Istoria Hotel

Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Istoria Hotel feels more like an ancient Santorini estate than a contemporary resort. Plastered walls and volcanic stone are adorned with wood furnishings and mosaic tiles giving the 12-room retreat an authentic feel. Each suite offers a king-sized bed dressed in handcrafted textiles and a terrace with views of the volcanic sand beach and surrounding mountains, while some feature private pools and hot tubs. The property also houses a spa and restaurant headed by former Noma chef Alexandros Tsiotinis.

Olea Hotel

Surrounded by olive trees, verdant hillsides, and the Ionian Sea, the Olea Hotel emulates the Greek landscape with impressive results. The Zakynthos island resort sits in the middle of a 4,000-square-meter freeform pool. The lake-like waters flow throughout the property, connecting its restaurants, bars, and 93 suites. Guests can swim right up to their private balconies, offering views of either the gardens or the bay below. Inside, natural materials meet modern design for a calming atmosphere that is luxurious yet comfortable. The tranquil vibes lead guests to their on-site spa where treatments are paired with the relaxing aroma of Mediterranean herbs.

The Inn at Kenmore Hall

When the former head of J.Crew's menswear and an artist open a bed and breakfast, you get The Inn at Kenmore Hall. The five-bedroom hotel is housed in a 1792 Georgian estate, nestled on 20 wooded acres in the Berkshires. Each room is impeccably designed, fusing the home's historic architecture with a unique mix of antiques and mid-century modern pieces. From the wood-burning fireplaces to the personal collection of books and artwork, the cozy atmosphere feels more like you're a guest at the couple's home rather than paying patrons. For a more secluded stay, opt for the Carriage House Cottage. Located across the courtyard from the main house, the space offers its own living area, kitchenette, and a private porch to admire the surrounding orchards.

Morukuru Beach Lodge

Explore South Africa's coast at the Morukuru Beach Lodge. The oceanfront resort is located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve on the country's Western Cape. Its seaside setting offers a unique spin on the traditional African vacation offering rolling sand dunes and limestone cliffs. Instead of the usual bush expeditions, their coastal safari experiences and marine walks allow you to explore the area's fynbos and rock pools, opening your eyes to a new range of wildlife. When you're done scoping out the local Bontebok, you can retire to one of just five suites. The sleek rooms are fitted with walls of glass overlooking the Indian Ocean. Step out on the private balcony and you just might catch a glimpse of southern right whales with your morning coffee.

Virgin Hotel San Francisco

From their tech-savvy rooms to free uninhibited Wifi, the Virgin Hotel San Francisco is changing the boutique hotel game. Their 192 guest rooms are more than just impeccably designed suites with plush bedding. Although they are great looking, the Chambers, as they like to call them, are also highly functional. A sliding door divides the quarters into a dressing room and the sleeping lounge. The former features a Poliform-designed closet while the latter is fitted with a custom-made hybrid bed where you can order room service and control the thermostat via your smartphone. To top it all off, there's no charge for extra bandwidth. The hotel also features a restaurant, coffee shop, and rooftop bar overlooking the entire SoMa neighborhood.

Zero Real Estate

Situated along the Swiss Alps in the Toggenburg region, the Zero Real Estate pop-up hotel is as close to nature as it gets. The three open-air suites are nothing more than a double bed and two nightstands sitting on a wooden platform. Free off walls and roofs, the rooms are subject to sweeping views of the landscape including the Churfirsten mountain range, the Schwendi lakes, and the Rhine Valley. Fall asleep under the stars and get woken up by the sunrise for breakfast in bed. Each package comes with a one night stay, a backup room with for bad weather, and a butler. Reservations are being taken until September 1, 2018.

Nolla Cabin

Lightly sitting on the coast of Finland's Helsinki, the Nolla Cabin is the greatest example of zero emissions living. The plywood A-frame structure consists of a single room with two beds and a cooking station. A Wallas stove runs off of renewable diesel and electricity is provided by solar panels on the roof. WiFi is out but a wall of glass looking out over the sea provides all the entertainment you need. The tiny dwelling was built by renewable energy company Neste as part of their "Journey to Zero" campaign to promote a zero-waste lifestyle and its rent will be donated to The Ocean Cleanup.

