The document summarizes 12 of the coolest hotels from around the world, providing details about each hotel's unique features and experiences. Some highlights include Giraffe Manor in Kenya where breakfast is shared with giraffes, the underwater room at Conrad Hilton in the Maldives, treehouse suites and baby elephants at breakfast at Anantara Golden Triangle in Thailand, and glass igloos with views of the northern lights at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. The hotels offer amazing locations and activities, from African safaris to Mediterranean castles to jungle treetop retreats.

1. The 12 Coolest Hotels on the Planet

2. The 12 Coolest Hotels on the Planet
When you think of the World’s best vacation locations you may imagine
cities like Paris or New York, but there are a few hotel properties that
serve as amazing destinations of their own. From luxurious to rugged,
these hotels offer some of the greatest travel experiences on the
planet.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a Medieval castle in Europe,
beneath the Northern Lights, in a luxury tree house, or even and under
water hotel in the ocean, you can actually do any of those things!
Some of the coolest hotels even take it to another level with giraffes as
breakfast guests, elephants as taxis, and butlers to heed your every
need. Many of the properties are actually affordable, while others cost
a small fortune, but either way you will live like a King.

3. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

4. • About Giraffe Manor:
• Kenya is known for having The Big Five of African Wildlife (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros,
and cape buffalo), however at this colonial mansion you can add a 6th – giraffes! Located less
than 10 miles outside the chaotic city centre of Nairobi, the vine covered Giraffe Manor is
an oasis of peacefulness.
• The brick mansion was built in 1932, but it was when preservationists Jock and Betty Leslie-
Melville bought the property in 1974 that it truly came to life. The property quickly grew to 140
acres and is now home to a herd of resident Rothschild giraffes as well as the neighbouring AFEW
Giraffe Centre.
• Staying in any of Giraffe Manor’s 10 luxury suites or watching the sunset over the Ngong Hills
from the Karen Blixen Terrace is amazing, but the magic happens at meal time. Every day for
breakfast and dinner the windows are opened and the majestic giraffes become your dinner
guests, literally sharing a sport right at your table!
• The experience is one of the most unique and beautiful in the world. We are so glad that Jock
and Betty thought of this amazing concept when they turned the manor into a hotel in 1983. If
somehow you need a break from your long-necked pals, the property is also home to numerous
warthogs, and the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is only a few minutes away.

5. Conrad Hilton, Maldives

6. About The Conrad Hilton:
Out of all of the amazing hotels in the Maldives, the Conrad Hilton is by far the coolest one. Located
on Rangali Island (only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male), this hotel takes the lagoon
experience to the next level.
Many of the Hilton’s stilt hut villas are complete with sections of see-through glass flooring, private
fresh water pools, and some also have beds that rotate 270 degrees to follow the sunset. For a
hefty fee, you can even arrange for the property’s Ithaa Restaurant to be converted into a one-of-a-
kind underwater hotel room!
In total there are 11 restaurants to choose from at the Conrad Hilton from the underwater Ithaa, to
many with perfect sunset views. They even have a 20,000 bottle underwater wine cellar complete
with the World’s 101 best cheeses. Throughout your stay you will have amazing Maldives activities
waiting at your fingertips.
You can dive with manata rays, snorkel with whale sharks, stroll the white sand beaches, look for
dolphins, plus get up close and personal with sea turtles and a vibrant coral reef aboard the Nemo
Submarine. The submarine can go up to 100 feet below the surface and it gives you a perspective
that only brave scuba divers can normally get.

7. Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand

8. • About Anantara Golden Triangle:
• From storybook scenery to dreamy activities, Anantara Golden Triangle
Resort may be the most romantic hotel on this list. The location, 90
minutes North of Chiang Rai, is right at the heart of the Golden Triangle
where the countries of Thailand, Mayamar, and Laos all meet.
• It is a region teamed with lore and history from the days of the opium
trade that is bound to get your imagination rolling. From the viewpoints
looking out onto neighbouring countries, to the jungle paths, to the nearby
temples, this is definitely a place to get your zen on.
• Did I mention they also have elephants and mahout trainers to take you
out on treks for private picnics? Maybe the coolest thing is that whenever
the resort has baby elephants, the mahouts typically bring them into the
breakfast area to greet you. Who doesn’t want to have breakfast with
baby elephants?

