Words: Jonathan Wells
There are hotels that are used solely as base camps – places to simply shower and sleep – and there are hotels that are themselves part of the holiday – opulent and awe-inspriring structures you can’t wait to return to at the end of the day. These guest houses, inns and lodges fall firmly into the latter category – for they have views so extraordinary that, for the duration of your stay, you’ll never want to leave your room.
The 5-star hotel overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea has some of the best views in the Mediterranean – not to mention some of the best food. Fortunately, both can be enjoyed at once on the hotel’s terrace.
Anchored like a white ship on the shores of turquoise Lake Pehoé, Hotel Salto Chico has waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and lush greenery visible from its rooms. A favourite for outdoorsmen, the constantly visible promise of adventure will be almost too much to bear.
The Millenia Suite of Singapore’s Ritz Carlton boasts unrivalled views of the city, with twinkling high-rises and the dark expanse of the bay stretching out below you.
Chic but simple rooms in The Omnia look out onto the majesty of the Alps. As breathtaking in the snow as it is in the summer, the hotel is perched on a rock 148 feet above the roofs of central Zermatt – and this elevation affords some of the greatest views in the area.
This high-end resort is situated on 243 hectares of lush tropical hillside, and its views of the Caribbean coast are frequently cited as some of the best in the world. Infinity pools and open walls make the most of the views and, with a landscape like this, why wouldn’t they?
With an unrivalled view of the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco’s Mandarin Oriental looks out over the bay and lets guests relax on the 48 storey building’s roof, a glass of champagne in hand.
Set in the placid Oasis of Dakhla, the Al Tarfa lodge has some of the most tranquil views in the world. Set against the backdrop of a dark desert, burning braziers light up the rocks and sand and outdoor dining only adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
This luxury spa hotel occupies an ornate Victorian building with a glass-domed lobby, but the real treat can be found in the penthouse suite. With views of the Thames, London’s bridges and the capital by night, you can sightsee from the comfort of your own room.
Over 70 acres in Boynton Canyon, this luxury resort has lodges nestled in the vivid rock, and boasts views of greenery and orange formations stretching out for miles.
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