“But I’ll bet you can’t tell me what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel.”
sean maguire, good will hunting
In Gus Van Sant’s Oscar-winning film Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams’ character (Sean Maguire) delivers a stirring monologue to a brilliant but deeply troubled Will Hunting about how true understanding comes from experiencing and having lived, not just intellectual knowledge that we get from reading. This poignant speech struck a chord during my latest rewatch, and as an avid reader, I was gutted to hear that reading alone wasn’t cutting it. I now had to leave the house and know what it smells like in the Sistine Chapel.
Meanwhile, us HIP writers at the office have been trying to decipher the term ‘surreal experiences’ lately and usually find ourselves back at the drawing board. But doesn’t that entail a meaning on its own? Maybe it represents an experience so otherworldly that no words can be tied to it. Almost like it only existed in dreams.
So here’s an upside: we’ve managed to come up with a list of the world’s top surreal destinations—one-of-a-kind experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Well, perhaps until someone decides that they want to build that taller building or larger installation. Some of them are new additions, while others we know all too well. But for now, here’s a list of places we find too good to be true and are begging for a visit.
OZONE at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong – World’s Highest Rooftop Bar
Location: Level 118, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
It should come as no surprise that the tallest rooftop bar in the world would be located in the urban jungle that is Hong Kong. This city—with its stunning skies pierced with countless high-rise buildings—has earned its title as one of the world’s most vertical cities. Sitting upon The Ritz-Carlton that is tucked within a vibrant neighborhood filled with cultural attractions and shopping destinations is OZONE. It boasts futuristic blue and an avant-garde interior with nature-inspired elements like honeycomb patterns on black marble floors. This glamourous space offers breathtaking views of the panoramic city, making any visitor reluctant to leave.
IKEA Hotell – World’s Only IKEA Hotel
Location: Ikeagatan 1, 343 36 Älmhult, Sweden
If the showrooms at IKEA entice you, try a getaway at the world’s only hotel by IKEA. And, yes, every product and food there comes solely from the Swedish brand. Ever since its inauguration in 1964 as Motell IKEA—a place designed for rest and replenishment after a day of shopping, the hotel has since been transformed into today’s 254-bedroom IKEA Hotell, in Älmhult, Sweden. The charming space emanates a minimalist concept that may not look like a 5-star suite, but feels like home. Compact cabin rooms, comfy double rooms and practical family rooms—they have it all. Here’s a plus: IKEA Hotell is pet-friendly!
[Photo credit: djonk creative on Unsplash]
Quba Mosque in Medina – World’s Oldest Mosque
Location: 3493 Al Hijrah Rd, Al Khatim, Madinah 42318, Saudi Arabia
Denoted as one of Islam’s two holiest cities, (the other being Makkah,) the deeply historical city of Medina is home to the very first Islam mosque—Quba Mosque, which was inaugurated in 622 CE. It was first assembled by Prophet Muhammad upon his arrival to the city—which later became a place he frequented for prayers—and over the centuries preserved and expanded into its glorious structure today. If you plan to visit, consider taking the scenic 3km pedestrian route that connects to the Prophet’s Mosque along with his burial site.
The Royal Mansion at Atlantis The Royal – World’s Most Expensive Hotel Suite
Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Royal Mansion at Atlantis The Royal is the absolute crème de la crème of luxury stays. Acting as a sky bridge that connects two towers of the resort, ‘The World’s Most Expensive Hotel Suite’ is extravagant and lavish like no other. With four bedrooms that can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people, the penthouse boasts a private foyer with glass olive trees and sky-high ceilings. Not to mention an infinity pool that provides the ultimate post sunset dip with exquisite panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the shimmering Arabian Gulf. It is also surrounded by multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and a huge wellness center. This multi-level suite is your best way at living out your regal dreams.
SubliMotion in Ibiza, Spain – World’s Most Expensive Restaurant
Location: Ctra. de Platja d’en Bossa, s/n, 07817 Platja den Bossa, Illes Balears, Spain
Sure, it costs an arm and a leg to dine at the world’s one and only SubliMotion, but what if we said this gastronomic experience will definitely be one for the books? Located within the Hard Rock Hotel in Playa d’en Bossa, this restaurant only accepts 12 guests per night and serves a 20-course tasting menu that is led by two Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero. Lest guests forget (though highly unlikely) that they are experiencing the world’s most expensive meal, the restaurant has thoughtfully curated laser light shows, virtual reality elements and projection mapping to elevate the experience.
Burj Khalifa – World’s Tallest Building
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Burj Khalifa – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Having just celebrated its 16th birthday, Dubai’s famed Burj Khalifa remains to be the tallest building in the world—soaring at a whopping 830 metres. The iconic skyscraper’s design is inspired by Islamic architecture and a regional desert flower known as the Hymenocallis (Spider Lily). From housing luxurious residences and corporate offices to fine dining venues overlooking the Dubai Fountain, the lofty structure also serves as a central venue for spectacular celebrations, including mesmerising fireworks displays.
‘As Seen Below – The Dome’ – World’s Largest Skyspace Installation
Location: Aros Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
This June 19, 2026, ARoS Aarhus Art Museum will be host to the world’s largest ‘Skyspace’ installation—an underground chamber with a large opening in the ceiling that frames the sky. While the description might sound prosaic, American artist James Turrell aims to challenge the way visitors view artwork by manipulating light and darkness, creating an other-worldly experience through shifting colours and qualities of natural light. At 16m tall and 40m wide (the same diameter as the Pantheon’s dome), the soon-to-be cultural landmark for Aarhus will be a permanent installation of the museum and become companion to a broader improvement scheme at the museum, which includes a new underground gallery and the Art Square.
