Discover our critics’ selection of the 50 best hotels in the world.
When curating a list of the best hotels in the world, there are many factors to consider. Interior design, environmental impact, sustainability, service, amenities, and the on-site experience must all be evaluated to identify properties that stand out from the crowd, alongside location. We’ve travelled the globe to bring you a hand-picked list of exceptional hotels in beautiful locales, each delivering a unique hospitality concept with ‘wow’ factor. Read on to find your next bucket list stay.
One&Only Mandarina
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Enveloped by rainforest and within easy reach of palm-fringed stretches of sand, One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit’s treehouse-style accommodations are nestled into the side of an ancient volcanic crater. The 55 vast four to 10-bedroom residences and 105 villas – all with pools and ocean views – have been so well integrated into the mountainside that they’re almost invisible through the emerald canopy. Thanks to the extensive facilities – including a dramatic cliffside sunset bar, equestrian club, golf, treetop kids’ club and a host of water sports offerings – there is no need to leave.
La Mamounia
Marrakech, Morocco
Opened in the 1920s on the site of lavish gardens cultivated by the Sultans, La Mamounia has long been the preferred Marrakech residence of the city’s most celebrated visitors. Guests over the years have included bold-faced names such as Alfred Hitchcock, Francis Ford Coppola, Yves Saint Laurent, Charlie Chaplin, Paul McCartney and Winston Churchill, who wrote home to his wife Clementine, “This is a wonderful place, one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed in.” La Mamounia’s 209 richly appointed rooms showcase the finest Moroccan craftsmanship, the work of an army of artisans guided by celebrated French designer Jacques Garcia.
Fogo Island Inn
Newfoundland, Canada
From its perch on a sparsely populated rocky outcrop at the edge of the thundering North Atlantic Ocean, Fogo Island Inn is a three-Michelin-key hotel in Eastern Canada offers an escape from the cacophony of life. The building’s utilitarian architecture belies its warm interiors, which honour the island’s handmade heritage with bright patchwork quilts and rocking chairs. Whether viewing whales breach or venturing to staggering iceberg formations, some of Canada’s most compelling sights are just a glance away.
Soneva Secret
Makunudhoo Atoll, Maldives
“It’s the culmination of 30 years of our experience of hospitality. We saw the opportunity for smaller hotels where location and nature are paramount, rather than the infrastructure. Our other properties are very beautiful environments, but they also have elaborate facilities. Soneva Secret has a similar profile, but is more exclusive, has fewer villas, and a truly bespoke experience” – Sonu Shivdasani OBE co-founder, Soneva
Read more: Soneva Secret opens in the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Muwa Niseko
Hokkaido, Japan
Private infinity onsens, outdoor fire pits and two Michelin-starred restaurant brands make Muwa Niseko, at the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu Resort, an extraordinary stay. Elegance is apparent in every aspect, from studio rooms to the five-bedroom Mt. Yotei penthouse with its own sauna, rotenburo and wine cellar.
The Gritti Palace
Venice, Italy
Regal yet tantalisingly tasteful, the Gritti Palace celebrates its history in Venice. From the meticulously preserved 1475 Grand Canal-side building it calls home to the attention to detail of the design within – nothing has been overlooked or spared in lavishness. Swathes of marble wrap the enormous bathrooms and Rubelli Group fabrics line the 82 bedrooms – each of which has an individual aesthetic. Walls in pastel and gem hues are strung with priceless artworks and elaborate gilded mirrors, while Murano chandeliers hang from the frescoed ceilings. If money is no object, book the double-storey Redentore Terrazza suite, which comes with a rooftop patio THE GRANDEST of THEM ALL overlooking Venice and the Grand Canal, not to mention a private plunge pool.
Rosewood Hôtel de Crillon
Paris, France
With refined interiors that evoke the grandeur of a French regal residence, the Rosewood Hôtel de Crillon is a quintessential representation of the spirit of Paris. Adorned with a Neoclassical façade, this legendary, legitimately palatial property overlooks Place de la Concorde and houses an impressive art collection and a wealth of outstanding dining options.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Hokkaido, Japan
Ski-in, ski-out Higashiyama Niseko Village’s modern design was inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings. Handmade pottery and decals by a local artist bring Japanese touches to the resort. Soak in the onsen while you gaze upon Mt Yōtei, Niseko’s most iconic landmark, or experience an ever-changing omakase showcasing Hokkaido’s finest seafood at Sushi Nagi, with room for just a handful of diners per night
Forestis Dolomites
South Tyrol, Italy
Retreat to a place where time stands still, a pine-swathed sanctuary beneath the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites. Unparalleled views of the verdant World Heritage Site envelop the Forestis Dolomites boutique hotel, where guests can spoil themselves with sumptuous spa treatments inspired by Celtic practices and explore the surrounding natural landscape.
