luxury hotel biography

• Top 20 World’s Luxury Hot...

Top 20 World’s Luxury Hotel Brands

Last updated on Jun 27, 2022

A first-class, renowned hotel can make all the difference between a good trip and a great one. If you agree with this statement and are looking for an extravagant experience only an established hotel brand with a rich and inspiring history can bring, we’re glad you’re here. We found the top 20 world’s luxury hotel brands that know exactly what luxury travelers seek, in the hopes of giving you some ideas about where you can stay next. 

Regardless of whether you already have a destination in mind or you’re just looking for luxury travel inspo, this article can serve as a guide for hunting down the finest hotel brands in the world that’ll give you the fabulous vacation of a lifetime.

One & Only Resorts

Created by Solomon Kerzner, a South African entrepreneur, One & Only Resorts features unparalleled luxury resorts and private homes in some of the most breathtaking locations in the world such as the Maldives, Mauritius, and Mexico.

An irresistible combination of untrodden exotic locations, spacious and elegant villas, and impeccable service, One & Only Resorts is committed to delivering the very best for its guests. Their locations are ever-expanding, so you can expect to see some new destinations on this list, like the mesmerizing Kea Island in Greece.

Another aspect of staying at One & Only Resorts that’s worth mentioning are their world-class restaurants. Featuring celebrity chefs like Nobu Matsuhisa and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, you will have the opportunity to sample premium local cuisine in a superbly romantic ambience.

It’s no wonder that One & Only Resorts are often featured in top 10 lists when it comes to the most luxurious hotel brands in the world.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons, the majestic hotel chain we all know and love, was created back in 1961 in Toronto, Canada by the talented Isadore Sharp. Dedicated to self-improvement and growth, the staff at Four Seasons is on a mission to provide incredible service and an unforgettable experience for its guests that will last them a lifetime. The business grew rapidly; nowadays, there are more than 100 Four Seasons properties spread on five continents, while famous investors like Bill Gates continue to support their mission.

One of the most striking differences between Four Seasons and other hotel brands is that Four Seasons provides a unique adventure for its guests in each location. The experiences offered at the hotel depend on where you’re staying, so for instance, if you’re visiting the Maldives, you can rent your own private yacht and explore the deep turquoise waters and tropical beaches on your own.

Whether it’s a private jet or a UNESCO-protected island, the Four Seasons has it all. Some destinations where you can enjoy the Four Seasons experience include Hawaii, Marrakech, Doha, and Bora Bora. Despite the fact that their properties differ depending on which place you choose to visit, all the suites have a few things in common – blissful vistas, exemplary service, and grand, commodious interiors.

This award-winning, five-star hotel brand is unique in its intent to make luxurious holidaying sustainable without sacrificing on the experience. Founded back in 1995 by the owners of the recognized Soneva brand, Six Senses has since expanded to multiple locations – China, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam are only some of the destinations where you too can enjoy this slice of Heaven.

Six Senses is known for their first-rate spas where you can choose between a long list of treatments, massages, and facials, all of which are designed to help you relax and replenish. Another way to relax is by lounging around their hotel pools – almost all Six Senses Locations come with enormous, private pools that allow you to have fun with your family without even leaving the property. Home to many Michelin-star restaurants, there are countless opportunities to savor local food made of fresh ingredients while staying at one of Six Senses’ hotels.

Masterfully combining nourishing activities like yoga, meditation, and cooking classes, Six Senses offers not only exotic locations and captivating eco-chic suites but also spiritual practices that will make your experience wholesome and unique. If you are the type of person who enjoys acquiring new skills from world-class experts while on a holiday, then you’ll definitely appreciate the wonderful experience this resort has to offer.

What originally started as an esteemed hotel in New York back in 1888 quickly became an exquisite hotel brand that’s spread over 24 countries. Trendy, unconventional, and groovy, W Hotel is a magnet for guests, especially for the younger generation. Gorgeous rooftop pools, lively nightclubs, and champagne check-ins are some of the things you can enjoy while staying at any of the W hotels. The hotels’ style, architecture, and features are succinct with the history of the location they’re in, which is certainly a captivating feature for a luxury hotel brand.

The staff at W Hotels is charmingly detail-oriented, which is uniquely appealing for their visitors. They pay attention to the smallest details, like the names of their hotel suites and rooms. The aptly named Fabulous Room seems to be a guest favorite. W Hotels is a brand that continues to grow, so you can expect even more locations to be added to an already fetching list of destinations.

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental is a recognized hotel brand that we associate with majestic luxury and impeccable service. What some might not know is that the hotel brand emanates from Hong Kong, where the first property was open back in 1963. With more than 50 years of experience, the staff at Mandarin Oriental is dedicated to providing the best service for its customers, which is one of the reasons why this brand is so loved.

There are more than 30 Mandarin Oriental hotels open worldwide. Although the style of the properties varies from one destination to another, the oriental touches, contemporary glamour, and Michelin-starred fine dining are what they all have in common. Their properties are home to some of the best spas in the world, as it is the case with the award-winning Spa and Wellness Centre at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The service is always faultless and the staff is beyond welcoming, further adding to the list of reasons why you should pick Mandarin Oriental on your next vacation.

Celebrities like Beyonce and Venus Williams seem to be particularly keen on Mandarin Oriental hotels, so don’t be surprised if you spot your favorite celebrity while staying at some of their hotels. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can’t go wrong with choosing Mandarin Oriental as your next holiday resort.

Also known as Orient Express up until a couple of years ago, Belmond has rightfully scored a spot on our top 20 world’s luxury hotel brands list. Their story started back in 1976 when Hotel Cipriani was opened in Venice. Over the next few years, they opened new hotels across Italy. With such exponential growth, it’s no surprise that nowadays there are Belmond hotels in 24 countries. Whether you desire a city break that will allow you to explore historic cities or a standard beach holiday where you can swim in clear, turquoise waters, Belmond will cater to your every need.

 Belmond hotels have a very distinct style, with the right mix of trendy contemporary design and traditional opulence. Don’t be surprised if you see your favorite artwork hung on the walls or if you spot a gorgeous antique piece in the lobby.

Apart from standard holidays, Belmond also offers cruises and safaris. These experiences give you the opportunity to try something new and outside your comfort zone, resulting in lifelong memories.

The truth is that sometimes we want a tropical getaway where we can escape the crowds and busy city life. And Aman will help you do just that.

The original name of this secluded paradise has changed since it was created in 1988. It used to be called Amanpuri, which can be translated as a place of peace. Despite this name change, you can expect a peaceful, serene, and secluded holiday; in fact, a favorite feature among Aman guests is the tranquil atmosphere that transpires throughout the hotel. Located in 20 countries, Aman offers a variety of destinations, from Indonesia to Montenegro.

Renowned for their spa and wellness centers, Aman hotels provide tailored spa programs for their guests and host unique wellness challenges like the stress management challenge. It’s these opportunities, along with the general serene ambiance of the hotels, that make them the perfect location for replenishing your energy levels and decreasing stress.

Their aesthetic is a blend of minimalistic designs, rustic opulence, and charming features taken from the local culture, resulting in an unprecedented experience. The experiences offered at Aman are transcendental and transformative, ideal for anyone who is on a path of spiritual self-improvement. Among the most booked Aman experiences is the Amanpuri Villa Experience in Thailand, the Mesas, Movement, and Mindfulness experience in Canyon Point, and A Venetian Experience.

Soneva, a highly praised trendsetter, is regarded as the first luxury hotel in the Maldives. Founded in 1995 in Kunfunadhoo, this five-star hotel brand is dedicated to delivering the holiday from your dreams.

Their vision was to create a “back to nature” style that blends environmentally-friendly luxury with breathtaking destinations, and we can say for a fact that they have succeeded in their mission. Ever since the first hotel was created, its founder Sonu Shivdasani managed to bring this earthy grandeur to new exciting destinations.

If you like the thought of being accommodated in overwater villas overlooking crystal-clear water and flamingo sunsets, then you’ll definitely like what Soneva has to offer. And perhaps the best part of the whole experience is that you’ll get the chance to reconnect to nature while relaxing in one of the most sumptuous hotels in the world.

Ritz-Carlton

The person behind this world-class hotel brand is Cesar Ritz. Before his death in 1918, he opened Carlton and The Savoy in London and Ritz in France, all of which are more than familiar to us. Since then, the brand has grown at a fast pace, offering stunning locations such as Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Aruba, Moscow, and Macau. Upcoming locations include Nikko, Mexico City, Nanjing, and Jiuzhaigou.

With a long list of travel awards and worldwide praises, this supreme hotel brand is known for its hospitable and detail-oriented staff that makes each stay highly personalized. The design and atmosphere of each hotel vary depending on which place you choose to visit, but it’s always in congruence with the history and heritage of the location.

Regardless of what location you choose, you can expect top-notch service and a memorable stay. The suites at Ritz-Carlton come with breathtaking views, especially The Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, seeing as it’s one of the highest hotels in the world. Even though the style of each hotel differs depending on the location, superior décor and extravagant interior can be found on each listing.

The Luxury Collection

The Compagnia Italiana Grandi Alberghi, founded in 1906, became The Luxury Collection brand in 1994. Its list of destinations features some of the most beautiful areas in the world, including Santorini, Bali, and Dubai. With a mission to provide both faultless service for its customers and unforgettable architectural design, it’s no wonder why hotels that are a part of The Luxury Collection are often featured in top 10 lists.

Described as “Epicurean experiences”, The Luxury Collection offers splendid opportunities to expand your travels beyond the traditional sightseeing and beach lounging. From a private wine tasting to discovering indigenous produce and a tailored cooking class led by a local chef, there are many unconventional moments to be found while staying with The Luxury Collection.

Palatial, colorful, and full of sophisticated glitz, the ambiance at The Luxury Collection never fails to captivate guests around the world.

Park Hyatt is managed by the Hyatt Hotel Group – a name that’s become synonymous with luxury and splendid getaways in the world of travel. One of the many noteworthy aspects of Park Hyatt that manages to distinguish it from other luxury hotels is that the style and character of each hotel are completely dependent on the city it’s located at.

For instance, upon arriving at Park Hyatt Murano, you’re served espresso at the waterfront. Likewise, the Park Hyatt located in central Paris contains stunning classic touches and custom artwork that match the romantic and timeless atmosphere of the city of light.

The locations offered from Park Hyatt are varied and thrilling, so regardless of what kind of mood you’re in, you can expect to find a destination that’s a perfect match. Guests’ favorite options seem to be Park Hyatt, New York, and Park Hyatt Bangkok, Thailand, both of which are deemed the crème de la crème among luxury hotels.

Oetker Collection

Oetker Collection is a family-owned business with German origin. Based in Baden-Baden, it’s currently managed by the Oetker family. The business has been around since 1870 and it was first created by August Oetker, whom you might recognize as the founder of the Dr Oetker company.

Each property offered by Oetker Collection is a magnificent gem that reflects European culture and tradition. Apart from deluxe suites, while staying at one of the Oetker Collection hotels you will have access to fine dining, exciting activities that will easily fill out your itineraries, and incredible opportunities to find solace in surrounding nature. Health and wellness is a big part of their mission, so expect to find world-class spas and large fitness centers inside. For even more ostentatious offers, check out their private collection.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

We assume that most of you have either stayed at Hilton Hotels or know someone who has. With more than 500 properties spread across 100 countries, it’s safe to say that it’s one of the most recognized hotel brands in the world. Whether it’s Russia, Australia, or Vietnam – chances are your destination of choice has a Hilton Hotel.

Being in the hotel industry for more than a century, Hilton Hotels staff always prioritizes the wellbeing of their customers and offers outstanding service and a supporting community, which is why this hotel brand has so many loyal customers. Stylish, modern, and innovative, your stay at Hilton Hotels will be nothing short of thrilling. Enjoy a myriad of facilities and services like valet service, babysitting, and mailing service, excellent restaurants with a variety of flavorful dishes to choose from, and superior rooms during your stay.

Fancy a remarkable vacation brimming with luscious flora, fine dining, and self-care indulgences? Then Shangri-La might be the place for you.

This Hong Kong-based company was founded by entrepreneur Robert Kuok back in 1971. In the span of fewer than 50 years, the hotel has expanded to over 100 hotels and resorts, which is a rather impressive accomplishment. The mystical aura surrounding Shangri-La hotels and the tranquil environment sets them apart from other luxury hotel brands, making any of the hotels from this brand a perfect place to do some soul searching.

By choosing Shangri-La, you can book a fabulous stay in some of the most impressive locations in the world. All their hotels have ideal locations within the area, providing their guests with astonishing views of the surrounding natural beauty and architecture. Shangri-La hotels are known for their capacious rooms and suites, so it’s safe to say that they put the comfort of their guests above everything else. As for the style of the hotel brand, it varies depending on the culture and history of the destination. There are always charming touches of the local culture present throughout, resulting in a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

This hotel brand always tries to give back to the community – captivating artwork created by local artists is displayed on the walls of almost every Shangri-La hotel.

Taj Hotels, Resorts, Palaces

You can’t make a list of the world’s top 20 luxury hotel brands without mentioning Taj Hotels. Created more than a century ago, Taj Hotels have taken the world by a storm. Apart from India, they operate in numerous countries including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Malaysia. Expect to see some new locations added to the list soon, like Goa, Udaipur, and Tirupati.

Taj Hotels are completely different in style, built, and vibe, so you’ll never feel like you’re staying in a hotel that’s part of an enormous chain. And this very characteristic, along with its dedication to luxury and palatial décor, is what makes it so unique. Guests can enjoy various facilities that make you feel at home and indulge in pampering treatments at their renowned spas. One thing is for certain – the experience of vacationing at a Taj Hotel will stay with you forever.

The Peninsula

The Peninsula, known for being Asia’s oldest hotel company, is an award-winning luxury hotel brand with properties in many exciting destinations. The story behind the birth of The Peninsula is an inspiring one – founded in 1880 by brothers Ellis and Elly in Baghdad, it quickly became one of the world’s greatest small luxury brands and China’s first luxury hospitality brand.

The duality of tradition and innovation found in the design and vision of the hotel is intriguing and makes for a memorable stay. The wellbeing of their guests is always a priority for the staff at The Peninsula, so you can expect world-class service whenever you visit. Apart from opulent accommodation options, The Peninsula organizes exhilarating events such as motorsports gatherings and The Quail Rally.

With an intimate yet glamorous ambiance, The Peninsula is a go-to for couples, families, and even solo travelers. Whether you spend a couple of days at their hotels or you choose to take part in an organized event, you won’t find a dull moment around.

Alila Hotels and Resorts, offering properties mostly located in Asia, is a perfect match for adventurous and spiritual souls who strive to fit in as many activities on their vacation as possible. The Alila experience includes stimulating, unordinary activities and plenty of opportunities to work on your skills such night scuba diving, romantic cruises, therapeutic massages, and innovative cooking classes, promising an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones.

With a mission to make luxury resorts as sustainable as possible, Alila’s eco-chic and rustic design is good for the eyes and for the environment. They believe in creating an intimate and secluded atmosphere, making hotels from this brand a great honeymoon option.

Remember The Plaza from Home Alone, the hotel where Kevin booked a grand suite all for himself? Well, it’s only one of 76 properties owned by Fairmont. Standing as a symbol for luxury and affluence for more than a century, Fairmont offers world-class accommodation where you can relax, host an important event, and much more.

The Fairmont hotels are mostly located in the United States and Canada, in large cities that attract millions of tourists throughout the year. If you’re ever planning a city break in some of these cities, we’d highly recommend considering Fairmont.

Standing as distinguishable landmarks on locations that allow you to get the best views, Fairmont hotels are designed by famous architects like Julia Morgan, which is one of the reasons why you can instantly spot them among a group of buildings. Just as impressive on the inside, the décor is akin to that in a royal palace: grand pillars, lavish chandeliers, and famous artworks are some of the furnishings you can expect to find while staying at one of the Fairmont hotels. The traditional, classic décor extends to the rooms and suites, all of which come with standard amenities that can be found in five-star resorts.

With a mission to deliver world-class service, a royal treatment, and an unforgettable stay to its guests, it’s easy to see why Fairmont attracts so many visitors worldwide. In fact, Fairmont has an impressive list of celebrity visitors, including Claude Monet, Queen Elizabeth II, and Noël Coward. Who knows, on your next vacation you might stay in the same room as one of these superstars.

Highly popular among business tycoons, Omni is a luxury hotel brand based in Dallas, Texas, that operates mostly in larger metropolises in North and South America. One of the things that Omni hotels and resorts are known for is their impeccable service – everything surrounding your stay will function as seamlessly as possible, which is exactly what you’ll need for a stress-free holiday.

Facilities such as award-winning spas and fitness centers can be found in most Omni properties, providing some much-needed downtime after a hectic meeting or a long day of exploring. Plenty of exciting events are frequently organized at Omni, like the culinary series titled “Flavors of the World”, which gives guests a chance to sample cuisine from all around the world. Along with culinary events, fine dining is available on the property, with touches of local cuisine and delicious cocktails.

Over and Out!

We truly hope that our guide on the top 20 world’s luxury hotel brands will inspire your next luxury tip. The hotels featured on this list have a long-standing tradition of providing the best service possible for their guests, so you can’t go wrong with whatever option you choose. With that said, which hotel brand is next on your list? 

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• Cesar Ritz The Legacy Of...

César Ritz: The Legacy of the 'King of Hoteliers'

César Ritz coined the phrase ‘the customer is always right’, helping to transform the hospitality industry forevermore. 100 years after his death, César Ritz’s legacy lives on.

Known as ‘king of hoteliers, and hotelier to kings’, César Ritz is a legend in the world of hospitality and his last name is synonymous with luxury in many countries around the world. 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of his death, but this incredibly creative and legendary pioneer of the hospitality industry won’t be easily forgotten. Here is his incredible life story.

Off to a rocky start

César Ritz’s origins are quite distant from the glitz and glitter that characterise the Ritz hotels. The youngest of 13 children, César was born in 1850 in the Swiss village of Niederwald to a family of poor peasants and his success was the result of a long and continuous effort. Despite the humble condition of his family, Ritz’s sharpness didn’t go unnoticed – his mother saw in him a lot of creative potential and insisted that he continue with his education. At the age of 12, Ritz was sent to a French-speaking boarding school in Sion run by Jesuit Fathers, but the young César showed little interest in the subjects that were taught by his professors. At 15, Ritz’s father decided to move him to Brig, to apprentice as a sommelier at a hotel. Unfortunately, César didn’t seem to be much appreciated by his superiors and was dismissed by the patron of the hotel who declared: You’ll never make anything of yourself in the hotel business. It takes a special knack, a special flair, and it’s only right that I tell you the truth – you haven’t got it.

The Paris years

However, his luck was about to change. Ritz left Switzerland to seek his fortune in Paris at the time of the 1867 Universal Exhibition and was employed by several restaurants and hotels, working his way up from waiter to manager. By the time he turned 19, he was known for being an exceptional server, fast on his feet and attentive to his guests. During this time, he also met famous French chef Auguste Escoffier, who became an indispensable mentor and advisor, as well as one of his best friends. Ritz’s life and career were finally on the right track and he was about to make a name for himself in the world of luxury hospitality.

Conquering Europe

Ritz moved a lot in the following years, as he was asked to manage some of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. During the world exhibition in 1873 in Vienna, he rubbed elbows with the most prominent political figures of the time, such as the Prince of Wales; in 1874 he travelled to the stunning Rigi Kulm Hotel on Lake Lucerne , where he amazed guests with his avant-garde and extravagant ideas, like making brass plant pots into radiators when the heating stopped working or saving the Grand National Hotel from bankruptcy by motivating the staff with an innovative performance and reward system.

From manager to owner to saviour

In the 1880s, César Ritz’s life further changed and evolved: he met Marie-Louise Beck, the daughter of a hotelier, who became his loving wife and the mother of his two sons. He also bought two businesses, the Restaurant de la Conversation in Baden-Baden, Germany and the Hôtel de Provence in Cannes, France. Thanks to his experience, intuition and creativity he quickly attracted important guests, such as the German Kaiser and the Italian Prime Minister, and with them came great success and international recognition, to the point that he was called to hotels of the highest calibre, such as The Savoy in London when the structure was undergoing a difficult time and was fearing bankruptcy. Needless to say, Ritz saved it and brought it back to its former glory.

Hotel expert extraordinaire

Between 1890 and 1900, Ritz reached the peak of his success as the number one hotel expert in the world. He was appointed the first president of the Ritz Hotel Development Company in London and designed plans for stunning and avant-garde hotels in Cairo, Madrid and Johannesburg, as well as managing eight hotels with more than 2,000 beds across Europe: not an easy job, but one that Ritz excelled at, nonetheless.

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Back to his first love

Despite all his travels, César Ritz had never forgotten his early years in Paris and always dreamed of owning his own hotel in his favourite city. In 1898, his dream came true: he opened the Hotel Ritz Paris in a former prince’s residence in Place Vendôme. Here, Ritz could finally apply all his ideas. Every detail was carefully planned, his staff worked towards satisfying the desires of every guest and the cuisine was creative and followed the latest trends. Everything was done exactly how Ritz had always dreamed: The hotel Ritz is a small house of which I am very proud to see my name attached to.

His final years

Unfortunately, shortly after crowning his dream, Ritz started to suffer from inexplicable breakdowns and depression, so much so that his wife had to take charge of the business, becoming the first hotel manageress in the world. César moved back to Lucerne and then, to his home village of Niederwald and never travelled again. He died on October 24, 1918, leaving a large void in the world of luxury hospitality. His wife had him buried in the famous Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, next to their unfortunate son, René, who had also died that year. In 1961, when Marie-Louise Ritz died as well, the last surviving member of the family, her and César’s son Charles, had the three of them moved to Niederwald, where Ritz originally came from. To this day, the plain grave of this great man can be visited in the small mountain town.

Gone but not forgotten

The legacy of this pioneering hotelier lives on: his visions and ideas are, to this day, important in the catering and hotel business. It is thanks to Ritz that the guest has become the centre, the pivotal point around which everything in modern hospitality moves.

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Author Interviews

Idea for 'gentleman in moscow' came from many nights in luxury hotels.

Amor Towles likes to write about the past, but says he is not driven by historical research. He prefers instead to play in between what is real and what is imagined. His first novel was called Rules of Civility . Courtesy of Amor Towles hide caption

Amor Towles likes to write about the past, but says he is not driven by historical research. He prefers instead to play in between what is real and what is imagined. His first novel was called Rules of Civility .

During the two decades he spent working for an investment firm, Amor Towles visited a lot of luxury hotels. One night, he was in Geneva at a hotel where he'd stayed many times before — and he noticed some familiar faces in the lobby. Towles realized they were people who actually lived there and thought to himself, "Oh that's kind of an interesting notion for a book."

