12 Hotels from around the world that will take your breath away

Whether you travel often or not, do you find yourself regularly scrolling through pictures of exotic destinations, daydreaming of waking up to the spectacular views? Learn how you can turn your dream into reality at any of the following 12 hotels.

Kakslauttaner (Finland)

These glass igloos, located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Finland, put you front and centre for the northern lights right from the comfort of your bed. The sides of the igloos are frosted to give you privacy while you bear witness to the marvels around you. The igloos are available during the northern lights season which runs from late August until the end of April. If you're lucky, you may even encounter one of Santa's reindeer— after all, he lives nearby.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (Tanzania)

The Ngorongoro Crater was colonized by the Maasai approximately 200 years ago. Their name for the crater translates to mean the gift of life- a suitable name given the jungles along the crater rim and green grasses in an otherwise savannah-like Rift Valley. Situated in Tanzania at an altitude of 2,375 metres (7,800 feet), the hotel showcases marvellous views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater. Built on the model of traditional Maasai huts, but far more luxurious, the rooms offer views of the crater and famous African sunsets and sunrises.

Kwanini, The Manta Resort (Zanzibar)

Accessible by boat, the floating structure accommodates two guests. The landing deck includes an outdoor lounge area and a bathroom. Climb a ladder to the roof terrace and feast your eyes on a night sky peppered with stars or greet the sun in the morning with ambient sounds of the surrounding sea. The underwater bedroom paned with glass offers a 360-degree view. At night, spotlights illuminate the reef and passing fish make for an ever-changing but peaceful scene to drift off to. If you're lucky, you may even witness a curious octopus or manta ray!

Skylodge Adventure Park (Peru)

Unless you have vertigo, sleep will come easy after the climb to your transparent pod, dangling on the side of a mountain. You'll be rewarded with a climactic view of the sacred valley of Machu Picchu and the light flooding into your pod will act as the most awe-inspiring alarm clock the next morning. You won't want to leave, but the trip down will be much easier than the 1,200 foot climb up thanks to the rappel or zipline escape to the ground. An unforgettable adventure for those brave enough to try!

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand)

This prestigious hotel in the Robertson Lodges family in New Zealand is home to a real 6,000-acre sheep farm, a world-class golf course, a large population of gannets (local seabirds) and cliffs as far as the eye can see. The rooms are a collection of 24 farm houses (each with a huge private terrace), cleverly positioned to make the most of the stunning views over Hawkes Bay. Order room service for breakfast and enjoy the terrace as it was meant to!

Unforgettable tours of the property by four-wheeler allow you to discover and explore the wilderness that surrounds you as if it was your own. Only a privileged few get to enjoy this beautiful property.

Marpatag Cruise (Patagonia)

The Marpatag Cruise offers a slightly different experience: not a hotel as such but an exclusive three-day gourmet cruise with only 20 passengers on board. Each room features a wall-to-wall window giving a panoramic view of glaciers. The dining room won't let you miss a minute of the show as it also spotlights the stunning views surrounding you. Stepping onto the bridge will allow an even closer look at the impressive glaciers. Since this is the only cruise ship that can sail on Lagos Argentino in the evening, you will feel truly privileged to witness this impressive scenery over a gourmet meal. You'll feel extra fancy when you realize your cocktail is made with actual pieces of glaciers!

Ritz Carlton (Hong Kong)

As the highest hotel in the world, the spectacular views offered from the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong will not disappoint. If your budget can't stomach a Ritz Carlton, you'll be happy to know that on the other side of the bay you can enjoy the panoramic views of the port at the Island Pacific Hotel at a fraction of the cost. Be sure to ask for a “superior side Harbour view” room (starting on the 17th floor). You will experience jet-set life with a million-dollar view on a smaller budget.

Mt Cook Lakeside Estate & Retreat (New Zealand)

To visit this beautifully-crafted luxury hotel is to offer yourself an unforgettable gift. Owners Luke and Kaya will greet you warmly upon your arrival, as will the astonishing sights on the property, which borders the impossibly-turquoise Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook (where Sir Edmund Hillary trained for his conquest of Everest). Another highlight of this hotel is the stunning wine and scotch cellar. What really takes the cake is the hotel's gold level Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve designation, which means you'll be able to take in the amazing sky views surrounding you from Luke's telescope, housed in the on-site private planetarium, with minimal interference.

Poseidon Resort (Fiji)

Can you imagine relaxing in your own private room while being treated to a front-row view of diverse sea life and Fiji's Great Sea Reef? Once completed, Poseidon will truly become a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Each glass room will showcase the plentiful varieties of fish which boast the most vibrant colours you can imagine. You won't have to hold your breath (but the views may take it away).

Shakti 360 (Leti, Himalaya)

You won't believe your eyes and you'll pinch yourself upon waking up in this award-winning lodge featuring the Himalayas as a backdrop! You can take part in guided hikes taking in spellbinding views or retreat to your luxurious room for some much-needed R&R.

Marina Bay Sands (Singapore)

Do you have an unlimited budget? The Presidential Suite of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel promises you an exceptional view… as well as a massage room, a private gym and access to the amenities provided on all lower floors. The cherry on top? A private karaoke room! The rooftop features the world's largest infinity pool—the perfect backdrop for a selfie. The hotel was designed by architect Moshe Safdie.

Katikies Resorts (Greece)

Santorini Island is a must if you plan to visit the Cyclades and for good reason: it is considered to have some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The small town of Oia is also famous for its church, which you can also easily find on a souvenir postcard. The Katikies Resort offers you the most beautiful scenery of Greece from luxury rooms and suites boasting private pools. Swimming at sunset, champagne in hand? That's exactly what the doctor ordered.