Destinations

Going to the Mattresses

The Strangest, Sexiest Beds You Can Sleep In

Sometimes, a vacation is a great way to make the bedroom more interesting. And in case you’d like to take that concept literally, we went and found you a few resting places that are... pretty much the opposite of normal. And at least one that might require signing a waiver...

MASTER SUITE 008

The Yeatman Hotel, Portugal

Your Bed: A massive wooden barrel that once held 7,500 gallons of wine... but now cradles a king-size mattress.
Your Plan: Climb one of its two mini staircases to get in. Admire the beautiful oak. Comment on how nothing’s changed from its port-aging days. Well, except maybe the mirror overhead.

THE UNDERWATER ROOM

The Manta Resort, Tanzania

Your Bed: Two beds, actually. One on the roof of your floating mini-island suite, and one below, surrounded by water. Don’t worry, the walls are probably shark-proof.
Your Plan: Take to the underwater bed by day (for prime sea-creature viewing), the rooftop bed by night (for prime stargazing) and the main deck anytime you want gin.

IL LETTO VOLANTE

Million Donkey Hotel, Italy

Your Bed: A queen-size on a roller track. Sure, you can sleep inside... or you can roll it onto a balcony suspended high over the rooftops of the medieval town below.
Your Plan: That medieval village is actually the entire hotel, so you’re free to do what you want. If you also want the entire hotel to see what you’re doing.

RIVER NEST

Bangkok Tree House, Thailand

Your Bed: Two mattresses, side by side, just floating in the middle of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. No walls, no safety rails, just your own personal mattress raft.
Your Plan: Take in the 360-degree view. Order ice cream delivery (the “hotel” offers it 24/7). Just remember to remain very, very still.

SALT BEDS

Palacio de Sal, Bolivia

Your Bed: Made completely out of salt. (Well, except the mattress. Because that would be uncomfortable.) Within a room completely made of salt. Inside a hotel completely made of salt. In short: hope you like salt.
Your Plan: Bring a cheese grater. Shave some salt off the room. Boom: free salt for life. Or just fall asleep and tell everyone about the time you slept on salt.