That was the beginning of A Gentleman in Moscow, the story of a Russian aristocrat who is sentenced by the Bolsheviks during the revolution to a lifetime of house arrest in Moscow's Metropol Hotel. It's Towles' second novel — his first, Rules of Civility , hit the bestseller list in 2011, and he quit his day job to write full time.

For his new book, Towles says he knew from the outset that his main character had to be confined to a hotel against his will — and it had to be Russia keeping him there. "Russia has a history of house arrest over hundreds of years," he says. And a luxury hotel seemed like a "perfect spot" for an individual to be trapped as Moscow changed all around him.

Count Alexander Rostov is in his 30s when he is ordered to live his life at the Metropol. He is moved from his luxury quarters to a dark, tiny room in the attic. It's a long way down for the Count.

A Gentleman in Moscow

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"He's a man of manners, he's a man of culture," Towles explains. "He was used to fine things, and days with plenty of empty hours, and people bringing things to him. ... You get to see him go through the transformation of rediscovering life and maybe even getting closer to life as those benefits are behind him."

At first the count's life revolves around eating and drinking. Then he meets a young girl named Nina who is living at the hotel with her father. And like another fictional little girl who grew up in another famous hotel Nina has explored every nook and cranny of the Metropol.

"When I invented Nina I thought: Oh she'll be kind of like the Eloise of the Metropol ," Towles says. "She is the daughter of a widowed Bolshevik, and sort of has the run of the hotel and treats the hotel as her personal domain. ... She helps him kind of unlock the hotel — that it can be a universe, a much richer place to live than you'd think."

The book tracks the Count's life from the Revolution to the Cold War — 30 years of tumultuous history taking place on the doorstep of the hotel. Towles had to find a way to bring these events to life from the perspective of someone stuck in a hotel.

"Those who work in the hotel, those who visit the hotel, they are experiencing those forces firsthand ... " he says. "And we can glean some of the pressures they are under from how they behave. ... People lose family members in the course of the war, characters are arrested. This is all happening outside the hotel but it's a part of the life."

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Book Reviews

'a gentleman in moscow' is a grand hotel adventure.

Slowly, the count builds a full life within the confines of the hotel. Here's how Towles thinks of it: Imagine a luxurious family banquet table, filled with food. Slowly, the state takes away one luxury after another, until the only thing left on the table is bread and salt.

"There is a will to joy ... " he says. "If I get down to just bread and salt — which is a Russian term for it — the family will still celebrate. ... There will be laughter and love and compassion and problems as well around that table and so the book is kind of an exploration of that."

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Top 10 best luxury hotel brands in the world

Monday  newsletters  always feature  top 10 travel lists  to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotel brands in the world

Over the past two decades, luxurious five-star (and even six and seven star) hotels and resorts have been popping up like mushrooms in all corners of the world. Although this is great news for discerning travelers (and I count myself among them), not all new expensive and glitzy hotels meet the standards of a true refined and memorable experience. In my humble opinion, only a few hotel chains succeed at delivering the consistency of unrivaled excellence that luxury-minded globetrotters expect these days. These brands stand out and leave the competition behind with impeccable service, extraordinary locations (whether a beach, city or remote wilderness spot), world-class wellness facilities, superlative gastronomy, spectacular accommodations, and – last but not least – environmental conscious policies. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotel brands in the world, the ones I happily return to again and again when traveling around the globe.

There is more information (with reviews and YouTube videos) below the slide show. Do you agree or do you have a favorite hotel brand that didn’t make my list? Leave a comment .

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10. PARK HYATT

Park Hyatt is the most luxurious brand of the USA based Hyatt Hotel Group, which now manages more than 10 distinctive brands in its portfolio, each designed to deliver experiences attuned to the lifestyles, attitudes, values, and aspirations of the guests for whom it is designed. Located in major gateway cities and prime leisure travel destinations worldwide, Park Hyatt Hotels are a symbol of luxury, offering impeccable service, world-class spas and state-of-the-art guest rooms, all perfectly tailored to those who expect nothing but the best. Each Park Hyatt property is designed to reflect the unique character of its locale – the chic of Paris, the exotic allure of the Maldives or the all-American style of Chicago. Park Hyatt hotels are especially known for their acclaimed art programs, sleek and minimalist interior design, and exceptional dining venues under the direction of celebrated chefs.

• Official website :  Park Hyatt
• This hotel features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury hotels in New York City  and the  most stunning indoor hotel pools in the world .
• Read my review of this property here .
• This hotel features in my lists of the 10 best hotels in Bangkok , the  best new hotels of 2017 , and  my favorite Hyatt hotels in the world .

9. ST REGIS

St Regis is one of two luxury hotel brands managed by the Marriott Hotel Group (the other one being The Ritz-Carlton). Born of a distinctive legacy and crafted for discerning travelers who desire the finest experiences, the brand established luxury hospitality with the launch of The St Regis New York  property in 1904. From the moment John Jacob Astor IV opened the doors of his Beaux-Arts masterpiece on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, the St. Regis brand has always been associated with uncompromising elegance and bespoke service. Butler service has been a signature feature of the St. Regis experience for more than a century, and St Regis remains the only luxury hospitality brand in the world to offer this personalized service at every one of their hotels. Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, more than 30 St. Regis hotels around the world are committed to delivering exceptional experiences.

• Official website :  St Regis
• This hotel features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury resorts in New York .
• This resort features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives .

8. MANDARIN ORIENTAL

Over the past 50 years, Mandarin Oriental has grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand. The group has a rich and proud history which began with the opening of the brand’s flagship property, The Mandarin, in 1963 in Hong Kong. The hotel, which was the tallest building on the island when it opened, soon built up an enviable reputation for service excellence, and instantly became a historic landmark – a status it still holds today. In 1974, The Oriental in Bangkok, which was already acknowledged as one of the world’s most legendary hotels was partially acquired by the group, making the company unique in the way that it has two flagship hotels whose names represented the very best in hospitality. Today, the group is firmly established as a truly global luxury player and operates more than 30 hotels worldwide, with each property featuring a distinctive oriental design (reflecting its heritage) and a unique sense of place.

• Official website :  Mandarin Oriental
• The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Thailand
• Read my review of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok here .
• This resort features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Turkey , the  world’s best family hotels , the most astonishing beach retreats in Europe , and  my most memorable travel experiences of 2015 .

7. SIX SENSES

Founded in 1995 by the owners of the Soneva brand (cf below) and now managed by InterContinental,  Six Senses is an award-winning and very unique hotel group, that offers exceptional guest experiences in remote and exquisite locations, whether a virgin territory or adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The luxury hotel brand is synonymous with a unique eco-chic design – authentic, personal and sustainable – and all properties are in harmony with their natural or cultural surroundings. Six Senses resorts always adapt seamlessly to host cultures in an environment that evokes wellbeing, supported by outstanding anticipative service and attention to detail. Six Senses experiences are always delivered by a wealth of experts from diverse backgrounds, from visiting spa practitioners and celebrity chefs, to star gazers, marine biologists and even their own paragliding professionals. A key element of all Six Senses properties, the Six Senses Spa concept is a layered approach to wellness that unites a pioneering spirit with treatments that go beyond the ordinary.

• Official website :  Six Senses
• This resort also features in my top 10 lists of Phuket’s best ultra luxury resorts and the   best luxury hotels in Thailand .
• Read my review of Six Senses Yao Noi  here .
• This resort also features in my top 10 lists of the  best hotels in the world , the  best luxury hotels in Oman , the  best hotel spas in the world , the  world’s most amazing beach hotels , the  world’s most over-the-top hotel experiences , and the  world’s most amazing restaurants with a view .

Belmond – known as Orient Express until its rebranding in 2014 – is a hotel and leisure company that manages an ultraluxe collection of 49 iconic hotels, trains and river cruises in 24 countries, bringing together some of the world’s most sensational journeys and destinations. With Belmond, you can stay in timeless hotels in Venice, Rio and St. Petersburg, embrace the spirit of adventure at Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat, glide along the rails through the Swiss Alps, soar across the Andes, or explore the mystifying rivers of Myanmar. It all began in 1976, when the company received the keys to the legendary Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice. A year later, they began collecting the carriages for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which launched in 1982 to whisk intrepid travelers to La Serenissima in style. Since then, Belmond has grown to a carefully curated collection of travel adventures, each with a rich story to tell.

• Official website : Belmond
• This hotel also features in my top 10 list of the  best luxury hotels in Venice .
• Read my  review of this property here .
• This hotel also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most spectacular hotel pools  and the  world’s most spectacular cliffside hotels .

5. ROSEWOOD

The Rosewood story began in 1979 when a historic mansion in Dallas, Texas, was transformed into an acclaimed, world-class restaurant and hotel – The Mansion on Turtle Creek – whose success was the blueprint for all subsequent Rosewood hotels and resorts. Today, Rosewood manages a distinctive collection of highly individual, luxurious, residential-style hotels across the globe, including world-famous properties such as The Carlyle in New York and Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. Led by a team of seasoned industry veterans Rosewood’s acclaimed attention to detail, proactive approach to environmental sustainability and dedication to relationship hospitality has earned the group numerous awards and accolades. Each property delivers a one-of-a-kind ambience and style, in which location, culture, history and geography are part of the fabric of the hotel, reflecting the company’s “Sense of Place” philosophy.

• Official website :  Rosewood
• Flagship hotel :  Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , Dallas, USA
• This hotel features in my top 10 list of the  best luxury hotels in Paris .

4. ONE&ONLY RESORTS

The One&Only luxury hotel brand was created in 2002 exclusively for the luxury resort market by Solomon Kerzner – a South African accountant and business magnate – and now features some of the highest-rated resorts in the most idyllic spots in the world, such as the Maldives, Mexico, and Cape Town. The award-winning collection continues to evolve with the launch of One&Only Nature Resorts, such as One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in Rwanda, building on the success of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in Australia. Each resort in the One&Only collection not only offers unique design and ambiance which embraces the local surroundings, but also an unparalleled commitment to the finest experience on every possible level. Luxurious accommodation is complemented by impeccable service, exclusive wellness sanctuaries, lively entertainment and a host of activities, as well as exquisite culinary adventures from some of the world’s most accomplished chefs.

• Official website :  One&Only Resorts
• This resort features in my top 10 lists of the  best resorts in the Maldives , the  world’s best hotel beaches , the  world’s best hotel spas , and  luxury hotels loved by celebrities .
• This hotel features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury resorts in Mauritius  and the  best honeymoon hotels in the world .

3. FOUR SEASONS

Four Seasons is probably the best known luxury hotel brand in the world, with more than 100 properties in five continents and dozens of hotel projects in development. The Canadian-based company has, for nearly 50 years, transformed the hospitality industry in a tale of continual innovation, remarkable expansion and a single-minded dedication to the highest of standards. Four Seasons was founded in 1960 by the young architect Isadore Sharp, but the real breakthrough of the brand came in the seventies with the opening of the Four Seasons London, which set the tone for the future direction of the company and pioneered many of the signature Four Seasons services now delivered worldwide. Although the company went public in 1986, the Sharp family – along with a group of like-minded investors such as Bill Gates and Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal – took the company private again in 2007 to protect the integrity of the brand well into the future.

• Official website :  Four Seasons
• Flagship hotel :  Four Seasons Toronto , Canada
• This resort also features in my top 10 lists of  my favorite Four Season Hotels & Resorts in the world , the  world’s best resorts with private plunge pools , the  world’s best family hotels , the  best resorts in the Seychelles , and  my favorite luxury hotels in the world .

Meticulously designed to frame their natural settings, Aman hotels are renowned for breathtaking locations, locally inspired architecture, and ultimate privacy. Each welcomes guests as if to the home of a close friend, instilling a sense of peace and belonging amid some of the most diverse natural and historical landscapes. It is an approach that has changed little since 1988 when the first retreat was built on Phuket’s west coast. It was named Amanpuri, meaning ‘place of peace’, and the luxury hotel brand Aman was born. Today, embracing 31 ultra-luxe hotels in 20 countries, Aman is known as one the best ultra-luxe hotel brands in the world continues to seek out transformative experiences and awe-inspiring locations around the world. Among Aman’s habitués is a group of passionate repeat customers – self-proclaimed ‘Aman junkies’ (count me in) – who rave about the service and design aesthetic and whose travel plans are determined by Aman locations.

• Official website :  Aman
• This resort also features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury hotels in Thailand  and  Phuket’s best ultra luxury resorts .
• Read my review of Amanpuri here .
• This resort features in my top 10 lists of the  best resort & hotels in the USA , the  world’s best wilderness resorts , the  world’s most beautiful hotel pools , the  world’s most Instagrammable hotels & resorts , the  world’s most luxurious desert retreats , and  my favorite Aman resorts in the world .

In 1995, Sonu Shivdasani, an Indian-British hotelier, launched the now world-famous Soneva Fushi resort on the deserted Maldivian island of Kunfunadhoo, pioneering a trend for back-to-nature luxury holidays. He also built his house there, together with his wife Eva Malmstrom, a Swedish fashion model, who developed the design and furnishing of the unique resort. They had no idea that their intensely personal vision of a locally crafted villa and environmentally responsible lifestyle would form the basis of a successful collection of world-class hotels, resorts and spas. But that’s exactly what happened. In 2009, the Soneva Hotel group built a second, even more spectacular hotel, Soneva Kiri, on the unspoilt Thai island of Koh. And in 2016, Soneva opened the most spectacular hotel in the Maldives, if not the world, Soneva Jani. Founded on shared passions and masters of innovation, Soneva is a thriving community working hand in hand with the environment to craft beautiful, beyond bespoke experiences where discovery is a way of life.

Contact me  to get a  complimentary VIP benefits  at any Soneva resort.

• Official website :   Soneva
• This resort features in my top 10 lists of the  most astonishing beach retreats in Asia , the  best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling , the world’s best luxury hotels for a family holiday , and the  best luxury resorts in the Maldives .
• Read my review of Soneva Fushi here .
• This resort features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury resorts in the Maldives , the  most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives , the  most astonishing beach retreats in Asia , and  my favorite hotels in the world .
• Read my review of Soneva Jani here .

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36 Comments

Great site and informative piece, love St Regis and One and Only

I have a little predilection to the Park Hyatt especially the one in Tokyo where I spend a few nights in november !

just keep the service and quality to be good, well done.

Aman no longer number 1.

One glaring omission – the Oetker Collection, undoubtedly in the top 5.

I think Aman was sold and did not have a great luxury experience in one of their properties

Great list and hard to do with so many brand names out there. A lot is subjective but most I so agree with you. Surprise Peninsula not there but understand can’t fit them all in. I love your point with being environmentally conscious. It is such a must now we start thinking this way. Thanks.

A great list, too bad for Aman though. I recently visited some of Resplendent Ceylon’s hotels here in Sri Lanka and it was pretty impressive. They had won the “ttgluxury Travel Awards”. My Favorite was their resort in Yala, Sri Lanka. The tourism industry is kicking off in Sri Lanka and these guys seem to be at the top of their game. -Thenuka D

I love Four Seasons Hotels. They are always consistent with great accomodations, service and food.

I don’t think Park Hyatt deserves to be in the top 10. The Peninsula and Waldorf Astoria are much better than the “dressed up” Hyatt.

Great Post.

Why is Ritz Carlton not in the list ? In my opinion it belongs to the top 5.

I would love to see a review of the newly renovated Gili Lankanfushi Maldives (formally Soneva Gili)!!

Book me into any of them, please. 🙂

all great luxury hotels – Peninsula, Capella, Shangri La, Waldorf should be also on the list….

Our dear the Great Expert ! Please accept my deep appreciation for Your tangible sign of attention to us ! An amazingly nice and useful list of the best hotels in the world ! Dear Fans & Dear Friends ! I recommend and wish all Fans of this Channel and lovers of a wonderful holiday , besides desire, to have always the opportunity to visit these unique places ! I’m immensely grateful ! Sincerely Yours , Vlado Orlandich.

There is a comment upstairs that Park Hyatt is not worthy of the list. It is because he has not been to China or Japan to experience the super beautiful Park Hyatt like Hangzhou Park Hyatt, Shenzhen Park Hyatt, Kyoto Park Hyatt and so on, and I want to inform you European and American friends who love hotels, the world’s best design, best facilities, and the largest rooms are almost all in East Asia. European and American hotels are too bad！

One correction – The new flagship of Rosewood is their Hong Kong hotel, the best city hotel in the world for me 🙂

I’d like to stay at every place from this list! Great compilation, thanks for sharing. But Mandarin Oriental is my favourite hotel, very luxurious!

Oberoi should definitely be on this list. They are literally top 5 on travel and leisure list every year! Park Hyatt is very overrated. St. Regis is always a hit or miss. Soneva is great but at the end of the day, they only have 3 properties and 2 of them are in the Maldives. Not sure if I would even consider them a “worldwide brand”.

Habitas is missing for sure

Booked family suite at Radisson Blu for 500 euros. Given smaller rooms due to ‘accident.’ Unpleasant stay, separate fee for pool, downgraded service, unfriendly staff. Paid double for subpar rooms. Left disappointed, won’t return. Horrible experience!

Oberoi Hotels must surely be in the Top 10?!!

How do you determine which hotel is the flagship hotel of the brand?

Do hotel brands publish which hotel is their flagship?

I love the Soneva properties in the Maldives but I found their Thailand property to be disappointing and way below the standard set in the Maldives.

Sorry, St Regis doesn’t belong on the list. Especially after my recent stay in Singapore. St Regis is just another lousy Marriott brand.

And how about the Raffles?!

Park Hyatt & Mandarin Oriental doesn’t belong on the list. I personally would replace them with Oberoi, Taj, or perhaps Jumeirah.

Reply to tijo thomas: Park Hyatt and MO are obviously better than Oberoi, Taj and JUMEIRAH as a whole.

I would have to politely disagree Qi. Oberoi is consistently, year after year ranked as a top 3 brand, #1 many times. I have never seen Park Hyatt rated even in the top 15.

Belmond Hotel on the Amalfi Coast is top of my bucket list

Dorchester Hotels and Oetker too 🙂

As all the comments point out, lots of brands missing, this could/should have been a Top 20…

Great article! It’s amazing to see how these luxury hotel brands set themselves apart with exceptional service and unique experiences. I’m especially intrigued by the attention to detail and personalized services mentioned. Thanks for sharing this insightful list!

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Hemispheres

United Airlines Magazine

The Making of the Largest Black-Owned Luxury Hotel Company in the U.S.

By Shayla Martin October 11, 2023

In her new book, Walk Through Fire , Sheila C. Johnson tells the dramatic story behind the founding of the Salamander Collection

Sheila C. Johnson needed a change. It was 1996, and the cofounder of BET (Black Entertainment Television) with her then-husband, Robert Johnson, was fighting through a deep depression. Her marriage had been rife with emotional abuse and infidelity for years, she was grieving the loss of a child, and she had been unceremoniously fired from BET. Her husband forcing her out of the network’s day-to-day operations was a blow for Johnson, who was seen as BET’s conscience, as she advocated for and created programming like Teen Summit , on which Black teenagers discussed teen pregnancy, the war on drugs, and other issues that directly affected them.

“I felt like we squandered an opportunity to bring forth the African American voice in an important way, not just through music videos and award ceremonies,” Johnson says. “BET needed to make a statement and plant itself in the American soil as the real voice of African-American issues. There could have been more of a balance.”

At one point, physical stresses came to compound the emotional ones for Johnson: She was bucked from and trampled by a horse, resulting in broken ribs and a collapsed lung, and just a few months later she slipped and broke her tibia and shattered her ankle. During some of her darkest days, she sought respite from her Washington, D.C., home in the scenic countryside between The Plains and Middleburg, Virginia, where her daughter, Paige, was in the process of training to become a competitive equestrian.

“I was at such a crossroads in my life, and I needed to get out of D.C.,” Johnson recalls. “One day, when I was traveling back and forth with my daughter past a farm with an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I said to myself, ‘This is where I want to live.’” She purchased the 168-acre farm and 19th-century stone home, intending to make it her residence—and unknowingly took the first step toward creating the Salamander Collection.

Today, Johnson is CEO of the largest African–American–owned luxury hotel company in the country. This year, she’s celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of her first property, Salamander Middleburg, and last month she released a memoir, Walk Through Fire (Simon & Schuster). In the book, she details her early years as a violin prodigy in Illinois and the heartbreak of her father’s sudden abandonment of their family; becoming the first Black female billionaire after the $3 billion sale of BET to Viacom in 2000; and her current role as a hospitality maven and the only Black woman to have a principal shareholder stake in three professional sports teams (the Washington Capitals, Mystics, and Wizards). “I have no regrets whatsoever,” she says. “I can’t dwell on regrets, because I know things happen for a reason. The fight that I went through made me stronger, and I feel as though people who don’t go through adversity never grow.”

I meet Johnson one early summer afternoon at Salamander Middleburg. Prior to our interview, I sit in the resort’s living room and marvel at how it really does feel like I’m not in a hotel lobby, but rather in the home of a family friend (granted, one with a very nice home). I watch as a toddler, brow knitted in concentration, slowly pulls himself up from a crawling position and takes a couple of steps on the soft rug. The adults around him all cheer. Through the window, I can see people on the back patio sipping cocktails and looking out over the sweeping 340-acre property. It’s idyllic.

In the library, Johnson—looking relaxed and regal in an A-line dress and blazer—tells me her goal was to create a beautiful sanctuary that feels like a home away from home for guests. “Everyone always tells me they know when they’re at a Salamander property by our service and by the way we treat them,” she says. “I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I see the same people who say that they’re only going to come to Salamander properties, because they feel comfortable, they don’t feel threatened, and they don’t feel like they shouldn’t be there.”

Salamander, which comprises seven resorts across the U.S. and the Caribbean, prides itself on its diverse clientele and its distinct approach to hospitality. The brand is grounded in Johnson’s lived experience as a Black woman in the highest levels of business, and her personal preference for inclusiveness over exclusive luxury. Like any person in business, she recognizes that the bottom line is important, but so is accepting every single guest (and the local community) at each property.

“I call it the double bottom line,” she says. “I want to have the balance of being able to experience and welcome everyone that comes through our doors without sacrificing the success, excellence, and quality of what we have here. We also make sure to reach out to the community and have them involved in our mission of the hotel. We let them know that we are here for them.”

For Johnson, the name of the resort collection represents the journey to success. While debating how to make the Middleburg farm her home back in the ’90s, she learned that it had previously been owned by former governor of Rhode Island and World War II hero Bruce Sundlun. A bomber pilot, Sundlun had been shot down over Nazi-occupied Belgium and was the only member of his 10-man B-17 crew to escape. (Five perished, while four were taken as prisoners of war.) He traveled into France on foot and by bicycle, then joined the French resistance and continued fighting through the end of the war. His French comrades gave him the code name “Salamander,” after a European legend that says the amphibian can walk through fire and survive—to this day, the animal is revered in France—and he later christened his farm with the same name.

