Hit the Open Road! Unusual Retreats on Iconic Worldwide Driving Routes

A road trip isn’t just about taking a holiday. It’s to embark on an epic, exhilarating adventure in which your journey is your destination.

Driving along an open highway can’t help but spark feelings of freedom and fun, especially when you’ve got your loved ones in the car and your favourite playlist on the stereo!

Sing, chat, laugh, reconnect, and revel in brand-new, soul-stirring scenery all together – and since you’re the one at the wheel, you’re in charge. Stop for picnics against a dramatic backdrop of lakes and mountains, take coffee breaks in the fresh country air, unwind on deserted beaches, and visit exciting places you never knew existed until now.

Of course, you’ll need a few planned stops along your way, so we’ve got just the thing: a list of unusual retreats, each set on (or close to) an iconic driving route around the world. Some routes are well-known enough to be legendary, others are hidden gems. All are enticingly beautiful and begging to be discovered.

Oh, and there’s more: to help you plan your route, we also asked our property owners for one ‘standout stop’ that shouldn’t be missed.

Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: “The Watchers” sculpture, a Scenic Route art installation located in the Cairngorms via Sweet Donside Cabins

Carry Farm Lodges (Argyll and Bute, Scotland)

Carry Farm Lodges

Tighnabruaich, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

A sumptuous trio of architect-designed rural retreats, breathtakingly secluded between sea and ancient woodland on Scotland’s unspoilt west coast.

Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per lodge

Sleeps: 6

From

£405 /3 nights

Route: Argyll’s ‘Secret Coast’
Standout Stop: Pass through the Arrochar Alps (and perhaps climb the famous ‘Cobbler’ mountain!) then drive on via ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ – a historic point where the road has climbed to 800 feet and the views are incredible.

Glan yr Afon (Ceredigion, Wales)

Glan yr Afon

Penbontrhydyfothau, Ceredigion, Wales

Experience unspoilt West Wales at its most glorious, in a beautifully restored thatched cottage set by a babbling brook near the coast.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

115 / night

Route: The Coastal Way
Standout Stop: This beautiful route follows the entire sweep of the West Wales coastline along Cardigan Bay (also known as Dolphin Bay!). Mwnt Beach is the perfect setting for dolphin-watching – park up by the little white chapel and watch the sun go down, too.

Dittisham Hideaway (Devon, England)

Dittisham Hideaway

Dittisham, Devon, England

An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 1-5

From

£95 / night

Route: South West 660 (in the middle of route sections 4 and 5)
Standout Stop: Start Point marks the southern end of Lyme Bay and juts out for almost a mile into the sea, so it’s a picturesque spot for a walk or picnic (or both!).

Sweet Donside Cabins (Strathdon, Scotland)

Sweet Donside Cabins

Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Heavenly, hand-crafted hideaways with private hot tubs, beautifully secluded amongst nine magical acres of the Cairngorms National Park.

Bedrooms: 1 per cabin

Sleeps: 2 per cabin

From

£145 mid week

Route: North East 250
Standout stop: It’s hard to choose just one! This circular route is full of wonderful places to stop, taking in the Cairngorms, Speyside whisky distilleries, historic castles, and the rugged North Sea coast.

Qii House (Victoria, Australia)

Qii House

Lorne, Victoria, Australia

A bold and quirky architectural gem, superbly nestled within the lush rainforest ferns of Australia's Great Otway National Park.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

From

£369 /night

Route: Great Ocean Road
Standout Stop: Lorne, a resort town characterised by lush rainforests, sparkling waterfalls, and paradise-style sandy beaches.

Madonna Inn (California, USA)

Madonna Inn

San Luis Obispo, California, USA

A vividly kitsch, grandly one-of-a-kind resort just off US Route 101, where the good times roll and no two rooms are the same.

Bedrooms: 110 rooms/suites

Sleeps: Varies

From

£143 / night

Route: US Route 101
Standout Stop: This scenic, 1,540-mile route is perfectly situated between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the Pacific coast. The Nine Sisters Peaks are full of breath-taking hiking trails and monuments that are ideal for scenic picnic-stops.

Manakau PurePod (Canterbury, New Zealand)

Manakau PurePod

Kaikoura, Canterbury, New Zealand

At Manakau PurePod you can gaze out over majestic mountain views from the immersive comfort of a nature-surrounded New Zealand glass cabin.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£310 / night

Route: South Island State Highway 1
Standout Stop: Kaikōura, a seaside town lined with towering mountains and nature-filled activities. Hike up Mount Fyffe for expansive ocean views to make you swoon with delight!

Birch Grove Cabin (Torridon, Scotland)

Birch Grove Cabin

Torridon, Scottish Highlands, The Highlands, Scotland

A sustainable retreat in the Scottish Highlands, nestled among birch trees with stirring views of Loch Torridon and the soaring mountains beyond.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£155 /nt

Route: North Coast 500
Standout Stop: The Bealach na Bà: a spectacular single-track mountain pass in the Scottish Highlands that’s famous for its steep 2,054-foot ascent, tight hairpins… and breath-taking views beyond the Isle of Skye.

