No matter your traveling style, everyone can agree on a stunning sunset, best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand or relaxing on the sand. From the California coast to the magical Maldives, we’ve rounded up the best locations to enjoy golden hour around the world.
Trump International Hotel Waikiki - Honolulu, Hawaii (pictured)
Steps away from Waikiki's famous white sand beaches, Trump International Hotel Waikiki offers vibrant entertainment, world-class restaurants and a luxurious infinity pool deck that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Soaring 38 stories high, Trump features 462 luxurious residential rooms and suites. Amidst the best of Honolulu luxury hotels, Trump Waikiki also boasts a Hawaiian style spa and state-of-the-art fitness facility. Featuring five-star amenities, unparalleled service, and exquisitely designed suites, Trump Waikiki in Oahu offers the perfect setting for your next favorite vacation.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel - Santa Barbara, California
El Encanto celebrates Santa Barbara’s early architecture fusing California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial, this iconic retreat reflects 1920s style coupled with splashes of modern artistry. Work from local artist Charles Arnoldi adds extra drama to your stay. Seven acres of gloriously landscaped gardens offer sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean sunsets. Drift through the rare flora and make the most of the balmy West Coast evenings.
Hacienda AltaGracia - Costa Rica
An escape for those seeking total well-being and unbridled adventure, balance at Hacienda AltaGracia is founded with the belief that total wellbeing comes from being able to move fast or slow. This serene 50-casita resort features 180 bird-song-filled acres of untamed tropical forest, coffee farm, equine stables, organic chef’s gardens and a wellbeing center by one of the world’s leading holistic wellness providers, THE WELL. Experience the escape of our soul-stirring wellness journeys, soulful cuisine, and adrenaline packed adventures through bespoke itineraries – personally curated to elevate your experience and leave you transformed.
The Sunset Terrace at Caesars Palace Dubai
Guests of Caesars Palace Dubai can enjoy sunset views from the resort’s newly launched bar, The Lounge. Featuring an aptly named Sunset Terrace, the bar features a menu of signature cocktails inspired by Middle Eastern flavors and a signature Ruinart Champagne ritual, perfect for sipping while watching the sun melt into the shimmering Arabian Gulf. Once darkness has fallen, dine at one of the resort’s celebrated restaurants, from British and American favorites at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen to innovative Chinese cuisine at Demon Duck by Alvin Leung.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives
Nestled within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, Velaa Private Island takes exclusivity to the next level with facilities and service that go beyond traditional resorts, making Velaa Private Island the ultimate island escape. While 18 of the 47 are built over water, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity.
Home to the standout fine-dining restaurant Aragu, managed by trusted and award-winning Head Chef Gaushan De Silva. A culinary destination in its own right, Velaa Private Island also operates two other upscale restaurants, Tavaru and Athiri, two bars and the most exclusive wine cellar in the Maldives designed for the most sophisticated traveler in mind. In Velaa’s high-tech spa, guests can choose from a range of treatments such as personalized facial treatments and massage rituals. Velaa Spa holds meditation sessions, Hatha yoga classes and features the unique CLOUD 9 pod which sways and cradles guests into a state of deep relaxation.
Inviting guests to experience a truly authentic African escape, The Residence Zanzibar is steeped in 32 hectares of lush tropical gardens, fringed by a pristine mile-long beach. The resort’s 66 villas provide the ultimate seclusion, complete with a private pool and terrace to lounge in the African heat and witness the country’s mesmerizing sunsets. As the sun dops into the ocean and a breath-taking kaleidoscope of colors appear in the sky, relax, dine and sip on delicious cocktails by the glass-walled infinity pool, that offers show stopping views across the Zanzibar seascape. Those celebrating a special occasion can opt for an intimate dining experience in the privacy of the villas amid the soft glow of tiki torches on the terrace, or on the resort’s expansive jetty as the sun sets over the ocean for a truly unforgettable evening under the stars.
Nestled within Tanzania's Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, the rustic Thanda Island is the world’s only privately-owned marine reserve that operates as an exclusive-use luxury hotel, the perfect spot for your own private sunset. The marine counterpart of the famed Thanda Safari in South Africa, Thanda Island hosts a five-suite villa built in a breezy throwback colonial style with gym, patio, infinity pool, and library. Just a few steps away from the main villa are two authentic and recently revamped beach chalets (Tanzanian bandas) where eight more guests can reside. The island is completed with a tennis court, ocean-front yoga pavilion, helipad, helicopter, Sea Lion super yacht and a fully equipped boat house, your own paradise to enjoy breathtaking Tanzania sunsets surrounded by nature.
Nobu Hotel Santorini, Greece
Nobu Hotel Santorini serves Santorini’s sunsets up on a platter. Located on a beautiful clifftop in Imerovigli, the hotel houses the country’s first Nobu Restaurant, a dual-level infinity pool, fitness studio and 25 luxurious rooms, suites and pool villas. Guests can enjoy a front-row seat to Santorini’s sensational views with uninterrupted sunset vistas from the sea-facing restaurant, serving iconic dishes, such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Fried Umami Chicken Wings, and Wagyu Beef Sando, as well as a variety of Greek and Mediterranean dishes and rotating off-the-menu specials. After dinner, the resident DJ leads the hotel’s Sunset Sessions, providing the soundtrack to the glorious sunset five nights a week.
