🛌 World’s Most Unusual Hotels

☀️🪐  First - Today’s Headlines

Here’s a brief look at some of the top news stories of the day.

• Dow tops 44,000 for first time, S&P 500 closes at record high to cap election week rally. Read more HERE

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• The Fed just cut interest rates by another 25 basis points—here’s what will get cheaper. Read more HERE

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• Jupiter’s Missing Surface: How Can a Planet Exist Without One? A world of extremes, Jupiter’s swirling clouds and intense pressure hide secrets that defy explanation, showing a planet unlike any other in our solar system. Read more HERE

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• Full list of 2025 Grammy nominations: Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, more make the cut. Read more HERE

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• How eating this food can add five years to your life, new study reveals. Read more HERE

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  With today’s highlights covered, it’s time to turn to our featured story …

☀️🪐 Most Unusual Hotels in the World

When it comes to travel, staying in a unique hotel can elevate your entire experience, turning a trip into an unforgettable story. From sleeping under the sea to waking up with giraffes, these hotels redefine what it means to have a memorable stay. Here are 10 of the world’s most unusual hotels that offer far more than just a night’s rest.

🌘 Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden

Situated in the small village of Jukkasjärvi, 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, the Icehotel is an architectural marvel built entirely from ice and snow sourced from the nearby Torne River. The first Icehotel was built in 1989, setting the stage for an annual reconstruction that has become a Swedish tradition. Each winter, a team of artists and builders reconstructs the hotel, creating a unique design that melts away come spring.

The rooms are adorned with intricately carved ice sculptures, with suites showcasing different themes ranging from classic Nordic motifs to avant-garde art. Guests sleep on ice beds covered with reindeer hides, nestled in thermal sleeping bags to keep warm in temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F). The hotel offers activities such as guided northern lights tours, ice sculpting workshops, and dog sledding excursions that immerse visitors in the stark beauty of the Arctic.

🌘 Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Giraffe Manor, set on 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest, is a boutique hotel that offers an unparalleled experience where guests share their mornings with the hotel’s resident Rothschild giraffes. The giraffes at the manor are part of an ongoing conservation project, ensuring the preservation of the endangered Rothschild giraffe.

Built in the 1930s and styled with an elegant blend of classic architecture and modern luxury, Giraffe Manor evokes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of Africa’s golden era of travel. The giraffes freely roam the grounds, often peering through the large windows as guests enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea. The hotel’s commitment to conservation extends beyond its unique interactions—it is part of a breeding program aimed at protecting the endangered species. Visitors can also explore nearby wildlife sanctuaries and learn about giraffe conservation efforts.

🌘 The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Zanzibar  

Located on the pristine shores of Pemba Island, The Manta Resort offers an experience like no other with its signature underwater room. This private, three-level floating suite allows guests to sleep surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The underwater bedroom, submerged four meters below the surface, features panoramic glass windows that provide a breathtaking view of tropical fish and other marine life swimming by.

Above the water, the suite has a sun deck for sunbathing and stargazing, as well as a lounge area for relaxation. Pemba Island itself is a secluded paradise known for its lush mangroves, rich culture, and vibrant coral reefs, making the resort an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and adventure.

🌘  Treehotel, Harads, Sweden 

High in the trees of a northern Swedish forest, Treehotel offers guests a unique blend of innovative design and nature immersion. The inspiration for Treehotel came from the film “The Tree Lover,” directed by one of the hotel’s co-founders.

Each of the hotel’s rooms is suspended above the ground and boasts a distinctive architectural style. Options range from the Mirrorcube, which camouflages itself in the forest with its reflective walls, to the UFO, which appears to hover among the trees. The Bird’s Nest, one of the most popular rooms, envelops guests in a cozy space reminiscent of a giant bird’s home. The hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainability, utilizing eco-friendly construction materials and practices that minimize environmental impact. Guests can enjoy activities such as forest hikes, ice fishing, and even watching the northern lights from their treetop haven.

