21st May is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and here at Room Suggestion to celebrate the diverse cultures of the world, we decided to take you around the world one cultural adventure at a time in 10 epic journeys. From Afghanistan to Australia, from Spain to South Africa, we bring you our top ten World Heritage sites.
1.Afghanistan
World Heritage: Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley
The cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley represent the artistic and religious developments that characterised ancient Bakhtria, integrating various cultural influences into the Gandhara school of Buddhist art. The area contains numerous Buddhist monastic ensembles and sanctuaries, as well as fortified edifices from the Islamic period.
The site is also testimony to the tragic destruction by the Taliban of the two standing Buddha statues, which shook the world in March 2001. Located on the slopes of Kuh-e Sher Darwaza, southwest of the old city of Kabul, the garden is large and arranged in 15 terraces and from the top terrace, there is a magnificent vista over the garden and its perimeter wall, across the Kabul River towards the snow covered mountains.
Where to stay: The Kabul Serena Hotel
Ideally located in the center of Kabul, the Kabul Serena Hotel stands amid landscaped gardens, which offer an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city. Check yourself into one of the spacious rooms or suites all of which reflect the skill and traditional heritage of the local artisans. The hotel also acts as a showcase for some fine examples of Islamic decorative and contemplative art, so enjoy the modern and traditional aspects of Afghanistan and their world heritage.
2.Australia
World Heritage: Sydney Opera House
A great urban sculpture set in a remarkable waterscape, at the tip of a peninsula projecting into Sydney Harbour, the building has had an enduring influence on architecture. The Sydney Opera House comprises three groups of interlocking vaulted ‘shells’ which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. These shell-structures are set upon a vast platform and are surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses.
Where to stay: Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
One of the most famous sights in the world greets you as you awake from the soothing comforts of your luxurious bed. The stunning Opera House glows a pearlescent white against the blue of the sky and the sea, while the Harbour Bridge stands majestically for all to see.
What more could you ask for than a World Heritage Site at your doorstep and as your perfect view? Check yourself into the Shangri-La Hotel and enjoy all things old and new.
3.Bahrain
World Heritage: Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy
The site consists of seventeen buildings in Muharraq City, three offshore oyster beds, part of the seashore and the Qal’at Bu Mahir fortress on the southern tip of Muharraq Island, from where boats used to set off for the oyster beds. The listed buildings include residences of wealthy merchants, shops, storehouses and a mosque. The site is the last remaining complete example of the cultural tradition of pearling and the wealth it generated at a time when the trade dominated the Gulf economy (2nd century to the 1930s, when Japan developed cultured pearls
Where to stay: The Gulf Hotel Bahrain
Relax, escape and unwind at the original 5-star hotel of Bahrain. Dive into an abyss of classic and modern – offering the most prestigious tailored experiences for their guests, The Gulf Hotel will have you feeling like a King or Queen. Looking for the ultimate kind of luxury then check into their platinum executive floor reserved for the VIPs and offering only the best kind of VIP treatment.
4.Botswana
World Heritage: Tsodilo
With one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world, Tsodilo has been called the ''Louvre of the Desert''. Over 4,500 paintings are preserved in an area of the Kalahari Desert. The archaeological record of the area gives a chronological account of human activities and environmental changes over at least 100,000 years. Local communities in this hostile environment respect Tsodilo as a place of worship frequented by ancestral spirits.
Located in north-west Botswana near the Namibian Border in Okavango Sub-District, the Tsodilo Hills are a small area of massive quartzite rock formations that rise from ancient sand dunes to the east and a dry fossil lake bed to the west in the Kalahari Desert. It now retains a remarkable record, in its archaeology, its rock art, and its continuing traditions, not only of this use but also of the development of human culture and of a symbiotic nature/human relationship over many thousands of years.
Where to stay: Lawdons Lodge Shakawe
Set on the banks of the mighty Okavango river Lawdons Lodge offers you luxury accommodation in 10 spacious chalets offering their own verandas for those peaceful moments you can enjoy overlooking the gardens and enjoying the air.
It is possible to stay overnight among the Tsodilo Hills a well wothwhile experience as the quiet atmosphere is very mystical also the lack of lights anywhere nearby brings the stars and night sky so close it feels like you can reach out and grab a star, not difficult to imagine why the Bushman of old regarded the place as sacred.
