3.Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán isn’t your ordinary lake: it’s located in the spectacular Sierra Madre mountain range studded with volcanoes. Plus, Casa Palopó isn’t your ordinary hotel: it has just seven rooms, no televisions, and feels more like a private villa than a boutique hotel. Though you could easily spend all your time gawking at the jaw-dropping surroundings—explorer Alexander von Humboldt famously dubbed Atitlán “the most beautiful lake in the world”—make sure to squeeze in a tour of the lake’s Mayan villages on Casa Palopó’s private boat.

4.Matakauri Lodge, Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

After an extensive makeover, Matakauri Lodge’s 12 sleek guest rooms stun with their floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and open fireplaces. But what you’re really here for are the views of course. Positioned along Lake Wakatipu, only 4 miles south of Queenstown, Matakauri Lodge has uninterrupted vistas of Cecil Peak, Walter Peak and the world-famous Remarkables ski area. Insider tip: go in winter (our summer), when the surrounding peaks are dramatically capped in snow.

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