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

£30,130 (7nt)

Uga 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

£1,350 (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