“I love that story so much that I’ve adopted it into my lifestyle brand and everything that I do,” says Johnson, whose book title is also a reference to the salamander myth. “When I first got into the hotel business, everyone asked me, ‘Why Salamander?’ I tell them that story, and they understand that it stands for perseverance, courage, fortitude, and excellence. That is what my employees live by, and it’s what they work for. It’s the Salamander experience, and it’s our value system.”

Johnson came to feel comfortable fairly quickly after setting down roots in rural Virginia, but there was one eyesore that bothered her every time she drove through Middleburg. On the main thoroughfare, Washington Street, there was an antique gun shop with a giant Confederate flag hanging in the window. For months, she tried to ignore it, but it bothered her so much that she ended up offering well above the asking price to purchase the building. She went on to transform the space into a gourmet shop and café, Market Salamander.

The purchase helped Johnson realize that she had what it took to help revive the flagging town. Next, she funded a new performing arts center—something the whole community could benefit from—at a private K–8 school. While that and the market were well received, not all of the locals were on board when Johnson purchased the land that was to become Salamander Middleburg. Racially charged protest signs (“Don’t BET Middleburg”) were posted around the area, and death threats were even sent to Salamander Farm.

“Call me naive or whatever, but I thought racism was gone,” she says.

“The lesson I learned was that it really hadn’t gone away.” After she and her daughter were verbally attacked in two separate incidents, Johnson hired a private security team. “It was scary,” she remembers. “I thought my divorce was scary; no, this was scary, because my life was threatened.”

Through all of the personal attacks, she focused on her vision for both the resort and the town, slowly winning over hearts and votes after agreeing to fund the construction of a high-functioning wastewater plant that would support both town residents and the new resort. It wasn’t the sexiest solution, but it gave everyone what they needed.

“It has been a long journey to do this, and I won by one vote,” she says with a chuckle. Although she breezily summarizes the experience now, in Walk Through Fire the scene roils with drama. Over several town meetings, Middleburg residents passionately gave their opinions both for and against the resort—sometimes screaming at each other as Johnson sat silently, trying to maintain her composure. When the final vote was given in favor of the resort, she burst into tears.

“I’m the salamander, and I don’t give up,” she tells me. “I persevere, and if I had given up this fight, I don’t know what would have happened to this town that I love. I don’t give up on the things I really believe in and have a vision for. I will find a way to get it done.”

Her achievements likely exceed what she could have dreamed back in 2013. What began as one equestrian-inspired resort in Middleburg has grown into the seven-property Salamander Collection, which spans from the Rocky Mountains to Montego Bay. Looking to hit the slopes? Head to the Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado. Prefer to relax in the shade of a swaying palm tree? Try Half Moon in Jamaica, or the Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club.

Aside from the obvious luxury, the collection has earned a reputation for hosting vibrant cultural events, such as The Family Reunion at Salamander Middleburg, a food- and joy-filled weekend that celebrates diversity within the hospitality industry. Chef and author Kwame Onwuachi, who is set to open a new restaurant at Salamander Washington DC next year, partners in the festival. “We bring 40 of the top African American chefs here, and it sells out every year,” Johnson says. “You’d be surprised that it’s not just all 800 Black folks, but a smattering of white folks too! It’s so loud, joyful, and full of laughter.”

Indeed, events like this have helped Salamander draw diverse crowds—an accomplishment other luxury hotel brands struggle to recreate. “This is really something the hospitality industry has to face,” Johnson says. “Executives from other hotel brands come here for meetings, and they’re dumbfounded at the diversity throughout all of our hotels. They’re shocked.”

It was Johnson’s experience in entertainment—in particular, her involvement in sports—that reinforced the importance of bringing people together through hospitality. “Sports are a common ground where people, regardless of their politics or their ethnicity, are comfortable inside of an arena together,” she says. “I bring that mindset to my hotel, and it has become my mantra.”

Johnson pauses and looks around the room at people sitting and chatting. She smiles. “I make sure that everyone who comes to my hotels feels really comfortable, and when I’m in town I will go to each table and say, ‘I’m so happy to have you here.’”

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Managers of top luxury hotels provide leadership advice.

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Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives

Rahim B. Kanani’s book A Wealth of Insight  includes lessons from the pinnacles of the hospitality industry regarding leadership management.

Subtitled The World’s Best Luxury Hoteliers on Leadership, Management, and the Future of 5-Star Hospitality , the book profiles 36 hospitality professionals from more than two dozen countries who have, collectively, more than a thousand years of work experience and who manage hotels at locations that span from the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong to the Lotte Hotel in Moscow , and from The Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii to the Park Hyatt Sydney.

Kanani’s visits to luxury hotels provided impetus for the book. He writes that the experience made him, ‘…obsessed with how such properties balanced intuitive care with military precision.’

The book, published by Black Truffle Press, has over 300 pages and is filled with gorgeous photographs. The text not only applauds classical hospitality techniques, but points to future trends in hospitality, which Kanani describes: ‘…luxury travelers who prize authenticity over familiarity, simplicity over complexity, exclusive experiences over champagne and caviar, and insider knowledge over high-end shopping.’

Pulitzer Amsterdam, Netherlands

Below is practical management and leadership advice, taken from the book and provided by a sample of the professionals interviewed.

Aaron Kaupp—General Manager, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris (France)

Never micromanage your team…micromanaging leads to setting boundaries, but your team needs to be able to improvise and be flexible.

Alexander Pichel—General Manager, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta (Indonesia)

After training your team, empower them to act. If you are confident you have the right people in place, trust them to do the right thing at the right time…Empower them to adapt and make decisions.

Amit Majumder—General Manager, Jumeirah Vittaveli (Maldives)

Walking around and being available to listen, learn, and support is one of the most important lessons I ever learned.

Anneke Brown—General Manager, COMO The Treasury  (Perth, Australia)

One of the hallmarks of my management style is encouraging colleagues to come to me with not only a problem but also a suggested solution…Delegation empowers and opens the door for stars to shine. It is also a smart strategy for any succession planning to be effective.

Brian Gullbrants—Executive VP and General Manager, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore (U.S.A.)

If you ask for excellence, you’ll get a job well done. But if you demand perfection, you’ll achieve excellence…Those who demand more get more. You must set a high bar. It will surprise you how much a team or an individual can achieve when they are stretched, encouraged, and have no limits. COMO The Treasury, Perth, Australia Black Truffle Press

Damien Bastiat—General Manager, Ballyfin Demesne (Ireland)

…when you identify a young, promising colleague ready for advancement, do not simply promote them and hope for the best. They still need guidance and training to convert them into great managers. It is a different skillset and must be taught.

George Cozonis—Managing Director, The Plaza Hotel (New York, U.S.A.)

The fundamental goal of a leader should be that the unit, department, or hotel he or she leads should function equally well in the leader’s absence as when the leader is present…Do not focus on your ‘next job.’ Instead, focus on a vision of where you would like to be eventually.

Graham Ledger—Managing Director, Singita Serengeti (South Africa and Zimbabwe)

Nature also has a powerful impact on our stress levels. The more we separate ourselves from it, the more anxious and stressed we become…The new luxury will be clean air, open spaces, and simplicity in design.

James Low—General Manager, COMO Uma Paro (Bhutan)

Without a vision for the organization, one cannot focus on achievement because there is no north star. It is the blind leading the blind. A vision must be articulated with clarity, passion, and confidence. In addition, you must build milestones to track and celebrate all achievements.

Marc C. Brugger—Managing Director, Rosewood Hong Kong

…never underestimate seemingly easy tasks; stay humble; and don’t wear new shoes on your first day…Office politics is the worst professional cancer there is. Although it’s not foolproof, being direct or tactfully blunt is often the best way to avoid the politics, even if it cuts both ways at times. Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, Nevada U.S. Black Truffle Press

Nicholas Yarnell—General Manager, Six Senses Douro Valley (Portugal)

You must also pay special attention to high performers and ensure they are properly recognized and rewarded. Too many managers make the fatal error of spending 80 percent of their time on supporting underperformers and 20 percent on their top-tier employees. It should be the other way around. This is tied to strength management. Ensure you are putting people in roles that play to their strengths.

Pinar Kartal Timer—General Manager, Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah (Istanbul, Turkey)

Respect is the bedrock of a successful working environment. Respect for yourself and your duties, respect for your colleagues and their positions, and respect for your clients and guests. Notions of hard work, empathy, honesty, collaboration, empowerment, and joy flow once respect is established. Communication, too, is vital to a healthy operation.

Sjefke Jansen—General Manager, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (St. Petersburg, Russian Federation)

Don’t just hear what your team has to say; show genuine care and listen carefully to their ideas and feedback, including them in decisions…Often times you learn what not to do from managers, rather than how best to act.

Torsten van Dullemen—General Manager, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (Hong Kong)

Leaders always give themselves too much credit when things go well, and never take enough blame when things go wrong…I will make sure people know what my expectations are, but I will never tell them how to do their job. My job is to make sure they are set up for success, then get out of the way.

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The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth

We have compiled a select list of luxury properties that have ascended to a rarefied pantheon: classic hotels around the world that transcend trends to achieve genuine—and sustained—greatness..

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For the first time last year, Robb Report scoured the world to unearth the 50 best luxury hotels. The list we created became the ultimate cheat sheet for those who demand nothing but the very best in travel. 

In 2024, we’ve done it again—with fascinating results.

As always, the hotels we selected vary wildly: They might be centuries old, or they may have only just opened within the last year. Some are city-center hideaways, while others are country estates. They are exemplars of bleeding-edge, contemporary design and reassuringly retro. Nevertheless, they share one thing in common: a commitment to the best in luxury hospitality. 

This year’s methodology was the same: We tapped the brain trust of the travel industry’s five-star elite— RR’s 22 Travel Masters, who service the world’s highest caliber clientele. We asked each of them to vouch for up to 10 properties that they regularly recommend to clients. We asked them to explain in detail what makes that hotel, resort or ranch a true standout. This ensures that every hotel, safari camp or resort on our list has been tried, tested and endorsed, again and again, by the world’s pickiest travelers.

Unsurprisingly, there were many overlaps, with multiple properties receiving endorsements from several operators—these are the hotels which earned a spot in the top 10. The rest we have organized by geography for ease of reference. 

This year, you may notice some similarities to our previous list in the top 10 (as well as quite a few shake-ups). Most notably, the No. 1 spot was once again claimed by London’s finest: Claridge’s. Kudos to them. 

But there are plenty of upsets, too. Last year, we noted the absence of a few of the world’s major tourism hubs from our list—notably Hawaii and New York. We hoped that would serve as a call to action for hoteliers—and we flatter ourselves that it has. This year’s list includes two new standout hotels in both of those locales. 

From the wilds of remote Mustang to the familiar names in the capitals of Europe, we present our guide to the World’s Greatest Hotels.

1. Claridge’s | London, U.K.

If Judi Dench were a hotel, she’d be Claridge’s . This grande dame of the London hotel scene is a beloved, determinedly British institution that’s been part of English life for decades, yet it retains a youthful vigor. The hotel, which opened in 1812, outpaces even the almost-90-year-old acting legend; in fact, it just added a subterranean wellness center kitted out in signature zen wood and limestone by designer André Fu. What other hotel can count both the late Queen Elizabeth II, a regular, protocol-stretching lunch guest, and Mick Jagger as devotees? The Maybourne-operated property is a sister to sites in Beverly Hills and the French Riviera, as well as another London spot, including the Connaught, but it outstrips them all—book in at the Mews Terrace for a charming only-in-London experience on a discreet back alley. Unique Properties and Events co-owner Cédric Reversade calls the entire place “perfection” and recommends truffle French fries in the foyer washed down with a dry martini, and the service of the “divine concierges, Nigel or Martin” whenever you leave its walls. Ashley Isaacs Ganz from Artisans of Leisure puts it more simply: “It’s my home away from home in London.”

Doubles from $1,493

2. La Mamounia | Marrakesh, Morocco

Think of La Mamounia as a Moroccan fantasy made real, a too-much-is-never-enough maximalist fever dream that just underwent another refresh during the pandemic. Come here to idle in the gardens while nibbling on a Pierre Hermé macaron or sashay round the sceney pool in a couture kaftan; make sure to book a room that overlooks the gardens and that pool and sip a glass of Champagne or two on the balcony. It’s been a boldfaced bolthole for decades, whether acting as the de facto winter home of Winston Churchill or as a shorthand for tasteful luxury for celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and, more infamously, Anna Delvey. “It’s iconic and legendary, but it still stays current,” says Isaacs Ganz. “I love the Moroccan design throughout, the colorful tiles, the gardens where Churchill painted, the hidden courtyards and the traditional hammam.” Bonus points for its location, a few minutes’ walk from the souk.

Doubles from $570

3. Flockhill Lodge | South Island, New Zealand

One of the most lauded openings of 2022, this authentic working sheep station sits on 36,000 acres of pristine South Island wilderness. While the first guests arrived last September, the homestead property actually dates back to 1857. Today, it can accommodate just one group of one to eight people at a time. It comes with a private chef (who will fully customize your menus), glass-wall views of the Southern Alps, and an action-packed itinerary of activities—including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, caving, and stargazing. You’ll probably want to board a helicopter, too. And when they say working farm, they mean it: There are 11,600 sheep and 450 head of cattle here. You can even play farmer for yourself, should you choose. “The clincher: It’s right next door to Castle Hill—Kura Tawhiti in Maori—also known as the birthplace of the gods to the pioneering voyagers from Easter Island, the Rapa Nui,” says Sandy Cummingham. “It was described by the Dalai Lama as the spiritual center of the universe.”

From $7,300 per night, with a two-night minimum

4. Le Bristol | Paris, France

The Oetker-operated Bristol sits in one of the best spots in the City of Light, per Red Savannah ’s Edward Granville. “It’s the ultimate location in the city boasting amazing views across the skyline, including Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower,“ he says, of the property on the Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The hotel has its own appeal, too: Don’t miss the trompe l’oeil–decorated swimming pool on the sixth floor, and make sure to pause to pet Socrate, Le Bristol’s most important permanent resident: its in-house cat. Book dinner, too, at Epicure, its gourmet restaurant overseen by chef Arnaud Faye; try the macaroni stuffed with black truffle, artichoke, and foie gras or the on-site chocolate factory, which focuses on grand cru cocoas from around the world.

Doubles from roughly $2,054

5. Southern Ocean Lodge | Kangaroo Island, Australia

It was never any secret in Australia that Kangaroo Island was home to one of the world’s best resorts. It’s just taken a devastating fire and dramatic rebirth for the rest of the world to take notice. In 2020, the wildfires that incinerated nearly half of the island took the Southern Ocean Lodge , too. Four years later, it reopened in December. Max Pritchard, the property’s original architect, has created a near replica of the original. With 25 suites projecting from a central lodge—with the exception of a new four-bedroom suite looking over the entire property down toward the dramatic oceanfront—the mood here is serenely residential. The restaurant is ultra-refined, serving hyper-local ingredients, and the central bar is self service (as is the entire wine cellar, just grab what you want). Most come here for island excursions focused on stunning formations, rugged views, and unique wildlife, from penguins to koalas. “It’s the epitome of Australian contemporary coastal style and a luxurious gateway to uniquely Australian nature and wildlife experiences,” says Stuart Rigg of Southern Crossings. “Not only are there spectacular Southern Ocean views from every room but exclusive signature experiences included in every stay—like guided cliff top walks, stargazing, sundowners, and canapes served with the local kangaroos.”

From about $2,200

6. Shinta Mani Mustang | Jomsom, Nepal

The latest remote resort by exuberant designer Bill Bensley and Cambodia’s Shinta Mani brand, Shinta Mani Mustang opened not quite a year ago as the first luxury hotel located outside Nepal’s Kathmandu. Its 29 suites are located at 9,186 feet in the remote region of Jomsom, the gateway to the legendary Forbidden Kingdom. “Mustang’s short season and unpredictable weather has always deterred the luxury end of the market,” says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell of  Cazenove & Loyd . “Bill Bensley’s dramatic hotel design gives the necessary comforts and finish for a harsh, high-altitude location while recognizing the cultural sensitivities of this ancient kingdom.” Expect floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the Nilgiri range and personalized private excursions to monasteries and mountains of the Himalaya, as well as horseback riding, rock climbing, cycling, archery, and helicopter tours. The resort is all inclusive and features a 60-seat restaurant, a bar, and a wellness center with two treatment suites. 

From $1,800 per couple per night, with a five-night minimum

7. NIHI Sumba | Sumba, Indonesia

Knocking Bali down a peg or two as the go-to tropical island in Indonesia, Sumba is finally getting all of the attention (and investment) it deserves. But that all started with NIHI Sumba . It consists of just 27 thatched villas (with private swimming pools and traditional Indonesian architecture) spread across 667 acres of minimally developed island splendor. While it was once best known for its world-class surfing, the resort now offers so much more, from chocolate making to beach rides on (and therapy with) Sumba stallions. Owned by investor Chris Burch (ex to famed fashion designer Tory Burch), the resort also “connects guests with purposeful experiences through the Sumba Foundation ,” said John Clifford of International Travel Management. “It’s the leader in eco-conscious luxury. It walks-the-walk of giving back.”

Doubles from $1,795 in the high season

8. The Fifth Avenue Hotel | New York, New York

A spot on Fifth Ave. isn’t just an address, it’s a legacy to live up to—and that goes double for a hotel and triple for a new, independent hotel (like this one) with something to prove. If you then go the extra step of naming your hotel something as generic and provocative as the Fifth Avenue Hotel , you damn well better deliver even more. Luckily, owner Alex Ohebshalom and designer Martin Brudnizki have delivered in the form of a reborn McKim, Mead & White building attached to a new 24-story glass tower on 28th St. Nodding to all that history is an eclectic, at moments psychedelic, design with 43 suites, including a Flaneur penthouse tricked out with an outdoor soaking tub and a Japanese garden that overlooks the city skyline. “Aside from extraordinary design, the Fifth Avenue has an independent spirit that sets it apart from the pack in one of the greatest cities in the world,” says Black Tomato ‘s Sunil Metcalfe. “Walking through the hotel, you feel the inspiration drawn from the founder’s travels through Europe and Asia, but done in a way that feels singular to the hotel.” And you don’t need to be a guest to get in on the madness. Just swing by the Portrait Bar for Osetra caviar and a hot dog au poivre or stop in Café Carmellini for dinner and drink from the roaming martini trolley.

9. Janu Tokyo | Tokyo, Japan

Located in a new city-within-a-city development dubbed Azabudai Hills in the heart of Tokyo, Janu is a sister property to Aman. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy—with 122 rooms and suites on floors six to 13 of its host tower—Aman junkies will recognize the minimalist Asian-inspired interiors with contemporary European detailing. The best room is the Janu Suite, with 3,056 square feet and a residential atmosphere. “It appeals to repeat and first time visitors to Tokyo who do not want to be based in a business district,” says Isaacs Ganz. The Aman Tokyo next to Tokyo Station is salary-man central. “It offers modern Japanese style and a great shopping, dining, wellness and art scene,” she adds. Azabudai Hills, near Tokyo Tower, is a compact cluster of three vertically integrated high-rise and low-rise buildings erected at a cost of $4 billion. Luxury shopping, art, and high-end restaurants fill the lower floors. Naturally, that attracts a younger, hipper guest, and it doesn’t hurt that the price point is around 30 percent less than Aman Tokyo, explains Remote Lands’s Catherine Heald. “It’s for those seeking a livelier and more social atmosphere in a more vibrant neighborhood with more restaurants and nightlife in walking distance,” she says.

10. Amanbagh | Rajasthan, India  

One of the earlier sites for this luxe chain opened in the Aravalli Hills outside Jaipur when the group was still under the esthetic iron grip of founder Adrian Zecha; it remains one of the standouts. The rooms here are Mughal inspired—think elaborate latticework and domed roofs on individual villas—and the best, the Pool Pavilions, have their own private swimming spot (though don’t be surprised to see curious monkeys scampering around it, too) Jaclyn Sienna India of Sienna Charles loves the wellness programs offered here with customized programming and superb Ayurvedic cuisine, while Wix Squared’s Alex Wix raves about its location, where you’ll easily access often overlooked ancient Rajasthani ruins with few other tourists nearby. One true standout, per Wix, is the private dining options offered by Amanbagh. “They will serve dinner for clients not just in the hotel grounds, but also in and amongst nearby ruins,” she says.

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Europe

Whether you’re putting on the Ritz or sucking up the sun in Italy, Europe’s time-honored hotels practically invented the white-glove service we’ve come to expect. The brands and ownership may have changed over the years, but nearly all our guides’ favorite stays are grand dames fit for royalty.

Åmot | Bygstad, Norway 

“It redefines luxury, but with a soul, a completely restored farmhouse done in impeccable taste,” says Gray & Co’s Cari Gray of this Fjord-region exclusive-use property , which sleeps up to 14. This is the ultimate outdoorsy getaway, whether you want to go stand-up paddleboarding to see spectacular waterfalls or boat the fjords to visit old farms that are unreachable by road and hike above the treeline. Steinar Sørli and Yngve Brakstad have painstakingly restored this homestead, which was built in 1885 by Sørli’s great-grandfather, earning accolades for their work in regenerative luxury tourism, including a Norwegian Heritage Award. Underfloor and water heating, for example, comes from ground-source heat pumps, while head chef Tomas forages daily for the fixings to create all the meals on-site. Indeed, nature at Åmot has been so unsullied by mankind that it’s almost unnerving, adds Gray: “You can drink the water right from the streams.”

From about $16,800 per night for six people, with a three-night minimum, all inclusive

Bulgari Hotel Rome | Rome, Italy

It was a true homecoming when Rome-born jeweler Bulgari—which started right in the Golden Triangle here, on Via Condotti—opened one of its five-star hotels last summer, its entrant among the numerous new luxe spots crowding into the Eternal City. It‘s a decidedly different offering, though, than the palazzo-style hotels that are commonplace here; instead, it co-opted a Fascist Era-building, in the Realist style Mussolini championed, close to the Ara Pacis. The bombastic structure has been reborn as an exquisite hotel, courtesy of Milan-based architect Antonio Citterio and his team. Scott Dunn Private’s Jules Maury recommends it to clients because “everyone seems to log your preferences and idiosyncrasies after a few hours of being on the property.” Don’t miss the supersized roof terrace, either, she says. It’s the ideal place for a sunset aperitivo where you can always find a seat.

From about $1,900

Gleneagles | Perthshire, Scotland

Sure, this five-star, 232-room resort in Perthshire an hour or so outside Edinburgh might be considered golf’s spiritual home: It has three landmarks, 18-hole courses, and a storied history as the site of the first playoff between Brits and Americans that’s now better known as the Ryder Cup. But you don’t have to be a putt-prone golf devotee to stay here, according to Isaacs Ganz, who calls it a “destination in and of itself for anyone who wants a luxurious getaway in the beautiful Scottish countryside.” Come to hike—the 11-mile Blackford route is a bracing way to explore the rolling landscape nearby—and to enjoy a snifter or two of whisky; Perthshire’s roster of distilleries may not include many household names, but some of Scotland’s oldest distillers are a short drive away, including Glenturret , which claims to be the oldest still-working site dating back to 1775.

