Unconventional Accommodations – 12 Unique Stays for Adventurous Women Over 50
Adventure knows no age limits, and the world is a vast playground filled with unique experiences waiting to be discovered. For women over 50, our desire to explore new horizons often goes hand in hand with a craving for unique accommodations that offer more than just a place to rest our heads at the end of the day.
- Ice Hotel, Canada – The Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada, is a seasonal ice and snow structure where guests sleep in ice suites amidst intricate sculptures, enjoy an ice bar, and experience a magical winter wonderland.
- True Cold War Relic Atlas F Missile Silo / Bunker – The Atlas F Missile Silo/Bunker is a Cold War relic, an underground complex originally designed to house intercontinental ballistic missiles, now preserved as a historical site and accommodations.
- Flea Windmill (The Mill), Portugal – The Flea Windmill, also known as “The Mill,” is a historic countryside windmill, converted into a cozy and unique accommodation blending modern comforts with vintage charm, providing guests with panoramic views and a serene rural ambiance.
- Utter Inn, Sweden – The Utter Inn in Sweden is a distinctive underwater cabin floating on Lake Malaren, offering a unique and peaceful retreat with submerged bedrooms that allow guests to observe aquatic life through large windows.
- The Magic Mountain Hotel, Chile – The Magic Mountain Hotel in Chile’s Patagonian wilderness is a captivating eco-friendly lodge shaped like a mountain, surrounded by lush vegetation and waterfalls, offering guests a unique blend of nature and luxury in an enchanting rainforest setting.
- Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort, USA – The Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort in Northern California offers a unique and charming experience, featuring individually themed antique railroad cabooses transformed into comfortable guest accommodations.
- Conestoga Wagon on Dude Ranch NEAR LAS VEGAS – The Conestoga Wagon near Las Vegas offers a unique blend of Old West nostalgia and modern comfort, providing you with a rustic yet comfortable experience immersed in the spirit of the American frontier amidst the stunning Nevada desert landscape.
- Manta The Underwater Room, Pemba Island – Manta Resort’s Underwater Room, situated off the coast of Pemba Island in Tanzania, is a unique and serene three-level accommodation featuring an underwater bedroom surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, offering you an extraordinary opportunity to sleep beneath the ocean’s surface and marvel at marine life, combined with stunning views, sunbathing, and delectable dining.
- Costa Verde THE 727 FUSELAGE HOME, Costa Rica – Costa Verde’s 727 Fuselage Home in Costa Rica is a unique and eco-friendly retreat, suspended in the jungle canopy and converted from a vintage Boeing 727 aircraft into a luxurious two-bedroom suite with stunning Pacific coastline views, offering an unforgettable blend of aviation history and sustainable luxury.
- Giraffe Manor in Nairobi –Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel renowned for its resident Rothschild’s giraffes, offering you a charming and enchanting experience where giraffes often join you for breakfast and afternoon tea in an elegant colonial-era mansion set amidst lush gardens.
- Sun Cruise South Korea – The Sun Cruise Hotel in Jeongdongjin, South Korea, is a distinctive coastal hotel designed to resemble a massive cruise ship on a cliff, offering guests a unique nautical-themed experience with comfortable rooms, panoramic sea views, and maritime-inspired amenities.
- Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Resort, Finland – The Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Resort is a magical Arctic retreat offering you the opportunity to sleep beneath the Northern Lights in thermal glass-domed igloos amidst stunning natural beauty.
Let’s go on a whirlwind tour of the most captivating and unconventional accommodations around the globe. From treetop hideaways to underwater suites and even cozy igloos under the Northern Lights, we’ll unveil a world of possibilities that will ignite your wanderlust and leave you yearning for your next unforgettable getaway.
What Is an Unconventional Accommodation?
An unconventional accommodation is typically characterized by its departure from traditional or standard lodging options. These unique and distinctive accommodations offer guests an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, providing memorable stays that are often themed, architecturally distinct, or located in unusual settings.
Unique Location
Unconventional accommodations can be found in extraordinary settings, such as treehouses in the forest, underwater hotels in the ocean, or even repurposed industrial spaces like converted warehouses or lighthouses.
