10 Unique Luxury Resorts You Can Actually Book – 2025 Update
We asked our editors to find the coolest and most uncommon luxury resorts around the world. Forget about the traditional beach retreats in Mexico, we said.
What they came up with are several properties that are so different that we didn’t even know they existed.
At these resorts, it’s not just about comfort — it’s about those rare, almost unbelievable moments that stay with you forever.
The best part is that you can you can actually stay at these unique resorts around the world without being a celebrity or royalty, and every one of them offers an experience that’s just a little more extraordinary than the last.
You also might be surprised to find that some of these options are actually not super expensive – check out the latest rates and try travel dates in different seasons to find the best price.
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Table of Contents
The 10 Most Unique Luxury Resorts in the World – 2025 Edition
1. Eat Underwater, Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Location: Rangali Island, Maldives
Key Highlights:
- The world’s first undersea restaurant (Ithaa) located 16 feet below sea level
- Luxury overwater villas with glass flooring & underwater suites
- Two islands connected by a 500-meter footbridge
This is the type of property where the idea of ordinary doesn’t even enter the picture. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island mixes extravagant overwater living with an underwater dining room and suites that feels, well, like a scene from a futuristic film.
The resort features villas that sit above the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, many of them coming with plunge pools, outdoor baths, and glass-bottomed floors so guests can see marine life swim beneath their feet.
On land, you’ll find white-sand beaches and spa pavilions floating above a tranquil lagoon. The dining experience is arguably the standout feature — Ithaa Undersea Restaurant offers a 270-degree panoramic view of coral gardens while you enjoy lobster, caviar, and wine pairings that lean toward world-class.
There are two islands joined by a scenic walkway, one geared more for couples and the other more suited for families. Either way, you’ll enjoy access to two spas, 12 restaurants and bars, and marine excursions that range from whale shark dives to dolphin spotting.
If you’re looking for the most unique resorts in the world, this underwater and overwater combo makes the Conrad Maldives an experience that’s almost surreal.
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2. Remote Desert Views for Unbelievable Stargazing
Tierra Atacama
Location: San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Key Highlights:
- Unobstructed stargazing in the Atacama Desert — the driest place on Earth
- Sumptuous suites with private terraces and outdoor showers with direct views of the desert
- All-inclusive adventure packages and curated desert excursions
At Tierra Atacama, the focus is really about experiencing stillness that is on a totally different scale. This retreat sits in Chile’s Atacama Desert, which is widely considered one of the clearest places on Earth for viewing the stars.
Each room is uniquely built with local materials like adobe, wood, and stone, creating an earthy-luxurious vibe that makes you feel connected to the land without skimping on comfort. Most suites offer private terraces, desert views, and open-air showers.
The resort’s swimming pool blends seamlessly with the horizon and the spa features volcanic stone baths and outdoor treatment rooms. Dining here brings in locally sourced produce and Chilean wines, served in a contemporary space overlooking volcanic ranges.
What really separates Tierra Atacama is how immersive the adventures feel. Guided trips include salt flats, geysers, moon-like landscapes, and flamingo-dotted lagoons — all wrapped into an all-inclusive format that makes planning effortless.
In a way, this is one of those unique resorts where you get the rare chance to feel completely removed from the noise of the world, and that, for many, is worth every penny.
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3. Sleep like Royalty in an 800 Year Old Castle
Ashford Castle
Location: Cong, Ireland
Key Highlights:
- 800-year-old historic castle with original architecture
- Private cinema, billiards room, and falconry school
- Lakeside views with lavish interiors and antique furnishings
If you’re in the mood for that whole royal-family-style retreat, Ashford Castle tends to deliver on every note. As a matter of fact, this isn’t a themed resort pretending to be a castle — it’s a real, 800-year-old stronghold once owned by the Guinness family.
The property has undergone meticulous restorations, blending ancient stonework and turrets with plush interiors covered in silk wallpaper, gold-gilded mirrors, and velvet drapery. Think fireplaces you could practically walk into and beds fit for nobility.
Room options range from deluxe castle rooms to staterooms and full suites, each with bespoke furnishings and views of the countryside or lake. On-site activities include archery, horseback riding, and even a falconry school that’s considered one of the best in the world.
Dining options include a formal Victorian-style restaurant, a traditional pub, and even afternoon tea in the drawing room. The spa leans more contemporary but still brings in castle aesthetics with mosaic tiling and vaulted ceilings.
