Are you celebrating a special anniversary and want to surprise your partner with something unique? Or are you celebrating a big 'decade' birthday and want to commemorate it with an out-of-the-ordinary, luxury experience? Well, that's me this year! I'm celebrating a big decade birthday this year and my husband and I are in the middle of a year-long series of stand-out travel adventures to commemorate it! On our last trip, we experienced three (3!) of the most unique luxury hotels we've even seen in all our travels - which is how we came up with the idea for this post. It's a list of those unique or luxury hotels that made us say, "oooh..remember _______?? That place was unbelievable!" And that's something I want to share with you.

If you've followed Paradox Travel over the years, you also know by now that we're big fans of what we call 'hybrid travel' - a mix of budget-friendly, immersive, outdoor adventure and some more bespoke, luxury experiences woven in. So this list is a compilation of those more 'lux' experiences that we have been so fortunate to experience over the years. NOTE: Paradox doesn't do paid endorsements. I feel that would interfere with the objectivity of my reviews. And I'm also a 'positive-only' reviewer. This just means if something didn't impress me, you won't see it mentioned on this site. So rest assured that anything you do read about here, is not only a result of my firsthand experience but it left a memorable impression. So although the extraordinary list below is not inclusive of all the marvelous places we've stayed, it does represent places we've celebrated anniversaries and birthdays over the years that stand out as 'extraordinary' in our memory.

This list is up to date as of March 2025. So as we discover new places, I'll either write another list or update it with new locations. I'm working on more detailed reviews of each resort on this list. So for the ones that don't already have a review, keep checking back or sign up on our website to get notified when I create a new post. But for now, let's get you started with some of our favorites.

NOTE: We paid for these experiences entirely on our own and was offered no compensation or incentive to endorse any of the places we recommend. Paradox Travel is designed as a way to share our experience, as well as key information we hope will make it that much simpler for readers who wish to travel to this area, to do so.

Al Maha Resort and Spa - Dubai

We stayed at this amazing resort on our latest trip to Dubai and the UAE. This surprising Marriott Luxury Collection property only has 42 private villas and is located less than an hour from the city. Villa rooms are HUGE and have private pools, are frequented by local desert gazelles and occasional Oyrx, and include all gourmet meals and/or room service. In addition, two desert activities are included per person per day and my spa experience was divine. We rode camels, went on a wildlife drive, had sunset drinks on the dunes and even learned about falconry. Stay tuned for an upcoming more detailed review. But in the meantime, check our full Dubai itinerary with restaurant and activity recommendations, as well details on the best way to get to and around Dubai.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa - Costa Rica

This resort and spa is nestled high in the rainforest of Costa Rica. The year we went, we had just finished a week long foot race along the beach, which involved a lot of camping. I was ready for some air conditioning and dry clothes, as well as comfortable bed. And Tabacon served that up in spades. The most unique part of this resort is that the hydro pools are fed from a river that runs through the resort. And that river begins at the base of Costa Rica's most famous volcano Arenal. This means that the water is heated and the waterfall plunging over your shoulders (like the one in this photo) is warm! It was heavenly, especially in contrast to the cool rainforest air. The rooms here were lovely, many with a private outdoor hot tub, And the sounds of howler monkeys calling to each other at night adds to the exotic feel of this resort.

Katikies - Santorini, Greece

If you've ever seen photos of Santorini, you know that the cliffside villages are a big part of what draws people here. And of the three major coastal towns on that cliff edge, our favorite is OIa. It's far smaller, gets less traffic due to his position on the end of the island and just has a more 'quaint', romantic feel to it. Plus, some of the most amazing restaurants are within walking distance. Katikies is a 5 star resort with imppecable service and beautiful rooms encased in white earthen walls. The views are exquiste and I'd go back there in a heartbeat. If you want to get some more details about the best ways to trael to Santorini, as well as some of our favorite restarants, check out our day-by-day itinerary for Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini.

Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur, California

We currently live in California. And we're fortunate to say that Big Sur is only a 2-3 hour drive from where we live. It's also easily accessed from Monterey or San Francisco, and sits ideally on the cliff edge of the California coastline. We've stayed at Post Ranch several times over the years and love it every time we go. What makes this place so unique is not only the quiet, solitude 'vibe' of the resort, but the amazing design of the rooms and homes we stayed in. Here's how their website describes it: "Post Ranch’s innovative organic environmental design was intended for people to feel a part of nature rather than observers. Designers used bio-structure architecture, utilizing the natural materials of glass, wood, stone, and passive solar heat." What this means is that you can sleep in anything from a modern treehouse to a house with a roof that blends into the soil, and many variations in between. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's even a 'birds nest' on the property big enough to take a nap in. Breakfast is included with your stay, as well as fridge stocked with no-charge gourmet snacks. The restaurant on site serves delicious food, or there are other dining options within driving distance of the lodge. Which by the way, when we were there we got complimentary use of a 'house car' (a Lexus) to drive while we were there.

