Living a nomadic life doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort - unique stays like yurts, riads, and jungle treehouses blend adventure with immersive experiences. Each one offers a chance to truly connect with your surroundings, turning every stay into its own unforgettable journey.
The Simple Charm of Yurts
What is a Yurt?
Originating from Central Asia, the yurt is a circular tent traditionally used by nomads. Its design, perfected over centuries, is both functional and symbolically rich. The yurt's wooden frame is covered with felt or fabric, offering both protection and a connection to the natural world. The portability of yurts made them ideal for a nomadic lifestyle, and today, they have been reimagined as intriguing lodging options for travelers seeking an escape from the mundane.
Yurts Today: Adventure Meets Comfort
You can now find yurts everywhere - from Mongolia’s open plains to cozy retreats in Tuscany. Modern versions keep the rustic feel but add comfy touches like plush beds and even electricity. The best part? At night, you can lie back and gaze at the stars through the roof opening.
For those drawn to living a nomadic life - even just for a weekend - yurts offer the perfect mix of simplicity and adventure. Picture waking up to birds chirping, sunlight filtering through the wooden frame, and the quiet calm of the wilderness. It’s a chance to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature.
Places to Stay in a Yurt
Modern yurts often come with comfy beds, wood stoves, and even skylights for stargazing, making them ideal for travelers who want to unplug without sacrificing warmth. Here are some unique places you can stay in a yurt:
- Mongolia – Stay in a traditional ger on the open steppe with nomadic families.
- Patagonia, Chile – Glamp in a yurt with mountain views in Torres del Paine.
- Oregon, USA – Try Pacific Yurts in state parks or private eco-retreats.
- Scotland – Cozy up in a Highlands yurt with whisky and wild landscapes. Check out Kelburn Yurts you can stay in in Ayrshire, Scotland!
- Bali – Luxury beachfront yurts with open-air showers and ocean breezes.
- Kyrgyzstan - Nestled in the heart of Central Asia! Check out our blog all about Kyrgyzstan.
A yurt stay lets you experience the simplicity of living a nomadic life, even if just for a weekend.
Discovering Riads
What is a Riad?
A riad is a traditional Moroccan home built around a peaceful central courtyard, usually filled with orange trees, flowers, and a small fountain. The name comes from the Arabic word for "garden," and these spaces are the heart of the home - cool, quiet, and beautifully decorated with colorful tiles, carved wood, and handcrafted details.
Riad Kniza: A Timeless Retreat in Marrakech
Tucked away in Marrakech’s lively medina, Riad Kniza is a stunning 18th-century guesthouse that feels like stepping into old Morocco. Every corner tells a story, from the hand-painted ceilings to the antique furniture, but with modern comforts woven in.
Staying here isn’t just about a place to sleep—it’s an experience. You can sip mint tea in the courtyard, listen to the trickle of the fountain, then step outside and dive into the buzz of the souks. It’s the perfect mix of serenity and adventure, giving you a taste of living a nomadic life, even if just for a few nights.
The Magic of Jungle Treehouses
Why Stay in a Jungle Treehouse?
There's something truly magical about staying in a jungle treehouse. Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys, chirping birds, and rustling leaves is an experience you'll never forget. These elevated hideaways let you live among the treetops, surrounded by nature in its purest form - no walls, no distractions, just you and the wild.
Whether it's in Costa Rica's lush rainforests or deep in the Amazon, a jungle treehouse stay is the ultimate way to live a nomadic life, even if just for a few nights. It's adventure, peace, and pure connection with nature—all rolled into one unforgettable escape.
Looking to stay in a treehouse? Check out our blog on 'The Best Treehouse's You Can Stay At Around The World'
Yurt, Riad, or Jungle Treehouse? Pros & Cons of Each Unique Stay
Staying in a Yurt
Pros:
- Cozy and unique – Circular design feels intimate and peaceful.
- Blend of comfort and nature – Many have comfy beds, wood stoves, and skylights.
- Portable charm – Feels like living a nomadic life without sacrificing warmth.
- Great for stargazing – Some have open roof designs.
Cons:
- Temperature swings – Can get chilly at night (unless well-insulated).
- Remote locations – Some yurts are far from towns or services.
Staying in a Jungle Treehouse
Pros:
- Total immersion in nature – Wake up to wildlife sounds, fresh jungle air, and breathtaking canopy views.
- Adventure vibes – Feels like a real-life explorer experience.
- Digital detox – Often off-grid (limited/no WiFi), perfect for unplugging.
- Cool climate – Elevated stays are breezier than the forest floor.
Cons:
- Limited amenities – Some have basic facilities.
- Wildlife encounters – Bugs, frogs, or curious monkeys might visit.
- Accessibility challenges – May require hiking or climbing to reach.
Staying in a Riad
Pros:
- Authentic Moroccan luxury – Stunning courtyards, mosaics, and rooftop terraces.
- Peaceful escape – A quiet oasis inside busy medinas.
- Cultural immersion – Traditional decor, mint tea rituals, and local hospitality.
- Great food – Often serve homemade Moroccan dishes.
Cons:
- Can be pricey – High-end riads (like Riad Kniza) are a splurge.
- Maze-like locations – Hard to find in narrow medina alleys.
- Noise in cities – Some riads still hear street sounds at night.
Starting from Skratch? Here are some links to help you get started:
- Nomadic Travel: Worldwide Holidays & Tours | Nomadic Travel
- What's it like Staying in a Yurt | Much More With Less Blog
- 10 Best Riads in Marrakesh | Booking.com
