Here at The Aussie Flashpacker we aim to inspire others to travel and our favourite way to travel is definitely in luxury. We have been lucky enough to visit over 30 countries on 6 continents in our travels to date and when we visit new places we aim to bring you the best in luxury at that destination. In order to keep sharing with you the best in luxurious, wanderlust worthy travel we've teamed up with 17 other fantastic and popular travel bloggers to share their most luxurious hotel stay from their travels! There's some incredible hotels on this list that I know everyone will love!
1. Angie from SilverSpoon London | Singita Boulders, Sabi Sands, South Africa.
For me, a luxury hotel isn’t all about marble bathrooms and plush furnishings. True luxury is an unforgettable and unique experience, undertaken in the most authentic way. For this reason Singita Boulders safari hotel in Sabi Sands is the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in.
The room was beautifully appointed with an indoor / outdoor feel, a huge sitting area, bedroom and terrace with an open fireplace, riverside view and private pool. Food was incredible and we experienced a fusion of European, African and Asian cuisine, though the chef was flexible and would make you any thing that you wanted.
But best of all were the game drives, whilst driving through the wilderness we saw elephants bathing, lions going on the hunt, hippos wallowing and rhinos fighting. It was so incredibly moving to see those animals in their natural environment. And not only that, animals ran wild through the hotel…a friendly antelope came to visit us on the terrace and monkeys stole our breakfast!
Staying at Singita Boulders was an experience of a lifetime and one I’ll never forget.
2. Courtney from Jet Set Brunette | Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands is a great hotel to add to any bucket list. The entire stay is an experience, from the casino through to the breathtaking views of an infinite pool spread across the top of three skyscrapers. The numerous restaurants are home to renowned chefs and the cocktails are close to perfection. It's luxurious, glamorous and so much more!
3. Polly from Follow Your Sunshine | Monastero Santa Rosa, Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Built into the dramatic cliffs at Conca dei Marini above the deep blue expanse of the Bay of Salerno, the Monastero Santa Rosa is a sight to behold. A former 17th Century Monastery, the building and grounds have been lovingly and respectfully renovated into an exclusive and unique boutique hotel where luxury lies around every corner.
When my husband and I set off on our honeymoon tour across Italy last month, we both agreed that the Monastero was the hotel we were most looking forward to. It was with some relief that we discovered that all of this excited anticipation hadn’t gone to waste. The exquisite building is steeped in history, with original artefacts lining the whitewashed corridors. The bedrooms retain their original layout and tiny doors from the time when nobody but nuns were in residence. The steep cliffside gardens are perfectly manicured and lead to down to the most beautiful infinity pool which merges with the perfect seas and skies beyond. The fully equipped spa was one of the best we’ve visited, and the staff were perfectly accommodating at all times, from the talented kitchen and restaurant staff to the pool attendants. This is a once in a lifetime hotel, and we are already discussing a return visit.
I will be sharing all of my Amalfi Coast honeymoon experiences over the next few weeks on Follow Your Sunshine, but in the meantime, take a look at my sneak-peek vlog of our time at the hotel here.
4. Ayla from Mrs Aylas Adventures | Marari Villas, Kerala, India.
After a chaotic and noisy few weeks travelling around India, arriving at Marari Villas was like stepping into our own little piece of paradise. The tiny fishing village of Mararikulam in Kerala was so secluded and serene that the hustle and bustle of North India seemed a whole other world away.
Nestled in the trees by the beach, our beautiful villa was the perfect place to relax with a huge ridiculously comfy bed and an open air shower where butterflies and little lizards could join us. In the morning we had yoga lessons in our private garden and then relaxed in the hammock or on the sun loungers before taking a dip in our own private pool. Some of the best meals I’ve ever tasted were cooked up by our personal chef and we ate under the trees by moonlight in the evening. If we ever felt the need to leave our little paradise, we had a secluded beach area right outside our door where we could watch the fishermen bringing in their catch at sunset.
Our stay here was peaceful, idyllic and absolutely gorgeous, and nowhere could have been more perfect than this to end our time in India.
5. Katie from La Jolla Living | Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England.
Our recent stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England was one of the most luxurious we've experienced in a while because we were so keen to take advantage of every exclusive experience that we could fit into our short stay at this at the centuries-old estate. Outfitted with bikes and helmets at the spa, we toured the over 500-acres by bike on-road and off. My daughter learned how to care for a pony at the onsite equestrian center, we flew a red-tailed hawk between us on a private hawk walk with the estate falconer, had a picnic driven by Land Rover to a lovely nearby pond that was set up with Four Seasons flair, played croquet and so much more. Not to mention the hotel has beautifully-appointed suites and a resident black labrador, Oliver, that my daughter adored. It was an experience I would recommend for luxury travelers who would like to experience the English countryside, just an hour by train from London.