Wolds Edge Treehouse (Yorkshire, England)

Wolds Edge Treehouse

Bishop Wilton, Yorkshire, England

A luxuriously romantic lodge-amongst-the-leaves, in an award-winning corner of the unspoilt Yorkshire Wolds.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: 2

From

£475 (2 nights)

Route: York to Robin Hood’s Bay
Standout Stop: Goathland, which is part of the North York Moors National Park. Known as ‘Heartbeat Country’ after the TV series, the railway station was also used as the location for Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films, and the line filmed for Harry’s journey.

Caravan Agafay (Agafay Desert, Morocco)

Caravan Agafay

Agafay Desert, Marrakesh, Morocco

A Moroccan desert mirage made captivatingly real Caravan Agafay offers luxurious accommodation, mouthwatering cuisine, and a chance to immerse your soul in time-honoured traditions

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 3

From

£233 / night

Route: N9 Marrakesh to Ouarzazate
Standout Stop: The Atlas Mountains, which separate the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and are home to abundant plant and animal life.

The Hope Scott Wing at Abbotsford (Melrose, Scotland)

The Hope Scott Wing at Abbotsford

Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Trace the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott in a grand group stay set across three luxurious floors, on an iconic Scottish Borders estate that breathes with history.

Bedrooms: 8

Sleeps: 16

From

£2650 /2 nts

Route: Borders Historic Route
Standout Stop: Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott and a place for travellers to fully immerse themselves in an extraordinary blend of history, luxury, and scenic adventure.

4×4 Mountain Cabin (Capel Curig, Wales)

4x4 Mountain Cabin

Capel Curig, County Conwy, Wales

A handcrafted off-grid timber cabin, ingeniously mounted on a Mitsubishi 4 x 4 for the ultimate in freedom and comfort as you explore breath-taking Wild Wales in your own unique way.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£95/nt

Route: Any Snowdonia route of your choice
Standout Stop: Mounted on a Mitsubishi L200 4×4, the timber-cabin for two is equipped with handy off-grid facilities. It will be positioned for you – and moved daily – according to your itinerary. Recommendations are available for those in need of inspiration.

The Turbine (Western Cape, South Africa)

The Turbine

Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa

A fascinating boutique hotel and spa, converted from a former power station and beautifully located in the heart of South Africa's iconic Garden Route.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£168 / night

Route: The Garden Route
Standout Stop: The Seven Passes Road, a designated National Monument with historic bridges and beautiful forest scenery to get lost in.

LandyCampers (Essex, England)

LandyCampers

Broxted, Essex, England

Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!

Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents

Sleeps: 2-7 guests

From

£175 / night

Route: Your choice of route in the UK or mainland Europe
Standout Stop: Your customised Land Rover Defender comes equipped with a state-of-the-art roof tent, a lounge in the rear, and facilities to help you feel comfy in your chosen location.

Seljalandsfoss Horizons (Seljalandsfoss, Iceland)

Seljalandsfoss Horizons

Seljalandsfoss, Southern Region, Iceland

Discover authentic Iceland at this welcoming, family-run retreat with luxury Nordic-designed lodges, peacefully set close to the iconic Seljalandsfoss waterfall in southern Iceland

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2-4

From

£339 / night

Route: Ring Road (Route 1)
Standout Stop: Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, a jaw-dropping 197-ft waterfall used as a backdrop in many films and music videos, and one of the Ring Road’s most-visited stops.

The Bothy by Off Grid Travel (St. Andrews, Scotland)

The Bothy by Off Grid Travel

St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

A creative eco-retreat, expertly crafted for sustainable comfort and peacefully nestled on an ancient Fife estate, with ample outdoor space and glorious views of the coast.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: 4

From

£250 / night

Route: Fife Coastal Route
Standout Stop: Take your pick from ancient fishing villages, quaint harbours – and the ancient town of St. Andrews, the iconic ‘Home of Golf’ and the place where Prince William attended university.

Lough Mardal Lodge Glamping (County Donegal, Ireland)

Lough Mardal Lodge Glamping

Ballintra, County Donegal, Ireland

Luscious, off-grid lakeside retreats and a strawbale lodge, mesmerisingly secluded amongst 90 acres of diverse, wild, and unspoilt landscapes on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Bedrooms: Open plan

Sleeps: 2-4 per unit

From

£100 / night

Route: The Wild Atlantic Way (Donegal Route)
Standout Stop: There are some beautiful blue-flag beaches to discover in Donegal. A great stop is Tullan Strand, which has some stunning cliff walks and is also home to the Fairies’ Bridge and Wishing Chair.

