---
title: "Sleeping underwater and among elephants: the world's most unusual hotels worth traveling for"
description: "Travel is changing: now hotels become the main goal of the trip. 🌍✨ From underwater rooms in the Maldives to ice hotels in Sweden and transparent domes among elephants in Thailand — a selection of the most unusual places to stay where nature meets architecture. 🐘🧊🐠"
date: 2026-08-03T13:10:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sleeping-underwater-and-among-elephants-the-worlds-most-unusual-hotels-worth-traveling-for
tags: [travel, hotels, sweden, maldives, thailand]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Sleeping underwater and among elephants: the world's most unusual hotels worth traveling for

![Transparent bubble tents in the jungle with a view of elephants near the hotel's wooden terrace](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/03/neobychnye-oteli-mira-pod-vodoy-sredi-slonov-i-iz-lyada/neobychnye-oteli-mira-pod-vodoy-sredi-slonov-i-iz-lyada-1.webp)

Modern tourism has undergone significant changes: for many travelers, the choice of a vacation spot is no longer limited to just a comfortable room. Increasingly, the unique concept of the hotel itself becomes the main goal of the trip. From cabins hidden in the tree canopy to apartments beneath the ocean depths, the hospitality industry offers impressive scenarios where comfort combines with extreme emotions.

The Wave RBC.UA selection includes hotels that have become true global brands thanks to their architectural boldness and unique locations.

### Swedish Lapland: art in the trees

In the forests of Swedish Lapland lies a hotel where rooms resemble objects of modern art. Here, you can stay in a mirrored cube, settle into a "bird's nest," or choose apartments shaped like a flying saucer. Modern wooden houses, organically integrated into the pine forest, are also available. This project attracts those who strive for unity with nature but are not ready to give up modern conveniences.

### Maldives: life underwater

For those who dreamed of seeing the ocean from their bedroom window, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was created. This is one of the most famous hotels in the Maldives, located on two natural islands connected by a bridge. The hotel's uniqueness lies in its underwater rooms, where guests can observe fish, rays, and coral reefs without leaving their beds. Even during meals, a transparent acrylic dome offers a view of marine inhabitants, including reef sharks.

### Ice palaces: Sweden and Canada

Winter travel in Scandinavia is associated with glass igloos offering views of the Northern Lights. However, a more radical experience is offered by ice hotels. In Sweden, a hotel made of snow and ice harvested from the Torne River is built annually. Artists from around the world work on the interiors, so the hotel looks different every season. Furniture, the bar counter, and decorative elements are also made of ice. In spring, the structure gradually melts, returning to the river — this is an integral part of the concept.

A similar format of leisure is offered by Canada. The famous ice hotel here opens only during the winter season. Guests can spend the night in a room with snow walls, visit an ice bar, or even get married in a chapel carved from ice.

### Thailand: bubbles among elephants

In Thailand, in the area where the borders of three countries — Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar — meet, lies the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. The hotel is located in a secluded spot amidst tropical jungles. Guests can spend the night in transparent spherical tents ("bubbles") installed on platforms. The feature of this resort is the opportunity to observe elephants that roam freely nearby. This format of leisure allows you to combine comfort with close contact with wildlife.

### Spain: Frank Gehry architecture

In the Rioja wine region (Spain) is located a hotel that has become an architectural monument. The building was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry. It is easily recognizable by its wavy roof, consisting of metal strips in pink, gold, and silver colors. This place attracts lovers of art and wine, offering a unique visual experience in the heart of Spanish nature.