Though the Great Pyramid of Giza is the lone remaining site from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, there’s plenty of adventure still to be had traveling the globe to see the New Seven Wonders of the World. Even though some of the destinations are high atop mountains or deep into deserts, it doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Our editors have rounded up the resorts where you’ll have all the amenities you need on your journey to see these incredible landmarks.
The Great Wall of China: Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing
If you’re seeking out one of the most historical structures in the world, you might as well stay in a luxury resort with a little bit of history, too. The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Aman at Summer Palace in Beijing is made up of a series of pavilions—some more than a century old—that once hosted guests of Empress Dowager Cixi of the nearby Summer Palace proper. The exterior’s traditional Imperial Chinese architecture blends effortlessly with the soft, golden glow of the interior. After your excursion to experience the awe of the Great Wall, kick back at the in-house theater or unwind in the Aman Spa.
Petra: Petra Marriott Hotel, Wadi Musa, Jordan
Petra Marriott Hotel is just minutes from the ancient Nabatean city of stone known as Petra, which sits between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. Located less than four miles from the UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel features a full range of guest rooms with thoughtful amenities including shuttles to and from the prehistoric city, now one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites. But Petra Marriott Hotel’s biggest perk is the stunning view. Choose a Petra Valley or Mountain View room and you’ll be treated to a sweeping vista of the Jordanian desert landscape.
Chichen Itza: Mayaland, Yucatan, Mexico
Trekking the globe and checking off the wonders as you go can’t always be an ultra-luxurious affair. But despite its relatively modest trappings, Mayaland is indeed the place to stay when the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are on your travel bucket list. There are certainly more posh resorts in nearby cities such as Merida and Cancun, but Mayaland has something none of those others have—proximity. This Yucatan hotel was the first built on the ancient ruin grounds back in 1923. And its 100-plus acres of surrounding gardens will provide your eyes with plenty of natural beauty, while the old-style hacienda service will charm you on your journey to see the Mayan wonder. Need some luxury after your hike to the top? Check in to The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun for a Mayan-inspired treatment at the resort’s Kayantá Spa.
Christ the Redeemer: Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The massive “Cristo Redentor” statue that towers over Rio de Janeiro shares two things in common with the luxurious Copacabana Palace—both are Art Deco in style and both are awe inspiring. Built in 1923, the Copacabana Palace has a long history of hosting A-listers, ranging from the Rolling Stones to Nelson Mandela. The iconic hotel overlooks the white sands of Copacabana Beach where beach assistants deliver fresh water and fruit. You can also play a set or two on the rooftop tennis courts that come with on-demand professional coaching, or get pampered at the in-house spa and salon.
The Colosseum: Rome Cavalieri, Rome
The first European hotel to bear the Waldorf Astoria name, the luxurious Rome Cavalieri stands in stark contrast to the brutish history that was once housed in the Roman Colosseum less than five miles away. Rooms feature luxe draperies, Roman travertine marble baths, and private balconies ideal for alfresco breakfast and taking in the views of the Vatican. For those interested in battling gladiator style, training is available in the surrounding private park. Students receive a gladiator kit complete with sandals, belt, gloves and training sword, and upon completion of the course, an honorary rank of “tiro” (first-level gladiator). It’s not all swords and shields at the Rome Cavalieri, though. The hotel has one of the most extensive art collections in the world with more than 1,000 pieces dating from the 16th century to modern day.
Taj Mahal: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, India
If the Taj Mahal was built in dedication to love and beauty, The Oberoi Amarvilas certainly could have been built in dedication to luxury. Located less than a half mile from the Taj Mahal—the white marble mausoleum masterpiece built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife—the hotel is focused on providing its guests a stay fit for royalty. Fountains and reflections pools glisten on the hotel grounds, while inside a private butler will attend to your needs as you concentrate on the view of the Taj Mahal from your private balcony or feast on traditional Indian cuisine at the restaurant Esphahan.
Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, Cuzco, Peru
Not many hotels have a location as prime as the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge; the hotel is actually located next to the Inca citadel of Macchu Picchu itself. But location isn’t the only reason you’ll want to stay at this Peruvian getaway. The rooms and gardens of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offer jaw-dropping views of the Incan ruins and the cloud-wrapped mountains surrounding the ancient site. The hotel also offers tour services with a variety of different packages ranging from low-key walking trips to nearby hot the sulphur springs to a more grueling two-and-a-half hour hike up the Putucusi Mountain, the peak that directly faces the ruins.
Photos Courtesy of Aman At Summer Palace, iStock Earl Eliason and iStock Niko Vujevic