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4. Cliffside Treehouses Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Post Ranch Inn
Location: Big Sur, California, USA
Key Highlights:
- Treehouse-style rooms suspended on a cliff above the ocean
- Organic architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Exclusive adult-only experience with holistic spa treatments
Post Ranch Inn is a upscale escape right in California that feels more like a private sanctuary than a traditional resort.
Nestled into the cliffs of Big Sur, the accommodations are basically architectural masterpieces perched among redwoods or on the edge of ocean-facing cliffs.
The “treehouses” are stilted cabins surrounded by forest canopy, while the cliff rooms offer uninterrupted views of the Pacific from your private hot tub or infinity soaking tub.
The experience here is very adult-oriented and tranquil. There are no TVs or alarm clocks — just fireplaces, star-filled skies, and a spa offering energy balancing, chakra therapy, and open-air massages.
Dining at Sierra Mar, the in-house restaurant, is an experience on its own with multi-course tasting menus, award-winning wines, and panoramic coastal views.
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5. A Floating White Palace for Royalty on a Lake
Taj Lake Palace
Location: Udaipur, India
Key Highlights:
- 18th-century marble palace floating on Lake Pichola
- Exclusive boat access only — complete island experience
- Royal butler service and traditional Indian wellness spa
Floating like something straight out of a fantasy epic, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is the definition of stately opulence.
It’s a literal palace sitting on a lake, accessible only by private boat and designed with white marble that glistens under the Rajasthani sun.
This former royal residence has been converted into an award-winning luxury resort where every guest is treated like royalty. Personalized butler service is standard, and interiors feature hand-painted motifs, intricate mosaics, and antique furnishings.
Rooms and suites face either the lake or inner courtyards, and each is unique in layout and decor. Dining includes rooftop candlelit dinners, traditional Indian fare, and a floating bar experience you won’t soon forget.
The Jiva Spa offers holistic treatments inspired by centuries-old Ayurvedic practices, along with sunset yoga sessions. The whole stay feels timeless, as if you were a prince or princess, and that makes this easily one of the most unique resorts in the world.
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6. An Elephant Sanctuary Within a Bamboo Forest
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Location: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Key Highlights:
- On-site elephant sanctuary with ethical interaction programs
- Jungle suites with private decks and river views
- All-inclusive stay with gourmet Thai cuisine and excursions
Surrounded by lush greenery and located where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, Anantara Golden Triangle offers a truly extraordinary experience with one very special addition — elephants. Lots of them.
This isn’t a touristy sideshow, but an actual elephant sanctuary focused on ethical treatment, education, and long-term welfare.
Guests can walk alongside elephants through the jungle, learn about their care, or simply observe them from a distance from their balconies.
The resort itself is nothing short of spectacular. Jungle lodges with deep soaking tubs, panoramic views, and rich Thai décor make each room feel both grounded and indulgent.
Dining leans heavily on gourmet Thai, Laotian, and Burmese flavors with menus that change daily. The Anantara Spa sits within a bamboo forest and uses regional herbs and essential oils for its signature treatments.
All-inclusive means every guest gets the full experience: cooking classes, river cruises, guided treks, and of course, time with the elephants. For nature-lovers and animal enthusiasts, this is definitely one of the most unique resorts in the world.
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7. Live Inside an Ancient Chinese Imperial Palace
Aman Summer Palace
Location: Beijing, China
Key Highlights:
- Private entrance to the historic Summer Palace
- Rooms opulently designed in Ming and Qing Dynasty styles
- Courtyard layout with traditional Chinese gardens
Set within the grounds of the actual Summer Palace complex, Aman Summer Palace feels almost like you’ve stepped straight into dynastic China — except with heated floors and five-star service.
This resort is built in restored Qing Dynasty buildings that once hosted guests of the emperor.
What makes it incredibly special is the private access it offers to the Summer Palace, allowing guests to explore its UNESCO-protected grounds in near solitude, before the crowds arrive.
The rooms feature understated elegance, with traditional wooden screens, antique furnishings, and tranquil garden views.
Each suite is arranged around courtyards, which are centered by koi ponds and shaded sitting areas. The on-site restaurants serve refined Chinese, Western, and Japanese cuisine, with seasonal menus prepared by award-winning chefs.
The Aman Spa includes a subterranean pool, meditation zones, and treatments rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Every detail here is designed to echo the peaceful grandeur of imperial life.