Read more: Is this the most beautiful sustainable hotel in the Italian Dolomites?
Dolder Grand
Zürich, Switzerland
Zürich’s Dolder Grand has enjoyed a star-studded clientele, from Churchill and Mandela, to Lagerfeld and DiCaprio – but the real drawcard is hanging on the walls. Comprising more than 100 pieces, the Dolder Grand’s art collection features 90 renowned artists from around the world. Built in 1899, the property has undergone extensive renovations and is now home to eight bars and restaurants and a Japanese-inspired spa.
Read more: 22 things to do in Zürich: Switzerland’s urban heart
Giraffe Manor Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
Conservation and luxury go hand in hand at the Giraffe Manor Hotel, an ivy-draped stone mansion where guests are joined during daily meals by the resident tower of wild giraffes. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast or afternoon tea accompanied by the world’s tallest mammals, or wandering through the endangered Rothschild giraffe sanctuary, each encounter is unforgettable.
Santa Monica Proper
California, USA
Design maestro Kelly Wearstler has a signature flair for layering patterns and textures, and her artistry is on full display at Santa Monica Proper. Housed within a Spanish Colonial Revival building flooded with natural light, the Southern Californian hotel blends Westside cool with Moorish details. Wearstler favours organic forms, sandy palettes and cove-like enclaves that work together to create striking yet inviting spaces.
Mamula Island
Montenegro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site it may be, but Mamula Island is little more than a cay defying the Adriatic Sea. Enjoying panoramic views of Boka Bay, this 19th-century fort has been transformed into a tactile and tranquil abode with 32 rooms, a spa, three restaurants and four bars.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel
Portofino, Italy
First opened as a hotel in 1901, both the Splendido and Portofino hit the international limelight during the 1950s, when Hollywood’s starriest names flocked here. The likes of Rex Harrison, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were living la dolce vita years before Fellini’s titular movie came out, and the Splendido was its centre. Thus, it has remained, with Madonna, the Beckhams, Beyoncé and Dua Lipa some newer celebs to rest their heads here.
This European summer, the hotel emerges near completion of its most extensive renovation program since Belmond assumed management in 1985. From afar, this lush, pastel pink pleasure dome looks much like before. The terraced gardens are as enchanting as ever. The iconic pool remains a glorious people-watching hotspot. But the coveted sunloungers and umbrellas are now a smouldering burnt orange, the terrace a mix of pink, red and white stone, and the pool tiles replaced to reflect the colour of the Ligurian Sea below.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco
Tuscany, Italy
Spread across a 2,000-hectare estate built around the tastefully restored ruins of a 900-year-old Tuscan village, castle and church, Rosewood Castiglion de Bosco is so vast, golf buggies won’t suffice – you’re transported about in 4x4s. (Except on the magnificent golf course, naturally, where buggies abound.) Owned by the Ferragamo family and as elegantly appointed as you’d imagine, the food and wine here are sublime, the latter primarily sourced from the acclaimed on-site winery. Stay in one of the 11 exclusive villas – reconstructed 17th-century stone farmhouses – for an experience that combines the finest in Italian hospitality, an idyllic, rustic setting, and the exceptional standard of service for which Rosewood is renowned.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Morocco
Built by King Mohammed VI as a showcase of the very finest his country has to offer, the Royal Mansour Marrakech takes luxury hospitality to another level. Somewhat ironically, this lifting of standards to new heights was achieved by going extra low – all services to the 53 sumptuous private riads at Royal Mansour are delivered via underground tunnels, with guests inhabiting this five-hectare property cared for by staff exercising the ultimate subterranean discretion.
