s fantastical imagination, meaning your accommodation will stir up memories of your favorite fairytales and scary movies all at once.

Helga's Folly, Sri LankaFrom: helgasfolly.com

Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

If you’re a film fan, it’s time you stayed at the Grandhotel Pupp, as this grandiose confection has featured in films ranging from Casino Royale to Last Holiday and more besides. Here you’ll find old-style opulence married with luxurious spa treatments and delectable gastronomic treats, all in a picturesque setting. No survey of magical hotels would be complete with a mention of this awe-inspiring hotel.

Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech RepublicFrom: pupp.cz

Cabanes Als Arbres, Spain

Find some elusive peace and quiet at this tranquil natural paradise way up in the tree tops! This treehouse hotel offers guests the pleasures of being in constant touch with the gorgeous foliage and enchanting ecosystem. Plus, you’ll also get to experience one of the most breathtaking views of the stars on planet earth.

Cabanes Als Arbres

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Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg, Russia

Step into the splendor of Imperial Russia when you reside at this opulent hotel, situated on the Nevsky Prospekt, in the heart of St Petersburg. The sumptuous art nouveau décor sets the tone for your stay as luxury is the order of the day. Plus, all of the delights that the cultural capital of Russia has to offer are close at hand, ranging from architecture that takes your breath away, to world-leading museums and performing arts.

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg, RussiaFrom: belmond.com

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Kirkcolm, Scotland

Do you want to tread the road less travelled? Then, choose the Lighthouse Hotel for a romantic break that’s off the beaten track. From this cozy and secluded spot, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Kintyre Peninsula, Aran, the Firth of Clyde, Ailsa Craig and the Irish coast. You’ll find castles, historic houses, gardens, distilleries, seaside towns and outdoor activities all within easy reach when you stay here. The award-winning restaurant, much-vaunted service and stunning location all add up to deliver a top hotel experience.

Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel, Kirkcolm, ScotlandFrom: lighthousehotel.co.uk

Treehotel, Harads, Sweden

Survey your surroundings from the lofty heights of a treeroom. Sit back and relax in the pared down setting, the perfect place in which to wind down and get away from it all. From your terrific vantage point in the forest, you’ll enjoy views of the magnificent Lule River valley. Stylish, contemporary and sustainable – it’s truly one of a kind.

Treehotel, Harads, Sweden From: treehotel.se

Dasparkhotel, Austria & Germany

Who’d have thought that sewage pipes could become cozy hotel accommodation? But they have! Original artwork in each room gives an uplifting twist to the somewhat basic accommodation, but stay at either of the hotels in Austria or Germany, and you’ll benefit from a good location for a great price.

Dasparkhotel, Austria & GermanyFrom: dasparkhotel.net

Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China

At the other end of the scale, we have the distinctive Sheraton Huzhou. It’s the external architectural design and the views that are the draw here, as the interiors are much the same as any other hotel of its price range, but once seen, it’s never forgotten. The unlikely doughnut-like design stands on the banks of the Taihu Lake, glimmering in the waters – captivating.

Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, Huzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaFrom: starwoodhotels.com

Châteaux dans les Arbes Hotel, France

Immerse yourself in the fairytale surroundings of this fabulous treehouse hotel – your abode will be well-appointed, quaint and tranquil, which certainly sounds like a winning combination to us. It’s every grown-up child’s dream, complete with vernacular details and all of the modern comforts you desire, including a bar, pool and spa.

Châteaux dans les Arbes Hotel, FranceFrom: chateaux-dans-les-arbes.com

IceHotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Located 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, this offers unique art-inspired suites, outdoor activities and delectable Swedish food and drink. With the walls, beds and ceilings built completely from ice, it could literally be the coolest hotel in the world.
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Viceroy Bali, Indonesia

Otherwise, indulge yourself at this Balinese gem, which should be your destination of choice if luxury is your watchword. It offers spine-tingling views in a stunning location, with all of the splendor you could wish for and a service that’s second to none.

Viceroy Bali, IndonesiaFrom: viceroybali.com

Aurora Express, Fairbanks, Alaska

Keep your holiday on track when you book these exquisite vintage railway carriages. Experience opulent and slightly outlandish rooms that you won’t find anywhere else – it’s just the ticket for a memorable vacation.

Aurora Express, Fairbanks, AlaskaFrom: fairbanksalaskabedandbreakfast.com

Kasbah Du Toubkal Hotel, Morocco

Seeking seclusion? Then retreat to this cliff top paradise, just 40 miles from Marrakech. You’ll find the quiet you crave in comfortable surroundings, set in a location that can’t be bettered. The phenomenal views are what earn this hotel a place in our ‘most magical’ list, and yes, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and quite possibly life-changing too.

Kasbah Du Toubkal Hotel, MoroccoFrom: kasbahdutoubkal.com