5.Chile
World Heritage: The Seaport of Valparaíso
Located on central Chile’s Pacific coast, the Historic Quarter of the Seaport City of Valparaíso represents an extraordinary example of industrial-age heritage associated with the international sea trade of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The city is characterised by a vernacular urban fabric adapted to the hillsides that are dotted with a great variety of church spires.The city has well preserved its interesting early industrial infrastructures, such as the numerous ‘elevators’ on the steep hillsides.
Where to stay: Casa Higueras
Check into the posh 1930s mansion turned boutique hotel, overlooking the sea in the culturally captivating, quixotic city of Valparaíso. Opt for either one of the traditional rooms or deluxe rooms which all offer comfortable, bright and spacious living.
6.Cote d’Ivoire
World Heritage: Grand-Bassam
The first capital of Côte d’Ivoire, the Historic Town of Grand-Bassam, is an example of a late 19th- and early 20th-century colonial town planned with quarters specializing in commerce, administration, housing for Europeans and for Africans. As a vibrant centre of the territory of French trading posts in the Gulf of Guinea, which preceded modern Côte d’Ivoire, it attracted populations from all parts of Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean Levant; its beauty and attraction is simply undeniable, so why not check it out for yourself?
Where to stay: The Hotel Tereso Club Swimwear Grand Bassam
Between the sky and the sea with its beautiful sandy beaches, the Hotel Tereso on the coast is perfect resort to check into. It seamlessly combines traditional and modern architecture, and plays on the modern lifestyle and avant garde, what more culd you ask for in a city that’s so rich in culture and tradition?
7.Egypt
World Heritage: Memphis and its Necropolis - The Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas (an ancient Egyptian tomb with a rectangular base, sloping sides, and a flat roof), temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Where to stay: The Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo
The Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo, located in the tranquil, upmarket suburb of Heliopolis, is a luxurious haven for those wishing to explore the fascinating historic and cultural sights of Cairo.
With its resort atmosphere and European flair, the Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo is a relaxing and enjoyable destination with lots to offer from an impressive array of sports, to international restaurants and entertainment in a five-acre as well the many beautiful historic spots of Egypt.
8.Honduras
World Heritage: Maya site of Copan
Submerge yourself into the ruins of Copán, one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
The Mayan city of Copán as it exists today is composed of a main complex of ruins with several secondary complexes encircling it. Among the five plazas are the Ceremonial Plaza, with an impressive stadium opening onto a mound with numerous richly sculptured monoliths and altars; the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza, with a monumental stairway at its eastern end that is one of the outstanding structures of Mayan culture. This is the perfect place for your creative and imaginative side to run wild.
Where to stay: Hacienda San Lucas
Hacienda San Lucas is a 100-year old property that was converted into an eco-lodge in 2000. Owned for many years by the Cueva family, the hacienda is situated on 300 acres of pristine tropical forest in Western Honduras, and overlooks the renowned Maya Ruins of Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hacienda was lovingly restored by hand to its original design using only local materials, techniques and labor. Check into one of their spacious rooms while enjoying your surrounding area – expect the best and most unique cultural experience Copan has to offer.
9.Japan
World Heritage: Shrines and Temples of Nikko
The shrines and temples of Nikko, together with their natural surroundings, have for centuries been a sacred site known for its religious architecture, glorious nature and decorative masterpieces. Make sure not to miss the two-story "Yomei-mon Gate", decorated with brilliant colors and over 500 sculptures, is particularly famous. It is also called "Higurashi-mon (sunset gate)", because people spend all day long gazing at its beauty.
Where to stay: The Ritz Carlton
Savor the mystique of Tokyo with stunning views form The Ritz Carlton’s luxury rooms and suites and unparalleled personal experiences. For the best the Ritz can offer check into one of the beautifully decorated spacious suites for mind blowing views of the city and more.
10.South Africa
World Heritage: Robben Island
Robben Island is known for being home to the maximum security prison that held political prisoners, witness the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism. The symbolic value of the island lies in its sombre history for the whole of South Africa, but it’s now a National and International historic place with memories of the past which led to the present and future.
Where to stay: Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Spa
Making your way over to South Africa then check yourself into an exclusive rooftop villa at the Cape Royale for the best sea and mountain views in the Cape. Perfectly situated for getting you to the maximum amount of tourist hotspots including Robben Island.