Kapama Karula - South Africa

I don't even know where to begin to describe how amazing this place is. Located on a private wildlife preserve and with only 10 villas, this place is probably in the top 5 of our most memorable places. All meals and twice a day wildlife-drives are included and you have a great chance of seeing the Big Five during your stay. Granted, it was a long-haul from the USA to South Africa. But we combined our 4-night stay here with some time in Cape Town and wine country. You can see more photos and read my full review of Kapama Karula here. And if you're thinking of putting together a longer trip in this area, feel free to steal some ideas from our 16-day South African Itinerary.

Explora Patagonia - Torres del Paine, Chile

I can't really say enough about the Explora brand. We've been to four of their lodges and each one is truly extraordinary. Explora does a unparalleled job at mixing physical activity, cultural immersion and luxury all together into one fabulous stay. Each lodge is in an eye-popping location, and stays include fabulous meals and drinks, as well as guided hikes and activities like horseback riding or overland drives. I've written detailed reviews of our stays at their Torres de Paine Patagonia location including our 14-day itinerary that combined with it with some time in Mendoza wine country. I've also reviewed Explora's Peru location. As well as our 10-day Peru itinerary that combined an Explora stay with a visit to Machu Picchu. And most recently, we just returned from a repeat trip to the Torres del Paine lodge (if that tells you anything) combined with a week-long stay at their newest lodge in El Chalten, Argentina. Watch for a detailed review of this newest lodge. But in the meantime, see more photos and how we combined both Chilean and Argentinean National Park areas with a stop in Buenas Aires in this 18-day itinerary.

Stargazing Private Camp - Wahiba Sands, Oman

Okay, so at first glance this may not look like it belongs with the others on this list. But hear me out. Although there are many desert camps in Wahiba Sands, there are very few that are boutique, private and that have the level of luxury this one did. We could have paid less and either stayed in the equivalent of a hotel built in the desert with many other people. (Not what we were looking for).Or we could have gone really rustic. But since we were already in the middle of an 11-day Overland camping road trip, we wanted a private/semi-private, more 'glamping' style experience. And this camp served it up! Each tent had a king seize bed with oh-so-comfortable linens, was beautifully decorated, has a private bathroom with tiled shower (yes, a shower in the middle of the desert!) and a romantic star-watching platform lined with pillows. Afternoon tea, dinner and breakfast was included. And we could have arranged for other activities like camel riding, dune bashing or a h0t air balloon ride. It was fabulous. Watch for an upcoming review of this camp. But know that if you're in the Oman, this experience is only a few hours drive away from Muscat.

Anantara Al Aktar - Oman

Now, if glamping is not your thing or if you want to combine a glamping experience with a more refined hotel stay, this hotel is only a few hours drive from that last desert camp. Anantara Al Aktar is only a few hours drive from Muscat and was one of our favorite hotels on our recent Middle East Adventure. Since this was part of my 'big decade' birthday year of travel, of course we 'sprung' for a fabulous room. And as you can see from the photo above, the Anantara Cliff Villa not only came with a head-swiveling view, but a private pool as well. The rest of the 2200 SF room was equally stunning and if there's an award for 'best bathroom and shower', this place would win it hands-down. The resort has a spa, activities for guests, gourmet restaurants and the most extensive international breakfast buffet I've ever experienced. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle to access this resort, as it sits high on the Saiq Plateau and the roads are very steep (but paved). Watch for an upcoming, more detailed review of this resort. But in the meantime, you can see more photos and get some tips for planning a road trip in Oman from our recent 11-day road trip itinerary.

Wickaninnish Inn - Vancouver Island

This lovely Relais and Chateau property's motto is "Rustic Elegance on Nature's Edge". And it fits it perfectly. We first read about this place in a travel magazine. It's location on the Tofino coastline makes it a perfect place for storm-watching! And so October (my husbands' birthday month) is a great time of year for this. I loved that the rooms were cosy and there were Wellington-style rubber boots and rain slickers in the closet. Roaming the nearby beach and wading in the tide pools is highly encouraged here! The meals are wonderful and Howards' Wine Cellar is well-stocked. If you're looking for a romantic get away in an rustic, natural setting, Wickaninnish Inn may just fit the bill.

Emirates Palace - Abu Dhabi

This was the third wonderful property we stayed at in our recent trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirates Palace has a long history of opulence and high-level service. And its' inclusion into Mandarin Oriental's portfolio is an indication of the hotels continued ability to deliver both. The entire property is filled with soaring ceilings, gold-plated decor and tasteful extravagance. Every seating area has been thoughtfully designed and the beds in each room are the most comfortable I've ever slept in (You can even order their linens online!). The place oozes with elegance. And every restaurant we dined at was more incredible than the last. The hotel has its own beach area and pool, and offers many on-site activities for guests. Its location is an easy Uber or car service ride to the Louvre, the Grand Palace and the soon-to-be completed arts district. Abu Dhabi is only a 90 minute drive or a short flight from Dubai. So if you're looking to combine a visit to the two cities, feel free to steal any ideas and tips from our Itinerary. I'll be writing a full review of this our stay at this resort soon (including our fabulous surprise upgrade!). So check back in and I'll link it to this post.

