We want to wake up in a new place. Not just in another city, another country, another bed, but in another world. A magical, fanciful, peaceful, unique place. At least for a little while.
We want to wake up in the 50 hotels we've chosen for you for the year 2023.
Each of these properties explodes with uncompromising design. Many of our favourite hotels this year are maximalist fever dreams, dripping with psychedelic wonder, erupting with colour and dazzling with patterns that defy tradition. Others reclaim their boldness with elegant, soothing décor and the meticulousness of minimalism. These design philosophies may seem disparate, but they have the same goal in mind. They all want you to feel: inspired, stimulated, serene, transported. And what's the point of travelling if you don't feel anything? Even for a little while.
So wake up in a new place in 2023. Escape the endless chaos of everyday life and step into one of these 40 palaces of the imagination.
The 40 most spectacular hotels in the world
The most incredible hotels in the USA
These American hotels have an eye for detail. With a multitude of options available across the country, the hotels that stand out are beginning to recognise their guests' desire for a unique experience and their appreciation for the smallest design details, whether it's unique vintage art and décor, hand-painted mosaics or stained glass skylights. Beyond standard amenities like pools and restaurants, this year's winners have created unique luxuries you won't find in a standard hotel. Perhaps you'll spend the afternoon browsing the hotel's 3,700-volume library. Or perhaps you'll watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed, looking out of the domed windows. For these American hotels, it's all about the little things.
Anvil Hotel, Jackson, Wyoming
Located at the foot of two of the country's most beautiful national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the Anvil Hotel aims to make the outdoors more comfortable for visitors, starting with its wide range of accommodation options. The Anvil Hotel prioritizes its ADA rooms, and the hotel's entrance, car park and common areas are all wheelchair accessible. Solo travellers are also catered for in the design of the hotel, as the sister property on the ground floor, the Cache House, offers hostel accommodation with luxury bunk beds designed to maximise comfort and privacy. Pets and service animals are welcome at the Anvil Hotel, so your furry friends can enjoy the scenery too.
The Anvil Hotel is committed to donating $1 per night booked for each room to community partners including the Teton Science School and the Animal Adoption Center. The Anvil Hotel's restaurant combines the elegance of handmade pasta with a casual atmosphere in the Italian restaurant Glorietta, whose slogan is "You're a Stranger Here But Once. Once guests are ready to explore, the Anvil Hotel can help them discover nature through its guides, rafting trips and other discounted outdoor adventure packages with local businesses in the area.
Borealis Basecamp, Fairbanks, Alaska
One of the few hotels where winter is the busiest season, Borealis Basecamp is no stranger to offering the ultimate in luxury amidst Alaska's Arctic tundra. The first type of accommodation at Borealis Basecamp is private igloos, with clear, curved windows extending over each roof, allowing guests to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of their warm beds. The second type of accommodation is the larger cubic cabin, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views. Although Borealis Basecamp is committed to reducing electricity use, both accommodations offer an enhanced off-grid experience with breakfast bars, full bathrooms, hot showers and sinks.
The on-site restaurant, Latitude 65, offers guests a true Alaskan dining experience, with sustainable seafood and seasonal produce from local farmers. Borealis Basecamp facilitates outdoor activities, whether it's dog sledding, snowmobiling or ATV riding. Full and half day guided tours can be booked to discover the raw, unrefined beauty of Alaska. Guests can then warm up in their accommodations or head to the dry sauna to decompress after their adventures.
The Chole, New Orleans, Louisiana
Every detail of The Chole is intentional and designed to give you a distinctly New Orleans experience. It begins when you enter the 19th century mansion from the iconic tree-lined St. Charles Avenue.
Inside, you'll find traces of the building's Victorian past. High ceilings, a grand staircase, dark woodwork and 150-year-old floor tiles give the Chloe Hotel a mysterious yet exciting feel. Each of the hotel's 14 rooms has its own surprises - bathtubs in some, wardrobes turned into secret passageways in others - and all are filled with handmade treats from local artisans: chocolates, bathrobes, vinyl records, bath salts...
The Chloe is part of the LeBLANC + SMITH hotel group, based in New Orleans and creator of some of the city's favourite restaurants. So it's no surprise that the hotel's restaurant is excellent - a modern take on Creole cuisine with plenty of Gulf seafood. As a guest, you will of course be the first to enjoy the place.
Chronicles, New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is the epitome of southern charm, and one of the most immersive ways to experience it is to stay at the famous Columns. This is not your typical 20-room hotel, but an Italianate-style mansion built in 1883. It is the last building of its kind built by the famous local architect Thomas Sully, located on the edge of the city's idyllic Garden District.
Guests at the Columns have access to a large garden, a dining room and a rooftop terrace. The hotel's interior incorporates a mix of lighting styles, original artwork and unique furnishings to create a historic, sophisticated, colourful and comfortable atmosphere. The mahogany staircase is perhaps the most dramatic feature of the interior, rising to a domed skylight and stained glass.
