Pack your bags, fellow explorers, because we’re about to embark on a journey through a curated selection of stays that promise not just a place to rest your head but a passport to unforgettable adventures. Get ready to swap classic hotels for cave hideaways, beachfront bungalows, and even historic lighthouses, because we’re dishing out a taste of wanderlust with a side of unique experiences! From sipping your morning coffee on a modern farm to waking up to the sound of crashing waves right outside your door, these vacation rentals with unique experiences are your key to unlocking a world of extraordinary getaways.
Koza Cave Hotel
The Koza Cave Hotel in Turkey is a first-class ticket to an unbelievable adventure. Inspired by his time living in Holland, the passionate owner decided to incorporate Dutch eco-sensibility into every aspect of this sprawling property in Göreme, a small village in the historical region of Cappadocia that is literally carved into volcanic rock. The result is a rustic-chic boutique hotel with 10 unique rooms set inside ancient caves, with recycled materials and local handcrafted furniture utilized to create sophisticated spaces.
Aside from traditional Turkish rugs and furnishing, guests will find several rooms that come with a living room with a fireplace, as well as a Jacuzzi and a private terrace. And thanks to the Koza Cave Hotel’s unique location situated on a tall spire of rock, its terraced roof is an excellent place to catch panoramic views of hot air balloons flying every day, all year round. Reviews from previous guests continually note the friendliness and attention to detail of the staff, making this cave hotel in Turkey a wonderful place to experience the Cappadocia region.
Skårungen Basecamp
In a country filled with an abundance of dramatic natural scenery, the Lofoten archipelago in Norway is especially jaw-dropping. Thanks to its location near the Arctic Circle, mountain ranges rub shoulders with sheltered bays, and its northern latitude provides a fairly robust window of time to see the northern lights in Lofoten. Skårungen, a local term for a first-timer on a fishing vessel, is a great way for greenhorn visitors to experience a land teeming with adventure.
The owners opened the “camp” in 2018 on the small island of Ørsvågholmen, fueled by their own enjoyment of visiting the area and wishing to share this off-the-radar destination with international travelers. A series of renovations later, and Skårungen offers multiple high-end accommodation options. Take your pick from waterfront fishing cabins, modern cabins with an emphasis on floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury tents, and motorhomes. Not only is the entire place pet-friendly, but it also includes an eight-person outdoor hot tub, a traditional Nordic sauna, yoga classes, a gin bar, and a restaurant with rave reviews from previous guests.
Matices Hotel de Barricas
Calling all tequila lovers! This boutique hotel — one that literally translates to the “Hotel of Barrels” — is a buzzy way to experience the Mexican town of Tequila, where the liquor gets its name. The property features a series of giant, barrel-shaped rooms surrounded by a field of blue agave, which is the primary ingredient used in the spirit. Accommodations include either a king-sized bed or two double beds inside your very own barrel, which is air-conditioned so you can distill in peace. As you might expect, amenities include free Wi-Fi, bathrobes and slippers, and a complimentary shot of tequila.
The Tequila Barrel Hotel is located near the National Museum of Tequila as well as the brand La Cofradía’s distilling facility, which is where the hotel is based. As a result, some rooms come with the added opportunity of a free continental breakfast and a tour of the tequila-making process. Although if your room doesn’t, tasting sessions and guided tours are available for all guests. Just don’t forget to purchase your own bottle of tequila to commemorate the trip!
Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
Your intimate tropical escape begins at the Oarsman’s Bay Lodge in Fiji. Remote doesn’t even begin to describe where this boutique hotel is located — on the northern tip of the Yasawa chain of islands north of Fiji’s largest landmass. At Nacula Island, swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Coral reefs within swimming distance of the beachfront allow visitors to witness all kinds of sea life. Guests also enjoy the use of stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, and an on-site restaurant serves up locally caught seafood and other meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
Depending on your choice of accommodations, your beachfront bungalow or villa will include air-conditioned rooms, hammocks, hanging egg chairs, sun loungers, and king or queen-sized beds. Bungalows intentionally exclude televisions and internet access so you can completely disconnect from the modern world. Instead, your days will be filled with island hikes, limestone caves, scuba diving, and handline fishing. Not to mention starry nights in the southern hemisphere that need to be seen to be believed.
