World’s most beautiful lakes showcase water's allure
(Photo: Richard Bowden/Shutterstock)
Lakes showcase some of water’s most alluring qualities, from mesmerizing ripples and mirror-like reflections to crystalline clarity. The world has millions of them, from tiny grass-lined ponds to massive freshwater expanses easily mistaken for oceans, but some lacs, lagos and lochs simply stand out more than others. A few of these irresistible bodies of water owe their charisma to climate, others to geologic luck of the draw, and some are even made by the humans who admire them. These 20 beautiful lakes—some of which may surprise you—differ in the details, but all are uniquely beautiful and well worth a visit.
(Photo: Rene Hartmann/Shutterstock)
Lake Como
A place where you can stroll amid palm trees and blooming rhododendrons while admiring snow-capped mountains has got to be magical, right? Blessed with a superb microclimate, Lake Como in Northern Italy is the kind of place that leaves you searching for fancy words to capture its exquisiteness—but a simple “bellisima” (beautiful) is a start. Get on the water by hiring a vintage Riva speedboat to take you on a tour of the lake’s villas and villages.
Where to Stay: For both sublime views and inspired meals, book a room at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio.
(Photo: Wolfgang Staudt)
Lake Powell
Sometimes man’s handiwork rivals nature, as is the case with Lake Powell, the striking free-form lake created in 1963 by damming the Glen Canyon and creating the U.S.’s second-largest man-made lake. Lined with beaches and popular with houseboat owners and sport fishermen, it photographs like a dream—a sublime mélange of swirling red-rock canyons and vivid sapphire-hued water. To enjoy the area take a boat tour to impressive Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Where to Stay: Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, located on the shoreline and featuring Southwest-style décor.
(Photo: Pierre Leclerc/Shutterstock)
Maligne Lake
There’s some mighty stiff competition in the Canadian Rockies when it comes to glacier-fed beauty—Lake Louise, Morraine Lake, and Peyto Lake each could easily have taken the crown—but what makes Maligne Lake (located in Jasper National Park and pronounced “maleen”) so stunning is the surrounding landscape: perfect foreground pines, majestically jagged background mountains, and cornflower blue Alberta skies. For postcard-perfect views, be sure to kayak to Spirit Island.
Where to Stay: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, which is located on its very own pristine lake.
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