Travel is not just about visiting new places—it’s also about how you experience them. While most travelers look for comfort and convenience in a hotel, some destinations offer accommodations that are so extraordinary, they become the highlight of the trip itself. From sleeping in a glass igloo under the dancing Northern Lights, to waking up in an overwater villa above crystal-clear waters, or enjoying the serenity of a treehouse amidst lush forests, these unique stays transform a holiday into a lifetime memory.

If you’re planning a trip that’s a little different from the usual, here are some of the world’s most unforgettable places to stay—and how Plan Journeys can make them a part of your itinerary.

Igloo Hotels – Sleep Under the Northern Lights

Where you’ll find them: Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland

Imagine lying in bed while the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) dances across the sky. Igloo hotels, made of glass or ice, are a dream come true for travelers looking for a magical Arctic adventure. These stays usually include cozy interiors, private saunas, husky sledding tours, and sometimes even ice bars.

• Best time to visit: December to March

• Popular properties:

  • Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Finland) – Famous for its glass igloos and cozy log cabins.

  • Icehotel (Sweden) – The world’s first hotel built entirely from ice and snow, rebuilt every winter.

  • Arctic SnowHotel (Finland) – Glass igloos with 360-degree views of the night sky.

Plan Journeys can help you choose the right Arctic destination, arrange visas, and plan tours like reindeer safaris, ice fishing, and snowmobile rides along with your igloo stay.

Overwater Villas – Luxury Above the Ocean

Where you’ll find them: Maldives, Bora Bora, Fiji, Tahiti, Mauritius

Few travel experiences rival the luxury of waking up in an overwater villa. With turquoise lagoons right outside your door, private pools, glass floors to spot marine life, and direct steps into the water, these stays are the ultimate in romance and relaxation. Perfect for honeymoons or milestone celebrations, overwater villas are often located in resorts offering spa treatments, sunset cruises, and fine dining.

• Best time to visit: November to April (dry season in most tropical islands)

• Popular properties:

  • Soneva Jani (Maldives) – Villas with slides that drop straight into the lagoon.

  • St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (French Polynesia) – Iconic views of Mount Otemanu.

  • Likuliku Lagoon Resort (Fiji) – Fiji’s first overwater bungalow resort.

With Plan Journeys, you don’t need to worry about premium bookings, island transfers, or hidden costs. We create all-inclusive packages that cover flights, speedboat or seaplane transfers, meal plans, and excursions.

Treehouse Resorts – Stay Close to Nature

Where you’ll find them: Costa Rica, Thailand, Bali, Kerala (India), Sri Lanka

Treehouses aren’t just for childhood dreams—they’ve evolved into luxury escapes where you can enjoy panoramic forest views, modern comforts, and complete privacy. From eco-lodges in rainforests to jungle retreats with infinity pools, treehouse resorts are perfect for nature lovers, families, and even honeymooners seeking something unconventional.

• Best time to visit: Depends on destination, but generally October to March for Asia.

• Popular properties:

  • Treehotel (Sweden) – Architectural treehouses with fut