Country rooms from about $800

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc | Antibes, France

This is less a hotel than a mythical place made real, a Second Empire villa turned five-star pile wreathed in glamorous mystique: F. Scott Fitzgerald used it as the basis for the Hôtel des Etrangers in his Cote d’Azur–set novel Tender is the Night, while Taylor and Burton had one of their honeymoons here. When the French Riviera became a summertime playground for the fast set in the 1920s (via pioneers such as Coco Chanel), this hotel was one of its de facto clubhouses. It retains that role today, albeit for a more globe-trotting clientele. The star wattage remains undimmed, especially when it hosts the annual AmFAR gala each spring, a legacy of its close connections to Elizabeth Taylor; this year, Demi Moore chaired the fundraiser. Don’t miss a martini made from the hotel’s house gin, a custom recipe cooked up using botanicals from its grounds by the nearby Distillerie de Monaco, and it’s okay to marvel when you sidle up to a lounger on the first day after check-in. “It has the most iconic pool, one that continues to shine year after year,” says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal of Fischer Travel.

From $1,150

One&Only Aesthesis | Athens, Greece

After decades of struggle, Athens is once again the place to be. Famed for soaking up yesteryear VIPs from Brigitte Bardot to Richard Nixon, its famed riviera is also very much back and perhaps even more glamorous than ever before. Last year, One&Only Aesthesis opened here on a 21-hectare beach and forest reserve, just 30 minutes from the city’s ancient marble marvels. The new resort features 95 bungalows and 18 residences that come with terraces, private pools, and outdoor showers. It’s also home to two sprawling multi-bedroom villas dubbed Villa One and Villa Nostos. “This new opening is a jewel in Athens’s crown,” says Metcalfe, who adores the resort’s modish 70s design. “What’s exceptional and standout is how they balance families and couples, discretion, and privacy, with a planned adults-only beach on the way and an exceptional kids club.” The resort is also home to the first Guerlain Spa in Greece. Its Mediterranean restaurant, Ora, is by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. Add all that together and Athens finally has a resort that can give the buzzy Greek isles a run for their money.

From about $770 from November to January; high-summer season rate from about $2,000.

Passalacqua | Lake Como, Italy

Few hotels manage to become instant icons, but the newest property from Grand Hotel Tremezzo owner Valentina De Santis has pulled it off just a year after she rebooted a private villa from the 1780s on the shores of Lake Como as this 24-room hotel. “It goes above and beyond any other place in Italy,” says India—and she warns visitors not to oversleep and miss the exceptional maritozzi or whipped cream-filled donuts served up every morning at breakfast. It has the largest suite on the lake, too, in the 2,700-square-foot Bellini, named after the composer who once played the piano here, as well as delightfully playful touches, such as a series of tunnels that lead to the new spa, which is accessed by a secret staircase.

Doubles from about $2,660

The Beau-Rivage Palace | Lausanne, Switzerland

Come here for “old-world elegance and incredible, lake-view rooms, not to mention close proximity to the Lavaux wine region” says Isaacs Ganz. Lausanne might be a minnow compared to Geneva on the same lake—it’s barely half its size—but as a destination, it’s far more appealing than that cash-and-cachet-powered city, with an emphasis on good living and luxury that’s epitomized by this hotel (and many of its past regulars, who included the Duchess of Windsor). None of the 95 rooms at this palatial property , which first opened in the 1860s, is the same, and the decor is an eccentric mishmash that combines every era since then, from Victorian fripperies to sinuously streamlined Art Nouveau. The modern spa is a major plus, with its own full hammam and indoor and outdoor pools—though why not just take a swim in the lake, where the water’s disconcertingly clean?

Doubles from about $577

The Ritz Paris | Paris, France

Sure, it’s a cliché, but for good reason: The Ritz has been synonymous with effortless Parisian glamour for decades, an insouciant ultra-luxe spot for the world’s most luxurious travelers since Cesar Ritz and chef Auguste Escoffier opened it in 1898. It was the backdrop to not one but three Audrey Hepburn moves in the 1950s and ’60s, yet still retained enough rock-star cachet to be the place where Johnny Depp and Kate Moss decided to fill a bathtub with Champagne. (The recently retired head bartender here, Colin Field, was in charge of cocktails at the model’s later wedding to Kills guitarist Jamie Hince.) Fischer-Rosenthal calls it a “crown-jewel hotel” and recommends the Coco Chanel suite, named after its most famous resident; the designer lived here for more than 30 years and often used the staff entrance to access her apartment for complete discretion.

Doubles from about $1,540

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in North America & Caribbean

New York? Los Angeles? Sorry, it’s all about the great outdoors for our travel masters and their discerning clientele. From five-star farms to ritzy ranches, you’ll want to pack your hiking boots for these escapes (or swap them for flip-flops if you are heading for a certain famed Caribbean society seat).

Amangiri | Utah, USA

The name to know here? Audrey Huttert. Kevin Jackson of EXP Journeys says the GM of this property is the reason he recommends it to so many clients. It was only the second Aman to open stateside, after Jackson Hole, and it took seven painstaking years of planning to workshop the footprint of the property, nestled in 600 acres of the southwestern desert like a series of concrete boxes half-concealed in the landscape. Come here for outdoors adventuring aplenty amid the national parks of Bryce Canyon, sunrise hot-air ballooning, and trails on horseback. Camp Sarika is the latest addition to the complex, with 10 one- and two-bedroom glamping tents (known as pavilions) scattered around 55 acres on-site as an alternative to the hotel proper. “The guests have a sense of luxury in a remote place with spectacular food and scenery,” Jackson raves.

Doubles from $4,200

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee, USA

The original luxury Relais & Chateau farm resort that lured private jets to East Tennessee, Blackberry Farm is still on top of its game after decades. Spread over 4,200 acres, this much-imitated, family-owned, working farm property offers just 68 five-star rooms. “Their local flare and over-the-top high-end service deliver the ultimate in luxury,” says Kevin Jackson. “The property has redefined farm-to-table food, and the wine cellar, attention to detail in every room and the grounds are amazing. But for us, it’s the sense of place, warmth of the staff and southern hospitality that sets it apart.”

King Historic Rooms from $1,345 and suites from $2,245 per night.

Clayoquot Wilderness | British Columbia, Canada

This high-end camp in the remote forest of Vancouver Island sets a benchmark in barefoot luxury, with tented camp rooms that don’t skimp on conveniences (think heated floors in the bathrooms) that act as the perfect perch for adventuring round the untouched landscape: Expect days filled with whale-watching, bear-spotting, biking. and rain-forest trekking. Its isolation is core to its appeal, the hard-to-reach resort worth the 45-minute plane ride from the city. “Arriving by float plane is always exciting,” says Maury, “And we saw bears, whales, eagles, and more as we took zodiacs around deserted beaches and sleepy backwaters in this extraordinary area.” Conservation is core to its mission, too: For more than 20 years, it has worked with the government and local Indigenous people to help bolster native salmon stocks in and around the waters here—the more of these fish found in the river, the better the overall health of the ecosystem.

Doubles from about $9,070 for three nights

Eden Rock St Barths | St Barthélemy

There’s a frisson of je ne sais quoi to this 34-room hotel in the Francophone Caribbean, a burst of witty subversiveness amid the po-faced pantheon of luxury. Look for its signature scarlet color everywhere—think bright-red rubber ducks and nail varnish in bathrooms—and decor that’s quirky and off-beat, with the latest wood paneled suites drawing direct inspiration from an old-school superyacht. Credit superstar GM Fabrice Moizan with striking such a distinctive note, which combines an insouciant geniality with an obsessive attention to detail that means nothing’s ever overlooked. Clifford calls it “the best of the best on the island” right on St. Jean Bay and recommends Villa Rockstar, the six-bedroom standalone penthouse suite , complete with its own full-sized private pool and recording studio.

Doubles from about $1,035

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel | Riviera Maya, Mexico 

“I was blown away by the indoor-outdoor spa,” says Metcalfe, who calls the service here “best in class.” And we’d agree—that’s why the reimagined Maroma earned one of the slots on Robb Report’ s coveted Best of the Best list this year. The 72-room spot, originally built as a private home, was much in need of an overhaul, and the gut-renovation conducted by LVMH, its deep-pocketed newish owners, was as much a reimagining as a renovation. The rooms have been deftly designed by rock-star British interior designer Tara Bernerd, who added her signature swagger to the decor, combining locally made details, such as custom tiles and turquoise barware, with a boho glamour—the floaty cotton caftans are a major upgrade from conventional robes and ideal to wear on the beach or in the room. It doesn’t hurt, either, that it sits on one of the best stretches of beach in the Riviera Maya, wide swathes of secluded golden sand that are postcard perfect.

From $1,095

Rosewood Kona Village | Hawaii, USA

The original Kona Village Resort opened on the Big Island of Hawaii back in the swinging ’60s. It drew an A-list crowd including Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Kevin Bacon, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, and Whitney Houston, to name a few. Then, in 2011, a tsunami shuttered the resort for more than a decade. In July 2023, it reopened once again under the Rosewood flag with the most expensive suite in Hawaii. Design powerhouse Nicole Hollis and her San Francisco–based team are behind the 150-room redesign, as well as that aforementioned suite, dubbed Maheawalu Kauhale. More of a gated compound than a single room, it has four standalone one-bedroom bungalows, plus a fifth one that acts as a living and dining room. There is also a sundeck with an infinity pool, a fire pit, a hot tub, and an outdoor kitchen. Another highlight: the first Asaya Spa in the U.S. It’s built directly into the lava flow to offer massively dramatic views should you open your eyes mid-massage for a pinch-me moment. “This new resort has large rooms and incredible views in the oceanfront rooms,” says Jackson. “The property is perfect for large family gatherings, corporate events, or celebrations.”

Suites rates range from $22,000 to $40,000 a night based on the season

The Post Ranch Inn | California, USA

Call it the Big Deal of Big Sur. The one-time motel sitting on the PCH was reimagined as an upscale, 30-room hotel 30 years ago and has become a mainstay of luxury hospitality in the three decades since (and it’s added 10 more rooms). Those are impressive, of course, slickly designed with their own private hot tubs, and the restaurant on-site serves up delicious, modern Californian food. But who comes to this region for the resort itself? The spectacular setting is its real draw, perched 1,200 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific—think Big Little Lies meets Castaway . “Early one morning I breakfasted alone looking down the Pacific Coast blinded by the cobalt sea, aquamarine skies, and emerald-green and taupe shaggy coastline,” Maury says. “Sunset was arguably even more spectacular.” There’s no issue too big or too small for superstar GM Tim Lee to tackle, she adds.

Doubles from $2,200

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resort Collection | Hudson Valley, New York

Upstate New York is a buzzy new luxe destination , with a plethora of high-end hotels in the pipeline, including Six Senses. One of the most impressive new arrivals is this Auberge-operated ranch-style hotel in Ulster County in the Catskills, set on its own 140-acre site with spa, outdoor pool, and 65 freestanding cabins. There are three miles of trails quilting the property, but the nearby Mohonk Preserve is a great option if you’d like to push your limits. Metcalfe raves about the in-room amenities, including foraging shears for you to use in the on-site farm; you can also help with the chickens, whether feeding them or collecting just-laid eggs for your breakfast. The convenience for New Yorkers is a major plus—just 90 minutes or so from Manhattan—and it’s also a great getaway if you want to bring your dog. “Auberge has made a name for many properties being above and beyond pet-friendly,” he adds, “And they have animal reiki sessions here.”

From $1,050

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Central & South America (and Beyond)

Patagonia has emerged as a safari alternative for those who have been there and done that. But the varied hotels and experiences our western continental neighbors to the south (and the deep, deep south of Antartica) have to offer prove that there is a lifetime of stylish exploring to do in our own backyard.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas | Cusco, Peru

This 11-year-old, centrally located hotel sits in its own gardens, with rooms ranged around the property, the decor a winning collision between Inca-referencing stone walls and gold-heavy details that nod to its colonial-era origins as a private home. The redeployment of this onetime convent emphasized some of its most endearing quirks, too, retaining many of the murals painted on the walls—look for one suite, with a coffered ceiling festooned with pink roses, that is believed to have been where the Mother Superior would have slept. And no detail has been overlooked: Don’t worry about fitful sleep at 12,000 feet above sea level in a suite at this hotel, since oxygen’s piped into the 55 rooms to improve the air quality. Jean Sanz Bernay of JSB Journeys sums it up this way: “beautiful city views, personal butlers, and pisco classes on the terrace.”

Doubles from $1,238

Ibitipoca | Lima Duarte, Brazil

Four hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro, think of this sprawling property as part country-estate, part-safari camp, a chance to decompress from daily grinds and reconnect with nature. It’s the brainchild of Carioca businessman Renato Machado, who started buying land here more than two decades ago, attempting to preserve the landscape around Ibitipoca National Park. Now, his project also employs more than 200 people caretaking guests at a cluster of reconditioned properties ranged around his 16,000 acres. The standout is Fazenda, an eight-bedroom terracotta-roofed lodge from the 1700s. Wilmot-Sitwell calls out this property as a pioneer in true sustainable luxury. “The local community has been part of the planning here since the purchase of the Fazenda do Engenho in 1984,” he says, “Their welcome is part of any stay in Ibitipoca, from cooks to guides to villagers.”

Doubles from about $459

Islas Secas | Panama

This Panamanian archipelago property is a destination in and of itself, in the Gulf of Chiriquí off the country’s Pacific Coast. “It offers a smorgasbord of activities: e-foiling, diving, deep-sea fishing, and extreme picnicking,” says Henry Cookson. A world-record holder and lifetime adventurer, he admits that even he was dazzled by the assortment in the hotel’s kit room, including the Laird Hamilton paddleboards. Make sure to book a marine safari by catamaran, Cookson adds, as Beny Wilson, the conservation manager, is a world-class guide. The best overnighting option is the newly opened owner’s villa, designed for resort owner Louis Bacon, which opened earlier this year. It sits on a more private corner of the island and has spectacular sunset views, though the other dozen thatched-roof chalets are impressive, too. One other must-try: a cocktail by Carla, the bartender, whose signature drink is a smoky, herby specialty.

From $2,500 per night, with a three-night minimum

Tierra Patagonia | Patagonia, Chile

The modern 40-room horseshoe-shaped property sits right on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, and it makes the most of its unique perch: floor-to-ceiling windows in every room overlooking the Paine Massif provide an all-natural alternative to screens (there are no TVs or Wi-Fi in rooms). Activities here are understandably outdoorsy: hikes, horse-riding, birdwatching, and boating aplenty. No wonder that for Jackson, it’s a regular booking. “The indoor pool here looks out over the Torres, and from the opposite side of the lake you could barely tell the property is even there—it blends in so well with the landscape,“ he says of the decade-old spot. The plot is so large it’s easy to transfer by helicopter, which Jackson recommends. (The drive from Punta Arenas is a bone-aching four hours.) And bring a satellite phone, as all connectivity to the outside world here can be patchy.

Doubles from $1,950, with a three-night minimum

White Desert Echo Camp | Antarctica

White Desert’s pioneering South Pole properties are a truly unique offering: dashing adventurer turned hotelier Patrick Woodhead has earned widespread plaudits for his impressive attempts to provide overnighting on the uninhabited tundra there. Clifford’s particularly fond of its third complex, Echo Camp , calling it “a space age, ultra-luxe, chic boutique eco-pod collective. Who says you have to rough it at the end of the world?” It only launched last season, but the fiberglass pop-up structures offer floor-to-ceiling views of the all-white world beyond; the camp’s amenities, including shower pods, lounge, and dining room, are in a separate communal area. Every guest commutes here via private jet from Cape Town; toast the experience upon landing with a martini, chilled to perfection with 10,000-year-old ice.

From $65,000 per person for a five-day stay including transport and all activities

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Oceania

New Zealand’s Southern Alps are as hot with high-end travelers as they are cold. That’s thanks to the growing demand for eco-friendly excursions, which also benefits the greenest of Polynesian escapes.

Capella Lord Howe Island | Australia

A volcanic, reef-circled spec in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand, Lord Howe Island is famous for its hair-raising 2,900-foot-long runway (just a fraction longer than St. Barts’s 2,100-foot shorty). Australians have long coveted this under-the-radar holiday hideaway, and its top stay is Capella Lodge , part of the five-star Luxury Lodges of Australia group (not to be confused with the Capella Hotel brand). “There is no mobile phone reception, bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, and visitor numbers are strictly limited,” says Rigg. “There is so much to love about this place, including the thoughtful, friendly, first-name service with welcoming hosts, Libby and Mark, that allows you to truly unwind in sophisticated yet relaxed surrounds.”

Villas from about $1,290 per night

Minaret Station | South Island, New Zealand

A unique lodge situated deep within the Southern Alps with just four guest chalets and accessible only via helicopter, Minaret Station mixes luxury service and accommodations with rugged adventure. Each day you’ll take in this iconic slice of the great outdoors while mountain biking, backcountry fishing, setting out on guided hunts, eating up chef-prepared picnics on a mountaintop, or even heli-skiing. Speaking of helicopters, they’re an important part of the experience here: Namely flying through Milford Sound, a spectacular, world-renowned fjordland. “It’s a gateway to a collection of exclusive adventure experiences enjoyed in total privacy within some of the most remote locations in New Zealand (if not the planet),” says Rigg.

Doubles from about $2,000, plus about $1,650 per person for helicopter transfer from Queenstown

Pelorus Private Island | Australia

Rising from the clear coral seas near the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Townsville, the newly opened Pelorus Private Island is accessible only by helicopter charter or private yacht. It gets better from there. It’s home to a single residence made up of five luxurious suites. While the white-washed exterior sports a modern coastal aesthetic (by Melbourne-based firm Dubois), inside the suites are filled with handmade designer furniture and textiles, French linen, duck down pillows, and LaGaia amenities. If bragging rights are of top concern—of course they are—check this out: It’s the only luxury private island home in the region. Your stay includes meals created by your private chef, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (as well as everything else), and a slew of activities, including snorkeling, Jet Ski tours, fishing, and, of course, reef excursions. “You enjoy a brand-new, purpose-built private villa and exclusive-use of a whole island,” says Rigg. “This is the ultimate way to enjoy privacy, privilege, and personalization on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.”

From about $13,357 per night, with a three-night minimum

The Brando | Tetiꞌaroa, French Polynesia

In the era of reef smashing, litter, and Tiki Bars—long before “sustainability” became a marketing buzz word—the one-and-only original Hollywood activist Marlon Brando made it his mission to preserve the atoll of Tetiꞌaroa with a 99-year lease. Brando is no longer with us, but his mission lives on today in the form of a LEED-platinum-certified, all-inclusive, 36-villa resort , opened in 2014. Each of those villas—beyond sustainable construction—is built for quiet, so that when the windows are closed, you’re in your own private sanctuary. In fact, thanks to the space and privacy, it’s easy to feel like you’ve rented out a private island. “This is where the epitome of indulgence and sustainability come together seamlessly,” says Rigg. “You can enjoy the ultimate extravagances here with a conscience as clear as the waters that surround you.”

Villas from $4,694 per night

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Asia

Naturally, on a continent the size of Asia, the flavors of its ultra-exclusive stays are as varied as its cuisines. From the palaces of Rajasthan to the modern miracles of central Tokyo, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Banwa Private Island | Palawan, Philippines

While you may be able to rent one of the six beachfront villas à la carte, Banwa is also a true private island rental capable of housing up to 48 friends of one billionaire. Situated in the Philippines’s eastern Palawan province, the island is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea—ideal for diving or a casual snorkel. The villas, which are smart, modern, white structures with pools, sleep two to eight. Dinning here is alfresco, and the chef’s menus of world cuisine and Filipino classics change daily. “This is one of the world’s most exclusive private islands,” says Cookson. “It’s set in a marine-protected sanctuary and we love it for its incredible diving—it’s possible to scuba alongside whale sharks as well as encounter the rare Hawksbill turtle and black tip reef shark.”

Villas from $2,650 per night, with a three-night minimum. Full island rental rate upon request . 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle | Chiang Ra, Thailand

Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle—where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers—may have yesteryear connotations of opium production, but that’s a shame: It should be synonymous with natural beauty. The best way to take it in, according to the experts at Fischer Travel , is from the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle . “ It offers a unique, immersive experience, blending nature and luxury,” said Max Rosenthal of Fischer Travel. The resort’s 15 fully air-conditioned tents and Explorer’s Lodge are designed to create the atmosphere of a 19th-century tropical expedition. 

From $2,500

La Résidence Phou Vao | Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is Southeast Asia’s “secret treasure,” says Jonathan Alder of Jonathan’s Travels . “By far its best hotel is the Belmond .” Set on a hilltop looking toward the historic city where crowds gather to watch the monks parade each morning, the resort contains just 32 junior suites and two suites within colonial-style buildings blended with traditional Lao touches. A stunning view from the swimming pool may be the property’s real showstopper. “With service that excels with ease, it’s located in the perfect spot over the Mekong to explore this most amazing city,” Alder adds

Junior suites from $350

Pemako Punakha | Punakha, Bhutan

Bhutan has recently welcomed a handful of excellent new five-star lodges, including Six Senses and &Beyond. But Pemako Punakha is the only Bhutanese-owned and operated. Located on 75 acres in the  Punakha Valley, east of the capital city of Thimphu, this 21-tent resort is the brand’s second opening (its first is in Thimphu). Designed by Bill Bensley, each tent features a private heated pool, a deck, Serge Ferrari fabrics, copper futures and oodles of traditional Bhutanese design. “We have always liked working with independent hotels in Bhutan, and it is great to have this new kid on the block in Punakha,” says Wilmot-Sitwell. “Whilst the likes of Aman and Como have put the country on the map in terms of service standards and design, the likes of Gangtey Lodge and now Pemako Punakha give that extra level of personalization and originality.” What sets Pemako Punakha, he says, is the way that the villas, dotted across the valley, settle unobtrusively into “the fragile and beautiful landscape.” Its restaurant Soma serves global cuisine with an emphasis on regional specialties, while its Lotus Realm spa incorporates the traditional Bhutanese medicine known as Sowa-Rigpa. “Having worked in Bhutan for over 25 years, this is a perfect combination of light-touch, low-impact authenticity,” Wilmot-Sitwell adds.  

Low-season rates from $1,440 for a Luxury Tented Pool Villa, all inclusive; high-season rates from $1,740.

