As a connoisseur of unique and beautiful places to stay, I thought it fitting to finally share some of my all-time favorite stays around the world. I still have tons of hotels and Airbnbs on my bucket list, and undoubtedly there are many more that I have not stayed at that deserve to be on this list. Without further ado, here are my most magical hotel and Airbnb stays from around the world in random order.
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Most Magical Hotels and Airbnbs in Europe
Sophia Luxury Cave Suites: Santorini, Greece
Sophia Luxury Cave Suites in Imerovigli, Santorini is a magical, heavenly hotel perched overlooking the ocean with spectacular sunset views from your private plunge pools. You have privacy, luxury, incredible healthy breakfasts delivered to your room’s outdoor dining table each morning, and depending on your room, either an indoor or outdoor private plunge pool (or both).
Sophia Cave Suites are honestly so full of character and stunning architecture, as well as surprises like cave pools with disco balls down a flight of stairs. We were honestly blown away during our stay here.
Read my post on Where to Stay in Santorini
Island Blue Airbnb: Santorini, Greece
The other popular town in Santorini is the bustling village of Oiá, famous for the stunning blue dome churches. Here is the best Airbnb I’ve ever rented. We felt like we lived right there in Oiá in our own little apartment with a rooftop for private viewing of the sunset and sunrise over the most iconic view in Santorini.
This Airbnb is located in one of the most popular, sought after spots for photography in Santorini, but non guests are not supposed to cross the gate to the path. When you rent this apartment, you have private access to this spot for the most incredible seat in the house for sunset and sunrise without the crowds.
The Airbnb itself is super photogenic and beautiful inside. There’s even a little hot tub inside with what I called a “glow worm” ceiling.
Skye Cabins: Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is magical on its own, with the vast rolling green views, the adorable bounding little baby sheep. We found the perfect cabins complete with aforementioned baby sheep, stunning views to wake up to with epic sunrises, and a wood fire hot tub to warm your chilled-to-the-bone body from that cold Scotland weather.
I can’t say enough about this little yurt-like cabin in Skye. I also can’t say enough about the Isle of Skye either. We really felt like we were the only tourists there; sometimes we wouldn’t see another person on the road for hours and we’d have sites to ourselves. We had fantastic weather in May as well.
Read My Itinerary on Isle of Skye
Manor House: Castle Combe, England
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a princess (or prince) and stay in an old 16th century manor house, this is the perfect medieval village to do it. When we explored the grounds of the Manor House and the village of Castle Combe, I nearly died of fairytale vibe satisfaction.
The Manor House is the most prestigious and stunning place to stay in the beautiful village of Castle Combe, which is considered one of the most quaint and photogenic villages in all the Cotswolds. This village seriously can’t be missed if you’re a Disney wannabe princess like myself.
Read My Cotswolds Itinerary
The Porch House: Stow-on-the-Wold, England
Another Cotswold gem, the Porch House distinguishes itself as being England’s oldest inn from the year 947 AD! How cool is that! The little town of Stow-on-the-Wold is bustling with much more to do than Castle Combe. The Porch House is a centrally located, beautifully historic hotel. I’m a sucker for history, so to me, it makes it magical.
Picos San Carlos II: Bejes, Spain
If there every was a place I’ve visited that felt like we were the only tourists in the village (because we were), it was the little mountain village of Bejes in northern Spain in the Picos de Europas.
We rented this cute little apartment with lots of windows with a view of the mountains and village.
Each day, we drove all over and explored other mountain villages where no one spoke English, tried interesting food in little restaurants, hiked, or got lost driving on single lane dirt mountain roads that turned into high elevation pasture land and the road disappeared. We had the best time in northern Spain. Nowhere has felt more authentic and traditional to me. The following photo is of the town and surrounding areas, not the apartment itself.
La Meridiana Azzura: Positano, Italy
This magical Airbnb is perched high on the hillside overlooking the most picturesque place on earth – ok, one of them. We had this entire rooftop deck to ourselves to sip wine and watch the sun go down over the twinkling town and colors from the sky reflecting off the Mediterranean.
As you can see, La Meridiana Azzura is quite a distance from the beach and many shops. Hiking up the hill after dinner is no easy feat, but you can eat your pasta and pastries with less guilt because you know you’ll be hiking it off!
The seaside Amalfi Coast town of Positano is out of this world – like something Disney created, except real life people live there. And they serve amazing pastries, pasta, and coffee.
Cinque Terre Apartment: Vernazza, Italy
Oh the Cinque Terre: 5 quaint coastal villages in Italy, each unique with a charm of its own. Vernazza is the beauty though, in my opinion.We rented a unique Airbnb in the heart of the winding alleyways of town, with three flights of stairs and a rooftop view to die for. The Cinque Terre can’t be missed on an Italy itinerary.
