Kiwi Curated
The World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
by Joy PecknoldSome places just know how to stand out. Whether because of architectural marvels or natural wonders, there are those cities and towns that seem to inch out others when it comes to being Instagram-worthy. From Paris to Agra, these most Instagrammable destinations deserve a spot on your photo bucket list.
The World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
“Paris is always a good idea,” attributed to Audrey Hepburn, is oft quoted for good reason—it’s absolutely true. The style, the pastries, the Eiffel Tower lit up at night—trés photogenic. Add to that a stay at the picturesque Brach in the 16th arrondissement. The Phillipe Starck-designed hotel brims with perfect settings—from the rooftop garden on the 7th floor with views of the iconic Iron Lady to artful suites with their own terraces.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Spanning more than 32,000 hectares high in the Andes, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is, in UNESCO’s words, “among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere.” That makes it one of the ultimate photo bucket list destinations. Sanctuary Lodge, the hotel nearest the ruins, makes the whole experience extra luxurious. On top of round-the-clock views of the mountains, there’s indigenous delicacies at Tampu Restaurant and spa treatments drawing on Incan techniques.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Santorini is the spot for catching vibrant sunsets atop a white-washed balcony that’s clung to a craggy cliffside high above the Aegean. In one of the Greek Island’s most scenic villages, Oia, Mystique serves up the quintessential setup. Also Instagram-worthy is the 150-year-old Secret Wine Cave where they do tastings of rare bottles, along with private candlelit dinners.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
With nearly every shade across the blue-green spectrum plus all those private-island luxuries, the Maldives is always photo-ready. At Mirihi Island Resort in the South Ari Atoll, guests can choose the villa view they want to wake up to and snap—either beach or overwater. Get in the water with your waterproof housing to capture the abundant marine life, including anemonefish, manta rays and sea turtles.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Whether it’s no-filter-required panoramas from any of its seven hills or the street level color, Lisbon knows how to deliver an Instagram-worthy moment. Wake up to big views of Eduardo VII Park and historic old town at InterContinental Lisbon. For a real money shot of the coastal Portugal capital, go for the Executive or Duplex suites with private terraces.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
The inspiration for more than a few songs, most famously by Miley Cyrus and Hole, Malibu is sand, surf and celebrity homes. Right on Billionaire’s Beach where Leonard DiCaprio owns a home, Malibu Beach Inn puts guests in the middle of it. Rise to the sight and sound of the lapping Pacific with the iconic Malibu Pier as backdrop. Take more pics on that circa-1905 pier where there’s shopping, dining, fishing and people-watching—maybe you’ll spot an A-list actor or two.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
On the wild edge of Canada’s Vancouver Island, facing the wide-open Pacific, Tofino is a photographer’s paradise, from its epic summer sunsets to dramatic winter storms. Hop in a boat and head to a natural hot spring that runs right into the ocean. Bring the telephoto lens in case you spot whales, bears, coastal wolves or other wildlife along the way. But there’s plenty of beauty to capture in and around the Wickaninnish Inn which is perched right on the rocks right beside a popular surf spot, North Chesterman Beach.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
From the surf spots on the coast to its inland jungles, the island of Bali doesn’t make anyone wonder why it’s such a popular destination. Surrounded by lush jungle and rice terraces, Ubud has a mystical magic all its own. That’s especially on display at Capella Ubud. This year’s Kiwi Collection Hotel Awards winner for Most Romantic Hotel is nearly all luxury tents with a choice of terrace, rainforest, river or Keliki Valley views. All come with private pools to make it extra easy to get that enviable, oh so Instagrammable taking-a-dip glam shot.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world. Originally for the Hindu god Vishnu, it became a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century and now it beckons tourists seeking to capture the marvel as the sun rises over its five Mount Meru-inspired towers. Nearby, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang offers its own rustic wonder—its 45 stilted wooden villas evoke traditional Khmer houses. Roughly half of them have private terraces, while others come with private pools, but either are perfect for snapping the sunset to bookend a one-of-a-kind day.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Other cities have canals, sure, but there’s none like Venice. Built atop more than 100 tiny islands in a lagoon on the Adriatic, the Italian city serves up romantic moments left, right and center—in Piazza San Marco, on gondola rides and across every tiny cobbled bridge that arches over a waterway. Here, Splendid Venice dials up the experience with a private dock for arrivals and departures, charming altana for a bird’s-eye view and richly decorated rooms.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Although it has been under construction for more than 90 years, La Sagrada Família is always impressive. That’s but one Gaudí reason to ‘gram in Barcelona—there is also the famed architect’s Park Guell and various casas. Just around the corner from his Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia, Almanac Barcelona provides complementary respite. The boutique design hotel’s rooftop bar and pool treats guests to both delicious drinks and city views.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
When in Rome… take lots of pics. The Eternal City has a gluttony of sights made for the ‘gram: Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, to name a few. Above those famous steps, Hotel de la Ville sets the scene inside and out. The decadent interiors are a collab between Olga Polizzi and architect Tommaso Ziffer. Up on the rooftop Cielo Terrace, style—it’s dressed in bold red and white stripes—meets substantial city views.
VIEW HOTELThe World’s Most Instagrammable Destinations
Capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra is home to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Built between 1631 and 1648 by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it rises from a magnificent 17-hectare garden. Just 600 meters away, The Oberoi Amarvilâs offers incredible views of the immense white marble mausoleum, along with its own highly photogenic pool, courtyards, fountains and cascading bougainvillea.