Six Senses Vana | Dehradun, India

Originally opened a decade ago in Dehradun, in the foothills of the Himalayas in India’s far northeast, Vana was reborn last year. Now a Six Senses, the wellness resort is still doing what it does best: healing with Ayurveda, yoga, Tibetan Medicine, and natural therapies. Set on 21 acres with 66 rooms, 16 suites, and four “casas,” it draws seekers looking to heighten, well . . . their sixth sense. Programs run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and include various traditions of yoga, meditation, Raag therapy, fitness sessions chanting, and music offerings—to name just a few. The resort also offers five-to-21-night retreats with personalized goal management. “Whatever your goals are, you will leave lighter, brighter and with a sense of serenity—even if just from the separation from your phone,” says Tanya Dalton of Greaves UK . “They tailor your journey no matter how soft or severe your approach. The Ayurvedic therapies, beautiful rooms, pools, and delicious, yet somehow healthy, cuisine, are all exceptional. Making ancient Indian treatments and therapies accessible to all is not an easy feat.”

Soneva Secret | Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the Maldives

Sonu Shivdasani has helped make wellness a central tenet of hospitality, via both Six Senses, the chain he cofounded and sold, and Soneva, the tiny cluster of hotels he continues to operate. (He earned a legendary accolade in this year’s Best of the Best thanks to that vision.) This 14-villa site , on the remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is the ultimate expression of his ethos, combining unstinting luxury with an emphasis on sustainability and connection with the natural world; each of those rooms, for example, has a retractable roof so you can look up at the stars each night. There’s a dedicated chef for each accommodation, as well as endless activities on offer, from sunset dolphin cruises to a picnic on a deserted island to even a castaway dining tower and observatory in the lagoon, reachable by zipline, a nod to the playfulness that’s a Soneva signature—each villa has its own water slide, too. Wix loves that it surpasses even its ultra-luxe sister properties in the Maldives and Thailand and that the focus on never signing a check. “We can book an all-inclusive Soneva Unlimited rate, so everything is paid for upfront,” she says.

From $3,200

Taj Lake Palace | Udaipur, India

Constant motion isn’t always a good thing. This majestic floating antique in the center of Lake Pichola in Udaipur (as seen in Bond flick Octopussy ) was constructed in the 1740s as a summer palace for Mewar royalty, and it still boasts the same white marble and magnificent gardens that it always did. While it has seen changes—including the creation of 65 rooms and 18 grand suites—its last update was way back in 2000. According to Dalton, there’s nothing to fix. “I find it hard to resist the charms of an antique palace hotel floating on a mirrored lake, surrounded by the romantic white city of Udaipur,” she says.

Doubles from about $900

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in the Middle East

Saudi Arabia has more five-star hotels in the pipeline than probably anywhere else on planet Earth. But it’s not on this list (yet). Instead, perfect hotels in milder locales made the grade.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

The mountain getaway in the Middle East’s most welcoming nation, Alila Jabal Akhdar , is famous for its vistas and minimalist architecture. The property offers incredible views from every room. But while its location high in the Al Hajar Mountains, a two-and-a-half hour drive from Muscat, might sound intimidating for those who like their feet on horizontal ground, this 84-suite, two-villa resort also offers literally grounded wellness programs. “It has fantastically challenging hikes, and a via Ferrata [climbing section] just in front of your room,” Wix says.

Doubles from $800 per night 

Bulgari Hotel | Dubai, U.A.E.

Widely recognized as Dubai’s swishest stay since opening in December 2017 on the manmade, seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay Island, Bulgari’s property managed to up the ante in this already ridiculously ritzy emirate. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel as an “urban oasis” resort, the hotel has 20 Bulgari villas and 101 rooms and suites, as well as the brand’s first Marina and Yacht Club, capable of housing 50 boats. Everything here is on a grand scale, including the spa, which weighs in at over 18,000 square feet. “It has the best rooms, linen, spa design, and facilities,” says Deborah Calmeyer of ROAR Africa. It also has the best Italian food in Dubai, with Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito under the toque. 

Doubles from about $530 per night 

The Greatest Luxury Hotels in Africa

There’s no where else like it, so go ahead and turn on the Toto. Southern Africa stole the show this time around, but we dare anyone to snoot at the Kenyan setting for Out of Africa .

Angama Mara | Oloololo Escarpment, Kenya

Angama ’s perch on a clifftop almost 1,000 feet up overlooking the Mara makes it one the best safari lodges in the world; make sure to spend time idling in the fire-pit-like sofa at this prime spot for unforgettable sunsets. “The views are untouchable,” Alder says. There are 15 standalone tented suites, each with wide, floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize those views. The decor is a departure from what has become the safari default, all leather and colonial khaki. Instead, think of the scarlet-accented interiors here as African Art Deco, bursting with joie de vivre. But don’t worry, you can still indulge some throwbackish fantasies here—many scenes from Out of Africa were filmed right here, and the hotel will set up lunch, on request, at the exact spot where the movie’s poster image was shot.

From $1,490 per person per night

Loapi Tented Camp | Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

Tswalu in the Kalahari Desert is the largest privately protected wildlife reserve in South Africa (with the lowest ratio of guests to the wilderness and owned by the billionaire Oppenheimer family). Its newest and most luxurious slice is Loapi . Meaning “the space below the clouds” in the Setswana language, Loapi is less of a camp and more of a homestead. It’s composed of six individual one- and two-bedroom tented safari homes—spaced so generously that each seems to disappear into the environment. Because these are individual homes rather than villas surrounding a central lodge, you won’t be asked to share anything. The accommodations come with dedicated staff, a private chef, private guides for your game drives, and plunge pools. “It’s designed for anyone desiring complete privacy while exploring the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve,” says Premier Tours’s Julian Harrison. It’s a camp that caters especially well to those with a little safari experience. You won’t see the big five here (there are no elephants in this desert), but what you will see are Africa’s most precious and elusive animals—not to mention friendly meerkats galore.

Rates from roughly $2,530 for two people in a one-bedroom tenant home to $9,100 for four adults in a two-bedroom.

Miavana by Time + Tide | Madagascar

The 14-villa property on its own private island off the northeast coast of Madagascar is a Brigadoon -like vision, shimmering into view on the helicopter transfer from nearby Diego Suarez as if out of nowhere. Villas are contemporary in style, with plunge pools, outdoors showers, and sleek, aqua-accented furniture that’s more Saint-Tropez than Out of Africa. Roam around the island on quad bikes, or take a boat trip to another in the archipelago for tern-spotting and alfresco picnic; the water sports center is fully equipped, and the wind pattern here makes it especially appealing for surfers of all kinds. Don’t be deterred by the logistics of getting here: The hotel now runs its own private-jet service from Johannesburg, an approximately four-hour jaunt on a Learjet 45. “A paradise on the edge of a world caught up in time from the original Portuguese explorers until now,” says Maury.

From $3,400 per person per night

North Island | Okavango Delta, Botswana 

We told you that the trend of buyout-primed micro camps was a major force in ultra-luxe safari and predicted that North Island would be a must-book new option as soon as it opened last summer. Clifford agrees. “It’s the perfect setting for full buyouts,” he says. “It’s an intimate, modern gem in a pristine location along the Okavango Delta’s neck, where guests have the luxury of fewer humans and far more options like traversing the waterways in the hotels own makoro or motorboats.” It’s the latest site from Natural Selection , which has particular expertise in Botswana, and is perched on a prime plot on the southwestern arm of the Great Rift Valley, with every major game species readily nearby, including leopards and cheetahs. There are more than 450 bird species, too, for any safari-seeking twitchers.

From $1,395 per person per night

Selinda, Botswana

“It’s an architectural trifecta of three cultures: European, Mokololo and Bayei,” says Sandy Cunningham of Selinda . A hotel in the second largest game concession in Botswana, this camp is a passion project for photographers and conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert. The pair owns a dozen or so camps around sub-Saharan Africa but this four-year-old property is a standout, located in the northern reaches of the country which pioneered a focus on high-end low-density tourism which is now being aped around the continent. Stay in the two-bedroom Selinda Suite for the best experience, says Cunningham: “It’s themed to resemble the thatched villages of Sangwali, who loaned the great explorer David Livingstone 200 men during his travels. It’s reachable via boat along the Selinda Spillway—the ultimate 007 arrival!”

Doubles from $11,088 in the midseason.

Singita Pamushana | Malilangwe Reserve, Zimbabwe

This hotel sits at the heart of 320,000-acre private Malilangwe Reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, an already-dreamy locale bolstered by its specific perch. “Its setting is right on a hill, surrounded by boulders, a dam, yellow and gold masa trees and 1000-year-old baobabs,” says Calmeyer, who counts it among her favorites in the continent. The reserve teems with wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and several rhinos—both white and black, thanks to determined anti-poaching efforts, and it’s a particular highlight to track them on foot with the hotel’s guides. There are just eight suites, each with its own private infinity pool, and one five-bedroom villa here, so there’s little risk of any wildlife spotting being ruined by a raft of Jeeps clustered together.

From $2,075 per person per night

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5-star hospitality: The unifying traits of luxury hotels

We explore the heart of luxury hospitality, uncovering the elements that make these hotels truly exceptional.

The luxury hotel experience is defined by opulence, tailored service, and a refined elegance that’s hard to beat. From London to Tokyo, or perhaps those luxury hotels close by , these hotels offer a distinctive blend of comfort and class. Despite their unique qualities, all luxury hotels share common threads – exquisite design, unparalleled service, and an emphasis on exclusivity. 

Exemplary service

The cornerstone of every luxury hotel experience lies in its commitment to exemplary service. From the moment you step in, the staff will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. They’ll do everything in their power to cater to your needs and exceed your expectations, making you feel like royalty. And it doesn’t stop there – the concierge team will hook you up with exclusive experiences, insider tips, and anything else you might need to make your stay truly exceptional. Service is an art form at luxury hotels, and they take it to the next level. Service is a key component in establishing a superior level of luxury. 

Architectural grandeur

Luxury hotels are visual showstoppers – the architectural brilliance of these gems is truly something to behold. Whether nestled in a bustling city or perched on a tranquil coastline, these structures are masterpieces in their own right. From striking facades to awe-inspiring interiors, every detail is carefully considered to create an immersive environment that complements the destination. However, luxury hotels aren’t just about looks, they’re functional, often placed in perfect convenient locations and depending on their age often lead in sustainability too. The design incorporates natural elements, innovative materials, and cultural influences to create a holistic experience that’s truly unforgettable. 

Culinary excellence

No hotel can claim the title of being luxurious without providing unrivalled cuisine and culinary experiences . From high-end restaurants to in-room dining, these establishments prioritise gastronomic excellence, crafting menus that blend local flavours with international influences. The dining spaces are thoughtfully designed, offering a sensorial experience that’s as much about the ambiance as it is about the food. From sourcing the finest ingredients to providing exceptional service, luxury hotels understand that the dining experience is an integral part of the overall hotel journey.

Unparalleled comfort

The luxury hotel experience is like slipping into a plush robe of pampered perfection. From the silky-soft linens to immersive sweet smelling bath products, every element is meticulously curated to create a cocoon of cosiness. It’s a symphony of comfort, with plush beds , high-tech amenities, and that intangible feeling of being cradled in luxuriousness. Luxury hotels offer a haven of calm and comfort where guests can escape the stresses of everyday life and sink into a state of blissful indulgence. Comfort is a non-negotiable when it comes to luxury hotel traits. 

Exclusive wellness facilities

Wellness is a recurring theme in luxury hotels, reflecting a global shift towards holistic lifestyles. The modern traveller is looking for more than just a place to rest their head – they’re seeking an immersive experience that nourishes their entire being. Spas, fitness facilities, and wellness programs are designed to be extensions of the hotel’s luxurious aesthetic. Guests are encouraged to indulge in pampering treatments and personalised fitness regimes that cater to their individual needs, with the goal of helping them achieve inner peace and a sense of wellbeing. It’s a holistic approach to luxury that elevates the hotel experience.

Technological innovation

Although some of the most luxurious hotels in the world have been around for decades there are others that offer an element of luxury they cannot. In today’s world, high-end hotels must offer not only elegance and style, but the addition to technological innovation. From temperature control to customised services, technology is seamlessly woven into the fabric the minute you enter the building. The use of mobile apps and interactive entertainment systems enhances the overall ambiance of luxury, without sacrificing the sense of timelessness that is the hallmark of high-end hospitality. It’s a delicate balance, but when done right, it elevates the guest experience to new heights of sophistication and convenience. Afterall, there’s nothing worse than poor Wi-Fi or content sitting behind a hotel paywall. 

Regardless of its location or cultural context, any luxurious hotel needs to meet a specific level of certain requirements that elevate it into the higher level of establishments. In essence, luxury hospitality is about creating a world in itself, where every aspect of the experience is meticulously curated to exceed expectations and inspire. Whether it’s the gracious service that anticipates every need, the physical architecture that blends seamlessly with its surroundings, the culinary excellence that delights the senses, the unparalleled comfort that fosters relaxation and rejuvenation, the opulent wellness amenities that pamper the body and mind, or the cutting-edge technology that elevates the experience. Each element contributes to an experience that transcends the ordinary and becomes truly exceptional. 

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How to Run a $7.5 Billion Luxury Hotel Portfolio: Inside Gencom’s Strategy

Sean O'Neill , Skift

January 29th, 2024 at 1:00 AM EST

Karim Alibhai's began his career at a Best Western motel. In the decades since, his firm Gencom has bought, sold, and developed eight Ritz-Carltons and dozens of other luxury hotels. Here's his formula.

Sean O'Neill

Early Check-In

Editor’s Note: Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill brings readers exclusive reporting and insights into hotel deals and development, and how those trends are making an impact across the travel industry.

Karim Alibhai knows better than most how to make luxury hotels profitable. He’s the founder and top boss of Gencom , which has owned, part-owned, or developed 8 Ritz-Carltons and 150 hotels under other brands over three decades.

Gencom’s traction is notable, given how tricky it is to get the economics right in luxury hotel deals and development.

• Prime real estate is pricey. White-glove service is expensive. After such costs, where are the profit margins?
• Equally challenging is how luxury hotels have seen softness in room rates during most of the past decade, according to STR data as analyzed by Bernstein Research .

Yet Gencom has defied the averages with its portfolio worth about $7.5 billion.

Last week, Gencom acquired majority ownership in The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne resort in Miami for an unpublicized sum.

• The real estate investment and development firm plans a $100 million renovation to start next year.
• Gencom knows the property better than anyone. It co-developed and built the 17-acre resort, which debuted in 2000. It later sold its majority stake.

This November, Gencom will open Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , in Costa Rica, as a luxury mixed-use complex being built ground-up across 1,400 acres.

• The three dozen units cost roughly between $3 million and $13 million each.
• That’s the highest price per square foot Costa Rica has seen for such properties yet.

Last July, Miami officials okayed Gencom’s and Hyatt’s plan for a billion-dollar development project — with construction set to start next year.

• Miami Riverbridge will be anchored by a redeveloped 615-room Hyatt Regency Miami .

Negotiate With the Luxury Hotel Brands

Alibhai has pushed the major luxury brands to give Gencom some leeway to fine-tune development and operation.

• “The luxury operators are very good, by and large, but you do need a very active asset management approach where they respect and listen to you — versus them saying ‘I’m St. Regis, I’m Rosewood, I’m Four Seasons, etc., so I know best,” Alibhai said.
• Exhibit A: In 2017, when Gencom co-acquired the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica (with another developer, Mohari), Four Seasons mandated a $15 million renovation.
• “We said, ‘Look, we think the potential ROI [return on investment] justifies a bigger, $35 million renovation,” Alibhai said. “But for us to put that in, we need you to change certain things, such as how you’re going to price the rooms and what the staff-to-guest ratios are.”

• Four Seasons liked that Gencom was a development group willing to invest thanks to its ability to get capital from top-tier lenders. So it agreed to make operations leaner and less costly, such as by trimming middle management and being more assertive in the rates it charges. “Today, that’s one of the most successful Four Seasons resorts,” Alibhai said.
• Exhibit B: In 2015, Gencom took a stake in The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale . “It had a negligible net operating income, yet 18 months later, it had grown almost seven-fold with the same manager, Ritz-Carlton,” Alibhai said.
• Exhibit C: Last year Alibhai and his team went to Ritz-Carlton and said that The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne resort wasn’t doing as well as it should and that it had seen its heyday. Gencom offered a plan to invest $100 million to upgrade amenities and reposition the hotel’s reputation among travelers.
• “Ritz-Carlton agreed because it’s a win-win,” Alibhai said. “If we do x, y, and z, their average rates will go up, so they’ll make more money through their management and incentive fees. But in exchange, they agreed to flexibility in certain financial contributions and so forth   and to agree to our plan for reimagining the property by them doing x, y, and z.”

Residential Underwrites Luxury Hotels

Alibhai, 59, was one of the first, in the late 1990s, to recognize the value of pairing luxury hotels and residential development.

• Alibhai’s Gencom helped kickstart the trend by helping Ritz Carlton create its first branded residences.
• Since then, multiple players have collectively built more than 80,000 hotel-branded residential units , according to Savills.
• “Luxury travelers were becoming more discerning and looking for better amenities and more elaborate amenities than, say, a spa with three treatment rooms and a small gym,” Alibhai said. “Yet you can’t afford to put all those things in a hotel alone because the occupancy rates won’t justify the operational costs.”
• “Residential sales help amortize the cost of the better spas, pools, and restaurants quite significantly,” Alibhai said.
• “To use very rough numbers, a true luxury resort today will cost you almost $2 million a key [or per room or suite] to build because of land costs in coveted locations, the amenities you have to put in, etc.,” Alibhai said. “At $2 million a key, it’s not easy to make the economics work for the hotel itself.”
• “So what you try to do is, at a minimum, see if you can reduce its costs by 50% by building residential and getting residential profits such that your net cost is instead $1 million a key — to do some quick and dirty math,” Alibhai said. “Now the economics work because your profit from residential paid back half the cost of the hotel, as a rule of thumb.”
• “When you do ultra-luxury, you’re spending even more, so it’s harder to get costs down as much as a percentage,” Alibhai said. “But you can still catalyze the value of the land across the project and increase the value of everything adjacent.”

Buying Low, Selling High

Alibhai works hard to sustain an organizational culture that emphasizes hustle and humility.

• Alibhai began his career working at what he calls a “negative two-star” Best Western motel. He had to hustle to work his way up to trading Rosewoods, Fairmonts, and Auberges. He tries to instill the hustle culture in his team — and also a willingness to think outside the box — to outmaneuver rivals.
• A key lesson: “Getting the right entry point on a deal is half the battle of a project’s success,” Alibhai said. Not overpaying for real estate allows room for error and bad luck in the later development work. While that truth may sound obvious, a long list of struggling luxury hotels suggests it’s not widely absorbed.
• Hubris is one challenge to watch out for. “It’s a mistake to think we’re that much smarter than everyone else in development,” Alibhai said. “For example, we would not go into a tough market that others are avoiding and build a ground-up luxury property and just think some Gencom magic would make it successful.”
• For instance, Gencom only bought the St. Regis Chicago in a joint venture with GD Holdings in 2021 because it was a pandemic-related distressed sale. Gencom hustled to put together a transaction whose “very complicated” nature deterred rival bids.
• Similarly, Gencom’s soon-to-open Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve , in Costa Rica became an attractive project financially because Gencom acquired the infrastructure, such as the golf course and marina, in a distressed situation in 2015.
• “We polished the gem, so to speak, so that when buyers came to look at the residential units, we had a lot to show,” he said. “People said, ‘We’ll pay North American prices to be a resident here.’ It’s nearly sold out. If we had built it all ground up, it would’ve been an expensive entry in a greenfield situation where we wouldn’t have known if we would’ve been successful.”

Right-sizing Luxury Operations

Experts note that the best-reviewed and the most lucrative luxury and ultra-luxury hotels tend to be owner-operated . What’s notable about Gencom is that it has to work with third-party managers to get the results it wants.

• Gencom recognized that restaurants and bars are becoming critical to the success of luxury hotels. (Roughly 1 billion photos on Instagram were food-related in 2023, said SproutSocial .) So Gencom insisted that Marriott outsource the St. Regis Chicago’s offerings to Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, the city’s largest restaurant company. The result includes a just-opened Tuscan steakhouse in collaboration with award-winning Los Angeles-based Chef Evan Funke.
• “The property is outperforming the market on all metrics in its first 12 months,” Alibhai claimed.
• In 2017, Gencom bought Rosewood Bermuda , which had been in receivership. Gencom made a $25 million renovation. Its premise was that the operator had only been managing it as a six-months-a-year operation when it could be a nine-months-a-year operation.
• “Yes, for three months a year, it’s too cold to swim in the ocean,” Alibhai said. “But only 20% or so of the guests are going into the ocean year-round. So you could extend the season to attract people to take board meetings and play tennis and golf if we invest in the facilities.” The early trajectory is positive, and Gencom is now doing a more than $300 million redevelopment of Fairmont Southhampton in Bermuda.

What do you think? Tell me. I’m at [email protected] and on LinkedIn .

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Photo credit: Aerial shot of the north pool of The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne in Miami. Source: Gencom.

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The 12 best luxury hotel chains in the world

• LTI — Luxury Travel Intelligence — recently released its latest ranking of the world's best luxury hotel brands.
• LTI's extensive algorithm is based on 123 criteria. The company analyzed luxury hotel brands with 10 or more properties worldwide to find the 12 best.
• The top spots included well-known names like Six Senses, Belmond, and Mandarin Oriental.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

While luxury travel destinations that look flawless on your Instagram feed can be underwhelming ( or downright disappointing ), some companies do successfully give wealthy travelers the high-end experience they're hoping for when they book a trip.

To that end, LTI - Luxury Travel Intelligence (a members-only digital resource for all things luxury travel) recently released its annual ranking of the top luxury hotel brands in the world. Turns out, the consensus on which chains are the best of the best has shifted drastically since the company's last list was released.

LTI's ranking (which focused only on brands with 10 or more properties) is based on 123 "touch points" relating to overall brand performance. The assessment process took place over the course of 12 months.

"It's all about a brand's ability to deliver: its passion, commitment, ethos and values, as well as the quality of its management and staff," LTI said in a release, adding that "continuing investment" in new and existing properties is another important factor.

LTI said that it decided not to adjust its typical ranking algorithm as a result of COVID-19, since "each brand's response is still unfolding."

Here are the world's best luxury hotel brands, ranked in ascending order.

Alila scored 69.9%. It didn't make the top 12 in LTI's 2019 ranking.

Source: Luxury Travel Intelligence

11. Peninsula

Peninsula scored 72.1%. It did not make the top 12 in LTI's 2019 ranking. 

COMO scored 72.8%. It also placed 10th in LTI's 2019 ranking. 

9. St. Regis

St. Regis scored 73.3% and also placed 9th in LTI's 2019 ranking.

8. Four Seasons

Four Seasons scored 74.5% and dropped from 3rd place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

7. Rosewood

Rosewood scored 76% and also placed 7th in LTI's 2019 ranking.

