Woman peacefully sleeping, surrounded by glowing dreamlike light

Going on holiday is the most exciting time of the year for many of us – whether we’re staying in a traditional accommodation provider, cruising on the ocean or along a river, pitching up at a camp site or travelling around in our own ‘home from home’ campervan or caravan.

Whichever you choose, sleep is a big part of your holiday - but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stick to the norm when there are some more unusual options to be explored. At Devon Duvets, we’ve researched and put together a list of nine unusual places to sleep when you’re on holiday – all of which make that sleep experience a real part of your journey.

Nomad adventures

Rather than a traditional tent, take a look at Yurts and Tepees. This is ‘glamping’ with extra style, and can come with a selection of mod cons, such as log burners, furniture and private bathrooms. Best of all is the fact you get proper beds, rather than camp beds. There are plenty of options around the UK, including in popular hotspots such as North Wales, Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands.

Luxury glamping yurt with a private hot tub and seating deck, nestled in a peaceful woodland settingLuxury glamping yurt with a private hot tub and seating deck, nestled in a peaceful woodland setting

Pods for a quicker get away

Made popular in Japan as a convenient, and often cost effective, option for an overnight stay, these are located either at or very close to most Japanese airports. This saves on the worry of being at the airport in time for early flights. Single and double size pods are available. The only downside is the shared bathroom facilities.

Starlight under glass

Imagine lying in bed and looking up at the stars and Northern Lights, whilst you are cosy and warm inside. One campsite in Finland has installed stunning glass igloos for this purpose and operates from late Autumn to early Spring when the sun won’t come up too early in the morning and wake you up.

Clear night sky filled with stars above a forest silhouette, evoking peace and natural beauty.Clear night sky filled with stars above a forest silhouette, evoking peace and natural beauty.

Railway carriages

Converted static railway carriages can offer wonderfully luxurious accommodation, kitted out with not only bathrooms, but kitchens, seating and dining areas too. You’ll find options throughout the UK, including in Suffolk, where each carriage comes with its own individual interior design.

Break out

It’s hard to imagine that there are old jails in the UK that have been turned into stylish – if somewhat unusual - hotels! Probably the most famous one is in Bodmin, Cornwall, with rooms that come in a range of options, complete with underfloor heating and luxurious bathrooms. It’s dog-friendly too, so your canine companion can come along for the experience.

Sky Lodges

For the ultimate ‘sleep in the sky’ experience! Not for those that experience vertigo – these individual lodges come complete with a fully transparent bedroom section and a more private bathroom section and are perched on cliff walls. The views - especially if you opt for those on offer in the mountains of Peru - are nothing short of spectacular.

Classic wooden riverboat with striped sails cruising on calm water under a clear blue sky.Classic wooden riverboat with striped sails cruising on calm water under a clear blue sky.

In the Land of the Pharaohs

Instead of the more usual Nile Cruise in a large modern cruise boat, check out a trip up or down the Nile in a traditional cabined river dhow-like boat, known as a ‘dahabiyya’. Step back in time - but with luxury cabins, relaxing open (but shaded) upper deck, and wonderful food prepared for you by an on-board chef. Life on the river and along its banks has remained almost unchanged for thousands of years – even the pharaohs travelled throughout their kingdom via boat on the Nile. Sail past ancient temples, watch the sun set behind the Theban Mountains and listen to the songs of the birds. Egypt is a wonderful place, full of mystery and magic.

Double Decker

Not the chocolate, but a genuine double decker bus converted into cosy but quirky accommodation. Complete with bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, some even come with a hot tub on the upper deck, where the roof has been cut away to allow you to relax under the stars. You can find options around the UK, including in Kent.

Charming blue shepherd’s hut with outdoor seating, set in a green countryside landscape.Charming blue shepherd’s hut with outdoor seating, set in a green countryside landscape.

Hideaway in a shepherd's hut

Originally converted from the rather cramped, traditional shepherd’s hut, most of these are now purpose built to accommodate plenty of luxurious fittings. Perfect for peace and quiet and each with its own wood fired hot tub, check out Dittisham Hideaway, near Dartmouth in Devon. What’s even better is that the beds are kitted out with our award-winning 100% British wool duvets – individually handcrafted by seamstresses in our own workshops in Devon.

One more travel thought...

We not only craft bedding for your bedroom at home but can also make bespoke options for your campervan, motorhome or boat, so you can even take your wool bedding with you when you go away!

Jack Russell sitting on a cosy bed in a camper van, ready for an outdoor adventureJack Russell sitting on a cosy bed in a camper van, ready for an outdoor adventure

For more information about our natural and sustainable soft bedding options,  whether that's for your bedroom at home - or for your 'home from home' on wheels or afloat, please get in touch with the team. We’re happy to help with any questions you might have.