Unique Places to Stay can transform an ordinary family holiday into an unforgettable adventure. While traditional hotels provide comfort and convenience, choosing an unusual place to sleep can make the accommodation itself one of the highlights of your trip. Imagine waking up inside a luxurious tent surrounded by Bali’s tropical landscapes, watching colourful fish through an underwater window, or enjoying a beachfront bungalow where the ocean is only a few steps away.
For families, these experiences offer more than a comfortable bed. They create opportunities to spend quality time together, explore unfamiliar environments, discover local cultures, and introduce children to the natural world. From elevated treehouses to overwater villas, unconventional accommodation allows travellers to experience destinations in a different way.
Asia and the Pacific are particularly appealing regions for these adventures. Their diverse landscapes include tropical islands, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and extraordinary marine environments. Each setting offers different accommodation styles to suit a range of interests, budgets, and travel preferences.
In this guide, we explore seven unique places to stay that can add excitement to your next family vacation. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, peaceful island retreats, or extraordinary marine experiences, these ideas can help you plan a holiday that everyone will remember.
Table of Contents
1. Glamping Tents in Bali: Enjoy Nature Without Giving Up Comfort
Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, rice terraces, temples, and tropical scenery. However, travellers who want something different from a conventional hotel can explore glamping, a style of camping that combines outdoor experiences with selected modern comforts.
Glamping tents can feature comfortable beds, private bathrooms, outdoor seating areas, and stylish interiors. Depending on the property, guests may also enjoy a private deck, an outdoor bathtub, or views of the surrounding forest and countryside.
Areas away from Bali’s busiest tourist centres can provide a more peaceful atmosphere. For example, the island’s eastern regions offer opportunities to experience a quieter side of Bali while remaining connected to local villages and scenic landscapes.
What makes Bali glamping special?
Glamping brings families closer to nature without requiring them to carry camping equipment or sleep in basic tents. Parents can enjoy a relaxing environment while children experience the excitement of staying somewhere different.
During the day, families can explore rice terraces, visit traditional markets, discover waterfalls, or take guided walks through the countryside. Evenings can be spent enjoying the surrounding scenery and spending time together away from busy city life.
Before booking, check whether the property offers suitable facilities for young children, reliable transport access, air conditioning or adequate ventilation, and protection against insects.
Best for: Families who enjoy nature, outdoor exploration, and comfortable accommodation with a distinctive setting.
Planning resource: Visit the official Indonesia Travel website for destination information and travel inspiration.
2. Overwater Villas in the Maldives: Wake Up Above the Ocean
The Maldives is famous for its white-sand beaches, clear lagoons, coral reefs, and tropical island resorts. For travellers looking for an extraordinary accommodation experience, an overwater villa can offer a memorable way to enjoy this island destination.
These villas are built above the water and commonly feature private decks, large windows, and direct views of the surrounding lagoon. Some properties offer stairs leading into designated swimming areas, while others provide outdoor relaxation spaces overlooking the sea.
The exact facilities vary by resort, so it is important to check what is included before booking.
Why choose an overwater villa?
An overwater stay can make the ocean part of the holiday experience from morning until evening. Families can enjoy scenic breakfasts, watch the changing colours of the lagoon, and arrange boat excursions or guided snorkelling activities.
Marine excursions may provide opportunities to observe tropical fish, coral formations, and other sea life. However, children should only enter the water in suitable areas under responsible adult supervision.
Overwater villas are often among the more expensive accommodation choices in the Maldives. Families should compare meal plans, transfers, taxes, resort facilities, and children’s policies when calculating the full cost.
For families with very young children, villas with secure railings, enclosed swimming areas, and suitable safety features may be more appropriate than properties with unrestricted access to deep water.
Best for: Families celebrating special occasions, travellers who love marine scenery, and visitors seeking a relaxing island escape.
Planning resource: Explore the Visit Maldives website for destination information and island experiences.
3. Treehouse Retreats in Thailand: Sleep Among the Trees
Thailand offers a wide variety of travel experiences, from bustling cities and cultural landmarks to mountain landscapes and tropical islands. For a holiday with a stronger connection to nature, consider staying in a treehouse retreat.
Unlike ordinary hotel rooms, treehouses place guests closer to the surrounding landscape. Depending on the property, they may include wooden balconies, elevated walkways, large windows, and views of the forest canopy.
Some retreats are designed for a rustic experience, while others offer modern bathrooms, air conditioning, and family-sized accommodation.
Activities to enjoy during a treehouse holiday
A treehouse stay can be a starting point for exploring Thailand’s natural attractions. Families might take guided nature walks, visit waterfalls, explore local communities, or participate in organised outdoor activities.
