Fiery red lava, flowing magma and firework eruptions have shaped our world. Volcanic activity dating back millions of years, or just a few days, has created new islands and, more recently, tourist attractions. Some of the world’s most famous destinations and hotels have extinct and active volcanoes nearby; here are our favorites.
Andronis Boutique Hotel
5 Stars | Website | Santorini International Airport
23 | 1 swimming pool; Room service; Bar | 1
Katharos Beach; Baxedes Beach; Skaros
Cascading down the side of a volcanic cliff, this 23-room boutique hotel has unobstructed views of Santorini’s magnificent crescent-shaped caldera. Located in Santorini’s always-busy, Instagram-famous Oia village, its whitewashed rooms and private pools are a luxurious reprieve from the maddening crowds. Situated on the most picture-perfect stretch of Santorini, with active volcano vistas, it’s a pinch-yourself stay.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (Grindavík, Iceland)
5 Stars | Website | Reykjavík Keflavík Airport
62 | Outdoor furniture; Free WiFi; Spa | 3
Blue Lagoon; Þorbjörn Mountain; Kleifarvatn lake
Iceland’s volcanic eruptions have been making headlines for over a decade. Most recently, the Fagradalsfjall eruption started spewing lava again on August 3. Located twenty minutes from the latest explosion, The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is surrounded by hardened lava flows. Its unlimited access to the Retreat Lagoon means you can soak in geothermal water heated in underground lava aquifers and exfoliate with volcanic minerals.
Kauri Cliffs (Matauri Bay, New Zealand)
5 Stars | Website | Bay of Islands Airport
24 | 1 swimming pool; 3 private beaches; Spa | 1
Matauri Bay Beach; The Bay Of Islands; Kerikeri Tennis Club
Dozens of active and inactive volcanoes dot New Zealand’s North and South islands. Four hours north of Auckland, Kauri Cliffs luxury lodge and golf course sit at the edge of volcanic bluffs formed millions of years ago. Comprised of 26 wildly spacious suites, residences and a cottage, it has a coastal feel with spectacular views. Its fern-filled spa includes volcanic treatments incorporating Rotorua thermal mud into a relaxing body wrap.
LOST LINDENBERG (Bali, Indonesia)
5 Stars | Website | Ngurah Rai International Airport
8 | 1 swimming pool; Private beach area; Spa | 1
Balian Beach; Medewi Beach; Rambut Siwi Temple
On the black volcanic sands of Bali’s more deserted beaches is LOST LINDENBERG. This new eight-room boutique hotel includes treehouses with peek-a-boo sea views and oceanfront oases. Jet-black volcanic stones and sand can be seen throughout, especially in communal areas like the courtyard, tables and an upcoming jewelry line for guests to purchase.
The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia)
5 Stars | Website | Tahiti’s Fa’a’ā International Airport
35 | 1 swimming pool; Free WiFi; Spa | 1
Bird Island; Mermaid Bay; Tahiti; Moorea
French Polynesia was formed by volcanic hotspots, magma escaping from the Earth’s crust and hardening on the surface. The lava-formed island of Tetiaroa is home to a crystalline lagoon that doubles as a sunken caldera. It’s also home to one of the world’s glitziest resorts, The Brando. Fly to one of 36 villas on the island’s private plane and indulge in this lavish Polynesian escape frequented by A-listers.
Volcano Village Lodge (The Big Island, Hawaii)
4 Stars | Website | Hilo International Airport
5 | Free WiFi; Outdoor furniture; Jacuzzi | 1
Hawaii Volcano National Park; Kilauea Volcano; Kaimu Beach Park
This rainforest lodge is less than five minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the world’s most active volcano. With just five rooms hidden amongst the ferns and Ohia trees, it’s a perfect family getaway. This B&B includes breakfast and local Kona coffee, hand-delivered to your lodge before you set out for a day of volcano exploration.
Magma Resort Santorini (Santorini, Greece)
4 Stars | Website | Santorini National Airport (JTR)
59 | 1 swimming pool; Spa; Bar | 1
Exo Gialos Beach; Megaro Gyzi; Pori Beach
Volcanoes are an ever-present theme at this sleek new Unbound Collection by Hyatt property. Surrounded by grape vines grown in volcanic soil, the resort’s exterior is a jigsaw of black volcanic rock found on the island. Each of its spacious 59 rooms and suites includes black lava soap and lava stone lampshades. Head underground to the Lava Spa, where treatments are sublime, and the sauna’s lava rocks are hot.
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