Recently we published an collaboration where 18 Luxury Travel Bloggers shared their most luxurious hotel stay from their travels (if you didn't get a chance to read it you can do so here). The post was so popular and well received that we decided to reach out to another 18 bloggers for Part Two. There's some more incredible hotels on this list that I know everyone will love and certainly want to visit on their travels.
1. Laura from Savored Journeys | The Four Seasons Bora Bora.
For our honeymoon, we stayed at the Four Seasons Bora Bora for four luxurious nights in one of their brand new overwater bungalows. We were tremendously excited to be staying in our first overwater bungalow, but the Four Seasons really exceeded any expectation we had. The villa was stunning, with its own sun porch and stairway that led directly into the water of the lagoon. The bed was so comfortable that we actually bought the Four Seasons mattress when we returned home. The grounds of the hotel were straight out of a travel brochure. It was definitely luxury, through and through.
2. Alex from Gin and Giraffes | The Royal Livingstone, Zambia.
Sunset over the mighty Zambezi river, cocktail in hand, canapés in tummy, Victoria Falls in front of you and zebras wandering by, sound like heaven?
The Royal Livingstone hotel is luxury in the best sort of old fashioned way. Service is incredible but not irritating, afternoon tea is served daily in the most gorgeous hall with live music accompanying and dinner is African fine dinning overlooking Victoria Falls!
Gorgeous grounds and a first class spa make this a fabulous post safari option for a bit of R&R. Drop me by that beautiful pool anyday of the week, I won't be complaining!
All this is very lovely of course but the true reason the Royal Livingstone is a luxury is the access it allows to Victoria Falls via a private gate. Rather than joining the hoards you can simply walk to the end of the garden, open a gate, and the largest waterfall in the world is literally right in front of you! Take your time exploring the falls in the morning, pop back to the hotel for some R&R and a gorgeous meal before heading back to the falls as the moon rises to see it in all its nighttime glory. Staying at the Royal Livingstone is not an experience you'll forget in a hurry.
3. Valery from Valery Collins | Hotel Lorenzetti, Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino, Italy.
This hotel is my favourite in the whole world and has the most beautiful views I have ever seen as it faces the Brenta Dolomite Mountains. The food is excellent – fabulous five course dinners every night and a fantastic breakfast buffet with a hot drink of your choice brought to your table by courteous and efficient staff. The rooms vary from luxurious suites to small doubles and rates vary accordingly so it is not as exclusive as other hotels of the same standard. A swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna and small gym – it has everything you could ever want in a hotel plus easy access to amazing walks in the summer and great skiing in the winter. I have stayed here both summer and winter and have enjoyed both seasons. The staff are all very friendly and helpful and attentive to the needs of every guest – nothing is too much trouble. A shuttle bus is available (free of charge) to take guests into town – an excellent place to stay.
4. Shandos from Travelnuity | Ayana Resort and Spa Bali.
So, what are you meant to do with a personal butler? Staying for two nights in one of the villas at Ayana Resort and Spa was my new husband’s and mine special treat on our honeymoon in Bali, but we were out of our depth in making use of a butler. After checking in, we were handed a mobile phone to call him on, whenever we wanted, but we only ended up calling him to drive us in a golf buggy around the enormous resort, whether to the lift for the Rock Bar or down to the steps to the private beach.
When it came to the rest of the villa, we made ourselves at home. Although the huge bathroom and dressing room was probably as large as our own small house, not to mention the bedroom and living room as well! We had the choice of relaxing in the huge marble bathtub, or outside in our private plunge pool with cabana attached. Decisions! Not to mention the river pool, the ocean beach pool and the main pool in the rest of the resort. (After calling our butler to give us a lift, of course!)
5. Catherine from Lux Life | Hotel Imperial, Vienna.
Hotel Imperial in Vienna is recognized as one of the most luxurious and palatial in the world. For me, it really was the epitome of luxury. It was originally built as a palace in 1861, and became a hotel in 1873, when it was opened by Emperor Franz Joseph. I will never forget walking into the lobby and being speechless at the breathtaking lobby, we stayed in the Elisabeth Suite which was absolutely huge, had a huge chandelier above the bed, and came with it's own butler. I was even given my own personalized stationary to use whilst I was staying there. Because the hotel used to be a home, each suite is different. Our bathroom for example used to be part of the chapel - so the ceiling was pretty special! If that isn't enough luxury, the amenities were Bulgari, and the champagne breakfast included the fanciest egg cups I've ever seen. It was a true once in a lifetime stay that I will never forget!
