Luxury travelers have experienced some of the world’s most awe-inspiring vistas, and they’re ready to share their favorite spots. From untouched African landscapes to the glittering Manhattan skyline, these destinations promise unforgettable views. Experts in high-end travel reveal their top picks for breathtaking panoramas that will inspire wanderlust in even the most seasoned globetrotters.
- Untouched African Landscapes Inspire Wonder
- Desert Solitude at Amangiri
- Maldives Overwater Bungalow Tranquility
- Mount Fuji Emerges from Ryokan Bath
- Alpine Panorama from Pila Ski Resort
- Taormina’s Hidden Gem Overlooks Isola Bella
- Manhattan Skyline Dazzles at Night
- Cappadocia Balloon Proposal Enchants Couple
- New Zealand Glacier Landing Euphoria
Untouched African Landscapes Inspire Wonder
That’s easy to answer. While there are incredible views all over the world, to me, nothing exceeds the unique vistas from safari camps in Africa. No matter what you’re looking out over—whether it’s a sunlit plain dotted with zebras and giraffes or a misty forest still home to gorillas and other magnificent creatures—the magic is in that sense of seeing the earth as it likely looked before humans ever changed the landscape.
Jeanne Klimowski
CEO, Wavelength Financial Content
Desert Solitude at Amangiri
One that still lives in my mind is the view from Amangiri in southern Utah. Waking up in a minimalist, stone-framed suite and stepping out to a panoramic desert landscape—it honestly felt like being on another planet. There was no noise, no buildings, just endless sandstone formations glowing pink at sunrise.
What made it unforgettable wasn’t just the view itself, but how the architecture disappears into the land. Everything was designed to frame the natural surroundings, not distract from them. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel completely small and deeply present at the same time.
It wasn’t just luxury—it was stillness, curated in the most intentional way.
Okan Uckun
Tattoo Artist / Founder, MONOLITH STUDIO
Maldives Overwater Bungalow Tranquility
The most breathtaking view I’ve encountered was during a stay at an overwater bungalow in the Maldives. The villa had panoramic windows that opened up directly to crystal-clear waters, and the sunset view from the private deck was unreal. What made it unforgettable wasn’t just the beauty of the scene, but the tranquility—there was something about the endless horizon and the gentle sound of the waves that created a deep sense of peace.
I remember sitting there, watching the colors shift across the sky, thinking how rare it is to experience such pure, untouched beauty. It wasn’t just a luxurious experience in terms of amenities, but also in how it connected me to nature in a way that felt both awe-inspiring and grounding. That combination of serenity and stunning visuals made it a memory I’ll always cherish.
Nikita Sherbina
Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Mount Fuji Emerges from Ryokan Bath
One of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever experienced while traveling luxuriously was of Mount Fuji, glimpsed from the open-air bath of a traditional ryokan in Hakone. It was one of those quietly unforgettable mornings where time seems to slow and nature and comfort take center stage.
The day began overcast, with a thick veil of clouds hanging low over the surrounding hills, and I just accepted that I wouldn’t see Mt. Fuji that day, since sometimes the weather simply doesn’t allow it, so I resigned myself to a relaxing soak. From the comfort of my tatami-matted room where I had just finished a traditional Japanese breakfast, I stepped into the rotenburo on the terrace. The soft steam rising, cedar scent in the air, the quietness almost absolute. It almost made me forget that I was sad about not being able to see the mountain.
But then, the clouds began to shift slowly. The soft outline of Fuji-san emerged from the mist like a painting coming to life. And then, there it was, snow-capped, symmetrical, and astonishingly serene. Framed by the early morning light, it was a moment of perfect clarity and quiet awe. It felt like it was just me and the mountain, no one else.
What made it so memorable wasn’t just the view itself, but the way it revealed itself slowly, almost theatrically. Being in Hakone, a place that combines nature, tradition, and understated luxury, allowed me to fully appreciate it. There are a thousand different places where we can get great views of Mt. Fuji, but nothing beats being in utter comfort, peace, and quiet.