6. Suze from Luxury Columnist | Siwandu camp, Selous Safari Company, Tanzania.
Tanzania is a stunning country and Siwandu camp, run by the Selous Safari Company, is an exceptional safari destination. It’s perfectly located in the Selous Game Reserve, the largest reserve in Africa and four times bigger than the Serengeti. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over half of Tanzania's elephant population, 4,000 lions, 40,000 hippos and 400 varieties of birds, it's a great place for game viewing. The camp’s "tents" are spread out over the lakeside, giving a prime viewing spot of the wildlife from your wooden veranda. They are the size of normal bedrooms and incredibly comfortable with secure mosquito netting and a thatched roof to allow for constant airflow. We particularly enjoyed the outdoor shower! One of the great things about Siwandu is the range of activities on offer - not only can you do the classic game drive, but also a boat cruise and a game walk. This is actually very safe as long as you walk behind your guide and after the walk, a private outdoor breakfast awaits you by the lakeside. Don’t miss the sunsets here, they are magical!
7. Luke from Anti Travel Guides | Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands seems to be a pacific island country that world forgot, but this is starting to change. Move over Fiji and Tahiti, if it’s Luxury you are after the Cook Island of Aitutaki is like no other.
Aitutaki is a beautiful remote island with a population of about 2000, surrounded by a reef which forms a very protected lagoon. The Resort itself is situated on its own little sandbar, which can only be accessed by private barge operated by the hotel.
True luxury is found in the overwater bungalows, with glass doors looking out at the turquoise blue of the pacific, the shower is outside in your own private courtyard and of course the deck is best used for sunbaking and swimming from. It is a perfectly romantic retreat for couples and the hospitality of Pacific Islanders is like no other.
While the resort is designed for relaxation and seclusion, you still have the option of activities such as stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, snorkelling, fish feeding, and crab races as well as a host of authentic cultural activities. 5 nights here was a perfect way to end my honeymoon and my only hope is that one I’ll return.
8. Carmen from Carmens Luxury Travel | Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a exclusive private island resort located 28 miles east of Key West in the Florida Keys, with only thirty oceanfront bungalow suites. Each of these luxurious, thatched-roof huts is named for a local bird. The bungalows have indoor and outdoor showers, private verandahs, chandeliers, and ocean views. The entire island is only five acres. It mostly attracts couples looking for a romantic escape. It’s only accessible by boat or seaplane.
After a 15 minute boat ride on “The Truman,” the islands private boat, we arrived in this fantasy island. It’s very personal as we were greeted by name upon arrival. Our bungalow even had our name on it. We spent the day lounging around the pool enjoying a cool cocktail, admiring the ocean on the beach, and getting a relaxing massage in the spa. My husband took out a sea kayak and saw some amazing birds. The sunset was breathtaking as we enjoyed our gourmet dinner seated on the edge of the beach. Part of the fun is watching the rare Key Deer roaming around the property. A weekend in this resort is the height of romance and luxury.
9. Rachel from Hippe in Heels | Coco Shambhala, Goa, India.
Coco Shambhala is in a secluded jungle area of Goa, the paradise of India. There are 5 villas which are fully stocked and come along with a housekeeper and butler of sorts. The chef is famous in the area and makes everything from churros to gourmet baba ganoush. Not only do you have multiple bedrooms and a shared pool, but each villa has a hot tub. They have written a book with their favorite places in Goa, exclusively for guests.
10. Ally from Ally Rambles | Pom Pom Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana.
We gasp as Pom Pom appears below us; an island of civilisation amongst the swamp. The shadow of our tiny plane looms large as we skim lower over the bush, the runway ahead nothing more than a strip of scorched earth. The camp itself is like something from a Hemingway novel; built of teak and surrounded by a canopy of trees. Open fronted, the lodge overlooks a lagoon, where Elephants and Hippopotamus lumber on the far shore. Pom Pom is completely and utterly immersed in the wilderness around it.
After an early and bleary eyed game drive each day, we’d then be fed well and frequently before heading out again at dusk, either by jeep or on the water in a Mokoro, the traditional canoes still used here. We tracked Lions to find them lazing in the early morning sun, saw countless Elephants, Giraffe, Hippo and found incredible birdlife everywhere, watched Hyenas skulking off with a fresh kill and narrowly missed out on sighting a resident Leopard. After a lavish dinner each evening, we’d swap bushlore across a crackling underneath a sweep of stars, before falling asleep in our luxury canvas tents to the sounds of wild Africa.
