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.
It’s no secret round here that my mind is often a wrestle between the pragmatic and the spiritual (remember that time I threw myself into a new-age wellness whirlwind in Bali?). While my scepticism is in healthy shape, I ultimately like to believe in something bigger. And when it comes to Ujusansa, woo-woo as it … Read more
New England is one of our top recommended places for a family vacation. We had the time of our lives there on our epic New England road trip, falling in love with the small town communities, wild nature and coastal charm. We loved travelling all over New England, but it’s also a perfect place for … Read more
If you’ve spent any time at all on this blog, you’ll know I’m a New England fanatic, and Vermont is one of my favourite states. I mean it’s nearly all forest, which lays the foundations for a pretty magical place! And amid all those trees are some fabulous places to stay, including some exceptional Vermont … Read more
To be honest, I was worried Phuket would be the epitome of over tourism in Thailand – but, while I prefer the smaller islands, like Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan, Phuket still has a lot to offer, and it’s certainly one of the easiest places to travel in Thailand. If you’re heading that way and … Read more
The northern Cornish coast is one of my favourite spots in the UK – so much so that we even got married there. Eight years later, we’re just back from a gorgeous weekend, minutes from the site of our wedding. We went with two friends (my maid of honour and best man in fact!) and … Read more
Our guide to the coolest kid-friendly hotels in San Diego. From stylish San Diego family resorts to hip, boutique hotels, and unique Airbnbs, we have it covered. San Diego is one of those places that people want to move to (I’ve lost count of how many people have told me this dream!). It’s among the … Read more
Glamping in New England is ideal with gorgeous lakes, coast and woodland that beckon you outdoors. Camping is always an option, but if like me, you prefer a bit more comfort, these New England glamping sites are winners. They were among our favourite and most memorable stays on our New England road trip. Let us … Read more
Los Angeles is a proper sprawl of a city with a massive range of different neighborhoods and vibes. You’ve got everything from the glitz of Beverly Hills to the eclectic madness of Venice Beach, and then every option in between. Where you choose to stay in Los Angeles will hugely shape your impression of the … Read more
Imagine a place where you wake up to mountain views and fresh croissants delivered to your door every day, where the kids can run free, meeting new friends and petting farmyard animals. Where you spend lazy days by the pool or the sea, followed by balmy evenings enjoying meals on your balcony or group dinners … Read more
What’s the best type of accommodation for staying with a baby? Some will swear by family hotels, others by self-catering apartments. We’ve tried them all, from baby-friendly hotels to Airbnbs and doing home exchanges around the world. They all have pros and cons, and the best will depend on what you’re looking for personally. Here … Read more