6. One&Only

One&Only scored 76.6% and moved up from 11th place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

5. Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental scored 78% and dropped from 2nd place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

Belmond scored 78.7% and dropped from 1st place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

Auberge scored 79.3% and moved up from 5th place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

Aman scored 82.3% and also earned 2nd place in LTI's 2019 ranking.

1. Six Senses

Six Senses scored 82.8% and moved up from the 8th place in LTI's 2019 ranking, taking the top spot in LTI's ranking for the first time.

Other brands that didn't make the cut but ranked highly enough to be monitored throughout the upcoming year included (in alphabetical order): &Beyond, Anantara, Banyan Tree, Dorchester Collection, Fairmont, Firmdale, Jumeirah, Oberoi, Park Hyatt, Raffles, Ritz Carlton, Rocco Forte, Shangri-La, Soho House, Taj, and The Luxury Collection.

LTI's ranking only took into account brands with 10 or more properties. Those with less than 10 that still ranked highly according to LTI's algorithm included (in alphabetical order): Althoff Collection, Bulgari, Capella, Cheval Blanc, Maybourne, Montage, Nikki Beach, Oetker Collection, and Soneva.

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At Biography Tbilisi all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.Popular points of interest near Biography Tbilisi include Metekhi Church, Saint George’s Armenian Cathedral and National Botanical Garden of Georgia. The nearest airport is Tbilisi International Airport, 12 km from the hotel.

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There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite hotels and resorts in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

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La Mamounia — Marrakech, Morocco Arrow

There’s a very particular effect exerted by La Mamounia, which seems to take hold the moment you head up the green tiled steps to this most bohemian of grandes dames. Upon seeing La Mamounia’s faded pink walls, Churchill was wont to ditch the suit and pick up his watercolor brushes; Paul McCartney wrote “Mamunia” (meaning “safe haven” in Arabic) during a 1973 stay; and Hitchcock, who filmed The Man Who Knew Too Much here, got his inspiration for The Birds from some overzealous finches on a jardin -facing balcony. La Mamounia was always a curious mash-up of Art Deco, Berber, and opulent Moorish, and the old place has had numerous facelifts over almost 100 years—from Jacques Majorelle’s bright stylings in 1946 to a theatrical noughties revamp by Jacques Garcia (Hotel Costes) and most recently a series of sly additions by Parisian futurists Jouin Manku, including a new cinema and teahouse. There are all the columns, foliage-filled courtyards, and mosaics of the most photogenic medina riad—except that there’s also the smoky Churchill speakeasy, an Asian-focused Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant with its sultry blacks and reds, and that legendary, vast square pool, around which I find the people-watching irresistible (bring dark sunglasses). There’s a reason that the actors and rock stars have kept coming; the fashionistas with kaftans and cigarettes. For all that it is woven into Marrakech like the knots in a Berber rug, La Mamounia has never, ever been boring.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve — Gansbaai, South Africa Arrow

For a long time, lodges in South Africa tended to be geared toward the Big Five . Grootbos, on the fynbos slopes near Walker Bay, south of Cape Town , is different. This 6,177-acre private reserve is about treasuring the smaller, finer things. With 889 plant species, seven of which are newly discovered, it is first and foremost a rare botanical treasure trove, in which owner Michael Lutzeyer has employed some of the Cape’s leading botanists and entomologists. The lodges are glassy and contemporary, but there’s a constant call outdoors—from the outside showers to tracking elusive aardvark and Cape leopard, or having lantern-lit dinners in a 1,000-year-old milkwood forest, all fairy-tale tangles. You can ride horses across the sands, past ancient sea caves; go on flower safaris, tree-planting expeditions, and whale-watching flights to see the calving Southern right whales that migrate inshore between July and December. Most of the food on the carbon-negative reserve is grown on site, and nothing comes from more than 30 miles away, with many of the staff graduates of the in-house hospitality academy. But the main takeaway of Grootbos is that just stopping and looking—at the interconnectedness and mad beauty of life—is the most mesmerizing thing of all. 

Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara — Liwa Desert, United Arab Emirates Arrow

Deep within Abu Dhabi ’s remote Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab materializes from the sands like a fever dream. The fortlike compound, with its crenellated walls, faux watchtowers, and horseshoe arches, emerges at the end of a slick ribbon of tarmac that snakes through dunes the color of Earl Grey tea. Date palms shade its formidable perimeter, while small canals modeled on ancient Arabian falaj irrigation systems carry cooling water between courtyards. Inside, the details give just enough of a sense of place—Moroccan-style lanterns and intricate mashrabiya screens, and even the odd Bedouin artifact, such as a dagger or a brass coffeepot—which feels purposeful rather than hokey. Sienna-walled guest rooms are kitted out with wooden chests and plush-patterned rugs that offer tactile warmth in a desolate place. But the most intriguing aspect is that activity and idleness are in equal supply here. You can just as easily spend a day hopping over the dunes on a fat bike or lingering on the premises, perhaps being immersed in a sound bath. Every trip ends with a climb along the dunes , where you might catch some of the most mesmerizing sunsets of your life—the ocean-like sands constantly shifting as the winds carve waves into their surface; impermanent but, just for a moment, perfectly wrought. 

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Arrow

There aren’t too many places that can offer a true beach and city break—but this elegant compound on Jumeirah’s crisp white shores manages to feel like part of Dubai while also being gently removed from it. Mostly, the hotel sits on the serene side of Middle Eastern opulence, with marble, Murano chandeliers, and gold-leaf ceilings cut through with calming, earthy tones inspired by the desert and Arabian Gulf. Staff around the curving, shadow-draped lagoon pools seem ever-ready with citrus shooters and blueberry muffins, and there’s often a procession of couples heading toward the orblike sculpture by the beach, firelit as the sun goes down. The spa has treatments designed by Swiss anti-aging guru Pauline Burgener, and much of the food runs fresh—from detox salads at vegetarian Folia to yellowtail ceviche at Sea Fu. But this is still Dubai, so there’s also room for the flash of Nusr-Et, the steakhouse created by divisive Turkish showman Salt Bae. Jumeirah is the closest beach to Downtown, and the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa still loom large, best viewed from the rooftop Mercury Lounge, with its Arabian archways framing the twinkling city. There's no better way to see and do Dubai. 

Lewa Wilderness — Kenya Arrow

Within a few hours of beginning my first game drive at Lewa Wilderness, a safari lodge and conservancy near the foot of Mount Kenya, I had seen all the animals in the “Big Six,” as my preternaturally chill guide Johnson Gilisho called them—the usual Big Five of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino, plus a cheetah sunning itself on a termite mound. I had also seen a large antelope called an eland, a waterbuck, and several endangered Grévy’s zebras, whose numbers here constitute about one-sixth of the species’ remaining global population. Founded 50 years ago as an adventure camp by former cattle ranchers, Lewa has become one of the most successful community conservancies in the world, a model emulated throughout Africa and by America’s National Park Service. It’s also an extraordinarily pleasant place to stay, from the rustic thatched cottages overlooking the Western Marania Valley to the communal alfresco meals prepared with ingredients from the conservancy’s small farm, plus a pool, a clay tennis court, and a comfortable sitting room to play games and tell stories by the fire at the end of the day. Lewa owner Will Craig will take guests up in his rebuilt canary-yellow 1932 biplane, which you can spot Anthony Bourdain riding in during one of the final episodes of Parts Unknown (“Better than sex,” he is reported to have said off-camera), and countless other activities—including horseback riding and birding—are available. But nothing beats the game drives, or the crisp taste of a G&T at a sundowner, looking out over some of the most beautiful landscapes and creatures on the planet. Doubles from $1,400. —Jesse Ashlock

Shinta Mani Wild — Cambodia Arrow

There aren’t many hotel designers whose creations have genuinely made my face hurt from smiling. I first came across the work of Bangkok-based American Bill Bensley when I stayed at the Capella Ubud in Bali , a joyous feat of maximalist storytelling in the jungle. Shinta Mani Wild is an even deeper immersion into nature—specifically, the lush wilderness of southwestern Cambodia. To me, the most thrilling thing about the place isn’t that you arrive by army four-wheel-drive and then zip-wire over the forest canopy, your grins met with a Khmer G&T beside the rushing river. No, it’s the fact that Bensley bought an 865-acre swath of magical, orchid-rich rain forest between three national parks to protect it from logging, mining, and poaching. This meant I could properly enjoy one of the decadent, whimsically themed tents along the river, and the house-made herbal tonics in the thatched spa, against the happy background hum of the Raging Sister waterfall. I could thrill to the snappily dressed staff ushering me to take a river safari or eat wonderful foraged food in the main tent. Among scores of river- and forest-based adventures, the most fulfilling was joining an anti-poaching patrol team, whose sheer love for the minutiae of the jungle belied the AK-47s slung across their shoulders. Shinta Mani Wild is no airy piece of greenwashing. For all its grin-inducing whimsy, this is the real thing. Doubles from $920 (all-inclusive, minimum three nights). —Juliet Kinsman

Songtsam Lhasa Linka — Tibet Arrow

If I’m being honest, the main reason I went to the Tibetan town of Lhasa was to stay at the spectacular Songtsam Lhasa Linka. This sprawling complex, which clings to the hillside in pockets of stone and lime slurry, feels particularly suited to its surroundings, no doubt thanks to the hotel group’s zealous site-selection process: The location of each property is carefully staked out before one is chosen. (The Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge, almost 100 miles east, sits on the grounds where the house of Baima Duoji, Songtsam Group’s founder, once stood.) And even then, it took nearly two years to manifest this mountain compound. For its construction, the brand tapped the craftsmen who helped to restore the neighboring Potala Palace, a magnificent 17th-century fortress, using some of the same techniques and materials. Inside, wood—used for the floors, walls, and ceilings—suffuses the hotel with a warmth that tempers the dramatic landscape beyond; handcrafted copperware and impressive Thangka paintings and tapestries hang from the walls. Though you could spend a day or two admiring the hotel’s many vantage points—which I’ve certainly done—Songtsam Lhasa Linka is also an ideal launchpad from which to explore this region. And the affable staff, made up of locals, can help facilitate activities to do just that, like hiking around the nearby sacred mountains and setting up excursions to Basong Tso, a gloriously turquoise alpine lake in eastern Tibet—experiences that to me felt both foreign and deeply familiar. Doubles from $197. —Vincent Wang  

Bvlgari Hotel Beijing Arrow

There aren’t many cities as intense as Beijing , with its ring roads like clogged arteries. Even its imperial core—the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Towers—hums with frantic life. I’ve always found it a city to attack and then retreat from, which is what makes the Bulgari Hotel such a joy. Hugging the Liangma River, gently removed from the embassies and expat buzz of Sanlitun, it spills onto a manicured garden by Swiss landscape designer Enzo Enea—a bit of soft green zen in a city of so many grays. Inside there are Asian nods but mostly a certain luxuriant sleekness: crisp blacks and golds, with archival photographs and folding copper screens. I usually ask for a south-facing room, as high up as possible, looking through floor-to-ceiling windows not just to the sun but to the wonky skyline across the river. Everything is smoothly tactile, from leather-paneled walls to sliding wooden screens, fringed Bulgari-branded bedspreads, and velveteen sofas. Award-winning chef Niko Romito’s regional Abruzzo dishes, such as Wagyu tagliata and oyster risotto, are served under great geometric Murano chandeliers. The spa, with its pool seemingly hewn from black marble, was partly inspired by Rome’s ancient Baths of Caracalla. Outside, Beijing may be rushing by, but inside, a very Italian coolness reigns. Doubles from $583. —Vincent Wang

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Arrow

When I was a child, my mother would take me for afternoon tea at the Mandarin Oriental as a treat. We would sit in the Clipper Lounge, on the mezzanine floor overlooking the lobby, smearing rose-petal jam on plump scones delivered by waiters in white tunics—all amid a caravanserai of taipans and politicians, celebrities and royals, tourists and cheongsam-clad ladies. Forty years later, I continue the ritual with my niece. The Mandarin (as it’s affectionately known to all who’ve stayed) is an institution. Not the stale and stuffy kind. No, this hotel has always been fun—a celebration of Hong Kong’s unique identity. A place that zips along with the same energy as the horses that gallop around the Happy Valley racecourse—and not even 20 months of border closures have slowed its pace. There’s a terrific new bar, The Aubrey, an izakaya that pokes gentle fun at the 19th-century European trend for Japonisme with its wonderfully opulent design: dark wood paneling, jewel-toned velvets, walls of gilt-framed paintings, and trailing ferns above a puzzle of snugs and banquettes. And while Cantonese restaurant Man Wah has occupied the same spot overlooking the dome of the former Supreme Court since 1968, it’s been theatrically updated with China-blue walls, brass birdcage lamps, and calligraphy artwork (the dim sum remains as divine as ever). For the first time in its history, the hotel now also has a club lounge with cocktail hours and afternoon tea. But it’s not the new attractions that really matter. What counts is that the Mandarin Oriental remains a much-loved symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan history. Doubles from $330. —Lee Cobaj

Soneva Fushi — Kunfunadhoo Island, Maldives Arrow

The things that bring you here are never the ones you remember most after you leave. So not the slide that whooshes from the top floor of your overwater villa straight into the Indian Ocean , or the ice-cream room or the floating breakfast in your private pool. Of course, they’re fantastic—but the elements that draw people back to Soneva year after year, despite the steady stream of Maldives openings, seem significantly less sexy on Instagram. First, there’s the foliage: There’s as much tropical greenery as there is unending expanse of blue sky and sea. Then there are the little discoveries you make as you cycle to breakfast, such as the rabbits who come out for scraps and sit in the sand at your feet. Even more unforgettable is Soneva’s commitment to sustainability, which started way before it became a buzzword. Today, 90 percent of the island’s waste is recycled or reused. For every celebrity you will spot here (and you will), there are artists, sculptors, chefs, and jewelers who are invited to transform discarded cans or kitchen scraps into works of wonder. You will dine at Soneva’s plant-based restaurant, rooted in its organic garden, and leave with a great understanding of what lies beneath the waves (through its marine-conservation program) and above (with an astronomy session). It feels like a place to see the bigger picture; the wind, waves, and clouds are a reminder of how we are all connected to the Earth. This is perhaps Soneva’s greatest message: that even in the most indulgent environment it’s possible—no, essential—for there to be a mission. Of all the places I am dreaming of returning to in 2022, this is top of the list. Villas from $2,000. —Divia Thani  

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur — India Arrow

Umaid Bhawan is part of one of the world’s largest private residences, and still the occasional home of Jodhpur’s former royal family, so few hotels are as vast and unashamedly regal. Finished in 1943, the palace is a glorious blend of aesthetics: Partly inspired by Angkor Wat , its Rajasthani style was injected with notes of Art Deco by Polish artist–turned–interior designer Stefan Norblin, a famed illustrator in his home country who painted the striking frescoes as interpretations of Hindu mythology. But for all that its huge, pillared central dome can seem intimidating, as can those portraits of former maharajas, you'll feel at home here. That’s largely down to the warm staff in bright turbans, who make you feel entirely deserving of the Champagne breakfasts, raw-milk baths, and folk performances in the marble-columned pavilion. It isn’t, in the end, a place in which to be overawed—but to be embraced, and very happily spoiled. 

Aman Tokyo Arrow

Japan’s capital  is many things—sprawling, neon-lit, nocturnal—but one word not often used to describe it is relaxing. I registered this dissonance approximately an hour after I last checked into Aman Tokyo. More precisely, while floating 34 floors above ground, inhaling and exhaling with a meditation teacher in a white space, distracted only by vivid sunset views. Aman has, of course, long been a byword for a certain kind of crisp zen wellness. Yet there’s something extra special about discovering it among the skyscrapers of a megalopolis, surrounded by the impeccable geometry of the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, who was long inspired by Japanese design and considered this one of his finest works. Aman destinations have tended to focus on nature and heritage, so transplanting the concept to the big city in 2014 was a bolder move than it seems now. The lobby still turns heads, with its towering ceiling, abstract blooms, and kimono-clad musician plucking the strings of a koto. The bedrooms are filled with always seem to me more akin to mindfulness spaces, with their aromatic hinoki-wood, sliding screens and staggered levels. The food and the service are impeccable—of course they are—but the spa is the real scene-stealer, a place of complete sensory purity that hovers unperturbed over the fizzing city. The latest treatments cover everything from Shinto purification rituals to iaido sword training. But really it’s a form of therapy just being here, as Tokyo glimmers and growls below.

Six Senses Yao Noi — Ko Yao, Thailand Arrow

It begins with a subtle shift from indigo to violet, starlight fading in the night sky. Silhouettes of dragons appear on the horizon: the jagged limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay. The Andaman Sea is seemingly lit from beneath in a preternatural shade of cerulean. In a flash of scarlet and flame orange, the day arrives, greeted by the unfurling of lotus flowers and the calls of hornbills, kingfishers, and coucals. I’m not an early riser, but I would change the habits of a lifetime if every morning looked like those at Six Senses Yao Noi. The sunrises are just one of the reasons I’m always angling to return to this tropical-island resort. Others include the breezy villas with their driftwood canopied beds, sunken sea-view bathtubs, and decks large enough to cartwheel across; the sunny staff who make guests feel only-child special; and the communal half-moon infinity pool set high in the hills forming a crescent above the bay. Then there’s the spa, cleaved into the hillside and offering lemongrass teas, hot herbal massages, and wellness rituals (my favorite is the Signature Yao Noi Journey, with its coconut scrub and Thai herbal steam) that last for hours and leave me glassy-eyed, in a good way. The food mostly comes from local fishermen or the hotel’s gardens, mushroom hut, and chicken coop—poached Phuket lobster in coconut broth, perhaps, or hot-and-sour grouper curry. To spend time here is a joy—a reminder of the beauty of nature and the possibilities that arrive with each new dawn.   Doubles from $590. — Lee Cobaj

The Leela Palace New Delhi — India Arrow

The gilded furniture, the twinkling chandeliers, the silver tchotchkes—they overwhelm the senses. But what is truly golden about this hotel is the thoughtful, old-school hospitality, like transfers straight from the baggage carousel (save your judgments until after you have battled crowds at Delhi’s airport); the fact that they will leave the rooftop pool open for you should you need to get in some laps after hours; and the easy vegetarian hits on Megu’s menu, like a delicate cured-tofu sashimi that’s to die for and a heavenly chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries. This winter a garden-side izakaya is set to open. Call it an attempt to attract a younger audience, but the Library Bar will curate a range of music—traditional Sufi to EDM—and turn itself into a gin-focused cocktail bar. Ten years on and under new management, The Leela’s glitter game is still strong. 

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers — Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand Arrow

A 40-minute drive along the North Island’s South Pacific coast from the Art Deco town of Napier, this place is a 6,000-acre working farm in a rolling coastal landscape, but also a golf course, a wildlife sanctuary, and one of the most invigorating stays in New Zealand . As you climb a forested hill toward the farm’s lofty timber-and-stone lodge, there’s a sense of being let in on a beautiful secret (one shared by Benedict Cumberbatch, who spent lockdown at a neighboring house). There are soaring ceilings and agricultural tools in the main building and smart black-and-white photographs of animals in the 22 cottages with fireplaces, but the overall impression is of a crisply modern take on farmhouse style. This is also a sanctuary for the kiwi and ancient tuatara and, as I discovered on an off-road jaunt to the estate’s sea cliffs, a breeding ground for seabirds and seals. There are miles of hiking and mountain-biking trails across the glacial landscapes, and you always have the option to take picnic hampers to the beach. The Farm is one of those places where you meet other ruddy-cheeked guests over abalone-like moon shell clams and local lamb after a day’s adventures. I sleep better at this hideaway, as the gulls cry and the clouds roll in, than almost anywhere else on the planet. From $1,600. —Kendall Hill

Park Hyatt Sydney Arrow

Sometimes the job of a hotel is not to overwhelm or overpower but to smoothly facilitate. This, to me, is what the Park Hyatt Sydney has always done. Tucked beneath the Harbour Bridge , its sandstone exterior is unassuming, almost austere. But inside, the whole thing makes sense: Everything is geared toward the Sydney Opera House, the glinting bay, and those green-and-mustard ferries lolling into Circular Quay. None of the rooms and suites is smaller than 430 square feet, and each feels like the smartest waterfront apartment, with mirrors and deftly angled walls emphasizing space and pure Australian sunshine. The mosaic rooftop pool—almost unnoticeable from ground level—is one of the city’s great spots, and I’ve spied Bruce Springsteen reclining in the jet pool. For food, I tend to go for the more casual dining option, The Living Room, with cinematic views beyond Kirribilli Point, where a plate of local rock oysters and a Hunter Valley Chardonnay is all that’s required. Service is wonderful, in that crisply unforced Australian way, but really the Park Hyatt is about what’s outside. It is an eminently happy bubble, where it almost feels like I am floating on that shimmering ocean. Doubles from $770. —Kendall Hill

Anassa — Polis, Cyprus Arrow

There is a reason that Anassa has so many “superloyals,” as they call them at the front desk—guests who return on the same week, year after year. Life feels supremely comfortable in this series of immaculate white buildings tumbling down the hillside to the coffee-colored beach below. Still owned by the Cypriot Michaelides family, the 23-year-old hillside estate has always been classic, even after a renovation in 2016, when Parisian interior designer Joelle Pleot stuck largely to elegant creams and Hamptons nautical stripes. The spa—including a midnight-blue, glass-roofed thalassotherapy pool that stopped me in my sliders—is sensational. But the reason I really understand all those repeat guests is the seemingly effortless multigenerational appeal . On a recent post-lockdown visit, we were given beach baskets brimming with toys, and left our son to pottery lessons and treasure hunts at the brilliant kids’ club as we sauntered off for local rosé at the cavernous, adults-only Basiliko restaurant, with its sunken terrace. Anassa also offers babysitting services and a family photographer, yet none of it feels twee or forced. Instead, this is a place to dangle one’s feet over the edge of a sun-warmed pool, or wander through fragrant gardens against a soundtrack of crickets, wood pigeons, and gently lapping sea. It is a place, in other words, to keep coming back to. Doubles from $540. —Becky Lucas

Le Bristol Paris Arrow

Yes, Le Bristol is grand—the polished marble, the Louis XVI armchairs, the boiserie -paneled walls—but it has never felt cold or stuffy. I tend to go for Paris Fashion Week, and any sense of froideur is eliminated with one stroke of Fa-raon, the fluffy white Burmese cat and unofficial hotel mascot (he’s since had a son and heir, called Socrate)—usually draped over the concierge’s desk. Le Bristol has had a stylish insouciance ever since it opened on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in 1925, and it held on to its gilded soul after a six-year facelift that was unveiled in 2018 by its owners, the Oetker Collection. Suites are about chandeliers, Pierre Frey fabrics, and a very pure devotion to comfort overlooking the wonderfully serene enclosed garden by Arabella Lennox-Boyd, with its geometric lawns, fountains, and osmanthus topiaries. Eric Fréchon’s macaroni with black truffle and duck foie gras at three-Michelin-starred Epicure is a thing of wonder, as is Café Antonia, where the fashion crowd all seem to order the green bean, artichoke, and hazelnut salad. The spa by La Prairie does possibly the best massage in Paris.