Suján Jawai
Rajasthan, India
Pitched in Rajasthan’s realm of leopards, Suján Jawai safari camp brings industrial style to the rural wilds of India. Birds and big cats rule this land, but passage is granted to guests by way of game drives, horseback riding and walking safaris led by the local Rabari tribe. The secluded retreat is nestled within vast grasslands and lakes, with plentiful hiking and biking trails weaving around the camp. Join guided meditation and yoga sessions by the lake.
Shinta Mani Wild
Cambodia
“I have done lots of unique, pretty hotels. Now I want to do unique, pretty hotels with a purpose.” So says pioneering sustainable hotel designer Bill Bensley, the creative mind behind acclaimed eco-positive resorts including Bali’s Capella Ubud, Rosewood Luang Prabang in Laos and the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand – among many, many others. In addition to designing for major hospitality players such as these, or groups like Marriott and InterContinental, Bensley has built his own collection of independent hotels under the Shinta Mani banner. The flagship of Bensley’s portfolio is Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia. Embodying his career-long commitment to blending luxury with conservation, the project was driven by a deep desire to protect the Cardamom National Park, a delicate ecosystem severely threatened by illegal logging and wildlife poaching.
Raffles Singapore
Singapore
The history of Raffles Hotel stretches back almost as far as that of modern-day Singapore – the city-state this grand establishment is synonymous with and emblematic of. Over the years, plenty of tales have been attached to this authentically storied property. A good number of them, oddly enough, involve animals. There’s the anecdote of what was supposedly ‘the last tiger killed in Singapore’ – an escaped circus animal (most of the wild beasts had been shot by the 1850s, when deaths from tiger attacks were an almost daily occurrence in the colony). The ill-fated feline sought refuge underneath the Bar & Billiard room and was dispatched by a sharpshooter from the national rifle team.
Read more: The best luxury hotels in Singapore
Kasbah Tamadot
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Perched on a paradisiacal plot in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot is an award-winning resort by Sir Richard Branson. Set amongst rivers, olive groves and rambling oak forests, the property comprises riads, rooms, suites and tents with incredible views of Mount Toubkal. Swim in the pool, hit the tennis courts or see a new release at the outdoor cinema, then indulge in a renewing ritual in the spa’s hammam.
The Shinmonzen
Kyoto, Japan
Holding two Michelin keys and designed by celebrated Japanese architect Tadao Ando, The Shinmonzen showcases Ando-san’s signature minimalism, texture and restraint within a ryokan context. Operating upon the principles of omotenashi – selfless hospitality – the needs of guests are anticipated before a question can be raised. Enjoy libations in The Bar or local delicacies on The Riverside Terrace, or join a suite of bespoke immersions curated by The Shinmonzen team, from private rickshaw rides and temple tours to tea ceremonies.
Bambu Indah
Bali, Indonesia
Bamboo is the word at Bambu Indah, an eco-stay in the jungles of Ubud. You’ll find it in the swinging bridges, climbing ladders and whimsical pod dwellings where coconut fronds and tamarind trees frame nearby freshwater pools – a setting that can only be described as a tropical treehouse dreamscape. With 10 mindfully designed homes, a farm-to-table restaurant and a riverside spa, this Balinese hotel (established by the family behind the John Hardy jewellery juggernaut) is putting regenerative living back on the map.
Capella Sydney
Australia
Perched above Circular Quay and the Opera House in Sydney’s heritage ‘Sandstone District’, Capella Sydney is set within a gorgeously historic building. Its interiors are a mélange of old and new, classic and contemporary, the 192 rooms and suites elegantly decorated and thoughtfully planned by Make Architects, BAR Studio and stylist Simone Haag. A superb selection of Australian art (curated by advisory The Artling) adorns the hotel’s accommodations, lofty public spaces and collection of exceptional F&B outlets, including work by Elise Cakebread, Alice Wormald, Otis Hope Carey and Julee Latimer.
Read more: 24 of the best high teas in Sydney
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
France
There are five-star hotels in Paris. And then there are ‘Palace hotels’ – an official grade of classification above all others, bestowed by Atout France as a nod to the highest level of service and style. There are only 12 such establishments in the French capital, and Mandarin Oriental, Paris is one. To say this property has deep historical roots is an understatement. Occupying a 16th-century building along rue Saint-Honoré, it began its life as a monastery, later becoming a theatre and then a riding school. All around are grand mansions housing boutiques from the top names in fashion, jewellery and art. And, after a short stroll, you’re either at the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Musée d’Orsay, Palais-Royal or Place Vendôme.