9. Ashford Castle, Ireland

10. • About Ashford Castle:
• While many vacations to Europe are spent touring Medieval castles, the Ashford gives you the
ultimate chance to stay in one overnight. From your entrance through the impressive gate and
wall, the Ashford separates itself from other castle hotels by its sure size alone.
• This massive castle was built over a number of centuries, starting with the first mansion built here
in 1228. In 1589 protective fortifications were built, but it took until 1715 for the Ashford name
to stick when a French-style chateau wing was added. Ireland’s famous Guinness family bought
the Ashford in 1852 and grew the estate to 26,000 acres, planted thousands of trees, and
completely re-built the West wing of the property. Perhaps the biggest change came it the
1900s, when it was turned into a hotel, was doubled in size, and became a true 5 star property.
• The accommodations are matched with activities such as horse riding, falconry, lake cruising,
fishing, clay shooting, archery, golf, and much more. They even have a spa for massage, body
wraps, nails, facials, and waxing. Over the years, powerful guests from Mary Queen of Scots, King
George V, Princess Grace, Brad Pitt, President Ronald Regan and more have stayed here.
• The author Oscar Wilde was even here as a kid as his dad had a neighbouring home. A portrait
gallery on the 2nd floor shows most of the famous people who have stayed here. With its
connect to Mary Queen of Scots the castle was featured as the home of the French royal family in
the hit TV series Reign. They did this because most of the huge French chateau actually looked
like castle back then before they got Renaissance makeovers.

11. Dhara Dheji, Thailand

12. • About Dhara Dhevi:
• A stay at the Dhara Dhevj Resort in Chiang Mai will make you feel like you have been transported
back in time to the height of the Lanna Empire. The sprawling property looks more like a palace
than a resort, and you’re bound to feel the royal treatment. It’s the total package of grandeur and
overall experience that land the Chara Chevi toward the top of our top 25 Coolest Hotels in the
World.
• The 118 suites circle a huge old world farm and rice field, reminding you of the days when palaces
were self-sustaining cities on their own. All of the spacious rooms have views either out onto
the rice paddy or over the lush tropical gardens covering the rest of the 60 acre resort. There are
even 5 complete, opulent residences for longer stays by celebrities and world leaders.
• The pool is as amazing as you can possibly imagine, but it is the spa we love the most. The entire
spa is modelled after an ancient Mandalay palace and even has a 7 tiered, carved teakwood
lobby. If you are looking for more adventure you can ride on the back of a water buffalo, cooking
classes with master chefs, or take in one of the resort’s exciting live shows.
• The Dhara Dhevj is the only resort in Northern Thailand to have its own on-site craft
village. Regular daily programs for arts and crafts demonstrations include basket making,
bamboo weaving, rice pounding, paper cutting and flower arranging. They also have a kids club
with activities from Thai dance and music, games, toys, rice planting, boxing, yoga, and paper
umbrella making.

13. Kebek Cave Hotel, Turkey

14. • About Kebek Cave Hotel:
• During the pre-history of Turkey, the nearby Mount Erciyes Volcano
covered the area in ash. Centuries of wind and rain later carved the
thick layers of ash into formations resembling fairy chimneys.
• In the early Middle Ages the two chimneys, which are now part of the
Kebek Cave Hotel, where used as a chapel for some monks before
becoming a family home. Traditional arch homes were later built
onto the home’s chimneys which today help to give the hotel 36
rooms.
• There is not only a Turkish Bath close by, but day trips to the famed
chimney forests of Cappadocia are a staple activity, especially by hot
air balloon. There is just something cool about seeing the chimney’s
from above after having just spent the night inside one.

15. Londolozi Tree Camp, South Africa

16. • About Londolozi Tree Camp:
• It is fitting that both the Londolozi Tree Camp and Kruger National Park were both established in
1926 as they have both gone a long way toward wildlife preservation in Africa.
• For the first few decades the camp served as the primer bush camp and mainly hosting exclusive
guests such as presidents and princesses. By the 1970s they went all in on the conservation side
of thins and officially changed their name to Londolozi, derived from the Zulu word ‘To Protect’.
• Over the years, Londolozi has grown to become World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game
lodges. As easily the most luxurious, it became the first game reserve in the World to be
accorded Relais & Châteaux Status, reinforcing its commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine
cuisine and exceptional service.
• It is really hard to argue with Londolozi’s awards as nowhere else can you watch elephant herds
stroll by while taking your morning bath then go on an afternoon safari to see rare leopards and
large cats. When the day is over get ready to retire to some of the coolest tree houses and lodges
you can imagine. The fine details in the art and furnishing are unbeatable.

