Breathtaking Cliffside Hotels Around the World
For those seeking truly spectacular hotels, a cliffside setting is unparalleled. Some of the world’s most breathtaking properties are perched dramatically on top of cliffs, offering commanding views of oceans, mountains, or valleys. These hotels, with enviable locales, are among the most coveted travel accommodations globally.
“Properties on cliffs check the boxes for everything you want in a hotel stay,” says Josh Alexander, an adviser with Protravel, a New York City-based travel company. “They’re romantic, private, and usually very luxurious. Literally and figuratively, you feel like you’re on top of the world.”
While the ongoing pandemic might hinder immediate stays, these hotels are worth daydreaming about for future trips. From Dominica and Big Sur to the Amalfi Coast and Santorini, let’s explore some of the world’s most jaw-dropping clifftop hotels.
Secret Bay, Dominica
Situated in the unspoiled Caribbean island-nation of Dominica, Secret Bay is an all-villa boutique resort perched atop a high promontory amidst a lush rainforest, facing the sea. With sweeping ocean views from nearly every angle, the resort offers units with kitchens, indoor and outdoor sitting areas, and plunge pools. Guests can engage in various activities on land and at sea, including lionfish hunting, diving in the Champagne Reef, and hiking the longest trail in the Caribbean.
Angama Mara, Kenya
Perched 1,000 feet above the Maasai Mara, Angama Mara is located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, offering panoramas of the plains that stretch endlessly. Inspired by the Swahili word for “suspended in mid-air,” the camp provides top-quality game viewing, including Africa’s Big Five, throughout the year. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a photography studio, fitness center, art gallery, a 40-foot-long swimming pool, and local Maasai women crafting bespoke items.
Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Formerly a 17th-century monastery, Monastero Santa Rosa clings to the side of a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and Gulf of Salerno. With 20 rooms, an infinity pool, landscaped gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and numerous outdoor pavilions, the hotel combines history with luxury. The spa, considered the best on the Amalfi Coast, features treatments using local herbs and plants.
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini, Greece
Situated high above Santorini’s caldera in the village of Imerovigli, Grace Hotel offers captivating views of Aegean sunrises and sunsets. The property features a Champagne lounge, an infinity pool, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant, and a yoga and Pilates studio. The two-bedroom villa offers a private terrace with a pool and a spa area, providing a luxurious experience.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa, Oman
Towering 6,000 feet above sea level on the rim of a canyon, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar overlooks Oman’s rugged mountainous landscape. With 115 rooms, a cliff-edge infinity pool, six restaurants, and a spa, the resort offers activities like hiking, stargazing, mountain biking, and visits to ancient mountainside villages.
Reid’s Palace, Madeira, Portugal
Set on a rocky cliff above Madeira’s Funchal Harbor, Reid’s Palace offers expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean from its 158 rooms. Surrounded by subtropical gardens, the hotel features three swimming pools, one at the base of the cliff with a sea-level platform for direct ocean access. Guests can savor the island’s sunset at the picturesque Italian restaurant.
Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Ireland
Located on Ireland’s southeast coast in the fishing village of Ardmore, the appropriately named Cliff House Hotel is perched at the edge of a bluff overlooking Ardmore Bay. The Well by the Sea spa seems to float above the bay, and the Michelin-starred restaurant serves contemporary Irish cuisine. The hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby villages and the city of Cork.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
In remote Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn sits 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, offering the sight and sound of crashing waves, breathtaking sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere. Guests can enjoy scenic hikes, relaxation by the pool, and spa treatments in the middle of the woods. The glass-enclosed Sierra Mar restaurant provides a dining experience akin to floating in the sky.
These cliffside hotels represent a perfect blend of luxury, breathtaking views, and unique experiences, making them sought-after destinations for travelers seeking an unforgettable stay. While immediate travel plans might be uncertain, these dreamy retreats are sure to inspire wanderlust for future adventures.