Hotels are more than just places to bunker down — they encapsulate a certain lifestyle. And these cleverly thought-out hotels with views of glacial mountains, surrounded by desert canyons and carved into oceanside cliffs demonstrate that vibe. From Oman to Iceland, Santorini to Scottsdale, these 13 hotels embrace their stunning natural views.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel; Muscat
Set in between Muscat’s brilliant-red Al Hajar Mountains and the emerald-turquoise Sea of Oman, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel has stunning views of both mountains and sea. Originally built as a royal palace, the gold-domed, palm-tree-swathed hotel is fit for royalty. The best part of the property? That would be the private beach that offers snorkeling and other water sports.
W Verbier; Switzerland
Nestled in the Swiss Alps and with guest room balconies that look out onto the snowcapped mountains, W Verbier is a luxe take on the quintessential log cabin. Standing at nearly 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) in the Alps, the hotel is steps away from Verbier’s main ski lifts. After a day of skiing, ski right into the outdoor bar, W Off Piste, for a well-deserved pint.
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini; Greece
Carved into the caldera cliffs of this Greek isle, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini adopts the classic Grecian design of white walls with contours that follow the curvature of Santorini’s distinct volcanic mountains. Dip in the hotel’s infinity pools that overlook the deep-blue Aegean Sea, and come evening, dine at the Secret Wine Cave, a 150-year-old cellar with a collection of rare wines.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain; Arizona
Built around the red rock in the canyons of Arizona’s Tortolita Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain harnesses the raw energy of the Tucson desert. Cactus and other hardy plants mark the sprawling property, which has a snaking waterslide and wraparound swimming pools. The 27-hole championship golf course completes this oasis.
The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection; Canada
It’s all about embracing the small-town charm of Rossland, British Columbia, at The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection. In addition to access to RED Mountain Resort, The Josie Hotel has rooms with views of snow-covered pine forests. Outside is a winter playground of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and the ski-in, ski-out slope access is one of the hotel’s stellar features.
Punta Islita, Autograph Collection; Costa Rica
Wrapped in tropical forest and lush mountains and situated by the Pacific Ocean, Punta Islita, Autograph Collection blends seamlessly into the Costa Rican wilderness. The eco-luxury hotel makes use of Indigenous building techniques and design aesthetic with wood motifs featuring strongly in guest rooms. Not only is Punta Islita a stone’s-throw away from some of the best surf beaches, but guests also have access to a sea turtle refuge and macaw reserve.
Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort; China
The sleek hotel is located at the base of Emei Mountain in Sichuan Province, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the mist-covered peaks. After a day of mountain hiking, go for a swim in the indoor heated pool.
ADERO Scottsdale, Autograph Collection; Arizona
Perched above the Sonoran Desert with a mountain backdrop, ADERO Scottsdale, Autograph Collection provides many opportunities for guests to acquaint themselves with the Arizona desert. It’s back to nature here: Dip in the pools, play golf and conquer a hiking or biking trail. When the sun goes down, sit back on your own balcony with a cocktail and watch the stars illuminate the sky.
Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort; Mexico
Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort channels the restorative power of the surrounding tropical jungle and mountains. It’s wellness and natural healing at this all-inclusive Mexican resort that’s a hop from the charming fishing village, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Treat yourself to a massage and facial, or relax by the lush poolside.
The Reykjavik EDITION
With sweeping views of Mount Esja and Snæfellsjökull Glacier, The Reykjavik EDITION is swathed in nature yet very central. Located in downtown Reykjavik, the hotel has Tides Restaurant, helmed by an award-winning chef. The seventh-floor rooftop is also a spectacular place to take in the midnight sun during summer and view the northern lights in winter.
Element Moab
It’s impossible to miss the wondrous red-rock terrain of Arches National Park in this wellness-focused hotel in Moab, Utah — Element Moab unfolds into the national park with its more than 2,000 sandstone arches that make for otherworldly hikes. After a day of exploration, unwind by the hotel’s outdoor pool.
SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park
Set amid the steep red cliffs of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah, the SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park is a gateway to the park’s many waterfalls, rivers and forests. Spend your days hiking, horseback riding and soaking in the hotel’s hot tub with arresting views of the canyon and your evenings marveling at the constellations lighting up the rugged, arid landscape.
Find more inspiration with Travel by Design.
Related Articles