Adare Manor
County Limerick, Ireland
To walk upon the lush lands of Adare Manor is to step back in time. A gothic revival masterpiece with Tudor twists, this castle hotel delivers old-world elegance with modern trimmings. The riverfront green is a golfer’s retreat, The Oak Room plates up Michelin-star fare, and the sun-bathed spa offers the country’s first bespoke 111SPA/CLINIC therapies. Indulge in genteel diversions such as archery and gundog drills, or disappear into the beguiling surrounds on a bicycle, horseback or treading a woodland track.
The Lana, Dubai by Dorchester Collection
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A masterful arrangement of colour, shape and tactility, The Lana, Dubai expertly walks the tightrope between lavish abundance and restrained design. In-house art exhibitions, a Dior Spa, eight eateries and an assemblage of renowned chefs secure its title as the Emirates’ hottest hangout, but the crowning jewel is the rooftop infinity pool, an upscale retreat that brings the city skyline to your fingertips.
Read more: The Lana, Dubai unveils the first Dior Spa in the UAE
Kokomo Private Island
Yaukuve Levu, Fiji
Visit Kokomo Private Island Resort for a hideaway in relaxed elegance. Pristine reefs and an all-inclusive six-star experience await on this private isle. With just five luxe residences and 21 sprawling beachfront villas on the island – each featuring a private lounge, bar, deck and infinity pool – you’ll have so much space to yourself. The resort was founded by late Australian property developer Lang Walker AO, who transformed it into a tropical oasis with a deep focus on sustainability. Located on the edge of the Great Astrolabe Reef, the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef, the resort offers PADI certification courses, along with endless water and land activities.
Read more: The 9 best luxury resorts in Fiji
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Namib Desert, Namibia
Location is everything at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Spread out within a 12,715-hectare private desert reserve, each of the hotel’s 10 sumptuous villas are designed to harness the beauty of the surrounding Namib Desert. Glass-encased rain showers and expansive windows give way to unobstructed views of the world’s oldest living desert, while retractable skylights provide hypnotic nighttime vistas. Guests can also stargaze at the observatory with a state-of-the-art Celestron telescope. Come sunrise, soar over dramatic plains in a hot air balloon or helicopter ride. E
Lizard Island
Queensland, Australia
Nothing says seclusion like an island accessible only by private charter. Located in the aquamarine expanses of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a coastal idyll where barefoot luxury meets the spirit of discovery. Step into an elegant beachfront suite, clifftop villa or The House, the island’s high-end sanctuary set on a private peninsula. From snorkelling with turtles to private twilight cruising, every moment allows guests to appreciate Queensland’s remarkable marine environment anew.
Read more: Seclusion, coral reefs and nature’s gifts abound on Lizard Island
Airelles
Val d’Isère, France
Airelles is a grand stone and wood chalet-style hotel befitting the 17th century charm of Val d’Isère. The ski-in, ski-out hotel has five world-class restaurants, including La Grande Ourse serving traditional French fare on a sun-drenched terrace surrounded by snow. After a day exploring Val d’Isère’s 300 kilometres of terrain, book a recovery massage at the Airelles Spa by Guerlain, relax in the hammam and swim in the 20-metre indoor pool. The 41 rooms and five apartments feature renaissancestyle furniture and art.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Oman
Mountainous terrain kisses a turquoise sea on the coast of Oman, where the shores of Zighy Bay host a Six Senses outpost like no other. Inspired by traditional villages, the villas are crafted from natural stone and timber with tactile furnishings. Local healing methodologies underpin the spa concept, and the food scene is a diverse display of local cuisine. The beachfront resort also offers a dreamy sailing along the Musandam Peninsula aboard an Omani dhow.
Joali Being
Maldives
Joali Being touts itself as a resort that will slow your heart rate, given its focus on health and wellness. But mine skips a beat when I land on the tiny private island – it is truly one of the most swoon-worthy destinations on the planet. From the moment I glimpse its coco-palm buzz cut, bone-white beaches and opaline lagoon, I am smitten. “Located on the island of Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, Joali Being is the Maldives archipelago’s first retreat exclusively dedicated to wellness. But there’s no deprivation here – the goal is to meet you wherever you are on your own personal journey, then provide guidance on your path to self-discovery and renewal.
