What does it take to be called one of the best luxury hotels in the world?
Is it in the facade’s beauty, the architecture’s complexity, or the oneness with nature?
Is it in the number of amenities available to guests, the amount of good times spent on worthwhile activities in the area, or the grandiose conceptualization of each room to stay true to the hotel’s theme?
To be called one of the best luxury hotels around the world, you must not only possess one or two of these – you must be all-encompassing.
Several properties from across the globe may have gotten all these distinctions perfectly, but it takes good operations and management systems to be continually relevant in this day and age.
These resorts on our list truly embody what it takes to be the best in the business.
They call on us to have a taste of what they regard as the business of providing luxury.
After all, they exist for one primary reason: to bring us to these places where we will experience only the best.
Join us as we travel the world – from Asia’s depths up to Africa – to narrow down the ultimate list of the best luxury hotels in the world.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is one of the best hotels in the entire world. Not just one of the best in Hawaii. Not one of the best in the United States. In the entire world! Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Hawaii recommended by Julie from Ruhls of the Road The location, service, on-site …
Immersed in vineyards that seem to reach all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, La Foresteria Planeta Estate near Menfi in southwestern Sicily is an extraordinary place to stay. With incredible cuisine matched with the estate’s own wines, the hotel is a gastronomic paradise. Recommended by Annabel from Smudged Postcard If you thought western Sicily …
The luxury hotel market in Finland is relatively small, a testament to how untapped Finland is as a major tourism destination. Unlike the nearby Scandinavian countries of Norway and Iceland, tourism just hasn’t quite boomed yet in Finland. Recommended by Josh from The Lost Passport However, one type of luxury hotel in Finland is making …
While many people know that Emirates Business Class boasts a certain level of luxury, let’s consider Emirates First Class for a moment. It doesn’t take much imagination to think about an Emirates A380 First Class Cabin as a luxury hotel in the sky. Think about it. Written by Jennifer P. (aka Dr. J) from Sidewalk …
It doesn’t get much more iconic as luxury hotels go than the Grande Old Dame of Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Located in the center of Colaba, the most popular tourist location in Mumbai, this hotel has staked its claim as one of the world’s premier luxury hotels. Recommended by Katie from Contemporary Class …
KAI Hakone is a luxury hot spring Ryokan located next to Sukomo River. Check out Anne’s review to learn more about this Hoshino Resort. Recommended by Anne from Pretraveller Most travelers to Japan have stayed in a traditional Japanese Ryokan on their bucket list. Most travelers aim to experience the Japanese culture of staying in a …
The Tongabezi Lodge combines luxury with fascinating nature. The lodge is only 15 kilometers away from the famous Victoria Falls and is located at the Sambesi riverbank. Recommended by Rosie from Flying Fluskey The Victoria Falls must appear on most people’s bucket lists. However, did you know that upstream is a hotel that is just …
Joali Resort Maldives is an ultra-luxury resort on Muravandhoo Island in the Maldives. After waking up, you can dive directly into the ocean from your Water Villa and enjoy total privacy. Read more about Mar’s experience at Joali Maldives. Recommended by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey Even before arriving at the resort, Joali …
Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel in Khao Lank, Thailand, especially for families and couples who want to relax in paradise without big crowds. Recommended by Anthony from Fair Dinkum Traveller It’s Mai Khao Lak, and it’s Mai kind of place! Set on the Khao Lak Coastline, only an hour …
Kata Rocks is one of the most luxurious hotels in Phuket, Thailand. It offers villas in different sizes, all with a huge private pool and butler service for your dream vacation in South East Asia. Recommended by Frankie Thompson from As the Bird flies Phuket is many people’s go-to holiday destinations thanks to it being easily …
Recommended by Jane from To Travel Too As you arrive at the hotel, the sweeping driveway leads to the open-air lobby, perfumed with the fragrance from colorful pink and white tropical frangipanis that frame the entrance. Newly arrived guests are immediately drawn towards the Infinity Bar, even before check-in, where oversized expansive windows lead to …
The Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel and the Two Seasons Island Resort & Spa offer the perfect combination of a city and tropical island getaway and provide the best place to stay in Coron if you are looking for the best Coron luxury resorts. The Two Seasons Bayside Hotel is one of the brand new …
Where to stay in Colombo: The Hilton Colombo City Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Colombo & ideal for both business and vacation travelers. Read our full review of the Hilton Colombo – one of the best 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Hilton is the perfect choice for accommodation in …
Taipei Hotel Recommendation: Don’t know where to stay in Taipei? What about staying in one of the best hotels in Taipei? Read here our Shangri-La Taipei luxury hotel review and find out why it is considered one of the best Taipei luxury hotels offering breathtaking views across the city and one of the hotels near …
Bear Forest Villa Hualien is a four-star hotel near Hualien Town in Taiwan. It is located right next to a small, beautiful lake and is surrounded by nature. The atmosphere is calm & peaceful, and the staff throughout is friendly, attentive, and helpful. And, did you know that every villa has a private outdoor bathtub? Location The …
The Funny Lion is a new boutique hotel in Coron, Philippines. It opened in 2014 and is part of the One-Of Collection hotel group, which also manages the Amorita Resort in Bohol and the Santa Monica Beach Club in Dumaguete. Read here my hotel review of the Funny Lion Hotel Coron. The Funny Lion Hotel Coron – …
Over the years, Cartagena de Indias became a favorite destination for romantic weekends with its cobbled streets, historic center, romantic sunsets, and colorful buildings. Staying in a Boutique Hotel will round off your romantic experience in Cartagena. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review – LM Luxury Boutique Hotel Cartagena. Behind the immense white wooden walls of …
Posada del Angel Hotel Antigua was established in 1993 and is located in Antigua, Guatemala, in an old colonial building. The whole design and furniture fits perfectly with Antigua and integrates Antigua’s Maya and Spanish heritages. Location Posada del Angel is located just a few blocks from the main square of Antigua on a quiet cobblestone …
Did you ever stay in a luxury villa with your own private pool? At The Vijitt Resort Phuket in Thailand, you can do exactly this, including an amazing view of the Andaman Sea and an offshore island. I stayed three nights at the Resort and really enjoyed the calm atmosphere apart from the tourists’ crowds. Read here my Luxury …
Sukko Spa Resort Phuket is located in Phuket, in the south of Thailand. It is a true oasis with lush greenery apart from mass tourism and hectic life. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review Sukko Spa Resort Phuket. Location Sukko Spa Resort Phuket is located in the Chalong area in Phuket, in the south of Thailand. Phuket town …
Pandanus Resort & Spa Mui Ne is the place to stay in Mui Ne Area and look for relaxation and restfulness. It opened in 2004 right next to the beach. The accommodations are built in a huge garden with tropical plants, lakes with lotus blossoms, and small streams. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review – Pandanus Resort & Spa …
I immediately felt at home when I entered The Scent Hotel Koh Samui. It was furnished with love, and the front office agent warmly welcomed me. While she was checking me in, I got a welcome drink and a hot towel. She bought me to my room, showed me where everything is, and organized someone to bring …
Peace Resort Koh Samui is located at Bophut Beach and has 122 guest accommodations. It was first opened in 1977 and won different awards. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review of the Peace Resort Koh Samui. The resort really lives up to its name. From the moment I checked-in in felt very relaxed and comfortable. The check-in area is …
Majestic Grande Hotel Bangkok is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Thailand’s capital city in the Sukhumvit area. It has 251 rooms on 25 floors. Read here my Luxury Hotel Review Majestic Grande Hotel Bangkok. My first impression of the hotel was very positive. The lobby looks very appealing, and in the evening, there is a live …
Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok is a luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Thailand’s capital. It opened in 1970 and has 517 rooms and suites. Find here my Luxury Hotel Review Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok. My first impression of the hotel was very positive. It is decorated with many colorful flowers and pretty nice water elements. The staff is friendly …