Our most unusual places to stay

This is glamping but not as you know it. Magazine-worthy interiors, unadulterated luxury and its very own heated infinity pool, The Spa sets the standard for deep relaxation in the heart of nature. It's somewhere to recharge, lost in the woods under a camouflaged living sedum roof that blends into the trees. Set foot inside and you’ll almost instantly forget what day it is, as you drift hypnotically between the outdoor sauna, stone bath, woodland showers and loungers.

Our team member Lisa describes it as ‘the ultimate retreat into nature’. When you’re not soaking and dozing, there’s a cast-iron BBQ, pizza oven, and a cosy fire to read and play cards in front of. If you can bear to tear yourself away (and there’s no judgement if you can’t), the dramatic North Devon coast is less than a mile away.

Pack a bag and teleport to another land at Magic Mushroom Cabin in Northamptonshire with its wonky grass-covered roof, fairy lights and duck pond. It’s hard to take life too seriously when the washroom is called the ‘Butt Hut’ and you drift off to sleep within reclaimed tree trunk walls. There are colourful throws on the beds, cosy rugs on the stone floor, atmospheric lanterns and a wood burner to cuddle up next to and talk late into the night. Outside you can stroll along the winding path to admire the veg patch and cook up a feast in the outdoor pizza oven that overlooks the pond.

Guest Erin said ‘we enjoyed building fires for the wood burner & firepit and cooking with such a beautiful view of the fields behind us – a truly magical experience’. For a holistic treat, book a Reiki treatment with owner Amanda, a qualified Reiki Master, who offers relaxing and balancing treatments.

If you’ve always fancied sleeping on a tour bus like a rock star, this is your chance. Except this one is beautifully converted and parked permanently among rolling green hills with rabbits for adoring fans. In fact, it’s actually two buses next to each other that have been combined on the top deck to create an incredible open-plan living space, complete with spacious seating area, dining table and kitchen. At the very top there’s an al fresco seating area for stargazing and a hot tub with epic views. If there’s anything more rock ‘n’ roll than opening some fizz, de-robing and taking a bath on top of a bus, we want to know about it.

Our team member Emily, describes Double-Deckerdence as ‘a little slice of relaxation heaven in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside with a hint of quirkiness thrown in for good measure.’

There are river views and then there’s staying on a little boat moored in a creek in Salcombe estuary. The tide laps at the hull as you sip your morning coffee on the deck watching the sun rise and the ducks drift by. When it’s time for a wash, it’s a quick scurry across the gang plank to the field shelter where you’ll find a tin bath and shower.

Guest Rebecca described it as a ‘truly unique place to stay – the boat was super cosy and well kitted out – the creek setting is idyllic’. To explore the surrounding coves and beaches, rent SUPs or kayaks from Salcombe Watersports, or head for dry land and rent e-bikes from the owners. It’s a 20-minute walk and ferry ride to picturesque Salcombe, home of the Maritime Museum and Salcombe Gin School where you learn to handcraft and distil your very own bottle of gin.

Live like French royalty in a floating château on a private lake in the Dordogne. As you stroll through the woods, you’ll catch sight of a long footbridge that leads to a turreted cabin rising majestically out of the water. It won’t take you long to find your happy place — reclining in the bubbling hot tub on the jetty with a glass of Bergerac and peaceful views over the fields. The Châteaux Dans Les Arbres site has a shared ground-level pool, bikes to hire, table tennis, pétanque and beautiful nature walks in every direction. Venture further afield to canoe on the Dordogne and visit beautiful medieval towns like Sarlat, Monpazier and Beaumont.

Guest Laura said ‘everything was stunning! Truly a unique experience and the grounds offered a lot to do too – swimming pool, tree houses, hikes and loads of animals’.

Discover an alien world in Swedish Lapland with a dizzying stay in a flying saucer hovering among the trees. UFO is part of the iconic Treehotel where you can stay in one of eight mind-boggling feats of design. Some of them blend into the landscape and some — like UFO — proudly stand out. While it’s striking in appearance, the interior is modern and cosy with a double bed, three single child beds, a lounge, private loo, underfloor heating and little porthole windows.

Tom at Canopy & Stars says: 'what you will discover is just how warm and friendly this place is. It might look slick (and it is) but it's got a big heart too.’ A ten-minute walk through the trees leads you to hot meals and showers at Britta’s Guesthouse, a cosy basecamp serving hearty fare to ruddy-cheeked guests. It’s the place to congregate after magical days hiking in the boreal forests, snowmobiling and riding husky-drawn sleds. If you’re really lucky, you might get to witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights by night.