Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (August 17, 2015): my favorite 10 luxury hotels in the world.
The question I am asked the most is the simplest: “what is your favorite hotel in the world”. It’s somewhat difficult to answer that question, since I prefer to rank hotels in different categories according to the experience they offer, whether it be a city break, a romantic getaway, a wilderness experience or a beach holiday. Nevertheless, there are a few luxury hotels that left such an overwhelming impression, that I rank them amongst my most memorable experience. So, here you go: this is my top 10 list of the world’s most beautiful and amazing luxury hotels (and I highly recommend to put them on your bucket list). And I have some great news for you, as I can get you a free room upgrade at the number one hotel (contact me to find out more)!
There is more information below the slideshow. Share your favorite hotel in the world in the comments section, or take my poll at the bottom of the page!
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10. ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
This urban chic resort, located in Cape Town’s Waterfront, set a whole new standard for South Africa hotels when it opened in 2009. Offering an unprecedented level of luxury and style to one of the world’s most fascinating cities, the hotel will overwhelm you from the very start with breathtaking Table Mountain views from the spectacular lobby. The spacious room and oversized bathroom interiors are adorned with fabrics and furnishings recalling the warm, muted tones of Africa’s savannahs. Central to exciting nightlife and entertainment, the hotel serves as a gateway to the Cape Town’s must visit places, such wine country excursions, Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point.
Hotel website: One&Only Cape Town
Other top 10 accolades: One&Only Cape Town features in my top 10 list of the world’s most luxurious city hotels.
Review: to read my review of the One&Only Cape Town, click here.
ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
9. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
The private island resort has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking the pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve. Raised off the ground to catch the cooling Indian Ocean breezes, all villas open up onto a private garden and the beach, with plunge pools and outdoor showers providing the finishing touches. The island’s lounge and dining areas, scenically located health spa and gym, library and dive centre, and a rim-flow swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. Keep an eye out for Brutus, the island’s 160-year-old tortoise. The resort was the decor for honeymoon of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
Hotel website: North Island
Other top 10 accolades: North Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best resorts in the Seychelles, the world’s most exclusive private island resorts and the world’s most expensive hotels.
NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
8. CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, CANADA
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, open from May to September, is an exotic paradox of indulgent luxury and remote, untamed wilderness, located in the Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve (within the Pacific Rim National Park). This unique 21st-century-safari-style enclave offers exquisite cuisine and breathtaking adventures, giving visitors a rare taste of how the fortunate spent their summers ‘roughing it’ some 100 years ago. Twenty white canvas suite tents showcase antique furnishings, opulent rugs, down duvets, remote-controlled propane powered woodstoves and luxurious amenities. Keep an eye out for the amazing wildlife, including bears and killer whales.
Hotel website: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Other top 10 accolades: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort also features in my top 10 lists of the best wilderness lodges in the world, the best hotels in Canada, and the world’s most luxurious glamping sites.
CLAYOQUOT WILDERNESS RESORT, CANADA
7. ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU, BALI, INDONESIA
Alila Villas Uluwatu is my favorite luxury resort in Bali’s. The ultraluxurious property is located in the dry savannah landscape of the Bukit Peninsular in the South of the island. Poised on an elevated plateau that meets with limestone cliffs sweeping down the Indian Ocean, the view from the hotel is nothing less than breathtaking. Blending in with these spectacular surroundings, the unique design and open-plan architecture of the hotel combines the delights of traditional Balinese pavilion architecture and rural landscapes with modern dynamic treatment of space and form. The spectacular rooms with minimalistic interiors are designed to impart comfort and space.
Hotel website: Alila Villas Uluwatu
Other top 100 accolades: Allila Villas Uluwatu also features on my top 10 list of best luxury hotels in Bali.
Review: to read our review of Alila Villas Uluwatu, click here.
ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU, BALI, INDONESIA
6. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA
Jade Mountain delivers romance in a very unique way from its hilltop location in a verdant corner of the tropical Caribbean island of St Lucia. The impressive design, with individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool suites and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky, makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences, especially for honeymooners. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.
Hotel website: Jade Mountain
Other top 10 accolades: Jade Mountain also features in my top 10 lists of hotel rooms with the best views, the world’s best resorts with private plunge pools, and the world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms.
