Unusual accommodations: Sleeping in a lighthouse, a bubble, a house on the water, or in the trees

Throughout my travels, I have sometimes slept in the most unlikely places: at a carpet dealer's in Cappadocia, within a maharaja's palace in India, inside a nuclear bunker in Switzerland, in a tobacco factory in Havana... Such experiences are impossible with all-inclusive trips! And you, what was the most unusual place you have slept in? Nowadays, hipsters claim glamping. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the concept. It's the art of camping reimagined in a glamorous way. This new version, which comes in forms like bubble hotels, tree houses, or arbocamp that I will discuss, goes far beyond mere accommodation. In perfect harmony with the surrounding environment, it allows one to reconnect with the elements and to listen to oneself.

And you, what was the most unusual place you have slept in?

200 km from the Arctic Circle, I am taking you to a timeless place.  Starting in November, 40 artists from around the globe gather by the Torne River. What for? To build the temporary ice hotel and all the sculptures that will decorate it. We inevitably find ourselves transported into Barjavel's "The Night of Time" or a novel by Vesaas. Of course, the nights are cool (-5°C) but surprisingly we acclimate well and the sleeping bags and aquavit certainly help!   

A treehouse... As a child, did your parents set up a platform in the branches from which you devoured Calvin and Hobbes? Worry not, I have discovered your little attic at Pella Roca in the Quercy! You really need to scrutinize the treetops to spot the perched cabins as they blend into the landscape. Here you can watch the path of the sun, the shade of the woods... The interior decor, with its soft atmosphere, comes straight from the imagination of designers. To top it off, you'll treat yourself to the luxury of a Nordic bath from the terrace overlooking the canopy!

Who has never imagined themselves as a lighthouse keeper? The opportunity is yours with the Kerbel lighthouse near Lorient. After climbing the 126 steps - indeed, you will overlook the ocean from the lantern room. Wonder is evident on your face. Your gaze wanders as far as the eye can see. Initially manned by a woman, the lighthouse was electrified and then sold at auction in 2003. The owner then faces a technological challenge and transforms it into a studio; the staircase makes way for a floor. Finally, the place features a sauna and you can swim in an outdoor pool.

Now, I'm taking you to a corner of nature worthy of Heidi, the Entremont in the canton of Valais. What if we tried the Arbocamp or camping in a suspended tent! You heard right! You will hover 1 meter off the ground and enjoy a breathtaking view. The comfortable mattresses and down quilts provide maximum comfort. Moreover, everything has been wonderfully thought out: upon arrival, we offer to nourish ourselves with homemade products! You wake up with the day and to the sound of birds, you had simply forgotten!

A house on the water! Originally, two brothers passionate about architecture embarked on a daring project. They designed the plans for a contemporary cabin on stilts above the water in the vineyards in Eastern France. To access it from the shore, they envisioned an elegant walkway. The first travelers were charmed, it felt like being in Nova Scotia! As the reservation book overflows, they set themselves a new challenge: a castle on the water!

In Finland, I invite you to a nighttime show, can you guess? You're going to witness the Northern Lights. And to make sure you don't miss them, I suggest waiting for them in a transparent glass igloo: the Kakslauttanen Hotel. From your bed, you gaze at the sky: suddenly a green tornado sets the sky ablaze, it's supernatural! It’s understandable that Elafur Eliasson is amazed by the play of lights that provides an intimate sensory experience. Additionally, the establishment features a snow chapel and offers snow activities: sauna-bath, ice hole fishing, snowmobile safaris...

In Finland, I invite you to a night show, have you guessed it?