Columns has teamed up with James Beard Award nominated restaurant Coquette to create a fantastic South American inspired restaurant programme. Guests can enjoy intimate indoor seating, dine in the gardens or enjoy a coffee under the hotel's majestic columns. It is not uncommon to see local musicians performing at the hotel, but if you hop on a tram, you can reach the French Quarter and its famous array of restaurants and concert venues.
The Green O, Greenough, Montana
Named after Paul Greenough, farmer and founder of the town of Greenough, The Green O is an adults-only retreat nestled among the towering fir trees of Montana. Twelve private luxury accommodations, ranging from two-story treehouses to stairless cabins with skylights, are spread across the property. Prices are the same and include three meals with drinks throughout the day, round-trip airport transfers, a luxury SUV rental and a $500 activity credit. In fact, the Green O offers more activities and excursions than there are hours in the day, especially for those seeking adventure along with relaxation. In any season, guests can choose from guided and unguided adventures such as horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and even hot air ballooning. As for relaxation, the hotel has a spa and fitness centre open to guests, which offers daily yoga, barre and stretching classes. Spa services can also be performed in the room for the ultimate level of privacy without moving an inch. To refuel, Social Haus is the hotel's restaurant, led by award-winning executive chef Brandon Cunningham. It features a locally sourced tasting menu that showcases the beauty of the great outdoors.
The most incredible hotels in South America
From the heart of Buenos Aires' posh Palermo district to the salt flats of Bolivia, our picks for the best hotels in South America all have a certain wow factor. A five-star hotel on the border of Argentina and Brazil offers spacious private villas, each with an infinity pool overlooking the surrounding landscape. An extraordinary hotel-palace in Bolivia is built entirely of salt. A charming 17th-century casa has been reconfigured into a luxury boutique, with one of the continent's most beautiful pools. These hotels are defined by reinvention and imagination.
Bosko, Guatape, Colombia
Most people visit Guatape on a day trip from Medellin. But rather than flying over this unique landscape, stay at Bosko, a hotel that practically defines 'luxury glamping' in Colombia. Raised geodesic domes scattered throughout the forest blend into their surroundings, giving guests the feeling of being integrated into nature.
Starry nights and sunrises from the comfort of your bed are reason enough to stay here. But you'll also get a free one-way transfer to the area's two main attractions: the beautiful town of Guatape, known for its colourful stucco depicting the family history of each home, and the Peñón, a monolithic rock that rises 722 feet above Lake Guatape. Climb the 750 steps to the top of the rock to view the emerald waters of the lake. Afterwards, you can kayak and paddle board, courtesy of the house. Other exciting offerings include helicopter flights, private motorboat tours and romantic bonfires. After the sun goes down, watch the partially illuminated Peñón Rock from the hotel's restaurant or panoramic pools.
Palacio de Sal, Uyuni, Bolivia
Located on the edge of the world's largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, the Palacio de Sal is one of the most extraordinary hotels in the world and the only one on the planet made of salt. And everything here is made of salt - the walls, the ceilings and even some of the furniture. More than a million compact blocks, quarried directly from the salt pans themselves, were used in its construction, which has to be partially rebuilt every year after the rainy season washes away parts of it.
Each of the rooms is warm and welcoming, decorated with traditional Bolivian tapestries, and has a domed ceiling above the bed, made entirely from salt blocks. Views of the vast, shimmering expanse are available from every space, whether it's the luxurious spa with its Andean-inspired salt treatments, the Tika Palace restaurant serving gourmet international cuisine or the cosy rooms themselves.
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located in a giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, Pikaia Lodge is the kind of hotel most nature lovers can only dream of. Perched on the edge of an extinct volcano crater, it offers an ideal view of the reserve and the sea.
Everything here revolves around respect for the environment, from the use of sustainable local building materials to the carbon-neutral energy sources and the fact that the hotel has only 29 rooms. Owned by Relais & Châteaux, it is the very definition of an eco-luxury adventure. The rooms offer stunning views of Galapagos nature through panoramic windows on three sides. The Evolution Restaurant, serving Ecuadorian cuisine with an international twist, the serene Sumaq Spa and the fabulous outdoor infinity pool contribute to this sumptuous experience.
Awasi Iguazú, Iguazu, Argentina
Located 20 minutes from Iguazú Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Awasi Iguazú is a beautiful jungle lodge just steps from the Iguazú River in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. Each of its 14 villas is designed to have minimal impact on the environment while maintaining a high level of comfort and luxury. Designed with privacy and serenity in mind, each villa has a private pool and terrace, as well as a spacious interior bathed in a warm colour palette of cream, beige and wood.
In its aesthetic, Awasi Iguazú nods to both the surrounding nature and the indigenous Guarani people by incorporating traditional textiles and woven baskets in all villas, including hand-carved games called "Jaguar" in the main lodge. The main lodge, located just steps away from each of the 14 villas, serves stunning cuisine worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant. With a menu developed by Chef Manuel Agrelo, expect artistically presented dishes using local ingredients, such as river fish, and creative, sophisticated flavours. In addition to its kitchen, the main lodge has an outdoor dining terrace.