11. Kelly from Around the World in 80 Pairs of shoes | The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Malaysia.
Located 2.5 hrs drive away from Kuala Lumpur is the exclusive, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat; a wellness retreat where the aim is for each guest to leave relaxed and balanced in the soul. Perfectly situated, the retreat fits perfectly within it's surroundings of the limestone hills, rainforest, hot springs, caves and waterfalls.
The whole retreat is just incredible; the service was impeccable from the moment we arrived till the moment we left. The food was the best we encountered during our trip around Malaysia; my gluten free requirement was never a problem and I would happily return just to eat a satay! The spa, the free yoga sessions, hot dipping pools and fish pedicures - you will leave the retreat one big gooey relaxed mess. There are only 25 villas within the retreat so it's very exclusive and the villas just scream WOW; possibly the most luxurious place I've ever stayed - how gorgeous is the private pool inside our villa...and we even had our own private hot dipping pool. If you're visiting Malaysia then I highly recommend a night or two at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.
12. Lexie from Steps To Follow | Park Village Hotel & Resort, Kathmandu.
An oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu’s hectic streets, Park Village Hotel & Resort is a great place to unwind in luxury. After unexpectedly getting checked into this luxury hotel complementary from Exodus Travels after the earthquake in Nepal, Park Village’s beautiful atmosphere helped us to relax and enjoy the moment during hard times. We stayed in an apartment suite that had more than enough to keep us comfortable. A stunning room with a view from the balcony, trees and flowers everywhere along with tropical-sounding birds singing in every direction making us feel like we were in the middle of the jungle, a pool, a spa & salon, a gym, laundry service and buffet and a la carte meals 3 times a day plus an excellent bar service. The hotel staff were more than hospitable to us given that their city was shook to rubble a few days previously. The hotel also offers many days tours around the Kathmandu area and beyond. We looked so out of sorts and underdressed in our trekking gear in this luxurious resort hotel.
13. Lauren from The Lifestyle Diaries | Jetwing Beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka.
Jetwing Beach, in Negombo, Sri Lanka has to be the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in: from the incredible welcome, to the suite and personal butler, the restaurant and the swimming pools and beach – it’s all magical. The suite has an outdoor shower and Jacuzzi bath as well as a balcony overlooking the ocean – and that’s all before you’ve even explored the suite! Not only were the bedroom and sitting room incredible, but on our last night our butler decorated the suite in the most romantic way; I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.
The hotel itself is stunning and hugely impressive: the two swimming pools are incredible and set right on the beach. If you want to laze on the beach, waiters will happily bring you drinks and nibbles on your sun lounger. The restaurant is beautiful – sit outside for spectacular sunset views over the ocean and for some of the freshest and best seafood I’ve ever had.
If you’re looking for luxury, Jetwing Beach (a Small Luxury Hotel of the World) is where you want to be.
14. Amy from Roaming Historian | Le Saint-Sulpice, Montreal, Quebec.
Hôtel Le Saint-Sulpice in Old Montréal provided my most luxurious hotel experience. Located behind Notre Dame Basilica, the hotel is within walking distance to many historical sites—a huge bonus for me. I loved stepping outside to old-world charm. An all-suite hotel, ours was a spacious deluxe-level suite featuring a foyer, dining area, kitchenette, bath, bedroom, and living room with fireplace. The rooms were beautifully appointed with excellent finishes and très chic décor—supple cream-colored leather chairs, plush taupe couch, espresso-wood furniture, and elegant accents. Opening the picture-window doors, I could occasionally hear the bells of Notre Dame ringing—a sweet sound. The bedroom's smoky blue paint was calming and invited sweet dreams every night, as did the bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud. I was thrilled to see my favorite beauty products, L'Occitane, to enjoy while luxuriating in the deep tub with a cup of Nespresso. The plush robe added to my pampering experience. Their fine china allowed me to enjoy nightly chocolate confections in style. The hotel's staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. In all, our suite at Le Saint-Sulpice provided a contemporary, lavish location to enjoy the history of Old Montréal.
15. Vicky from Dalton Banks | Alila, Ubud, Bali.
The Alila Ubud is the most incredible hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It's located high up on the edge of the ever so green Ayung River valley in Bali's central foothills, just outside of Ubud.
There’s a mix of rooms and villas - I would very much recommend the villas. We stayed in one of only two Tree Top Villas on the site; it was our honeymoon and we wanted to treat ourselves! Together with the large bedroom, beautiful bathroom and his and hers changing areas there is an incredible balcony. You can enjoy the panoramic view and sound of local wildlife whilst you lounge on the comfortable sofa. You may even receive a little visit from the local monkeys!
The restaurant is outstanding and one of the best we tried whilst in Bali. The open terrace offers stunning views of the natural surroundings and uses only the best, freshest and seasonal produce. The tasting menu is definitely something to try. The award winning pool seems to float above the valley but if you really want to relax head to the spa - I enjoyed a full body massage that lasted 1.5 hours - it was amazing!
