Muraka Underwater Hotel Suite

Forget over the water bungalows. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort is flipping the script with the first underwater villa. Like sleeping in a fish tank, the Muraka is housed in a glass dome sitting 16-feet below the Indian Ocean. Turquoise water surrounds the bedroom, living area, and bathroom allowing you to gaze at the aquatic life as they swim by. Head to the surface and catch the sunset from the additional living room, bedrooms, and infinity pool. Continue the underwater theme with dinner at Ithaa — the resort's submerged restaurant — or opt for one of their other 11 eateries. The property also offers a range of other villas and suites, as well as two spas, three pools, and a wide variety of water sports.

House on Mount Maigmo

Built from natural stone and concrete, the House on Mount Maigmo is a partially sunken, mostly hidden abode. A tunnel-like main volume connects the front and rear of the house, framing views of the titular hill on the former and the 16th-century Tibi reservoir on the latter. The hallway-like space holds the kitchen and dining areas, while a small staircase to one side connects with the bedroom and airy bathroom.

Photos: Milena Villalba / NoName29

Form Hotel Dubai

No matter where you are, there a few ingredients shared among great hotel experiences: a comfortable bed, a big TV, speedy WiFi, a tasty breakfast, and a great shower. At the Form Hotel Dubai, your stay starts with those amenities and goes from there. Via their weForm program, you can add anything from babysitting service to a safari or skydiving to your stay. The guestrooms are tastefully appointed with clean, modern furnishings, pour-over coffee, and a walk-in rain shower, and you'll also find multiple eateries, a rooftop pool, gym, and collaboration space on-site.

Cornelia Tiny House

Inspired by the bestselling author Cornelia Funke, New Frontier has designed a tiny home to bring out your inner novelist. The 204 square-foot interior has a rustic warmth with stained wood panels and reclaimed floor. Celestial windows and a glazed front facade fill the small space with natural light and inspiring views of your surroundings. A lofted bedroom allows for a kitchenette and a bathroom below while a folding desk and shelving transform the spacious living area into a personal writing studio and library.

Neal Beckstedt Studio

By infusing modern residential design into a functional office space, Neal Beckstedt has created a studio that would make you excited to go to work. The open room is organized around an oversized custom walnut table. Its central location makes it ideal for team conferences and client meetings. A row of large hot-rolled steel and plywood desks form workstations while vintage flat files and black melamine cabinetry store material samples. Like the interior designer's work, the light-filled space is finished with neutral tones and shades of gray, promoting his signature warm brand of modernism.

Photos: Eric Piasecki / Neal Beckstedt Studio

Ancaster Creek House

Housed in a contemporary shell, the Ancaster Creek House reworks the traditional house plan to accommodate a multi-generational family. The L-shaped structure runs along a stream in Ontario. Its ground floor is dedicated to the parent's suite. Organized like an apartment, the unit offers a kitchenette and living area that are equipped with special features that adapt to memory loss while separate bedroom can serve both guests or a live-in nurse. A sculpted wooden staircase leads to the homeowner's quarters housing a master suite, sitting room, and an office. On the opposite wing, the main living, kitchen, and dining room area wraps around a central courtyard created by the two intersecting volumes. Clad in floor-to-ceiling glazing, this communal space looks out onto the landscape, highlighting a single tree and the neighboring stream.

Photos: Bob Gundu / Williamson Williamson

Ranwu Lake Campsite

Although you can camp at the Ranwu Lake Campsite, you're going to want to take advantage of the waterfront rooms. The remote retreat is located on 70 acres in the mountains of Tibet. Set on a foundation of stilts, eight individual structures extend out toward the lakeshore like independent hotels. Each one offers a secluded getaway with floor to ceiling glazing and private balconies that overlook the surrounding landscape. While the property also has tent camping and parking for RVs, the main building houses services for travelers and guests with an information center, snack bar, coffee, authentic Chinese good, barbecue buffet, and tea bar. From here, a long platform stretches out to a lakeside terrace providing a prime outlet for viewing the pristine scenery.

Photos: Arch-exist Photography

Mikkeli Wave House

Taking design cues from boats and airplanes, the Mikkeli Wave House completely reimagines the classic log home. A mixture of wood and steel form a unique curved design. The front elevation is clad in Finnish spruce while the rear opens up to the landscape with a glass facade. Exposed logs and beams are reminiscent of traditional cabin interiors but are modernized with a whitewash. Encased in glass, the main living area opens out to an expansive deck. Overlooking the water, the oversized roof extends over the terrace and hot tub creating a sheltered outdoor space to take in the views.

Photos: Hans Koistinen / Architect Seppo Mäntylä

Casa Hualle

Sited on a grassy plot near the Villarrica volcano in Chile, the Casa Hualle draws inspiration from its active neighbor with a dark timber cladding. The simple volume takes on a geometric silhouette with a folded roofline. Covered in a charcoal-washed verticle siding, the exterior stands out from the rustic landscape while also nodding to the region's vernacular architecture. Inside, washed plywood panels line the interior. The minimal palette acts as a backdrop for strategically placed windows that frame in the dramatic landscape surrounding the property.