Vis Lighthouse Villa
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on your own private island, this luxury lighthouse experience can fulfill those dreams and so much more. Located on the tiny island of Host beside the port of Vis in Croatia, this bucket list trip is for travelers in search of unique experiences. The lighthouse is uninhabited and the only building on Host Island, allowing unrivaled views of sunsets and passing ships from the villa-style terrace with a hot tub, sun deck, and an outdoor shower.
A staircase leads down to a private beach that can be enjoyed by one to ten people, as the accommodations come with four rooms with ensuite bathrooms. With your own private skipper on call to take you and your guests to the main island of Vis for shopping or dining at any time of day, this island retreat will have you feeling like royalty from the moment you step on its shores.
Babylonstoren Hotel
Babylonstoren in South Africa is a five-star property that is classified as a farm hotel, but judging it by that alone does it a great disservice. This modern farm is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms located just outside of Cape Town. Amazingly, the grounds are still in operation today, with experienced gardeners on hand to offer tours of the five-hectare lot. The best part? During the tour, it is absolutely encouraged to sample some of the delectable goods being grown under the warm African sun.
Of course, you’ll need a place to stay, and the Babylonstoren Hotel has accommodations and amenities to spare. The hotel itself is delightfully modern, with sensible furnishings befitting of a world-class hotel. Breakfast is included with the stay and includes fresh ingredients picked daily from the farm, with a selection of baked bread from the onsite bakery. Guests are also provided with bicycles to explore the 200-hectare property and are welcomed to partake in morning harvests with gardeners, bread baking, cellar tours and wine tastings, and access to the Garden Spa. With two restaurants on the property and cottages for larger groups, this Afrikaner retreat is a must-do experience when visiting Cape Town and South Africa.
Mi Chalet
There are unique cabin rentals, and then there is Mi Chalet. Located in the Alta Badia skiing area in the Dolomites, this exclusive hideaway for two is a romantic extravaganza perfect for honeymooners. Dripping with modern accouterments, including an ultra-modern chimney, a teddy bear lounger, and panoramic windows that welcome the legendary “Enrosadira,” or majestic sunsets that paint the mountain ranges a flaming red color — seemingly no detail has been spared to provide the ultimate ski trip for you and your loved one in the Italian Alps. That includes a large walk-in closet, a bathroom with a comfortable bathtub, and a modern infrared cabin in the bedroom alone. Outside, you can take in your surroundings in the hot tub or gaze with whimsy at the property’s free-ranging alpacas.
As if it couldn’t get any more luxurious, a private chef, driver, and masseuse can be booked for an additional charge. And with four Michelin stars situated within nine square miles, you will not be without some lavish choices for meals. During ski season, take a private shuttle only five minutes to the slopes, or book a horseback ride or paragliding excursion. It doesn’t get much more exquisite than Mi Chalet.
Desert Whisper
Do you hear it? The Desert Whisper in Namibia is calling. This contemporary African villa is part modern dome rental, part space-age pod with expansive views of the otherworldly Namib-Naukluft National Park, which looks like it could be used as one of the Star Wars filming locations. Wake up to beautiful desert vistas with a significant other, as it offers special accommodations for two.
Enjoy the gorgeous terrace with a glass of wine or cup of coffee and take a refreshing dip in the plunge pool. Binoculars and a telescope are at your disposal so you can see the dramatic scenery up close. As part of the Gondwana Collection of properties, you can be assured a comfortable and safe stay. And with pre-arranged meals to suit your dietary preferences, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting and intimate vacation.
Discover Unique Experiences All Around the World
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo sojourn, remember that the world is your oyster, and these vacation rentals are the pearls of your next unforgettable journey. As you plan your next escape, don’t settle for the ordinary — seek out the extraordinary because, after all, it’s those unique experiences that make travel truly magical.