In selected destinations, visitors can also find supervised adventure experiences. Activities such as ziplining should only be booked with reputable operators that follow appropriate safety procedures and age restrictions.
Chiang Mai is known for its mountain scenery and nature-based tourism, while other parts of Thailand offer rainforest and coastal environments. The best location depends on whether your family prefers cooler mountain surroundings, dense jungle, or access to beaches.
Before reserving a treehouse, check stairway access, balcony railings, insect protection, bathroom facilities, and the distance to medical services. Elevated accommodation may not be suitable for every family, especially those travelling with toddlers or people with mobility limitations.
Best for: Families who enjoy forests, wildlife observation, outdoor activities, and accommodation with a sense of adventure.
Planning resource: Visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand for information about destinations and activities.
4. Beachfront Bungalows in Fiji: Relax Beside the Sea
Fiji is an attractive destination for travellers who want to combine relaxation, island scenery, and cultural experiences. A beachfront bungalow provides a simple but memorable way to enjoy this setting.
Instead of walking through hotel corridors to reach the beach, guests may be able to step directly from their accommodation onto the sand. Many beachfront properties feature verandas, outdoor seating, tropical gardens, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
The atmosphere can be especially appealing to families who want to spend more time outdoors without following a demanding sightseeing schedule.
Make the most of a beachfront stay
Families can spend their mornings walking along the shore, building sandcastles, or enjoying breakfast with ocean views. Depending on local conditions and the property’s facilities, other activities may include kayaking, guided snorkelling, boat excursions, and cultural visits.
A beachfront bungalow can also encourage a slower pace of travel. Rather than moving between several attractions each day, families can leave room for swimming, reading, playing, and enjoying time together.
However, not every beach is suitable for swimming. Currents, tides, weather, and reef conditions can change, so follow local advice and use designated swimming areas.
When choosing a property, compare the distance to restaurants, shops, medical services, and transport connections. Some island resorts require boat transfers, which can increase both travel time and overall costs.
Best for: Families seeking a peaceful beach holiday with outdoor activities and opportunities to experience island culture.
Planning resource: Explore Tourism Fiji for destination guides and island travel information.
5. Underwater Suites on the Great Barrier Reef: Experience Marine Life Differently
For travellers who want an extraordinary marine experience, underwater accommodation offers a very different perspective on the natural world. Instead of looking at the ocean from a beach or boat, guests can observe the underwater environment through specially designed viewing windows.
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland in Australia, is one of the world’s most recognised marine ecosystems. Its reef environments support a wide variety of marine life and attract visitors interested in snorkelling, diving, and marine conservation.
Specialist reef accommodation experiences have offered guests the opportunity to sleep in underwater suites surrounded by views of the marine environment. Availability, operating arrangements, and accommodation packages can change, so travellers should verify current offerings directly with the operator.
What makes an underwater stay memorable?
The main attraction is the opportunity to observe the underwater environment from a sheltered indoor space. Depending on visibility and natural conditions, guests may see fish moving through the water and observe the changing light around the reef.
During the day, visitors may also have opportunities to join guided snorkelling trips, learn about coral ecosystems, or take part in other organised reef activities.
Families should check minimum ages, accessibility requirements, transfer arrangements, medical considerations, and weather-related cancellation policies before booking. Remote reef trips can involve long boat journeys and may not be suitable for every traveller.
It is also important to choose responsible operators that follow reef-protection guidelines. Visitors can help protect marine ecosystems by avoiding contact with coral, never feeding wildlife, and following guides’ instructions.
Best for: Families with older children, marine-life enthusiasts, and travellers seeking a rare and educational holiday experience.
Planning resource: Learn more about the reef through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
6. Eco-Lodges in Tropical Rainforests: Discover a Greener Escape
Eco-lodges offer another way to make accommodation part of the travel experience. Often located near forests, mountains, rivers, or protected natural areas, these properties may focus on local architecture, nature-based activities, and more responsible resource use.
The term eco-lodge does not automatically guarantee that a property follows strong environmental practices. Travellers should look for clear information about water conservation, waste management, energy use, local employment, and protection of nearby ecosystems.
What can families do at an eco-lodge?
A rainforest or nature-based stay can introduce children to the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection.
Depending on the destination, activities may include guided walks, birdwatching, visits to local communities, wildlife observation from designated areas, and educational experiences with local guides.
Some lodges offer comfortable family rooms and restaurant facilities, while others provide more basic accommodation. Checking the property details in advance helps families choose a stay that balances adventure with practical needs.
