After a long day of travelling to a new country or exploring your holiday destination, we believe there’s nothing better than falling into the bed of your accommodation. And while traditional hotels are a common choice for many, the rise of more unusual holiday stays has since raised the question – how can you elevate your holiday just a step further? Enter some of the most fun and unusual accommodations to stay at while travelling.
From former prisons to junk boats and bookstores, these unusual holiday stays are a fantastic way to make your vacation even more memorable. So, without further ado, let’s discover where your next unusual accommodation should be!
Plan your great escape at a prison turned “home” in Lincolnshire, England
Staying at a prison for fun doesn’t sound quite right, but at the House of Correction in Lincolnshire, England, that’s exactly what you can do. Established in 1611, the building was part of a great castle in the village of Folkingham, and this little prison was where minor offenders would be placed. However, much of the building was demolished in 1955, and the grand entrance – now an unusual holiday stay – is all that remains.
Featuring monumental work inspired by Vanbrugh, Sanmichele, and Ledoux, the House of Correction now boasts bright interiors for holidaymakers with a thirst for adventure. Fitted with warm wooden furniture across the home, the beautiful restoration serves as a mark that even the most intimidating places can turn into an interesting private stay for groups of 4.
The local Sleaford Farmers Market, which is located 15 minutes away from the House of Correction also opens on the first Saturday of each month, so you can find some of the best and freshest seasonal produce. This is perfect for guests with a knack for home-cooked food, as you’ll be able to utilise the full-sized kitchen that’s complete with a dishwasher at this unusual stay.
Aimed to be a home away from home, the House of Correction is cared for by The Landmark Trust, a building conservation charity that selectively restores historic buildings and turns them into unusual holiday stays. What’s more, it’s also a rare accommodation that welcomes furry travel companions, so you can finally bring your dogs along on this fun vacation!
Climb atop a converted oil rig in Mabul Island, Malaysia
If you’re looking for an unusual holiday stay without having to go too far, why not book a trip to Mabul Island in Sabah? And while you’re at it, we’ll bet you’ve never imagined staying at a decommissioned oil rig that sits in the heart of the Celeb Sea. Located 30 minutes away from Sipadan via daily boat shuttles, this repurposed oil rig doesn’t just tick the requirements of being one of the most fun and unusual accommodations, but it’s also a diver’s paradise.
With a house reef set just under the rig, water lovers are free to jump in for a dive at any time for the duration of their stay. Mabul Island’s diverse macro life makes this a truly memorable experience, especially for travellers who want to get up close and personal with marine life.
Outside the rig, guests are welcome to take daily excursions to Sipadan Island. Renowned for its unique underwater landscapes, diving on Sipadan Island is usually restricted. However, the team that runs the repurposed oil rig can facilitate permit applications for those who wish to get in the water. This gives guests the freedom to take two dives a day on Sipadan Island itself and is an extra service offered to anyone who has a booking at the oil rig for a minimum of 4 days.
Additionally, the oil rig itself has been converted into a unique holiday stay, complete with air-conditioned rooms and fun amenities such as a karaoke lounge, pool tables, and a movie room. This makes the stay perfect for families or group escapades and could possibly be one of the most fun and unusual accommodations to stay at while travelling.
Stay the night on a charming junk boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Located just 2 hours away from Hanoi is the beautiful Hạ Long Bay, a destination that’s become increasingly popular for many to visit. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Hạ Long Bay loosely translates to the “Dragon Descending to the Sea”. Featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets of various shapes and sizes protruding from the bay’s emerald waters, Hạ Long Bay is exceptionally known for its calm scenery.
Photo by Dwayne Dixon on Unsplash
But while many tourists often see the bay as a day-trip destination, we highly recommend staying the night to fully take in the views it has to offer throughout the day. This is why the 4-day, 3-night Hanoi – Halong Bay excursion by Holiday Tours offers an unforgettable night’s stay aboard a charming junk boat at Hạ Long Bay as a part of its itinerary.
Together with our travel specialists, you’ll be welcomed onboard by noon and enjoy a slow cruise down the body of water. It’s a scenic journey to help you detach from the hustle and bustle of city life, and is accompanied by a fresh seafood lunch. As the junk boat cruises by the caves, islands, and even a floating fishing village, you’ll find yourself perfectly relaxed and ready to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Day then melts into night, where a scrumptious meal onboard awaits. You can then choose from a selection of activities, such as board games or squid fishing to keep yourself entertained after dinner. Taking a moment to simply unwind while listening to the still waters is also a favourite among guests.
This unusual holiday stay then continues into the next day, where a delightful selection of cakes, fruits, and tea or coffee is available for breakfast. However, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the unforgettable sunrise at the bay, so be sure to wake up earlier to catch this sight. Your trip onboard this charismatic junk boat ends with a delicious brunch before returning to lively Hanoi.
Live out a bookworm’s dream by sleeping in a bookstore in Paris, France
For avid readers and aspiring writers, being able to fall asleep in a bookstore and wake up while being surrounded by stacks of books is a true fairytale. Well, over at Shakespeare and Company in Paris, this dream can come true! Nestled in the 5th arrondissement and overlooking the historic Notre Dame de Paris, this English bookstore opened in 1951 is a pioneer in a unique programme known as Tumbleweeding.
Photo by San Nguyen on Unsplash
Open to aspiring writers seeking a temporary place to call home, Shakespeare and Company has proudly continued this tradition since its doors opened. Successful applicants will have access to a studio with an ensuite bathroom and are free to browse through every book within the store for literary inspiration.
