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.
I used to think you had to sacrifice style when opting for a family hotel, but since having Otis, I’ve been repeatedly proven wrong – and never more so than when visiting Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall. Every detail of the hotel exudes style, comfort and ease, which are my top three ingredients for a … Read more
York is one of our favourite UK cities, an enchanting living museum that evokes its medieval history at every turn. An ideal way to immerse yourself in the city’s life is to stay at a York Airbnb. From cosy listed buildings to modern apartments in converted warehouses, there are options for all tastes and budgets. … Read more
Looking for somewhere to stay in Santa Barbara? Here’s our round-up of the best Airbnb’s in California’s iconic coastal paradise. From glamorous abodes to boho dwellings, these Santa Barbara Airbnb’s demonstrate the diversity of the city, which attracts everyone from celebrities to surfers to hippies. Stay downtown to be within walking distance of all the … Read more
Asheville is the cool mountain town of the South, filled with creative, liberally minded people, craft beer, hip cafes, live music and a dazzling landscape of majestic nature. We loved every moment of our trip there during our Southern USA road trip – so much so that we wrote a post about 31 things to … Read more
I’d been sitting with Anneena for an hour discussing everything from Frozen to the dangers of hiking drunk. She also told me she hopes to be a paediatrician when she grows up, but not a politician as they have a tendency to get shot. T he whole conversation was in English (including the word paediatrician) and at … Read more
Tokyo has some incredible hotels, but one of the most reasonably priced ways to stay there is to choose an Airbnb. There are all sorts of options, from traditional Japanese houses to modern apartments. And if you don’t mind sharing, you could stay in a guest room in someone’s home. We’ve curated a collection of … Read more
Santa Cruz has the ocean, the city, the forest and the mountains, and no matter which one you choose, there are some gorgeous places to stay. We’ve included some hotel options in our things to do in Santa Cruz post, and here’s our pick of the best Santa Cruz AirBnBs. They’re an excellent way to … Read more
San Francisco is one of my favourite cities in the world – a progressive hotspot, rich in counterculture, arts and beauty. It’s a city that gives birth to creativity of every kind, and makes for an intoxicating place to visit. Historically, it has lacked creative hotels, but it is now hot on the heels of … Read more
Uncover the best places to stay in Japan, whether you’re looking for a stylish splurge or something a little more budget-friendly, in this round-up of the best hotels in Japan (according to real travellers). Japan is one of the most wildly creative places in the world, famed for its futuristic, kitsch design as well as … Read more
Joshua Tree is a bohemian wilderness of otherworldly landscapes and esoteric vibes, which has lately become a hotbed for hipsters looking to escape the urban grind. Artists and the design-conscious are setting up home and creating an array of stylish cabins, many of which are available to rent on Joshua Tree Airbnb and Plum Guide. … Read more