Read more: Joali BEING is the Maldives’ best wellness resort in the Maldives
Claridge’s
London, United Kingdom
Many seasoned travel journalists will tell you Claridge’s is the benchmark all other hotels are measured against. From its refined Mayfair location, updated Art Deco décor, sophisticated atmosphere and cuisine, to impeccable (never haughty, always ever-so-genuine) service, everything they do, is done just so. It’s an utterly classic hotel, but in no way anachronistic. Whereas most hotels attract a ‘type,’ magically, Claridge’s appeal defies demographic boundaries. Society weddings are as likely to be held here as edgy London Fashion Week afterparties, with DJs now occupying the space where hot jazz ensembles entertained flapper-filled ballroom dancefloors a century ago.
A slew of European royals and aristocrats sought refuge in suites at this elegant Brook Street property throughout the Second World War, Winston Churchill stayed at the hotel after his election defeat, and Baroness Thatcher celebrated her 70th birthday alongside Queen Elizabeth at Claridge’s. Yet it is also where Kate Moss held a famously, fabulously debauched F. Scott Fitzgerald-themed 30th, where the super-louche Keith Richards chooses to crash during sojourns to central London, and where Kim’n’Kanye stayed not long after their nuptials. Everyone loves Claridge’s, and we gladly wager you will, too.
The Upper House
Hong Kong
Opened in 2009, Hong Kong’s Upper House hotel heralded the arrival of André Fu, who has gone on to become one of the most successful figures in contemporary hotel design. Still looking as fresh as ever, today, the hotel embodies the enduring good taste of Fu’s clean, modern aesthetic, and stands as testament to his philosophy: luxury is not about grandeur and opulence, but about creating impactful spaces that facilitate memorable moments.
Fifth Avenue Hotel
New York, United States of America
A century-plus after the original Fifth Avenue Hotel closed its doors, real estate entrepreneur Alex Ohebshalom has revived the opulence of New York’s Gilded Age on the northwest corner of Fifth Avenue and 28th Street. “We are creating a one-of-a-kind experience; it is a whimsical, transformational escape in the heart of Manhattan,” says Ohebshalom. “Our creative spirit will allow us to elevate our guest experience, introducing a new level of service designed to inspire and delight.”
Read more: The Fifth Avenue Hotel is New York’s best design-led hotel
The Park Hyatt Sydney
Australia
Come on. Just look at that view! While a number of Sydney hotels boast delightful harbour vistas, it is only the Park Hyatt Sydney that allows guests to awaken in the morning, press the ‘raise blinds’ button, and be treated to an up-close eyeful of the iconic Opera House. Then head to the rooftop pool and take a dip right beneath the Harbour Bridge. Every visitor to Sydney dreams of these sights filling their hotel window. Only the Park Hyatt makes that wish come true.
Reschio
Umbria, Italy
Located three hours north of Rome, this sprawling estate in the Umbrian countryside spans 1,500 hectares and is home to a spectacular 11th-century castle housing 36 beautifully restored suites. Reschio offers abundant opportunities to embrace slow living; learn the art of ceramics and fresh pasta making, or sample estate-produced olive oil after an Andalusian horse ride. Dining al fresco at Ristorante Al Castello while watching the sun slip behind undulating hills is the perfect end to the day.
Passalacqua
Lake Como, Italy
Perhaps it’s the intricate frescoes or the gorgeous terraced gardens that lend themselves to leisurely strolls and late afternoon picnics. Or perhaps it’s the proximity of Lake Como’s sparkling cobalt basin, coupled with ever-gracious hospitality. Passalacqua’s allure is impossible to pin down to a single quality. Once the home of 18th-century aristocrats, the converted villa is a picture of Baroque elegance where gilded mirrors, delicate stuccowork and 24 opulent suites display a careful attention to detail. This is a place for gentle repose and lakeside divertissements under oh-so-cute parasols. Oh, and if invited to be whisked around the property in a cantaloupe-hued vintage Fiat 500, for the love of all that is good and holy, say si!
