6 of the best luxury hotels at the world’s most iconic locations

There are certain sites in the world which many of us would count as ‘must see’ travel highlights. For some of these iconic spots there are nearby places to stay which really do have the best positions imaginable. Staying in such top luxury properties very much adds to the experience of these very special places. Here are six of the best: Taj Mahal: Oberoi Amarvilas It’s hard to imagine a hotel with a more breathtaking view.  Only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas overlooks this, one of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the world.  Residents in this 102-room luxury hotel are not only treated to a view which is hard to tear yourself away from, but also some of the best surroundings, service and food to be found in India. Machu Picchu:  Sanctuary Lodge There is only one hotel adjacent to the ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and that is the luxury Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.  Part of the Orient-Express group, this is the place to be if you want to be as close as possible to the famous Inca ruins.  All other hotels are at village at the base of the mountain, about 20 minutes bus ride away. Victoria Falls:  Royal Livingstone Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) is the local name for Victoria Falls. If you stay at the elegant Royal Livingstone Hotel on the banks of the Zambezi you can watch this ‘smoke’ rise from the bottom of the hotel grounds.  Sit by the river as the sun sets, G&T in hand, and enjoy one of the best spots in Livingstone. Iguazu Falls:  Hotel das Cataratas The only hotel inside Iguazu National Park on the Brazilian side of the Falls is Hotel das Cataratas; choose a room with a view and you have the stunning sight of Iguazu to yourself for the duration of your stay.  It is a large but stylish luxury hotel positioned such that you can be at the falls well before any of the crowds arrive. Galapagos Islands: The Grace The best way to see the Galapagos Islands is not to sit in a luxury hotel on an island, but to watch the islands float past your window as you cruise from place to place.  There are hundreds of yachts and larger boats which sail around the islands, but for sheer elegance and class we’d recommend the stylish Grace.  Aristotle Onassis gifted the yacht to Princess Grace of Monaco on her wedding. She now welcomes just 18 guests to her intimate luxury rooms to see one of the most unique and incredible wildlife experiences in the world. Ngorongoro Crater: Crater Lodge Possibly best described as a Maasai-inspired palace, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers African opulence with views to die for.  Perched on the edge of the Crater, you can see down the slopes to the crater floor and you get a real feeling for the scale of this huge crater. If you like your luxury on the wild side, don’t resist, this is an incredible spot. Amanda Marks is Founder and Managing Director of Tribes Travel. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.