Terrace overlooking the Spanish Steps, in Rome.
We book hotels, restaurants, boats and experiences. We always look for the latest, what moves us inside, whether here or outside our borders. And another thing is the terraces and roofs, we love to hang out, watch the sunset or enjoy a dinner with the sky as a roof. Now how many times have you been through under a private terrace looking longingly and imagining who will live there? Needless to say, when the object of our desire is in a place where the views are supposed to be unique.
It is a fact. Approximately 100 million people pay each year for being able to climb to viewpoints and places to enjoy the views and a few million more reserve in terraces, rooftops and restaurants with picturesque views. What if you could enjoy any of them for yourself? This is what Viewnary proposes, a platform that works as an intermediary between the host and the lucky one to have unique and practically secret views, so you can enjoy them how and when you want.
A cafe with a view in Doha, Qatar.
THE ORIGIN OF THE PROJECT
But how was this great idea born? Viewnary is the project of three entrepreneurs: Nicola Kopij Zanin, CEO, Lars Sattanathan, COO, and Stephan Moerman, CTO. “Viewnary started while the three of us were studying in Rotterdam. The city has the largest number of skyscrapers in the country, as well as the tallest tower, so it has an impressive horizon and incredible views”, they explain to Traveler.es and continue: “in addition, whenever we went on a trip we were constantly looking for secret and unexplored sights.”
This traveling character and constant search led them to ask themselves: “From where can we see and enjoy all those views? The options are very limited and sometimes almost non-existent, but we knew that many people have houses with balconies, roof terraces, terraces and even interior spaces that can have a great view”, they comment while reflecting: “all public places, such as bars and restaurants, have the same views, that is, they every time you visit them, you find the same thing over and over again and it seemed sad to us.”
So, just over a year ago, they jumped into the pool, creating a platform where users could enjoy the best views from secret rooftops in locations around the world. “Viewnary is an experience that we want to make accessible and exclusive. Our only mission is share unique points of view with everyone”, they explain.
“We are currently present in 17 cities from all over the world, such as Rome, Miami, Toronto or Barcelona.” In addition, they have in mind expanding to other parts of the planet, from Dubai to New York, passing through London or Madrid.
A rooftop in Rotterdam.
LOCATIONS
A terrace on the Grand Canal in Venice, another with view of Erasmus Bridge and Willemsbrug in Rotterdam, a penthouse to see the marina of The Pearl Qatar in Doha up close... And that's just to start telling you a few. “All a place needs to be part of Viewnary is have a unique view and a place from which to see it. It can be an apartment high up in New York or a charming rooftop in Madrid, all these spaces fit perfectly”, they point out and continue: “the smaller cities are also on our list, since they usually have extraordinary and little explored sights”.
The operation of the platform could not be more intuitive. You go to their website, you select a city and the available properties will appear . You choose the day and time you are going to go and send a reservation proposal. Within 24 hours, the host will respond to you one way or the other. Prices are shown by the hour and Viewnary charges a 10% booking fee. Simpler impossible.
From there, it's about enjoy a private and unique experience, that not only includes enjoying the view, but can be raised to the highest with a dinner, an aperitif, a coffee or a glass of wine. “The hosts decide whether to offer additional services such as a welcome drink, appetizers or delicious tapas included in the price. The idea is that guests and hosts can always chat in advance and make arrangements of any kind”, they specify from Viewnary.
Secret terrace in Venice.
Imagine the plan. A terrace in Barcelona in Gràcia, overlooking the boulevards and the Sagrada Familia, a sunset from a 24th floor in Miami with a glass of prosecco in hand, an appetizer with an Italian cheese and charcuterie board as you admire the steps of the iconic Piazza di Spagna in Rome or memorable views of the Gulf of Naples from a panoramic garden in a private villa. It's for daydreaming, right?
And what if you are you the lucky one who has a view you want to share with the world? You can also become a Viewnary host. “We made the process very simple. Just you have to visit our website where you can find useful information and advice”, nuance From there, you select the option to register your property, provide a description with the services included, photos and that's it.
the exquisite pleasure of the inaccessible, in the palm of your hand.