Hotel Lupaia: Tuscany, Italy
This rustic chic old farmhouse from 1622 has been turned into a Tuscan dream villa come true. There is a fantastic restaurant on site, breakfast is served in a stunning garden setting, and the views over the Tuscan hill towns in the distance are a photographer’s dream.
Read My 2 Week Italy Itinerary
Hotel Heritage: Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is out of this world charming. The waterways through the town, the architecture, the waffles and chocolate, the swans…I just can’t. Bruges (aka Brugge) is fairytale vibes on steroids. It’s like if the perfect Christmas gingerbread village came to life.
Read My Bruges in One Day Guide
We stayed at Hotel Heritage and it oozed old world luxury and charm. The service was astounding, the decor flawlessly elegant, and the dinner we had was probably the fanciest, most indulgent meal I’ve ever experienced. I think there were a minimum of 5 courses with wine pairings and multiple desserts. I’ve never been so full.
Alfama Apartment: Lisbon, Portugal
For the ultimate Lisbon vibes, look no further than the winding maze of alleyways that is the Alfama neighborhood. Your taxi or Uber probably won’t be able to take you to your doorstep and you’ll have to lug your bags because of the narrow paths. But this eclectic neighborhood is what makes Lisbon for me.
Most Magical Hotels and Airbnbs in the Americas
Azulik: Tulum, Mexico
Full disclosure: I did not stay here. But I got a damn good look around the restaurants, nests in the sky, and other public areas. Oddly, Azulik doesn’t have great reviews. But I think people expect luxury when they pay luxury prices, and wind up with more of a glamping experience which leads to disappointment.
This place is a one of a kind, work of art that can’t be missed if you visit Tulum, Mexico. You don’t have to stay here unless your budget allows, but at least splurge on a dinner here for the experience. We came for dinner for my birthday and arrived a few minutes early so we could ask to wander. I’m not sure this is still allowed, but it was encouraged when we went and was a blast. It was like Swiss Family Robinson tree house adventure.
Encantada: Tulum, Mexico
We went here for my birthday a few years ago and it’s still one of the most memorable ways I’ve spent that day so far.
Oh how I loved our little thatched roof bungalow! Ours was the bottom floor with a hammock, where I spent plenty of time taking in the perfect views of white sand framed by palm trees and turquoise water. The staff was incredibly friendly and they brought us fantastic cappuccinos and fresh delicious breakfasts to our patio each morning.
Towards the very end of the Tulum beach “strip,” Encantada feels quiet with no party atmosphere, but it’s easy walking distance to all the action. The beach here was fantastic too!
We loved the white, stucco interior with a bohemian flair. Encantada has a special place in my memory as the place I spent my birthday that year. No regrets on that one!
Read My Tulum Travel Guide
Glamping Lumbre: Salento, Colombia
The mountainous village of Salento was probably my favorite part of Colombia. The culture is this fabulous mix of Spanish Cowboy, hipster coffeeshop.
This was my first glamping experience in another country, and I enjoyed it so much! The setting near Salento, Colombia near the Cocora Valley is lush and beautiful.
You can hike on their property to an absolutely stunning waterfall, which we had all to ourselves.
It would have been nice to have our own vehicle to explore the area, but we caught a Willy Jeep to get to Glamping Lumbre and hitchhiked to get to the Cocora Valley up the road to go horseback riding. The Cocora Valley is incredible and can’t be missed on a Colombia Itinerary.
Hotel Aguamarina: Cartagena, Colombia
In the heart of the old city of Cartagena, on a beautiful bustling street, is Hotel Aguamarina. It’s nothing glitzy or glamorous but it’s quaint and charming, and the decor makes me happy.
They serve you breakfast on the balcony where you can watch the colorful street below come to life in the morning.
They also have a fantastic rooftop pool and cabana for sunset watching.
Read My Colombia 2 Week Itinerary
Treehouse Point: Issaquah, Washington
Just a few hours from my house and just outside of Seattle, Washington is the magical Treehouse Point. They have a handful of unique and creative treehouses designed by Nelson Treehouse which can be booked for overnight stays. They also serve as an event center for weddings.
The forest around the treehouses is stunning and there is a river walk on the property. They serve you a beautiful breakfast in the mornings as well!
Read My Post on Treehouse Point
Downey Cabin: Nelson, British Columbia
Nelson, British Columbia is a fantastic little town with perks like nearby ski hills, hot springs, hiking, mountain biking, and more. It’s an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. I love staying in cabins, so this cute little cabin on Airbnb with an outdoor wood fire sauna was the perfect place just out of town.