Náttúra Yurtel (Haukadalur, Iceland)

Náttúra Yurtel

Haukadalur, Southern Region, Iceland

A selection of custom-designed yurts, peacefully set in the heart of Iceland’s famed Golden Circle for supreme sightseeing and dark nights illuminated by the elusive Northern Lights.  

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£135 / night

Route: The Golden Circle
Standout Stop: Located between Gulfoss and Geysir, you’ll be spoilt for choice of scenic stops… perhaps characterised by the dancing Northern Lights.

Skuyö (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Skuyö

Duisdealmor, Isle of Skye, Scotland

A sumptuous, architect-designed haven that’s rich in clean-lined Scandinavian design and sensory treats that include an al fresco hot tub, mesmerisingly secluded on the scenic southern peninsula of Skye.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£250 /night

Route: The Ord Loop
Standout Stop: This hidden 16-mile circular route is one of Skye’s best-kept secrets! Winding through crofting townships and the open coastal landscape, there are uninterrupted views of the Cuillin mountain ranges, where any number of beautiful stops can be made.

Rowden Mill Station Building and Parcel Office (Herefordshire, England)

Rowden Mill Station Building and Parcel Office

Bredenbury, Herefordshire, England

Nostalgic, first-class couples and family accommodation at a restored 19th century railway station, set amongst timeless North Herefordshire countryside.

Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per property

Sleeps: 2 or 4 per property

From

£110/nt Parcel

Route: The Watkins Way
Standout Stop: This is a 106-mile scenic tour of Herefordshire’s wild and ancient landscapes. Guides are available to download and include sacred stones, secluded churches, and drives through the Wye Valley, Golden Valley, and the black-and-white villages of ‘Hamnet Country’.

The Pole House (Victoria, Australia)

The Pole House

Fairhaven, Victoria, Australia

A wow-factor Australian icon, architecturally renovated and suspended 40 meters above Fairhaven Beach for a view-filled holiday quite unlike any other.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£519 / night

Route: Great Ocean Road
Standout Stop: Fairhaven Beach, the longest (and most photographed!) beach on the Great Ocean Road and a popular surfing destination.

Eilean Sionnach (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

Eilean Sionnach

Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Rest your weary heads in a dreamy lighthouse cottage, blissfully cast away on a soul-soothing private island off the rugged Isle of Skye.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

From

£650 / night

Route: Road to the Isles, from Fort William to Mallaig
Standout Stop: The Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the train curves across the arches above Loch Shiel with mountains rising all around… breath-taking!

The Oakey Koakey Treehouse (East Sussex, England)

The Oakey Koakey Treehouse

Ticehurst, East Sussex, England

Get set for family fun, fresh adventure and relaxing woodland seclusion at The Oakey Koakey Treehouse, just an hour away from London.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£185 / night

Route: Weald of Kent and 1066 Country
Standout Stop: This is a historic, castle-studded route, but Bodiam Castle is a particular highlight: a storybook-moated fortress that’s ideal for a wander before retreating to your treetop hideaway!

Tāima PurePod (Cromwell, New Zealand)

Tāima PurePod

Cromwell, Otago, New Zealand

Savour some of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural scenery from a luxurious glass eco-haven set within historic Central Otago, close to the Lake Dunstan Trail.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£345 /nt

Route: Central Otago Touring Route
Standout Stop: The Cromwell Heritage Precinct, where meticulously preserved and reconstructed buildings line the shimmering lakefront, for a fascinating insight into the town’s gold-rush history.

Golden Circle Domes (Selfoss, Iceland)

Golden Circle Domes

Selfoss, Southern Region, Iceland

Watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the cosy comfort of a luxurious glamping dome, magnificently located in one of Iceland’s most naturally beautiful settings.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£525 /night

Route: The Golden Circle
Standout Stop: Thingvellir National Park: an ancient natural wonder of the world and UNESCO World Heritage site that forms part of the Atlantic Ocean ridge that runs through Iceland.

EcoCamp Patagonia (Magallanes, Chile)

EcoCamp Patagonia

Torres del Paine, Magallanes, Chile

Immerse yourself in Chilean natural luxury with a stay in the world's first geodesic dome hotel, inspired by simple tribal living.

Bedrooms: 15

Sleeps: Up to 25

From

£235 / night

Route: El Calafate to Torres del Paine
Standout Stop: Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, widely known as the most scenic park in South America with abundant wildlife, glaciers, granite towers and shimmering turquoise lakes (don’t forget your camera!).

Oaklane Glamping (County Kerry, Ireland)

Oaklane Glamping

Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland

Bespoke luxury cabins and a scenic yoga deck, privately secluded on a working sheep farm that overlooks Kenmare Bay on the iconic Wild Atlantic Way in County Kerry.

Bedrooms: 1 per cabin

Sleeps: 2

From

£159 / night

Route: Wild Atlantic Way
Standout Stop: Kenmare, which forms part of the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara, also close to the Killarney National Park for enthralling mountain scenery.