The Dolli at Acropolis
Athens, Greece
From the rooftop infinity pool of The Dolli at Acropolis, I feel like I am swimming through the shimmering columns of the Parthenon. Indeed, the temple – dedicated to the goddess Athena – is just metres away, hovering over me in the historic Plaka district in the heart of Athens. All around are some of Greece’s most storied sites: the Arch of Hadrian, the Agora and the Roman Forum. This exquisite boutique hotel is a gateway to history, reimagined in the most contemporary and stylish way.
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
China
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen is a hotel located in a traditional hutong (laneway) neighbourhood in Beijing’s historic centre. Check-in is standard, albeit in a restored ancient siheyuan courtyard house set around a reflection pond that’s shaded by a century-old maple tree.
Then, you’re whisked away to one of the 42 individual courtyard houses in a buggy, all of which are scattered throughout the laneways of what is a living, breathing residential quarter. The houses were acquired by Mandarin Oriental in varying states of disrepair and abandonment, then painstakingly restored as part of a years-long project to rejuvenate the decaying hutong. Guests enter their spacious walled residence via heavy wooden gates into a private and tranquil courtyard with a Chinese garden. Each varies in shape, size and configuration, though all feature separate glass-walled bedrooms and living rooms with exposed timber ceilings and plenty of natural light. Many come with their own tearoom where traditional tea ceremonies can be held. Beautiful design details abound, including elegant silkscreens, carved stonework and motifs that nod to the four seasons.
Brown’s Hotel
London, United Kingdom
London’s oldest luxury hotel, Brown’s Hotel, established circa 1832, this distinguished Mayfair lodging is all highbrow charisma, wisteria wallpaper and black-tie bartenders – a fabulous cohort led by legendary mixologist Salvatore Calabrese. Decompress in the stylish ground-floor drinking den surrounded by the salacious photography of lensman extraordinaire Terence Donovan, indulge in high tea among fellow bon vivants and bed down in a resplendent suite whose walls whisper centuries of secrets and literary legacy
Capella Bangkok
Thailand
“A unique gem in the heart of the bustling Thai capital, Capella Bangkok boasts private villas, a dedicated ‘Capella Culturist’ and fine dining overseen by chef Mauro Colagreco of triple Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France. From its breathtaking riverside location to the villas’ private plunge pools, its blend of contemporary and traditional Thai charm will wow you”
Cap Rocat
Mallorca, Spain
Cap Rocat borders a crystalline coastline of marine meadows and lush pine forests in the Spanish Bay of Palma. Set atop the historic 19th-century fortress of Cap Enderrocat, the adults-only boutique hotel has reimagined bunkers and shooting buttresses into resplendent rooms. Cap Rocat’s crowning jewel is a decadent spa carved into the heart of the fortress, designed to harness natural light despite its 12-metre depth below ground.
The Peninsula London
United Kingdom
Wherever you are in the world, you never forget checking in to a Peninsula hotel. Signature Suite guests are delivered to the door in a luxury vehicle – perhaps a Rolls-Royce in the brand’s signature Brewster green, or maybe a Bentley or BMW. You’re met by Chinese lion statues standing guard at the entrance, and a dapper team in crisp white uniforms with chin-strapped pillbox hats.
The Peninsula London’s triple-height lobby features hand-blown crystal chandeliers overhead and hand-painted landscape murals by de Gournay, which reflect the greenery of the neighbouring parks. Here, guests indulge in the signature Peninsula Afternoon Tea, served on elaborate silver tiers to a soundtrack of soft music from a live pianist. In the courtyard is a striking British Hornbeam tree, blessed by a feng shui master.
The rooms are pared-back and classy, with all-encompassing high-tech, right down to the Dyson appliances and nail-polish dryer built into the separate dressing room. I’m delighted to see the brand’s legendary valet box still makes an appearance. The Peninsula London is the group’s first UK property and was designed by Hopkins Architects with interior
Southern Ocean Lodge
Kangaroo Island, Australia
“Floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in, creating framed vistas of Kangaroo Island’s wild landscape… In the context of a rapidly changing climate, the ‘new’ Southern Ocean Lodge operates sensitively – and in harmony – with its natural environment, charting a sustainable path towards the future”
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Monaco
The ‘place to be’ in the principality, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, is on the doorstep of the fabled Casino de Monte-Carlo, separated by a concourse crowded with Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bentleys. With industry-leading hospitality, this quintessential ultra-luxury abode exudes glamour and prestige, housed in an 1864 Belle Époque palace with the Mediterranean at its backdoor.
