UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The 9 Must-See Spots

We're starting local -- for us, at least. A beacon of hope for travelers to New York City since it was dedicated in 1886, the Statue of the Liberty is one of the most-recognized and beloved National Monuments in the United States. Visitors can walk to the top for sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline from the statue's crown, and many visit Ellis Island at the same time to round out their historical and cultural trip.


Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton New York Battery Park


As expected of the luxury brand, this Ritz property boasts gorgeous rooms, top-notch service, and a long list of amenities. Some rooms feature views of the Statue of Liberty.

It may have celebrated its 400th birthday last year, but Amsterdam's gorgeous Canal Ring has only been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. Creating a semi-circle around Old Center, the Canal Ring is a series of man-made waterways lined by beautiful historic mansions. Though it has expanded over the years, the Canal Ring was first made in the 17th century in order to provide a means of movement for shipping within the city center.


Where to Stay: Hotel Pulitzer, a Luxury Collection


The Hotel Pulitzer is a charming luxury property in the Canal Loop of Amsterdam. The hotel is made up of a block of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses and is full of historic details.

Covering a massive expanse of land in the northwest region of Costa Rica, the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste has been a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site for 15 years. With both land and sea, it is home to beautiful rainforests and beaches where a plethora of protected wildlife -- like jaguars, hummingbirds, bats, and sea turtles, just to name a few -- live.


Where to Stay: Reserva Conchal


Located in Guanacaste, Reserva Conchal is comprised of four individual condo villages, each with several buildings clustered around a communal pool.

One of the "youngest" cultural sites to make the UNESCO list, the White City is a collection of over 4,000 buildings (painted white, hence the area's name) built in the Bauhaus style in the 1930s by German Jewish architects who came to Tel Aviv to escape the rise of Nazis. Not only is it the largest collection of Bauhaus buildings in a single city in the world, but it is considered an outstanding example of 20th-century city planning.


Where to Stay: Alma Hotel & Lounge


With just 15 rooms, the Alma is one of Tel Aviv's best and most intimate boutique hotels,conveniently located in the White City. Rooms come with an abundance of thoughtful extras, including welcome treats, espresso machines, and loaner iPads (upon request).

One of the most naturally stunning sites in the Caribbean, the Pitons are two volcanic mountains that rise out of the sea. The juxtaposition of their lush green color against the crystal-clear blue of the Caribbean Sea makes for breathtaking photo ops, and the pair -- nicknamed the Grand Piton and the Petit Piton -- have been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.


Where to Stay: The Still Beach House


This budget-friendly five-room inn along Soufriere Bay has no gym, no spa, and no pool -- in fact, the only extras are direct access to a public beach and a breezy restaurant and bar. And rooms would be average, if it weren't for the incredible views they boast of Petit Piton, which appears at arm’s length from every room's private balcony.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the Notre Dame is one of the most beautiful, and best preserved, examples of Gothic architecture in the world. Nowadays a museum -- but still a place for regular worship -- entry to the cathedral is free and is a must-do when in Paris.


Where to Stay: Hotel Le Notre Dame


Within steps of the Notre Dame Cathedral, this hotel is also notable for its chic rooms, designed by Christian LaCroix.

One of a dozen natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S., Yosemite National Park is arguably the most important to visit. Encompassing over 700,000 acres across east central California and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it draws millions of visitors each year to its majestic cliffs, waterfalls, and canyons. From hiking and biking to climbing and skiing, tourists can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities in America’s third-oldest national park.


Where to Stay: The Ahwahnee


Nestled deep amongst the pine trees, cliffs, and canyons of Yosemite Valley is the 123-room Ahwahnee Hotel. The impressive stone and wood structure, built in 1927, is considered a National Historic Landmark.

Belize is considered one of the best spots for diving in the world, in large parts thanks to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. Indigenous wildlife like turtles, manatees, crocodiles, and hundreds of species of fish and coral call it's waters home. The site also includes sand cays, mangrove forests, lagoons, and estuaries.


Where to Stay: Chabil Mar


Chabil Mar, right on the beach on Placencia Peninsula, has 22 spacious villas equipped with family-friendly amenities: open kitchens, washers/dryers, closet space, and one to two bedrooms.

Inaugurated in 1973 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic structures in the country-continent. Not only does it boast breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbor, but its awe-inspiring design makes for top-notch acoustics for the many performances that take place in the space annually.


Where to Stay: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney


These chic one- and two-bedroom apartment-style units look out over peaceful green gardens or the busy but beautiful harbor, and have floor-to-ceiling windows; modern, minimalist decor; big kitchens; dining areas; and cozy living rooms.


To learn more about Jane Reynolds, visit her on Google+


RELATED LINKS:

• Eco-friendly hotels around the world
• Read more on historical and cultural travel