5 Fantastical Travel Locations that are Out of This World

This month, in celebration of the fantastical, we take you beyond the ordinary hotel room and into five of the most magical voyaging experiences on the globe.

KAKSLAUTTANEN

LAPLAND, FINLAND

Ever dreamed of looking up at the starry night sky next to your partner while drifting slowly off to sleep among the Northern Lights? At Kakslauttanen, that’s exactly what you can do – without the hassle of lugging massive backpacks across mountainous terrain and camping out in the cold. Located in the remote forests of Finnish Lapland, the Arctic resort definitely deserves to be on your bucket list. The establishment offers stays in its signature glass igloos, where you’ll barely notice the boundary between your cosy room and the snowy white landscape around you, and as the evening sets in, the sky – or, in this case, your ceiling – lights up with the millions of stars that make up our galaxy. If you’re lucky enough and go at the right season, you’ll also be able to fall asleep beneath the Northern Lights in the comfort of your bed, a truly fantastical experience found in few other places. If you want a little more privacy and space, Kakslauttanen also offers stays in its Kelo-Glass igloos, which combine the adventurousness of a glass dome with the warmth of a log chalet. These sleep up to six, and feature a private sauna, fireplace and kitchenette, making it the perfect family excursion.

INTERCONTINENTAL KHAO YAI RESORT

MU SI, THAILAND

A brief visit to YouTube will show you that though aircraft has long been the main way in which we Travel between countries, there’s also an increasingly devoted group of railway fans who long for the days of voyaging by train. If you’re one of them, you’ll love InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. Located in Mu Si just 40km outside Thailand’s famed Khao Yai National Park, the hotel boasts 45 luxurious rooms and 16 suites and was voted the Best Upcountry Hotel in Thailand at this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards. But the highlight for us – and perhaps for you – are its train-themed rooms, designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the area’s History as a gateway for railway transportation to north-eastern Thailand during the reign of King Rama V. The result is a series of luxurious suites, as well as a restaurant, bar and spa, all constructed from 19 abandoned 19th-century heritage rail carriages. As a nod to the Orient Express, the resort even hosts murder mystery dinners at the Poirot Restaurant, celebrating Agatha Christie’s beloved novel and detective with an exceptional taste of France.

BAMBU INDAH

BALI, INDONESIA

Growing up we all fantasised about living in a treehouse, and in Ubud, Bali, that fantasy can become reality. Bambu Indah – which translates to “beautiful bamboo” – is a 23-unit jungle retreat offering stays in its myriad treehouses, all constructed with locally sourced bamboo or reclaimed teak wood to complement the island’s natural landscape. The property overlooks stunning rice fields near the Ayung River, and each room is designed to be airy, open and spacious, so guests can immerse themselves fully in the tropics. Architecturally unique, every room is also decorated with handmade furniture and local textiles, while eco-friendly amenities emphasise Bambu Indah’s focus on regenerative practices, which also include growing its own food and using solar energy and groundwater to support its operations. Foodies can head over to the Riverside Warung for some traditional Balinese fare prepared in an open-air kitchen, while those looking to detox and work on their wellbeing can head over to Minang House, where a team of experienced masseuses offer everything from traditional Balinese to deep-tissue or Esalen massages. For the more adventurous, make sure to also take a trip down Ayung River, Bali’s longest river.

CAP ROCAT

MALLORCA, SPAIN

With pristine beaches, cobalt waters and a vibrant culinary scene, Mallorca has long been a top holiday destination for party enthusiasts and resort fans, but for something a little off the beaten path, why not embrace the Mediterranean island’s stunning natural landscape and live in one of its many rock formations? Originally constructed as a Military fortress in the 19th century on the secluded Bay of Palma, Cap Rocat is now a five-star boutique hotel offering what are arguably the world’s most incredible cave suites – the Sentinel rooms. Each has been dug out of the rock at defensive positions that once housed the fortress’s cannons, and to complement the natural surroundings the hotel has elected for marble floors, rough- hewn stone walls and wooden ceilings. As they’re on a cliffside, the Sentinel rooms overlook the ocean with private terraces and pools, so you can relax, reflect and recharge in absolute privacy. Outside of your own personal cave, you’ll also find chef Victor García reinventing Mallorcan cuisine at the hotel’s La Fortaleza restaurant, and all your wellness needs met at its world-class spa, built deep into the island’s rocks for an added sense of calmness and zen.

CONRAD MALDIVES

RANGALI ISLAND, MALDIVES

It’s a good problem to have, but picking a place to stay in the Maldives is, to say the least, difficult, given the number of luxury resorts there. Fortunately, we’re here to help – and for us there’s no better way to experience the crystal clear waters of the region than at Conrad Maldives, where you’ll find the world’s first underwater hotel residence on Rangali Island. Named The Muraka – which means “coral” in Dhivehi – the one-off villa is a two-storey structure built just slightly off the coast. The top floor sits above the waterline and serves as the main living area, complete with a relaxation deck overlooking the sea, two bedrooms, a bathroom with an ocean-facing tub and even an infinity pool, but it’s the lower deck that impresses us the most. Submerged 4 metres beneath the water is a master bedroom housed within a massive 180-degree acrylic dome, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted views of the reef around – even when you’re in the bathroom, walk-in closet or the dedicated tunnel viewing theatre. If you’re keen on staying underwater as much as possible, you can also head over to the hotel’s Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, where you and your family can dine among the fish and coral, 5 metres beneath the ocean’s surface.