If you’re looking for unique resorts that deliver immersive cultural luxury, Aman Summer Palace should be at the top of the list.
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8. Sleep in a Glass Dome Under the Northern Lights
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Location: Saariselkä, Finland
Key Highlights:
- Iconic glass igloos with direct view of the Aurora Borealis
- High-end amenities like snow saunas, reindeer safaris, and ice fishing trips
- Log cabins with private saunas and fireplaces
If you’ve ever fantasized about lying in bed while watching the Northern Lights ripple across the sky, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland turns that dream into a very real — and surprisingly cozy — experience.
The signature accommodations here are the glass igloos, which are heated, insulated, and offer unobstructed sky views without needing to step outside. They’re surprisingly spacious and come with modern bathrooms and adjustable lighting that won’t disrupt your stargazing.
There are also log chalets that include their own saunas and wood-burning stoves for guests who prefer a more traditional cabin feel. The food focuses on hearty Lappish dishes, using ingredients like smoked salmon, cloudberries, and reindeer meat.
Activities are plentiful and unique to the Arctic Circle: dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, or visiting Santa’s home (yes, that’s a thing here). There’s even an ice chapel for weddings and a snow sauna that, well, really must be tried to be understood.
It’s arguably one of the most unique resorts in the world — not just because of the novelty, but because of how flawlessly it combines rugged wilderness with luxurious comfort.
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9. Decadent Luxury Deep in the Middle of the Desert
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara
Location: Rub’ al Khali Desert, United Arab Emirates
Key Highlights:
- Opulent desert fortress surrounded by endless dunes
- Private plunge pools, rooftop terraces, and hammam-style bathrooms
- Authentic Bedouin experiences like camel rides and falcon shows
The Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara feels like something pulled straight out of an Arabian fairytale — except here, the fantasy comes with five-star service and a private butler.
Set deep within the Empty Quarter (which is, in fact, the largest sand desert on the planet), this resort is surrounded by sand dunes that stretch for miles in every direction.
It’s basically in the middle of nowhere — in the best way possible.
Architecture mimics an ancient desert fortress, but inside, the rooms are the exact opposite of rustic. You’re looking at oversized soaking tubs, handcrafted furniture, high-thread-count bedding, and private plunge pools with views that don’t even feel real.
The resort features multiple swimming areas, a luxurious spa offering traditional hammam rituals, and a series of gourmet restaurants that bring together Arabian flavors with international flair.
There’s even a sunset terrace with firepits and shisha service, which tends to make evenings feel totally surreal.
Activities include camel trekking at golden hour, desert yoga, dune bashing in 4x4s, and stargazing that’s virtually unrivaled due to the remote location. Families are welcome, too, with a separate kids’ club and curated family tours through the dunes.
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10. Secluded Villas Literally in a Rainforest Canopy
Rancho Pacifico
Location: Uvita, Costa Rica
Key Highlights:
- Adults-only resort nestled in a lush rainforest reserve
- Private high-end treehouse villas and glass-walled suites
- Views of whales migrating along the Pacific coastline
Rancho Pacifico offers an intimate setting and completely off-grid atmosphere directly in the clouds and the leaves.
That’s actually what makes it feel so luxurious. You’re in the middle of a Costa Rican rainforest, perched high enough to catch ocean views, but far enough away from the tourist scene to feel genuinely disconnected.
This adults-only resort is located within a private nature reserve just outside Uvita. It’s home to sloth families, toucans, and howler monkeys — and yes, you’ll hear them while you’re sipping coffee on your deck.
The villas and suites are scattered across the property, with many perched directly in the rainforest canopy, offering open-air showers, eco-modern furnishings, and wraparound decks that blur the line between indoors and out.
The restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced meals — think tropical fruits, line-caught fish, and Costa Rican coffee that’s roasted on-site. Everything is made to order, and dietary preferences are easily accommodated, whether you’re vegan, keto, or somewhere in between.
There’s a saltwater infinity pool, a cliffside spa with jungle views, and daily yoga sessions that take place on a bamboo platform surrounded by trees. Nature trails run throughout the property, leading to hidden waterfalls and natural plunge pools.
This is, without question, one of the most unique resorts in the world, particularly if you’re into secluded, eco-luxe retreats where nature does most of the talking.
See Images & Prices on TripAdvisor
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