VIEW HOTEL“Paris is always a good idea,” attributed to Audrey Hepburn, is oft quoted for good reason—it’s absolutely true. The style, the pastries, the Eiffel Tower lit up at night—trés photogenic. Add to that a stay at the picturesque Brach in the 16th arrondissement. The Phillipe Starck-designed hotel brims with perfect settings—from the rooftop garden on the 7th floor with views of the iconic Iron Lady to artful suites with their own terraces.
VIEW HOTELSpanning more than 32,000 hectares high in the Andes, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is, in UNESCO’s words, “among the greatest artistic, architectural and land use achievements anywhere.” That makes it one of the ultimate photo bucket list destinations. Sanctuary Lodge, the hotel nearest the ruins, makes the whole experience extra luxurious. On top of round-the-clock views of the mountains, there’s indigenous delicacies at Tampu Restaurant and spa treatments drawing on Incan techniques.
VIEW HOTELSantorini is the spot for catching vibrant sunsets atop a white-washed balcony that’s clung to a craggy cliffside high above the Aegean. In one of the Greek Island’s most scenic villages, Oia, Mystique serves up the quintessential setup. Also Instagram-worthy is the 150-year-old Secret Wine Cave where they do tastings of rare bottles, along with private candlelit dinners.
VIEW HOTELWith nearly every shade across the blue-green spectrum plus all those private-island luxuries, the Maldives is always photo-ready. At Mirihi Island Resort in the South Ari Atoll, guests can choose the villa view they want to wake up to and snap—either beach or overwater. Get in the water with your waterproof housing to capture the abundant marine life, including anemonefish, manta rays and sea turtles.
VIEW HOTELWhether it’s no-filter-required panoramas from any of its seven hills or the street level color, Lisbon knows how to deliver an Instagram-worthy moment. Wake up to big views of Eduardo VII Park and historic old town at InterContinental Lisbon. For a real money shot of the coastal Portugal capital, go for the Executive or Duplex suites with private terraces.
VIEW HOTELThe inspiration for more than a few songs, most famously by Miley Cyrus and Hole, Malibu is sand, surf and celebrity homes. Right on Billionaire’s Beach where Leonard DiCaprio owns a home, Malibu Beach Inn puts guests in the middle of it. Rise to the sight and sound of the lapping Pacific with the iconic Malibu Pier as backdrop. Take more pics on that circa-1905 pier where there’s shopping, dining, fishing and people-watching—maybe you’ll spot an A-list actor or two.
VIEW HOTELOn the wild edge of Canada’s Vancouver Island, facing the wide-open Pacific, Tofino is a photographer’s paradise, from its epic summer sunsets to dramatic winter storms. Hop in a boat and head to a natural hot spring that runs right into the ocean. Bring the telephoto lens in case you spot whales, bears, coastal wolves or other wildlife along the way. But there’s plenty of beauty to capture in and around the Wickaninnish Inn which is perched right on the rocks right beside a popular surf spot, North Chesterman Beach.
VIEW HOTELFrom the surf spots on the coast to its inland jungles, the island of Bali doesn’t make anyone wonder why it’s such a popular destination. Surrounded by lush jungle and rice terraces, Ubud has a mystical magic all its own. That’s especially on display at Capella Ubud. This year’s Kiwi Collection Hotel Awards winner for Most Romantic Hotel is nearly all luxury tents with a choice of terrace, rainforest, river or Keliki Valley views. All come with private pools to make it extra easy to get that enviable, oh so Instagrammable taking-a-dip glam shot.
VIEW HOTELSpread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world. Originally for the Hindu god Vishnu, it became a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century and now it beckons tourists seeking to capture the marvel as the sun rises over its five Mount Meru-inspired towers. Nearby, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang offers its own rustic wonder—its 45 stilted wooden villas evoke traditional Khmer houses. Roughly half of them have private terraces, while others come with private pools, but either are perfect for snapping the sunset to bookend a one-of-a-kind day.
VIEW HOTELOther cities have canals, sure, but there’s none like Venice. Built atop more than 100 tiny islands in a lagoon on the Adriatic, the Italian city serves up romantic moments left, right and center—in Piazza San Marco, on gondola rides and across every tiny cobbled bridge that arches over a waterway. Here, Splendid Venice dials up the experience with a private dock for arrivals and departures, charming altana for a bird’s-eye view and richly decorated rooms.
VIEW HOTELAlthough it has been under construction for more than 90 years, La Sagrada Família is always impressive. That’s but one Gaudí reason to ‘gram in Barcelona—there is also the famed architect’s Park Guell and various casas. Just around the corner from his Casa Milà on Passeig de Gràcia, Almanac Barcelona provides complementary respite. The boutique design hotel’s rooftop bar and pool treats guests to both delicious drinks and city views.
VIEW HOTELWhen in Rome… take lots of pics. The Eternal City has a gluttony of sights made for the ‘gram: Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, to name a few. Above those famous steps, Hotel de la Ville sets the scene inside and out. The decadent interiors are a collab between Olga Polizzi and architect Tommaso Ziffer. Up on the rooftop Cielo Terrace, style—it’s dressed in bold red and white stripes—meets substantial city views.
VIEW HOTELCapital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra is home to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Built between 1631 and 1648 by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it rises from a magnificent 17-hectare garden. Just 600 meters away, The Oberoi Amarvilâs offers incredible views of the immense white marble mausoleum, along with its own highly photogenic pool, courtyards, fountains and cascading bougainvillea.
VIEW HOTEL