6. Shobha from Just Go Places | The Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route, South Africa.
We were very excited about our stay at Tsala Treetop Lodge because even grown-ups like tree houses. It is a short drive from Plettenberg Bay on the Western Cape which has some of the nicest beaches I have ever seen.
The individual cabins are very well-appointed with a mixture of contemporary furnishings and gorgeous African antiues. We choose a family-style treehouse with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen/living area, an outdoor terrace and our own plunge pool. In each bathroom, the shower is half indoor and half outdoor. My son loved the whole idea of having a hot shower in a forest. My favourite part was lazing on the couch with a roaring fire listening to the rain fall and watching the mist rise from the trees.The floor to ceiling windows overlooked the tree canopy of the indigenous forest in which the hotel was set. There is completely privacy as each cabin is closed off in its own little courtyard. You also have access to to all of the facilities at the larger Hunter Country House, the sister hotel which is located a short walk nearby.
Good food is an essential part of our holiday experience. The Tsala has its own highly-rated restaurant nearby, the Zinzi restaurant. The breakfast was served in the main reception building. You could order individual plates as well as partake of the extensive breakfast buffet. We had a really enjoyable and memorable stay at the Tsala. It had all the amenities of a large luxury hotel with the additional advantage of privacy and seclusion when you wanted it.
7. Aileen from I Am Aileen | The Peacock Garden - Bohol, Philippines.
Right from the moment that you go through the gates of Peacock Garden, you will start to feel that you are transformed into another world... and a luxurious one at that! In this chic and European-styled resort, I have experienced the best VIP treatment that I anyone could ever have.
The ambiance, as a first, was superb. The whole resort makes you feel like it is your own property thereby giving you that special sense of exclusivity. The food was even a feast beyond my senses! The chef here really knows his craft and there was never a meal that we were disappointed in. And my favorite place? There infinity pool that has a fantastic view of the sea.
Apart from the added areas for games, drinks, and even a wine room, my next favorite was their high-end spa. The way that they built this structure was amazing since we personally had our own jacuzzi room that looked like it was straight out of a movie! Overall, it was a terrific experience and I wouldn't mind coming back here -- in fact, I want to come back soon!
8. Marissa from Darling Escapes | Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz is one of the best hotels in the world- they are built on the ethos of customer service, and understanding their customers, and their needs innately. The concierge service is ready and able to assist you with anything that you can possibly need- included setting up a sidecar tour of the city. Located right in the thick of the action, Four Seasons boasts one of the best spas in the country, and a brunch service that is unparalleled to anywhere else. You can spend ours in the pool, and the spa.
9. Priya from Outside Suburbia | Grand Hotel National Luzern, Switzerland.
A few summers ago we went to Switzerland for our holiday with the kids. We were at the picturesque Lucerne for a couple of days and stayed at the Grand Hotel National Luzern, we didn’t know much about the hotel other than its beautiful location right on the lake with sweeping Alpine mountain views and that they will accommodate our two kids and provide us with a rollaway bed. Once we got there the hotel swept us away. It was a traditional and luxurious 5 star hotel that was founded by César Ritz of Ritz Hotels. It looked like a French chateaux with Italian renaissance details. But that is not what the kids remember, they still remember the little chocolate mugs and stuffed sheep they were given at check-in. The interior was palatial from the glorious red brocade walls, marble floor, the shimmering corridor lined with paintings and had an amazing view from our balcony. The staff was sweet and friendly to our kids. My picture (taken before the my blogging days) don’t do justice to the hotel. We stayed at the Deluxe Lake view room, do check out their website for the photos you will sure to have a wonderful holiday if you chose to stay here for your next family Swiss vacation!
10. Emily from Emily Luxton Travels | Homewood Park Hotel, Freshford, UK.
Homewood Park Hotel and Spa, just outside my favourite English city of Bath, was so extravagantly luxurious it was almost obscene! A stunning Georgian country manor set within ten acres of parklands and gardens in the middle of beautiful Somerset countryside, I felt like a Jane Austen character over the two days I was there being pampered, indulged, and spoiled beyond all reason. Tucked into the picturesque garden, the modern and tranquil spa was the absolute highlight of my stay, with amazing treatments on offer – not to mention a cocktail delivery service from the bar! Then, there was the five course tasting menu at dinner in the exquisite restaurant, which is still the best meal I've ever had. Blissfully peaceful, lavishly indulgent, and completely beautiful... basically the best hotel stay I've ever had!
