Words: India Gladstone
While it’s important for a gentleman to live in the moment and to not wish his life away, there are a couple of things that it’s imperative he does before his time is up. One of them is to travel far and wide and to find himself in one – or more – of these incredible hotels. Here is a round up of the top 10 hotels you need to stay at before you die.
Travelling to Africa is an essential part of your bucket list and while you’re there you need to stay in the Underwater Room, which is literally in the middle of the ocean. It’s a floating (but secure) building with half of the glass exterior underwater – giving you the clearest view of deep sea life – and the other half (wooden) on top. If diving off the roof, being able to spot all manner of fish without getting in the water and sleeping in the middle of the ocean aren’t things you ever thought you would be able to do, think again. What’s more, the resort prides itself of being ‘probably as far away from civilisation as you’ll ever get’, which is definitely no bad thing.
If you’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights but never known where to watch them from, here is your answer. Escaping to Hotel Kakslauttanen means that you’ll be able to see the sky from the comfort of your incredible glass igloo – does it get any better? The hotel is set in the deep woods in remote Finland and offers some of nature’s finest moments. If you’re looking for something slightly cosier, you can stay in a Kelo-Glass igloo which is a log cabin with a glass igloo attached – a bit like your conservatory.
The Boulders resort and Spa, Arizona
If you want to escape to deepest Arizona, play a bit of golf, get outdoors and have a massage or two, The Boulders is the place for you. A gentleman of adventure is going to be more than comfortable here; with some of the most scenic views a hotel can offer, tours of the Grand Canyon and hotel air balloon rides as just a short round-up of what’s on offer, you’re definitely going to be satisfied.
Santorini is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world and why not make your experience of this tiny island even greater by staying at the Astartes Suites. With 5 different levels of luxury on offer – depending on what you’re in the market for – you’re not going to be strapped for choice here. Each room offers the upmost privacy with spectacular views over the Aegean sea, the famous volcanic caldera and beyond.
The Mercer is one of New York’s chicest hotels and is the place to stay when you visit the city. Located perfectly amongst some of New York’s finest bars, restaurants and shops in the heart of Soho, the hotel offers the best rooms we’ve ever stayed in. Sister hotel to the world-famous Chateau Marmont in Hollywood, The Mercer defines modern luxury. We never stay anywhere by The Mercer when we’re in town – not least of all because the kitchen offers some of the city’s most incredible food.
Said by many to be the one of the world’s best hotels, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas is not to be missed. A boutique hotel set in the a tranquil plaza behind the main square in Cusco, this former palace offers those who stay here peace as well as luxury. Although the palace did undergo a rather large renovation in order for it to become a hotel, most – if not all – of its features are still very much Peruvian, with original Inca and colonial features intact. Chose from 4 luxury suites and immerse yourself in one of the most luxurious destinations in the world.
Oberoi Resort and Villas, Arga
Agra is somewhere that has to be on your bucket list: looking at the Taj Mahal in photos doesn’t come near to the spectacle that it is in the flesh. While you’re there, there’s only one place to stay – not least of all because it’s a mere 600 metres away from the Taj Mahal – and that’s the Oberoi. This magnificent hotel is the very definition of luxury and with one of the most incredible backdrops in the world, there’s no way it can disappoint.
Think what you like about Dubai, but there’s no doubting the incredible beauty and stature of this hotel. Even if you stay for one night just to understand what all of the fuss is about, you need to see it. It’s absolutely massive, boasts access to some of the greatest facilites in the world and – best of all – you can stay in glass room underneath sea-level. It all sounds pretty spectacular, doesn’t it?
The One & Only Reethi Rah, The Maldives.
Yes, this is the place you’ve seen photographs time and time again whilst researching that luxury holiday you’re desperate to take. The One & Only Reethi Rah defines tropical paradise with some of the bluest sea and the whitest sand you will ever set eyes upon. With each ‘room’ coming in the form of a luxury hut on stilts in the sea, there’s literally nothing to not like about this place. It’s firmly up there on the bucket list for us, and it should be for you, too.
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Mexico
This is one of the most sought after hotels in the world – and for good reason. Complete with some of the most spectacular ocean front views in the world, Las Ventanas al Paraíso is seriously luxurious and peaceful for all travellers. With a choice of villas or suites, massages or a swim and some of the finest food in the world, this is not one to miss.
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