[Photo by Jack Anstey on Unsplash]
[Photo by Jordi Orts Segalés on Unsplash]
Nile River – World’s Longest River
Location: Northeastern Africa
Stretching a massive 6,695km, the Nile River flows through 11 African countries and remains an invaluable source of life for Egyptians to this day. Thanks to its annual flooding, Ancient Egyptians were able to farm on dry desert land. Today, a visit to the Nile River comes with a journey of discovery through ancient history and culture that includes temple exploring, visiting iconic sites like the Giza Pyramids, embarking on relaxing felucca rides at sunset, hot air ballooning over Luxor and experiencing Nubian culture in Aswan. Choose a romantic dinner cruise or sightseeing voyage along the world’s longest river while seizing the opportunity to take in the wonderful architecture of Cairo.
PokéPark KANTO – World’s First Permanent Pokémon Theme Park
Location: Yomiuriland Amusement Park, Tama Hills, Tokyo, Japan
To mark the 30th anniversary of the massive Japanese media franchise, Yomiuriland Amusement Park will open the world’s first ever permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park. Spanning 26,000 square meters in a corner of Yomiuriland, the park will feature two zones: the natural Pokémon Forest and the themed Sedge Town. From Trainers’ Market and Gyms to Poké Mart and Battle Court, Pokémon Trainers will get to explore thrilling rides, special performances and shows hosted by Pikachu and friends, and access to exclusive merchandise.
Rosewood Hong Kong – 2025 World’s Best Hotel
Location: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Rising from third place the year before, Rosewood Hong Kong has claimed the coveted title of The World’s Best Hotel in 2025. Perched at a stunning harbor-front, the 65-floor hotel was designed by Tony Chi and now sets the standard for minimalist luxury stays. The amenity that pulled its weight in contending? The innovative Asaya wellness concept that is two multi-level lodges located on a sun terrace away from the main building and complete with private spa chambers as well as sleep-enhancing technologies. The hotel also offers diverse world-class dining (like Michelin-starred Legacy House) and unparalleled views over Victoria Harbour.
Val Thorens in the French Alps – World’s Best Ski Resort
Location: 73440 Savoie, France
Located in the Savoie region, this picturesque pocket of southern France sits at an altitude of 2,300 metres—cue plenty of sunshine, unreal scenery and, yes, powdery plains of snow for the ski enthusiasts. As of late 2025, the ski resort has claimed the coveted title of World’s Best Ski Resort for the tenth time in thirteen years, presented by the World Ski Awards. Val Thorens has been awarded top ski resort due to its exceptional snow reliability (highest in Europe, its seamless access to the vast Three Valleys ski area, modern lift system and year-round innovation—offering incredible altitude, diverse terrain for all levels, excellent amenities from luxury to budget, and lively international atmosphere.
[Photo by Valentin Karisch on Unsplash]
Dresden Striezelmarkt – World’s Oldest Christmas Market
Location: Altmarkt, Dresden, Germany
Few places transform into a magical winter wonderland quite like Desden does during the holiday season. Officially established in 1434 as a one-day meat market that sold meat for locals to put in their Christmas meals, Dresden Striezelmarkt is known today as the world’s oldest Christmas market and combines mining heritage, Saxon handicrafts and an unparalleled traditional Christmas spirit. Not only is the market a place for over 200 traders to gather and present their unique offerings, a cultural and entertainment programme also accompanies the fair with theatrical performances and showrooms.
World’s First Harry Potter Hotel in LEGOLAND
Location: LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Günzburg, Bavaria, Germany
Attention, Potterheads! Maybe you have visited and seen the original costumes at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, or tried the silky smooth butterbeer at the Universal Studios theme parks in Japan or Orlando, but we’ll bet there hasn’t been a Harry Potter themed stay checked off the list yet, right? Well, that’s about to change, because LEGOLAND Deutschland Resort in Günzburg, Germany, is introducing the first ever Harry Potter Hotel in 2026 (date is yet to be announced). Guests can expect richly themed rooms and playful details that can only be recognised from the Wizarding World—in LEGO form.
Grand Egyptian Museum – World’s Largest Archaeological Museum
Location: Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3513204, Egypt
Spanning 480,000 square metres, the Grand Egyptian Museum is hailed as Africa’s largest and fully embodies 2026’s cultural momentum with its vast collection of nearly 50,000 artefacts—many unseen for millennia. Located near the Giza pyramids, it showcases treasures from the 5th millennium BC, including the complete Tutankhamun collection and the Solar Boat of Khufu. Visitors will get to explore vast halls with iconic artifacts like King Tut’s treasures, marvel at colossal statues including Ramses II in the Grand Atrium, walk the historical Grand Staircase, see Khufu’s Solar Boat, and witness the utilisation of modern tech for immersive experiences, all while enjoying pyramid views and amenities like restaurants and shops.
Still Think You’ve Seen It All?
Well, there you go—14 destinations that we’ve managed to pin down for your travel bucket list. Whether it is an actualised universe you only imagined while reading your favourite childhood books or playing video games, buildings that seem to defy gravity, or destinations that seem to make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time, these spots prove that our planet is also capable of having dramatic flair. Now all that’s left to do is decide which of these “is this even real?” places you’re adding to the itinerary. Spoiler: your camera roll will never recover.
“And now, Harry, let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure”
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
For more ideas to add to your 2026 travel plans, be one of the firsts to check out these 15 New Stays Across Southeast Asia on Our 2026 Travel Bucket List!