Initiated by the owner of the store, George Whitman, Tumbleweeding is typically offered free of charge. Writers are welcome to stay anywhere between one week and a maximum of a full month. In return, guests are asked to help out with weekly in-store events, if any. They’re also requested to leave behind a one-page autobiography of themselves for the store’s archives.
Of course, while this is considered one of the most unusual accommodations when travelling, it’s a fantastically unique stay, especially for those looking for creative inspiration as they explore the world. More ground rules do apply later on, and you will be reminded during the application process.
Wake to the sights of the Aegean Sea from a windmill in Santorini, Greece
Widely considered one of the most romantic destinations around the world, the little island of Santorini is a must-visit when you’re travelling with your partner. And to make it more memorable, why not turn your lovers’ escapade into an unusual holiday stay by booking a room in a repurposed windmill?
The accommodation is set between the beautiful village of Oia and Fira, with its unmissable white-washed structure overlooking the island of Santorini. It also offers an undisturbed panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, with sights of the sunrise being one of the best highlights of the stay. Spread across three storeys, each windmill offers a luxurious stay that blends the charm of old and new Greek architecture. What makes it truly unique is how the beds, bathrooms, and staircases are built into the walls of the windmill, leaving the original curves of the building intact for guests to enjoy.
Each of these unusual accommodations offers a private pool and jacuzzi for your midnight soaks as well as a terrace, so you can sit back and relax to the gentle sea breeze that’s especially comfortable at sunset. If you’d prefer to explore some of the best beaches around the island, however, we highly recommend visiting the isolated Pori Beach that’s known for its unusual black sand.
Open annually between May and October, these windmill villas are also great for family trips or group holidays as they can accommodate up to 5 guests per structure.
Say goodnight to the skies while on a crane in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
When you happen to visit Amsterdam, you’ll want to make your way to the Amsterdam-Noord area, where the NDSM wharf can be found. Recognised as a shipyard, the area has been turned into a trendy spot flanked with cosy restaurants and underground art scenes. But beyond these sights is one of the most iconic and unusual accommodations you’ll find in the city: A decommissioned crane-turned-hotel.
Standing at 55 meters, this massive steel structure overlooks the river IJ and the beautiful city of Amsterdam with an unobstructed 360-degree view. Offering just three suites that are nestled on top of the crane, this unusual holiday stay is a unique find, especially for those who want to be close to the city’s energy yet far from the noise for a peaceful night’s sleep.
To fully benefit from this unusual holiday stay, you’ll want to try booking it for several evenings. This is because the structure is designed to rotate with the wind, alleviating the wind load on the crane. For guests, this could mean you’ll fall asleep and wake up to different views of the city, depending on the direction of the wind on the day.
Furthermore, the crane hotel also has a rooftop bathtub that you can book for a fee. This makes for a must-try experience for many, because who would have ever thought to have an outdoor soak while on a crane? Lifts are fitted to ferry guests up to their rooms, so you wouldn’t have to worry if you’re not a fan of stairs. Do note, however, that the lifts may be limited by space constraints. This is due to the structural build-up of the crane, so you may need to take multiple trips should you arrive with large suitcases to experience this unusual holiday stay.
Dream under the stars in a luxury tent at Yulara, Australia
Tucked away in the spiritual heartland of Yulara are fifteen exclusive luxury tents, a most unusual holiday stay especially for holiday seekers looking to leave behind the stresses of city life. Together with Virtuoso Tours, our team is excited to recommend Longitude 131°, a sanctuary located just a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Each tent offers unparalleled views of Uluru straight from your bed, allowing you to fall asleep to the stars and wake to nature’s best.
Travellers who book with Virtuoso Tours will also enjoy an early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), maximising your vacation moments within the resort. Outside your tents, adventurous guests can take their time to explore the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park or opt for a relaxing drink by the convivial open bar at the Dune House of Longitude 131°.
Paired with an adults-only ruling, this all-inclusive resort is great for couples who want to enjoy time away from their little ones or even if you’re just looking for an escapade to pop the question to your other half. And as the only member agency of Virtuoso in Malaysia, Holiday Tours is proud to bring the experience of this luxurious yet unusual accommodation to you.
Fly into the night on the world’s only Boeing 737 villa in Bali, Indonesia
Photo by Antonio Araujo on Unsplash
While sleeping on a plane when you’re travelling seems like the norm, what would it feel like if you climbed onto a repurposed Boeing 737 and called it home for a night or two? Perched atop a cliff in South Kuta of Bali, this private jet villa sure takes the cake for a fun and unusual accommodation to stay at while travelling.
Overlooking the Nyang Nyang Beach, this unusual holiday stay is every aviation lover’s dream. Inside, you’ll find an intimate space for up to 4 guests to put up the night as well as relaxing spots as reading corners, dining areas, and more. The wing of the aircraft has also been cleverly repurposed into a lounging space where a panoramic view of the sea awaits. It’s a spectacular space to soak in the sunset or to sip on the best coffee the villa has to offer at sunrise.
Attached to the villa is a private infinity pool that seemingly merges with the sea, creating a luxurious experience that you’re bound to remember for years to come. However, the villa does impose a 12-and-up guest policy, making it less suitable for family holidays.
Well, which unusual holiday stay will you want to experience first? If you’re looking to create memories without the hassle, then be sure to speak to our holiday advisors, and we’ll gladly help find some of the most fun and unusual accommodations to stay while travelling for you!