When spectacular views form part of your stay at a hotel or lodge, logically implies guests will want to enjoy what nature has to offer. Upscale Living magazine’s Travel Editor found a few of these gems, deducing that you will want to stay in for these views.
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership. Bisate is located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience.
Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximize comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation program.
Aside from the area’s iconic mountain gorillas, other mammals that call Volcanoes National Park home include the golden monkey, side-striped jackal, serval, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, bushbuck, and Egyptian mongoose. Of the 178 bird species in the area, at least 13 are endemic to the Virunga area such as Archer’s robin chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, mountain masked Apalis and Rwenzori (collared) Apalis.
Cape Grace, Cape Town
Situated on a private quay between Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront and the tranquil yacht marina, Cape Grace is in the perfect location from where to soak in the natural beauty of the Mother City and the very essence of Cape Town living at its best.
The elegant and warm atmosphere, evident in every fine detail, begins at the welcoming reception lounge and extends to the spacious harbor and mountain-facing rooms. Astounding natural beauty, sweeping landscapes, exciting cuisine, and vibrant culture marks Cape Town as one of the world’s most magnificent cities.
Each one of the uniquely designed rooms has been inspired by the charm and wonder of our South African and Cape heritage, inviting travelers to discover and connect with the history and culture of our fascinating region. Ship manifests, rare Cape Dutch antiques and local artwork renditions of the beautiful botanical kingdom have been sourced piece by piece to create a tapestry of depth, texture and contemporary style. In cool hues of blue, warm shades of red and rich tones of green and gold, each of the 120 guest rooms and suites is completely unique.
Carlton Hotel, St. Moritz
Exclusiveness and privacy are bywords at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz. The luxurious five-star hotel bewitches the senses with an extravagant world of color, the very best in culinary art and a generosity which knows no bounds. The 60 suites created by Swiss interior designer Carlo Rampazzi using noble materials offer the ultimate in comfort with an emphasis on light and space.
Guests can enjoy world-class cuisine in both the Romanoff and Da Vittorio – St. Moritz restaurants. For a light lunch or afternoon tea, the spacious sun terrace – the most attractive in the entire area – is absolutely perfect. In addition, the 1,200 square meters of the Carlton Spa offers numerous possibilities to retreat relax and recharge your batteries. The entire team provides perfect service and will make every effort to satisfy even your most extravagant wishes.
The Carlton Hotel is situated in St. Moritz, one of the most famous ski resorts in the world at an altitude of 1856 meters above sea level. This favorite international destination is renowned for its elegant and exclusive atmosphere and offers its guests the perfect environment for their winter holidays.
Hotel Arts, Barcelona
Designed by Bruce Graham, Hotel Arts features 44 stories of exposed glass and steel, making it the tallest building in Barcelona and a prominent feature of the city skyline. With innovative design and contemporary interiors, the hotel showcases a 20th Century collection of exclusively commissioned works by contemporary Catalan and Spanish artists.
Hotel Arts Barcelona boasts a unique location on the waterfront within 300 feet of the beach, in the heart of the city’s Olympic Village area. The Ramblas, Picasso Museum, and the wide waterfront promenade are just a short stroll from the hotel, as well as fashionable bars and shopping venues.
With one, two- or three-bedroom options, the duplex luxury Penthouses are located on the top ten floors of the hotel, affording stunning views of the sea and city. Each Penthouse is comprised of a lounge and dining area as well as a kitchen. An expert team of butlers is available to coordinate all the details of the guest’s stay. The powerful architecture by Bruce Graham is accented by the warm and elegant décor designed by Antoni Puig and Jose Juanpere and created by Jaime Tresserra.
Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives
A pearl-like string of island atolls on top of a vast submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean forms the smallest Asian nation, the Maldives. Blessed all year round with a tropical climate and average temperatures of 86°F, guests will find restful vacations, or exhilarating adventures at Jumeirah Vittaveli.
At 4,520 sq ft, the completely refurbished Private Ocean Retreats with Slides come with an extended outdoor deck with 370 sq ft private infinity pool, overwater hammocks, sunken seating for blissful relaxation, and your very own sand deck for building sandcastles overwater. Ideal for couples or small families, the free-standing villas feature a master bedroom, walk-in closet, living area, private bar set-up, and full-size wine fridge, as well as a convertible second bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
The 23-meter water slide is stretching from the balcony upstairs down into the crystal-clear lagoon – a fun addition for couples and families alike! A retreat in the truest sense, this two-storied two-bedroom villa is situated a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by 24-hour boat service. The perfect hideaway to spend quality time with away from it all.
Le Meurice, Paris
The timeless splendor of Versailles has been made new again at Le Meurice, the first Parisian Palace, with the recent unveiling of a jaw-dropping penthouse refurbishment. The young and talented designers behind the refurbishments, Margaux Lally and Luc Berger, were inspired by this vision of Versailles and a desire to bring a modern edge to one of the most iconic symbols of luxury in the world.
The Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite, together with its private garden and terrace, covers an impressive 620m²/6,674ft², including up to three connecting bedrooms, making it one of the most spacious suites in Paris and the best view of Paris. All the rooms have large windows for a light and airy feel, drawing your eyes to appreciate the city landscape.
When it comes to relaxing, take your place in the cinema-style sitting area, where the flexible furniture set-up can be configured to suit your requirements and ensure you feel instantly at home. A kitchen and pantry are designed for a personal chef, for the ultimate royal experience. The expansive private terrace offers 360° city views of Paris, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Sacré Coeur.
Pangkor Laut, Malaysia
YTL Hotels’ Pangkor Laut Resort is located on its own 300-acre private island off the west coast of Malaysia, comprised of a 2-million-year-old rainforest and surrounded by white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Pangkor Laut Resort features overwater villas resting on stilts above the waters of the Strait of Malacca. The villas boast private outdoor verandas with sun loungers and oversized bathtubs that look out over the water.
The resort also features The Estates, which are nestled on the northern part of the island within the jungle. The Estates are reminiscent of the romantic lifestyle of a British estate manager of old Malaya, where guests can enjoy the colossal, natural arboretum that surrounds them. The eight private estates feature their own living and dining pavilions, a personal butler and chauffeur-driven car, and a private plunge pool with breathtaking views of the serene landscape.
The Suria and Purnama suites stand on stilts over the sea and feature an entrance hall, separate bedroom, an elegant lounge with a television, balconies for sunbathing, and a spacious bathroom with windows that offer beautiful views of the sea from the oversized bathtub.
Regina Isabella, Italy
Nestled on a private beach overlooking the Bay of Naples, the 128-room Hotel Regina Isabella features incredible views of the serene Bay of Naples from many of its rooms and suites, and a number of them come with private balconies. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and Mediterranean pinewoods, Regina Isabella epitomizes the Italian art of living well, with an emphasis on style and beauty. Attentive personalized service is combined with Neapolitan color and warmth.
The rooms, 27 of which provide ultra-luxury, are divided between the hotel’s three sections: Regina Isabella, Sporting and Royal. Decorated in the Mediterranean style with hand-painted majolica tiles, each room offers a combination of mid-century furnishings and 21st-century touches. Whichever room you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful stay, feeling thoroughly pampered, savoring the five-star luxury, and enjoying the warm hospitality of Regina Isabella.
The resort is also known for its incredible spa, as it’s attached to the Termedella Regina Isabella Spa, whose healing waters were first tapped by the Romans, and today’s resort offers dozens of beauty and health treatments. Guests nowadays make use of these waters to achieve extra vitality, while restoring body and spirit.
Time + Tide Chinzombo, Zambia
Situated on a sweeping curve of the Luangwa River, Time + Tide Chinzombo brings style and sophistication to the Luangwa Valley. Designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Time + Tide Chinzombo won Best New Property in Africa in 2014 and again in 2015.
This wildly luxurious camp retains its bush authenticity with grass and canvas walls and spacious living areas that melt into the exquisitely tranquil riverside setting. Each villa offers panoramic views of the Luangwa River and the abundant wildlife that frequents its banks. Sprawling, ancient shade trees, and private plunge pools offer comfort and relaxation for guests staying in any one of the six stunning villas. With soaking tubs and feathertop beds, every villa is a haven for relaxation.
Venture into one of the most game rich areas of the national park with our award-winning guiding team. The South Luangwa is renowned for its world-class predator action, with especially strong sightings of the elusive leopard. Explore the region’s diverse habitats with game drives, safari walks and boat cruises (seasonal) or pamper yourself with an in-villa spa treatment during your midday break.
Tintswalo Atlantic, Cape Town
Tintswalo Atlantic, Cape Town’s iconic boutique hotel on Chapman’s Peak Drive boasts a breath-taking location on the shoreline. Private and exclusive, it is situated within the Table Mountain National Park. The secluded setting is surrounded by the ocean and fragrant fynbos yet within easy reach of the attractions of the Mother City.
Ten Island Suites and a luxurious 2-bedroom Villa offer glorious views across the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Individually themed and decorated, they are named after some of the world’s most famous islands, including Robben Island, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Java, Corsica, and Sicily. The suites are spacious, each with its very own private deck and a lounge area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a beverage station complete with an espresso machine. Spacious en-suite bathrooms have walk-in showers, dual basins, and Victorian baths with a selection of fragrant soaps and pampering bath products.
The hotel has been freshly decorated in the signature blue and turquoise shades by the owners, mother and daughter team Gaye Corbett and Lisa Goosen. Stylish and inviting lounge areas are set around cozy fireplaces with sprawling decks right on the water’s edge.