THE BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD FOR A TRULY ONE-OF-A-KIND ESCAPE

With so many fabulous hotels around the world, it’s impossible to make a definitive list of the best, but there are certain hotels that have that special X-factor that includes location, service, design, culinary aspects, and overall vibe. These getaways excel in all of those and plenty of other areas, making them the cream of the crop. Here are some of the best hotels in the world — so start planning your next trip!

1Faena Hotel Miami Beach — Miami

At the beachfront Faena Hotel, a collaboration between hotelier Alan Faena and director Baz Luhrmann, the interiors take on a sexy Moulin Rouge vibe with deep reds and velvet and leather accents, but its dazzling beachfront location screams sultry Miami. Little wonder it was named the top hotel in Miami by Conde Nast Traveler.

One of Mexico’s most exclusive hotels, The Resort at Pedregal has an enviable on-the-beach setting, but many guests gravitate to the crescent-shaped infinity edge pool, just steps from the Sea of Cortez. After an afternoon enjoying this blissful sanctuary, settle in for a meal of ceviche and grilled red snapper at El Farallón.

3Raffles Europejski Warsaw — Warsaw, Poland

Last year saw the reopening of the Raffles Europejski Warsaw, a landmark hotel that dates back to 1857. Located next door to the Royal Palace in the city’s Old Town, the hotel features 106 rooms, many featuring contemporary artwork by leading Polish artists, a restaurant with a seasonal menu, a cigar bar and lounge, and even a pâtisserie.

4Wentworth by the Sea — New Castle, New Hampshire

One of New England’s grande dames, Wentworth by the Sea, dating from 1874, is located on its own island. As you pull up to the main red-roofed white building, you’ll marvel at its size and splendor. Inside, the rooms and public spaces have been beautifully upgraded. For a top-of-the-line experience, book a stay in one of the Marina Suites in a separate wing overlooking the water. After a day exploring the nearby town of Portsmouth, settle in for drinks and dinner at Salt Kitchen & Bar, featuring a historic domed ceiling.

5The Edition Bodrum — Bodrum, Turkey

The latest addition to the Edition brand (which is a partnership with hotel guru Ian Schrager and Marriott) is the sexy beachfront Edition Bodrum. While many of the resort’s rooms have private pools, you definitely don’t want to miss a chance to dip your toes in the Insta-ready, square-shaped infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.6The Peninsula Hong Kong — Hong Kong

The Peninsula, which opened in 1928, is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most iconic hotels. Not only is it known for its white-glove service, afternoon tea, and pampering spa, but the rooms and restaurants have glorious views of the famous HK skyline and harbor, dotted with Star Ferries, yachts, and traditional junk boats.
7Auburge du Soleil — Napa Valley

If you’re a fan of fine wine and upscale accommodations, then Auberge du Soleil, perched high on a bluff in the Napa Valley town of Rutherford, is the place for you. The villa-like property has vineyard-facing suites and a Michelin-starred restaurant. When you’re ready to venture out, head to Mumm Napa for a flight of sparkling wine.

8Fairmont Hotel Banff Springs — Banff, Canada

The Fairmont Hotel Banff Springs is located in the middle of Banff Spring National Park, one of the most scenic spots in North America. This fairytale castle hotel was built in 1888, and it has always been a hub with numerous restaurants, bars, the Willow Stream Spa, and concierge staff who can arrange fishing, hiking, and rafting trips.
9Atlantis — Bahamas

When it comes to water activities, Atlantis has you covered. While on this sprawling resort in the Bahamas, you can keep yourself busy with water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding in a lagoon, splashing around in 11 pools, sliding down Mayan temple-themed waterslides, and swimming with dolphins — the ultimate photo op.
10Aria Hotel — Prague

Just a few minutes’ walk to attractions like Prague Castle, the Aria is a stylish music-themed boutique hotel with 51 rooms, many named for famous musicians, such as the Elvis and Beethoven suites. The hotel also has an on-site music librarian and the CODA rooftop restaurant, and it hosts occasional live music performances.

