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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Joshua Tree Homesteader Cabin

On the grid but off the pavement. That's how the owners describe the Joshua Tree Homesteader Cabin. Accessed by a dirt road, the home is surrounded by five acres of desert giving you the feel of a remote getaway while still being just a few minutes from downtown. Don't let the original 1955 green paint fool you. The exterior's patina may give off the impression of a forgotten shack, but the interior has been restored to perfection. It contains all the essentials like a full kitchen, queen bed, wifi, air conditioning, and an outdoor, roofless shower. The national park, as well as other major attractions, are just a short drive away but the best entertainment will be watching the local cottontail rabbits and desert tortoises right from the covered porch.

Photos: Airbnb

The Resort at Paws Up

Although it may be located on a working cattle ranch, you won't be treated like a farmhand at The Resort at Paws Up. The property is the luxurious way to experience the Montana wilderness with their high-end tents and wilderness estates. Set along Blackfoot River, the safari-style canvas shelters barely qualify as a tent with hardwood floors, fine linens, ensuite bathrooms with heated slate floors, and a camping butler. While they're hardly roughing it, there's also a range of private homes. Each of the ranch-style houses comes with vaulted great rooms, full kitchens, and three master suites. After exploring the ranch's 37,000 acres of ATV or horseback, the Dining Pavilion will refuel you with it's refined rustic fare or you can eat your dinner on the banks of the river after an authentic horse-drawn wagon ride. Dessert is served fireside where a s'moreologist — yes, it's a real thing — helps you roast the perfect marshmallow treat.

The Bear Stand Retreat

Modern, remote, and completely immersed in nature, The Bear Stand Retreat is everything you want in a rural getaway. The house is located on a 100-acre site along the shores of Ontario's Contau Lake. Clad in cedar siding and blackened fiber cement, the contemporary residence blends into the surrounding forest. The fir-lined interior covers sleeping for 12 throughout the four bedrooms while an open living room is arranged around a fireplace made from locally-sourced granite. On the exterior, private sauna, ofuro soaking tub, and hot tub offer a place to relax after a long hike of the property's private network of trails.

Photos: Nic Lehoux

Rolling Huts

Enjoy all the natural beauty of camping with none of the hassles by staying at Rolling Huts. Located in Washington's Methow Valley, the "herd" consists of six modern huts designed by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle. The minimalist plywood interiors offer a fridge, microwave, fireplace, Wi-Fi, and a sleeping platform for two. The property has access to nearby activities like hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, skiing, dog sledding, golfing, fly fishing, winery visits, and balloon tours or you could just kick back and enjoy the fantastic views of the Cascades — totally up to you.

Revier Mountain Lodge

Set along the shores of Lake Heidsee in Lenzerheide, the Revier Mountain Lodge lets you live the van life without with hotel amenities. The 96 rooms are individual modules inspired by the idea of sleeping in a VW bus. Lined with spruce planks, each unit offers a wall-to-wall bed and a glazed wall that mimics a lifted tailgate overlooking the water. The heart of the property is the restaurant and bar. Here, Mediterranean fare is served along with live music and 20 different craft beers. Just a few steps outside the door is the Rothorn cable car, providing easy access to the slopes of the Parpaner Rothorn.

Photos: Marc Lins

Surfrider Malibu Hotel

Reclaimed floors, custom furniture, and hand-painted tiles have transformed a 1950s Pacific Coast Highway motel into the Surfrider Malibu Hotel. Stepping through the front door is more like walking into a California beach house. The airy atmosphere continues in each of the 20 rooms with white shiplap walls and teak beds dressed in Bellino linens. Guest can snack on local goodies from the mini bar in Parachute robes or relax on the outdoor terrace. A private rooftop deck serves California-inspired food and drinks with full views of the Pacific coast. To take full advantage of its ocean-side setting, custom surfboards are available onsite.

