What makes a ‘wow-factor’ break? Location, hospitality and sumptuous treats are all high on anyone’s list… but for some of us, an extra flash of innovation or a touch of Bond-style gadgetry can elevate a stay from good to grand.
That’s why our latest list is full to bursting with eye-catching, jaw-dropping additions both large and small. All are either one-of-a-kind or something you may not have known even existed, for supreme bragging rights once you’re back home.
Think rotating beds and bathtubs, state-of-the-art smart tech, ‘invisible’ accessories, or unique eco-innovations that reduce your holiday’s carbon footprint… and all that’s just for starters.
Main image: Woolbrook Reservoir, Devon
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Sidmouth, Devon, England
A unique, breath-taking former Devon reservoir that’s perfect for entertaining friends and family, with glass-lined rooms, an incredible al fresco courtyard, and a beautiful garden with a bar and hot tub.
Guests can send pictures in advance of their stay to customise the ‘photo wall’ in the dining area. This is wonderful for special occasions and can be a great surprise for other guests to see old photos or personal memories to enhance their stay.
Hartland, Devon, England
An Insta-worthy, dog-friendly treetop haven with a private terrace and a gleaming copper bathtub (that can be moved inside or out!) dreamily nestled in 20 acres of picture-perfect Devonshire countryside.
This is first-ever treehouse to feature a movable copper bathtub! Easily positioned inside or out on the scenic woodland terrace, you can decide where you’d like to luxuriate in a well-deserved bubble-soak.
Joshua Tree, California, USA
A vast, eco-luxe mirrored skyscraper with a spectacular 100ft indoor swimming pool (and its very own 4000ft mountain!) that showcases incredible Joshua Tree desert views from every room.
If an invisible exterior isn’t enough, the house also comes equipped with an ‘invisible’ electric guitar designed by Dan Armstrong – ideal for strumming the star-studded desert nights away!
Kings Worthy, nr Winchester, Hampshire, England
A futuristic, architect-designed Smart House that’s styled and themed in detail-rich homage to David Bowie, peacefully secluded in a historic Hampshire village close to Winchester.
A fully-automated, David Bowie-dedicated smart home in which just about everything can be controlled remotely, including Sound and Vision! Oh, and when the temperature rises above 23 degrees, the upstairs blinds close automatically to keep the bedrooms nice and cool.
Wark, Northumberland, England
A globally-unique and ultra-luxurious Net Zero conversion of a 19th century church, in beautiful rural Northumberland close to Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water.
The first church conversion in the world to meet the ultra-demanding Passivhaus standard for energy efficiency, meaning it generates more energy than it uses – perfect for eco-conscious travellers who crave beauty and luxury.
Waimea, Hawaii, USA
A master architect-designed gem with a lava-rock hot tub, gently elevated over the Waiaka Stream for idyllic Hawaiian ocean and volcano views.
The only house in Hawaii to be crafted by the legendary master-architect Frank Lloyd Wright, you can unwind in an innovative lava-rock hot tub with Hawaiian ocean and volcano views… bliss.
Pelkosenniemi, Lapland, Finland
Discover magical, glass-ceilinged havens with a sauna and jacuzzi on site, beautifully nestled in the snow-capped heart of Finnish Lapland, where the Northern Lights make a regular appearance!
Glass ceilings and motorised beds mean you can position yourselves for the very best dark sky, star-studded scenery… priceless on nights when the Northern Lights choose to make an appearance!
Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire, Scotland
Blissfully secluded, eco-friendly pods bursting with five-star luxury, including state-of-the-art automation, sumptuous furnishings, locally-sourced treats, and incredible views from the picturesque Isle of Arran.
Bedrooms: 1 per pod
Sleeps: 2 per pod
Your cosy pod comes equipped with a state-of-the-art home automation system that means you can tailor each and every element of your stay, from lighting and heating to music and media.
Newport, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England
Relax with a Vesper Martini aboard the jaw-dropping submarine replica HMS Bond that once starred in a Bond film, now nestled on a quirky Isle of Wight campsite that's full of surprises!
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: up to 5
Be shaken AND stirred with amazing delights that include trap doors, ladders, a periscope, and an interactive dashboard (because where would a Bond film be without the fancy gadgets?)
Cottered, Hertfordshire, England
Sustainable, adults-only Hertfordshire hideaways with al fresco baths, where city style and indulgent sensory treats meet pure countryside tranquillity.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 per unit
Each retreat has been thoughtfully designed with creative tech and eco-friendliness in mind, including drop down-cinema screens, retro games machines, EBike hire, and on site EV charging.
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Indulgent rural luxury on a blissfully remote, dog and horse-friendly family farm nestled in sublime Aberdeenshire countryside, with private hot tubs for stargazing and a wealth of natural wonder to discover.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
Both lodges are partially powered by two 11kw onsite wind turbines, so you can breathe out, relax, and enjoy the luxuries on offer without worrying about your holiday’s impact on the environment.
Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of Scottish Highland hot tub retreats for couples and families on a sweeping, heritage-rich estate surrounded by 900 acres of peaceful nature in the Deveron Valley.
The Estate Shoppe is open 24 hours a day – though you won’t need to leave your chosen retreat to order sweet treats, essential items and home-grown produce! The estate’s dedicated guest portal (or in-Shoppe point-of-sale system) means you can purchase and collect at your convenience… or even have treats delivered to welcome your arrival.
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Lovingly custom-created havens, rich in holiday luxuries and peacefully secluded on a private estate just minutes away from the beach.
Bedrooms: 1, 2 or 4
Sleeps:
Each property is a SMART home with electric blinds – Sea Dragon Scylla also boasts controllable cooling and heating – while satellite technology means you can enjoy superfast broadband whilst still feeling blissfully remote.
Waxham, Norfolk, England
An architect-designed ‘happy place' by the sea, set behind the sand dunes in a Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Not only does this architect-designed “happy house” meet rigorous Passivhaus standards for energy efficiency, but the skylight opens and closes at the mere touch of a button – so you can relax in the bathtub and listen to waves breaking on the beach.
St Germans, Cornwall, England
View the best of Cornwall's unspoilt countryside from the window of your very own eco-friendly, lovingly restored railway carriage at Railholiday.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6
Harvey of Hayle boasts toasty underfloor heating via an air-source heat pump… all part of a cherished target to reach carbon neutral by 2030.
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