There’s something wonderfully relaxing about a setting sun casting its colours across a sprawling sky. Stay at one of these top hotels and watch day turn to night in dramatic style!
1. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Kota Kinabalu
Nature enthusiasts will love the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Kota Kinabalu. Close to Kinabalu National Park, in east Malaysia, the five-star property thrusts guests into a jungle paradise. Look out for the world’s largest flower the Rafflesia and the world-famous orangutans in their natural habitat.
The resort is also home to Chi The Spa, offering indulgent treatments based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. Located on its own dedicated island (pictured), the spa is easily one of the best in the area.
Not only does it offer world-class massages, scrubs, facials and wraps but, come early evening, it also provides spectacular views of the dramatic sunset. With yellows, reds and touches of orange streaking across the sky, the panorama is magnificent and more than worthy of a photograph.
Coco-Joe’s Bar & Grill, the hotel’s seafood restaurant, also offers striking sunset vistas over the South China Sea – the ideal way to round off a day surrounded by natural beauty. Find them on the web at shangri-la.com.
2. Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut
Anyone who has ever been to Beirut will know how spectacular its scenery is. With the verdant Mount Lebanon mountain range in the distance and the sweeping Mediterranean Sea hugging the city edge, the Lebanese capital oozes a natural charm. But while hundreds of sea-view hotels pepper the city, none beats the vistas at the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut.
Located on the seafront, this upscale 292-bedroom property offers a luxury spa and a range of excellent food and beverage outlets. One of the most popular is Square (pictured top), an open air chill-out lounge with magnificent views of the ocean.
Slip on your loafers and linen shirt before crossing the wooden decking and relaxing in one of the cushioned wicker chairs overlooking the water. As the sun dips behind the horizon and casts its kaleidoscope of colours across the sky, you’ll wish the moment would last forever.
If you’re visiting with little ones, the hotel’s two outdoor swimming pools also offer superb views of the setting sun. Why not stretch the day out a little longer and watch it with all the family? Find them on the web at moevenpick-hotels.com.
3. Athermi Suites Santorini
Santorini is situated in the Aegean Sea, 120 miles southeast of Greece’s mainland. Renowned for its awe-inspiring sunsets, the popular destination is brimming with high-end accommodation offering superb views of its volcanic landscape. One of the most luxurious properties is Athermi Suites, which comprises a selection of white- and blue-washed buildings, each offering sweeping sea views.
Highlights include a freshwater swimming pool with sun loungers and a pool bar offering drinks and light snacks. There are also sailing tours, cruises and excursions as well as sea kayaking, diving and snorkelling activities. Easily the biggest draw, however, is the view. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the stunning vista is not to be missed.
Romantic suites offer a built-in bathtub that faces the sunset, transforming the charming lodge into a place of pilgrimage for those in search of relaxation and romance. In the honeymoon suite, the Jacuzzi forms part of the bathroom before opening onto the private balcony, affording breathtaking views over the terrific volcano and caldera.
Also look out for sister property Dreams Luxury Suites with its fantastic panorama across the Aegean Sea. Find them on the web at athermisuites.com
4. Loisaba
While glistening water often forms part of an outstanding sunset, the view from Loisaba is entirely land-based. But its beauty is in no way diminished. The luxury camp in Nanyuki, Kenya is made up of a lodge, house and cottage each offering mesmerizing views of nightfall. After an action-packed day photographing big cats, elephants, giraffes and zebras, head back to your 4×4 and relax on the roof (right). For something more substantial, try dinner in the bush.
With only the sound of insects in the grass to disturb you, sit back and admire the dramatic cloud formations as the sun dips behind the horizon. Promising to revive your mind, rejuvenate your body and revitalise your soul, Loisaba also offers small log fires on clifftops with sweeping views across the African plains (below). Similar landscapes – albeit in a more spectacular setting – can be seen from Tortilis Camp’s cafe and lounge area.
The African themed outlet looks out over the purple-hued evening sky and offers refreshing drinks after a day in the great outdoors. For the ultimate experience under the open sky, sleep on a Star Bed, a rustic four-poster in the open air. Find them on the web at Loisaba.com.
5. Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
When the likes of the Côte D’Azur and St Barts are at your disposal, the Philippines may not seem like the most obvious holiday destination. Boracay, however, a small island almost 200 miles south of Manila, is brimming with natural beauty, white sandy beaches and world-class accommodation. Recently named the Best Island in the World by international travel magazine Travel + Leisure, the seven-kilometre-long spit of land is home to the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa.
This lush natural sanctuary located on a hillside at the island’s northern tip comprises 219 elegant guestrooms and villas. All rooms feature private balconies with impressive outlooks which can be enjoyed from cosy daybeds. There are also unique tree houses with outdoor Jacuzzis.
The real star of the show, however, is the dramatic view from Solana, a small wood-decked outlet serving delicious tapas-style snacks. Located on the clifftop and overlooking the ocean, the cafe offers outstanding views of the open sky. As the day draws to a close, nestle into one of the plush cabanas, admire the rich dusk colours and empty your mind. Find them on the web at shangri-la.com.
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