Sometimes where you stay is a reason to visit a place all by itself. It might be the treehouse of your dreams, a unique hotel you never want to leave, or a perfectly designed luxury guesthouse. It’s one of our favourite things about traveling. We look for places that are unusual, creative, unique, and special – the kinds of places you want to tell people about.
This is our collection of special stays from around the world. They range from hip boutique hotels to off-grid glamping resorts and outstanding Airbnbs – for us special isn’t about the price, it’s about the character.
We also include unique hotels and places to stay in our detailed travel itineraries.
Costa Rica stole our hearts not just for its sloths and surf, but for its incredible accommodation scene. From treehouses to island glamping resorts and private nature reserves, there are some amazing places to stay in Costa Rica, and many welcome families with open arms. If, like us, you’re hunting for family stays that go … Read more
Hideaway Rio Celeste was our first stay in Costa Rica, and one of the most luxurious of trip – it almost felt a bit ‘White Lotus’, albeit more down-to-earth. This special stay is ideal if you’d like a slice of luxury, but also want something that feels more authentic than the big brand resorts. Plus, … Read more
Monteverde Lodge was one of those places that quietly crept onto my list of favourites. At first glance, it’s elegant and polished – part of the Boena collection of eco-luxury lodges – so I wondered if it might feel a bit too hotel-y for my taste. But once we arrived, I was completely won over. … Read more
Isla Chiquita is exactly the type of stay we adore – luxurious yet down-to-earth, immersed in nature, and beautifully tailored for both kids and adults. Nestled on its own island just off the Nicoya Peninsula, this glamping resort was a case of love at first sight, making it one of our standout experiences in Costa … Read more
Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer to Nosara’s hotel scene, beautifully transforming an older, landmark property into a stunning, Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. From the moment we stepped in, we were struck by its meticulous design and sophisticated charm. Though it could easily pass as an adults-only retreat, our kids were warmly welcomed, and the … Read more
Remember how much we loved our family surf retreat in France? Well, we found the perfect equivalent in Costa Rica. Our stay at Blue Surf Sanctuary has gone down in family history as one of the best and most relaxing trips we’ve ever been on. It’s thanks to its perfect blend of laid-back community vibes, an … Read more
Si Como No is one of those hotels that ticks plenty of boxes for kids and adults alike. Our sons declared it the best hotel they’ve ever been to – largely because of the water slide and all the animal sightings – and we found plenty of reasons to fall for it too. It’s a … Read more
Austria is a clear contender for the queen of Europe when it comes to stylish family hotels. The whole country, and especially Tyrol, has an incredible amount of family resorts that far exceed the style you might imagine when thinking of kids’ accommodation. The vibe is nearly always nature-forward, and the decor matches with natural … Read more
I spent a long time searching for an ideal hotel for our time in Austria. And I knew Feelfree was a good fit from the moment I laid eyes on its stylish website. Yep, I know branding isn’t everything, but it does count for something, and the photography was gorgeous too. But did the reality … Read more
Hotel Wagnerhof and its sister property Wagners Aparthotel on Lake Achensee describe themselves as a “wellness hotel where couples feel just as comfortable as families”. A description like that couldn’t be more on brand for what we look for at Bridges and Balloons. But did the reality live up to the promise? The short answer … Read more