You've probably heard that millennials, and consumers in general, are shifting their buying habitsfrom goods to experiences. Instead of purchasing a new handbag or the latest technology, consumers are opting to splurge on trips to Phuket and scuba diving in the Bahamas.
After visiting and investigating thousands and thousands of hotels around the world, we've come across some that are both located in beautiful locations and provide seriously unique experiences — perfect for those riding the wave of this new trend.
From spots where you can sleep on a bed made of ice, to prime locales for hanging ten in stunning Costa Rica, here are the 10 coolest experience-centric hotels in the world.
SEE ALSO: The 10 best tourist attractions in the world, according to Lonely Planet
andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Botswana
This ultra-remote, luxurious safari lodge on an island in Botswana's Okavango Delta isn't a hotel, it's an experience, where everything — including the excellent food and guided excursions (game drives, bush walks, river cruises) — is included in the price of the stay.
Guests can get up close to exotic wildlife on both land and water (think: lions and hippos), and even arriving to the property is an adventure, requiring transport by small plane, safari vehicle, and a boat.
The nine safari "tents" are fully screened in and thoroughly high-end, with huge soaking tubs, four-poster beds, lots of wood, and private pools. The decor blends rustic charm with bright, contemporary style — not an obvious combination, but it mostly works.
Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
This seven-room eco-resort, a scattering of rustic, sky-high treehouse bungalows, allows guests to live our their Lost Boys fantasies, and keep company with howler monkeys and tree branches.
The location is securely out of the orbit of the central La Fortuna tourist hub (the town is a 40-minute drive away over bad roads) — a pro for those looking for remote environs.
The high-ceilinged cabins come with wraparound porches and bird feeders that the staff keep supplied with fruit to bring out hummingbirds and monkeys. To satisfy guests' grown-up needs, rooms come with conveniences like AC and safes, but modern comforts such as TV and Wi-Fi are nowhere to be found.
Related Link: Eight Stunning Tree House Hotels
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat, Bahamas
Those looking for a relaxed vacation with some yoga thrown in should look elsewhere. This is a serious ashram by an established group (there are nine Sivananda Yoga Ashrams throughout the world) and the 5:30 a.m. wake-up bell proves it.
Guests focus on posture, breathing, positive thinking, and meditation, and have some free time to take advantage of the beautiful beach setting. Seemingly a world away from neighboring mega-resort Atlantis, this five-and-a-half acre, mid-range oasis has a range of accommodations from tents to Beachfront Suites (most rooms have shared bathrooms, though).
Two vegetarian meals are prepared daily right after each two-hour yoga class, while morning and evening satsangs (a mix of meditation, chanting, lectures, singing, and dancing) help create a sense of community. Extra workshops and lectures are built into the daily schedule, and there's a wellbeing center for massage treatments and Ayurvedic body treatments.
Related Link: The Best Hotels for a Yoga Retreat
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