Every year, our destination experts find truly extraordinary places to add to our collection; from lighthouse-like hideaways to conical-roofed trulli and even a chateau built into medieval ruins! After all, our motto is Why Do Ordinary? So it makes sense for us to have a wild and wonderful collection of unique, one-of-a-kind holiday homes up our sleeves. This is our list of 10 quirky places to stay this year.
1. Smuggler’s Nest, St. Lucia
Sleeps: 4
Price from: £131pppn | $170pppn
A true tropical paradise, this lovely little villa made for four will surely delight those seeking a totally private hideaway with elevated views over the striking cerulean sea below. Inside is a blend of gorgeous dark-wood furnishings and cooling white tones with a distinct Indonesian style which goes hand in hand with the swaying palms outdoors. But it’s exactly there, the outdoors, where you’ll spend your days relaxing in the Caribbean heat, going for cooling dips in the pool and gazing out on endless views from the clifftop gazebo. Beautiful white sand beaches and an 18-hole golf course are just minutes away too. Bliss.
2. Castillo de Arena, Costa Blanca
Sleeps: 6-10
Price from: £105pppn | $137pppn
Perched on a clifftop overlooking the beach and azure ocean, this lighthouse-like stunner is Castillo de Arena, a superb spot for 6-10 people to enjoy a sunny holiday near the lovely town of Villajoyosa. The inside is warm and homely with chunky furniture and calming places to relax, but it’s the outside that makes this place special. The beautiful terrace area with pool, palms and a bar is perfect for enjoying beneath the sunshine and becomes even more beautifully atmospheric when the sun sets. Fire up the barbie and enjoy dinners al fresco.
3. Villa Il Faro, Amalfi Coast
Sleeps: 12
Price from: £161pppn | $208pppn
This artistically designed villa wouldn’t look out of place on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces! Sitting on the hillside of Cala Vadella and overlooking the stunning countryside views, Villa Acuario has a main villa and two separate bungalows, so everyone can get a bit of privacy. Popping with bright colours inside and out, and full-length windows in the rooms, you can fully appreciate your surroundings! Let’s be honest, you’ll struggle to find another villa like it (and that’s before mentioning the tree trunks in some of the rooms!).
4. Trulli Peppe, Puglia
Sleeps: 8
Price from: £56pppn | $73pppn
Now, we couldn’t write a blog about some of our most quirky places to stay without including at least one of our gorgeous Trulli houses. Conical shaped and overflowing with character, if you wanted to experience a traditional, authentic Italian holiday then this is the place to do it. The interior of this stone-walled delight is filled with shabby chic furnishings, making it even more charming; outdoors there’s a private swimming pool and dining terrace surrounded by nature… seriously photo-worthy.
5. The Brick House & Annexe, Hampshire
Sleeps: 12
Price from: £34pppn | $44pppn
Rising impressively through the trees of the New Forest National Park, this historic home is the perfect spot for a break in southern England. This former brickworks is chock full of character with original wood beams and that fantastic brick chimney, all the while containing modern comforts. Its enviable position beside the river Beaulieu means outdoor pursuits are in abundance too, which is sure to please 12 nature-loving guests.
6. Paradise, South Africa
Sleeps: 8
Price from: £322pppn | $420pppn
This thoroughly unique home is really something. It’s an architectural gem that will leave you agog both inside and outside, with plush furnishings, lashings of terracotta and artisan pieces, as well as those striking ant-hill-like structures, you’ll probably find yourself just staring at the home during your stay! What’s more, it’s set on a 275-hectare nature reserve where animals roam freely, including a herd of giraffes. Enjoy the stunning ocean vistas that are totally uninterrupted… except maybe by your long-necked neighbours!
7. Chateau de Baloigne, Rhone-Alpes
Sleeps: 15-18
Price from: £38pppn | $50pppn
Set within the ruins of a medieval castle and dating back to the 12th century, you better pack sandals because this one will really blow your socks off! Surrounded by pine trees and a pretty river running beside, you’ll feel like you’re in a real fairytale at Chateau De Baloigne. Sporting French decor and 21st-century touches, there’s everything you need for a comfortable stay while being immersed in the incredible history of the building – don’t miss the original dungeon below!
8. Riad Gypsum, Marrakech
Sleeps: 6-14
Price from: £146pppn | $190pppn
Perfectly nestled in the heart of Marrakech, traditional meets uber luxe at Riad Gypsum. From decorative interiors and intricate touches to the dazzling courtyard and enchanting roof terrace, every aspect of this quirky villa is utterly beautiful. Relax in the hammam and enjoy treatments in the spa, star gaze on the terrace or take a trip to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains with your own tour guide.
9. Magic Rocks, Corfu
Sleeps: 10
Price from: £218pppn | $284pppn
This has got to be one of our most quirky places to stay! This magical holiday home is on the gorgeous island of Corfu and is all about outdoor living with an array of outdoor spaces and terraces, from the rooftop terrace to the shaded dining veranda – all benefiting from magnificent panoramic sea or mountain views. What really makes this villa stand out from the rest is the distinctive stone tower rising above the infinity pool, which everyone will fight over because there’s a bedroom and terrace in there which benefits from unrivalled sea views!
10. Villa Krystal, Turkey
Sleeps: 6-8
Price from: £96pppn | $120pppn
Villa Krystal, a four-bedroom luxury retreat in Dalyan, Turkey, is the perfect quirky retreat for families, with its large circular pool, extensive gardens, and stunning mountain views. Its traditional Mediterranean exterior contrasts with the modern, light-filled interiors, while the grounds play host to an outdoor kitchen and shaded terrace. This blend of tradition and modernity makes for a quirky and luxe design, and the interiors are tastefully decorated with contemporary artwork and neutral-hued furniture. The setting is equally characterful, with the villa located directly in front of a magnificent, rugged mountain in the small town of Dalyan.
Feeling a one-of-a-kind villa stay this year? We’ve got hundreds more quirky villas in our collection! Check out the whole portfolio of homes around the world on Oliver’s Travels and get in touch with our friendly concierge team, who will be happy to help you book all manner of fabulous extra services.
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Top 10 Unusual Places to Stay in the UK
*Prices are correct at time of posting
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