Montana Treehouse Retreat

Nestled on seven wooded acres at the gateway to the Glacier National Park, the Montana Treehouse Retreat reimagines our childhood hideout. A spiral staircase leads to the two-story cabin. Perched on two live trees, the interior consists of a full kitchen, a living space, and a master suite arranged around the trunks. Each level opens out to an exterior deck overlooking the forest setting. While the house is an adventure of its own, the nearby Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and Flathead Lake can add a host of other activities to the agenda.

Panorama Glass Lodge

Located by the Greenland sea just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, the Panorama Glass Lodge lets you sleep in complete comfort without obstructing the view of the sky. The bedroom area of this accommodation for two is encased entirely in glass, and its remote location offers a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights. There's also a two-person hot tub next to the lodge, a small kitchen with electric stove, toaster, and fridge, and a rain shower in the bathroom, as well as near-total privacy for you and whomever you bring along.

Field of Dreams House

The iconic Field of Dreams House is already one of the most visited movie sites of all time. Now, the experience is going one step farther. The set was built on the Lansing family farm in Dyersville, Iowa for the 1989 classic. Once filming wrapped, the family kept the field just as it was and fans of the movie have flocked to it ever since. After 30 years, you can finally spend a night in the old farmhouse. Your stay includes a commemorative baseball, a copy of the film, and actor Dwier Brown's book. You can even get the chance to do your best Ray Kinsella with a picnic dinner on centerfield.

NoMad Los Angeles

Like its sister hotel, the NoMad Los Angeles is stationed in a historic landmark. The building was first constructed in the 1920s as the former headquarters for The Bank of Italy. Greatly influenced by its Italian heritage, the original gold and blue Italianate lobby ceiling was restored and acts as inspiration for the rest of the hotel. Each of the 241 rooms and suites complements the European architecture with custom furniture, curated artwork, marble desks, and Terrazzo-floored walk-in showers. Even more integral to the hotel are the restaurants. Helmed by chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara, the Mezzanine offers a formal dining experience while The Lobby below serves more casual, daily fare. The property is also host to a cocktail bar, cafe, as well as rooftop pool lounge with expansive views of the city's skyline.

Ecocamp Patagonia

Mountains. Glaciers. Lakes. Located in Torres del Paine National Park, Ecocamp Patagonia is right in the heart of it all. The hotel is comprised of multiple sustainable geodesic domes, nestled in the surrounding wilderness. Get the hostel experience with a shared room but opt for one of their upscale suites, and enjoy a private bath, wood-burning stove, and outdoor terrace. Either way, you still get full access to the camp's yoga and community domes where guests can gather at the bar and scarf down traditional Chilean fare. They also offer plenty of chances to get out and explore through tours, hikes, and wildlife safaris.

Sky Loft Sydney

Sitting above the harbor, Sky Loft Sydney puts you in the heart of Australia's largest cities. The three bedroom sub-penthouse offers a luxurious stay in the Darlinghurst suburb with an open living area featuring a chef's kitchen, two leather-seated lounge rooms, and dining for 12. Along with dark wood finishes, Carrara marble trims the interior found in both the waterfall island and the two ensuite bathrooms. Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs throughout the interior, affording views of the impressive cityscape, as well as the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sliding glass doors open every room out to an expansive balcony running the entire length of the apartment. With restaurants, shops, and cafes right outside your doorstep, its location is ideal for exploring the city.

Photos: Contemporary Hotels

Hotel Buhelwirt

Set on a hillside in South Tyrol, Italy, Hotel Buhelwirt is a compelling mix of old and new, relaxation and activity. The original building was recently renovated and expanded by Pedevilla Architects, adding 20 new rooms and suites, as well as a new sauna, relaxation zone, and dining room. The decor is minimal, with abundant natural wood that contrasts with the charred exterior, and the surrounding area offers plenty to do, including skiing, hiking, and rafting.

Hotel Sanders

Copenhagen is full of galleries, theaters, and historic architecture and Hotel Sanders will put you right at the center of it all. The hotel occupies three former townhouses across from the Royal Danish Theatre. Its interior keeps this heritage alive with a cozy atmosphere created by wood-burning fireplaces and vintage furniture. Inspired by luxury train cabins, their Coupe rooms are ideal for singles while the Master Bedroom provides a more homey stay with a separate lounge and walk-in showers. To get the most out of your stopover, the staff will curate a trip specifically for you with activities ranging from art lessons in the baroque sculptor garden to a private yoga session in the park.

