Sure, you could climb up a cliff for sweeping panoramic views, but why not stay in a luxury cliffside hotel instead? The world’s coolest cliffside hotels make you feel like you’re living on the edge, featuring inviting plunge pools, open-air restaurants and lavish suites with balconies or terraces offering striking views of the surrounding scenery.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve hand-picked the world’s most beautiful cliffside hotels that offer spectacular scenery suspended over the sea or ocean. From romantic resorts overlooking the water in Greece to coastal retreats in the U.S., these cliffside hotels will take your breath away.
Andronis Luxury Suites – Santorini, Greece
One of the best Santorini hotels with an infinity pool, Andronis Luxury Suites is also one of the top cliffside hotels in Greece. With a typical whitewashed Cyclades design, views of the deep blue Aegean and the volcanic caldera are on full display. Grab a drink and soak up the views poolside on a plush lounger.
The 29 luxury suites feature private infinity pools perched over the edge, as well as terraces, cave pools and outdoor Jacuzzis. Relax in the Mare Sands Spa before enjoying dinner on the clifftop terrace at Lycabettus, which offers one of the most beautiful restaurant locations in Santorini.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 951 – USD 1,757
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 847 00, Oia, Santorini, Greece
Jade Mountain – St Lucia
Set above a 240-hectare beach, Jade Mountain Resort boasts a front-row seat to some of St Lucia’s most stunning scenery. Individual bridges lead to inviting infinity pools, while a wrap-around Celestial Terrace is perfect for sunset cocktails and star-gazing. In addition to two soft sand beaches, the hotel has a lavish spa and award-winning restaurant with live entertainment.
Rooms, or “sanctuaries” as they’re called, offer commanding panoramic views with infinity pools and open walls for prime mountain viewing. There are no TVs, radios or telephones in the rooms, which ensure your stay is tranquil and quiet. However, modern comforts like Wi-Fi are available.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,470 – USD 4,080
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 1000 Anse Chastanet Road, Soufrière, Saint Lucia
Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, California
One of the best cliffside hotels in the United States, Post Ranch Inn in California overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Set on a 365-metre-high ridge in Big Sur, this hotel is a favourite with celebrities. The aptly-named Cliff House is a free-standing structure that has heated floors and a deck suspended over the cliffs. It also boasts ocean views from its fireplace, indoor soaking tub and outdoor hot tub.
After you soak in the clifftop pool, enjoy award-winning cuisine alongside ocean views at Sierra Mar. Alternatively, you can book a massage at the spa, try falconry, join a guided nature walk or go whale watching. Make sure to experience the coastal views at the scenic Julia Pfeiffer State Park.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,211 – USD 1,521
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 47900 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920, United States
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik – Croatia
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik is a top-rated luxury hotel in Croatia that is carved into the cliffside. Stay in a Superior Room for beautiful seafront views from your own private balcony, or enjoy al fresco dining under the stars or sun on the furnished balcony of a Deluxe Suite. Posh Presidential Suites adds separate living and dining areas.
With floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal gorgeous Adriatic Sea views, this 5-star boutique hotel boasts a luxury spa with holistic spa treatments, a Finnish sauna and indoor pool. Afterwards, savour the cliffside views from the chic Vapor Restaurant or one of the multiple bars.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 485 – USD 1,397
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Pera Cingrije 7, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
Anteliz Suites – Fira, Greece
One of the best Santorini hotels, Anteliz Suites overlooks the Santorinian Caldera and the Aegean Sea. The small boutique hotel offers unparalleled views of the multi-coloured cliffs from its chic rooms and suites, with many boasting separate living rooms. Upgrade to a Pool Suite for a private terrace and pool or enjoy a soak in the whirlpool tub in a Jacuzzi Suite.
HotelsCombined visitors love the inviting pool terrace with sundeck, as well as the private boat tours and cruises to the volcano and scuba diving excursions. Book a massage or beauty treatment, then explore the nearby area with jewellery shops, outdoor cafes and the acclaimed Santo Wines winery.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 200 – USD 713
Guest Rating: 9.6
Address: Fira, Thera 847 00, Greece
Cliff House Maine – Maine, USA
Cliff House Maine is one of the world’s most captivating cliffside hotels, boasting 28 oceanfront hectares atop Bald Head Cliff on the southern coast of Maine. Along with an expansive oceanfront spa and wellness centre, oceanfront dining and outdoor swimming pools, guests can nosh on whole steamed Maine lobsters and lobster rolls at Nubb’s Lobster Shack.
