With the industry’s interests shifting toward authentic adventures, globetrotters are prioritizing outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences to better immerse themselves in the destinations they visit. For some, that might mean a casual hike through a scenic spot or snorkeling in crystal waters to witness aquatic creatures in their natural habitats.
And for others, it’s picking accommodations that offer a truly unconventional connection to their destination. From underwater viewing in the Maldives to a refurbished airplane on a cliff’s edge in Costa Rica, your next strange hotel stay awaits.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Reminiscent of the musical number “Under the Sea” in “The Little Mermaid,” the Muraka residence is fulfilling visitors’ underwater fairy tale dreams. Located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island on the South Ari Atoll, The Muraka is a two-level accommodation, featuring one story 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean and another above the glistening waters.
The top floor offers two bedrooms, an ocean-facing bathtub, an infinity pool, an outdoor deck and 24-hour butler service — ideal amenities for travelers to take in the surrounding Maldivian beauty. While the upper level is stunning on its own, the real magic is at the bottom of the residence’s spiral staircase. Here, a 180-degree curved acrylic dome encapsulates the master bedroom, giving guests an up-close view of the majestic creatures idly swimming by.
If sleeping underwater with the fish didn’t feel private enough, the Muraka residence is only accessible via seaplane or speedboat from the main Conrad property, offering guests a completely secluded experience.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Set against a 160-acre bamboo forest with striking views of the distant Myanmar and Laos borders, Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand’s Chiang Saen District presents a uniquely wild experience for visitors.
Available as an overnight activity for resort guests, Anantara’s Jungle Bubble room category presents uninterrupted views of Asian elephants wandering through the lush jungle foliage. While travelers typically don’t love to hear the heavy footfalls of their hotel neighbor through the bedroom walls when vacationing, this might be the one exception worth making.
Each dome offers one king-sized bed, sleeping two travelers. The room is fully furnished and air-conditioned, also featuring a private en-suite bathroom and seating area for maximum comfort. Alternatively, guests who want to share the experience with friends and family can stay in the Jungle Bubble Lodge, which has two bedrooms housing up to four people. The lodge also has a separate living space, an outdoor deck with a plunge pool, a lounge area and access to a private chef and butler service.
Hotel Costa Verde
Lodged 50 feet above the ground on a jungle cliff, the 727 Fuselage Home is not for the faint of heart with its distinct “Survivor” vibe. The captivating arrangement — a luxury two-bedroom guesthouse in a refurbished plane — is located in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio jungle, within Provincia de Puntarenas.
In its former life, the vintage 1965 Boeing 727 transported intrepid travelers on South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines until it was put to its final resting place at the San José airport. Hotel Costa Verde salvaged the pieces, reassembling the plane in its current position on the property. With its perched viewpoint, the 727 Fuselage Home boasts impressive glimpses of Costa Rica’s stunning ocean and jungle landscapes, best seen on the plane’s outdoor deck, aka the former right wing.
The renovated interior now features hand-carved teak furniture from Java, Indonesia, giving the space a rather natural and rugged feel. Additionally, the plane is air-conditioned, with two rooms and three queen-sized beds; each accommodation also has its own private bath and kitchenette for a more spacious stay. Travelers interested in the fuselage experience can also book the Sky Loft, Cockpit Cabana or Cockpit Cottage, three alternative options that may better meet a guest’s needs.
The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection
A picturesque and charming property in the Canadian coastal town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection doesn’t appear outwardly strange. In fact, the pointed red roofs, castle turrets and white and black Tudor exterior give the impression of outdoor adventures blended with luxurious comforts.
However, a stay at this property proves to be quirky once visitors settle in for the night and are lulled to sleep by the jingle-jangle of keys as a ghostly night watchman makes his rounds. That’s right — this adorable hotel is allegedly haunted by both friendly staff members and the lost souls of guests.
Unlike the Overlook Hotel from “The Shining,” nothing tragic mars the property’s long history, except for a fire in 1914 that destroyed the original wooden exterior. Still, previous guests have reported sightings of a young bellhop who eagerly shows visitors to their rooms and vanishes before accepting a tip and a senior staff woman who sets and rearranges tables in the dining area. A phantom bride also has been known to make an appearance in room 473, where she often weeps for her long-lost fiancé, and a child can be heard eternally playing in the halls.
The current (living) staff members assure that the spirits here are friendly, albeit a little haunted by their pasts. But, with 233 rooms, exceptional seaside golf, a three-story waterslide and indoor pool, a full-service spa and access to the quaint town of St. Andrews, The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection strikes a perfect balance between eerie elegance and outdoor relaxation.
The Buubble Hotel
Aptly referred to as “The 5 Million Star Hotel” for its undisturbed views of the night sky, The Buubble Hotel is an ideal blend of glamping and an Icelandic getaway. The transparent bubbles are divided between two locations — one in Hrosshagi (the Golden Circle area) and the other in Ölvisholt (the South Coast). Exact locations of the apparatuses are concealed until travelers arrive to ensure total privacy, at which point guests are provided with GPS coordinates easily leading them to their oasis.
Both the Hrosshagi and Ölvisholt locations house nine bubbles, each suitable for up to two visitors. The rooms themselves are only furnished with a double bed, and a shared home on the property provides bathrooms, showers and a kitchen area. Despite the bubbles being situated on the same property, they are strategically placed apart from one another, creating the illusion of isolation. The Buubble Hotel is open during both the summer and winter seasons, though its transparent structure makes it especially whimsical during the colder months. If travelers time it right, they can have front-row seats to the dancing Aurora Borealis above, all cozied up with the bubble’s heating system and warm blankets.
Should guests want to experience more of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, they can also book guided tours through the hotel. Excursions to both the Golden Circle and South Coast are available year-round, each one showcasing some of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks.
Montaña Mágica Lodge
A hobbit-esque lodge in the Chilean Huilo Huilo nature reserve, Montaña Magica is almost too dreamlike to be real. The intimate hotel resembles a mountain, with lush vegetation covering the exterior. A permanent waterfall runs down one side, delicately weaving its way past the rounded windows of each room, a feature that puts a cherry on top of the fantastical atmosphere.
Guests here will find that relaxation isn’t hard to achieve, as the property only offers nine rooms, giving visitors a peaceful experience. The accommodations are split between two categories, with the Standard arrangement measuring in at a comfortable 107 square feet. This style is suitable for a double or twin bed layout, also offering a private bathroom. Should travelers desire a little extra space, the rooms in the Superior category offer the same amenities in a slightly larger area.
In addition to the eccentric experience guests get when staying at Montaña Mágica, they also have access to perks such as an indoor pool, spa and sauna. Outdoor activities like horseback riding, rafting and hiking are also available and make great options to experience Chile’s untamed scenery.
Originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of The Compass magazine
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