We're all staying put for a little while but that doesn't mean that our wanderlust needs to be put on hold.
While museums around the globe are offering virtual tours of their best exhibits, the Metropolitan Opera is sharing performances from the archive, and Broadway shows are available to stream for free, hotels are taking their offering beyond their hotel walls to help inspire and entertain travelers who are stuck indoors. Two words: live webcams.
From California's coast to Lake Como's glistening lakes, and Ireland's castle-dotted countryside, wanderlust-worthy hotels all over the globe are offering stunning vistas and panoramic views in real-time so globetrotters can get a little digital 'staycation' until they can globe-trot again. Here are six hotel live streams to tune into and get a little much-need escape.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ever daydreamed of staying in a fairytale Irish castle? American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property Ashford Castle is one of the finest five-star hotels in Ireland. Considering the 13th-century castle's remote location on the west coast of Ireland, you know you're in for a visual treat. The hotel's webcam is perfectly placed to look out past the famous fountain and islands of Lough Corrib.
Tune into Ashford Castle's webcam view here.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy
What could be more delightful and romantic than Lake Como's uber-luxurious Grand Hotel Tremezzo, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property? As well as its frequent Hollywood visitors, Lake Como's Art Nouveau palace is known for its three glittering pools and unparalleled views of Bellagio across the lake. Pour yourself a bellini and pretend you're living la dolce vita at this five-star retreat.
Check out Grand Hotel Tremezzo's live webcam here.
Nizuc Resort and Spa, Mexico
Once a base station for Mayan astronomers, today American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, Nizuc Resort & Spa offers a secluded beachfront escape set within a paradise of protected mangroves and lush local foliage facing the white sands of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second largest coral reef in the world. Just as you'd unwind on the beach, you can also unwind by mixing a Bebby Mojito from the hotel's signature cocktails and gazing away into dreamy Caribbean Ocean views, virtually.
See Nizuc Resort & Spa's live webcam here.
Related: Foraging for Dessert Ingredients in Ireland
Malibu Beach Inn: Malibu, California
Malibu Beach Inn is a Californian seaside dream. The boutique stay is set right on the Pacific Ocean on a private stretch of sand known as Carbon Beach, or "Billionaire's Beach". Take in the hotel panoramic ocean views virtually from the webcam and you may even spot a whale or two swimming by at any time.
Check out Malibu Beach Inn's live beach cam here.
Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa, St. Barths
Is there anything more soothing to the soul than listening to the swoosh of the sea hitting the shore? St. Barth's Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa are doing things a little differently by keeping their live stream audio-only. They've captured the serene natural sounds of the ocean from their Nature Preserve and put it on loop. It's the perfect soundtrack to your daily meditation or yoga practice, til we can go out there and travel to the real thing.
Listen to the sounds of Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa here.
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The Inbal Jerusalem, Israel
Located ideally on top of a hill overlooking Jerusalem's Old City and Liberty Bell Park, Inbal Jerusalem Hotel offers unmatched 360 views of the city going for miles. Take in the glorious views while making a mental note to book the penthouse suite with the private terraces and make a reservation at the notoriously delicious breakfast buffet in the sun-soaked courtyard.