11. Abbi from Life in a Rucksack | Grand Aston, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
When travelling in South East Asia, luxury to a backpacker can often mean a working hot shower and a private room at a hostel. However, if you're willing to push the boat out a bit, you can get something incredibly luxurious for little to nothing.
In my case, it was getting to stay at a 5-star hotel in Yogyakarta, Indonesia as part of my birthday celebrations and the end of my 5-month trip. I stayed for 2 nights at the Grand Aston, and it was very grand indeed. From the incredibly friendly staff, who opened doors for you, virtually waited on you hand and foot and made my birthday a very special one indeed.
The hotel is located in the city centre, so is very handy to local attractions, but it still had a very private feel to it, with a gym, outdoor pool and a spa, which we made good use of, with various facials and massages. The rooms were huge, and the California king sized bed was the most incredible I had slept in. The best part about it was that it cost just £50 per night, for two people including breakfast. That is less than US $80.
12. Soumya from Travel Books Food | Freycinet Lodge, Coles Bay, Tasmania, Australia.
Coles Bay is in the middle of nowhere. However this was the closest to WineGlass beach and hence we decided to stay here during our trip.
I frequently stay in luxury hotels if I am traveling with family. But this was a different and mind blowing experience. They treated us like Kings and Queens during our entire trip there. Firstly due to various reasons we arrived here quite late in the night. However we called ahead and they kept the restaurant open for us way past the closing time. Food was delicious too. They have cabins here which are allocated to the guests. We got the room and we were surprised with the grandeur of the place, complete with gorgeous and spacious beds, a humongous wash room and an inbuilt jacuzzi. In addition they had given a complimentary snack and cheese tray.
It was luxury at the maximum and the view in the morning of the beach from the room was spectacular. A day of pampering in this place has made it memorable for us and this experience will remain with us for a long time to come.
13. Olga from Dreams in Heels | Gateway Canyons, Colorado, USA.
Even from above, Grand Junction, Colorado takes your breath away with its stunning landscapes. Although you find yourself traveling for an hour and a half in, what most people would call, the middle of nowhere, it is truly something spectacular to behold that awakens your senses and curiosity. Once you reach your destination, you will discover the Gateway – to knowledge, stunning sceneries, the most crazy adventures and extravagant accommodations. Welcome to Gateway Canyons!
Gateway Canyons is a resort in Colorado that has been voted #1 in the state and #12 in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. Gateway Canyons was founded by Discovery Channel Founder, John Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks design a sustainable, outdoor recreation resort that would highlight the beauty and take advantage of the endless adventures capable in this amazing location!
If you visit Gateway Canyons, make sure to participate in many of the audacious activities Gateway Canyon has to offer. Remember that these adventures can be tailored based on your interests. It is a great place for first experiences and even for once in a lifetime memories. Don’t be surprised to be filled with childlike wonder and curiosity! Dreams in Heels explored everything from arranging a simple drive (how does driving a convertible Bentley around sound to you? – actually, you can pick from a selection of luxury cars), taking a helicopter tour ride around Colorado and Utah (since the Gateway is conveniently situated on the border of both), UTV rides, Pro-Baja Trophy Trucks ride along experience, Horseback riding (Vetta’s horse was so sweet and named Sugar!), Auto Museum Collection Tour, mountain biking, hiking, and the list just keeps going. Among Dreams in Heels' favorites are the Auto Museum Collection, the UTV ride and the Pro-Baja Trophy Trucks experience.
Overall, if your dream is to experience an exciting, luxurious getaway, look no further than Gateway Canyons. It’s really a treat for all of your senses!
14. Janet from Journalist on the Run | Walton Castle, England.
My travel blog is predominantly about solo adventures, shoestring budgets and finding cheap flights, so you can imagine my surprise and delight when a private castle near Brighton in England asked me if I would like to come stay for free. It was called Walton Castle and was by far the most luxurious and incredible place I have have stayed. The director himself picked me up from the airport, I had my own turret, and a heated pool all to myself underneath my private turret. The 4 course dinner was cooked for guests in the stunning kitchen by a private chef and apparently One Direction actually filmed one of there music videos here...flying in by helicopter for the occasion. With a price tag of about 10,000 euro to rent out the castles 8 bedrooms, there is no way I could ever have afforded to stay here on my own accord, but it was certainly an experience I will never forget!
