From Ryokans to Riads: The Destinations Known for Distinct Stays

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Across the world, some of the most memorable trips are defined not just by where you go, but by where you stay. With 89%* of travelers expressing interest in staying in alternative accommodation types beyond just hotels or resorts, demand is growing for stays that feel more rooted in local culture and place. From centuries-old ryokans in Japan to carved cave hotels set within the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy and overwater luxury villas in the Maldives, these properties turn a night’s sleep into a cultural experience that is unique in its  own right. To help travelers connect more deeply with the destinations they visit, Booking.com has uncovered a collection of stays where the accommodation is just as compelling as the place itself. Ryokan – Hakone, Japan For travelers looking to experience one of Japan’s most iconic accommodation styles, few stays capture the essence of a ryokan, a Japanese inn rooted in centuries-old hospitality, quite like Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan. Nestled in the mountain town of Hakone, a destination famed for its natural hot springs, this authentic retreat invites guests to slow down and embrace Japanese traditions. Inside, softly lit rooms feature tatami mat flooring, futon bedding and calming interiors that reflect the understated elegance synonymous with ryokan culture. Guests can soak in a selection of indoor and open-air onsen baths, including private hot spring baths that can be reserved for a more intimate experience, all while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. Traditional Japanese breakfasts and multi-course dinners served at the property offer a taste of local flavors, completing the immersive cultural experience. In addition to experiencing traditional Japanese living, in Hakone travelers can cruise across the waters of Lake Ashi, admire views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, visit the striking Hakone Shrine or explore the outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Thanks to the city’s well-connected transport network, it is easy to get around the city without a car by using the Hakone Free Pass, giving visitors access to trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways and sightseeing boats across the city. Cave Hotel – Matera, Italy Carved into the honey-colored limestone of Matera’s ancient Sassi district, Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery offers travelers the chance to experience one of Italy’s most distinctive accommodation styles: a cave hotel. Set within historic cave dwellings in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property blends centuries-old heritage with contemporary comfort. Rooms and suites feature exposed tuff stone walls, vaulted ceilings and original architectural details, while thoughtful touches ensure a comfortable stay. Adding to its unique charm, the property is home to its own atmospheric wine cellar, where guests can sample regional wines within surroundings carved directly into the rock. Stepping outside, travelers can wander through a maze of ancient cave homes, dating back to 7000 BC and earlier, churches and winding stone alleyways that have earned Matera a reputation as one of Italy’s most captivating destinations. Visitors can admire sweeping views across the dramatic Gravina canyon or opt for a taste of their surroundings in a farm-style pasta cooking class hosted in a traditional underground cellar, learning to prepare Strascinate al tegamino, a beloved local dish passed down through generations.Riad – Essaouira, Morocco Hidden within the winding alleyways of Essaouira’s historic medina, a more relaxed experience compared to the infamous Souk Semmarine located a 2-hour drive away in Marrakech, travelers will find Riad Baladin. This intimate riad offers a calm retreat from the buzzing souks outside, blending traditional Moroccan design with the easygoing character of this bohemian port town. The decorated property reflects local craftsmanship through handcrafted details and relaxed, coastal-inspired interiors, while the rooftop terrace becomes a highlight of the stay, offering sweeping views across the medina rooftops toward the ocean and fishing port beyond. From hammam rituals to quiet moments in the courtyard, the experience of staying in this property will allow visitors to easily settle into Essaouira’s distinctive, artistic way of life. Much like this property, Essaouria also offers a laid-back charm to it. While visiting, why not wander through the streets of the UNESCO-listed medina, haggle for the best price on handcrafted woodwork or watch the blue fishing boats return to the city’s bustling harbor. The Atlantic coastline also offers opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing and long walks along the golden sandy beaches. Overwater villa – Baa Atoli, Maldives For many, staying in an overwater villa is the ultimate bucket-list accommodation experience, and few places embody this dream quite like Dusit Thani Maldives. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this island retreat invites guests to wake up suspended above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where endless sea views stretch from every window and direct access to the lagoon is just a few steps away. The resort’s luxurious overwater villas are designed to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, featuring expansive sun decks, private pools, oversized bathtubs and glass-framed views that place the ocean at the heart of every moment. Guests can step directly from their villa into the crystal-clear waters below to snorkel vibrant coral reefs or simply soak up the Maldivian sunshine, while being waited on by a dedicated butler. A walk down the wood slabbed pathway, guests have access to world-class dining, rejuvenating spa treatments and a range of water-based activities from snorkeling alongside manta rays to exploring colorful house reefs, all within the comfort of this mesmerizing resort. Shepherds Huts – Frome, Somerset For travelers seeking a slower pace of life, few accommodation styles offer a closer connection to the countryside than a shepherd’s hut. Originally designed as mobile shelters for shepherds tending their flocks, these charming retreats have become one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved rural escapes. Nestled in the picturesque Somerset village of Mells, near Frome, The Walnut Wagon offers guests the opportunity to experience life surrounded by rolling fields and peaceful countryside views. The hut’s compact layout is cleverly used to create a cozy, self-contained stay, with a snug sleeping area, outdoor living space and compact cooking and dining facilities. Guests can enjoy quiet mornings with a coffee overlooking the surrounding landscape or spend evenings stargazing beneath Somerset’s dark skies. A short drive from the hut, Frome is renowned for its independent boutiques, artisan food scene and vibrant cultural events, while the surrounding Somerset countryside is dotted with walking trails, historic villages and country pubs. *Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised  32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.   ​Across the world, some of the most memorable trips are defined not just by where you go, but by where you stay. With 89%* of travelers expressing interest in staying in alternative accommodation types beyond just hotels or resorts, demand is growing for stays that feel more rooted in local culture and place. From centuries-old ryokans in Japan to carved cave hotels set within the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy and overwater luxury villas in the Maldives, these properties turn a night’s sleep into a cultural experience that is unique in its  own right. To help travelers connect more deeply with the destinations they visit, Booking.com has uncovered a collection of stays where the accommodation is just as compelling as the place itself. Ryokan – Hakone, Japan For travelers looking to experience one of Japan’s most iconic accommodation styles, few stays capture the essence of a ryokan, a Japanese inn rooted in centuries-old hospitality, quite like Hakone Onsen Ryokan Yaeikan. Nestled in the mountain town of Hakone, a destination famed for its natural hot springs, this authentic retreat invites guests to slow down and embrace Japanese traditions. Inside, softly lit rooms feature tatami mat flooring, futon bedding and calming interiors that reflect the understated elegance synonymous with ryokan culture. Guests can soak in a selection of indoor and open-air onsen baths, including private hot spring baths that can be reserved for a more intimate experience, all while taking in views of the surrounding mountains. Traditional Japanese breakfasts and multi-course dinners served at the property offer a taste of local flavors, completing the immersive cultural experience. In addition to experiencing traditional Japanese living, in Hakone travelers can cruise across the waters of Lake Ashi, admire views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, visit the striking Hakone Shrine or explore the outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Thanks to the city’s well-connected transport network, it is easy to get around the city without a car by using the Hakone Free Pass, giving visitors access to trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways and sightseeing boats across the city. Cave Hotel – Matera, Italy Carved into the honey-colored limestone of Matera’s ancient Sassi district, Il Palazzotto Residence & Winery offers travelers the chance to experience one of Italy’s most distinctive accommodation styles: a cave hotel. Set within historic cave dwellings in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property blends centuries-old heritage with contemporary comfort. Rooms and suites feature exposed tuff stone walls, vaulted ceilings and original architectural details, while thoughtful touches ensure a comfortable stay. Adding to its unique charm, the property is home to its own atmospheric wine cellar, where guests can sample regional wines within surroundings carved directly into the rock. Stepping outside, travelers can wander through a maze of ancient cave homes, dating back to 7000 BC and earlier, churches and winding stone alleyways that have earned Matera a reputation as one of Italy’s most captivating destinations. Visitors can admire sweeping views across the dramatic Gravina canyon or opt for a taste of their surroundings in a farm-style pasta cooking class hosted in a traditional underground cellar, learning to prepare Strascinate al tegamino, a beloved local dish passed down through generations.Riad – Essaouira, Morocco Hidden within the winding alleyways of Essaouira’s historic medina, a more relaxed experience compared to the infamous Souk Semmarine located a 2-hour drive away in Marrakech, travelers will find Riad Baladin. This intimate riad offers a calm retreat from the buzzing souks outside, blending traditional Moroccan design with the easygoing character of this bohemian port town. The decorated property reflects local craftsmanship through handcrafted details and relaxed, coastal-inspired interiors, while the rooftop terrace becomes a highlight of the stay, offering sweeping views across the medina rooftops toward the ocean and fishing port beyond. From hammam rituals to quiet moments in the courtyard, the experience of staying in this property will allow visitors to easily settle into Essaouira’s distinctive, artistic way of life. Much like this property, Essaouria also offers a laid-back charm to it. While visiting, why not wander through the streets of the UNESCO-listed medina, haggle for the best price on handcrafted woodwork or watch the blue fishing boats return to the city’s bustling harbor. The Atlantic coastline also offers opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing and long walks along the golden sandy beaches. Overwater villa – Baa Atoli, Maldives For many, staying in an overwater villa is the ultimate bucket-list accommodation experience, and few places embody this dream quite like Dusit Thani Maldives. Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this island retreat invites guests to wake up suspended above the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where endless sea views stretch from every window and direct access to the lagoon is just a few steps away. The resort’s luxurious overwater villas are designed to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, featuring expansive sun decks, private pools, oversized bathtubs and glass-framed views that place the ocean at the heart of every moment. Guests can step directly from their villa into the crystal-clear waters below to snorkel vibrant coral reefs or simply soak up the Maldivian sunshine, while being waited on by a dedicated butler. A walk down the wood slabbed pathway, guests have access to world-class dining, rejuvenating spa treatments and a range of water-based activities from snorkeling alongside manta rays to exploring colorful house reefs, all within the comfort of this mesmerizing resort. Shepherds Huts – Frome, Somerset For travelers seeking a slower pace of life, few accommodation styles offer a closer connection to the countryside than a shepherd’s hut. Originally designed as mobile shelters for shepherds tending their flocks, these charming retreats have become one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved rural escapes. Nestled in the picturesque Somerset village of Mells, near Frome, The Walnut Wagon offers guests the opportunity to experience life surrounded by rolling fields and peaceful countryside views. The hut’s compact layout is cleverly used to create a cozy, self-contained stay, with a snug sleeping area, outdoor living space and compact cooking and dining facilities. Guests can enjoy quiet mornings with a coffee overlooking the surrounding landscape or spend evenings stargazing beneath Somerset’s dark skies. A short drive from the hut, Frome is renowned for its independent boutiques, artisan food scene and vibrant cultural events, while the surrounding Somerset countryside is dotted with walking trails, historic villages and country pubs. *Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised  32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.