Discover Luxury Accomodations at World Heritage Locations
Monday, November 16, 2009 at 04:50PM 
November 16, 2009 marks the 37th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which is committed to recognizing the world’s most naturally and culturally rich locations around the world. In honor of this anniversary, we have compiled a list of our favorite hotspots located on or near these must-see locations.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Machu Picchu, Peru)
Machu Picchu, World Heritage Site since 1983
www.sanctuarylodgehotel.com
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is located at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the starting point of the famous Inca trail. The 31-room Orient-Express property features Spanish colonial architecture and is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The hotel overlooks the ruins, the magnificent peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, and the Urubamba River in the valley below. The mystical site is open at night exclusively for hotel guests, when they are taken to a special location within the ruins with a local “shaman,” who shares a story about the Incas and Machu Picchu under the glow of the moon.
Hotel das Cataratas (Iguassu Falls, Brazil)
Iguassu National Park , World Heritage Site since 1984
www.hoteldascataratas.com
Hotel das Cataratas, the newest hotel to join the Orient-Express portfolio, is the only hotel located within Iguassu National Park. The park’s main attraction is the breathtaking Iguassu Falls, a spectacular collection of 275 waterfalls extending nearly three miles in an enormous canyon on the Iguassu River. The elegant two-story Portuguese colonial-style building features 193 guest rooms, many with views of the falls. The hotel can arrange myriad activities for guests to experience the park including helicopter flights over the falls, boat trips over the rapids, and four-wheel drive jungle tours. On property, guests can enjoy one of the three restaurants and bars, a beautiful swimming pool and a full-service spa.
La Mamounia (Marrakech, Morocco)
Medina of Marrakech, World Heritage Site since 1985
www.mamounia.com
La Mamounia is located just inside the medieval walls of the Medina of Marrakech. The iconic hotel re-opened its doors September 29, 2009 following an extensive restoration led by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Jacques Garcia. This hotel has expanded to 136 stylish guest rooms, 71 suites including seven Signature Suites, and three Riads each with three bedrooms, private terraces, Moroccan salons and a private swimming pool. Globally regarded as one of the most desirable hotels in the world, La Mamounia features a 27,000 square foot La Mamounia Spa; three signature restaurants headed by two Michelin-starred chefs; a poolside restaurant; five bars; and 20 acres of historic gardens noted for their ancient olive groves and wide array of flora.
Orion Expedition Cruises
Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Site since 1981
Tasmanian Wilderness, World Heritage Site since 1982
Macquarie Island, World Heritage Site since 1997
New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, World Heritage Site since 1998
www.orionexpeditions.com
Orion Expedition Cruises – an Australia-based, five-star luxury expedition cruise line – offers adventurous voyages to the world’s most exotic and unexplored destinations, including several UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. The “Great Barrier Reef” sailing includes prime snorkeling over a pristine, infrequently visited section of Hardy Reef as well as Hayman Island, Australia’s most celebrated private island destination. The “Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure” sailing visits the secluded Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s precious regions of unique biodiversity. Travelers will also discover the island of Macquarie and spend time exploring New Zealand’s spectacular fjordlands. In 2010, the MV Orion will launch the “Wild Tasmania” sailing, allowing guests access to wilderness areas along the region’s rugged and magnificent coastline. The area has experienced little human impact and as a result, remains a pristine destination.
Las Alcobas (Mexico City, Mexico)
Historic City Center of Mexico City, World Heritage Site since 1987
www.lasalcobas.com
Built in the 16th century by the Spanish on the ruins of the old Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is now one of the world's largest and most densely populated cities. Located in the posh Polanco district, Las Alcobas aspires to refine the art of hospitality in Mexico City with its opening in January, 2009. The intimate 35-room, seven-story property was custom-crafted by acclaimed interior design duo Yabu Pushelberg to reflect the property’s namesake – “the alcoves” in Spanish – and aptly expresses a modern sensibility, infused with warmth and texture. Business and leisure travelers seeking solace from the bustling city will delight in Las Alcobas’ dedicated attention to privacy and seclusion; its design-savvy furnishings and residential layout; personalized amenities; two authentic dining experiences, Barroco and Dulce Patria; and the Aurora Spa, offering treatments reflective of Mexico’s ancient healing traditions.
