Kalya Ryan - 50 places to stay to blow your mind

Introduction

You know that old adage its about the journey not the destination? Well, that just doesnt apply here. Each and every one of these spectacular places to stay is a destination in its own right, and each place is totally worth the journey. From glass igloos in Finnish Lapland to wooden spheres suspended in the treetops in Canada; geodesic domes in the Patagonian wilderness to old-school opulence at New Yorks Plaza Hotel; these are the ultimate in overnight experiences. Not every place is a budget buster; sometimes its about the spectacular locations, like the gravity-defying in Spain. Weve only included a place if it gives us a thrill, opens our eyes, makes us catch our breath and inspires us to see the world through different eyes. We hope they make you smile, make you marvel, and that they motivate you to go on a journey to a new destination.

KAKSLAUTTANEN GLASS IGLOOS VALTTERI HIRVONEN

Elegant // Traditional opulence

Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland

Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland

www.ashfordcastle.com

We could get used to this.

Who wouldnt be swept up in the fantasy of medieval castle life? Especially considering this place is now packed with modern five-star amenities.

This place is enormous.

Built in 1228 by Anglo-Normans, the castle has received numerous add-ons and extensions over the years, including a French-style chateau in 1715 and Victorian buildings by the then-owners, the Guinness family, in 1852. Nowadays its a spectacular 83-room hotel with a cinema, spa, golf course, tennis courts, fishing, lake cruises, horse-riding, clay-shooting, archery, zip-lining, tree climbing, and of course, falconry. Were not even kidding.

We dont know where to start.

Considering the sumptuous, spacious and elegant design of the rooms and suites at the hotel its amazing anyone makes it outside to partake in all the activities. Each room has been lovingly realised with antique furnishings, bespoke beds and carpets, chandeliers and one-of-a-kind works of art. Theres 24-hour in-room dining available, an in-room bar, cable TV with on-demand movies, as well as deluxe toiletries and plush bathrobes and slippers. You will never want to leave.

ASHFORD CASTLe TIM EVAN COOK

Hotel Everest View, Khumjung, Nepal

Lukla Shyangboche Marg, Khumjung 56000, Nepal

hoteleverestview.com

Everest forthe armchair enthusiasts?

Or a reward for a life-long ambition achieved? Whichever way you choose to experience Hotel Everest View theres no denying the joy of combining views of the worlds highest peak with world-class luxury.

So we can get all the gain for none of the pain?

The hotel has been listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the worlds highest at 3880m so beware the dreaded altitude sickness. One way to avoid being struck down is to trek to the hotel from Lukla the three-day hike gives guests the opportunity to slowly acclimatise as well as experience the magnificent scenery. Of course, if this just sounds like way too much work you can fly in on a helicopter from Kathmandu.

A helicopter? Thats cheating!

If you hike the trail to the hotel youve definitely earned bragging rights and anyone who has choppered in should be forced to buy the first round of drinks to be consumed on the terrace. Then youre all free to enjoy one of the worlds most stunning sights.

hotel everest view

Majestic Hotel, Yosemite National Park, California, USA

1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, United States

www.travelyosemite.com/lodging

Cant we just pitch a tent here and soak in the grandeur?

Theres no denying the major drawcards in Yosemite are the jaw-dropping natural wonders. Hiking, climbing and camping throughout this expansive and stunningly varied national park is an experience of a lifetime, but every now and again you just need a little luxury to go with the majesty.

OK, weve packed away our hiking boots and donned our finest. bring on the extravagance.

The Majestic is all about old-school elegance. Built in 1927, the hotel showcases original paintings, rugs and tapestries from the period throughout the magnificent common spaces. The entrance hall features towering ceilings over 30 feet high, theres a chandelier-lit dining room and even a pool.

We could get so comfortable here wed forget where we were.

Not likely. One of the most magnificent things about the Majestic is the nod of deference it gives to its unique location. The grand granite and pine faade proudly mirrors the imposing rock face of the surrounding mountains and the private rooms all open onto spectacular views of some of the parks most well known attractions, like Yosemite Falls and Half Dome.

JOHN KELLY ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Quinta Real Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico

Av. Ignacio Col. Centro, Rayon 434, Zacatecas Centro, 98000

Zacatecas, Zac., Mexico. www.quintareal.com/zacatecas-en

Got to say were fans of seeing a bullring being made the most of without the bulls.

Cleverly designed to maximise the drama of the 17th century San Pedro bullring, the hotels rooms encircle the ring, recessed in the original colonial architecture. The hotel also overlooks the citys ancient arched viaduct.

So the bloodshed is over, whats in the ring now?

Cocktails and canapes have replaced the one-time gory spectacle. A refined Mexican restaurant overlooks the ring and theres even a bar inside the former bull corrals.

And our ringside suite? what can we expect to find there?

Expect to have no expense spared. The rooms are spacious and combine modern features like Jacuzzi baths and satellite TV, with colonial touches such as beds set back under stone archways to mirror the external archways of the bullring.

Now we know what its like to be spoiled Mexican style.

The silver mines of Zacatecas brought untold wealth to the city and now the Quinta Real Zacatecas gives its guests the opportunity to experience this old-time opulence and extravagance.

JENNIFER BLAU GETTY IMAGES

Trans-Siberian Express, Russia-Mongolia

Yaroslavsky Terminal in Moscow, Russia

www.transsiberianexpress.net

A moving target.

Were being a bit cheeky here by introducing a place to stay thats on the move, but sleeping aboard this legendary express is absolutely one for the bucket list. There is more than one itinerary on board a number of trains crossing the region, but were talking about the classic Moscow to Vladivostok via Lake Baikal, the worlds largest freshwater lake.

And the trains themselves?