10 amazing places to stay

SLEEP IN A CAVE

Farmington, NM: Carved into the side of a sandstone cliff, Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast is a fully furnished grotto, 70 feet underground.

A narrow trail winds down from the mesa top to the 1,650-square-foot cave, which geologist-owner Bruce Black blasted out in the 1980s and opened a decade later.

The decor is nothing fancy (think college dorm room meets the Flintstones) until you realize you’re in a subterranean guesthouse, where anything that couldn’t be carried in―hello, fridge!―had to be winched over the cliff face.

Downright cool: The waterfall shower is a nice touch, but the biggest draw is the view of the La Plata River, 300 feet below, and the craggy spires of Shiprock on the horizon. Mar–Nov; from $260, including breakfast; 505/326-2461. ―Katie Arnold

SLEEP IN A WORK OF ART

Near Quemado, NM: You may have heard of the Lightning Field, an art installation spread across a Southwestern plain, but did you know you can book a front-row seat?

At the edge of this desert scrub that’s stuck with 400 electricity-attracting poles sits a lone log cabin. Linger on your porch and watch the lightning dance. May–Oct; from $150 per person; 505/898-3335. ―K.A.

SLEEP IN A STILT CABIN

Yelapa, Mexico: High above the Pacific and surrounded by leafy palms is V House, the newest lodging option at eco-swank Verana.

While couples commandeer the pricier rooms, you and five friends can take over these secluded open-air trapezoids that stand on stilts on a hillside. The shared bathroom is a small price to pay for fresh-caught fish, views, and a spa.

Downright cool: Access this paradise by boat―and a mule ride uphill if you’re too lazy to walk. Nov 1–Jun 7; ​V House $250, suites from $320; five-night minimum; 866/687-9358. ―Thomas J. Story

SLEEP IN A SILVER BULLET

Bisbee, AZ: Think of Lucille Ball in The Long, Long Trailer, and you’ll get the picture of the Shady Dell―a vintage aluminum-trailer park revamped into an inn, within the equally throwback town of Bisbee.

Choose among nine fully furnished trailers, including a polished shiny 1949 Airstream dubbed the Bridal Suite because it displays black-and-white wedding albums; the 1959 Boles Aero, with a gold-flecked starburst pattern on its walls; and a tiki bus decked out in Polynesian fantasy.

Happy hour here is like a tailgate party, with new friends and croquet on the artificial-turf patio.

Downright cool: The Dell’s itty-bitty Dot’s Diner ($; closed Wed–Thu) is itself worth a trip for burgers, milkshakes, and housemade cherry pie. From $45; 520/432-3567. ―Jennie Nunn