In addition to the five-star accommodation Awasi Iguazú offers, this Relais & Châteaux property provides guests with a dedicated guide during their stay. Each of Awasi Iguazú's guides is extremely knowledgeable about the terrain and local wildlife and can take you on a myriad of excursions, from a visit to a nearby Guarani village to a wildlife rehabilitation centre. But, of course, the main attraction for travellers to Iguazú is the waterfalls of Iguazú National Park, where your personal Awasi guide can arrange an early morning tour to help you avoid the crowds.
Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco, Peru
The gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu, the Palacio Nazarenas is housed in a 17th-century Spanish-style convent. Surrounded by carved wooden balconies, it is built around a central courtyard surrounded by stone arches. In the opulent rooms you will sleep in a four-poster bed under hand-embroidered silk sheets, and bathe in Peruvian marble bathrooms with hand-painted frescoes.
Some rooms feature original Inca stonework, while others have balconies with a view of life.
The most incredible hotels in Europe
This year's winning European hotels include a wide variety of accommodations, including a collection of preserved caves and a renovated 16th-century unfinished watchtower. These hotels offer the most chic amenities for a luxurious stay - complimentary unpacking services, clawfoot tubs, crystal-encrusted tiered chandeliers, and even locally produced cold-pressed olive oil. Beds are fitted with the finest Italian sheets, duvets and threads, and views range from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the panoramas of the white peaked Alps.
Borgo Santandrea, Conca Dei Marini, Amalfi Coast, Italy
It's easy to get lost in the romance of the Amalfi Coast, especially if you're a guest at Borgo Santandrea. Nestled between Amalfi and Positano, this seaside resort overlooks the Mediterranean 300 feet above sea level. If you prefer to spend your holiday on the beach, the resort has its own private beach, accessible via a lift or panoramic path.
The elegantly designed rooms are spacious and soothing, with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light; rooms have balconies and sea views. The hotel prides itself on combining mid-century design and contemporary craftsmanship with Amalfitano artisans; ceramists and ironworkers have contributed their skills to the overall beauty of the hotel's design.
Energy-saving technologies and state-of-the-art waste management systems are in place to run the hotel, but the hotel's sustainable efforts are also reflected in the three restaurants where locally sourced and sustainable ingredients are used. Chef Crescenzo Scotti's gourmet restaurant La Libreria is fresh but sophisticated (the lobster ceviche is highly recommended). If you're feeling relaxed and looking for a beach vibe for dinner, Al Borgo serves a mean and very fresh fritto misto, to be enjoyed with a Negroni on the terrace as the sun sets over the coast.
From an island, Rémalard, France
Founded by the owners of the legendary Septime restaurant in Paris, D'une île is a dream getaway for food lovers. Set in a bucolic 17th century micro-village, just over two hours from the city, the atmosphere is intimate. There are just 10 rooms in five buildings on the property. They are also nestled on a hillside in the French Perche National Park. Lush greenery is right on your doorstep in the warmer months and snow-covered pine trees in the cooler months. If the weather is cool, take advantage of the sauna with porch window.
The decor is rustic, minimal and chic, with white walls, wooden and beamed ceilings, clawfoot tubs and fireplaces. Natural elements surround the property, including a vegetable garden that provides some of the produce for the on-site restaurant. It's a surprisingly affordable, seasonally inspired prix fixe menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. The dishes are 75% vegetarian and all sourced from local farms and markets. Dishes like blistering tomato salad in summer, apple cakes in autumn and bubbling braised beans in winter.
The Dolder Grand, Zürich, Switzerland
Overlooking Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, and sitting atop its own little mountain, is one of the country's coolest hotels, the Dolder Grand. Although the hotel was established in 1899 as a wellness centre, extensive renovations in 2008 have brought this historic hotel back to life and made it a destination for art lovers, foodies and culture seekers.
For those unfamiliar with this iconic hotel, the Dolder Grand Hotel is much more than just a place to stay when in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The hotel has an extensive private art collection, with works by Salvador Dali, Takashi Murakami and Andy Warhol scattered throughout the public spaces and suites.
With 175 rooms and suites, the hotel offers elaborate rooms, such as the Maestro Suite with its own grand piano, and impressively designed, yet quaint and chic double rooms that pay homage to the Belle Epoque era in which the hotel was founded.
The self-guided art walks around the hotel are a nice change from tennis and golf, but guests often head to the 43,000-square-foot spa with panoramic views of the Alps for instant gratification.
If the free 10-minute shuttle down to Zurich is unbearable in the evening, take a seat in chef Heiko Neider's Michelin-starred The Restaurant and settle a rumbling stomach, or opt for a quiet corner on the terrace of the Saltz Restaurant and enjoy Mediterranean dishes and Alpine classics, depending on the time of year.
Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany, Italy
In the heart of Tuscany lies Borgo Santo Pietro, an immaculate family-run property that opened in 2001, but whose grounds date back 2,500 years. The five-star luxury resort is owned and managed by Danish couple Jeanette and Claus Thottrup, who bought the 800-year-old country villa and turned it into a family home. The property now boasts 22 rooms and suites, a holistic spa, a 300-acre organic farm, a cookery school, restaurants, and 13 acres of manicured gardens, 11 of which are devoted to herbs and 2 to vegetables.
Be sure to book a seat at the Michelin-starred Saporium restaurant (formerly known as Meo Modo), run by executive chef Ariel Hagen, and La Trattoria sull'Albero.
The real draw of the hotel, however, is its farm-to-table philosophy, which starts in the gardens and herb greenhouse. There is even a honey and cheese factory on site. Sign up for a guided truffle-hunting excursion to unearth truffles in the forest and bring them back to the Borgo's cooking school for a themed cooking class.
There are many activities on offer, from tennis to petanque. A "forest gym" with state-of-the-art equipment is located in the nature. For those looking to be pampered, there is the flagship Seed to Skin healing spa, featuring the all-natural product range created by Jeanette Thottrup, inspired by her passion for natural ingredients.
To mark its 20th anniversary, the hotel has introduced two new pool houses, Casa Gerda and Casa Ellen, named after Claus and Jeanette's mothers respectively. These self-contained suites offer guests their own private pool, Mediterranean-style terraces, cosy fireplaces, luxurious rooms and peaceful surroundings.
Cas Gani, Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza, Spain
The serene, eco-friendly boutique hotel Cas Gani is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza, yet close to all the island's main attractions. Located in Santa Gertrudis, in the heart of the island, not too far from Ibiza town and Sant Antoni de Portmany, Cas Gani offers some of the best views on the island. The authentic and rustic chic design pays attention to detail and offers a peaceful atmosphere that instantly captivates guests.
Cas Gani's lush gardens are filled with roses, jasmine flowers, orange and palm trees and offer views of the mountains. Daily yoga classes, optional massages and individual fitness sessions add to the retreat-like atmosphere of the property. Cas Gani's real speciality is the organically grown food from the garden, served in delicious creations for breakfast and dinner. Even the cold-pressed olive oil is locally produced.
The main building is where guests can mingle, but the hotel never seems crowded, even when it is fully booked. Two pools invite you to relax (one is reserved for children), hidden corners inspire romantic escapades, and each room is individually designed and decorated in the charming neutral style of the Ibizan countryside. Beds are fitted with a duvet and Italian linen, and each room has a sofa and private terrace. All options have a balcony for watching the sunset.
Hotel Coco, Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen has been the capital of Denmark since the early 1600s, but between the royal palaces and centuries-old cathedrals, Coco Hotel offers a breath of contemporary design right in the heart of the vibrant Vesterbro district. This characterful property boasts a café, restaurant, table tennis studio and 88 cosy rooms, but Coco's most admirable quality is its unwavering dedication to sustainability. The hotel draws power from a massive collection of solar panels spanning 14 hectares and also adheres to Green Key standards to ensure that all hotel operations are conducted with minimal impact on the environment.
Grand Hotel Tremezz, Lake Como, Italy
The jewel of Lake Como is not the glitzy villa that houses another Hollywood A-lister, but the historic 20th century Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Despite the hype surrounding the opening of its sister hotel, Passalaqua, the original hotel remains unbeatable for elegance, style and Dolce Vita when holidaying in northern Italy.
The grand hotel attracts the attention of passers-by who take out their cameras to take a selfie in front of the hotel's grand facade, taking them back to 1910, when the hotel opened its doors in the Belle Epoque era. Despite its classic appearance, the hotel has been delicately restored by the De Santis family, who have preserved the Art Nouveau palace with period décor and bright colours that pay homage to the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
The hotel has five restaurants, so you are spoilt for choice. The gourmet restaurant La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi serves iconic dishes in tribute to the founding father of modern Italian cuisine, Marchesi. Fresh seafood takes centre stage during lakeside dining at Giacomo Al Lago.
Outside the hotel, there is a whole new atmosphere with sun loungers along the hotel's private lake and attentive waiters.
While the hotel's garden pool and infinity pool are fun options, the overwater pool is where you need to be in the morning if you want a prime spot for sunbathing.
Be sure to take a morning or evening stroll through the hotel's botanical gardens, which are home to rare and tropical flowers in a private estate of over 30 hectares.
Imperial Hotel, Vienna, Austria
A royal palace built in the 19th century, the Imperial Hotel has since become a Viennese landmark in its own right. Guests staying on the first floor climb a grand staircase watched over by an oil portrait of the Prince of Wuerttemberg, the first resident. The rooms feature chandeliers, marble bathtubs and bespoke furniture.
