Guests at the Marriott Mena House receive a rare welcome gift when they check into the property: a direct, unobstructed view of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
While every first-time visitor to Cairo tours the pyramids, few are treated to such a spectacle, making the property an in-demand stay for travelers looking to capitalize on its unique position. It’s one of a few luxury hotels that bring travelers right to the doorstep of a world wonder. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining example from the group considered the official Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. However, new lists of world monuments have proliferated as of late, with renditions including the New Seven Wonders of the World and the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Regardless of how such destinations are listed or ranked, travelers know a world wonder when they come upon it, whether it’s the ruins of the Colosseum in Rome or India’s Taj Mahal.
When it’s time to check off another item from the bucket list, these properties offer direct proximity, and sometimes exclusive access, to one of the wonders of the world.
Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel—Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is the world’s largest waterfall system, comprising 275 individual falls in one enormous complex. Visitors flock there by the millions each year to observe its raw power and immensity, with adrenaline-packed, water-logged zodiac boat rides serving as popular excursions in addition to walkways and observation decks.
When the park on the Brazilian side of the falls shuts down for the evening, the only remaining visitors are guests of the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Sunset and sunrise therefore afford two exclusive, rare viewing opportunities enjoyed with the total absence of crowds. For the latter, the hotel offers a First Light experience, a guided, private hike to the falls, while throughout the day, the rush of water serves as constant background music for guests enjoying the property’s patios and terraces.
Palazzo Manfredi—the Colosseum
Modern Rome is built around its thousands of years of history, and seemingly around every corner there’s another landmark or site of note. But the Colosseum stands apart as the star attraction, and no hotel offers a closer glimpse than the Palazzo Manfredi.
The Colosseum feels as if it’s within arm’s reach for guests as they dine at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Aroma restaurant, or sip on a cocktail amid its commanding aura at the Lounge Bar. The Colosseum can be viewed from many guestrooms as well, including the hotel’s Grand View Suites. While every room doesn’t have the Colosseum in its line of sight, the view for each is clearly denoted while browsing and booking online, ensuring guests know what to expect.
Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra—Taj Mahal
The splendorous intricacy of the Taj Mahal, its every nook and cranny finished with the utmost attention to detail and design, is hard to fathom. Guests of the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra can take all the time they need to ponder its powerful presence as they gaze upon the famed structure from the lavish appointments of their guestroom.
The Taj Mahal is less than half a mile away, and the hotel offers experiences such as private dining under the stars and vow renewal ceremonies drawing upon its romantic appeal. Every room has a view of the Taj Mahal, and that exclusive, intimate feel is extended across the property, whether dining or enjoying a spa treatment. The Oberoi Amarvilas seeks to match the tantalizing beauty of the Taj itself, pulling in architectural and stylistic inspiration from the site with reflecting pools and fountains, terraced lawns, and a facade filled with arches, latticework and cupolas.
Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel—Machu Picchu
The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu, within the grounds of the park. Guests at the property therefore are able to witness the site free and clear of crowds, with the ability to enter at dawn for sunrise, a daily ritual in no doubt packed with meaning for a civilization with strong such celestial ties as the Inca.
Long before the day’s first buses begin dropping off a nonstop procession of thousands of visitors, hotel guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast spread while gazing upon the incredible archaeological site. The hotel, with only 31 rooms and suites, also offers guests a variety of cultural experiences, such as a shaman-led ceremony honoring Pachamama, or Mother Earth.
Marriott Mena House—the Great Pyramids
When guests of the Marriott Mena House step out the property’s back, sliding glass doors, the view of the Giza pyramids is so impressive and immediate it almost feels fake, as if it was an imitation or a movie set. It’s certainly the real deal, though, and it’s what has made the property a landmark, constructed about 150 years ago, alongside an ancient one, constructed some 4,500 years ago.
Guests can soak up the history of both during their stay, with rooms and public spaces adorned with vintage photographs, or perhaps just go for a soak, in the hotel’s large, outdoor resort pool, or a well-equipped spa. Long days spent exploring the Giza pyramids make an afternoon or evening of luxe rest and relaxation all the more rewarding, especially when the pyramids are still within view while doing so.
Read the full article here