Casa Cipriani
New York, United States of America
Golden Age glamour and Art Deco styling are the calling cards of Casa Cipriani. Set to a soundtrack of rippling jazz, this Big Apple hideaway is an indulgent assemblage of polished mahogany, brass and sumptuous bold hues. From Guastavino tiles and Tedeschi furnishings to Rivolta Carmignani linen and cashmere-lined walls, this private members’ club presents Old New York in Italian style.
Amangiri
Utah, United States of America
This modernist dream results from a remarkable collaboration between three US design firms, Marwan Al-Sayed, Wendell Burnette Architects and Studio Rick Joy. Linear and precise, Amangiri’s concept references Navajo and Hogan architecture, reflective of the region’s ancient Native American heritage. Positioned among sunburnt rock formations and the vast Colorado Plateau, Amangiri’s interior scheme is earthy and tactile with timber, leather and crisp white linen adorning the 34 suites. Water and light have been creatively manipulated to cut striking lines through the property, which features a library, gallery, swimming pool and wellness facilities, fine dining and off-site experiences at sister property Camp Sarika.
The Connaught
London, United Kingdom
The Connaught has been my London home away from home for more than 20 years now. For me, the combination of four factors make it very special: First of all, its perfect location on Carlos Place on the corner of Mount Street, which is probably one of the most picturesque set-ups not only in Mayfair but all of London. Once you step out of the door, you feel like you’re in a Cary Grant movie or a P.G. Wodehouse novel. Another important aspect is its intimate feel and traditional decor with contemporary accents and amenities – it is incredibly cozy and quintessentially English without being antiquated or stuffy. Finally, the service and personal attention of the staff is one of the best I have ever experienced anywhere in the world. One is always greeted by name and countless little attentions make you truly feel at home, from a photo of your dog on your nightstand, your favourite cocktail set up for you upon arrival, to the best shoeshine – and butler service taking care of your sartorial needs.” –Alexander Kraft, owner, chairman and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France & Monaco
Aman Venice
Italy
Opulent Rubelli silks, Murano chandeliers and chequered marbled floors, a trompe-l’oeil grand staircase… arriving at the Aman Venice’s private jetty in a polished mahogany water limousine is a heady whirlwind of history and opulence. Located on Venice’s Grand Canal, Aman’s 16th-century Baroque Palazzo Papadopoli is one of only eight palazzo monumentali in Venice. It remains the part-time residence of owners Gilberto and Bianca Arrivabene, a count and princess who appear to have stepped from the pages of Vogue. Priceless frescoes (many by 18th-century artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, who once lived here to adorn the walls) aside, any stay at Aman Venice is like stepping into a movie set; George Clooney didn’t film any of his Ocean’s films on-site, but he did celebrate his wedding here with Amal Alamuddin.
What is the most expensive hotel in the world?
Currently, online sources indicate that The Royal Mansion at Atlantis, The Royal in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is the most expensive hotel in the world. The property purportedly demands around AU$ 155,000 per night for reservations.
What is the world’s no.1 hotel?
In 2024, the World’s 50 Best Hotels placed Capella Bangkok in Thailand at #1, securing its spot as the world’s best hotel for 2024. However, several other hotels won awards of note that put them in the running for the best hotels in the world. The Royal Mansour in Marrakech won No.3 Gin Art of Hospitality Award 2024, Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy, holds the title of Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award 2024, Soneva Fushi obtained the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2024, and Maroma in Mexico was awarded Flor de Cana Eco Hotel 2024
Which are the 7-star hotels in the world?
There is no official or internationally recognised ‘seven-star’ hotel rating. The highest standard rating used by most hotel classification systems is five stars. The term ‘seven-star hotel’ is purely marketing hype and not an official designation.
Which are the 10 best hotels in the world?
According to 50 Best, the world’s top 10 hotels are:
- Capella Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
- Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
- Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Cheval Blanc, Paris, France
- The Upper House, Hong Kong
- Raffles Singapore, Singapore
- Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Soneva Fushi, Maldives
- Atlantis, The Royal, Dubai, UAE
- Nihi Sumba, Sumba Island, Indonesia
This article is a Signature Luxury Travel & Style digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the newsletter below.