Night at The Great Wall

Airbnb is offering up a one night stay at the most exclusive location on the globe — The Great Wall of China. Although it's packed daily with thousands of tourists, no one has ever spent the night at the ancient landmark. To become the first, enter their contest with an essay describing why it is more important now than ever to break down barriers between cultures in 550 characters or less. Winners will sleep in a custom built bedroom inside one of the wall's towers. The open-air room offers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape and the stars above. The experience also includes a sunset gourmet dinner inspired by Chinese culture, a sunrise hike, and a calligraphy lesson. House rules are as follows: Respect all 1.38 billion neighbors, do not disturb the ancient wall guards, and be sure to report any and all dragon sightings.

Soho House Amsterdam

Housed within the granite facade of a 1930s landmark building, the Soho House Amsterdam adds a privates members club to the Dutch capital. Its ground floor is open to the public, offering Cecconi's restaurant and Cowshed spa. The next three levels are reserved for the 79 guest rooms. Ranging from Tiny to Extra Large, the rooms embrace the building's art deco heritage by restoring the original wood paneling, stained glass windows, and mosaic tiles. Custom pieces, like the fabrics inspired by the windows in the staircase, compliment the vintage details. Above is the fitness center and screening room, while the fifth floor houses the member's club. To top it all off, literally, is a rooftop terrace. The outdoor space offers a pool and bar as well as panoramic views of the city and Singel Canal.

Ocean House

Floating on the water in British Columbia's Haida Gwaii archipelago, the Ocean House is an oasis for adventurers. The experience begins at the airport where guests are transported to the remote resort via helicopter. Inside the lodge, you'll find 12 luxurious rooms, a sauna, spa, and chef-run dining room. While the accommodations are exceptional, the rugged landscape will call you back outdoors. Their curated packages range from 3 to 7 nights and include guided hikes through the towering cedars, visits to ancient villages, and trips to the island's pristine beaches, all while learning about the culture of the Haida people.

The Landing

Just a short helicopter ride from Auckland, The Landing is a surreal getaway on New Zealand's Bay of Islands. The resort sits on 1,000 acres of beaches, vineyards, and wetlands. The natural landscape lends itself to a host of actives like fishing, hiking, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Accommodations come in the form of four individual residences. Each one is architecturally designed and offers complete seclusion and unique views of the pristine scenery. After settling in, the chef will take you on a tour through the on-site gardens and orchard where you can hand-select the produce to create your own farm-to-table menu. Your stay comes with full access to the entire property including the tennis court, basketball court, and gym as well as all the wine you can drink.

Hotel Herman K

After serving as an electrical transformer station for the last 50 years, a 1963 Copenhagen building gets repurposed as the Hotel Herman K. The exterior remains nearly untouched, sporting its original metal grid facade. Upon entry, a towering lobby bar also showcases the structure's industrial past with exposed concrete walls and the existing terrazzo stairs. These authentic details intermingle with elements of modern Scandinavia design to form the first five-star hotel for the Brøchner group. The ground floor is also home to an additional lounge and the Nordic-inspired gastronomy restaurant Roxie. Rooms range from Tiny to the Penthouse Suite, each offering custom-made beds, private balconies, marble encased bathrooms, and an all-inclusive minibar.

Photos: Brøchner Hotels

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

Although it's the smallest hotel in Paris, Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is also the most charming. The former family home is hidden within a 9,500-square-foot garden. Originally built in the 19th century, the residence now offers five individually designed suites adorned with ornate wallpapers, custom furniture, and velvet finishes. The property's newest additions are a restaurant The Chef and a lower level lounge Le Très Particulier. Both are head by Thibaut Spiwack and offer breakfast, dinner, tapas, and weekend brunch that can be enjoyed inside or out among the verdant surroundings.

Caldera House Alpine Club

Part boutique hotel and part members-only club, the Caldera House is the perfect place to hibernate this winter. The resort is situated in Teton Village at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Its prime, slope-front location makes it an epicenter for winter activities like heli-skiing and dog sledding. Their on-site gear shop The Mudroom will equip you for any adventure and with their ski-in/ ski-out facility, they all begin right outside the door. When you're taking a break from the slopes. cozy up in one of their luxe lodge suites. Each one offers up to four bedrooms, a full kitchen, expansive glazing, and a private outdoor balcony. The property also hosts a spa as well as the Old Yellowstone Garage, a Jackson Hole institution that has been revived to serve its modern Italian cuisine to the hotel's guest and members.