🌘 Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Nestled in the Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is world-famous for its glass igloos that offer unmatched views of the northern lights. The igloos are constructed with thermal glass, ensuring warmth and a clear view of the sky, even in freezing temperatures.

The resort’s offerings extend beyond its unique accommodations—guests can explore the snowy wilderness through reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, and husky sledding. For those seeking relaxation, traditional Finnish saunas provide a quintessential Arctic experience. The resort also features log cabins and luxury chalets for those preferring a more rustic stay, complemented by Lappish cuisine at the on-site restaurant that showcases local ingredients.

🌘 Hotel Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain

In the heart of Spain’s Rioja wine region stands the architectural masterpiece of Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by the legendary Frank Gehry. The hotel’s undulating metallic façade of titanium ribbons is both futuristic and harmonious with its vineyard surroundings. The metal ribbons are said to represent the flowing liquid of the region’s famous wines. Inside, the avant-garde design continues with uniquely shaped rooms and luxurious touches.

Guests can indulge in world-class dining, including Michelin-starred cuisine, and enjoy exclusive wine tastings at the adjacent Marques de Riscal Winery, which has been producing wine since 1858. The hotel also offers a full-service spa that incorporates grape-based treatments, ensuring a holistic experience rooted in the region’s winemaking tradition.

 🌘  Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island redefines luxury with its exceptional Muraka suite, the world’s first undersea residence. This two-level villa features an underwater master bedroom surrounded by 180-degree curved acrylic walls, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean’s vibrant marine life. Above water, the villa includes private decks, an infinity pool, and a butler service to cater to every need.

The resort boasts numerous overwater and beach villas, alongside facilities such as the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which serves gourmet meals five meters below the surface. Ithaa was the first of its kind and is consistently ranked among the most beautiful dining spots in the world. Guests can enjoy diving, snorkeling, and spa treatments over the ocean, making their stay a true aquatic paradise.

🌘 Hôtel de Glace, Quebec City, Canada

Hôtel de Glace, North America’s only ice hotel, is a wonder that emerges each winter from 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. Open from January to March, the hotel features intricately carved ice sculptures, themed suites, and an ice bar serving cocktails in ice glasses.

The centerpiece of this ephemeral structure is its ice chapel, a popular venue for weddings. Guests sleep on beds made of ice, covered with insulating furs and thermal sleeping bags. Before retiring for the night, they can warm up in the outdoor hot tubs and sauna under the stars, making their stay both thrilling and cozy.

🌘 Montana Magica Lodge, Huilo Huilo Reserve, Chile  

Hidden in the heart of Chile’s Patagonian rainforest, Montana Magica Lodge is a whimsical hotel shaped like a volcano, complete with a cascading waterfall that flows down its façade. This eco-lodge is built with local wood and stone, blending seamlessly with its lush surroundings. The interior features cozy, rustic rooms with views of the forest, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Accessible only by a swinging rope bridge, the lodge enhances the sense of adventure and seclusion. Guests can partake in activities such as bird watching, trekking, and zip-lining through the Huilo Huilo Reserve, which is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic trails.

Henn-na Hotel, Nagasaki, Japan 

A pioneer in hospitality innovation, Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki is the world’s first hotel to be predominantly staffed by robots. Guests are greeted by multilingual robotic receptionists, including one shaped like a dinosaur wearing a bow tie. The hotel uses cutting-edge technology for automated check-ins, room access via facial recognition, and climate control tailored to individual preferences.

Despite the futuristic experience, Henn-na Hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient practices and minimal human intervention. This unique blend of novelty and eco-consciousness makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for tech enthusiasts.

Each of these hotels provides an experience that transcends traditional accommodations, offering guests the chance to explore the extraordinary. Whether you dream of sleeping among fish or sharing breakfast with giraffes, these unique stays promise memories that last a lifetime.