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Most beautiful stays around the world

From premium junk boats to tranquil eco lodges, discover some of the most beautiful stays around the world.

Written by: Aimee White - Travel Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 8 May 2025

 

Exploring the world is a thrilling adventure, but finding the perfect place to stay can elevate your experience to new heights. Imagine gazing out of your hotel room towards Umbria's rolling hills, or joining a sunrise yoga session on a premium junk boat in Vietnam. 

 

Our Upgraded collection strikes the perfect balance of authentic experiences, bonding activities and hand-picked accommodation that offer a little extra comfort at the end of each day. From boutique hotel recommendations to tranquil settings, your accommodation provides a sanctuary after a long day of exploration.
 

These beautiful places to stay in the world not only offer comfort and a peaceful sanctuary, but also enhance your travel experience by connecting you with the essence of each location:

Relais il Canalicchio, Umbria, Italy

Umbria is the green heart of Italy and there are plenty of vineyards, olive groves and hilltop towns to discover on our scenic walking tour. After an evergreen forest walk or wine tasting experience, unwind at this charming hilltop resort and spa. The property is set within a medieval hamlet and has been restored and converted into one epic hotel. Take in lush countryside surrounds from your room or the swimming pool. 
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A historic stone building with a central tower overlooks a turquoise swimming pool, surrounded by terracotta patios and hills in the background, creating a tranquil countryside setting.

Casa Turire, Turrialba, Costa Rica

Search for wildlife on the Hanging Bridges before visiting a local dairy farm. Learn how the region's famous Turrialba cheese is produced, before continuing into the Turrialba Valley. Casa Turire is a boutique property that's been renovated from an old lodge into an upmarket stay, and is set next to peaceful Lake Angostura and a sustainable working farm. While you're here, you'll help harvest fresh produce from the garden to prepare a delicious local recipe for your first group meal together.
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A large house surrounded by lush tropical gardens and tall palm trees, situated between two paved paths under a blue sky with clouds.

Junk boat, La Han Bay, Vietnam

Easily one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of southeast Asia, La Ha Bay is renowned for its relatively untouched environment. It's lesser-known than its popular neighbour, Ha Long Bay, with clearer waters and fewer visitors, offering a more intimate experience. Soak up the views with from a premium junk boat; each cabin has large picture windows offering incredible views of the limestone karsts that jut out of the emerald waters. If you’re an early riser, head up to the deck to witness a serene sunrise over the bay.

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Lounge chairs with striped cushions are arranged on a wooden deck under large orange sails of a boat, set against a picturesque sunset over calm waters and distant islands.

Villa Mandarine, Rabat, Morocco

Spend your first night in Rabat at Villa Mandarine. This family-run hotel has a sun terrace and restaurant serving freshly prepared French and Moroccan dishes, with the gardens including a large swimming pool. Your room features either a small private terrace or balcony overlooking these beautiful gardens. It's just the tonic you need before exploring Rabat's historic centre, royal palace and Hassan Tower!
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A neatly made bed with white sheets sits in a cozy room. Next to it, a table and chairs face large windows overlooking a terrace and greenery outside.

Premium Lodge, Nairobi, Kenya

For secluded stays with beautiful views, spend three nights in the Kipalo Hills. Relax in spacious and well-appointed traditional safari tents, which are pitched against a rock hillside and offer amazing views of the Tsavo conservation area. At the heart of this personalised lodge is an expansive bar, lounge and dining area with an open deck and swimming pool. 

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Elephants walk near a muddy watering hole, surrounded by lush greenery, in front of a multi-story lodge with wooden balconies, where people observe the scene from the building.

Grand Poet Hotel, Riga, Latvia

Upgrade your time in Riga with a stay at the Grand Poet Hotel. As it’s located in the Old Town, many of the rooms offer picturesque views of the charming streets and parks – you’ll feel as if you’re in a movie. The hotel itself has a modern style with historical touches, showcasing the elegance of this hotel, while a plethora of sites and attractions await your exploration outside.
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A stylish bedroom features a large, neatly made bed with a quilted headboard beneath a decorative mural. Adjacent, a red velvet chair complements the geometric-patterned carpet, soft lighting, and large windows.