American Alpine Club Lodges

Climber or not, the American Alpine Club Lodges helps you bypass the State Park system by offering accommodations in some of the most incredible outdoor locations across the country. The non-profit organization operates a series of campgrounds, huts, and lodges near a few of the best ridges in the country and can hook you up even with little notice. Amenities vary from site-to-site but can include anything from a mere camp stove to wifi access. While a membership is not required, having one will get you a discount on the already super affordable rates.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

People used to travel to Iceland's Blue Lagoon for its skin-healing properties. Now, they'll go for the sleek accommodations. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon is a brand new expansion consisting of 62 private suites, a restaurant, and spa. The addition takes cues from the natural landscape, embedding itself into the contours of the volcanic formations. Guests rooms are minimal in design, adopting a muted palette that mimics the hues of the encompassing rock while walls of glazing overlook the pools of vibrant blue water. The dramatic surroundings seep into the interiors where massive pieces of lava form the reception desk and the chef's table at Moss Restaurant. Head to the eatery's rooftop to find surreal views over the entire resort.

AirShip 002

Immerse yourself in the Scottish Highlights while at the AirShip 002. The sub-inspired cabin is situated on a remote four-acres in Drimnin near the Isle of Mull. Its wood-lined interior carries on the nautical theme with portholes in the kitchen and dining area. An adjacent sitting room is fitted with a domed glass wall, offering views of the surrounding mountains and sea while warming up at the wood-burning stove. A four-poster queen bed is positioned below a pair of windows, allowing for nightly stargazing as you drift to sleep. Step out onto the waterfront deck for an additional glimpse across the sound.

Photos: Airbnb

The Dreamery

Casper has created a refuge for weary commuters and tired travelers in New York City. Dubbed the Dreamery, the sleeping lounge is decked out in private pods fitted with the brand's signature mattresses and bedding. To get the ultimate sleep experience, guests are also offered pajamas and custom lullabies from Headspace while post-nap amenities include toothbrushes, face wash, and complimentary drinks. Sessions last 45 minutes and can be booked ahead of time or if you're hit with a spontaneous snooze, walk-ins are also welcome.

Photos: Casper

Sacromonte Landscape Hotel

Situated on a 250-acre vineyard in the Maldonado region Uruguay, the Sacromonte Landscape Hotel is a modern retreat for wine lovers. The property consists of a winery, a farm-to-table restaurant, and 13 small cabins. Clad in a mirrored facade, the rectangular structures slyly disappear into the surrounding landscape, keeping the focus on the rustic scenery. The tops are covered with green roofs, making the exterior undetectable even from above. Internally, light oak panels and dark stone floors lay the groundwork for a minimalist pallet, allowing the views to take center stage from the floor-to-ceiling glazing. Each cabin has a private terrace, overlooking the rolling hills. The resort is expected to be complete in September 2018.

Photos: Leonardo Finotti / Sacromonte

Keemala Hotel

Tucked away in a rainforest in Thailand, the Keemala Hotel lets you relax like a native in luxed-out tree houses. The resort's 38 villas are inspired by their Thai heritage, each style representing a different indigenous clan. While the influences are ancient, the accommodations are anything but. Every cottage comes with king size beds, standalone tubs, monsoon showers, individual pools, and private terraces overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. The property also offers an on-site spa that specialized in traditional healing as well as two unique dining experiences. If you're wanting to get your toes in the sand, both Kamala Beach and Patong Beach are just a short distance away.

Photos: Keemala Hotel

Shipwreck Lodge

Built to resemble the crashed vessels that line the shore, Shipwreck Lodge is a remote African getaway. Set on the Namibian coast, it offers eight twin or double rooms and two family tents, all ensuite and solar-powered, set around a lounge and restaurant. Activities include game drives with elephant and desert lion, sunset viewings from the top of the sand dunes, and 4x4 excursions to the Clay Castles.

