Finding a special place to stay in Wales can involve a lot of work so we've done the hard bit for you and found some places around Wales that are real one-offs.
As well as beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, dramatic coastlines and rolling countryside, Wales also has a range of extraordinary places to stay that aren't quite like anywhere else you might have been.
From a coastal fort, to glamping pods, luxe farmhouses and even a treetop stay, we've rounded up a selection of memorable stays in Wales to inspire you to book your next trip.
Read more: The seaside village that's the best-kept secret in Wales
1. Jet Plane stay
Ever fancied sleeping in a plane? And we're not talking about dozing off on your flight to Barcelona. Well, you're in luck if you book this converted jet in Pembrokeshire.
The JetStar is a converted private jet containing many original features, including a fully functional cockpit with the addition of an Xbox 360 with flight games that you can play whilst sitting in the pilot or co-pilot's seat.
Built in the 1970s, the plane retains most of its classic private jet features, including a lit-up bar area, making it a unique stay that will get you the best snaps for Instagram.
Inside, you'll also find a double bedroom in the style of a first-class ship's cabin as well as a shower block, a loo and a cold water basin on board.
Visit: Apple Camping
2. Library stay
One for the book lovers, how about a night in a residential library where you won't be short of bedtime reading material? Anyone staying at Gladstone’s Library in Flintshire will have the freedom to explore their collection of 250,000 books and journals.
It's the UK's only residential library and you can browse books after hours and take them back to your boutique-style bedroom.
There are no TVs in the bedrooms and the library says this is to "preserve the ethos of study and reflection" but there is a television room that is available for all residents to use.
The library has 26 bedrooms, all unique in their own way, most with en-suite facilities. Residents have extended use of the reading rooms from 9am until 10pm and if you're hungry, there's also a bistro called serving breakfast, lunch and dinners.
Visit: Gladstone Library
3. Luxe countryside farmhouse
This remote and uber-luxe converted farmhouse is the perfect place for a cosy weekend in Carmarthenshire. Ardderfin is a period rustic farmhouse with the most beautiful furnishings and luxurious feel.
Located far away from the crowds, you can watch the sunset in total peace here and listen to the birdsong as the sun rises for a memorable trip in Wales.
It sleeps up to eight and manages to feel spacious and snug at the same time. Relax around a warming log fire and plan your weekend adventures together in this swanky countryside escape. Even if the Welsh weather is harsh, there are plenty of books to read and games to play to keep you entertained indoors.
Ardderfin is perfectly located in between Laugharne and Carmarthen and is a short drive from sandy beaches, pretty villages and lush places to eat, such as the beautiful Mansion House.
Visit: Ardderfin
4. Moon conker stay
The 'moon conker' is a world-first aerodynamically-designed glamping pod that's situated near the Cambrian Mountains Astro Trail.
This unique glamping stay is part of the 'red kite conkers' Childerness offering which features an 'Earth' pod and a more off-grid 'moon' pod that have different features but equally glorious views.
The most decadent feature of the moon conker has to be the 'Moon Bathing' area. Relax in hot and cold Scandi-style baths and have an enchanting wilderness bathing experience in a remote location. Hungry after your outdoor bath? Fire up the pizza oven and cook a post-bathing pizza under the stars.
Inside your pod, you'll find a super-king bed that transforms into a modular sitting room during the day, solar lighting for reading, and an indoor log burner to keep you cosy.
Visit: Childerness
5. Windmill retreat
For a unique weekend away in Wales, be sure to check out The Llancayo windmill in Usk. This luxury self-catering holiday retreat is a quirky stay in the countryside that you won't forget in a hurry.
The windmill has been renovated to a very high standard and can sleep up to 12 guests. Live the windmill dream and relax in contemporary, circular rooms, or fire up the BBQ and have a big group dinner.
Visit https://www.coolstays.com/
6. Tent suspended from the trees
One of the most unusual "buildings", the Wy y Ddraig (dragon's egg) tree tent is certainly a memorable trip in Wales
The off-grid sphere was once featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces TV programme.
It's no ordinary tree tent: situated on an 81-acre estate between the Brecon Beacons, Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, you can hear a babbling stream among the pine trees.
But be prepared to go alfresco - the accommodation offers an open-air shower, a living and dining deck and an outdoor cooking area.
You can even toast marshmallows on the nearby firepit.
Visit: hostunusual.com
7. Grade II listed country house
For a grand, group stay in Snowdonia, look no further than Tan Llan & The Coach House in Dolgellau. Part of the new Catch The Breeze Retreats collection, this impressive property guarantees a memorable stay in North Wales and also sleeps up to 16 guests.