When it is time to explore, the hotel's concierge team can arrange concert tickets or tours of Vienna's summer and winter palaces. The impressive Café Imperial Wien, open all day, serves sumptuous breakfasts, Austrian favourites such as Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. However, the hotel's most famous dish is undoubtedly the Imperial Torte, created to celebrate the opening of the hotel in 1873, and shipped daily to fans around the world. But don't ask for the 150 year old recipe, it's a well kept secret.
Kalesma Mykonos, Mykonos, Greece
The Kalesma Mykonos offers pure luxury in an environment that blends naturally with the setting of the popular Greek island of Mykonos. Built into the hillside in an earthy white style, this resort offers the perfect relaxation associated with a Mediterranean holiday.
There are no hotel rooms here, only suites and villas. The first one-bedroom suites are anything but basic: they all have a private heated pool, an outdoor shower and a 970 m² private outdoor terrace with a dining and living area. They all have a direct view of the Aegean Sea on the sunrise side and even the bathtub has a sea view.
You can have a massage, yoga class or a private meal brought to your suite.
Kayakapi Premium Caves, Ürgüp, Cappadocia, Turkey
Designed with traditional Turkish architecture in mind, Kayakapi Premium Caves offers beautiful residences in carved sandstone caves near the colourful hot air balloons and windswept fairy chimneys of the Cappadocia Valley.
This boutique hotel is not a single structure but an entire UNESCO heritage district, a collection of preserved caves, traditional houses and a large historic mansion (Davut Agha Mansion).
Each room is elegantly decorated in gold and draped with thick carpets and woven curtains. The more luxurious cave rooms have a small pool for private bathing and a wood-burning fireplace that adds to the warm atmosphere. Standard rooms are spacious and decorated with traditional Turkish art on the cave walls.
Guests enjoy complimentary access to the marble slabs of the domed Turkish hammam, for a rich cultural experience unique to Turkey, and 24-hour room service offering local specialities. When you are not exploring the red rock rivets of Cappadocia, you can admire the foreign landscape and picturesque village from the rooftop café or swim in the turquoise pool at Davut Agha Mansion.
Levin Iglut, Lapland, Finland
150 km above the Arctic Circle, Levin Iglut gives new meaning to sleeping under the stars. Twenty-seven all-glass "igloos" are situated on a slope at the edge of the wilderness and offer a breathtaking view of the sky. The possibility of watching the magic of the Northern Lights from a reclining bed is a reality here. Each room is equipped with a small kitchen, so there's little reason to leave your lovely snow globe. For a more gourmet experience, the Utsu Restaurant, a glass tower that serves local ingredients and offers reclining seats to admire the Arctic view while dining, is a short walk from all the domes.
Wander around the property and find Kota, a traditional Sami dwelling where guests can spend time together in Finnish style. Use the firewood inside Kota to create a wood fire and buy sausages from the reception to cook. Relax and watch the stars in the property's outdoor sauna and jacuzzi.
Levin Iglut prides itself on using geothermal heating, providing staff uniforms made from recycled materials, cleaning with eco-friendly detergents and reducing light pollution (necessary for marvelling at the northern sky).
The most incredible hotels in Africa
Whether it's a safari lodge in the African bush or a luxurious stay in the heart of Marrakech, Africa's hotels honour its cultural fabric and rich wildlife. This year's list of African hotels includes a diverse collection of accommodations as varied as the continent itself. A tented safari camp brings travellers closer to the Big 5 while supporting wildlife and environmental conservation efforts in Africa. Away from the wilderness, a new hotel pays homage to Cape Town's inner-city heritage with a room design that uniquely combines industrial elements with Victorian style. And in Morocco, an 18th-century palace hotel is so legendarily luxurious that a certain socialite has made it her mission to book a stay there.
Cheetah Plains, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve lies at the heart of South Africa's most distinguished wildlife area. It is here that Cheetah Plains, a renowned and refined eco-luxury resort, offers a unique safari adventure. Each of its villas is divided into two parts: private accommodation and communal living space. They are named after important feline personalities who have left their mark on the property.
All accommodation is off-grid, with electricity supplied by solar power. Their environmental ethos extends to the use of Land Cruiser Electric Safari vehicles, which contribute to emission-free game viewing.
Beyond Sabi Sand, you can experience the tranquillity of the bushveld, a sanctuary for South African wildlife. The hotel offers many outdoor activities, including bush walks, game drives and bushveld dining. You can also dine in style. Each villa is catered for by a private culinary team who prepare soulful South African cuisine.
La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco
La Mamounia was propelled into popular culture earlier this year when it was featured in the delightfully salacious Netflix series Inventing Anna. But this luxurious property was considered an iconic institution long before it played a part in the end of the fake socialite Anna Delvey charade. It was originally built as a palace in the 18th century, and the surrounding gardens were a wedding gift from the King of Morocco to his son, Prince Al Mamoun.