The Beekman Hotel

Built in 1883, The Beekman Hotel makes its home in a Lower Manhattan landmark building. Step onto the lobby's mosaic marble floors and become in awe of the nine-story atrium. Topped with a pyramid-shaped skylight, the interior's 19th-century details are showered in natural light. Persian rugs drape the reception desk while an eclectic mix of vintage velvet furniture and antique fixtures compliment the building's Victorian bones. The room also houses a lounge and bar run by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio where he serves his interpretation of classic cuisine. The 285 guest rooms echo the same mix of old-world glamour and contemporary design with custom leather headboards, dark wood floors, bespoke furniture, and Carrara marble bathrooms.

The Old No. 77 Hotel

Located in the heart of New Orleans, The Old No. 77 Hotel thrives off of its Louisiana heritage. The property is housed in an 1854 warehouse just a few blocks from the French Quarter. The hotel stays true to roots by maintaining a number of historic details like exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. Its lobby is a tribute to the building's legacy, acting as a chandlery for regional makers selling everything from handblown whiskey glasses to handmade candles. The retro-styled rooms continue the local affair, offering spirits, snacks, and artwork made throughout the area. To get a real taste of New Orleans, visit the on-site restaurants Compère Lapin and Tout La where native chef Nina Compton serves dishes inspired by indigenous ingredients found along the Gulf.

Villa On The Rocks

Every great vacation home starts with an amazing pool and Villa On The Rocks tops them all. Located in the South of France, the Rudy Ricciotti design comes with a 91-foot lap pool. While that sounds pretty incredible on its own. the glass aquarium-style walls allow swimmers to be seen from inside. The home itself is just as impressive, bosting five bedrooms spread across four levels, all decked out in vintage pieces. When you tire of the views of the glowing turquoise water, head up to the rooftop terrace where you look out over the surrounding vineyards.

Photos: Cerise Doucède

El Cosmico Trailers

Some people might call a group of old trailers, tents, and teepees out in the middle of nowhere a commune, or a retreat, or even a shantytown. We call it El Cosmico. The trailers at this Marfa, TX getaway range in size from 11 to 42 feet long and are packed with everything you might need during your stay. They're joined on the site by safari tents, several traditional Sioux teepees, and a number of tent campsites. It's not fancy, but luxury isn't the point — disconnecting from the modern world is, and with Wi-fi limited to the lobby, this place is ideal. So book a room, leave your gadgets behind, and prepare for a decidedly relaxing stay.

Avalon Lighthouse

Although it's not exactly a towering structure posted on a rocky shoreline, the Avalon Lighthouse does embody all of the characteristics of those traditional maritime posts. The home is perched above the Australian coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. While it doesn't illuminate the night sky, the light-filled interior is a relaxing beacon for weary travelers. It offers four bedrooms, including the master suite that offers extensive views of Bangalley Head from both the bed and bath. The ground floor is occupied the main living area where floor-to-ceiling glazing expands the entire room to the outdoor terrace. Featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, pool, and sitting area, the space was made for sunset gatherings.

Photos: Contemporary Hotels

Castello di Ugento

Formerly the home of Italian royalty, Castello di Ugento is now home to a nine-room hotel. The ancient castle is situated on a hillside overlooking the town of Ugento. After a four-year renovation, the historic shell has been repurposed as a boutique hotel, an art museum, and culinary school. The five-star accommodations bring together the structure's regal heritage and modern design. No two rooms are alike and feature a mix of contemporary furnishing, antique pieces, and handmade Italian armoires, curated by top Italian designers. The in-house restaurant focuses on local fare using produce grown in the property's18th-century walled kitchen garden paired with wine from the 17th-century cellar. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site botanical gardens with guided tours through the 100 aromatic and medicinal local plants.

Guava House

Hidden on a rubber tree plantation, the Guava House is a jungle getaway in Sri Lanka. The authentic thatched-roof retreat is perched on a hilltop looking out onto the Ambuluwawa Mountains and the local paddy fields. Mango floors run throughout the five-bedroom interior that features five baths, a kitchen, and an open mezzanine. Expansive glazing provides views of the surrounding forest while folding doors expand the main living area out to an infinity swimming pool. Aside from lounging on the wrap around deck, guests can take a bike ride through the village or spend a day trekking Bible rock.

Photos: Airbnb