Hospitality On Another Level
Luxury hotels are about creating an experience that makes everyday life look like a pittance in comparison. While most people are happy with a clean room and reliable Wi-Fi, some properties take hospitality to absurdly impressive levels. We’re talking dedicated staff who remember your coffee order before you do and views that look suspiciously like screen savers. So, let’s take a look at the 20 most luxurious hotels in the world.
1. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Dubai, UAE)
Burj Al Arab is set up on its own man-made island, and is instantly recognizable thanks to its sail-shaped design and towering atrium, one of the tallest in the world. Interestingly, visitors can dine at Al Mahara, the hotel’s underwater restaurant surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
2. The Plaza (New York, USA)
Since opening in 1907, The Plaza has become a symbol of New York elegance, earning National Historic Landmark status in 1986. It’s no surprise Hollywood keeps returning, as Home Alone 2 and The Great Gatsby are just a few of the films that called it home.
3. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Emirates Palace redefines luxury on every level. Its 394 rooms come with round-the-clock butler service. Inside, Arabian design dazzles with over 1,000 crystal chandeliers—and yes, a gold vending machine in the lobby dispenses real bars.
4. Hotel De Glace (Quebec, Canada)
Rebuilt each winter with 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow, Hotel De Glace offers a stay like no other. Guests sleep on ice beds topped with deer pelts, and its themed suites feature intricate ice sculptures, while hot tubs provide a welcome contrast.
Marc-Lautenbacher on Wikimedia
5. The Ritz (Paris, France)
The Ritz has welcomed legends like Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway—Chanel’s personal suite is still preserved in her signature style. It was the first hotel to feature private en-suite bathrooms. Moreover, discretion runs deep here, with a hidden tunnel reserved for high-profile exits.
6. Aman Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
Aman Tokyo frames views of the city and distant Mount Fuji. Its sleek, ryokan-inspired rooms feature washi paper screens and traditional furo tubs. Plus, a massive 2,500-square-meter spa and black basalt pool anchor the tranquil space.
AMAN TOKYO | Inside Tokyo's most luxurious hotel (Full Tour in 4K) by Luxefarer TRAVEL
7. The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia)
Once the exclusive hideaway of Marlon Brando, this South Pacific gem now delivers eco-luxury for those who prefer their paradise served with privacy. Reachable only by private plane, its 35 villas offer secluded beaches and bathtubs under open skies.
The Brando, Most Exclusive Private Island Resort in French Polynesia by LUXTRVL Travel Agency
8. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora (Bora Bora, French Polynesia)
This resort is known for its overwater bungalows, complete with glass floor panels so you can see the lagoon right beneath you. Guests also enjoy a private marine research facility and coral nursery that support ongoing conservation efforts.
9. Ashford Castle (Cong, Ireland)
Ashford Castle, once belonging to the Guinness family, combines historic charm with modern comforts. Here, guests can stay in rooms furnished with canopy beds and antique pieces, or enjoy a movie in the hotel’s private 32-seat cinema.
10. Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur, India)
Constructed in 1746 as a royal summer escape, this former palace now operates as a luxury hotel floating in the center of Lake Pichola. Interestingly, the hotel’s cinematic charm earned it a spot in the James Bond film Octopussy, adding to its global appeal.
11. The Peninsula (Hong Kong, China)
The Peninsula opened its doors in 1928 and continues to set the standard for luxury in Hong Kong. And with a sharp focus on heritage, The Peninsula delivers a five-star experience that stays firmly in the present without forgetting its past.
12. Singita Sasakwa Lodge (Grumeti, Tanzania)
Singita Sasakwa Lodge sits on a 350,000-acre private reserve next to Serengeti National Park, offering front-row seats to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Each villa features an infinity pool and sweeping views of the savannah, all wrapped in elegant Edwardian design.
Celestielle #191 Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Singita Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania by Celestielle
13. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
Few hotels carry a legacy like Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, which first opened its doors in 1876 as Thailand’s original luxury hotel. Its famed Author’s Wing honors past literary guests with uniquely themed suites. From royalty to world leaders, the hotel continues to attract those who expect top-tier hospitality.
14. Atlantis The Royal (Dubai, UAE)
Atlantis The Royal makes a bold first impression with the world’s largest jellyfish tank greeting guests right in the lobby. Even its grand opening turned heads, with Beyoncé performing at a private concert. In a city known for excess, this resort still manages to stand out.
15. Laucala Island Resort (Laucala Island, Fiji)
Owned by Red Bull billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz, this resort blends adventure and sustainability—guests can explore the ocean in a DeepFlight Super Falcon submarine or ride horseback through lush trails. Plus, an equestrian center and an on-site organic farm round out the offerings.
Como Laucala Island Fiji Redefining Luxury in Paradise by luxuryislandretreats
16. Hotel Cala Di Volpe (Sardinia, Italy)
Perched along Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, Hotel Cala Di Volpe brings architectural artistry to the shoreline with Jacques Couelle’s signature design. The hotel gained fame through The Spy Who Loved Me and now serves as a seasonal retreat for celebrities.
Italy: Hotel Cala di Volpe, Coast Smeralda by Donna Salerno Travel
17. Badrutt’s Palace (St. Moritz, Switzerland)
Badrutt’s Palace has welcomed aristocrats since 1896, setting the tone for alpine luxury in St. Moritz. Here, guests arrive in vintage Rolls-Royces or touch down by helicopter to enjoy the ice skating rink and a collection of in-house designer boutiques.
18. Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy)
Set within a 5,000-acre UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco delivers a full immersion into Tuscany’s countryside. Founded by the Ferragamo family, the estate includes its own Brunello winery, which provides guests with a taste of world-class wine.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: A Luxury Tuscan Retreat | Italy Travel Guide by The Travel Guide
19. North Island (North Island, Seychelles)
If privacy tops your luxury wishlist, North Island delivers it in style with 11 handcrafted villas spread across a private island. Each villa comes with a butler and a plunge pool. It’s no surprise Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton picked this spot for their honeymoon.
Hajira Amla, Seychelles News Agency on Wikimedia
20. Cheval Blanc Randheli (Noonu Atoll, Maldives)
Cheval Blanc Randheli takes luxury to the next level, as it pairs sleek beachfront villas with the design finesse you’d expect from the LVMH group. For peak relaxation, guests head to a dedicated island for Guerlain Spa treatments.
Cheval Blanc Randheli Noonu Atoll Maldives by PRIVATEUPGRADES
