Where to Stay Near the New 7 Wonders of the World

Modeled after a Mughal palace, The Oberoi Amarvilâs pays tribute to the historic empire and its most famous legacy, the Taj Mahal located just 600 meters away. Stroll through fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions at this regal hotel. All of its rooms and suites offer uninterrupted views of the monument of love. At sunrise or sunset, hop on a shuttle over to witness a magical play of light and shadows on ivory marble.

Towering over Botafogo’s white sand beach, Yoo2 Rio de Janeiro offers direct views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer standing guard above the glistening bay. Enjoy a panorama from the rooftop bar, then take a ride to Corcovado Mountain to see the Redeemer up close. Afterwards, explore the city on a Yoo Explore bicycle tour, or relax by the pool with a cocktail, cold-pressed juice or artisanal coffee in hand.

Located just 10 minutes from the Forbidden City, and featuring a Ming Dynasty-inspired Hutong Courtyard, Waldorf Astoria Beijing sets the tone for getting to know ancient China. From here, you can travel to parts of The Great Wall nearest Beijing, such as Badaling, Mutianyu or Jinshanling. Back at the hotel, complete your cultural immersion with a Chinese spa treatment and Cantonese dishes from Zijin Mansion restaurant.

The only hotel at the entrance of Machu Picchu, you don’t get closer to the Incan ruins than the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. Gaze at the peak of iconic Huayna Picchu from your room, taste Peruvian cuisine and sip on Pisco sours. You can also participate in a traditional shaman ceremony or coca leaf reading. The next morning, be the first to enter the ancient city, before the crowds descend, and watch the sun rise over the misty hills.

Near the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, Hacienda San José exudes local Mayan heritage, enchanting you with palm-fringed walkways, thatched straw roofs and flickering candles. Go on a private guided tour, led by an archaeologist, historian or field expert. Then, escape back to the resort to soak it in, over a siesta in your hammock or a private dinner under centuries-old Banyan trees.

Dating back to the 17^th century, the Palazzo Manfredi boasts two major archaeological sites at its doorstep—the ruins of the largest gladiator school in ancient Rome, and the Roman Colosseum itself. Enjoy views of the historic arena, looming outside your bedroom window. Then get an even better look from the rooftop, where you can catch the sun illuminating across the city, from the Colosseum to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

To truly grasp the splendor of Petra, you must see it in person. Four times the size of Manhattan, you can spend days exploring the Rose City, a maze of ancient caves, temples and tombs carved into pink sandstone. Rest your feet two hours away at the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea; this beachfront oasis featuring swimming pools, fine dining and a two-level spa is the perfect antidote to desert wanderings.