5 great places to stay, close to UNESCO World Heritage sites

Stay at some of the finest hotels in the world and visit captivating places, recognised by the World Heritage Organization for their natural or cultural importance. Explore the wilderness, uncover historic ruins and discover glorious buildings with captivating architecture – all sources of life and inspiration and all irreplaceable. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint Lucia Located between the striking volcanic Pitons of Saint Lucia, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort offers colonial style rooms, many with their own private plunge pools and butler. Make the most of the tropical climate with breakfast on the Palm Court Terrace. Enjoy an afternoon of pampering and relaxation in the Rainforest Spa. Then kick back in the Cane Bar for pre-dinner drinks with the resident rummelier, followed by a traditional Caribbean-themed evening in Great Room. Hike through lush rainforest up to Gros Piton to explore the natural UNESCO World Heritage site of the Val des Pitons. Or discover St Lucia’s fascinating marine life snorkelling or kayaking in the vibrant coral reefs, protected and preserved by the government. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia Langkawi is made up of 99 islands that together form the Langkawi Geopark, home to several must visit geological heritage sites such as the Kilim limestone outcrops, Mount Machincang and Pregnant Maiden, a great lake believed to help infertile women conceive. Ascend the 550-million-year-old Mount Machincang by cable car to capture the incredible breathtaking views of the Seven Wells waterfalls amidst the tropical rainforests and the Andaman Sea beyond. Stay at the Four Seasons Langkawi, located on one of the islands most exclusive beaches, the mile-long Tanjung Rhu. Indulge with a holistic treatment at the Geo Spa or relax in a luxury cabana around the Adult Quiet Pool. Alternatively enjoy an active afternoon at the resort’s archery range and rock climbing centre. The Manor at Ngorongoro, Tanzania The Manor at Ngorongoro is situated next to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a natural and cultural site which ranks highly on the World Heritage List. This Cape-Dutch farmhouse style property sits amidst rolling Arabica coffee plantations and is ideally positioned for game drives to the Crater and Lake Manyara National Park. You can also enjoy horse riding, gourmet food presentations and of course tours of the impressive coffee estate. At the captivating Ngorongoro Conservation Area, see evidence of human evolution in the form of fossilised footprints at Laetoli. These footprints can be traced back four million years and substantiate the evolution of ‘man’ walking upright. What’s more, uncover the world’s largest unflooded volcanic caldera, the dramatic Ngorongoro Crater and the Olduvai Gorge, home to the Big Five and where anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey made many of their greatest discoveries. Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam Banyan Tree Lang Co is positioned alongside a scenic stretch of beach within close reach of three important UNESCO World Heritage sites; Hoi An; a well-preserved South-East Asian trading port; My Son, which features ruins of the political capital of the Champa Kingdom; and the ancient imperial town of Hue. As well as being a naturalist’s delight Banyan Tree Lang Co offers beautiful secluded villas, each with their own pool and villa host. There is also a choice of Italian and modern Vietnamese cuisine available and a wide range of activities, including rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga, golf and watersports. LUX* Le Morne, Mauritius The exotic retreat of LUX* Le Morne is situated on the southwest coast of Mauritius, offering a collection of luxury rooms and suites, many boasting outdoor showers carved from natural rock and terraces or balconies overlooking the white sandy beach. Soak up the sun around one of the four swimming pools, revitalise your senses in the LUX* Me Spa or watch your favourite film under the stars. Take a hike or quad bike ride to get a closer glimpse of the spellbinding Le Morne Brabant peak or head inland through the Black River Gorges National Park. Maxine Roberts is Head of Marketing at Carrier. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.