Thematic Design
They often have themed interiors or architecture that sets them apart from conventional hotels. This could include properties designed to resemble castles, caves, spaceships, or even historical time periods.
Immersive Experiences
These special lodgings aim to immerse you in a specific environment or theme. They may offer activities or amenities related to their unique concept, like stargazing from a desert bubble hotel or wildlife safaris from a treetop lodge.
Limited Capacity
Many unconventional accommodations are small and intimate, with limited guest capacity. This exclusivity enhances the sense of privacy and uniqueness for guests.
Uncommon Materials and Structures
They may be constructed using unconventional materials or techniques, like glass igloos with panoramic views of the Northern Lights or repurposed shipping containers transformed into cozy cabins.
Personalized Service
Despite their unique nature, unconventional accommodations often prioritize personalized service and guest comfort, ensuring that the experience is both memorable and comfortable.
Adventurous Appeal
Many of these accommodations cater to adventurous travelers looking for one-of-a-kind experiences. They may offer opportunities for activities like hiking, kayaking, or wildlife encounters right at your doorstep.
Unique and Unconventional Lodgings Around the World
Unusual accommodations redefine the traditional concept of lodging by offering guests distinctive and often immersive experiences in terms of location, design, and activities. These unique properties are designed to create lasting memories and cater to travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.
Ice Hotel, Canada
The Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada, is a mesmerizing winter wonderland. It emerges each year, sculpted entirely from ice and snow, offering a truly enchanting experience.
You get to sleep in an artfully crafted ice suite, surrounded by intricate ice sculptures and adorned with warm, cozy bedding. The hotel features an ice bar serving chilled cocktails, an ice chapel for weddings, and even an ice slide for added fun.
With its ephemeral beauty and magical ambiance, the Ice Hotel is a unique destination for those seeking an unforgettable cold-weather adventure in the heart of Quebec’s winter landscape.
True Cold War Relic Atlas F Missile Silo / Bunker
The Atlas F Missile Silo/Bunker is a haunting relic of the Cold War era, tucked away beneath the earth’s surface. Built during the height of nuclear tensions, this decommissioned silo houses a vast underground complex featuring living quarters, command centers, and support facilities encased in thick concrete walls.
It once held an intercontinental ballistic missile, ready to launch at a moment’s notice. Now, it stands as a symbol of that tense period, offering visitors a glimpse into the paranoia and preparedness of the time.
Flea Windmill (The Mill), Portugal
The Flea Windmill, also known as “The Mill,” is a charming and iconic structure nestled in the heart of a picturesque Portuguese countryside. This historic windmill, with its rustic wooden blades and stone foundation, stands as a testament to traditional craftsmanship.
Originally built to harness the power of the wind for milling grain, it has since been lovingly restored into a cozy and unique accommodation.
The interior features a blend of modern comforts and vintage charm, offering guests a comfortable retreat with panoramic views of the surrounding fields and a serene ambiance that transports visitors to a bygone era of rural simplicity and tranquility.
Utter Inn, Sweden
The Utter Inn, located in Sweden, is a remarkable and quirky accommodation experience. Floating atop the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malaren, this submerged cabin offers guests a surreal underwater retreat.
The cozy cabin features a bedroom below the water’s surface with large windows, allowing guests to observe the mesmerizing aquatic life of the lake. Accessible by boat, the Utter Inn provides a secluded and peaceful escape surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
It’s a one-of-a-kind destination that combines comfort with the enchantment of an underwater world, making it an unforgettable getaway.
The Magic Mountain Hotel, Chile
The Magic Mountain Hotel, nestled in the heart of Chile’s Patagonian wilderness, is a stunning architectural marvel and a nature lover’s paradise.
Shaped like a fairytale mountain, it is adorned with lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls, making it seem like a mystical hideaway. This eco-friendly lodge offers you a truly immersive experience in the midst of the pristine rainforest, with well-appointed rooms featuring wood furnishings and modern amenities.
You can indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking and bird-watching or simply relax in the hotel’s hot tubs fed by natural thermal springs. The Magic Mountain Hotel is a dreamlike retreat where nature and luxury seamlessly converge.
Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort, USA
The Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort, situated in Northern California, is a charming and whimsical retreat like no other. This unique resort features a collection of individually themed antique railroad cabooses transformed into cozy and comfortable guest accommodations.