La Mamounia was then opened to the public as a hotel in 1923 and soon became a favourite getaway for celebrities and politicians. Winston Churchill once said it was one of the best hotels he had ever stayed in. The hotel's design is a mix of Berber and Arab-Andalusian architecture, as well as Art Deco style: huge chandeliers, ornate wood carvings and Moroccan zelliges (mosaic tiles) all have their place.
La Mamounia even has its own signature scent, a blend of cedar, dates and citrus that fills the lobby and corridors. All in all, it's hard to fault Anna for wanting to stay here so badly.
Serengeti Bushtops, Serengeti, Tanzania
In the famous savannahs of the Serengeti plains, which cover 1.5 million hectares, is an adventurous luxury camp called Serengeti Bushtops. The camp is located within the Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site, near the famous Mara River, offering tourists the experience of witnessing the great annual wildebeest migration between Kenya and Tanzania.
The camp's tents are larger and have an unparalleled elegance. Some have sunken lounges furnished with designer furniture and wooden decks with hot tubs, elevated to offer panoramic views of passing wildlife. Honeymoon tents are also available, but isolated from the camp to ensure maximum privacy.
The open-air restaurants offer mouth-watering cuisine, featuring the best local dishes and haute cuisine. Activities include game drives, sunset aperitifs, private bush breakfasts, Klipspringer (named after the antelopes that congregate on rocky outcrops) dinners, balloon safaris and walking safaris with excellent guides. The camp offers exquisite and luxurious massages that include African organic treatments and advanced phytotechnology.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
If there's one retreat that offers soothing tranquillity for a volcano holiday, it's Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda. The hectare-long lodge sits on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park, home to more than a third of the remaining mountain gorillas, the 'gentle giants of the forest'. In fact, Kwitonda Lodge is named after a legendary silverback gorilla.
The stunning views of natural landscapes and volcanoes surrounded by high altitude forests make the lodge an exceptional oasis of relaxation. Its eight luxury suites, with artistically woven ceilings and hand-fired mud bricks, are lavishly furnished. Large, half-timbered windows offer iconic panoramic views.
There is a private heated pool, a wellness centre and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. A variety of sumptuous dishes serve fresh organic food with Rwandan flavours, many of the ingredients from the hotel's own garden. Exciting adventures await you during your stay, as you are guided on a gorilla trek through the misty mountains of Rwanda.
Gorgeous George Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Cosy suites and rooftop views await guests at the Gorgeous George Hotel, a vibrant property in the heart of Cape Town's city centre. A relative newcomer to the Western Cape hotel scene, this colourful hotel made its debut in March 2019, seeing two neighbouring heritage buildings in the city centre brought together and restored to form one contemporary hotel. The 32 rooms at the property, which range from studios to two-bedroom suites, all share a chic, modern and beautiful design, with exposed concrete, colourful furnishings and plenty of local artwork.
Those looking for high-end cuisine can head to the sixth floor, where the elegant Gigi Rooftop awaits thirsty guests. This open-air venue offers the same superbly selected ambience as the hotel's lower floors, and features a programme of tasty dishes ranging from mussels from Saldanha Bay to deer loin fresh from the Braai.
The most incredible hotels in Asia
Our picks for the best hotels in Asia are perfectly inspired by the surrounding nature and culture. A resort inspired by a Javanese-Hindu water palace perched atop the cliffs of Bali. In India, a hotel is located inside a gemstone market. Each of its luxury suites is inspired by a gemstone and features hand-embroidered headboards. And in Japan, suites overlooking the Oi River are flanked by cherry blossoms and lush foliage.
Aramness Gir National Park, Junagadh District, Gujarat, India
Fancy seeing Asiatic lions, leopards and four-horned antelopes in the wild? Aramness, nestled in the protected teak forest on the edge of Sasan Gir National Park, makes these animal dreams come true, but in a luxurious way. Part of the hotel's magic is that you can take a jeep ride in the open air on a twice-daily safari. You can also take guided jungle walks, picnic in the bush or visit the local Maldhari houses. If all this has left you feeling a little too tired, there are remedies available at the hotel. Choose from a traditional Indian head massage or a dip in the infinity pool. When your stomach starts rumbling, try the traditional Gujarati thali, an elaborate all-vegetarian dish where local produce plays a prominent role on the plate.
Throughout the hotel, earthy colours reflect the natural surroundings. Local artisans create traditional mud and mirror work (called lippan), sconces dot the cushions and hand-cut sandstone jalis (perforated screens) infuse the 18 kothis or two-storey bungalows with the spirit of the region. An outdoor shower, a marble bathtub and a small pool echoing the ancient stairwells of India add luxury to the kothis.
Hoshinoya, Kyoto, Japan
Far from the temples and tourist crowds of central Kyoto, Hoshinoya is a handcrafted world of traditional serenity. It lies among the lush hills of Arashiyama, a short train ride from the picturesque bamboo grove. Immersion in this remote landscape begins even before you arrive. Wooden boats glide peacefully along the meandering Oi River, carrying them through the wooded mountains to the entrance of the century-old hotel. Staying at this old-fashioned ryokan is a unique experience.