16. Ajay from Travelure | Rambagh Palace by Taj, Jaipur, India.
"There was a time when Elaborate was de rigueur. And a place where it still is." That is how Rambagh Palace's awards listing website describes this royal gem.
A sprawling property, spread over 47 acre, Rambagh Palace had humble beginnings. It was built as a hunting lodge way back in early 19th Century. Later, in 1920's, it was expanded into the Royal Palace. Subsequently, the Maharaja of Jaipur converted it into a hotel in late 1950's. And Taj Group of Hotels took over the management of this magnificent property in early 1970's.
Here's a property where while you feel the grandeur at every step, its tariff is truly for the well-heeled - the off-season room rate for its mid-end room is a modest US$500 (approx) per night and a dinner for two with a drink and a glass of wine in its award winning restaurant (Suvarna Mahal) may set you back about US$200.
For a spread-out property, it has very few rooms - just 72. But, the property comes armed with 4 fine-dining restaurants and a large bar called Polo Bar. Since it is a palace property, the décor is inspired by opulence. The bar has a fountain in the middle. Suvarna Mahal has Murano crystal chandeliers and large Italian alabaster marble lamps, and the Labenese restaurant, Steam, is a steam engine with a full 3-bogey train in tow.
The spa area has world-class treatment facility and is flanked by two swimming pools - one outdoors and the other indoors. And the lawns are tended to as a youngster would his hair!
As soon as you check in, the process itself completely relaxes you - a chilled welcome drink, a cold towel, check-in process in a lounge look-alike lobby, if occupancy is not too high a complimentary upgrade thrown in (we got one!), bags in your room before you even miss them, intuitive controls in the room, the welcome-letter from the hotel GM, et al. The room balcony (if your room has one) or the window overlook the vast manicured greens of the property. And those greens are teeming with peacocks that call it home.
The bar and the restaurants serve delicately crafted and curated fare. The service is attentive, informative, yet unobtrusive. And the ambience is regal. The staff is hospitable, yet visibly proud of its association with this iconic abode, with most of them being old timers (duty house-keeper who tended to our room has been working with Rambagh Palace for 34 years!).
A casual walk in the lawns here will accord you an opportunity to network with nature - what with peacocks and myriad other birds chirping all around you! All this, and more, makes this property a true oasis of calm and relaxation in the chaotic capital of the desert state of India!
If I choose to, I can go on and on, but suffice it to say that this property deserves every accolade conferred upon it by the discerning travellers and juries over the years. Additionally, the image posted alongside will substantiate the text.
17. Richa from Travels and Stories | Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort and Spa, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
When one thinks of Maldives, the pictures of white sand, crystal clear azure water, rows of water villas, kaleidoscopic sunsets, conjures up in our minds. Iru Fushi too stood for what Maldives is. While there, I took an opportunity to stay in both beach villa and water villa. The gorgeous beach villa came with it’s own courtyard, private beach sit out, open air rain shower and jacuzzi set up. The water villa was all about being surrounded by blue-green water of Maldives on all sides with a private sun deck and sea-facing bathroom. Not just that, there are so many activities one can indulge in while at the resort, from snorkelling to diving to sea plane rides. The resort also boasts quite few stunning restaurants serving really delectable food.
I had gone there with a friend of mine for my birthday and we both were totally taken aback by the natural beauty of Maldives. It’s like a little treasure chest in midst of nowhere in Indian Ocean. I still remember sitting on the deck of our water villa on my birthday night, as we listened to the waves crashing on the shore and saw brightly lit stars up in the sky, that our personal attendant brought in a surprise birthday cake for me ! What a thoughtful gesture !
18. Simone & Dan from The Aussie Flashpacker | Casa Angelina, Praiano , Italy.
Last but not lease is our favourite & most luxurious hotel which is the sleek and stylish Casa Angelina Lifestyle Hotel, perched on the cliffs of quiet, lovely Praiano on the Amalfi Coast. It is an exquisite and a one of a kind hotel, the perfect destination for a luxurious, relaxing and pampering stay on the Amalfi Coast. Our room and the whole hotel offered the best balcony views I have ever experienced in all my time travelling the world, with views stretching along the cliffs to seaside Positano, out to the sea and all the way to Capri. We fell in love with their sophisticated and stylish white decor which is complemented by the countless beautifully coloured Murano Glass statues and artworks featured throughout the hotel. Casa Angelina is one of the most luxurious hotels I have ever had the pleasure of staying in and as they perfectly describe it: "A little piece of Heaven at the very heart of the Amalfi Coast."
Over to you now!
What have been your most luxurious or favourite place to stay in the world from your travels?