Some places you visit—others, you never want to leave. These unforgettable stays blur the line between destination and dream, creating travel memories that linger long after checkout. From treetop escapes to jungle pods, here’s your ticket to the extraordinary.
Below are some of the places we have stayed in our travels and loved the unique stays that each destination offered; from cozy cabins nestled in the woods to beautifully restored historic inns in charming towns, every place has left us with unforgettable memories, inspiring stories, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and landscapes we encountered along the way. Whether it was the warm hospitality of the locals, the stunning views from our windows, or the unique designs of the accommodations themselves, these experiences have enriched our journeys and encouraged us to explore even further.
Around the World in Wonder
❄️ Glass Igloos in Finland- Kakslauttanen Arctic resort
“A front-row seat to the aurora—and you don’t even have to leave bed.”
- Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä offers glass-roofed igloos where you can watch the Northern Lights from bed. They’re equipped with thermal glass, comfy beds, and even sauna, and Northern light alarms.
- Tucked into the snow-dusted forests of Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen is the stuff Arctic dreams are made of. Its iconic glass igloos offer an unfiltered view of Lapland’s night sky, where the Northern Lights often swirl in cosmic color above. Inside? Warm beds, modern comforts, and the quiet magic of the north.
Traveler trip
- Best time to go: Late August to April for aurora season
- Book early: Especially for holiday dates, as igloos sell out fast
- Extra magic: Add a husky safari, reindeer ride, or smoke sauna experience
🕌 BrijRama Palace – Varanasi, India
“Awaken to the chants of the Ganges, wrapped in the elegance of centuries past.”
Set on the sacred ghats of Varanasi, BrijRama Palace is where luxury meets legend. Once a royal residence, this 19th-century sandstone marvel invites guests to live like nobility—complete with grand courtyards, intricate jharokhas, and panoramic views of the Ganges. Accessible only by boat, every arrival feels cinematic.
Traveler Tip:
- Best time to go: October to March
- Quirks to love: Ganga Aarti from your balcony, classical music at sunrise, and herbal oil massages in marble-clad spa rooms
Read more about our stay at this hotel
Princess dairies -A review of 3 day stay Brijrama palace on Darbhanga Ghat in Varanasi
💦 Hotel das Cataratas – Iguassu Falls, Brazil
“Royalty wrapped in rainforest mist.”
Tucked inside Brazil’s Iguaçu National Park, Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel that grants you front-row sunrise access to one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Its soft pink colonial architecture and lush garden paths set the stage for pure enchantment. While tourists crowd the falls during the day, you’ll sip caipirinhas to the sound of rushing water under a rising moon.
Traveler Tip:
- Best time to go: May to September for lower humidity and clearer skies
- What makes it special: Private access to the falls at dawn and dusk, full moon tours, and rooms styled in timeless Portuguese elegance
🚂 The Hotel Chalet – Chattanooga, Tennessee
“All the charm of a bygone era—without the coal dust.”
Housed within the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo terminal, The Hotel Chalet merges vintage locomotive luxury with boutique hotel flair. From restored Pullman train cars to elegant rooms that whisper old-world style, every stay feels like a first-class ticket to nostalgia.
Traveler Tip:
- Best time to visit: Spring or fall for breezy walks around Southside
- Don’t miss: Dinner at Elsie’s Daughter and a poolside cocktail beneath string lights
- Fun fact: The original train station dates back to 1909
🏰 Fairmont Le Château Frontenac – Québec City, Canada
“A castle in the clouds above cobblestone dreams.”
Commanding the skyline of Old Québec, this grand dame of Canadian hospitality is more than a hotel—it’s a portal to another time. With turrets, tapestries, and snow-dusted rooftops below, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac lets you live out your royal fantasy in one of North America’s most photogenic cities.
Traveler Tip:
Signature moment: Sipping a cocktail in velvet-clad Bar 1608 while snow falls outside
Best time to go: December–February for a true winter wonderland, or July for festivals and fireworks
Why it’s magical: Panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, historic charm with modern luxury, and direct access to the heart of Old Québec
🌴 Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs – La Fortuna, Costa Rica
“Where the only wake-up call is birdsong and sunshine filtering through the trees.”
Hidden in the emerald embrace of Costa Rica’s rainforest, Chachagua feels like a secret whispered between the trees. From rustic-chic bungalows with open-air porches to natural hot springs tucked in the jungle, every moment here reconnects you with nature—without sacrificing comfort.
Traveler Tip:
- Best time to go: December–April for dry season adventures
- What to love: Guided jungle walks, night frog tours, and farm-to-table feasts
- Don’t miss: A dip in the thermal pools under starlit skies after a day at Arenal Volcano
Check here to read more about our experience of staying at this hotel
Further reading:
Peaks to Palaces 