Natural Wonders of the World

From surreal geological formations to vast wildernesses shaped over millennia, Earth’s greatest natural wonders have the power to stop us in our tracks and make “must see” feel like an understatement. 

To spark ideas for your next adventure, here are some of the places that remind us of how extraordinary our planet really is — proof that even in our modern age, wonder is everywhere.

Victoria Falls

Straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa, Victoria Falls is a natural wonder that feels almost otherworldly. Its mile-wide cascade plunges into a deep gorge, sending up a perpetual mist that creates bright rainbows by day and, on full-moon nights, the occasional “moonbow.” Whether you’re viewing it from the pathways on either side of the border or daring to swim to the very edge (known as Devil’s Pool), the scale and drama of the falls are unforgettable.

In fact, this wonder is so immense, it’s worth experiencing from more than one perspective. Take a helicopter tour for sweeping views of the entire falls, then settle into a luxury lodge nearby where you can unwind to the sound of the Zambezi River. It’s a chance to pair one of the world’s great spectacles with a real sense of comfort.

The Outback

Vast, remote, and strikingly beautiful, the Australian Outback feels like a world unto itself. Its red desert landscapes stretch for hundreds of miles, punctuated by dramatic formations such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Despite the arid environment, the region teems with life, from kangaroos and emus to rare reptiles and vibrant bird species that have adapted to the rugged conditions. Once night falls, the Outback becomes one of the best stargazing destinations on the planet, with impossibly clear skies revealing the Milky Way in all its glory.

For travellers who want to explore this wild beauty without sacrificing comfort, we recommend climbing aboard The Ghan. This legendary train glides through the heart of the Outback with spacious cabins, fine dining, and curated off-train excursions that bring the landscape to life.

Son Doong Cave

Hidden deep in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong is the world’s largest natural cave…so vast you could walk the length of 86 football pitches, with enough room to park 900 London buses! Its scale alone is incredible, but what truly makes it a wonder worth seeing is what lies within. Enter the cave and discover an underground jungle growing beneath collapsed ceilings that let in sunlight, a flowing river, and multiple lakes for boating or swimming. You’ll also find pools inside Son Doong that are home to bioluminescent creatures, which glow softly in the darkness of their subterranean realm.

The cave’s self-sustaining ecosystem of plants, insects, and blind fish creates an atmosphere that feels almost prehistoric. One of the most dramatic features — a wonder within the wonder — is the towering “Great Wall of Vietnam.” This massive calcite barrier offers an alternative exit route for seasoned adventurers. Exploring Son Doong is like discovering a lost world: raw, untouched, and unlike anything else on Earth.

The Fjords of New Zealand

Shaped over millions of years by powerful glaciers, New Zealand’s fjords are a breathtaking fusion of sheer cliffs, deep waterways, and dramatic peaks that seem to rise straight from the sea. Mist drifts through lush “vertical forests” clinging to the rock walls, and countless waterfalls spill down into the fjords after even the lightest rain.

Beneath the surface, the scenery is just as extraordinary. A layer of freshwater sits atop the saltwater, allowing deep-sea corals and rare marine species to thrive at surprisingly shallow depths. It’s a place where towering peaks meet an underwater world to form a destination that’s as vibrant below as it is above.

The Northern Lights

The result of solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, the Northern Lights are one of nature’s most mesmerising displays. They illuminate the sky with colourful ribbons that ripple and dance overhead, creating a spectacle that feels both scientific and utterly magical.

The best places to witness this phenomenon are in the far north, as their name suggests. Iceland offers wide-open skies and dramatic volcanic landscapes for viewing, while Canada and Alaska provide vast, remote wilderness where the auroras often shine at their brightest. Wherever you choose to see them, experiencing the Northern Lights in person is an awe-inspiring reminder of our place in the universe.

The Amazon Rainforest

Spanning nine countries, the Amazon is far too vast and diverse for any single visit to capture. It is home to an astonishing ten per cent of all known species on Earth, from colourful birds and elusive jaguars to countless amphibians and plants found nowhere else. The rainforest also plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate, yet so much of it remains unexplored that scientists continue to discover new species — and even potential medicines — every year. This is also a region rich in human history, with many Indigenous communities living deep within the forest…including some groups that remain uncontacted.

Exploring the Amazon offers a chance to see the world as it once was: raw, mysterious, and teeming with life. And while the wilderness is untamed, your experience doesn’t have to be. Hayes & Jarvis can arrange stays in remote jungle lodges that offer remarkable comfort and breathtaking views, allowing you to immerse yourself in this extraordinary ecosystem while enjoying a restful retreat at the end of the day.

Yellowstone

The world’s very first national park, Yellowstone is a living testament to the power and beauty of nature. Spanning three U.S. states — Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — it is home to the largest concentration of geysers on Earth, alongside countless hot springs and mud pots. The Grand Prismatic Spring, with its vivid rainbow of colours, is one of the park’s most iconic sights and a must for any visitor.

Yellowstone is also a haven for wildlife. It boasts the world’s largest bison herd and supports a remarkable diversity of animals, from wolves and bears to elk, foxes, and bald eagles. Exploring Yellowstone is a journey through a geothermal wonderland where spectacular vistas and thriving wildlife come together in one unforgettable experience.

Explore the Natural Wonders of the World

From vast deserts to hidden caves, soaring fjords to glowing night skies, the world is filled with natural wonders that remind us just how extraordinary our planet can be. Each of these destinations offers its own kind of magic, whether you’re seeking adventure, serenity, or a deeper connection to the landscapes that shape our home.

And with Hayes & Jarvis, experiencing them is not only possible but effortless. Our experts can craft a tailor-made journey to any of these wonders — or to any of our 70 destinations worldwide — ensuring every detail feels seamless, inspiring, and entirely your own. Wherever your sense of wonder leads next, we’ll help you get there.

How Hayes & Jarvis is Different

By: The Hayes & Jarvis Team 5 min

Find out what fully bespoke itineraries, expert planning, and continuous support can mean for your luxury travel experience.

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