Bawah Island Resort

Located on a small archipelago, the Bawah Island Resort is a remote paradise off the coast of southern Malaysia. The experience begins before you even reach the hotel. A car will pick you up in Singapore and take you to catch a ferry to the Batam airport. From there, you'll hop on a private plane and land right on the water. Accommodations include bamboo-made garden suites, beachfront villas, and over-the-water bungalows. With only 35 total, finding a private spot one of the 13 beaches won't be a problem. Once you've finished gawking at the surreal views, you can spend the rest of your time exploring the jungles and lagoons of the properties 5 untouched islands.

Myconian Avaton

Its traditional stone facade and rustic wood windows blend in with the local Cycladic architecture, but it's Myconian Avaton's contemporary design that sets it apart. The hotel is perched above Mykonos' Elia Beach, overlooking the Aegean Sea. WIth private terraces and expansive glazing, each of the 85 rooms is immersed in the landscape. Their interiors are furnished with a mix modern and vintage pieces for an overall appearance that, just like its setting, is both luxurious and inviting. An on-site restaurant caps off the experience, serving authentic cuisine made from local produce grown just for the hotel.

Photos: Design Hotels

Mink Campers

Iceland is covered in beautiful countryside. It's best enjoyed outside of your vehicle. Mink Campers gives you the chance to explore the landscape beyond the hotels and towns. The teardrop-style caravan has a powerful Webasto heater to keep you warm, a comfy queen-size mattress, Wi-Fi, a skylight and large side portholes, and a fully-equipped kitchen with a gas stove and Illuminated ice chest/cooler. It's available for rent with or without a vehicle.

Rooms Hotel Kazbegi

Tucked away in the Caucasus Mountain Range of northern Georgia, the Rooms Hotel Kazbegi reimagines a former Soviet resort. The old Brutalist building has been restored with a mix of warm woods and steel to create an alpine retreat that is both rustic and industrial. Each of the 155 guestrooms follows the same aesthetic while offering expansive views of the surrounding mountains. Speaking of the views, the dramatic scenery is on display in nearly every space from the sun terrace to the indoor pool. Local fare is served in the on-site restaurant and for dessert, the lobby lounge offers a curated menu of hand-rolled cigars.

Hotel Grands Boulevards

Accessed by a secret passageway, the Hotel Grands Boulevards is a mysterious getaway in the heart of Paris' bourgeois districts. Its housed in a historic building constructed just before the French Revolution. The ground floor contains the Grand Restaurant serving classic French-Italian country cooking. The 50 guestrooms pay homage to the building's origins with handmade canopy beds, glass cupboards, and red marble while also introducing modern touches like personal espresso machines and organic coffee.

Hotel Emiliano

Wedged between the city of Rio de Janeiro and Copacabana beach, the Hotel Emiliano offers the best of Brazil. The building is wrapped in perforated white screens. The oblong holes filter in the natural light while maintaining privacy for guests. Each of the 19 rooms features and airy atmosphere with soaking tubs and luxurious beds while a spa suite is equipped with a private sauna and personal massage room. The heartbeat of the hotel is on the rooftop. The open-air space houses a restaurant, wet deck, and glass-front infinity pool that affords views spanning across the coast from Leme to the Copacabana Fort.

Mökki Santara House

With its water views and thick forest setting, the Mökki Santara House is the ideal Finnish getaway. The cottage is located on the shores of lake Santara. Sitting on a single platform, it's comprised of two volumes — the main house and a sauna — joined by a large outdoor terrace. The picturesque Scandinavian interior offers sleeping for four plus a full kitchen, wood-burning stoves, and extensive views of the surrounding scenery. To get the most of the lakeside setting, a small deck extends over the water for swimming and fishing.

Photos: Carla Gertz