Hotels are more than just places to sleep — they encapsulate a place’s lifestyle. And these cleverly designed peak-side or mountain hotels, with views of glacial mountains, desert canyons, or oceanside cliffs, show how hotel design can immerse visitors in the setting. From Oman to Iceland and Santorini to Scottsdale, these 11 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; Oman
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 with guest room balconies peering out onto the snowcapped mountains, W Verbier is a luxe take on the quintessential log cabin. Standing at more than 5,000 feet (1,530 meters) above sea level in the Alps, the hotel is steps away from Verbier’s main ski lifts.
After a day on the slopes, ski right into the outdoor bar, W Off Piste, for a well-deserved pint at this true mountain hotel.
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 white-walled style, with contours following the curvature of Santorini’s distinct volcanic mountains.
Dip in the hotel’s stunning infinity pools overlooking the deep-blue Aegean Sea, and come evening, go for a tasting at the Secret Wine Cave, a centuries-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.
Cacti and other desert plants cover the sprawling property, which has a snaking waterslide and wraparound swimming pools. The 27-hole championship golf course completes this mountain oasis.
The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection; Canada
Embrace the small-town charm of Rossland, British Columbia, at The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection.
The ski-in, ski-out slope access is just one of the hotel’s many stellar features. In addition to access to RED Mountain Resort, The Josie Hotel, Autograph Collection has rooms with views of snow-covered pine forests. Just outside find a winter playground of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort; China
The sleek mountain hotel is located at the base of Emei Mountain, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China, in Sichuan Province.
Recline in rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and 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 Resort, Autograph Collection provides many opportunities for guests to acquaint themselves with the Arizona desert.
Stay outside all day here: dip in the pools, play golf, and conquer one of many nearby hiking or biking trail. When the sun goes down, sit back on your room’s 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.
This all-inclusive resort is all about wellness, just a hop from the coast and the charming fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. During your stay, treat yourself to a massage and facial at Tzicuri Spa, or relax by the lush poolside.
The Reykjavik EDITION; Iceland
With sweeping views of Mount Esja and Snæfellsjökull Glacier, The Reykjavik EDITION is both swathed in nature and very centrally located.
Located in downtown Reykjavik, the hotel is home to the award-winning Tides Restaurant, which spotlights fresh local seafood and meats. The seventh-floor rooftop is also a spectacular place to take in the midnight sun through the summer or the northern lights all winter.
Element by Marriott Moab; Utah
It’s impossible to miss the wondrous red-rock terrain of Arches National Park at Element by Marriott Moab — a wellness-focused hotel in Moab, Utah.
The hotel unfolds into the national park and 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; Utah
Set amid the steep red cliffs of Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park is a gateway to the park’s many waterfalls, rivers, and forests.
Spend your days hiking and horseback riding before soaking in the hotel’s hot tub with arresting views of the canyon. Take your evenings to marvel at the constellations lighting up the rugged, arid landscape.
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