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.
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
We’ve just returned from a dream of a stay at Rosewood Yurt – the kind of trip that’s a tonic for the soul and feels like a rest even with little kids in tow. Starry skies, cosy mornings and days by the sea conspired for a perfect trip. Before I share all the details, I’m … Read more
Savannah is one of our favourite American cities – full of charm and with a creative thread that weaves through its streets, filled with galleries, shops and restaurants. It’s home to one of the country’s top art schools, after all. Savannah is such a family-friendly destination that we’ve written a full post on things to … Read more
I’m clearly biased, but I reckon Bristol is one of the best weekend getaways in the UK. From the grandeur of its Georgian terraces and the suspension bridge, to its creative vibes and famous street art, there’s no end of things to discover in Bristol. Add to that some of the best restaurants in the … Read more
London is a proper treasure trove of incredible places to stay, from pretty little cottages in Notting Hill to sleek high-rise apartments in the city. Here we’ve curated our pick of the best London Airbnb alternatives. You can find them all on Plum Guide London, which is kind of like the Rolls Royce of Airbnb … Read more
As part of my series on places to stay with hot tubs in the UK, here’s my latest round-up of hot tub lodges in Devon. There are some absolutely stunning places to stay here, from luxury group retreats to cute cabins for two. All have hot tubs, mostly with epic views of the surrounding countryside. … Read more
If you want to take your Lake District trip to the next level, I recommend staying somewhere with a hot tub and preferably a view, so you can soak those tired muscles and relax in style after days exploring the national park. It’s the ultimate added luxury. There are loads of Lake District hot tub … Read more
I’m not sure there’s any better way to elevate a stay than including a hot tub. Ending the day with a glass of bubbly and a soak adds instant indulgence. And there are plenty of Cornwall lodges with hot tubs to choose from. From little romantic getaways to huge family retreats, we’ve chosen our pick … Read more
As you all know, I’ve always been a fan of Airbnb, but there are also plenty of other sites like Airbnb that I use to find special places to stay. As Airbnb has grown, it’s sometimes harder to find and book a unique and characterful place, so here’s the lowdown on my favourite Airbnb alternatives. … Read more