Choose from cosy rooms, stylish suites and a quintessential New England cottage. Many rooms feature views of Maine’s striking coastline, while suites add separate living areas and private terraces. Families can stay in a multi-room suite or create a home away from home in the self-contained cottage with a full kitchen.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 409 – USD 699
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 591 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, ME 03902, United States
Il San Pietro di Positano – Positano, Italy
The glamorous Il San Pietro di Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a favourite thanks to its prime location, cliffside views and direct access to a private beach. Dine on local specialties at the Michelin-starred restaurant Zass, then enjoy a Caviar Firming facial at the luxe spa, swim in the sea-facing pool or enjoy a complimentary cruise along the coast.
Carved into the cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, individually-designed rooms feature terraces with sunbeds overlooking the coast. For extra space and comfort, upgrade to the 80-square-metre Prestige Room furnished with extra-large beds and spacious terraces.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,054 – USD 3,494
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Via Laurito 2, 84017 Positano, Salerno, Italy
Cap Rocat – Mallorca, Spain
One of Mallorca’s most popular cliffside hotels, Cap Rocat is a former fortress overlooking Spain’s Bay of Palma. High-walled sandstone passages lead to secrete watchtowers and battlements carved into the rock, which have been transformed into stylish suites. Some feature private sea-facing pools and outdoor terraces with daybeds and hammocks.
You can sample Majorcan cuisine at the upscale La Fortaleza or freshly grilled fish and wine at the outdoor Sea Club, while couples can arrange a private dinner under the moonlight. After soaking up the sunshine at the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean, visit the posh spa for hammam and Ayurveda treatments.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 527 – USD 2,378
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: Carretera D’enderrocat S/n, 07609 Llucmajor, Mallorca, Spain
The Caves – Negril, Jamaica
Discover island living at The Caves in Jamaica, where cliffside cottages boast beautiful coastal views atop some of the most spectacular sea caves. Easily one of the world’s most iconic cliffside hotels, the one and two-bedroom oceanfront cottages boast living rooms, kitchens and terraces. A Grand Villa with a private pool and butler services is also available.
Thrill-seekers can go snorkeling or cliff diving, while The Caves Spa is an oasis of tranquility with a trademark Jamaican brown sugar body scrub treatment. Wrap up your day with a cocktail in the famous Blackwell Rum Bar, which is set in a secret cave accessible via a wooden footbridge.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 626 – USD 1.148
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Lighthouse Rd, Negril, Jamaica
Bulgari Resort Bali – Bali, Indonesia
The perfect place to unplug and unwind, Bulgari Resort Bali is a tropical escape with unbeatable Indian Ocean views and a private beach. Choose from one and two bedroom villas with private pools, outdoor showers and spacious living areas or opulent two to five-bedrooms mansions accommodating groups of all sizes.
Soak up the cliffside views from the oceanfront infinity pool or the terrace at II Bar, then dine in the intimate II Ristorante serving classic Italian cuisine. The spa’s treatment menu includes Ayurvedic Balinese rituals, while on-site cooking classes are held by the award-winning culinary team. Only a short drive away, GWK Cultural Park showcases traditional performances.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 653 – USD 1,234
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, South Kuta 80364, Indonesia
Belmond Reid’s Palace – Funchal, Portugal
Set against lush gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Belmond Reid’s Palace is a clifftop haven. Welcoming guests for over a decade, guests can anticipate impeccable hospitality as well as luxe rooms with lagoon or harbour views. Suites boast top-tier glamour with lavish furnishings and private balconies, and even four-legged friends get the royal treatment with gourmet meals and pampering.
Relax poolside or book a signature treatment at the spa, then sample seasonal ingredients at the Michelin-starred William Restaurant. Alternatively, you can sip sundowners on the terrace of Ristorante Villa Cipriani or enjoy afternoon tea with tea or champagne. For more spectacular hillside views, drive 10 minutes to Madeira Botanical Garden.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 330 – USD 2,050
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Ponta dos Ganchos – Brazil
Located on a private peninsula, Ponta dos Ganchos is immersed in Brazil’s lush nature, where the clear waters of the Emerald Coast sea merge with the majestic mountain views. Outdoor excursions like snorkeling, diving and scenic trails are available, while pampering spa treatments and multiple cliffside restaurants and bars serving traditional Brazilian dishes and freshly-made caipirinhas are lavish perks.