15. Elizabeth from Compass & Fork | Titilaka on Lake Titicaca, Peru.
Located on the remote side of Lake Titicaca, some 20 miles from the hustle and bustle of Puno, the 18 room Titilaka Lodge was an oasis. Its stunning views, quiet ambiance and luxurious amenities allowed for full relaxation. All rooms feature stunning views of the lake.
It’s all inclusive nature provided great food and a chance to explore the area through a variety of excursions. Assigned a guide for your stay, all of your activities are coordinated for you. Just tell them your interests.. Our stay included trips to Taquile Island, a visit to the floating island of Uros, a visit to a local village of weavers, a trip to the local market and a chance to explore the ancient Aymara ruins and culture.
There was plenty of time before dinner for an evening drink outside to watch sunset, a chat with the other guests and to unwind in front of the fireplace after dinner.
The combination of nature, luxury, great food and the opportunity to explore the local area made some great memories of our visit and we highly recommend Lake Titilaka if you are traveling to Peru.
16. Amy from The Hardy Traveller | The Toren, Amsterdam.
In my experience, luxury hotels can come with a hefty price tag, pretence, and a generic vibe and style; all the things I hate. I want cool, quirky, pure relaxation and an unforgettable experience if a treat is in order, with impeccable service to boot.
For our mini-moon in 2012, we decided to go to Amsterdam. As I have a penchant for whirlpool baths and boudoir-chic décor, The Toren seemed like the perfect choice. There are plenty of luxury hotels in this city but this one sits in its own category.
Let’s just say we weren’t disappointed. The service is amazing, lacking arrogance and making each guest feel special. The style is unique and sensual with stunning art and furnishings, not to mention the rooms which are impossible not to relax in with all the big and tiny details taken care of; you really have to drag yourself away to explore the city! In fact, we’ve had many dreamy conversations since about how we could pull off staying there long-term. We were due to stay for two nights and ended up staying the full five nights of our trip; it’s addictive! They have various rooms ranging from small singles right up to a suite with a steam cabin and whirlpool. This is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss when in ‘Dam!
17. Danielle from Gallivanting the Globe | Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée.
What does the James Bond movies and Condé Nast Traveler have in common, besides being two of my favorite things? Luxury destinations! And nothing screams luxury more than the French Riviera with its belle époque architecture, rolling countryside, yacht-filled marinas and sexy turquoise waters.
The Hyatt Regency Palais de la Méditerranée, true to its name, is a palatial 5 star hotel overlooking the Bay of Angels, along the Promenade des Anglais in the heart of Nice. This perfect beachfront hotel is conveniently located minutes from the Nice Airport and the train station for quick trips to Monaco, Antibes and Saint Tropez. You’re within short walking distance of the markets, shopping and The hotel suites feature luxurious amenities unlike anything I had experienced in all of my travels. As I entered my room, I was instantly at ease with the dimly-lit, dark wood hallway. The marble bathroom hosted a Jacuzzi tub and separate walk-in shower. I felt like a Queen with my own personal robe hanging from the door, several containers of toiletries, and a heated towel rack (which I also used to warm up my clothes post-shower). Behind door #2 was a completely separate toilet room, outside of the bathroom. I had a Carrie Bradshaw moment as I looked behind door #3—lights flicked on inside a large closet and I could feel the warmth of its temperature controlled system.
Waiting for me in the bedroom was the coziest king-sized bed with a delightful box of candy that was replenished every morning. There was a separate sitting area inside the room, complete with a large flat-screen TV and mini bar. Behind door #4 was my beautiful private terrace where I enjoyed late night cocktails and my morning coffee. We explored the hotel’s indoor and outdoor pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the rooftop terrace with panoramic views, their Turkish Steam Bath, as well as the casino. This hotel offers all the amenities to keep you entertained during your stay.
18. Charlotte from Following my Wanderlust | The Sky City Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand.
The Sky City Grand is located right in central Auckland, we stayed here for 2 nights and I could not have been happier. This was the first time I had stayed in a 5 star hotel and I loved it.
When we booked we chose a harbour view room, and it did not disappoint. We slept with the curtains open every night so we could be woken by the sun rise! When we arrived we were greeted at the door by the concierge who helped us out of the taxi and got our bags for us, they even got delivered to our room for us. The room has unlimited wifi, a pillow menu just in case the pillows aren't comfy enough and room service until 5am. The hotel has a gym, spa and a lap pool. The rooms also get serviced daily.
Over to you! Be sure to leave us a comment letting us know what your favourite hotel has been from your travels!