15 One-of-a-Kind Stays That Are Anything But Ordinary

It could be the feeling of sinking into the softest sheets after a day of adventuring, views that lodge deeply in your soul, a wish made real by a perceptive butler … or something else entirely. Whatever the moment or moments, some hotel stays have the power to stick with you long after you’re gone.  

From favorite European addresses and surprising city stays to far-flung island escapes, these are a few of the many one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts to consider next time you venture out into the world.  

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.  

JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge  

JW Marriott Masai Mara Safari Lodge, are sure to be memorable – Photo credit: Marriott International

An all-inclusive stay has never felt more refined than at the exquisite JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, right along the banks of the Talek River.  

Between game drives to spot elephants, zebras, lions and other African wildlife, you can cozy up around the fire pit for a sundowner overlooking the river, enjoy a spa treatment with views of the surrounding bush or relax in the hot tub on the deck of your ultraluxe private en suite tent.  

The St. Regis Venice 

Sipping a spritz the color of the setting sun at the St. Regis Bar, gazing out over Venice’s Grand Canal as the golden hour descends, it’s hard to imagine feeling more transported. From your perch at The St. Regis Venice, you’re just a five-minute walk to the Piazza San Marco (one of Venice’s must-sees), but the historic hotel’s quiet garden and panoramic views make it hard to walk away.  

Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection  

Belgium’s most atmospheric port city beckons with subtle opulence and art everywhere at this jewel of a hotel that conjures Antwerp’s Golden Age of the gem trade. Sapphire House Antwerp, Autograph Collection occupies a renovated 17th-century space right in the city center, with restaurants, shopping and more at its doorstep.  

W Barcelona  

What European city serves up great beaches, food, shopping and fun in quite the same measure as Barcelona? The Mediterranean’s very essence shines through in the 26-story glass-and-steel tower of W Barcelona, designed by famed Barcelona architect Ricardo Bofill.

Sea and sky become one on the hotel’s reflective facade. And its beachfront setting on the Barcelona Boardwalk is prime. Inside, rooms with ocean views, indoor and outdoor pools, and fine dining Japanese cuisine at NOXE await.  

SALT of Palmar, a Member of Design Hotels 

An inimitable Indian Ocean escape awaits at this contemporary property on Mauritius’ secluded east coast. SALT of Palmar, a Member of Design Hotels beautifully melds Mauritian craftsmanship and the modern ethos of its French designer, Camille Walala, into a transporting, adults-only retreat. (Guests must be 16 years or older to stay).

Elegant coconut trees and a bright blue lagoon bring the natural X-factor to the setting. 

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island  

Motorsports fans flock to the luxurious W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, which overlooks the Yas Marina Circuit track in Abu Dhabi. You can choose to tune in to the roars of the racecars and crowds from your balcony or opt for serene marina views, depending on your mood. A WET Deck pool area just for adults and a Middle Eastern–inspired spa round out the relaxation and fun.  

The Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection 

California’s legendary surf culture and laid-back living seduce big time on any visit to Santa Monica. For a real retreat of your own in this coveted zip code, opt to stay at Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection, artfully designed by Gulla Jónsdóttir.  

Its location puts you within close reach of the town’s famous pier but a world away entirely. Bask in the heated outdoor pool with beach views, savor California cuisine at restaurant Marelle or relax with views from the private balcony of your ocean-view suite.  

HONEYROSE Hotel Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel 

Francophiles across the Atlantic Ocean from France can get their fix in Canada’s magnetic French-speaking metropolis, Montreal. The city’s 1920s-era elegance is channeled at the art-filled HONEYROSE Hotel Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.  

This property sits at the heart of the cultural district (the Quartier des Spectacles) and beckons with an on-site French bistro, a rooftop terrace and an indoor pool with skyline views.  

Bradford House, a Member of Design Hotels 

With cowboy culture, art deco architecture and a booming local film industry, Oklahoma City often surprises those newly introduced to its charms.  

For a stay with a real sense of place in the heart of Oklahoma’s friendly capital city, opt for Bradford House, a Member of Design Hotels. A boutique hotel set in a historic 1912 building combined with a newer structure welcomes guests with a huge wraparound porch, lively bar and restaurant, and just 30 luxurious rooms.  

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya 

If you feel like the whole universe is conspiring with you for a sublime stay at this gorgeous property on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, it might be thanks to the unique architecture of The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya. Meant to mirror the constellation Pleiades, the resort’s design features circular shapes that appear to float above a grove of wild red mangroves.  

Enjoy butler service; an expansive, serene spa; and three gorgeous pools overlooking pristine sands and turquoise waters.  

The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef 

Swaying palms and too many shades of blue to count are the tropical canvas for a singular stay at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef in St. Thomas.

At this beachfront Caribbean resort, spend your days snorkeling above the coral reefs offshore, setting sail on a private catamaran, kicking back in a poolside cabana or relaxing with a couples massage at the Heavenly Spa by Westin.  

JW Marriott El Convento Cusco 

You’ll find yourself surrounded by history when you stay at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a hotel housed within a restored 16th-century convent and built atop the ruins of an Inca palace. The hotel even has its own hallowed halls filled with Peruvian artifacts to admire. 

Cusco’s charming cobbled streets, endless cafés and Instagram-worthy llamas are just outside the door.  

W Koh Samui  

Do you prefer sunrise or sunset over the water? At the iconic W Koh Samui, which is situated between Maenam and Bo Phut beaches in Thailand, you don’t need to decide.  

Catch one, the other, or both; then towel off from the sand to relax in the WET Pool, sip a cocktail at WOOBAR or slink off to AWAY Spa for a massage.  

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, a Member of Design Hotels 

Suspended in space and time, sea and sky — that’s the whole vibe that makes guests swoon at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, a Member of Design Hotels in the Maldives, situated at the very edge of the famed Baa Atoll.  

Villas offer direct ocean access for the ultimate in barefoot beach living. With water temperatures in the mid-70s year-round, you might as well just live in your bathing suit and robe here.  

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa 

The South Korean salt life gets distilled to its essence at this stunning Jeju Island resort perched high on a cliff on the island’s southern coast.

Celebrated Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley is behind the streamlined yet organic design that brings mountain and East China Sea views in at every angle at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa. Miles of walking trails through surrounding forests descend to the craggy coastline, fishing villages and beyond.  

This article originally appeared in Marriott Bonvoy Traveler.