17. De Glase Ice Hotel, Canada

18. • About De Glase Ice Hotel:
• Each year since 2001, a magical hotel made re-built out of snow and ice to create a true Winter
wonderland. From January through March the De Glase Ice Hotel in Quebec opens its icy doors
to visitors from around the World. Expert sculptors create the massive structure over the course
of a few weeks and the amount of detail they use in unbelievable.
• Snow art is everywhere from the from the 44 themed rooms, to the ice bar, and the ever popular
Super Slide. It’s so much fun to drink out of ice glasses while under a chandelier made up of, you
guessed it, ice. Don’t worry about getting cold even though the temperatures only hover above
freezing.
• Each suite has a real mattress and blankets over the base of ice and the arctic down is rated for 35
degree colder than the hotel is. They also have a warming centre in the attached Celsius Pavilion
complete with fully heated bathrooms.
• Out of all the Ice hotel the one in Quebec takes the cake as not only is it easy to get to, but it is
affordable and they do an amazing job. The surrounding park offers over 2 miles of trails for
snowshoeing and hiking.
• The park was first used to house 7 different windmills starting in the mid-1700s, some of which
still exist as the Parc des Moulins. The rest of the grounds formerly housed Quebec’s zoo and is
now an excellent urban woods.

19. Jade Mountain Resort, Saint Lucia

20. • About Jade Mountain:
• With views of the photogenic Piton Peaks and the bay of St Lucia from
every room, the Jade Mountain Resort has some of the coolest views
in the World.
• The property itself sits high up a cliff side with a maze of elegant
bridges connection each suite to the common areas like a man-made
jungle. The suite famously only has 3 walls to make sure you always
have a view, have spacious 15 foot high ceilings, and jaw
dropping private infinity pools.

21. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

22. • About Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:
• If you were to pick the ideal physical location on a map to visit in Africa, it
you probably be exactly where the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge in Tanzania
is. In addition to being next to Lake Magadi and inside a old volcanic
crater, the Lodge sits perfectly between the Serengeti National Park, the
Kenyan capital of Nairobi, and Mount Kilimanjaro.
• The lodge has such a great location that the views and experiences seem to
make themselves. Wild zebras, giraffes and other animals often roams the
grounds while large cats and elephants are only a short drive away. Being a
property run by the and Beyond Group, you know the accommodations are
going to be amazing.
• No expense was spared on the over-sized luxury hut which all have world-
class views over the African landscape. We love their colourful furniture,
woven roofs, and uncanny sense of style

23. Treehotel, Sweden

24. • About TreeHotel:
• While many of the units are very futuristic, the name of the game at
Sweden’s Tree Hotel is undisturbed nature. All of the units have a
very small footprint, but still manage to be the most unique tree
houses on the planet. The large UFO suite looks like it is right out of
the hit movie ET and is truly an out-of-this-World experience.
• Maybe out favourite tree house at the TreeHotel is the huge Mirror
Cube which does the ultimate job of blending into nature. The
mirrored sided made the solid structure almost seem invisible as it
reflects the natural beauty around it.
• Don’t worry about birds hitting into the glass, as it is covered in a
unique infrared film which keeps them from running into it. The
TreeHotel also has a crate like cabin elevate over the valley, a huge
bird’s nest, a suite that looks like it is made out of Legos, and a large
family until in the shape of a dragon fly.

25. Kakslaunen Artic Resort, Finland

26. • About Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort:
• While the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is open year round, it’s their Glass Igloos during
Northern Lights season that we love the most. The Northern Lights season runs from
late-August through April each year and the Glass Igloos give you an unobstructed view
of Finland’s sky and natural beauty.
• After dark is the greatest as not only more stars than you’re ever seen, but also the
flowing colours of the northern lights shine above you. The dancing light show put on
the aurora borealis in this arctic environment is second to none.
• The igloos themselves have plenty of privacy with curtains and are very climate
controlled. The standard is a 2 person Igloos with a private bathroom, but communal
bathrooms and saunas separated by gender. They also have a bunch of 4 person family-
sized Igloos with private bathrooms and hot shower included in each unit.
• From December to April, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort even has a number of real
Snow Igloos that you can rent and stay in. If sleeping outside isn’t your thing, the Resort
also has a bunch of luxury log cabins to rent plus many outdoor activities you can pay to
join in on. Activities range from snowmobiling, to ice fishing, sled dog training and
even reindeer sleigh rides.

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