From the moment you check in, the staff will provide you with impeccable and polite service. The rooms consist of 25 unique wood-framed cottages. Each suite is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, with tatami mats, shoji (sliding paper and wood screens) and carefully placed wood carvings.
Meticulous minimalism allows nature to take centre stage: windows frame the deep green of trees that light up with autumn foliage or blossom into a powdery pink in spring with cherry blossoms. Be sure to catch a glimpse of deer or monkeys in the mountains.
Evening meals revolve around multi-course kaiseki dinners served in the hotel's intimate dining room, with a menu of delicately balanced local specialities. Afterwards, you can return to the privacy of your room for an herbal bath in a cypress wood tub before falling asleep to the sound of the mountains. In the morning, a hot breakfast is served in the quiet contemplation of your room.
Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand
Koh Samui is the largest of Thailand's three eastern islands, which attract international tourists for its pristine white sand beaches, lively parties and motorcycle-packed main streets. Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, a little piece of paradise nestled between Thailand's bucolic sea and wild jungle, juxtaposes indulgence and simplicity, relaxation and adventure.
Guests can lounge by the infinity pool, soaking up the southern Thai sun, or practice yoga in the property's lush green spaces. Those looking to indulge extravagantly can book a scrubbing treatment at the spa, where they'll feel revitalised and enriched after being enveloped in local plant extracts. Of course, if they prefer to immerse themselves in a unique natural environment saturated with coconut palms and hibiscus, guests can don their hiking boots and wander the sprawling property (and say hello to the resident water buffalo). Other resort activities that promote cultural awareness and immersion include Muay Thai boxing, Thai massage classes and interactive language lessons (Kup Kun Ka, indeed!).
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, the Maldives
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is the archetypal dream of luxurious stilt bungalows in tropical cerulean waters. But there's nothing typical about this resort - no thatched roofs or kitschy ambience - with its chic, modern villas and airy, designer spaces. Luxurious, thoughtful details ensure that guests lack for nothing, from charming vintage cruiser bikes to daily ironing of linens. Even the decks and terraces are opulent: hammocks on the water and sumptuous infinity or plunge pools lined with daybeds, outdoor showers and private docks.
Additional amenities include a library, cooking station and children's play centre, a full gym, water sports equipment rental, a private baby pool and a myriad of other thoughtful details designed to meet every need.
The restaurants serve diverse and traditional flavours with a touch of elegance and refined techniques.
But perhaps the most amazing thing about an exquisite private island of luxury villas is the superlative and unparalleled customer service. The one-to-one butler service is neither stuffy nor overstretched, but genuinely thoughtful and attentive. This is a stay not to be missed.
Jumeirah Bali, Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
The seamless and authentic integration of multiple cultures into a single property is a complex undertaking. However, Jumeirah Bali - opened in 2022 as the Jumeirah Group's first Indonesian property - has created an elegant haven reflecting Balinese and Arabic cultures. Inspired by a Hindu Javanese water palace and the grandeur of the Majapahit Empire, the resort evokes an ancient royal city perched gracefully on the sea. The location of this all-villa resort on the southern tip of Bali, surrounded by endless white sand and towering limestone cliffs, creates a romantic yet adventurous atmosphere.
Each of the resort's 119 private pool villas exudes privacy and luxury, with modern interiors, private pools and enclosed tropical gardens. The resort's personal butler service provides a luxurious stay for all guests. True to its Arabic roots, Jumeirah Bali is home to Bali's only traditional hammam, the ultimate way to relax and rejuvenate.
The most incredible hotels in the Middle East
Our favourite hotels in the Middle East embody luxury with extravagant and thoughtful amenities. And the opulence is so glamorous - terraces, atriums, Swarovski chandeliers hanging over freestanding bathtubs, concierge teams organising bespoke artworks. And, of course, you can expect quality bedding, exquisite (if sometimes over-the-top) design, and a focus on seclusion and privacy.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Muscat Bay, Oman
The sprawling village of Jumeirah Muscat Bay backs onto the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. With a spectacular private sandy beach, five high-end restaurants and a number of idyllic palm-fringed pools for families and adults alike, the hotel is the epitome of luxury.
Perfectly situated between the spectacular skyline of the Al Hajar mountain range and the calm waters of the Gulf of Oman, this resort caters for holistic adventure and wellness. Morning yoga sessions can be followed by guided meditation on a mountaintop, scenic hikes, snorkelling with sea turtles, scuba diving along colourful reefs, and complimentary access to the traditional hammam, in addition to the Talise spa and fitness centre.
All of the property's rooms offer panoramic ocean views for tranquil sunrises, and the soft, neutral colour palette used throughout the resort complements the surrounding monotonous Omani landscape. The elegant rooms with modern geometric accents nevertheless retain their seaside character. The most exclusive suites at the Jumeirah Muscat Bay have private pools and exclusive access to the even more secluded white sand beach for VIP guests.