Photos: Felipe Fontecilla, Javier Ampuero / Ampuero Yutronic

Audemars Piguet Hotel des Horlogers

Ski resorts are usually located near the best slopes but the Audemars Piguet Hotel des Horlogers is actually made from one. The structure is comprised of five tiered volumes tucked into a Swiss hillside. Topped with a continuous zig-zag, guest will be able to ski down the sloping rooftops to the nearby trails as well as the luxury watchmaker's museum. Inside, a single hall will join the 50 rooms while a bar, spa, and restaurant with valley views will be housed below.

Photos: Bjarke Ingels Group

Jackson House

Copper, concrete, glass, and timber form this contemporary retreat in Big Sur. Situated at the base of a canyon, the Jackson House sits on a foundation of stilts, appearing to hover over the landscape in an effort to keep the site intact. The structure is comprised of four main volumes, each clad in a different material. They are topped with an oversized butterfly roof that extends out over the structure, creating covered terraces around the perimeter. Aside from private bedrooms, the interior was left mostly open for communal gathers. Corners are fitted with double-height glazing offering a unique outlook to the surrounding canyon views.

Photos: Richard Barnes / Fougeron Architecture

Pedras Salgadas Park

Situated in a spa town in northern Portugal, the Pedras Salgadas Park incorporates itself into a centuries-old forest. The resort is made up of 13 eco-houses, two tree houses, and a cottage. Each one was prefabricated and then assembled on site, not to disrupt the ancient trees. Housed in a modern shell, the accommodations provide guests one to two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchenettes, and plentiful glazing to take in the surrounding landscape. The property is also home to a thermal spa. Using water from the mineral springs, the renovated facility offers an indoor pool, a sauna, and a Turkish bath which may be needed after a day on their suspended obstacle course.

Photos: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG / Pedras Salgadas Park

Swallowfield Barn

Surrounded by the gardens, orchards, and pastures of a small hobby farm in British Columbia, the Swallowfield Barn reimagines traditional rural outbuildings. The new structure resembles a classic barn with its simple form and vertical timber cladding, while its offset gabled roof gives it a modern appeal. A workshop is housed on the ground floor and also welcomes the resident flocks and herds. Above, a hayloft provides storage for the farm's fodder and also acts as a gathering place for the family to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Photos: Ema Peter Photography / MOTIV Architects

Trout Lake House

Posted on a 40-acre plot running along the banks of the White Salmon River, the Trout Lake House takes inspiration from local farm buildings. The home is comprised of four gabled structures with a detached studio in one and the remaining three containing the main house, a workshop, and a carport. Locally milled timber and metal roofing has been weathered and rusted to give the exteriors an agricultural appearance. Inside, a minimal palette of plywood, concrete, and steel make up the modern interior. Designed for a painter and photographer that specialize in landscapes, large bi-fold doors open each unite up to the outdoors, connecting the artists to their subject.

Photos: Jeremy Bittermann / Olson Kundig

Finn Lough Bubble Domes

Made from 180-degree transparent walls, the Finn Lough Bubble Domes keep the Northern Ireland landscape in full view long after you turn in for the night. The balloon-like retreats are located in a 50-acre forest on the remote peninsula of Aghnablaney. Totally immersed in the surrounding nature, each one features cozy cabin amenities with custom four-poster beds, ensuite bathrooms, private sitting area, and soft robes. But unlike traditional lodging, the crystal clear shell allows you to sip your morning espresso with the sunrise or gaze at the stars as you fall asleep, all without leaving the comfort of your tiny bubble.

Dor Holiday Bungalows

Looking toward the sea on the northern coast of Israel, the Dor Holiday Bungalows add intimate accommodations to a beachside complex. The timber cabins were prefabricated off-site and placed on a concrete foundation. Interiors offer a living area, kitchen, and hot tub with either private bedrooms for families or an completely open space. Glazed sliding doors allow in natural light while also opening out to a private deck. Protected by a wooden pergola, each outdoor balcony overlooks the property's gardens and the ocean in the distance.

Photos: Albert Adot / Ron Shenkin Architecture

Grasshopper Studio

An architect and landscape designer become their own clients for the Grasshopper Studio. The husband-wife team expands their 1940s Seattle home. In an effort to preserve the main house's modest footprint, the new structure is located along the lot's rear alley. Its open floorplan creates a versatile space, allowing it to function as a guesthouse, workspace, or playroom. The two buildings are connected by a covered walkway, creating a central courtyard. Inspired by ancient Chinese housing, this paved terrace offers a protected outdoor area for dining and entertaining beneath a single Silk tree.

