For many travelers, sightseeing is the most important element of international travel. There’s nothing quite like staring out at an iconic natural or man-made wonder with your own two eyes. Smart travelers know that there’s a special advantage of being able to take in the world’s most mesmerizing views right from their hotel room, providing unlimited opportunities to enjoy these marvels without the crowds.
We’ll now take a look at hotels with incredible views of such exciting skylines as Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, along with unbeatable panoramas of stunning natural attractions such as Victoria Falls, the lagoon of Bora Bora, and the elusive Northern Lights.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
You can enjoy views right out of a postcard with an overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. There, you can gaze out at the rugged silhouette of Mount Otemanu, or just look down at the most incredibly blue water you’ll ever see. Like most Four Seasons resorts, this is a luxury property with prices to match. An overwater bungalow will easily cost over $1200US a night, but those with the means to do so consistently rave about the privileged experience of taking in such natural beauty from their own private “island” in the lagoon.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Towering over the Singapore skyline is a unique hotel with unparalleled views: The Marina Bay Sands. This hotel’s claim to fame is the largest elevated pool in the world, which spans 150 meters across the top of all three towers. The view is especially impressive after dark, when the otherworldly glow of the famed “super-trees” of the Gardens by the Bay attraction below stand out in a collage of neon blues. Deluxe rooms start at approximately $350 a night for double occupancy, with prices rising in proportion to the altitude.
Kakslauttanen Artic Resort, Finland
Since we’ve already considered two hotels overlooking natural wonders of the world, we might as well add a third by mentioning the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, in the remote Lapland region of northern Finland. Situated well above the Arctic Circle, in winter months guests can stare up at the Northern Lights as they dance in the night sky that is visible from a glass-domed igloo. Accommodations are simple yet cozy, and a night here is truly a bucket list experience. Said experience will run approximately 285 Euro in the Fall, with higher prices during the prime Northern Light viewing season of the winter.
The Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This historic hotel has been enchanting visitors since 1905, in large part due to its location. Visitors can look out at the famous Victoria Falls Bridge and watch towering clouds of spray rising above the surrounding gorge. The hotel itself is a throwback to the height of the British Empire, with classical architecture and serene gardens. A night here will run about $500US and up, but the historical nature of the hotel, along with its proximity to the largest sheet of falling water on earth (incidentally, Victoria Falls is also a member of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World), makes The Victoria Falls Hotel a feather in the cap of any luxury traveler.
Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro’s is so highly-esteemed that it is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The hotel Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro by Intercity offers guests spectacular views of two of the city’s most iconic attractions: Suglarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue atop Corcovado Mountain. With a rooftop pool and a stylish interior, this hotel is a hip place to take in the city. Best of all, even in high season a double room can go for as low as $115US per night.
Seeing the world’s most amazing sights is a thrill indeed. Seeing them from the privacy of your own accommodations takes that to an entirely different level. Armed with these suggestions from around the globe, we hope you’re inspired to find your own travel bliss at one of these hotels with the most ridiculous views in the world.