These Are The Most Magical Travel Hideaways In The World

Get ready for some serious real-estate envy, a little escapism, and a dose of travel inspiration with Gestalten’s new book, Hideouts.

As well as prompting immense jealousy, Hideouts—Grand Vacations in Tiny Getaways may just give you that extra nudge to drop everything and head out on a rustic getaway.

From geometric jungle bungalows to converted western wagons, Hideouts highlights the world’s quirkiest, nature-inspired abodes in Sweden, Malibu, New Zealand, Mexico and beyond. Check out our favorites below.

Right by the ocean

Playa Viva Treehouse. Located in Juluchuca, Guerrero, Mexico.

This cylinder treehouse made from bamboo opens to lavish views of the Pacific Ocean. Hideouts describes Playa Viva Treehouse as “a tropical style treehouse where inner peace and wellness are paramount.”

Submerged slumber

The Underwater Room. Located on Pemba Island, Tanzania.

This floating house in Tanzania includes a sea-level terrace, a roof terrace, and an underwater guest bedroom, where guests can sleep surrounded by aquatic life.

Formerly devout

Havelprater. Located in Havelsee, Brandenburg, Germany.

This converted Neo-Romanesque church in Germany offers a rustic getaway, complete with minimal furniture, view of the Havel, and a private garden.

A pod to dream about

Airship 002. Located in Drimnin, Scotland, U.K.

This architect-designed home features a convex glass and aluminum living area and stunning Atlantic Ocean views.

For mountaineers only

Alpine Shelter. Located in Zgornje Jezersko, Skuta Mountain, Slovenia.

Perched upon the Kamnik Alps, this rugged, beautifully designed wooden shelter features a special outer shell and insulating system to protect inhabitants from the outside elements.

Livable design object

VIPP Shelter. Located on Lake Immeln, Malmo, Sweden.

This sleek, black metal pod in Sweden “stands like a visual marvel, finely attuned to the surrounding natural landscape.”

Mini Mexico

La Casa Pequeña. Located in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Puerto Escondido is known for its amazing food and great surfing, and this little architect-designed house is just another reason to make the trip. Featuring shuttered-off concrete surfaces that keep the interiors cool, Casa Pequeña “combines a high level of minimal design, while being low impact.”

The future is in the trees

Treehotel. Located in Harads, Lapland, Sweden.

Treehotel features a series of uniquely designed treehouses, ranging from a UFO shaped structure, a dragonfly-inspired cabin, and one shaped like a giant bird’s nest. Set in Lapland’s magical, wooden landscape, guests can also catch views of the Northern Lights.

Perched on an Alp

The Starlight Room. Located in Cortina D’Ampezzo, Dolomites, Italy.

The Starlight Room in Italy, a tiny cabin situated high up in the Alps, features large windows for romantic night views of the stars and mountains.

Down to earth

Jake’s Place. Located in Blackawton, Devon, U.K.

Featuring Mexican tiles, high ceilings, and shabby-chic décor, Jake’s Place is a cozy, “down to earth” retreat in the U.K.

Remote, yet comfortable

The Saltbox. Located in Elmley, Kent, U.K.

The Saltbox is a tiny modern cabin located on the Elmley National Nature Reserve and features a timber bed, a cast-iron radiator, and a quaint kitchenette.

To see more epic getaways and rustic retreats, check out Hideouts: Grand Vacations in Tiny Getaways here.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.