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge - Machu Picchu, Peru

If you haven't been to Peru yet or seen Machu Picchu, this hotel could be a terrific way to spend an anniversary or a special birthday. Especially if you combine it like we did, with a stay at Explora's Sacred Valley lodge. Belmond's Sanctuary Lodge sits a few hundred feet from the entrance of this marvelous archeological site, which means you get first access before crowds arrive. The hotels grounds are tranquil and food and service excellent. So as not to repeat myself, you can read my full review of our stay at the Sanctuary Lodge here. And if you're curious about how to combine with exploring the Sacred Valley, feel free to skim through the tips and insights offered in our 10-day Peru itinerary.

Alvear Palace - Buenas Aires

Not too many cities are more romantic than Buenos Aires, Argentina! And we stayed at this beautiful hotel on our way down to Patagonia. The Alvear is part of the ricoleta neighborhood, which is walking distance from many historic sights, cafes and restaurants. Alvear Palace is quite elegant and reflective of a mix of French style, both classic and modern. The rooftop bar at this hotel is sophisticated and has terrific views. And the beds (you know how I love them) are again, oh-so-comfortable.

Sorrisniva Wilderness Lodge (and it's Ice Hotel!) - Alta, Norway

If you've looking for somewhere truly out of the ordinary to celebrate that special occasion, how about a winter destination in Norway! Our stay at Sorrisniva Wilderness Resort and Spa came after a weeklong winter photography adventure in the Lofoten, Norway. After this week, we traveled further north to the arctic town of Alta, to relax and unwind before our return home to the USA. This modern-design, luxury resort offers snowmobiling, king crab fishing, reindeer sledding and a prime location to see the northern lights. It even has an Ice Hotel you can stay in for a night! The rooms were gorgeous with soft, cosy decor and modern lighting. And yes, we even spent a night in one of their specialty ice-sculpted rooms! Read more about this experience (and see our photos of the Ice Hotel) towards the end of our 12-day itinerary in Lofoten and Alta, Norway.

Le Blanc Resort - Los Cabos, Mexico

I fell in love with this resort a year or so ago, when a few girlfriends and I went for a weekend getaway. I returned with my husband a few months later, and am returning again this year to celebrate my birthday with friends. This resort has mastered 5-star, adult-only, all-inclusive service in modern, desert chic environment. I could go on, but my complete review of this place as well as more photos will no doubt put this resort on your list for consideration.

Mazagan Beach Resort - Casablanca Morocco

As we do with may of our hybrid travel adventures, we stayed at Mazagan following a trekking adventure in Berber country and the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Located only about an hour from the Casablanca Airport, Morocco, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is a beautifully unique and luxurious beach resort - complete with seven kilometers of pristine sand. With more than ten (10!) mouth-watering restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, we wished we had stayed longer than we did! The room and hotel decor is modern Moroccan and lounging by the pool was a dream. They offer activities such as golf, horseback riding and surfing to keep you busy. Although this is a family-resort, a kids club and the sheer size of the place helps maintain a quiet elegance that adults can enjoy. If you'd like to see more photos from our experience here, look at the last few days of our Moroccan Itinerary.

On 'the list'

Obviously, we'll never make it to all the wonderful and unique places out there in a lifetime. But we'll keep sharing the ones that stand out to us. We have a few we'll probably get to in the next few years, so I thought I'd list them below in case you beat us to them. If you do, email me and tell us about your experience!

The Hana Maui, Hawaii

I actually stayed a night here many, MANY moons ago when it was called Hana Ranch. I remember it being unique and have wanted to return with my husband. Hyatt has recently added this resort to their portfolio. So the service and style is no doubt still excellent.

Paws Up Luxury Ranch and Green-O, Montana

These two experiences are within the expansive 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch. Paws Up is the more Western-style wilderness experience and open to families. Green-O is the sophisticated adult-only woodland hideaway experience. Both locations include all meals and house drinks while there as well as unguided activities. A daily resort fee covers roundtrip airport transfers and gratuity. NOTE: best rates appear to be in January.

Feel free to check out some of our other travel itineraries 

from all over the world!

AND

If you like RV-ing, Overlanding or van-camping, check out some of the cool road trips we've done !

PLUS

Are you a travel photographer who would love to brush up on your skills without 'breaking the bank'?

Check out these affordable Nature Photography Classes as well this live presentation series where professional photographers from around the world share their insights, processing techniques and creative tips.