Bucket List Balconies

Overlooking the grandeur of Boynton Canyon, styled akin to traditional adobe casitas, Enchantment Resort’s one-story accommodations each draw inspiration from Sedona’s iconic landscapes, showcasing Southwestern furnishings, generous bathrooms and large private balconies. Facing striking red monoliths and flower-filled meadows, some with plunge pools, loungers and fireplaces, these cozy terracotta-hued outdoor spaces are tailor-made for daydreaming.

Known for challenging the conventions of luxury hospitality, SLS South Beach enlisted the vision of none other than Lenny Kravitz in the design of their Villa Penthouse. Inspired by his world travels and high-flying lifestyle, the pop icon turned the standard-issue penthouse into a rockstar-caliber residence, complete with a terrace set right above the vibrant pulse of Hyde Beach Lounge. If the energy ever gets to be too much, don’t worry—you can just keep walking along the wraparound terrace to the side that faces the ocean.

Spread out over a series of centuries-old buildings, once home to a school, bakery and olive press, Borgo San Felice Resort is a medieval village suspended in time. Within its stone walls, no residence embodies the hamlet’s spellbinding beauty more than La Loggia, one of their Signature Suites. Overlooking the undulating Chianti hills and the village main square, the suite’s gorgeous first-floor terrace conjures images of long lunches in the shade, sunset aperitivos and entire days dedicated to the art of la dolce vita.

In the heart of the 16th arrondissement, within easy reach of the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro, Brach Paris epitomizes designer Philippe Starck’s signature blend of whimsy and high luxury. The 5th and 6th floors boast seven lavish suites, each opening onto expansive private terraces equipped with lush greenery, a Jacuzzi or Norwegian wood hot tub and sweeping 180-degree views over the rooftops and Haussmann façades of Paris.

Botswana’s wetlands are abundant in elephants, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and more than 600 bird species—and what better way to take it all in than from your own private balcony? Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, tucked away on a private island encircled by the deepest stretches of the Okavango Delta, allows you to do exactly that. Just 12 spacious, light-flooded tented rooms make up this intimate retreat, each including a plunge pool, outdoor rain shower and large deck for unspoiled savannah vistas.

Set along Kauai’s sunny south shore, Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach is a place of sedate pleasures; rather than waterslides or swim-up bars, the resort centers on an unadorned swimming pool, a sophisticated sashimi restaurant and an expansive lawn overlooking the cove. Its quietly contemporary atmosphere is true to authentic Hawaiian décor, and, in line with this, all 121 rooms come with a lanai—Hawaii’s version of a balcony. Opt for an oceanfront room or suite and enjoy cups of coffee while listening to the crash of waves, or stretch out on one of the plush daybeds and watch the sun set over Poipu Beach.

From its lofty perch in Théoule-sur-Mer, Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa exudes French Riviera charm and character in spades. For those seeking private time with friends or family, Villa Azur is a two-floor, three-bedroom accommodation offering all the advantages of a private residence alongside the hotel’s impeccable five-star service. Featuring not one, not two, but three incredible terraces, you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to soak in the spectacular Mediterranean vistas, tranquil sea breezes and picture-perfect sunsets.

A hotel within a hotel, The Towers at Lotte New York Palace is among the most sought-after luxury hotels in Midtown Manhattan. Running up to 5,000 square feet, its four exquisite triplex suites—the Champagne Suite, the Jewel Suite and two Penthouse Suites—assure an ultra-luxe stay for those ready to splurge. Naturally, the suites’ private rooftop terraces are just as jaw-dropping as the suites themselves, with sumptuous furnishings, hot tubs and exceptional panoramas of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings.

With impeccable service, eco-conscious amenities and soul-stirring rejuvenation experiences rooted in the island’s local culture, Six Senses Ibiza is a place to truly rest, refuel and reset. Furnished with day beds, Mediterranean plants and unique rustic touches, the generously sized private terraces attached to the Sea View Suites are the perfect spot to sip a chilled sangria and luxuriate in the splendor of the island.

Magnificently housed in the Byzantine Pagliazza Tower and the adjacent medieval church of San Michele, Brunelleschi Hotel is about as unique as luxury boutique hotels get. Arguably the most extraordinary room in the hotel is the Pool Suite, characterized by an enchanting rooftop terrace appointed with a Jacuzzi tub. Surrounded by climbing vines and flowers, with 360-degree views over the Florence Cathedral, Duomo and Giotto Bell Tower, it’s the perfect setting for romantic evenings under the stars.

Built strikingly in the shape of a giant cresting wave, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s most stunning and instantly recognizable buildings. Though every single one of its 619 rooms, suites and villas offer views of the azure Arabian Gulf, the spectacular Ocean Suites are an experience unto themselves, headlined by spacious private balconies serving up panoramas over some of the most iconic modern structures in the world.

Merging contemporary style with traditional alpine influences, Six Senses Residences Courchevel is a collection of luxury ski apartments open December through April, located in the world-class ski resort of Courchevel 1850. Each accommodation is equipped with a beautiful balcony, but be sure to choose a mountain-facing apartment for staggering unobstructed views across the valley, slopes and heart of the village. There’s also a Six Senses Spa, an outdoor hot tub, a Japanese restaurant and a 24/7 concierge. Bring on the après-ski.