Mondrian Doha, Doha, Qatar
Fantasy and opulence come together at the Mondrian Doha, the must-visit address for anyone looking to escape to Qatar's capital. And local elements are not forgotten: the falcon, an essential part of the country's culture, is a recurring motif at this five-star property. All thanks to the exuberant and whimsical Marcel Wanders, who designed each space to have its own identity. The multi-sensory experience begins in the atrium, where theatrical lamps, a stained glass dome and a "spiral staircase to nowhere" set the tone for what follows and evokes the phrase "increasingly curious" from Alice in Wonderland.
In the 270 rooms and suites, a modern version of the historical tale of the Arabian Nights awaits you. Each standard room is adorned with a carved Desert Dune rug and a Swarovski chandelier above a freestanding bathtub. This is not a case of style over substance, however; amenities are abundant and available 24 hours a day.
Memorable meals are served in two restaurants run by celebrity chefs (Wolfgang Puck's CUT and Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto), but the pleasures don't stop there. The Mondrian Doha also has 12 Chairs, where caviar takes centre stage and only 12 guests are accommodated in the name of exclusivity.
One&Only The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Seclusion is the name of the game at One&Only The Palm. This luxury resort occupies the last parcel of the West Crescent in Palm Jumeirah, offering stunning views of the city's skyline and the Arabian Gulf. And in true Dubai style, guests can choose to arrive by private boat at the dedicated marina if a limousine doesn't seem exclusive enough.
Framed by Andalusian architecture, One&Only The Palm offers rooms, suites and beachfront villas, all embellished with Arabic details such as mashrabiya latticework and dark wood furniture. The rooms are said to be very spacious, comparable to the junior suites at other nearby resorts.
But between its pristine private beach and sea-facing pool lined with towering palm trees, the hotel's rooms take a back seat to the outdoor spaces that give the hotel its island character. Elsewhere, the intimacy of the Guerlain spa - the first of its kind in the country - contrasts with the sheer grandeur of this low-rise retreat, with its trickling fountains, white orchids and pebbled walkways.
Catering, meanwhile, is handled by the expert eye of French chef Yannick Alléno, who has earned eight Michelin stars in his career.
STAY, in particular, highlights his gastronomic prowess, as the restaurant takes a lighter approach to French cuisine.
The most incredible hotels in Australia and Oceania
The best hotels in the vast regions of Australia and Oceania have an innate sense of place, whether it's a hip, central location, a view of vast valleys or mountains, or even floating in the ocean. Accommodations in this area are known for being casual yet intimate, relaxed yet chic, and never lose their sense of place, bringing the environment closer to the guest with details like floor-to-ceiling windows that open completely, indoor and outdoor baths, and a hotel that even bottles its own volcanic mineral water.
Como Laucala Island, Laucala Island, Fiji
The newly opened Como Laucala Island offers 25 residences of varying styles. Whether you prefer a hilltop view of the fantastically coloured surrounding waters or a home floating directly on the ocean, the resort has something for you.
Each of the villas is built in the Fijian tradition, with modern amenities such as private infinity pools, indoor and outdoor bathtubs, and refrigerators stocked with guests' favourite drinks and snacks. Like many resorts in Fiji, this one is self-sufficient, even bottling its own volcanic mineral water and serving guests honey from its own apiary.
In addition, the resort has its own 24-hour medical clinic, a private airport, an 18-hole golf course and a uniquely designed infinity pool over a lagoon. Rates include meals and beverages at the resort's five restaurants - one for every five residences - as well as in-room dining.
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Australia
For a luxury country getaway, there's no better place than the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Located in the imposing Wolgan Valley, part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, this resort is an ideal retreat to escape city life and immerse guests in the Australian landscape, despite being only a three-hour drive from Sydney. All accommodation is in private villas, each with its own fireplace, private pool and verandah, designed with natural woods and sandstone to create a seamless transition between outside and inside. The room rate for each villa also includes all meals, focusing on modern Australian cuisine prepared from local and sustainable produce.
Sustainability and conservation are core principles at Emirates One&Only, and the resort offers a range of initiatives to give back, including bushfire regeneration programs, wildlife monitoring programs, guided walks and environmental programs for children.
Four Seasons Bora Bora, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With postcard views of Mount Otemanu and the incredibly turquoise waters of the lagoon, the Four Seasons Bora Bora demands the use of all superlatives. Accommodations are mostly arena-sized overwater bungalows with contemporary furnishings (including bathtubs next to floor-to-ceiling windows that open fully to provide ocean views) and direct access to the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, with an outdoor freshwater shower.
Elsewhere on the property, staff can arrange everything from a coral-planting excursion in the resort's coral garden to a private island dinner with a celebratory fireworks display. Spa-goers will be delighted to watch the lagoon's fish lazily swimming in the current from their massage table set above windows cleverly placed in the floor of the water massage huts.
The on-site restaurants offer dishes ranging from Mediterranean to Polynesian-style seafood to Pan-Asian, but the most sumptuous meals are