MELBOURNE, Feb 19 — From a sandcastle that rises out of the Indian desert, a spherical hotel suite in the rainforests of British Columbia and a treehouse in Laos, Lonely Planet’s picks for the top 10 most extraordinary hotel stays on the planet are a far cry from the standard, high-rise hotel.

If you’re bored of the tried and true, check out some of the most unique and memorable hotel experiences around the world, as chosen by editors of the travel guide.

1. Mihir Gahr, Rajasthan, India

A sandcastle in the Indian desert: “Few hotels are created without compromise; Mihir Garh is a rare example. This is not just a unique place to stay; it’s a shrine to the artistic and architectural traditions of Rajasthan in general and Jodhpur in particular.” — Contributing writer James Kay

2. Planet Baobab, Gweta, Botswana

Thatched hut in salt pans of Botswana: “I visited Planet Baobab on a two-night side-trip from the Okavango Delta. Seeing lions in that bleached-out landscape was certainly memorable and I loved the lodge’s Afro-funk décor.” — Contributing writer James Bainbridge

3. Prendiparte B&B, Bologna, Italy

900-year-old, 60-metre medieval tower: “Like most people, I was pretty bowled over when I visited the Torre. I remember walking up its steep stairs and thinking how amazing it would be to have the whole place to yourself, even for one night.” — Contributing writer Duncan Garwood

4. Qasr Al Sarab, UAE

Desert oasis: “On our visit to Qasr al Sarab, we stood atop a distant dune talking to a fourth-generation falconer, while his fifth-generation son played nearby. Holding and witnessing the power of their magnificent birds was a definite high.” — Contributor Lisa Dunford

5. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tasmania, Australia

Cabin in Tasmania: “Wildlife is best viewed from an outdoor hot tub. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to be exhausted by long hikes in the national park and even I enjoyed Cradle Mountain’s dramatic weather. But the thrill of spotting echidnas and pademelons from the silky waters of a private hot tub is hard to forget.” — Contibutor Anita Isalska

6. Free Spirit Spheres, British Columbia, Canada

Forest sphere: “A sigh-triggering escape from the city, my early morning wake-up call at the Free Spirit Spheres was a symphony of birdsong playing all around me — plus a mohawk-topped Steller’s Jay eyeing me on the other side of my porthole window.” — Contributor John Lee

7. Taskonak Hotel, Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey

Cave hotel: “Göreme has dozens of beautiful cave-hotels but Taskonak manages to dish up the cave-suites and stupendous views Cappadocia is famous for without breaking your budget.” — Contributor Jess Lee

8. Thonga Beach Lodge, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

South African lodge: “For me, the ‘not-to-be-missed’ activity was the walking tour with a local guide, Eugene, the nearest thing to an African David Attenborough. He ticked off everything from the local mahogany tree to dung beetles. After being warned of the shy but extremely dangerous vine snake, I was thrilled to identify one later in the day.” — Contributor Kate Armstrong

9. Saugerties Lighthouse, New York state, USA

Lighthouse: “Anyone can visit the lighthouse, but to experience the raw beauty of this place, I highly recommend staying the night. Watching the play of colours on the river at twilight and hearing the surrounding wetlands spring to life in the early morning hours — you can almost forget what century you’re living in.” — Contributor Regis St. Louis

10. The Gibbon Experience Treehouse, Bokeo Reserve, Laos

Treehouse: “Doubtless the most magical two nights I’ve enjoyed in this most special of countries.” — Contributor Richard Waters. — AFP/Relaxnews