What does it take to be called one of the best luxury hotels in the world?
Is it in the beauty of the facade, the complexity of the architecture, or the oneness with nature?
Is it in the number of amenities available to guests, the amount of good times spent on worthwhile activities present in the area, or the grandiose conceptualization of each room to stay true to the hotel’s theme?
Is it in the visitor feedback online, the awards garnered over time, or the total return guest rate?
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 system to be continually relevant in this day and age.
These resorts that we have 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 the depths of Asia up until Africa – in order to narrow down the ultimate list of the best luxury hotels in the world.
Best Luxury Hotels around the World
Ultra Luxury Joali Resort, Maldives
Nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean is a resort so exceptional it’s hard not to feel as celebratory as its ambiance. Joali Resort in Maldives is full embodiment of quiet joy and attainable peace. Its white sand beach tickles your feet as the turquoise blue waters playfully touches your skin, calling for an adventure you so dearly heed.
Come by daytime and experience being taken to the breathtaking Joali Resort via seaplane. See Maldives’ tiny islands from above, and as you approach Muravandhoo. Witness the coconut palms lining up - as if waving to you and saying ‘Welcome to one of the world’s best luxury resorts in the world.
Joali’s Sunset Luxury Water Villa is an option that is hard to pass. Imagine viewing the sun go down at the best place to do so. A private infinity pool floats nearby, providing you with the utmost venue for a perfect sunset view.
Tongabezi Luxury Lodge, Zimbabwe
In Tongabezi Lodge, your relaxation is everyone’s priority. You are called to break out from your vacation and embrace a luxurious experience towards total serenity. Stay in bed as you wish; go for a hike when you feel like it. Tongabezi Lodge is brimming with Zambian hospitality, natural beauty and dreamy cottages.
The elegance of the Nut House is one that cannot be replicated. With textiles and designs speaking of different African influences, the luxury lodge is both exotic and appealing. The walls and decors are tastefully assembled in a way that complements the Zambezi seascape. Everything seems to belong to nature - even you.
Tongabezi Luxury Lodge redefines the term ‘all-inclusive,’ offering not only sumptuous food and world-class rooms but also complementary packages that invite you to indulge in Zambia’s rich community. The majestic Victoria Waterfalls are close by, giving you an opportunity to witness one of the Seven Wonders of The World.
Luxury Kata Rocks Hotel Phuket, Thailand
Escape to Phuket, Thailand and call Kata Rocks your opulent home away from home. Iconic, award-winning, luxurious - all the superlatives do not suffice when describing this resort in Southeast Asia. Located on the coast of the Adaman Sea, Kata Rocks enjoys a stunning location bordered with romantic ocean views.
If utmost privacy is what you desire during your holidays, Kata Rocks offers just that. It is inviting you to stay in the Sky Pool Villa, a one-bedroom haven that has a panoramic view of the sky blue ocean.
A personal concierge is on call during your whole stay to make sure you have just about everything you need. Dive into your private infinity swimming pool and feel the waters extending to the Kata Beach. See the unassuming beauty of the nearby Koh Pu island from your posh living space.
Kata Rocks is part of the highly-praised Infinite Luxury properties. As implied in the name, their aim is to develop outstanding properties that please both valued guests and award-giving bodies.
Luxury Mai Khao Lak Hotel, Thailand
The Tui Family Life Mai Khao Lak in Thailand is a luxury family beach resort which assumes the belongingness and vitality of a village. Inside there is an indoor cinema, the Mind Spa, five swimming pools and seven restaurants.
The Mai Pool Villa with Sea View is made exquisite by its breathtaking Andaman Sea beachfront. Its modern vibe is perfect for couples on the holiday destination of their lives.
Spend the day together taking part in some of the worthwhile activities offered to guests in Mai Khao Lak. Book a Thai cooking class or a Sea Kayak adventure to make your vacation even more memorable.
Thailand is truly a dream wedding destination to many, and Mai Khao Lak is one venue worth looking into. This luxury resort offers packages for either a Western or a Traditional Thai wedding - from the wedding minister to the set dinner taken care of by the property, all you have to do is show up in your dress!