Review: to read my review of Jade Mountain, click here.
JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA
5. PARK HYATT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Seated majestically on one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, Park Hyatt Sydney perfectly personifies contemporary harbourside luxury with its coveted location between the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Reminiscent of an exclusive harbourside residence, the hotel offers intimate surrounds with architecture, art and design that reflect the Australian landscape. Highlights include 155 spacious guestrooms and suites with contemporary interiors and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies; 24-hour butler service; and a day spa with stunning rooftop pool and sundeck.
Hotel website: Park Hyatt Sydney
Other top 10 accolades: Park Hyatt Sydney also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops, the best luxury hotels in Australia, and hotels loved by celebrities.
Review: click here to read my review of the Park Hyatt hotel in Sydney.
4. IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
Experience the African Bushveld in lavish comfort and style like only few will. “Unparalleled and extraordinarily beautiful in its simplicity and texture” is how Ivory Lodge has been described, and it has been recognised with various international awards. Each of the 6 suites is surrounded by untamed African Bush and are operated as a private Villa. They all include a private rim flow pool, exquisitely appointed large dedicated bedroom and lounge, and simply more of everything. For the ultimate African bush experience, you may want to stay at one of the ultraluxurious treehouses operated by the same management of Ivory Lodge in the same wildlife reserve.
Hotel website: Ivory Lodge Lion Sands
Other top 10 accolades: Ivory Lodge Lion Sands, South Africa, also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms and Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.
IVORY LODGE LION SANDS, SOUTH AFRICA
3. MAALIFUSHI BY COMO, MALDIVES
Granted, the Maldives’ string of ultraluxurious beach resorts could easily take all 10 spots in this list. Supreme and private luxury amid nature’s tropical magic, COMO Maalifushi is one of my favorites. A jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sands, the resort is located the pristine Thaa Atoll in the archipelago’s southwest. Among Maldives’ island hotels, the resort is a stand apart with its understated style, encapsulating the spirit of the Indian Ocean and the barefoot chic of this COMO private island resort. The 33 overwater villas and 26 garden suites offer consistently spectacular views of either lush tropical gardens or directly out to the watery expanse.
Hotel website: Maalifushi by COMO
Other top 10 accolades: Maalifushi by COMO features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives and the world’s most amazing beach hotels.
Review: to read my review of Maalifushi by COMO, click here.
2. AMANGIRI, UTAH, USA
Amangiri (peaceful mountain) is located on 600 acres in Canyon Point, Southern Utah, close to the border with Arizona. The resort is tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Built around a central swimming pool with spectacular views, the resort blends into its dramatic surrounds where deep canyons and towering plateaus create a raw landscape of immense power. Amangiri’s trail system and unrivalled backcountry access allow guests to explore the region’s striking desert scenery on foot. Amangiri is operated by Aman resorts, the world’s most exclusive ultra-luxury hotel brand.
Hotel website: Amangiri
Other top 10 accolades: Amangiri also features in my top 10 lists of hotel rooms with the best views, the world’s most luxurious wilderness lodges, the world’s most beautiful hotel pools, and the world’s best desert retreats.
AMANGIRI,USA
1. SONEVA KIRI, KOH KOOD, THAILAND
Welcome to my absolute favorite hotel in the world! Remote yet accessible by a 1,5 hour flight from Bangkok on the resort’s private plane, Soneva Kiri sits on Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Siam. It has 29 spectacular private villas – amongst the largest in the world – that are built on hillsides blanketed with ancient rainforest and overlooking the turquoise waters. Guest are given their own buggy to get to the private and stunning, coconut palm shaded beach, where your toes will go into the powdery soft sand, and where you can stroll through the pristine waters with the ocean lapping at your calves. Be prepared for a phenomenal experience!
Contact me to get a free room upgrade at Soneva Kiri when you decide to spend your holiday there (which I highly recommend!).
Hotel website: Soneva Kiri
Other top 10 accolades: Soneva Kiri also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most beautiful hotel beaches, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences, the best private plunge pools in the world, the world’s most amazing beach hotelsand luxury hotels with private airports.
Review: to read my review of Soneva Kiri, click here.
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Top 10 best luxury hotels in the world
Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire. Today (August 17, 2015): my favorite 10 luxury hotels in the world.