Amanda Phillips5 Beautiful Views You Shouldn’t Miss
We all dream of waking up in the morning, jumping out of bed and throwing open the curtains to reveal an awe-inspiring vista – but how often does that ever really happen?
The views from our British bedroom windows might not be enough to tempt us out from under the duvet, but if opening the blinds revealed some of the most magnificent sights in the world, we would no doubt find ourselves feeling slightly more enthusiastic at ushering in another new day.
As an alternative, plan a holiday to one of these gorgeous destinations for an instant Wow factor the moment you arrive.
1- FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE, CANADA
The view: Lake Louise
With just one glance, you’ll see why this is one of the most-photographed landscapes in Canada. Visit in summer and the sparkling turquoise waters of this glacier-fed lake reflect the Rocky Mountains’ snow-capped peaks and the lush green forest of Banff National Park. In winter, a covering of pristine white snow makes it even more impressive.
The Fairmont’s spectacular setting means that it is the only hotel with direct lake views. It’s been enticing travellers to go west for outdoor pursuits since the early 20th century, and these days they include hiking and horse riding, and canoeing and kayaking on the lake.
2 THE ADDRESS, DOWNTOWN DUBAI
The View: The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
Let’s face it, even when you are standing 124 storeys up on the observation deck of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, there aren’t many landmarks you can’t see. Except, of course, one very special landmark! The Burj Khalifa is an architectural marvel in itself, so to get the best vantage point, check into five-star The Address Downtown Dubai opposite.
Even more special, these two buildings are separated by the man-made lake that plays host to the enchanting Dubai Fountain. It’s a breath-taking spectacle of 6,600 lights, and 150-metre-high spurts of water dancing in time with music each evening. Truly magical.
3 INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, SYDNEY
The View: Sydney Harbour Bridge
This eternal symbol of Australia is iconic enough to tempt travellers halfway around the world Down Under, so a quick photo stop just isn’t going to be enough to capture it. This must-see landmark. Travellers can get closer to this must-see landmark by completing a bridge climb across, but nothing beats sitting back and soaking it in from a window seat at the Intercontinental, or from the wraparound terrace for club room guests. You may find you’re pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming…
4 LE PARKER MERIDIEN, NEW YORK
The View: Central Park and Manhattan
For a view of the Big Apple that’s just as good as in the movies, try Le Parker Meridien, a good mid-priced property on the edge of Central Park. After all, not everyone has a holiday budget that’s as high as the city’s famous skyscrapers! But in New York, there are such a variety of views that even if you’re not in the penthouse suite, you’ll still see amazing sights whichever way you turn – Central Park, the Hudson River and East Rivers, the Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty. If you’re tempted to venture outside Manhattan, there are also Brooklyn’s brownstones and Jersey City’s Hudson Waterfront where you’ll get the full impact of that iconic skyline.
5 HOTEL DANIELI, VENICE
The View: The Grand Canal
The city’s main artery, the Grand Canal, needs no introduction, lined as it is by impressive Renaissance palazzos and alluring baroque buildings, punctuated by equally iconic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge.
This city lives on the water, so it’s teeming with water taxis and gondolas. Why not admire this eye-popping city from one of the world’s most impressive hotels – the majestic Hotel Danieli? While it’s certainly not the cheapest place to stay, it certainly will make memories which will last a lifetime. The five-star property is a mix of hotel, art gallery and living museum, and tops off the canal view with one of the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.
If your budget won’t stretch to this haunt of the rich and famous, Barrhead Travel has plenty of other options for Venice and beyond, which will make the perfect base for soaking up those intoxicating views. Just call one of our travel experts today on 0141 242 1300.