The 5 Most Inspiring Destinations in the World That You Need to Visit in 2016

The benefits of travelling are extensive -- and often surprising. Travelling has been accredited with the ability to heal, educate, and expand our horizons. The feeling of inspiration many of us get after travelling is undoubtedly one of the best consequences of a trip away. Plus, after taking on baggage reclaim, navigating a foreign country, and ordering food in another language, Monday morning at the office often doesn't phase us in the same way as before!

The most inspiring destinations encourage us to be the best person we can be to follow our passions, and prioritise what’s important. Exotic countries, rural retreats, and sunny cities have led to a whole host of authors, musicians, and artists creating incredible work; they've inspired average Joes to quit their jobs and take up that hobby; and they've been the locales where travellers have discovered what’s most important to them. So today, we have compiled a list of the five most inspiring destinations in the world, considering criteria like scenery, culture, and notables who have found inspiration in these locales.

What will you be inspired to do in the world's five most inspiring destinations?

1. Santorini, Greece

Jacques Cousteau — documentarian, explorer, and writer — was said to have had a love affair with Santorini. Indeed Cousteau even looked for the lost city of Atlantis in Santorini. It’s not difficult to see why Cousteau was so besotted with this crescent-shaped oasis, made up of a group of islands at the southernmost point of the Cyclades. Its geographical significance is no less impressive than its stunning beauty; the island is still an active volcano, with its crater found in the sea. Thus the houses of Fra and Oia are nestled on the Cliffside above the underwater crater.

Art Maisons Luxury Santorini Hotels Aspaki & Oia Castle (the name is about as long as the list of reasons to stay here!), is a great hotel pick here. The property is situated on the northern caldera cliffs, where guests can take in some of the best sunset views in Santorini. If nothing else you’ll certainly get some home décor inspiration: Aspaki Suites all feature contemporary Cycladic design, with the exposed volcanic rock and tiled bathrooms injecting some much needed colour into the whitewashed walls. Private balconies allow guests an exclusive vantage point over the Aegean Sea.

2. Cambodia

Angkor Wat, the temple built by King Suryavarman II in the
12th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hailed as one of the
most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia, Angkor Archaeological
Park is home to inspiring monuments and temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, and Preah
Khan. With religion and arts playing such a huge role in Cambodia’s history,
there are plenty of sculptures, architecture, and spots of extreme natural
beauty to inspire any traveller.

The Shinta Mani Resort, located in Siem Reap (not far from Angkor Wat), is the brainchild of renowned architect Bill Bensley.
The hotel is located on a tranquil street, a mere 10-minute walk from the Old
Market; facilities include a large garden swimming pool and the Bai Tong
Restaurant and Royal Lounge.

3. Giza, Egypt

Giza is Egypt’s third largest city, located on the west
bank of the Nile. Famed for the Giza Plateau, the site of many sacred structures,
the Great Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid of Giza, it is a great place to become
inspired and awed by these monumental homages to history. Le Meridien Pyramids
Hotel & Spa could not be positioned in a better place to explore the
surrounding area. Located in El Remaya Square, the hotel is within walking
distance of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. In addition, the hotel is
surrounded by restaurants and markets, all accessible on foot. The hotel itself
is a 641-room modern affair with two outdoor pools, a fully equipped fitness
centre, a spa, and views of the pyramids from selected suites.

4. Azores, Portugal

The Azores are composed of nine volcanic islands located in
the North Atlantic Ocean. With all the islands having volcanic origins, the
landscape is full of mountains, stunning beaches, and impressive wildlife. This
idyllic setting is a nature lover’s dream, with dolphins and whales in the sea,
meadows, green lakes, and plenty of mountains to climb. Hotel Aldeia da Fonte is perfectly in-keeping with its
beautiful surroundings. The hotel’s pool is shrouded by tall trees and dark
stone, whilst the entrance to the hotel itself is decorated with a stone mosaic.
As well as a sauna and sea lounge, the hotel has a basic gym, restaurant, and
bar.

5. Ocho Rios, Jamaica

With its golden beaches, laid-back vibe, and wonderful cuisine,
Jamaica has definitely earned its spot on this list. GoldenEye Hotel &
Resort is without a doubt the best place to stay for those looking to draw
inspiration from the island. Once the home of Ian Fleming, GoldenEye is now a
21-room resort boasting stunning cottages and villas overlooking a private
beach and lagoon. If the surroundings weren’t inspirational enough, perhaps the
knowledge that you’ll be staying in the birthplace of Bond — Fleming wrote
all of his 14 James Bond novels here — is the extra inspiration you need!

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