High Altitude: Mountaintop Hotels

“Hotels in the mountains are fine, we guess. But when you’re looking for that sense of real open-air freedom – 100-miles views surrounded by full mountain ranges, and that otherworldly feeling above the clouds – you can’t beat a hotel right on the very peak of a mountain. Kiss the sky with a high-altitude stay at one of these five mountaintop hotels.

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Wildflower Hall, India
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Once home to Lord Kitchener, the five-star Wildflower Hall would be an imposing building anywhere, with its castle-like colonial architecture. But stuck right on top of a mountain surrounded by Himalayan forest, it’s downright extraordinary. Views of the snow-capped Himalayas never get boring – and you can enjoy them from a luxurious suite, the heated infinity pool, the spa’s treatment rooms, or the sweeping dining terrace. Under an hour’s drive from state capital Shimla, the hotel is in an ideal location for outdoor adventure.

Have a look at our hotels in Shimla District page for more options.

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Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort and Spa, Canada
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Don’t get us wrong – the crystal-laced décor and ultra-chic design of the Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort and Spa are impressive. Very impressive. But it’s the location that really steals the show. Perched on a summit overlooking Okanagan Lake and the Monashee Mountains, the resort has a completely secluded feel. There’s a focus on wellness and tranquillity, and a visit to the KurSpa is an absolute must. Relax in the Swarovski crystal-decorated treatment rooms, and take in the mesmerising mountain views from the heated pools.

Have a look at our hotels in Vernon page for more options.

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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Peru
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High in the Peruvian Andes, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel where you can enjoy direct views of Machu Picchu. One of the main draws of staying here is the chance to visit the ancient ruins before the hordes of tourists arrive. When you’re not exploring the famous Incan citadel, the lodge acts as a peaceful refuge where you’re encouraged to leave behind your busy everyday life. Find peace with meditation and yoga classes, unwind with aromatherapy spa treatments, or give a traditional shaman ceremony a go in the garden.

Have a look at our hotels in Machu Picchu page for more options.

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3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Switzerland
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To reach 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, located 3,100m above sea level in the Swiss Alps, you’ll need to hike for five hours or take the scenic 40-minute train journey on one of Europe’s highest railways. Thanks to its remote and lofty position among the clouds, the hotel also functions as a planetarium and offers some extraordinary stargazing opportunities. Rooms look out onto the imposing four-thousanders, and you can also enjoy the spectacular views from the hotel’s restaurants and sun terrace.

Have a look at our hotels in Zermatt page for more options.

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The Lodge at Breckenridge, Colorado
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Sat on a precipice in the Arapaho National Forest, overlooking Boreas Pass and the Tenmile Range, the setting of the Lodge at Breckenridge is exceptional – even for the beautiful, rugged Rockies. You can choose from rustic guestrooms or a private luxury home, and there’s an onsite spa and restaurant where you can unwind and soak up the scenery. In the winter, the lodge is popular with skiers and snowboarders using the nearby Breckenridge resort, while the summer brings endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, rafting, and golf.

Have a look at our hotels in Breckenridge page for more options.”