Laura Teixeira
Project Manager, Flip Japan Guide
Alpine Panorama from Pila Ski Resort
If there are two things Italy’s Aosta Valley does really well, it’s luxury travel and breathtaking views. Although the Valley has no shortage of incredible vantage points and dramatic scenery to enjoy, there is one in particular that, for me, has the edge. Grab your skis and head up to the delightful ski resort of Pila, a superb gem that sits above the old Roman town of Aosta. The gentle gondola takes around 19 minutes to transport you from the Valley floor to the start of the ski area, and that’s 19 minutes you get to relax and enjoy the view back to town as you climb to 1800m.
Once you arrive, head up the hill to Couis I at just over 2700m. This part of the resort nestles on a ridge offering you views back towards Aosta on one side and down into the Cogne Valley on the other. Turn back towards Aosta and the Alpine panorama extends in every direction, but more impressively to your left you can clearly see Mont Blanc, western Europe’s highest mountain, head and shoulders above the other peaks. Follow the mountains to your right and the distinctive shape of the Matterhorn is clearly visible, rising up from Switzerland. On a clear and sunny day, these views are unsurpassed and will leave you struggling to drag yourself away. Where else can you see Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in the same view?
Robert McIntosh
Managing Director, Interski Holiday
Taormina’s Hidden Gem Overlooks Isola Bella
The most breathtaking view I’ve ever encountered was from a small platform in Taormina, Sicily. I was there in 2023 during a luxury road trip around the island. Instead of taking the cable car down to my beachfront hotel, I decided to walk the scenic pathway.
It was a perfect summer’s day with crystal-clear skies. Instead of turning to the left to start the descent, I saw this little square at the end of Via Guardiola Vecchia.
I was stopped in my tracks by the panoramic view of the Ionian Sea. What made it truly spectacular was having Isola Bella as the centerpiece – the iconic island that served as one of the stunning backdrops in The White Lotus season 2.
To the left stretched the golden sands of Mazzaro Beach, while to the right, the imposing silhouette of Mount Etna dominated the horizon – Europe’s most active volcano adding drama to an already perfect scene.
The combination of a luxury holiday, being spoilt for choice of views, and the natural beauty made it an absolutely unforgettable moment. Sometimes the most memorable views aren’t from the most obvious vantage points, but from those unexpected little discoveries along the journey.
Maddison Ryan
Owner, Traveling Italian
Manhattan Skyline Dazzles at Night
Honestly, it might have to be the Manhattan skyline at night. I’ve traveled to many places and seen all kinds of beautiful views, but there is something about the NYC skyline at night that is just magical. The lights, the endless tall buildings, and thinking about just how many people are there is very cool. When you can look at the city from high up, there’s nothing like it.
Steve Schwab
CEO, Casago
Cappadocia Balloon Proposal Enchants Couple
Cappadocia, Turkey. I flew over in a private jet and woke up before sunrise. It was freezing, but I was wrapped in a robe, holding Turkish coffee, watching the balloons lift off one by one across the valley.
And then he proposed.
No big crowd. Just us, the sky turning gold, and hundreds of hot air balloons floating by like something out of a dream. I barely remember what he said; I just remember the stillness, the magic, and that feeling of “this is it.”
It’ll always be the most breathtaking view I’ve ever seen, not only because of where I was but also who I was with.
Alexandra Jakob
Founder/CEO, Globe Wealth
New Zealand Glacier Landing Euphoria
Flying over New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook was absolutely awe-inspiring. The majestic peaks and dazzling, snow-kissed glacial flow were a truly fantastic sight. Then, actually landing on the glacier itself? That was nothing short of euphoric – an out-of-this-world experience I’ll never forget.
Claire Bowman
Travel Consultant, Plum Travel