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc — Antibes, France Arrow

The wisteria at the Hotel du Cap was planted the year the hotel launched. That was 1870, before a generation of restless pleasure-seeking writers and artists, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Marc Chagall, turned the classic winter retreat into a summer playground, escaping Prohibition and societal strictures after the Great War.

A century later, the 1970s were another turning point for the Riviera landmark, when the Oetker family bought the villa after sailing past and catching a glimpse of the iconic property. Thus began a new, heady, unbuttoned denim-shirted era, when social boundaries were crossed around the legendary swimming pool, which had been blasted out of basalt and fetishized in society photographer Slim Aarons’ colored images. Royalty and rock stars mingled with writers, rogues, and reprobates. After the jazz and jet ages, came the dot-com bubble buzz, and the brief oligarchization of the pool. All these eras are now past.

These days, it is as it should be—that Matissean “ Luxe, Calme et Volupté ”—at the Riviera recreation ground and landmark hotel, where the outside world is kept very much at arm’s length. Hotel du Cap has closed only four times in its long 150-year history, most recently during the pandemic, but when I returned last year, the influencers were back in force, posing along the cushiony Grande Allée that rolls out towards the sea. It is pure Instagram gold, of course: a ceremonial catwalk 650 feet long, trumpeted on both sides with pines, that leads from the 19th-century Napoleon III classic mansion, past the flirty palms, to the party terrace of Eden Roc jutting over the water like the prow of a ship. It’s a place to see and be seen—and yet nothing feels more private, peaceful and like a hideaway than a day spent sequestered in one of the 31 cabanas with a bottle of Whispering Angel rosé. These simple, rustic shacks are the heart and soul of the estate, positioned on the rocky outcrops of the seaboard beneath the whispering Aleppo pines.

Other ways to spend the day include wallowing in the Dior Spa, honing that serve on one of five clay tennis courts (which are assiduously hosed down before breakfast), or visiting the beehives and birdhouses. In a corner of the 22 acres of mimosa- and wisteria-scented parkland, there’s even a pet cemetery where regular guests have buried departed companions.

Although the Hotel du Cap moves with the times , it never gives in to the vagaries of fashion, and remains a classic. Anatole France’s plaque at the entrance of the path to the cabanas sums up, “What will be is what was.” The hotel still subscribes to the cherished adage that, in tumultuous times, living well is the best revenge. From $971. —Catherine Fairweather

The Vasilicos — Santorini, Greece Arrow

Almost every building overlooking Santorini’s sunken caldera has been converted into a luxury hotel. I’ve stayed at dozens of them, but surprisingly few live up to those famous views. The Vasilicos is a cut above the crowded competition for several reasons. All seven suites are spacious and secluded, their terraces cascading down the hillside with wide-open views of the infinite blue. Even when the island seems to be sinking under the weight of its popularity, serenity reigns at this former summerhouse. Designed for sun-drenched gatherings with family and friends, it was built in the 1980s by Vassilis Valambous, a Greek art collector and bon viveur, from a cluster of collapsed yposkafa —the island’s unique cave houses. The atmosphere still has the warmth, intimacy, and personality of a home. From the capsule library (curated by legendary local shop Atlantis Books) to the custom-made beach towels, every thoughtful detail bears the personal touch of the elegantly understated owner, Daphne Valambous. Her brother Yannis has transformed the vineyards he inherited from their father into Vassaltis, one of the most exciting wineries on Santorini. If I’m traveling solo, I like to pop a bottle of its sparkling pet nat to toast the sunset, an almost otherworldly experience that is never the same twice (the wines can also be paired with a personalized tasting menu at the sublime two-table restaurant). Open since 2015, The Vasilicos is already a timeless classic. Like most loyal guests, I’d almost prefer to keep this very private hideaway hush-hush. Doubles from $420. —Rachel Howard

Relais Borgo Santo Pietro — Siena, Italy Arrow

Last autumn—desperate for a sanctuary from living in locked-down Brooklyn with a newborn—I found an Edenic combination of escapism and reconnection here. Unlike at some resorts, visitors here don’t block out the destination once they check in. The 300-acre estate is in Chiusdino, on the more rugged side of Tuscany , and feels like a microcosm of the region itself. The ricotta at dinner comes from the sheep you’ve spied on long walks through farms and forests; the fields of lavender and marigold provide ingredients for the face oils at the spa. None of this is to say that Borgo Santo Pietro isn’t sharp. Everything is done with a very Italian elegance: the manicured gardens and landscaped pool; the staff who appear with a Spritz and silver tray of truffled chips simply because they thought you needed it (and I did); the Trattoria sull’Albero, with its thick oak tree rising in the middle. During the harvest season, guests can pluck and stomp grapes at Borgo’s tumble of vineyards. There’s a six-foot-deep swimming hole in the middle of a rushing stream. It’s on the property but open to use by the 30 or so locals from a nearby village. Closer to the guest villas is a tall canopied wall beside the vegetable gardens, along which pilgrims in the Middle Ages trekked to the nearby Abbey of San Galgano. My stay was an opportunity to explore a pocket of wild southern Tuscany, thrillingly alone and free, without ever needing to backtrack through the great wide entrance gates. Doubles from $760. —Erin Florio

The St. Regis Florence Arrow

There’s no shortage of elegant hotels in Florence , but something about The St. Regis keeps it a perennial favorite. It might be that, for a palazzo of 15th-century frescoes and crystal chandeliers, it is just so cozy, full of stained-glass-lit nooks in which to disappear for hours with a copy of La Repubblica . Of course, the Renaissance never feels far away. Filippo Brunelleschi, the brains behind the Duomo , designed the original palazzo in the early 1400s, and it became a hotel in 1866. If the exquisitely detailed cherubs on the ceiling of the Salone delle Feste ballroom could talk, they might tell tales that the wonderful staff here are mostly too tactful to divulge: of Botticelli and Amerigo Vespucci (the explorer who gave America its name), but also of Madonna and Keith Richards. Still, it’s not just the great and the good who are treated exquisitely: Clothes are magically unpacked and ironed, tickets awarded to skip the queues for the Diocesan Museum or Santa Maria del Fiore’s dome. Rooms, all brocades and canopied beds, mostly have views of the River Arno, while the Winter Garden restaurant is at the reverential end of Italian cooking, with dishes served under a great glass ceiling. Still, this is also a hotel that can let its hair down. Last Christmas, during the nightly Champagne ritual that kicks off with a waiter popping a bottle with a saber, a giant teddy bear was given pride of place by the fire. This is a hotel where the royal treatment is for everyone. —Sara Magro

Belmond Hotel Splendido & Belmond Splendido Mare — Portofino, Italy Arrow

The Splendido Mare, once a fishermen’s guesthouse, is the 14-room harborside sister of Belmond’s Splendido, a hillside hideout that started life as a Benedictine monastery before becoming a hotel in 1901, then a magnet for movie stars (Elizabeth Taylor had four honeymoons there). Its makeover, by in-demand Parisians Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay, is exquisite—local terra-cotta tiles and nautical nods, such as the knots woven into headboards in quietly lavish rooms, with Gio Ponti armchairs and rich Loro Piana fabrics. Everything is done subtly, almost unnoticeably, and there’s a deceptive simplicity to the cooking of brothers Enrico and Roberto Cerea. Their restaurant in Bergamo has three Michelin stars, but here they stick mostly to seafood and Ligurian classics, including a sublime pesto trofie . This is Portofino , after all, which is above all discreet—a place where the actors and the aperitivo-sipping locals don’t much bother one another. 

The Connaught — London Arrow

Some places just have magic in their bones: the whiff of a vast Cire Trudon candle in the lobby; the gleam of 200-year-old oak banisters; or the hum from a perfectly low-lit bar, where a martini trolley is being wheeled from table to table. The Connaught is a place where the original lifts still creak elegantly, rain patters on the roof, and solid walls make it feel like, whatever troubles befall the world, all will be well within. The setting is just right, too: spotless Mount Street, with its mustard-bright awnings, high heels click-clacking on the pavement, and line of shiny black taxis with yellow lights winking. Removed from the traffic but pin-sharp in the heart of Mayfair’s thrills, it is first and foremost a cocooning retreat, enveloping and deeply comfortable. But there’s also a buzz in spaces such as the new Red Room, a sly speakeasy hidden beyond a velvet-curtained doorway, and a sense that things are happening in some nook somewhere. For all that it does elevated Michelin dining, there’s also a corner to dive into for a late-night hamburger and frites . Bathrooms are wall-to-wall marble; some beds, such as the carved four-poster in the Prince’s Lodge, are so high off the ground they need steps to climb into. Everything is immaculate, spoiling, and just so damn smart. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama — Tenerife, Spain Arrow

Some large hotels can seem impersonal and lacking in character. Instead, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama—a monumental vision of faintly surreal, multilayered Moorish pink—feels more like a curious labyrinthine village; a place to get happily lost in, among all those palm trees, curving walkways, and aquamarine pools with sharp, dissonant angles. The sense of a total escape is helped by the fact that the hotel is a world unto itself: With views beyond the white-sand beach to the neighboring island of La Gomera , it is mostly surrounded by a golf course (owned separately), beyond which the volcanic Mount Teide looms ominously large. Flying and flopping may be unfashionable, but I can’t think of a better place to do just that of a European winter (Tenerife is T-shirt-warm all-year-round). There are more than eight restaurants and bars, including Michelin-starred Basque and Japanese fusion; the kids’ club, with art walls, is one of the biggest in Europe; and the spa takes opulent inspiration from Roman baths. But the joy here is just being: hiking along the rugged coast or floating from pool to pool, as the sun casts lines of shadows over pink stucco walls and eventually settles over the peaks of La Gomera. Doubles from $500. —David Moralejo

Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection — Barcelona Arrow

Smart hotels in this city often hew to a certain mod-minimal, design-agency template. The Cotton House in Eixample, though, is very different—a riot of neoclassical joy in a 19th-century cotton guild, which makes me smile every time. Interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán is well known for his designs across Barcelona , including the Edition —but it’s hard to think he’s ever had more fun than with the Belle Epoque features here, from its old parquet floors to the wood-paneled ceilings and grand spiraling staircases. The cotton theme runs through the orb-shaped chandeliers, like cotton flowers; the 300-thread Egyptian-cotton sheets in the more minimal rooms; and the fact that guests can order candy-colored, hand-stitched shirts from the very sharp concierge desk, which is known as the Gossypium (the Latin name for the genus of plants that produce cotton). The style is grown-up, but a chintzy wink is never far away. In the bar, which spills out onto a lushly foliaged terrace, the house Gossypium cocktail with Pisco and blue Curaçao gleefully throws out the prevailing vogue for Savoy classics. It is a reminder that hotels can grandly mine the past—but do it without taking themselves too seriously.

Finca Cortesin — Málaga, Spain Arrow

The international luxury names may be piling into Spain at breakneck speed, but none has yet achieved the status of the great Finca Cortesin. With 67 suites, Bali-esque pools, a Mediterranean-facing beach club, a vast spa, and a top-brass golf course, it’s a paradigm of perfection on the cusp of Casares, a typical whitewashed town near Marbella . Finca Cortesin is more than the sum of its parts, but each part has been created by someone of significant talent. Javier López Granados is the big-vision CEO-owner who pulls it all together; Rene Zimmer the consummate managing director, who also helms new sister property Grand Hotel Son Net in Mallorca. Architects Roger Torras and Ignacio Sierra conceived this take on a classic Andalusian finca, which gleams sparkling white against the deep-blue Med and vivid flashes of potted geraniums. The sleek public spaces, filled to the rafters with antiques, were originally curated by the late, distinguished Portuguese decorator Duarte Pinto Coelho (after his death, the baton passed to exuberant Madrid-based antiquarian Lorenzo Castillo). Landscaper Gerald Huggan planted the perfumed and palm-studded gardens, replete with jasmine and wisteria. The inviting suites are the work of interior designer sisters Ana and Cristina Calderón, who dressed high-ceilinged rooms with bright pieces, color feature walls, vibrant bouquets, and paintings. To dine with Lutz Bösing, chef at El Jardín de Lutz, is to take a masterclass in classic Spanish cuisine, especially seafood such as a rich mantis shrimp cream soup with lobster and basil. From $700. —David Moralejo

Heckfield Place — England Arrow

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Heckfield Place is your typically grand country-house hotel. There’s certainly enough of the usual elements to throw you off the scent: the sprawling grounds and manicured gardens, the impressive stately exterior, the sweeping staircase, and walls adorned with oil paintings. But all is not what it seems. For starters, there isn’t a hint of stuffiness or pomp. The team greet guests with a calmness that’s contagious, guiding you about the place with the kind of ease that never feels imposing. Even the uniforms, designed by cult clothing company Egg—all corduroy, linens, and flouncy blouses—are refreshingly unexpected. Bedrooms are stripped back and country comfy without leaning too heavily into the more ubiquitous country-pile aesthetic—creamy oatmeals, subdued greens and pinks and yellows, not a sniff of chintz. And then there’s the food. Both Marle and Hearth, the two restaurants, are overseen by starry chef Skye Gyngell. There’s a farm-to-fork ethos, drawing heavily on the estate farm and kitchen garden for the menus. The latest addition is The Bothy by Wildsmith, a serene, two-floor oasis enveloped in the hotel’s gardens. Years in the making, it’s a deeply soothing space with a gorgeous pool and treatment rooms for hours-long sessions that might include diagnostic kinesiology or abdomen massages. The hot tubs on the deck overlook the grounds, where, in the summer months, you can take a walk around the estate with a picnic or enjoy a dip in the misty lake. In the winter, follow up a session in the waters with a cosy afternoon curled up by the fire in the living room—aim for 4:00 p.m. and wait for a homemade cake to magically appear on a platter before staff dutifully place fat slices on plates to enjoy as a piano tinkles in the corner. From $695. — Sarah Allard

One&Only Palmilla — Baja California Sur, Mexico Arrow

Arriving at this spot on the very tip of the Baja Peninsula feels like coming home. Many of the staff are third-generation employees who remember not only your name but whether you prefer your margarita made with tequila or mezcal (and which brand), and where you like your yoga mat to be set up in your room. And those rooms. Whitewashed hacienda-style architecture brightened with hand-embroidered textiles, plus perks such as private butlers and, in the case of Villa Cortez, an exclusive fitness suite, spa room, and beach cabana reflect Cabo’s emergence as Latin America’s latest luxury hotspot. There is no shortage of glitzy new five-stars, but as the area’s first proper hotel, Palmilla has a serious advantage: real estate. Its secluded location on one of Cabo’s only swimmable beaches is unbeatable. In the ’50s, Hollywood’s elite flocked here, and today a fresh generation of A-listers does the same. A commitment to discretion and timeless glamour in an age of social-media noise, as well as constant reinvention (new wellness offerings from spiritual healer Alicia Kanxoc), have allowed Baja’s big hitter to continue holding court. 

Explora Valle Sagrado — Peru Arrow

There are many ways to experience this minimalist adventure-focused lodge on a former corn plantation in the mountain stronghold of the Incas. I was lucky enough to sample two of them on a recent visit: first as a solo traveler and then with a group of my oldest friends, who joined me after completing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Alone, I hiked with a chatty local guide: past old Inca retaining walls and agricultural terraces on a pleasant trail near the town of Ollantaytambo, and then on the more arduous Cinco Lagunas trek, up into the mist at 15,000 feet with no one around but a few distant Quechua shepherds and their sheep. When my friends arrived, we went single-track mountain biking from Moray, one of the Sacred Valley’s signature Inca sites, to Salar de Uyuni , the world’s largest salt flat, where it feels like walking on clouds. The hotel gave me everything I needed and nothing I didn’t: My room had no Wi-Fi, minibar, or screens of any kind, but did have a magnificent bed, a lovely hot tub, and hot water left for muña tea—made from a mintlike Andean herb, which is helpful for combating altitude sickness and imparts a wonderfully tranquil feeling at bedtime. The menu, by acclaimed Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, is exceptional, as are the addictive Urubamba corn-kernel snacks from the nearby fields, which I consumed by the fistful while drinking Pisco Sours. The building—low, simple, and unobtrusively modern—was designed by José Cruz Ovalle to exist in conversation with nature. At every turn, there is another view you could gaze at for days. But Explora ultimately isn’t about gazing: It’s about getting out there, into a land that’s still as pure and elemental as in the time of the Incas. Doubles from $750. —Jesse Ashlock

Nayara Springs — Arenal, Costa Rica Arrow

Rising with the sun is something I only do on holiday. At Nayara Tented Camp, I woke each day as the golden light stirred a colorful swath of jungle, with the smoking top of the mighty Arenal Volcano as the backdrop. The private plunge pool and the mug of steaming Costa Rican coffee help, but that view is enough to induce the earliest wake-ups. This is the third and most luxurious of Nayara’s trifecta of eco-retreats in central Costa Rica . Its hot-spring pools are carved non-invasively into the wild landscapes, and not a single tree was felled to make space for its 29 tented rooms, which take design cues from safari outfitters in Botswana. Reforestation is a cornerstone at Nayara, with an ongoing mission to plant fresh habitats for Costa Rica’s three-toed sloths. It means that you will spy these sluggish little guys all over the place, including Tony, the camp’s unofficial greeter, whose favorite spot during my stay was on the telephone pole by the entrance. The hotel grounds are also a sanctuary for jungle toads and morpho butterflies, which you’ll see on guided night walks. By day, Nayara is all about volcano-hiking, bird-watching in the thick rain forest, and getting up close with the grin-inducing creatures at the sloth sanctuary. The steak and Malbec at the wine bar tasted even better than they should—but the ultimate spot for a nightcap was back on my terrace, where the croaks of the tree frogs lulled me into a deep sleep, like nature’s own white noise. Doubles from $1,175. —Erin Florio

Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection — Los Angeles Arrow

Some hotels are scenes, while others are escapes. When you walk across the long footbridge that spans the Bel-Air’s Swan Lake (yes, there are actual swans gliding around) as the larks chirp among the palms and bougainvillea, there’s a sense of the whole sprawling megalopolis melting into the Santa Monica foothills. The Bel-Air has long been a sanctuary, a pastel-hued, Mediterranean-influenced refuge for the likes of Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. Old Hollywood credentials and tinkling fountains aside, the Bel-Air is no fusty heirloom. A 2012 revamp by New York–based designer Alexandra Champalimaud gave the place a very intentional but somehow apt mid-century brightness. Rooms—all creams, peaches, and ochres in the hotel’s Spanish Colonial style—now come with heated bathroom floors and private terraces with hot tubs and fire pits. Wolfgang Puck, who has been associated with the hotel for more than 30 years, continues to evolve the menu. An alcove overlooking the lake is the perfect setting for a 34-ounce prime porterhouse and a glass of bone-dry Champagne Henriot.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel — New York City Arrow

Since it opened in 1930, The Carlyle has become something more than the sum of its extremely alluring parts, a living legend that embodies, if not the spirit of New York City, at least one of her spirits: her brightest, most sparkling, most elegant self; witty, worldly and nostalgic. An entire movie has been made about this property— Always at The Carlyle —in which present-day tribal elders such as George Clooney, Sophia Coppola , Wes Anderson, and Naomi Campbell discuss their fondness for the joint. Broadly speaking, the rooms get better the higher the floor. Plus, you get to spend more time in the elevators—not an activity to enjoy in everyday life, but this is not everyday life. The ones at The Carlyle are the stuff of legend, as much admired as the astounding Dorothy Draper lobby or Bemelmans Bar . Imagine if you had been there when Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and Steve Jobs all piled in (true story). You would have been in awe. Not of them, of course, but of the real superstar—the unflappable, icy-calm, white-gloved Carlyle elevator operator.

Eden Rock - St Barths Arrow

You can become a little numb to beauty in St. Barts , but even after having been on island for days, I think I squealed when I pulled into Eden Rock. It’s just so perfect—so chic, so glamorous, but in this easy, island-appropriate way. It’s the type of place that just being there makes you feel like the most glam, sun-kissed version of yourself. The hotel is almost entirely surrounded by calm, gin-bottle blue water that’s heavenly for a swim. There’s a diving platform a little ways out, and you can take out rafts and paddle around the point, and there’s a reef if you want to snorkel. The rooms are lovely and elegant, with a subtle Carib-meets-nautical vibe, at once bright and airy. When it comes to the food, rockstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in charge of the menu at the main restaurant, and the resort’s breakfast spread is insane in scope and quality; don’t miss it. Sure, you could have a delightful breakfast by your private pool, but the people-watching here is too good—you’d be missing an opportunity if you stayed in. It’s a pretty diverse crowd in some ways, but the common denominator, to tell it straight, is money. This place is not cheap, but it’s one of the rare hotels that is absolutely worth it. The setting is unparalleled and the food, service, and design are top of the top. There is no way you’ll go and not dream (maybe nightly) about going back—it’s that special. From $1,554. —Rebecca Misner

The Peninsula Chicago Arrow

This high-rise hotel might be home to the city’s best-kept secret: a sprawling, 80-foot pool some 19 floors up, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view you can’t peel your eyes from. You could easily spend all day there in unperturbed bliss—block off a whole day to alternate between spa treatments and dips in the pool. Fortunately, there’s plenty of relaxing to be done in the guest rooms, many of which are more spacious than a Chicago apartment. You know a hotel is at the top of its game when the towels are so plush they feel as though they were woven on-site and there are neatly labeled amenity drawers so you don’t have to pry each one open to find what you’re looking for. Peninsula hotels are known for their intuitive technology (in-room tablets let you control the lights, request housekeeping, and check your flight status). If you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, spend a night at a Peninsula hotel.

Bellagio — Las Vegas Arrow

When this  Lake Como –inspired wonderland opened in 1998, it instantly become the model for the over-the-top Vegas extravaganza resorts that would follow; its fountains remain the biggest free show in town. The Strip icon could have rested on its reputation, but the Bellagio has taken the last couple of years to reinvest in the experience for its guests—not just those who walk in for the spectacle. The  Chicago  firm The Gettys Group Companies, in partnership with MGM Resorts International Design Group, oversaw a full renovation of all 2,568 guest rooms in the main tower, taking design cues from the fountains with natural stone and pops of aqua; in some rooms, vast showers replaced the old tubs. But even as it modernizes, the resort has smartly realized it can’t get rid of its icons. The hotel is currently renovating its Spa Tower to the tune of $110 million, in jewel tones Champalimaud Design is borrowing from Lake Como and the Alps; this is where to check in for a more residential feel.

