Search results for

New Zealand’s city hotels combine comfort with modern design touches, while the lodges and country houses—set amid coastal cliffs, pristine fjords, and the soaring Southern Alps—serve luxury with a side of drama.

Located near Cape Thorvaldsen, the town of Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland. The area has a rich history, as it has been inhabited continuously since prehistoric times. You can still see traces of Thule and Norse cultures throughout the region, starting with the ruins of the 14th-century Hvalsey Church at the nearby Hvalsey Fjord.

The town of Qaqortoq is home to the oldest fountain in Greenland; completed in 1932, it depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes. Most of the city’s main attractions, including restaurants and the Qaqortoq Museum, are located on or close to the main square.

Nearby sites of interest include Uunartoq Hot Springs—the only heated outdoor spa in Greenland—as well as Lake Tasersuaq and the permanent art installation Stone and Man, a series of 40 stone carvings by contemporary Nordic artists that is embedded into the landscape in and around Qaqortoq.

With 800 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic boasts more than 200 beaches, from remote stretches of sand with limestone cliffs and no crowds, to soft shores with calm waters. On this varied island, you’ll also find populated beaches lined with all-inclusive resorts and restaurants; coves that are difficult to reach but worth it for the privacy; and shores backed by coconut palm groves and towering sand dunes. Whether you want to swim in tranquil water, surf major waves, or simply relax and do nothing, you’ll find a place for that here, along with standout beauty.

If you drive the 30 miles from the airport in Lihue to Hanalei in less than an hour, you’re doing it wrong. The coastal route around Kauai’s northeast corner is made for snack stops. Here’s how to take it slow and eat well, starting in Lihue.

Families visiting this coastal city will find outdoor adventure at beaches, waterparks, and islands. Above it all, a thrilling Ferris wheel with air-conditioned seats (really!) beckons view seekers. Back on land, kids may encounter camels and wild animals, and learn about desert culture. Yes, the younger set can easily have fun in this largest emirate.

A journey into Morocco’s Berber territory, where tradition and modern life meet.

Southern California’s surf-centric city offers beautiful beaches and big-city attractions, from seriously good restaurants, breweries, and boutiques to several top hotels. Historic properties in Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Coronado continue to offer lodging in the grand style, with proximity to everything classically San Diego, while coastal options feature beachfront cottages, tiki themes, and the sound of the breeze from your bed.

When the Catalan capital overwhelms, head for the hills....or mountains, capes and lakes. The diverse landscape surrounding Barcelona offers a wide variety of outdoor activities in a natural setting, not to mention seasonal eats harvested from area forests and farms.

The fishing villages along the Bohuslän coast and archipelago once made their fortune from the sea, hauling in herring and other catches. Now the region draws its many visitors during summer who come for the sailing, swimming, kayaking and other outdoor adventures.

Together, Laguna and Dana Point are home to an exciting food scene, with restaurants offering everything from Mexican and Asian favorites to vegan, Belgian, and California coastal cuisine. Make a reservation at a beachfront spot overlooking the ocean, or try your luck and just walk in somewhere. The worst that can happen is you’ll have to wait at the bar with a creative cocktail or glass of California wine.

Laguna and Dana Point are the stuff happy hour dreams are made of. With ocean views, inventive cocktails, and light bites of California coastal cuisine, the bars here are perfect for drinks after a long day in the sun. Wipe the sand from your feet and step inside to find everything from craft beers and local wines to refreshing cocktails—all within view of the sparkling Pacific.

Let’s face it: Sydney wouldn’t be half the world capital it is without its beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. The site of exploration, commerce, recreation, and billions of tourist photos, the harbor should remain as close as possible during a trip to Sydney. Take it in from your hotel or a coastal trail, a park or a lighthouse. Or climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset and discover one of the best views on the planet.

There is a beautiful beach in Lagos, Nigeria. 30 minutes outside of the city limits, reachable by speed boat, this exquisite place is a sight for sore eyes. True, Lagos proper can be daunting, but when you land on this bucolic, ocean-lapped stretch of sand, all the troubles of the city melt away. Populated mostly by Ghanaian fishermen and their families, one notices instantly upon disembarking here that the usual frenzied Naija-style pace is lost on the peaceful, humble denizens from Ghana who have made this little paradise their adopted home.

Galveston is only an hour drive away from Houston, making it the perfect escape for a day or weekend trip. With over 30 miles of beaches, Victorian neighborhoods, shopping, and entertainment, Galveston is earning the reputation as the Gulf Coast’s playground. The city has experienced a tourism boom in recent years after being hit hard by Hurricane Ike in 2008. Major efforts were put into rebuilding Galveston – restoring not only its charm, but also its spirit.

The best hotels in Mexico fit well in a country that dazzles visitors with world-class art, museums, and food, but also relaxes even the most harried traveler with its beautiful beaches. Choose from boutique properties in the city, eco-friendly accommodations on the coast, or luxurious spots that offer the ultimate spa experience.