Set over three floors this luxurious, spacious accommodation is built from hard grey stone and has a timeless quality and sense of tranquillity in its countryside surroundings.
The Main House offers contemporary accommodation alongside gorgeous furnishings and original 18th-century features including large sash windows and shutters, cast iron radiators and a bespoke slate fireplace.
It's the ideal retreat for a group looking for a swanky stay in the Welsh countryside that offers plenty of space and quiet spots for a moment of peace in an idyllic setting.
Visit: Catch the Breeze
8. Rustic Writer's Cabin
Originally a writer's cabin, owner Rob cut down a native ash tree to discover just how many things could be made from it. Many of the things can be found within the structure of the Wood Shack today.
The outside space is fantastic and includes a huge oak deck for lazing and lounging and there is also the relaxing hammock by the stream. It's a perfect glamping holiday in the forest where you can switch off for a few days.
Inside the shack, there's a cosy sofa for two, nestled by the wood-burning stove and the kitchen has been handbuilt.
The bedroom has a proper double bed. There is also a proper shower with hot and cold running water, as well as a basin and loo, with towels and soap included.
Visit: sugarandloaf.com
9. Vintage Truck
The 'wanderoo' is a converted truck for two that's parked up near scenic Pentre Naboth with views across the Brecon Beacons, Pen-y-Fan and the Black Mountains.
There's a king-size bed and two sets of floor-to-ceiling glass doors that let in plenty of light and both open out onto big balconies. Inside you'll also find a homemade kitchen, so you can cook up a feast.
Your own private washroom with a hot shower is a few metres away, but apart from that, you'll see nothing but big views over rolling hills and fields
It also has a perfectly placed hot tub where you can admire the countryside views, or star-filled skies whilst being submerged in a lush, bubbly tub.
Visit: www.canopyandstars.co.uk
10. Rural coastal stay
If you're looking for someone spectacular and secluded to stay in the Gower Peninsular then The Old Rectory in Rhossili, Gower is perfect for you.
The house dates from the 1850s with parts of the outbuildings possibly being medieval. The National Trust say in days gone by, the parson who lived here would have covered the parishes of Rhossili and Llangennith and The Old Rectory is exactly halfway between the two villages.
It's a memorable trip by the Welsh coast and is ideally situated for exploring the Gower area.
Visit: National Trust Holidays
11. Middle earth hideaway
Experience your very own version of Middle-earth, right here in Wales at The Nest. You are guaranteed a memorable stay in this Tolkien-esque accommodation in the Welsh countryside.
Here, you'll find a curved grass roof beautifully set amongst rolling hills in unique accommodation that's also bright, light, and seriously chic. It's a rural escape where you can unplug and relax in privacy and in serene surroundings.
Make the most of the superb amenities during your stay, including a private decking area, two romantic outdoor baths and a warming fire pit.
Visit: The Wanderlist
12. Mountain Retreat
For a truly memorable trip in Snowdonia, why not stay in a mountain retreat that's run by the YHA?
This newly renovated YHA property is in the perfect position for exploring the Snowdonia National park and is a fabulous rural escape. This mountain hostel is 1,000ft above sea level and could not be a better Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon] base camp and is proud that it was once the haunt of famed Victorian climbers.
If you want an off-grid mountainous stay there's pretty much zero phone signal and plenty of games and books to pass the time with your fellow travellers and hikers.
Accommodation is in 2 to 6+ bedded rooms and facilities include self-catering kitchen, games room and evening meals.
Visit: YHA
13. Stargazing stay in a longhouse
Star hunters looking for a memorable night can find optimum Dark Sky accommodation in a rural setting in the Elan Valley at Y Beudy. This rustic Grade II* longhouse dates right back to the 16th century and is a perfect, rural stargazing spot in the international dark sky park and for having a quiet holiday in Wales.
The property was restored in 1999 and has retained many of the traditional and historic features. It's a simply furnished property with no wi-fi and no phone signal, so it's a perfect place to disconnect whilst sitting by a roaring fire.
Visit: Y Beudy
14. Double-decker bus stay
A six-berth lovingly converted bus is a unique stay that the whole family will love. Inside the bright red double-decker bus in Carmarthenshire, you'll find a wood stove, fridge, oven, dining area, two bedrooms and compost loo.
Set in a private 22-acre nature reserve with lakes, flower meadows and huge oaks, guests are invited to enjoy the peace and explore locally, which includes the local village pub.