Hidamari Ichinoyu, Hakone, Japan

In between exploring centuries-old temples and riding speedy bullet trains, stay at a Japanese-style hotel in Hakone. While the rooms are relatively simple, each has its own private outdoor 'onsen' hot spring bath - a quintessential Japanese experience. This comfortable stay provides an authentic insight into Japan's culture and etiquette, which you'll also embrace at other points of the trip, including a private Zen meditation session led by a monk in a temple setting.

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Two wicker chairs face a wooden jacuzzi on a modern balcony with partial walls and windows. The area features a mix of warm lighting and outdoor elements, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Maria Nova Lounge, Tavira, Portugal

This Portugal walking tour covers 1.5 to five hours of walking a day, along well-maintained trails and across sandy beaches. After a day on your feet, enjoy a well-earned rest back at the hotel with a dip in the large outdoor pool. Located a short walk from Tavira's historic centre, there's also a rooftop bar that's a great spot to enjoy a sundowner with a view. You can also treat yourself at the wellness centre and sauna here, too.
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A wooden-roofed pool bar labeled "pool bar" stands adjacent to a large pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees, in front of a white multi-story hotel under a clear blue sky.

El Refugio, Colca Canyon, Peru

Surrounded by the majesty of the Andes, El Refugio is beautifully located near the Colca Valley. It's an isolated spot, complete with freshwater and thermal water baths, allowing you to truly switch off and take in the tranquil atmosphere. Later on in this trip, you'll stay at an upmarket jungle eco-lodge in the Amazon. The wooden thatched cabanas provides enchanting views into the forest – what a view to wake up to!

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Two people in white robes smile while holding drinks on a sunny terrace. They stand near a yellow building with thatched roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky hills.

Erboy Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey

With this Turkey small group tour ending in Istanbul, it's a fitting end to an epic trip, with the final two nights spent at the Erboy Hotel. A highlight of the trip is a full day gulet boat trip off the Lycian Coast, before you reach the capital city, Istanbul, for a guided walking tour of popular sites like Hagia Sophia, Roman structures and bustling bazaars. You can finally wind down back at the hotel's rooftop bar and restaurant which offers glittering views of the city's skyline. It's one to raise a toast to!
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Wicker dining chairs surround candlelit tables on an outdoor terrace. In the background, a city skyline glows with lights, featuring a prominently lit bridge against a twilight sky.

Otjiwa Thorn Bush, Namibia

Complete your Namibia experience with a stay at a stunning, Premium eco lodge that's nestled amid makalani palms and mopane trees. Otjiwa Thorn Bush Tented Camp serves as your perfectly placed base, from where you'll head out on a special walking safari with a specialist local guide. Here you'll witness unspoiled nature, visit a local viewpoint and spot vervet monkeys! Then, it's back to the eco lodge for a farewell dinner of southern African, European and international dishes.

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A monkey sits on a branch bathed in sunlight, surrounded by lush green foliage in a dense forest environment.

And one for good measure...

Okay, it's not part of our Upgraded collection, but is this the most epic night’s sleep in the world? Ponant's hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot is styled in subtle luxury throughout, and each cabin has its own balcony, allowing you to wake up to the surreal, ethereal views of Antarctica. 


There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and panoramic lounge, meaning endless vistas of gigantic iceburgs, vast ice floes and marine life. You’ll wake up each day and feel as if you’re still dreaming! 

Speak to our Polar experts

Don't just travel, Explore!

Our Explore Upgraded collection combines everything you know and love about an Explore trip, with elevated stays that offer a little extra comfort. Stay at hand-picked premium accommodation, bond over a special welcome meal and enjoy stand-out experiences or activities.
View our Upgraded collection
A person stands smiling on a rocky shoreline, wearing a purple shirt with "Explore!" printed on it, with a visor and waist bag. A dock and umbrella visible nearby under a cloudy sky.

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