The spacious adults-only bungalows up the ante with romantic fireplaces, separate living areas, oversized windows and free-standing soaking tubs. The Arvoredo bungalow has a dry sauna and heated pool, while Esmeralda treats guests to an infinity pool, sauna and spa bathroom with sea views.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 421 – USD 1,288
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: Rua Eupídeo Alves do Nascimento, nº 104, Governador Celso Ramos 88190-000, Brazil
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui – Thailand
Escape to the laid-back island life at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Thailand, which is set on a tropical hillside overlooking a private white sand beach. Here you can spend your days lounging by the infinity pool, relax with a beachside massage or enjoy snorkeling or private cruise on the Gulf of Thailand. There’s also a Muay Thai ring, family cooking classes and Asia’s only rum vault.
Tuck into Southern Thailand cuisine at Koh Thai Kitchen, which is a breezy spot perched on a beautiful palm-fringed hilltop, or enjoy a decadent cocktail at Cocorum. Retreat to your opulent sea-facing villa, with many featuring private infinity pools, island-inspired decor and direct beach access.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 708 – USD 5,607
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: 219 Moo 5 Tumbon Angthong, Ko Samui 84140, Thailand
Cliff House Hotel – Ireland
Ireland’s Cliff House Hotel is a small 5-star luxury hotel overlooking Ardmore Bay. Seeming to defy gravity, the cliff-hugging property lures travellers in with its intimate setting, luxury day spa and Michelin-star restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy seafood dishes and classic Irish comfort food at The Bar Restaurant or enjoy sweet delights at afternoon tea.
Each of the rooms and suites at this hotel is sea-facing, offering perks such as sun-drenched terraces and private balconies, with many offering family-friendly configurations. Cliff Veranda Suites boast verandas with sea views, while the Cliff Cottage and Cliff Beach House are ideal for larger groups.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 316 – USD 1,647
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: Middle Road, Ardmore 00000, Ireland
Chateau De La Chevre d’Or, France
Offering incredible Mediterranean Sea views, Chateau De La Chevre d’Or is easy on the eyes. Set on a hillside overlooking the sea, it boasts beautiful gardens with sculptures, fountains and waterfalls. Get lost in the gorgeous shoreline views from the romantic Les Remparts restaurant or kick back with vintage champagne and cocktails at the cosy terrace at the bar. Alternatively, the spa’s Jacuzzi with panoramic views will melt your worries away.
Located within the medieval village of Eze, elegant rooms feature sea views. Upgrade to a Prestige Suite for sea views over the bay of Cap Ferrat from a private terrace or enjoy the stylish living and dining rooms in a Royal Suite. Panoramic Suites embody a floating paradise, offering a terrace, private pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the sea.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 397 – USD 4098
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Rue du Barri, 06360 Eze, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Katikies Hotel – Santorini, Greece
One of Santorini’s most alluring cliffside hotels, Katikies Hotel boasts a backdrop of azure water views and manicured pink bougainvillea in Oia. Each of the spacious rooms is individually designed and complemented by Jacuzzis, spacious verandas. Upgrade to a Master Suite for an open-air plunge pool with caldera views.
You’re spoilt for choice in on-site facilities, from the sparkling infinity pools and sunbathing deck to multiple restaurants where you can have a Mediterranean feast. For a day of relaxation, visit the A.SPA for a holistic spa experience before enjoying a glass of bubbly at Seltz Champagne Bar and Restaurant.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 1,092 – USD 2,027
Guest Rating: No Rating
Address: Oia, Santorini, Thera 847 02, Greece
Birkenhead House – South Africa
Birkenhead House sets the standard for luxury in Hermanus, a popular whale-watching town on South Africa’s Western Cape. It’s all-inclusive rooms embody beachside living, featuring bold colours and spacious balconies with mountain and sea views. With only 11 rooms to choose from, you can be assured an intimate and quiet setting.
Enjoy wine tasting on the main deck or mussel picking with on-site chefs, while shark cage diving excursions are also available. Cool off with a dip in the pool or hit the waves with an in-house surfboard, then unwind in style with a massage at the spa or visit the on-site restaurant for fresh local seafood and ocean views.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 778 – USD 1903
Guest Rating: 9.7
Address: 119 11th Street, Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
Enjoy the View at These Gravity-Defying Cliffside Hotels
Whether you prefer the allure of the Caribbean or scenery in Europe, the pinch-me views at these top-rated cliffside hotels around the world are sure to impress. Not only do the gorgeous retreats provide stunning cliffside scenery, but they also boast gourmet restaurants, posh spas and other 5-star facilities perfect for a memorable vacation getaway.
Which one of the cliffside hotels is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