We had some of the best sauna sessions in the snow. This is the perfect place to come in the winter. Actually, summer would be amazing too. Kootenay Lake is quite beautiful for water activities.
Tye Haus A-Frame: Stevens Pass, Washington
The Tye Haus was like the original, iconic Pacific Northwest Instagrammable A-Frame. It has always been popular, lots of PNW photographers have stayed there, and it’s gotten a facelift since I was there.
It’s perfect for visiting Stevens Pass ski area or the quaint little Bavarian village of Leavenworth not too far away. Another hidden gem is Scenic Hot Springs. As I understand it, they are currently closed due to Covid 19. They are by appointment only regularly. In the winter, it is a steep snowshoe basically straight up the mountain, luckily only about a mile. Hopefully the hot springs will eventually be able to reopen.
The Jennings Hotel: Joseph, Oregon
This hotel is not glamorous or in the most exotic place. In fact, Joseph, Oregon is a small town with one main tree-lined street. But it has quaint shops and restaurants and is the jumping off point for exploring the beautiful Eagle Cap Wilderness.
The Jennings Hotel is actually listed on Airbnb, it has a communal kitchen and library with a deck, plus a really nice sauna. The rooms are eclectic and constructed with recycled materials.
Most Magical Hotels and Airbnbs in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Le Riad Yasmine: Marrakech, Morocco
You’ve probably seen this Instafamous hotel in Marrakech in a picture somewhere. It really is that stunning. It’s a quiet oasis in a chaotic and vibrant maze of spice markets, trinket stalls, snake charmers, and people yelling at you. Marrakech is an experience not for the faint of heart.
I stayed here a couple years ago and had a fantastic solo experience. This place really was a safe space when the buzz of Marrakech got to be a bit too much for a solo female.
You can read my hotel review of Le Riad Yasmine here
Hanging Gardens: Bali, Indonesia
Throughout the beautiful Ubud jungle of Bali, Indonesia are many stunning hotels and pools. Hanging Gardens is a well known luxury hotel (and the price reflects that) with a famous two-tiered pool. Not only do you have the main 2 pools, but each room has its own infinity plunge pool as well.
We thoroughly enjoyed Hanging Gardens, although for the budget, I think you could find similarly stunning properties for much cheaper. But it was definitely a fun splurge to stay here.
Bliss Dhigurah: Maldives
Not a luxury hotel by any means, but a charming boutique hotel on the local Maldivian island of Dhigurah, Bliss is the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives without the massive price tag.
There is so much to say about choosing local islands instead of private islands in the Maldives, so read my blog on Maldives On a Budget for more info.
If the Maldives are on your bucket list and you’ve assumed you needed to save tens of thousands of dollars to go, think again. You can easily stay on one of these beautiful local islands, with perfect sandbars like the pictures, for under $100 per day.
Wadi Rum, Jordan
The desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan is unlike any place I’ve ever seen or been before. It’s been the set for Lawrence of Arabia, Transformers, The Martian, Aladdin, and more for its Mars-like landscape. Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many tribes of people throughout history, and to this day many Bedouin people still inhabit the region. Some Bedouins have embraced tourism and made camps around the desert for tourists to experience a snippet of the traditional way of life here.
Compare Wadi Rum Camps on Booking
I’m a bit biased, but I think the particular camp I stayed at is in one of the most scenic spots in Wadi Rum. My guide is of the same thought, and he’s stayed at many camps with different tours. But off all the dozens of camps in Wadi Rum, ours is unlisted on the map or any booking site.
It is small, modest, and family run, and the sheikh is too old to care about internet marketing. Our camp was called Panorama Wadi Rum Camp but there is another more popular one with the same name that comes up online. They are different camps. I can wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Jordan with Intrepid Travel though. I was able to find a website for the camp from one of my pictures where it’s listed in the background on the tent. You can click the picture to be linked to their minimal webpage.
The rooms are very modest and bedding is provided. The views out the windows of the vast desert are just incredible. I can’t recommend this experience enough.The scenery was mind-blowing, the stars at night were otherworldly, and the Bedouin hosts were so friendly and made us delicious meals and took us on desert treks to incredible sites. There’s something about waking up to the glow across the rock formations and putting your feet in the cold red sand first thing in the morning that makes you feel alive.
Wadi Rum Tent Camps
Because there are so many different camps, and they’re relatively similar, I’ve linked to the Wadi Rum Booking page. Tent camps range from modest, which is where I stayed, with with cot beds in a goat hair covered solid room with windows and a bath house to luxury dessert camps. I truly loved our modest camp.
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