Do unusual houses intrigue you? Because we have a dreamy spirit, we offer you the chance to discover the most extraordinary accommodations possible. Whether you’re seeking a chance to escape from behind your screen or simply to plan your next , we’ve got you covered.
If you’re not spending August in the north or on the other side of the world, here’s a selection of unusual houses that will get you off your couch. And who knows, maybe it will also give you some ideas… Located across the globe, these dreamy homes offer the opportunity for unique experiences, often nestled in the heart of nature. Whether it’s for a vacation or even a honeymoon, we’re sharing our top 5 favorites.
La Casa Caracol (Isla Mujeres, Mexico)
Let’s start with a Caribbean escape to Casa Caracol (“Shell House”) on Isla Mujeres. This villa takes the top spot in our selection of unusual houses. And for good reason – its shell-like shape is the creation of Mexican surrealist painter and sculptor Octavio Ocampo, who began its construction in the mid-1990s. Well-known among art enthusiasts, his specialty lies in creating optical illusions by assembling objects, people, and animals to compose portraits and landscapes.
To bring this house to life, Ocampo immersed himself entirely in the world of seashells, down to the smallest details, not only on the exterior but the interior as well. You’ll find shell-shaped sinks, faucets reminiscent of coral, and lamps that evoke conch shells. If you were searching for a house with a maritime theme, look no further. And if you ever feel the urge to spend a few days in a seashell and enjoy the sublime weather that the Yucatan Peninsula offers, it’s right here.
Price: approximately 4,150 DH/night.
Accommodates up to 6 people.
Green Village (Bali, Indonesia)
For a closer connection to nature, head to Green Village in Bali. This charming village consists of luxurious treehouses suspended in the air, near the sacred Ayung River. You’ll be impressed by their avant-garde design, conceived by the Ibuku architectural firm. In total, there are 14 unconventional houses built entirely from bamboo, seamlessly blending into the surroundings without compromising on comfort. For example, the spacious rounded arches allow air to circulate, large windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, and all the furniture is made of woven bamboo. To enhance the sense of adventure, Green Village also offers the opportunity to learn about bamboo through factory visits and woodworking classes.
Price: starting from 2,900 DH/night.
More information at greenvillagebali.com or Airbnb.
The Private Reserve (Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives)
Now let’s head to the Maldives, known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. A cliché, you say? Perhaps, but at Shoelifer, we’ve fallen for this private nature reserve at the Gili Lankanfushi resort. From the moment you arrive, they set the mood: a yacht drops you off on the island. You’ll embark on a true overwater adventure! Feel like taking a dip? Slip out the window and a slide will take you directly into the ocean. Enjoy an infinity pool, air-conditioned gym, cinema, sauna, and steam room – all just for you!
The added bonus? You’ll stay in an extraordinary villa while having access to all the resort’s services, including concierge and dining. You can also venture to the main island and treat yourself to a tennis lesson or even a beachside dinner.
Price: approximately 60,000 DH/night for the private reserve.
Around 12,500 DH/night for a normal suite.
More information at gili-lankanfushi.com.
Windmill (Abcoude, Utrecht, Netherlands)
For a breath of fresh air and an entirely unique experience, why not stay in a windmill? That’s what Maarten proposes, who has completely renovated this structure to create a cozy dwelling. Located a few kilometers from Amsterdam, amidst vast green fields along a river, this windmill has 3 bedrooms accommodating up to 6 people. Along with a kitchen, living room, and bathroom with bathtub and shower, bicycles and kayaks are provided for enjoying a ride in the surrounding countryside. As you can tell, it’s not a luxury establishment, but rather a truly unusual refuge for a genuine retreat.
Price: approximately 5,500 DH/night.
More information on Airbnb.
Azulik (Tulum, Mexico)
In this ultra-connected world, we invite you to pause for a moment and disconnect from it – literally. For that, head to Tulum and one of the unconventional houses at Azulik. Our favorite: the Mayan villas, nestled right in the heart of vegetation, their architecture allowing us to embrace nature and feel in perfect harmony with it. With this resort, Eduardo Neira, the self-taught architect behind the project, aimed to preserve Mayan traditions.
All the houses were thus built by hand using local materials. While they offer Wi-Fi and air conditioning, their primary purpose is to reconnect us with nature. After all, isn’t being in total symbiosis with the surrounding environment the very essence of luxury?
Price: starting from 4,070 DH/night.
More information at azulik.com.
Photo (c): Green Village
