World Architecture Day is celebrated on October 2nd as a day to appreciate great architecture as well as the talented people behind these great works of art. Whether a seasoned architecture aficionado or just a casual admirer of unique and beautiful structures, appreciating the buildings that make a destination unique is one of the many pleasures of travel. With almost half (48%)* of global travelers planning to pick up their destination based on whether or not they have a unique accommodation option, Booking.com presents seven architecturally stunning mirror stays to inspire travelers and celebrate this special day. From unique vacation homes near the South Tyrolean Dolomites to a futuristic stay at the Sierra Nevada mountain range, these are just a few of the many stunning architectural treasures just waiting to be discovered.
- Mirror Houses, Bolzano, Italy
Designed by an award winning Italian architecture studio based in Milan, the Mirror Houses are modern vacation homes situated in Bolzano in the Trentino Alto Adige region of Italy. The unique mirrored glass facades allow natural light in the property and reflect the surrounding nature making the units almost invisible. Guests can enjoy a great variety of activities in the area of Bolzano including a food tour or a guided wine walk around Bolzano with premium local wine tastings. Nature lovers can book a private tour from Bolzano into the heart of the Dolomites and drive through scenic valleys and along high passes through the mountains.
- Districthive Colony – Granada, Gorafe, Spain
Located a short drive from the town of Gorafe in Granada, the Districthive Colony – Granada is a futuristic, self-sustaining retreat. This Booking.com Travel Sustainable vacation home is perfect for an off-grid stay, thanks to its location in Sierra Nevada, a mountain range in the Andalusian province of Granada in Spain. Controlled by artificial intelligence, and built in a responsible way, the beautiful property blends with the surrounding landscape, as its mirror facade makes it almost invisible. After a day hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, guests can book a full-day guided tour to explore the landmarks of Guadix and Gorafe and enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch.
- Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
Hidden in the dense pine forests of Northern Sweden, the iconic Treehotel is a unique property that blends cutting-edge architecture and design with all the comforts of home. Its eco-friendly rooms are built with respect for the surrounding environment, while the kitchen serves local dishes inspired by wild game, using other locally sourced ingredients. Guests can blend in with the surroundings when staying in the mirror cube with the night sky dancing above them while they relax in this picturesque forest setting. Guests who want to explore the surrounding area can rent a car and drive to the picturesque coastal city of Luleå, just an hour’s journey from the Treehotel.
- Hektner, Viken, Norway
The WonderInn Mirrored Glass Cabin – Wonderinn Delta is a glass cabin overlooking Glomma river delta in rural Norway. The minimalist cabin offers uninterrupted, 180-degree views of the surrounding woods as well as an outdoors jacuzzi and a fire pit. Before heading to the cabin to fully unwind and to enjoy the unique ambiance, guests can spend some time in the city of Oslo, just a 30 minute drive away, to discover some of the great attractions the city has to offer like seeing Oslo from the waters of the Oslofjord or a bus tour to discover the main attractions in Oslo like the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Just an hour drive away from the The WonderInn Mirrored Glass Cabin – Wonderinn Delta, guests can also enjoy a design forward stay at the elegant Koti – WonderInn Riverside in Årnes. This mirrored cabin by the Vorma river is a hidden gem away from the crowds, perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Rooslepa, Estonia
Located a short walk from Rooslepa Beach, Lääne County, in western Estonia, ÖÖD Hötels Rooslepa – Room#1-ÄLSKAR -with sauna is an unique mirrored cabin surrounded by a wild forest. Perfectly blending with its lush green surroundings, this cabin creates a visual trick, making it perfect for those looking for some privacy. Guests can explore the surrounding area by hiking or visit the nearby Roosta beach, one of Estonia’s most popular surf destinations.
Just an hour and a half drive from Rooslepa, guests will find ÖÖD Hötels Rannamõisa – with sauna in Rannamõisa, another stunning mirrored cabin in the woods. Guests are surrounded by many beautiful sights, including nature park Rannamõisa Landscape Conservation Area, situated a short drive away from the property. Capital city Tallinn is located just a half hour drive away and is highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for architecture, city walks and sightseeing. Those interested in architecture should not miss a guided walking tour to explore the stunning architecture of buildings in Tallinn.