Emirates First Class - The Ultimate Luxury Hotel in the Sky
Awarded as the World’s Best First Class of 2019, the Emirates First Class cabins of A380 and Boeing 777 are luxurious enough to be included in our list of the ultimate luxury hotels in the world.
The private door to your personal cabin gives you the utmost feeling of lounging comfortably in the skies, with gourmet meals served a la-room service straight to your dining table and superb inflight entertainment at the touch
of a button.
Your seat is fully convertible into a bed, perfect for a relaxed private cinema viewing at night. Feel even more refreshed than when you boarded by indulging in the Shower Spa complete with a Bvlgari private bath collection to
rejuvenate your senses.
Luxury Apukka Resort, Rovaniemi, Finland
Fancy seeing the Northern Lights from the comfort of your glass cabin? Just outside of Rovaniemi in the north of Finland, there is a luxury resort named Apukka.
The place is what every retreat spot should feel like - comforting, serene and resplendent.
Considered as one of the best luxury resorts around the world, Azumi is packed with visitors during the winter
season, all longing to get a good glimpse of the Northern Lights. Your winter trip won’t be complete without husky
sled rides, reindeer tours and snowmobile tours - all of which can be conveniently booked at the hotel’s reception
area.
While many glass igloos in Finland are closed during the summer, you will find Apukka welcoming guests to their
property even during low season. Hiking, rowing and berry picking are popular summer activities in the area. You
will never run out of things to do in and near Apukka Resort.
The Pullman Danang Beach Resort, Vietnam
The Danang Beach Resort in Vietnam is a luxury proprerty owned and operated by Pullman, a line of hotels well-known for having exquisite locations. In the heart of Central Vietnam and along the Bay My An Beach is a venue for the ultimate relaxation and recreation.
You can only get higher once you set foot at Danang Beach Resort. Have a look at their Penthouse Suite and you will see Vietnamese exoticism tamed by modern interiors and eclectic designs.
If your idea of a perfect getaway is plenty of space to breathe and ample amenities for the most fastidious member of the family, this suite suits you perfectly.
Do not miss Danang’s Infinity bar. Have a taste of their Vietnamese-inspired Infinity Dragonfly cocktail as you gaze at the ponds that add tranquility to the lounge. For a proper dinner, head over to Epice and savour some of the local delicacies made special by the incorporation of modern techniques - only here at Danang.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone Luxury Ryokan
KAI Hakone is a part of the Hoshino group of Resorts dedicated to elegant spaces and luxurious concepts. It is located along the Sukumo River, with hot springs flowing from the property for all guests to enjoy.
The resort is surrounded by nature, giving you an in-depth appreciation of the serenity only the earth could provide. Many fixtures exercise the element of parquetry, a style of furniture making that is popular to the area.
Choose the Japanese-style Suite with a River View and experience lounging in your flax yukata, a casual kimono made to provide warmth or coolness as the season calls for.
Indulge in a therapeutic session as you bask in one of the twenty hot springs available in KAI Hakone. Mt. Yusaka can be seen from any of the pools. Take a cool break at the Yuagari Lounge in between your thermal swims.
Luxury Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
If Taj Mahal Palace is not the best luxury hotel in India, we don’t know which one is more credible to be regarded as such.
With a reputation for exceptional service and elegant rooms since 1902, the Taj Mahal Palace is filled with stories about ground-breaking events, high-profile guests and its continuous pursuit of perfection.
There are 285 luxury rooms and suites at Taj Mahal Palace. The Grande Luxury Suite is a tasteful space to behold, with either the resplendent sea or the bustling city in your window view. This suite shares a character of
old-fashioned beauty together with every corner of the property.
La Foresteria Planeta Estate Luxury Hotel in Sicily, Italy
At La Foresteria Planeta Estate it is a challenge not to fall in love with the place. Imagine waking up and stepping outside with the smell of fresh lavender and the view of the Mediterranean Sea.
This family resort set in a vineyard is luxury at its sweetest. Undeniably, the resort’s outstanding wine cellar is one of the highlights of the property.
When it comes to marketing, the upscale La Foresteria doesn’t even have to boast. They let their good food and intentional hospitality do the smooth talking.