There are trees to climb, dens to make, and streams to play in. If it rains there is an indoor play space with ride-on toys, a large trampoline, and a basketball hoop. Due to the steep stairs in the bus and the wood burner, it may not be suitable for very small children.
Visit: Airbnb
15. Hidden treehouse in the woods
In a wooded secret valley, you'll find five chic and secluded treehouses, designed and built by their imaginative owners.
It's completely off-grid and built on low-impact floating joints that keep the trees from harm.
Great fun for kids but perfect for two. Each treehouse has a living/dining space with a kitchen and an outdoor terrace as well. The wood-burner sits right in the middle, spreading warmth not only to the space but also to the water.
The piping hot spring water shower is down below the treehouse and the clever Swedish separating compost loo is on a platform across a walkway from the deck.
Visit canopyandstars.co.uk
16. Vineyard stay
Surrounded by lawns, orchards and a six-acre vineyard, this rural accommodation near Cowbridge has free parking on-site, as well as some friendly llamas.
The large, double room is in a private location away from the main house, with en-suite facilities and complimentary toiletries.
Glyndwr Vineyard’s unique and charming self-catered accommodation is only two minutes' drive from the market town of Cowbridge, which is full of independent cafés, restaurants and boutique shops.
The accommodation is also a very short stroll from the village pub, is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a short drive away from gorgeous coastal Walks in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Visit: airbnb.co.uk
17. Flying saucer stay
Spend the night in a UFO at Apple Camping in Pembrokeshire, the only place in the UK where you can stay in a flying saucer. Enjoy the ultimate Instagram bragging rights in this contemporary, one-of-a-kind holiday offering that comes with an escape hatch, smoke machine and nighttime laser display. This is definitely a bucket list holiday in Wales, especially for sci-fi fans!
The UFO features a double bed and two singles, a stargazing dome, retracting stairs and door, and a circular dining table in the middle with seating for four.
Outside the spaceship, you'll find a communal shower block with heated showers, lavatories and a communal BBQ and a central seating area for dinner under the stars.
Visit: Apple Camping
18. Gleaming Airstream
The 76er, named after its vintage, has crossed the pond and can now be found in its private dell in a peaceful corner of the Towy Valley.
This unique Americana trailer has a king-sized double bed as well as kitchen and lounge areas with a small dining table and a sofa.
There is also a DVD TV in the main room, because what airstream experience would be complete without a couple of movies?
The adjacent shower room houses the “Separet” loo (a clever Swedish design of compost loo) and the shower with all the hot water you could want. For those wanting a wilder wash, the outdoor bathtub can be found on its own deck, perfectly positioned amongst the trees.
Visit: Canopy and Stars
19. Swanky Beach House
It's paradise, but it comes at a price.
This stunning family holiday cottage is located within its own secluded private cove while surrounding it are beautiful grounds, copses filled with bluebells and sprawling woodlands - all set within Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Stay at this stunning luxury house and you get your own private beach, a bar, 11 bedrooms, two kitchens and a gym. In fact, it's like booking into an amazing hotel and having the whole place to yourself.
It sleeps up to 28 and you can book on lovecottages.co.uk
20. Coastal fort
The West Blockhouse was built in 1854-1857. This along with three other forts were built at the mouth of the haven: on Thorn Island, Stack Rock Island and Dale Point.
The Landmark Trust say it was intended that these forts’ artillery would de-mast any enemy ships before they reached the docks.
The West Blockhouse was to see more use in the 20th century during the two World Wars than in the 19th.
In WWI West Blockhouse Battery was designated a Counter Bombardment Battery although it never saw action.
The Landmark Trust said: "In 1939 the battery was once again manned in earnest and German bombardment of Pembroke Dock began in July 1940, followed by the laying of aerial mines, increasingly effective despite the laying of a boom across the mouth of the haven.
"After the war the fort was used for a while for Territorial Army exercises but finally closed formally in 1956. The fort remained in Ministry Of Defence ownership although the land around it was sold."
West Blockhouse sleeps eight, making it a memorable trip for a family, or group of friends.
Visit: Landmark Trust
21. Castle stay
For William Jones, Clytha Castle, in Monmouthshire, was to become his personal sanctuary – a refuge from the pain associated with his wife’s death in 1787.
Jones lavished the same attention to detail on the castle’s interiors as he did the building itself – quality stone was brought from Bath travelling via barges and wagons.
The castle had been derelict before the Landmark Trust took over in 1973
Clytha Castle sleeps six.
Visit: Clytha Castle
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