Nothing beats an idyllic holiday. Sandy beaches, glorious sunshine, and the freedom to explore a new land — what’s not to like? However, the one feature that can make or break a vacation is this: where you stay. A grubby hotel can spell disaster for relaxation, and a bad location may punctuate your perfect beach holiday with daily hour-long treks to the nearest coastline. The view from your lodging is also important, and with so many options nowadays, how will you choose your next stunning resort? Here are five clifftop hotels you just can’t go wrong with.
1. Secret Bay, Dominica
Located in a secluded clifftop area, this resort boasts exclusive residential-style rainforest villas built from sustainable timber. Secret Bay, which ranked as the Caribbean’s best resort hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2020, is an experience more than it is a hotel. Built utilizing the country’s Citizenship by Investment program, which aims to boost foreign economic contributions to Dominica, your stay is more than welcome. Explore the island’s dazzling waterfalls just moments away from the hotel, enjoy the shining green rainforest from the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and immerse yourself in nature through panoramic outdoor showers. With only six tree-house-style villas, this is an authentic boutique hotel offering personalized service, with a discreet pool in each villa, private chefs and divine yoga sessions.
2. Alila Uluwatu, Bali
Striking seafronts. Tantalizing temples. Gorgeous greenery. Ravishing volcanic mountains. These are only a few of the reasons why Bali has become a holiday haven, even winning the prestigious top destination on TripAdvisor in 2017. Staying at Alila Uluwatu, the first all-pool villa luxury resort, is a guaranteed way to do Bali just right. Each of the villas is placed atop limestone cliffs on the Indian Ocean, equipped with a private pool and a 24-hour butler service. The unique design, which combines classical Bali-inspired pavilion architectural styles with a chic modern touch, was created by Singaporean firm WOHA, which is famous for its innovation in tropical lands. There’s nothing like watching the fuchsia Balinese sunset from this 5-star hotel, and this beachfront scenery adds even more charm. With complimentary paddleboard yoga classes included, it’s a real holistic experience in a beauteous spot in nature.
3. Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, Italy
Overlooking the cerulean beaches of the Italian Amalfi Coast, the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is a breathtaking Mediterranean spot. The building itself is a gorgeous Dominican monastery from the 17th century, which straddles the line between the vast history of the region and luxurious modern service. The exclusive hotel serves 20 suites, adding a boutique feel to your stay, while allowing you to mingle at the lively fishing village of Conca dei Marini. It represents the perfect balance between an opulent, secluded holiday with a breathtaking view, while still allowing visitors the opportunity to experience true Italian-style hospitality.
4. Post Ranch Inn, USA
This Californian resort is the definition of a clifftop hotel. A free-standing structure with a deck suspended over the cliffs overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, the Big Sur Post Ranch Inn is a masterpiece of design, perfectly bejewelled in the western coastline. This behemoth of a hotel spans 960 square feet, and boasts glass walls, heated floors, a hot tub and wood-burning fireplaces, combining overwhelming beauty with quaint coziness. With complimentary guided nature hikes and stargazing, as well as a stunning infinity pool, staying at the Inn is a luxurious experience that connects you with nature.
5. Cape View Clifton, South Africa
Gracing the top of the slopes of Lions Head, Cape View Clifton lives on the intersection of luxurious privacy and urban vicinity. Allowing you to enjoy the spine-tingling views of some of Cape Town’s best beaches, the Atlantic ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountains, while resting just a few miles away from the city centre, this hotel gives you the best of both worlds. Perfect for families, the hotel has the option for two or three-bedroom villas, and all suites are enhanced with a private balcony overlooking the cliffside view. What’s more, the exclusive location means it is wind-free all year round. While wine connoisseurs are also in luck, as the famous Cape Winelands are just a couple of hours’ drive away. All in all, there’s simply no better way to experience the South African coastline.
