Luxury doesn’t always mean marble lobbies and Michelin stars. Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences are found in unexpected corners of the world, places your competitors haven’t even heard of yet.
Here’s our list of under-the-radar hotels that blew us away with their design, service, soul, and suitability for incentive or high-end conference travel.
1. Habitas AlUla – Saudi Arabia
Where: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Why it’s incredible:
This luxury eco-resort is carved into the desert canyons of AlUla, surrounded by ancient Nabatean tombs and surreal landscapes.
Stunning modular villas with panoramic desert views
Daily rituals like sound baths, stargazing, and fire-lit storytelling
Perfect for ultra-high-end incentives looking to wow the C-suite
Bonus: No alcohol, but trust us, you won’t miss it.
1. The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Where: A private atoll once owned by Marlon Brando
Why it’s incredible:
This is where sustainability meets celebrity-level seclusion.
36 villas, each with their own plunge pool and stretch of beach
Used by Barack Obama to write his memoir
Entire island can be booked out for exclusive incentives
Perfect for: Luxury travel rewards, sustainability-focused brands, or once-in-a-lifetime exec retreats
3. Finca Serena – Mallorca Spain
Where: Countryside Mallorca
Why it’s incredible:
Understated elegance with Mediterranean calm.
Olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields as far as the eye can see
No TV. No noise. Just wellness, wine, and world-class food
25 rooms only – ideal for intimate board or leadership offsites
4. Deplar Farm – Troll Peninsula, Iceland
Where: Northern Iceland
Why it’s incredible:
An off-the-grid luxury lodge that feels like a Bond villain hideout, in the best way.
Heliskiing, geothermal pools, Northern Lights, and snowmobiling
Buy out the entire property for max 30 guests
Incredible food, full spa, and a hidden bar you access through a bookcase
Yes, seriously. This is for the client who’s done everything else.
5. Giraffe Manor – Nairobi, Kenya
Where: Just outside Nairobi
Why it’s incredible:
Breakfast with giraffes. No metaphor. No photoshop.
1930s manor house where giraffes literally poke their heads in during meals
Connects well with high-end safari itineraries
Surprisingly seamless for smaller incentive groups en route to Maasai Mara
Warning: Guests will never stop talking about it.
6. Capella Ubud – Bali, Indonesia
Where: Deep in the jungle, not near the beach
Why it’s incredible:
Not your typical Balinese resort. Think: colonial explorer chic meets next-level wellness.
Tented suites suspended in forest canopy
No motorised vehicles, arrive by footbridge
Private pools, outdoor copper tubs, butler service
More luxe than “glamping” deserves to sound. This is Bali’s best-kept secret.
7. São Lourenço do Barrocal – Alentejo, Portugal
Where: Wine country, east of Lisbon
Why it’s incredible:
A restored 19th-century farming village turned slow-luxury hotel.
Working vineyard and olive groves
Stunning rustic rooms with modern details
Event spaces that feel more architectural digest than ballroom
Good for: Low-key luxury incentives or “Unplugged Retreats”
8. Longitude 131 – Uluru, Australia
Where: Right in front of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Why it’s incredible:
Luxury tents with jaw-dropping views of the world’s most sacred rock.
Fully inclusive (think: open bar, degustation dining, private tours)
Culturally sensitive, eco-forward, and designed to disappear into the desert
Max 30 people, perfect buyout for Australia-based leadership or international press junkets
It’s in your own backyard. Just not the kind you usually think of.
We guide you from idea to execution with dedicated management, strategic collaboration, and world-class delivery.
01
DNA presents innovative, tailored event concepts, capturing your vision and objectives to set the foundation for a unique experience.
02
Your dedicated event manager collaborates closely with you, meticulously organising and coordinating every detail to ensure alignment with your goals
03
The final execution of your incentive, conference, event, or travel program is flawlessly delivered by our team.
Explore how DNA has helped leading brands bring their ideas to life, from global incentive programs to high-impact conferences and bespoke events.