You can enjoy breathtaking lake views, serene gardens, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, and water sports.
Each caboose offers its own distinct charm, complete with modern amenities, private decks, and a chance to relive the romantic nostalgia of the American railroading era. The Featherbed Railroad promises a delightful and unforgettable stay in a truly distinctive setting.
Conestoga Wagon on Dude Ranch NEAR LAS VEGAS
The Conestoga Wagon on a ranch near Las Vegas is a captivating blend of Old West nostalgia and modern comfort. This unique accommodation allows you to step back in time and experience the spirit of the American frontier while enjoying contemporary amenities.
The Conestoga wagon is lovingly restored with rustic charm, featuring a comfortable sleeping area, cozy furnishings, and a private outdoor seating area with panoramic desert views.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Nevada desert, it offers an immersive Western adventure, including horseback riding, campfire cooking, and stargazing under the clear desert skies, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking a taste of the Wild West.
Manta The Underwater Room, Pemba Island
Manta Resort’s Underwater Room, off the coast of Pemba Island, Tanzania, is a truly extraordinary marine sanctuary. This floating three-level accommodation offers a secluded and serene getaway, with the underwater bedroom submerged within a vibrant coral reef.
You can marvel at the mesmerizing marine life through glass windows as you drift off to sleep beneath the ocean’s surface. The top deck provides stunning views and a sunbathing area, while the lounge and dining area on the water’s surface offer delectable meals.
With crystal-clear waters, marine adventures, and the sensation of sleeping among the fishes, Manta’s Underwater Room is a surreal and unforgettable aquatic escape.
Costa Verde THE 727 FUSELAGE HOME, Costa Rica
Costa Verde’s 727 Fuselage Home in Costa Rica is an extraordinary and eco-friendly retreat. Suspended on a 50-foot pedestal in the lush jungle canopy, this converted vintage Boeing 727 aircraft offers a one-of-a-kind lodging experience.
The fuselage has been transformed into a luxurious two-bedroom suite, complete with teak furnishings, private balconies, and panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. The unique location allows you to immerse yourself in nature, with frequent visits from local wildlife.
With its fusion of aviation history and sustainable luxury, the 727 Fuselage Home provides an unforgettable stay, perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility in a tropical paradise.
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi
Giraffe Manor is a charming and exclusive boutique hotel that offers a truly enchanting experience. Renowned for its resident herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes, the manor provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures.
The elegant colonial-era mansion exudes old-world charm, with luxurious accommodations and gourmet cuisine. You can enjoy breakfasts and afternoon teas while giraffes poke their heads through the windows, creating magical moments.
Surrounded by lush gardens and the Karen Blixen Museum nearby, Giraffe Manor is a unique oasis of wildlife conservation and timeless elegance in the heart of Africa.
Sun Cruise South Korea
The Sun Cruise Hotel in Jeongdongjin, South Korea, is a captivating architectural marvel that appears to be a massive cruise ship perched atop a coastal cliff. This unique hotel offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience, with its nautical-themed design, complete with porthole windows and a prominent ship’s bow.
Inside, it offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the Sea, modern amenities, and maritime-themed decor. The hotel also features restaurants, a rotating bar, and even a lighthouse observation deck.
With its scenic coastal location and the illusion of being aboard a ship, the Sun Cruise Hotel provides a memorable and maritime-inspired stay.
Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Resort, Finland
The Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Resort in Finland is a magical Arctic retreat, providing an unparalleled experience of the northern wilderness. Its iconic igloos allow you to sleep beneath the mesmerizing Northern Lights and Arctic stars while staying comfortably warm in a thermal glass-domed structure.
In addition to the igloos, the resort offers cozy log cabins and snow igloos for a variety of seasonal adventures. You can go on thrilling activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling or unwind in the tranquil wilderness setting.
With its extraordinary natural beauty and unique accommodations, Kakslauttanen is a bucket-list destination for aurora enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Read 8 INCREDIBLE PLACES TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS THIS WINTER
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you stayed in one of these unique accommodations? Which one is your favorite? Have you stayed at an unconventional place and want to share with the community? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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