Athenaeum InterContinental Athens (Athens, Greece)
Acropolis, World Heritage Site since 1987
www.intercontinental.com
The Athenaeum InterContinental Athens is centrally located, providing access to the city’s commercial and business centers and famous monuments. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Acropolis, a universal symbol of Greek architectural complexity. With 543 rooms, it is renowned as one of Greece’s top hotels for business and conference travel and features Greece’s largest ballroom. New luxury offerings at the hotel include: exclusive marine spa treatments at I-Spa by Algotherm; fine dining at the Mediterranean-inspired Première Restaurant, offering remarkable views of the city below; and an extensive collection of more than 350 works of modern Greek art located throughout the hotel’s public areas and guestrooms.
Hotel Cipriani (Venice, Italy)
Venice and its Lagoon, World Heritage Site since 1987
www.hotelcipriani.com
Founded in the fifth century, Venice is an architectural masterpiece which features works by some of the world's greatest artists. Hotel Cipriani, celebrated as one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world, is ideally situated with views across the entrance of the Grand Canal to the renowned St. Mark’s Square. The hotel is committed to unparalleled service, exquisite accommodations, and an inviting ambiance, contributing to its success and enviable reputation. The hotel is set in exquisite gardens on the lagoon side of Guidecca Island, and is only five minutes by private launch from the wonders of St. Mark’s Square.
InterContinental Budapest (Budapest, Hungary)
Budapest, World Heritage Site since 1987
www.intercontinental.com
Located across from Castle Hill and the Royal Palace, the recently-renovated InterContinental Budapest boasts 402 refurbished guest rooms and suites with views of the River Danube; a new SPA InterContinental; a spaciously updated Club Lounge also overlooking the river; and renovations to the Corso Terrace restaurant and bar. SPA InterContinental features the “TIME FOR YOU” concept, crafting tailor-made spa experiences based on the guest’s time and needs – regardless of whether the guest has a few minutes or a few hours.
La Résidence Phou Vao (Luang Prabang, Laos)
Luang Prabang, World Heritage Site since 1995
www.residencephouvao.com
The 32 beautiful temples, traditional wooden dwellings, old Colonial-style houses and the natural environment create the perfect backdrop to justify Luang Prabang’s place on the World Heritage List. La Résidence Phou Vao by Orient-Express is convenient to the Royal Palace, which is now a museum; Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Monastery); river trips to the caves of Pak Ou on the Mekong river, home to hundreds of Buddha images; and the 300 year old weaving village of Ban Phanom. La Résidence Phou Vao’s 32 rooms and 2 suites are spread amongst four two-story buildings surrounded by lush gardens. The resort also features an infinity pool and restaurant both with breathtaking views of Mount Phou Si.
Keswick Hall (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Monticello, World Heritage Site since 1987
www.keswick.com
The cornerstone of Charlottesville is Monticello, the home of the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Designed by Jefferson, this historical landmark is just five miles away from Keswick Hall, an Orient-Express Hotel. Proudly situated on 600-acres of lush Virginia countryside, this 48-room luxury inn also hosts the private Keswick Club featuring an 18-hole, 6,507-yard Arnold Palmer signature golf course, three pools, a fitness center complete with spa, pro shop, tennis complex and several dining options.
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Media Contact:
Katie Clark
The Brandman Agency
212.683.2442
kclark@brandmanpr.com
Reader Comments (1)
Hotel Cipriani is the best for honeymoons. There's no doubt that Italy is one of the most favorite place of the tourists. However, all places listed here are all nice places to visit.
Though I like to visit these place I'd still like to promote business opportunities in Australia to earn lots of money and travel all around the world.