Glamping in a luxury tent surrounded by stunning scenery is an unforgettable experience. Companies like Collective Retreats and Under Canvas offer stylish tents with real beds, linens, rugs, and even wood-burning stoves in scenic spots from the American West to New Zealand. You get the adventure of camping with the amenities of a hotel.
For a truly unique experience, rent a houseboat. In Amsterdam, you can cruise the canals. In Kerala, India, explore the scenic backwaters. In the San Juan Islands off Washington state, secluded coves and wildlife abound. Many houseboats have multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and sundecks where you can relax while gently floating by spectacular scenery.
Want to feel like you’re in the treetops? Try a treehouse hotel. Luxurious treehouses at places like Treehotel in Sweden, Treebones Resort in California and Treehouse Point in Washington will make you feel like a kid again. Wake up with panoramic forest views, surrounded by nature. Some even have electricity, plumbing, and Wi-Fi.
For a taste of history, spend the night in a castle, lighthouse or barn. In Scotland, you can rent your own castle with turrets, towers, and kilts. Majestic lighthouses along the shores of Lake Michigan and the Florida Keys have been converted into romantic one-of-a-kind rentals. And old barns from Tuscany to Texas have been transformed into cozy guest accommodations.
Get off the grid in a remote mountain hut. New Zealand’s network of backcountry huts offer breathtaking alpine scenery. Colorado’s 10th Mountain Division Huts connect secluded huts with hiking trails. The Swiss Alpine Club operates 152 huts in the Swiss and Italian Alps. You’ll hike in with just your pack, cook meals over gas, and fall asleep under the stars.
For an unforgettable desert experience, stay in a yurt. In the wide open spaces of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, yurts offer a stylish stay with stunning panoramic views. At spots like Moab Under Canvas in Utah and Verde Valley in Arizona, spacious yurts have real beds, linens, rugs and lighting. By day, you can hike, bike or jeep the spectacular surrounding desert scenery.