Editor’s Choice

25 of the Best Worldwide Bucket List Stays for 2021

31 December 2020

With 2020 being such a lacklustre (not to mention a mostly holiday-free) year, we’re sensing a strong need for 2021 to up its game.

For us, that means choosing a holiday destination that’s as far from average as it’s possible to get!

We know from experience that planning ahead is far less boring, if what you’re planning is a magical escape that’s worthy of any bucket list. That’s why we’ve rounded up some truly fabulous, jaw-dropping places to help give you something exciting to look forward to.

(Because right now, we all need something exciting to look forward to!)

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Chena Huts | Sri Lanka

The Beach Hut

Carswell Cove, South Devon, England
Star in a beachfront love story with a grown-ups-only romantic cabin for two, blissfully hidden away in a cosily secretive cove on the South Devon coast.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£804 (2 nights)

Cuevas Helena

Benamaurel, Granada, Andalucia, Spain
Cuevas Helena defines unique cave living for the modern age, set deep in the heart of the Andalucian countryside.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£132 / night

The Black Castle

Coolbaun, Tipperary, Ireland
Travel back through time with an ‘over-knight' stay for two in a majestically authentic 16th century Gaelic castle.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£274 / night

Amsterdam The Crane by YAYS

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Experience a taste of the high life in an iconic, refurbished crane offering luxurious living, an outstanding location and unbeatable views across Amsterdam East, North and the IJ-River.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£265 / night

The Mirror Houses

Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy
The Mirror Houses are a contemporary duo of master-designed holiday homes that reflect the breathtaking natural beauty of Northern Italy.
Bedrooms: 1 per house
Sleeps: 2 (+2) per house
From
£175 / night

Cycladic Private Island

Cyclades, Greece
A luxurious and versatile retreat for secluded holidays and large group celebrations amongst clear turquoise waters and soft sand, infused with the magical myth and legend of ancient Greece.
Bedrooms: 4-9
Sleeps: 20+
From
£30,625 / week

Chena Huts

Yala, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Experience an authentic sense of the exotic, surrounded by outstanding tropical luxury (and flamingos!) in the Sri Lankan jungle.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: Up to 3 per cabin
From
£810 / night

Nebesa

Nr Kobarid, Soca Valley, Goriška, Slovenia
Peaceful, scenery-showcasing chalets set far from the beaten tourist track, on the unspoilt slopes of Slovenia's remote Kuk Mountain.
Bedrooms: 1 per chalet
Sleeps: 2 per chalet
From
£178 / chalet / night

Grand Daddy Airstream Trailer Park

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Seven gleaming, individually-styled airstreams secluded at the top of Cape Town's iconic city centre hotel.
Bedrooms: 1 per airstream
Sleeps: 2 per airstream
From
£132 / night (2 guests B&B)

Siesta Campers

Faro, Algarve, Portugal
Simply choose your favourite, fully-equipped VW campervan - then get ready for new holiday adventures in Portugal!
Bedrooms: Varies per van
Sleeps: Varies per van
From
£80 / night

Cantick Head Lighthouse Cottage

Longhope, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Steal away from civilisation, to an historic haven with dramatic sea views out towards the Pentland Firth.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£170 / night

Reefsuites

Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the magical Great Barrier Reef in all its glory, with a jaw-dropping stay in Australia's first underwater suites.
Bedrooms: 2 suites
Sleeps: 2 per suite
From
£410pp /nt

The Island Cornwall

Newquay, Cornwall, England
Gaze dreamily out at the Atlantic Ocean, from the sumptuous comfort of your very own private, palm-fringed paradise.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£1,233 (3/4nt)

Archirondel Tower

St Catherine's Bay, Jersey, Channel Islands
A captivating and historic coastal retreat, rich in heritage and boasting a roof terrace that showcases Jersey's National Park to perfection.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
From
£155 / night

Arctic Fox Igloos

Ranua, Lapland, Finland
View the clear night sky (and possibly the Northern Lights) with a breath-taking stay in a glinting glass igloo on the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Bedrooms: 1 per igloo
Sleeps:
From
£380 / night

Stable Stays

Cartmel, Cumbria, England
A fun and completely unique stay in luxury self-catering stable, complete with a beautiful horse for company, set on a friendly farm in the Lake District.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 1-3
From
£350 / night

iHouse

Paliouri, Halkidiki, Greece
A sustainable, custom-created wooden retreat, overlooking the crystal-clear waters and soft sand of Halkidiki's beautiful Kassandra Peninsula.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4
From
£140 / night

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