Beautiful Scenic Escapes Around the World

Few places on earth stop people in their tracks quite like The Wave, a swirling sandstone formation tucked along the Arizona-Utah border within the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Shaped over millions of years by wind and water eroding Jurassic-age rock, its undulating red and orange bands look less like a natural landscape and more like something out of a fever dream. Getting there, however, is no easy feat: the Bureau of Land Management caps daily visitors at just 64 people, making permits notoriously hard to come by through a competitive lottery system. For those lucky enough to win a spot, the 6.4-mile round-trip hike delivers one of the most otherworldly experiences the American Southwest has to offer.

Nestled on 600 acres of protected desert in Canyon Point, Amangiri's 34 pavilions-crafted from tinted concrete, white limestone, natural timber, and vast glass expanses-seamlessly mirror the rugged textures and subtle hues of the surrounding dunes and plateaus, creating an architectural symphony with nature. This Aman masterpiece, designed by Marwan Al-Sayed, Rick Joy, and Wendell Burnett, invites guests into open-plan suites with private courtyards, fireplaces, plunge pools, and stargazing terraces that frame hypnotic vistas of 200-million-year-old rock formations. Indulge in Native American-inspired cuisine at The Dining Room, rejuvenate in the 25,000-square-foot spa temple, or embark on hot-air balloon rides, via ferrata climbs, and Navajo-guided explorations that celebrate the land's sacred history and boundless adventure.

Marking One&Only's debut in the United States, Moonlight Basin represents a masterclass in alpine hospitality, where architect Tom Kundig's thoughtfully restrained design allows Montana's dramatic peaks and pristine forests to command center stage. Anchored by two private lakes and bordered by over 17,000 acres of permanently protected land, the resort seamlessly weaves together bespoke outdoor adventures, Michelin-starred culinary experiences, and a 17,000-square-foot spa sanctuary designed for complete renewal. From the moment you arrive, floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking vistas of Lone Peak and the Spanish Peaks, while in-room fireplaces, private soaking tubs, and thoughtfully curated local materials create an intimate connection to the landscape. Whether carving through Big Sky Resort's legendary terrain in winter or fly-casting for native trout in pristine alpine lakes come summer, this is a destination that honors Montana's untamed spirit while delivering the refined comforts of true luxury.

Basin Glacial Waters has opened at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta’s Banff National Park as a new benchmark in luxury wellness set against the turquoise glacial waters of Lake Louise and the towering Canadian Rockies. This 19,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor thermal bathing destination blends minimalist, nature-inspired design by renowned architect Matteo Thun with ancient traditions of thermotherapy to create a sensory-rich experience of heat, cold, movement, and stillness. Guests can explore a sequence of thermal pools, steam rooms, saunas and cold plunges that draw on both Nordic rituals and the surrounding landscape, with unmatched panoramic views throughout. More than a spa, Basin is a deeply restorative retreat that invites reflection and renewal in one of North America’s most spectacular natural settings.