Best New Places for Travelers to Stay in 2019: Unique Global Accommodations
Discover extraordinary stays in bubbles, yurts, hostels, boutique city hotels, or remote luxury lodges. In 2019, travelers gained access to a world of innovative and memorable accommodations.
Arctic Bath, Sweden
Looking like a massive stack of logs ready to ignite, this striking ring floats on the Lule River in Swedish Lapland. It houses a chilled ice bath (4°C), relaxation areas, and saunas. Six modern cabins on the shore complete this Scandinavian paradise.
Arctic Bath operates year-round, floating in summer and anchored by ice in winter.
Amanyangyun, China
To save a ancient camphor forest and Ming- and Qing-dynasty village in Fuzhou from a reservoir, Aman Resorts relocated 10,000 trees and historic buildings 700km to Shanghai's outskirts. This stunning 10-hectare retreat blends heritage with luxury.
Suites start at ¥6000 (US$950) per night. Amenities include a spa, cultural center, kids’ club, and restaurants.
Ideal Eco-Hostel, Paraguay
Stay sustainably at this eco-hostel in Pilar, run by award-winning NGO Para La Tierra. It protects habitats through research, education, and community work. Proceeds fund conservation, and guests can volunteer on biodiversity projects.
Dorm beds from 70,000G (US$14); doubles from 150,000G (US$30) per night.
Thurgau Bubble Hotel, Switzerland
Transparent bubbles in Thurgau's countryside offer minimalist bliss, with beds seeming to float amid nature. Gaze at starry skies and wake to vineyards, orchards, lakes, or gardens. Three are fixed; one rotates seasonally.
Rates start at CHF95 (US$98) per person, including breakfast and bike rental.
Blackadore Caye, Belize
Leonardo DiCaprio's eco-resort runs on renewables, rainwater, and solar power. It regenerates marine and onshore ecosystems while prioritizing guest wellness on this private Caribbean island.
Half the island becomes a wildlife reserve with a climate research station.
White City House, England
Soho House revitalizes London's former BBC Television Centre in White City with 45 boutique rooms in the iconic Grade II-listed Helios building, plus a rooftop pool and club spaces.
Part of a larger redevelopment with cinema, health club, and residences.
Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda
Perfectly positioned near Volcanoes National Park, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in the Virunga foothills offers comfort and access to Rwanda's mountain gorillas, far surpassing David Attenborough's field experiences.
Ideal base for gorilla trekking in the famed Gorillas in the Mist region.
The Siren Hotel, Detroit, USA
Detroit's revival shines at this 106-room boutique hotel in the restored 1926 Wurlitzer building. Enjoy reborn elegance with modern flair. The QLine streetcar links to galleries and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Rooms from US$139 per night.
The Tasman, Hobart, Australia
Opening June 3, 2019, this luxury hotel transforms heritage sites like 1800s St. Mary’s Hospital with Georgian charm, contemporary art, and sleek glass-and-steel designs.
Steps from Hobart's harbor, Franklin Square, and Parliament Square.
Eki Chat Yurt Camp, Kyrgyzstan
This community-led yurt camp in Eki Chat valley supports eco-tourism in Ak-Suu. It's a launchpad for trekking and biking, promoting economic and environmental sustainability.
Jyrgalan town is 9km away (hike). Nights with breakfast: 700som (US$10) per person.
