Luxury hotels near natural wonders

Stargazing - Explora Atacama, Chile

With its high altitude, dry climate, and remote setting, Chile's Atacama Desert is famous for having some of the clearest night skies around. And where better to spend endless nights gazing upwards than Explora Atacama? This incredible retreat features its very own observatory, complete with expert guides. Or, if you'd rather skip the telescope, you can relax and soak up the dark skies from the natural hot springs. The out-of-this-world experiences don't stop with stargazing; you can ride through Mars Valley and hike across rugged salt flats.

Hot Springs - The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

There are plenty of reasons to stay at The Retreat: stunning suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, innovative Icelandic cuisine, and a subterranean spa, just to name a few. But the real highlight has to be the private lagoon, sourced from the same healing waters as the Blue Lagoon. Carved into an 800-year-old lava field, you can wander through lava canyons and float in the mineral-rich waters. For the ultimate R&R, treat yourself to an in-water massage and a silica salt scrub that will leave you glowing from the inside out.

Waterfalls - Hotel Das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Brazil

Waterfalls are pretty impressive, but Iguazu Falls takes it to another level. With around 275 falls, depending on the season, it's one of the largest waterfall systems in the world – you've got to see it to believe it. And let's face it, it's even better without the crowds. Stay at Hotel Das Cataratas, the only hotel inside Brazil's Iguazu National Park, for coveted out-of-hours access. Hop aboard a helicopter for epic views, ride upstream through rapids, or embark on a night walk. If there's a full moon, you may even see a rare lunar rainbow over the falls.

Northern Lights - Hotel Rangá, Iceland

You can't talk about natural phenomena without mentioning the Northern Lights, and Hotel Rangá is one of the best places to see them. Tucked away in the Icelandic countryside, with virtually no light pollution, you'll have a front-row seat to the aurora. While you're waiting for the show, you can keep warm in one of the outdoor hot tubs, borrow a complimentary snowsuit, or enjoy a hot toddy at the bar, which is open 24/7. And don't worry about missing the magic— they even offer an aurora wake-up service. If you're into photography, borrow a tripod for those perfect long-exposure shots.

Volcanoes - Hotel Villa Neri Resort & Spa, Italy

Volcanoes are pretty amazing. With their distinctive shape and slow, flowing lava, they're as awe-inspiring as they are intimidating. Set among ancient olive groves in Etna Regional Park, Hotel Villa Neri Resort & Spa boasts incredible views of Italy's biggest volcano, Mount Etna. By day, explore the volcano with a guided climb, then unwind by the pool and soak in the spectacular scenery. As evening draws in, pull up a seat at La Dodici Fontane for sublime Sicilian cuisine.