World

The most extraordinary stays of 2022

You’re not supposed to play favourites, we get that. But let’s face it – we all have a favourite kid.

Or favourite sibling, or pet, or whatever.

And at get lost, despite frothing everything that we’ve shared over an epic year of travel – we definitely have our favourites too.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing our favourite discoveries of 2022. These are the best of the best – epic experiences, places and more that made the world a brilliant place to travel.

And we’re starting with accommodation. So without further ado, (drumroll please) here are our picks for the most extraordinary new stays featured across our digital editions in 2022:

Tayla Gentle, Editor

Winner: Hirado Castle, Japan

Without a doubt the Weird & Wonderful that got me most stoked this year was Nagasaki’s, Hirado Castle. I mean, it’s an actual castle! A castle that at some point probably, most definitely (maybe fact check this for me) housed samurai warriors! Inside it’s super minimalist and elegant in most Japanese way, plus you don’t have to share it with other guests—there’s a two person capacity. Intimate.

Read issue four of get lost digital

Honourable mention: Chole Minji, Tanzania

Boabs and mangroves and whale sharks, oh my! This incredible Tanzanian treehouse was meticulously handcrafted using traditional tools and materials sourced directly from the island. Responsibly made and paradisiacal, win win.

Read issue five of get lost digital

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Justin Jamieson, Publisher

Winner: Motu Nao Nao, French Polynesia

It’s hard to beat a private island lost in the Pacific with all the luxuries you could ask for. The rest of the world simply wouldn’t matter (or even exist). With all the water toys to play with you could spend your days doing as much above and below the clear blue ocean or simply while away the days on a hammock… with a cocktail!

Read issue two of get lost digital. 

Honourable mention: AuroraHut Glass Igloo Pods, Finland

I love the fact these Igloo pods are mobile and can be moved to the best vantage point for Aurora spotting. The fact they also float sets you up for a perfect night out on the lake star gazing.

Read issue two of get lost digital. 

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Tim McGlone, Deputy Editor

Winner: Kruger Shalati, South Africa

The word unique is grossly overused in travel writing, a contradictory buzzword that was banned from get lost’s offices for a time.

Kruger Shalati gets the nod as my #1 accommodation of the year as there really is nowhere else like it – it really is unique. It’s a luxury, disused train sitting still, suspended on the Selati Bridge in South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park. Floating in the serene swimming pool while the Sabie River teems with crocodiles and hippos below you, knowing that the world’s most exciting wildlife is a short drive away, is a magical moment.

Read issue five of get lost digital. 

Honourable mention: Arcana Cabin, Canada

For pure aesthetic it’s tough to beat Arcana, the shimmering cabin in a mystery Canadian forest (you don’t find out where it is until you book).

There’s forest bathing and hiking nearby but if it’s us, we’re hanging out in the cabin…invisible to the rest of the world.

Read issue three of get lost digital.