Photos: Nic Lehoux / Wittman Estes

Villa Lotus

When your idea of a getaway includes a remote location and impeccably designed digs, look no further than Villa Lotus. The three-bedroom stone and concrete home is situated on a hillside in Morocco's Essaouira. The natural facade is left exposed on the interior and framed with rough-cut timber beams. Although it's enveloped in rustic materials, the inside is adorned with a mix of contemporary artwork and iconic mid-century modern furniture. The whole thing is wrapped around a central courtyard where an L-shaped swimming pool offers views reaching the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

Photos: Le Collectionist

House of Many Worlds

Extending on a family home in Norway, the House of Many Worlds welcomes a birch-lined addition. The majority of the room is occupied by a dining room although built-in shelving creates a workspace on the opposite end. Above, a loft encased in metal screens offers a hideout for reading and relaxing. Natural light floods the new space courtesy of large glazed openings in the walls and ceiling. Paired with the pale plywood casing, the interior takes on a bright, minimalist aesthetic. Black finishes in the kitchen and window bench provide a dark contrast while also reflecting the exteriors blackened timber cladding.

Photos: Ivan Brodey & Kaia Brænne / Austigard Architecture

Relax Park Verholy

In a remote pine forest in Ukraine's Poltava region, the Relax Park Verholy has added a series of minimalist guest houses to their accommodations. The cottages were prefabricated and perched on stilts to ensure the landscape remained intact. They're clad in timber to blend in with the neighboring bark while mirrored glass reflects the surrounding trunks. From the inside, the glazing frames in views of the forest floor. Interiors are finished in warm wood planks and offer a secluded room with a double bed, shower cabin, sitting area with TV, and private outdoor terrace.

Photos: Andre Avdeenko / Relax Park Verholy

Headland House

Sitting on a 150-acre site on the Australian coast, the Headland House is formed to take advantage of both of its impressive landscapes. The home is built on a slope where the Illawarra Range runs into the sea. Its contemporary exterior is clad in a mix of metal, wood, stone, and concrete, a material palette that complements the rustic scenery. A series of angled structures are organized around a courtyard with a swimming pool, sheltering it from the harsh winds. Large sliding glass doors create a seamless connection between the main living area and the outdoor space. On either end of the home, a pair of cantilever volumes extends out over the hillside. Capped with floor to ceiling glazing, each one is positioned to capture its own unique view of Werri Beach and the property's expansive pastures.

Photos: Michael Nicholson / Atelier-Andy Carson

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana

Now that relations are starting to improve with Cuba, so are the accommodations. Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana has beaten everyone to the punch by becoming the island nation's first 5-star hotel. Located in Old Havana, the resort is housed in a 100-year old European-style shopping arcade. The 246 guestrooms overlook the historic city while some even offer balconies. The rooftop is a hub for activities offering a pool and a restaurant with expansive views of the Capitol and the Great Theater of Havana. But the main attraction is their tobacco lounge which pairs the country's two specialties — cigars and rum.

Copenhagen Waterfall

Designed to coincide with the Paper Island development, the Copenhagen Waterfall will add an aquatic center to the city's harbor area. The proposed building's distinct roofline will mimic the same profile as the port's current project, also devised by COBE. On the inside, a large public space filled with a series of different pools and saunas will dominate the facility. The namesake feature — a continuous waterfall — will flow through the interior, connecting the different activities.

Photos: COBE / Bjarke Ingels Group

Trunk Hotel

Located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, the Trunk Hotel is an ode to its fashionable neighborhood. The hotel has a strong emphasis on local goods. Everything from the custom-made furniture to the coffee served at in the lounge is made in Japan. Throughout the 15 guest rooms, you'll find beds made from reclaimed wood, minibars stocked with Shibuya snacks and drinks, and local artwork on the walls. No two rooms are alike, meaning every stay will be unique. There are two ways to dine — the Kitchen, serving Japanese fusion, and Kushi, which specializes in Shibuya soul food. The property also offers a store selling a carefully curated selection of goods from around the area. Although the hotel brings the best of the district right to you, a selection of upcycled bikes is available to go out and experience it for yourself.

Olive and Stone Residence

Built on a hillside in Greece's Panorama village, the Olive and Stone Residence uses a series of verandas to take advantage of the surrounding landscape. The concrete and stone structure is located in an olive grove. Varying widths and depths of the home create openings in the exterior. These gaps are filled in with multiple terraces, offering panoramic views of the mountains to the north and Corinthian Bay to the south. Additional cantilever decks provide shelter from the sun and wind while looking out onto the sea.

Photos: Pygmalion Karatzas

Serralves House

Clean and minimal, the Serralves House brings simplicity to the forefront. A sleek concrete cube forms the home's exterior. Like a cement fortress, there are only two entrances to the inside — through the garage and the garden. Openings have been left to a minimum, giving the structure a monolithic presence. The interior is divided into two level with the main living area on the ground floor and the bedrooms above. It follows the same restricted palette with bare, white walls and hardwood floors. Unlike the front, the rear is fitted with large openings allowing in natural light and views of the backyard.

Photos: Nelson Garrido / João Vieira de Campos