Location matters, too. A remote lodge may provide beautiful scenery but require additional transfers and careful planning. Families should confirm transport options, meal availability, mobile connectivity, and access to essential services.
Choosing a property that works with local communities and follows responsible tourism practices can also help ensure that travel benefits the destination.
Best for: Nature lovers, families interested in sustainability, and travellers who prefer peaceful surroundings over busy tourist areas.
7. Traditional Cultural Stays in Asia: Experience Local Life
Accommodation can also provide an opportunity to learn about local history and culture. Across Asia, travellers can find traditional guesthouses, heritage homes, village stays, and properties designed around regional architectural styles.
These experiences differ from destination to destination. A traditional wooden house in one region may look very different from a courtyard guesthouse or a restored heritage building elsewhere.
The appeal lies in experiencing a place through more than its major tourist attractions.
Why choose a cultural stay?
A well-organised cultural stay may give families opportunities to learn about local food, crafts, architecture, and everyday traditions.
Depending on the property, guests might join a cooking class, visit a nearby market, take a guided heritage walk, or learn about traditional building techniques. Some hosts also provide recommendations for lesser-known attractions that visitors might otherwise overlook.
Families should approach cultural experiences with curiosity and respect. Ask permission before photographing people, follow local customs, and choose activities that are organised with the participation and consent of the local community.
It is equally important to check accommodation standards. Traditional design does not always mean that a property has the facilities required for young children, older travellers, or people with accessibility needs.
Best for: Families interested in culture, history, local food, and meaningful travel experiences.
How to Choose the Right Unique Accommodation
Finding unusual accommodation is exciting, but the most memorable option is not always the most suitable one. The right choice depends on your family’s budget, travel style, destination, and practical requirements.
Consider these factors before making a reservation.
1. Set a realistic budget
Compare the complete cost rather than focusing only on the advertised nightly rate. Transfers, meals, resort fees, activity packages, taxes, and additional beds can significantly increase the total.
Glamping and eco-lodges may be available at different price points, while luxury overwater villas and specialist underwater experiences can be substantially more expensive.
2. Check family-friendly facilities
Look for secure balconies, suitable sleeping arrangements, child-friendly meals, bathroom facilities, and convenient access to essential services.
If you are travelling with young children, confirm whether the property provides cots, high chairs, or other necessary equipment.
3. Consider the location
A remote property can offer privacy and beautiful surroundings, but it may be difficult to reach. Check transfer times, road conditions, boat schedules, and the availability of nearby shops or restaurants.
4. Read recent guest reviews
Recent reviews can reveal practical details about cleanliness, noise, staff service, maintenance, food, and the accuracy of property photographs.
Look for repeated patterns across several reviews rather than relying on one unusually positive or negative comment.
5. Check cancellation policies
Weather disruptions, transport delays, and unexpected changes can affect travel plans, especially in island and remote destinations.
Read the cancellation policy carefully and check whether your travel insurance covers the activities you intend to undertake.
Tips for Booking Family-Friendly Unique Places to Stay
A little preparation can make an unusual accommodation experience more enjoyable.
- Book popular stays early: Small properties and specialist experiences may have limited rooms or suites, particularly during busy travel periods.
- Confirm what is included: Check meals, transfers, equipment, activities, and taxes before paying.
- Prioritise safety: Verify swimming conditions, balcony security, fire safety, and supervision requirements.
- Pack for the environment: Tropical destinations may require insect repellent, sun protection, lightweight clothing, and suitable footwear.
- Keep the itinerary flexible: Leave time for rest and spontaneous discoveries rather than scheduling every hour.
- Respect the destination: Follow local guidance, avoid disturbing wildlife, and reduce unnecessary waste.
- Check accessibility: Confirm whether stairs, boats, uneven paths, or remote locations could create difficulties for anyone in your group.
For more travel inspiration and planning ideas, explore Digismarties and browse the resources available on the website.
Final Thoughts
Choosing unique places to stay can turn a family holiday into an experience that begins long before the day’s sightseeing and continues after the main attractions have closed.
From waking up in a Bali glamping tent to relaxing beside the sea in Fiji, sleeping among Thailand’s trees, or discovering the marine environment around Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, unconventional accommodation offers many ways to experience Asia and the Pacific.
The key is to choose a property that suits your family’s interests, comfort requirements, and budget. Check the facilities, research the destination, compare the complete costs, and make safety a priority.
With thoughtful planning, the right accommodation can become more than somewhere to sleep. It can be a central part of the journey, creating opportunities for discovery, connection, and lasting family memories.