Post Ranch Inn — Big Sur, California Arrow

Early Spanish settlers gave a name to the area where Post Ranch Inn now sits: ventana, or window. Not just a natural vantage point with jaw-dropping views (though that is true as well), but also an aperture into another world. A place so powerful you could almost touch the great beyond from it. Today, that sense of magic still floats and crackles about one of the most romantic hotels in the U.S. Perched 1,200 feet above the crashing waves of Big Sur, and sheltered from the outside world (namely Route 1) by rolling hillside and towering Californian redwoods, this is a place where relaxation and inspiration come hand in sumptuous hand. The 40 rooms are all either standalone cottages or tree houses balanced on stilts above the forest floor, with many having been completely renovated over the last 18 months. (The private outdoor hot tubs with oceanfront views are a particular treat.) The restaurant, Sierra Mar—a dramatic glass box on the headland with 180-degree views—is a destination in its own right, with fine Californian dining artfully prepared by Michelin-starred chef Reylon Agustin. But arguably the star of the show is the Post Ranch Spa, with its avant-garde menu ranging from all the usual pampering treatments to Shaman sessions, herbal spirit journeys, and a bespoke Post Ranch Sleep Program, which vows to take even the most frazzled insomniacs and turn them into world class sleepers. I can personally vouch for this point, because I was a fully paid-up member of the former group before I checked into Post Ranch Inn, and now I’m permanently one of the latter. The Spanish settlers had the truth of it: There’s a special energy in this ventana, and Post Ranch Inn has found a perfectly luxurious way to channel it. Doubles from $1,425. —Jonathan Thompson

Chatham Bars Inn — Cape Cod, Massachusetts Arrow

Eevery inch of the property’s 25 acres (CBI has quietly picked up more throughout the years) is intoxicating. There’s the cool Atlantic breeze hitting the bluff, a sand-swept wedding in the distance ( remember when? ), a private beach launch to a secluded sandy spot. Scattered atop a seaside bluff, the "charming New England–style cottages" have bay windows, fireplaces, and private decks or patios with views of the ocean, grounds, or golf course. There’s an oceanfront pool, downtown Chatham steps away, a lobby fireplace roaring upon your return. It oozes nostalgia, and that’s why guests return—kids a little older, parents a little wiser, grandparents in pearls taking in the view a little bit longer—to summer on the Cape. CBI has perfected the good stuff: views ( see the fishing boats at the pier, fog sitting on the water? ), a seaside spot to rest your head (nothing beats the ocean view cottages), and family fun. And that’s what the Cape is all about.

EAST Miami Arrow

A sleek, Blade Runner –esque tower with a lushly landscaped 40th-floor rooftop bar stands out in a city known for beachfront resorts. This 352-room luxury hotel nestled in the heart of the $1 billion Brickell City Centre designed by Miami’s Arquitectonica is in the middle of downtown. The elevator alone, with its infinity mirror, sets the posh, playful tone. The hotel, opened by Hong Kong’s high-end Swire Hotels, has touches like a soaring lobby outfitted in dark woods and a metallic palette of gold, bronze, and silver. Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room and the cloud-skimming rooftop oasis Sugar, with its Asian-inspired bar surrounded by hand-carved teak stools. Rooms are comfortable, but it’s the public spaces that feel most welcoming—the fifth-floor pool deck that seems carved from the concrete pillars of the building with rattan ottomans and the wood-fired Quinto La Huella, an outpost of Uruguayan Parador La Huella. It’s a reminder that Miami is vibrant, multicultural, and metropolitan, far from the beach. From $359.

Montage Kapalua Bay — Maui, Hawaii Arrow

Even when you live on Maui , traveling to the resort community of Kapalua on the far northern tip of the island’s west shore feels like a true escape. You know you’ve arrived when the hotel-packed shoreline gives way to immaculately landscaped wide-open spaces and roads lined with towering Cook pines from the resort’s plantation days when it grew coffee and pineapples. This exclusive 22,000-acre enclave fronts two marine reserves and is home to only two hotels. The 466-room Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is fantastic, but the Montage is in a league of its own. The smallest of its 50 residential-style accommodations clocks in at a palatial 1,250 square feet. And, should you understandably decide to stay put, you don’t have to miss out on any of the hotel’s perks. Dishes, like kanpachi and shrimp curry, from signature restaurant Cane & Canoe are available for room service, and the resort can arrange a full chef’s table experience with wine pairings and live music en suite. But it is worth throwing on a cover-up or a T-shirt over your swimsuit for a visit to the spa. With eight hales —freestanding outdoor treatment rooms surrounded by bamboo gardens—and an infinity pool with island views, it’s a destination in itself. Doubles from $1,250. —Jen Murphy

Four Seasons Resort Lanai — Hawaii Arrow

The lush tropical paradise is akin to a real-life version of Fantasy Island. With everything you could possibly want in one oceanfront destination, it's a place you'll never have to leave, unless of course, you want to. Apart from the on-site fitness center with ocean views, a private beach, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, there's no shortage of activities with up to 22 daily offerings. Complimentary classes include lei-making, a rancher's experience, and a resort cultural tour. There are 26 room types, including garden view rooms with modern-meets-island-style decor and private terraces, and Ohana suites that are best suited for families. The grande dame here is the two-bedroom Alii Royal suite with an open living and dining space, a formal seating area, a library, and three private balconies.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia — Vancouver, Canada Arrow

I am almost positive that during a recent stay, I stepped outside of the hotel to walk my dog, turned the corner, and practically ran into Jennifer Lopez. She was in town, after all, to film The Mother, and this is the spot someone like her would be—and not just for the oversized spa-style bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling views of the gorgeous Vancouver Art Gallery . The venerated establishment has been housing celebrities since its opening in 1927, when it quickly set the standard for opulence in the young city. It remains the beating heart of the downtown, in a metropolis now known as Hollywood North for the number of films shot here. (Eighty-five were in progress during my visit.) On any given night, smartly dressed Vancouverites fill the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries beneath an enormous ceiling-length chandelier. Even the most well-heeled travelers pause in the grand lobby to take in the three-dimensional paintings by British artist Patrick Hughes, a delightful contrast with the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s perfectly preserved historic architecture and original marble floors. In the 1927 Lobby Lounge, framed photos covering the dark wood walls remind you of who, exactly, has been here before—Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley. And yet, dimly lit and comfy and with perfectly executed cocktails, it all feels relaxed and welcoming without the slightest hint of pretension. Doubles from $335. — Jayme Moye

Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Arrow

With its sunlit atriums, indoor koi pond, and fountains and waterfalls in multiple locations throughout the resort, you’ll recognize immediately why this resort is the largest five-star resort in the world. When you walk into Wynn, it’s an otherworldly fantasy where retail boutiques have their own backyards and an entire, lush par-70 championship length golf course hides behind the resort—the only golf course on the Strip. Behind the marquetry doors of Delilah supper club, names you would know mingle under the soaring cast-brass palms that evoke icons like  L.A.’s  Cocoanut Grove and the Tropicana Club in Havana, while Casa Playa serves dishes from Mexico’s Pacific and Atlantic coasts to a packed house of beautiful people. The Overlook Lounge, meanwhile, is a sumptuous redo of the central lounge, and offers a menu of cocktails infused with edible perfumes. In the last several years, Wynn has been on a spree, opening a Gucci with the only Gucci Garden in the US, a jaw-dropping Louis Vuitton with exclusive objets, and even a supercar store by McClaren, and renovating rooms to the tune of $200 million. There’s a reason Wynn has remained the city’s resort gold standard since it opened some 17 years ago—and it continues to gild the lily.

The Dewberry Charleston — South Carolina Arrow

Since The Dewberry opened its doors in the fall of 2016, the fig ivy at its base has diligently advanced upward, clinging tightly to the ground-floor columns. Now the hotel appears to float on a garden. Which is just as founders John and Jaimie Brown Dewberry intended, bringing an unexpected lightness to the limewashed eight-story midcentury monolith. You'll love its JFK–era cool factor: Across the giant slabs of buffed marble, past the warm cherrywood paneling with unlacquered brass inlay, waits the popular Living Room, where guests can sink into a cozy leather high-back. Locals duck into the hushed spa for Natura Bissé facials and fill the outdoor patio for weekend brunch . But the largest draw will always be the rooftop for sunset cocktails, nibbles, and maritime breezes among the citrus and olive trees, with views of Charleston ’s harbor. The vibe is elevated and elegant but also fun and not too fussy. In one of America’s most historic cities, The Dewberry manages to pay homage to the past while feeling refreshingly au courant. 

The Moorings Village — Islamorada, Florida Arrow

While some travelers live for the joy of meeting fellow jet-setters when they go anywhere, others prefer to exist in seclusion. Guests of The Moorings Village fall into that latter category. Though it’s located on an 18-acre stretch of waterfront land, the resort only has eight private stand-alone villas, which truly makes it feel like you’ve got the place to yourself. (Not to mention the added privacy provided by more than 800 coconut palms, which works out to about 42.1 trees per villa.) With in-room perks like ocean views, porches with hammocks, king-size beds covered in pillows, and galley kitchens, we wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to leave. Throw in a private beach, complimentary bicycles, and on-site kayaks, and The Moorings Village really is the next-best option to owning your own oceanfront Keys villa.

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What Makes a Luxury Hotel Stand Out?

Sir Rocco Forte heads up a collection of 10 luxury hotels in Europe that includes such gems as the Hotel de Russie in Rome, Hotel Savoy in Florence and The Balmoral in Edinburgh. This summer, he unveils the long-awaited, lavish $28-million restoration of Brown’s Hotel in London. Watch for his growing empire to expand: Plans are for Rocco Forte Hotels ( www.roccofortehotels.com ) to open in Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Sicily. Here, Forte shares his knowledge of the affluent travel market garnered from years of resculpting landmark hotels into contemporary five-star legends. What is the luxury traveler looking for? The luxury traveler is becoming much more discerning and has a clear idea of what he wants, which is less of a herd instinct. People are looking for something different, something special, and something unique. There are a lot of customers, of course, who are not buying on price, they want service and delivery. That is the most important thing and they couldn’t care less what it costs as long as they get what they want. Does the customer’s age influence their demands?It runs across all age groups. The affluent are looking for a high level of service in a more relaxed atmosphere.  They don’t want to dress up the same way people used to. Today, luxury can be about having the right tee-shirt; it doesn’t have to be about the most expensive tailored suit. So the world has changed. Once upon a time, luxury was whatever was the most expensive. Today, luxury is about good design, it’s about good cars, and about technically well-engineered things. People are applying [those standards] to hotels. What must a hotel offer in order to appeal to this group?A luxury hotel has to have a personality. You have to feel it’s an individual hotel and not part of a chain. A chain can bring value in the sense that people know what to expect and what to rely on, but sometimes chain hotels tend to destroy the individuality of a hotel. You go to one hotel in one country and it’s no different from another hotel in another country. So, my idea is always to have hotels which reflect the individuality in the country in which they’re located. Hotels also have to be fun. There has to be a bit of liveliness and atmosphere to them. The restaurant has to work. You need the local clientele to come in to make that happen. People often walk into a hotel and it’s like walking into a mausoleum—it’s dead. Then you have to work very hard at delivering the service to the guest. That is the key to any luxury hotel. It doesn’t matter what the background of the guest is; that is what he expects out of a luxury hotel. The more practiced users are more demanding and expect a high level of service delivery. How important is the travel agent to the luxury hotel market? The top travel agents in the States are the consummate professionals. Those who know the destinations add huge value to the customer. Of course, there is the trend now of people booking directly on the Internet, but the reality is that travel agents add so much value because they are going to ensure the customer gets VIP treatment and that they get the right room in the hotel. They know the managers, and so the customer is treated as an individual and not a number. That is the role travel agents play more and more. 

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Amenities/facilities, display all hotel names view, ararat park hyatt moscow, baltschug kempinski moscow, barvikha hotel and spa, chekhoff hotel moscow, four seasons hotel moscow, intercontinental moscow tverskaya, lotte hotel moscow, marriott moscow tverskaya, moscow marriott grand hotel, moscow marriott royal aurora hotel, national moscow, radisson royal hotel moscow, renaissance moscow monarch centre hotel, savoy hotel moscow, sheraton palace hotel, swissotel krasnye holmy, the ritz carlton moscow, the st. regis moscow nikolskaya.

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Barvikha Village, Moscow Region, Russia

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Review: Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels In Moscow, Russia

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1. Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

2. ritz-carlton, moscow, 3. st. regis moscow nikolskaya, 4. ararat park hyatt moscow, 5. hotel baltschug kempinski moscow, 6. national hotel, luxury collection, 7. intercontinental moscow tverskaya, 8. hyatt regency moscow petrovsky park, 9. hilton moscow leningradskaya, 10. moscow marriott grand.

We review the best luxury hotels in Moscow, Russia. These include Ararat Park Hyatt, Four Seasons, Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, Hyatt Regency Petrovsky Park, InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya, Marriott Grand, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya.

In cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, the weather is continental humid, with long and cold winters and warm and short summers. Winter in Russia is perhaps the most wonderful time to visit and heralds a season of romantic sleigh rides in Sokolniki, performances of Petr Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at the Bolshoi Theatre, and ice skating in Gorky Park.

I have compiled a list below containing the best luxury hotels in Moscow, Russia. I list the ones I consider to be the best at the top.

Four Seasons Moscow which overlooks Red Square and the Kremlin, and offers a stylish cocktail bar and an excellent spa, is the best luxury hotel in Moscow. While, it doesn’t have one of the best executive club lounges in Moscow (it doesn’t have a club lounge at all), but in all other respects is one of your best luxury hotel choices in Russia.

Because they don’t have a Four Seasons loyalty program , you will never be able to book a free stay by racking up and redeeming points, or by collecting points on your credit card and spending them on a Four Seasons hotel stay. It can’t be done. But you can get discounts at Four Seasons hotels and benefit from special rewards at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our luxury travel concierge .

Originally built in the 1930s, Hotel Moskva hosted many of the key figures in the Russian saga. Now refurbished to become the Four Seasons Moscow, the exterior facade has been replicated in meticulous detail, including the distinctive asymmetry between the two wings surrounding a new glass-topped atrium. A birch motif is woven throughout the interior decor. Echoes of the past are seen in decorative details such as the column capitals and scalloped rosette surrounding the main ballroom’s chandelier and the handcrafted mosaic tiles in the glass-enclosed pool area.

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is ideally located on Manezhnaya Square and just steps from Red Square, the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre, and the prestigious GUM shopping complex.

Offering the city’s most spacious accommodations, the Hotel’s 180 rooms and suites are naturally lit through floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have step-out balconies. Marble bathrooms include separate showers, with complimentary custom amenities by Roberto Cavalli.

The Hotel’s top accommodations are the palatial 7th-floor Pozharsky Royal Suite at 520 m² (5,600 ft²), which opens on to an expansive terrace offering views of Manezhnaya Square and Alexandrovsky Garden. Equally impressive is the stately Minin Presidential Suite at 468 m² (5,000 ft²).

For business travelers, in-room conveniences include ergonomic furnishings and large working desks, in-room Nespresso machines, and high definition televisions that swivel to show a mirror on the opposite side when not in use. The multi-lingual concierge team is ready to assist in maximizing one’s stay in Moscow. Along with the 24-hour business center, guests also have access to the Hotel’s fleet of BMW 7 Series house cars, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and iPad.

Children checking in to the Hotel are in for a special treat: each will be gifted a matryoshka – Russia’s beloved wooden dolls – in blue or pink that they can also paint themselves. As a family-friendly hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow also welcomes small pets.

Renowned Executive Chef David Hemmerle places the Hotel’s restaurants, lounge, and bar at the heart of the city’s burgeoning dining scene. Hotel guests and locals gather on the second floor Bystro for breakfast. At street level, with its dramatic, bold red and black interiors, the glamorous Moskovsky Bar offers a sophisticated list of classic and signature cocktails featuring premium brands such as Beluga vodka and Derevensky Samogon spirits, and Stolichnaya, whose bottles depict the Hotel’s famous facade.

On either side of the double-height main lobby, the relaxed elegance of the Silk Lounge is the perfect setting for light meals, casual business meetings, or a glass of wine with friends by the fire – or indulging in Pastry Chef Raffaele Grasso’s tempting array of confections.

Secluded above busy Manezhnaya Square is a sanctuary of wellness and indulgence: the Amnis Spa at Four Seasons. At the heart of the almost 3,000 m² complex is the mosaic-tiled indoor pool, naturally lit from above by a rectangular glass roof, which has been thoughtfully treated with anti-frosting technology so that the sky view may be enjoyed year-round.

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow joins the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, a meticulous restoration of a 19th-century palace adjacent to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and just steps from the Winter Palace. Paired together, the two destinations offer a perfect opportunity to experience modern Russia’s delights while glimpsing its storied past.

Ritz-Carlton, Moscow offers a Club Level which is hard to beat, as well as wonderful accommodation. Located just off Red Square next to the Kremlin and in the heart of a city steeped in history and art stands The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow. Enjoy a traditional Russian welcome of fresh bread and salt while surrounded by the neoclassical design of this Ritz-Carlton.

Highlights of this hotel include elegant guest rooms and suites, a luxury spa, and a rooftop terrace. The Ritz-Carlton Club is located on the 10th and 11th floors and offers a dedicated concierge and a relaxed lounge environment. This is the best executive club lounge in Moscow with panoramic views of The Red Square, Kremlin, and Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Guests staying on the Club Level (Club Rooms, Club Rooms Red Square View, Tverskaya Club Suite, Moscow Suite, The Ritz-Carlton Suite) as well as guests staying in Carlton Suites have access to the Club Lounge and enjoy additional complimentary premium amenities and services.

Amenities within this exclusive lounge area include a summer terrace featuring panoramic views, five food and beverage presentations throughout the day, selections of wines, beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, personal check-in and check-out services, preferred reservations in the hotel’s spa, bars and restaurants and complimentary meeting room usage for one hour.

International highfliers find the softest of landings at The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya . There’s still an aristocratic air about this former count’s residence, just a short stroll from the Kremlin and Red Square (and directly across from KGB headquarters).

The 210 rooms make a bold statement with rich, vibrant hues and evocative artworks; book one with a city view. Each room is attended to by a personal butler, and the entire staff goes above and beyond. The bi-level spa offers exclusive treatments from French brand Thalgo; dining choices range from authentic Italian to gourmet burgers. This hotel is beautiful, immensely classy.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is located in the very heart of the Russian capital, Moscow, within the immediate vicinity of the Bolshoi Theatre and only a few minutes walk from the Kremlin, Red Square, the Russian Parliament building, and the central business district.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is a timeless, world-class, residential-style hotel designed by Tony Chi for the discriminating traveler. The tastefully furnished 205 spacious and luxurious guest rooms include 32 suites with individual designs that project a cosmopolitan yet very residential feel, complemented by a range of modern features and technology.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow’s restaurants, lounges, and bars promise to become a source of inspiration, with Café Ararat, an Armenian specialty restaurant, open until midnight.

The Quantum Club features the latest in cardiovascular technology, and stylish conference rooms and beautifully decorated banqueting facilities are venues of choice for any occasion.

The newly renovated five-star Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow offers spectacular views of the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral. The property is located across from the Moskva River and is nearby Moscow’s fascinating sights and premier attractions.

The building dates back to 1898 and features contemporary décor and up-to-the-minute amenities. The hotel has 227 elegant rooms, including 36 suites and unique Design Suites. Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow boasts restaurant The Baltschug Grill, as well as the refined Café Kranzler, Lobby Lounge bar, Beauty Centre Baltschug, and a Health Club. In addition, there are 12 modern meeting rooms, and most offer great views over Red Square.

Dining is of particular note here: Choices include the luxurious breakfast at the Baltschug Grill restaurant and exquisite international cuisine at the refined Cafe Kranzler. Pack light — the shopping at nearby upmarket GUM and TsUM is great.

National Hotel, Luxury Collection is a Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Category 5 hotel which basks in the golden age of Russia. Erected in 1903 by architect Alexander Ivanov, this 5-star hotel is a gem of imperial architecture and luxury.

Overlooking famed Red Square, this luxury hotel is located steps from the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Old Arbat Street. After you explore these storied Moscow landmarks, return to the hotel for a taste of Russia at three upscale restaurants, including the acclaimed Beluga by Alexander Rappoport.

Revitalize yourself with a swim in the heated indoor pool. Guest rooms and opulent suites are styled with rare antiques and impeccable details like carved wood ceilings. Beautifully preserved and outfitted with modern features, this luxury hotel is one of the best in Moscow and welcomes you with old-world hospitality as you step into contemporary Russia.

InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya has one of the best executive club lounges in Moscow. Putting you in the vibrant heart of the city, InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya is just 500 meters from 4 metro stations and near the State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia. It’s a 15-minute walk to the historic Kremlin and less than two-kilometers to the stunning performances at the Bolshoi Theatre. The hotel features 6 meeting rooms catering to every business need. Relaxing evening dinners and drinks can be found at P-Square Gastrobar. There’s also a fitness facility, sauna, and Spa.

The InterContinental club lounge serves a very good buffet breakfast including gluten-free options, snacks, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. Club guests can check-in here and have the use of its business center and meeting room. You can see what we have experienced in terms of food and drink at the club lounge at InterContinental O2 in London and the club lounge at InterContinental Park Lane which will give you an idea of what to expect.

While the Park Hyatt is the best Hyatt hotel in Moscow, the Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park is the Hyatt you should choose if you are looking for an executive club lounge.

This 297-room hotel has four restaurants and a fitness center and spa. It offers guests access to a new football stadium, ice hockey/basketball arena, retail and entertainment zones, offices, and residences. The executive lounge is on the 13th floor and offers a good breakfast and evening happy hour with a decent array of food and complimentary alcoholic drinks.

Standing impressively above Moscow’s skyline, Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is located in one of the city’s famous Stalin Towers. A stunning fusion of Russian Baroque and Orthodox architecture, this landmark hotel offers easy access to major attractions, including the Red Square and the Kremlin. Inside, the foyer is a mass of classic marble and chandeliers. You won’t find another hotel like this one. It seems to offer the heart of old Russia. It’s elegant and sumptuous.

Select a deluxe room for views of the historic city center, or choose a suite or executive room for upgraded amenities and access to the Executive Lounge with free breakfast and refreshments, which are reportedly fairly extensive with more than you can eat both in the morning and the evening. The lounge itself is formal and classic, much like the other communal areas in the hotel.

The Moscow Marriott Grand is a Rewards Category 5 Marriott Bonvoy hotel and is located on the famous Tverskaya Street in the vibrant city center of Moscow. This 5-star hotel has a magnificent, grand lobby, showcasing a glass dome and tranquil fountain. Walk to the Kremlin, Red Square, and other city center attractions, just minutes away.

Many of the rooms and suites offer scenic views of the city, and they feature plush pillowtop bedding, deluxe amenities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Keep up with your fitness routine in the state-of-the-art gym, relax in the spa or the whirlpool or swim in the indoor pool.

The club lounge here is not very special and is open from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm on weekends and 10:00 pm on weekdays. It’s a very small lounge with a breakfast and evening light bites and free wine and beer. Cocktails cost extra.

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