11Ashford Castle — Cong, Ireland

Ashford Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is an exclusive castle hotel in the West of Ireland with 83 antique-filled rooms and country pursuits like archery and falconry. Be sure to have afternoon tea in the wood-paneled bar and a meal in the elegant George V Dining Room, adorned with Waterford crystal chandeliers.
12Claridge’s — London

For a classic stay in the British capital, consider Claridge’s, the grande dame of London luxury hotels. The iconic property, in posh Mayfair, dates from 1856, and it’s hosted everyone from Queen Victoria to Madonna. Indulge in a Champagne afternoon tea and keep an eye out for this summer’s opening of Davies & Brook restaurant, from chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park fame.
13Hotel El Convento — Puerto Rico

Located in Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is a restored former convent with Spanish colonial interiors. Rooms, focused around a inner courtyard, feature wrought-iron chandeliers and wood-beamed ceilings. There’s a free wine-and-cheese reception each evening, and the Patio del Nispero restaurant.

14Taj Lake Palace — Udaipur, India

This one-of-a-kind “floating” hotel, on an island in Lake Pichola, features sweeping views of Udaipur and its City Palace complex. Originally built in 1743 as a summer residence for a local prince, it became a luxury hotel in the 1960s, and just a few of the amenities include butler service, a spa, sunset boat cruises, and four restaurants.
15Rosewood Mayakoba — Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

This posh hideaway, set in a lagoon and surrounded by mangroves in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, sits on a mile-long stretch of beach, and it has three pools and the Agave Azul Sushi & Tequila Bar. After you arrive at your room’s private dock via a palapa-covered boat, you can take advantage of luxe amenities like butler service and private plunge pools.

16Park Hyatt Tokyo — Tokyo

Lost in Translation fans still make pilgrimages to see the Park Hyatt, which was featured in the movie. They typically have a drink in The New York Bar on the 52nd floor where Bill Murray imbibed, but it’s worth the splurge to stay overnight. Highlights include state-of-the-art suites, a Japanese restaurant overlooking Mount Fuji, and a stunning indoor swimming pool.

17Tambo del Inka — Sacred Valley, Peru

Located in Peru’s Sacred Valley is the eco-friendly Tambo del Inka (a train to Machu Picchu makes a stop at the resort). Decor accents include local granite and wood and Incan-style textiles, and its Kallpa Spa has a host of treatments using indigenous ingredients, such as Andean quinoa and thermal mud from Mount Misti.
18The St. Regis Princeville Resort — Kauai

This postcard-perfect resort on Hawaii’s Kauai island has everything you’d want in a tropical getaway. Rent one of the beach cabanas for the day, or veg out by the pool overlooking Hanalei Bay. Pamper yourself with a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage in the spa, then settle into a four-course farm-to-table dinner lit by tiki torches.
19Al Maha Resort and Spa — Dubai

Once you’ve seen Dubai’s over-the-top sights, including mega malls and the world’s tallest building, spend a few nights relaxing at Al Maha, a luxury tented camp in the desert. By day, you can ride camels, learn about falconry, and take a dune drive; come sundown, settle in for a gourmet Middle Eastern meal on the alfresco deck of Al Diwaan.

20Bisate Lodge — Rwanda

If an African safari is on your dream travel bucket list, consider a stay at northern Rwanda’s Bisate Lodge, where you can trek to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National park. The eco-friendly lodge has just six luxury thatched villas, featuring stone fireplaces, custom-made furniture, and balconies overlooking the Bisoke volcano. Bisate was named last year’s top safari lodge by Jetsetter.

21Conrad Bora Bora Nui — Bora Bora

If you’ve always dreamed of staying in an overwater bungalow, look no further than the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, in a jaw-dropping setting on the islet of Motu To’opua. The luxury bungalows feature king-sized beds, deep soaking tubs, and balconies (and some even come with plunge pools) for unobstructed lagoon views.

22Merchant Hotel — Belfast

The former Ulster Bank mansion has been transformed into the the exclusive Merchant Hotel. Rooms come with canopied beds, plush fabrics, and clawfoot bathtubs. You can have afternoon tea or dinner in The Great Room, featuring a beautiful stained-glass domed ceiling (it was once the main banking hall).

23St. Regis Deer Valley — Utah

After a day on the slopes, it’s nice to return to the comforts of the St. Regis, a swanky ski-in, ski-out in Deer Valley. Suites come with butler service, the Remède Spa has treatments like shea butter body polishes, and its après-ski scene in the bar and on the outdoor patio with a huge boulder-style fire pit is not to be missed

24San Clemente Palace Kempinski — Venice

One of Venice’s most spectacular hotels is San Clemente Palace Kempinski, a former-monastery-turned-luxury-resort located on its own 17-acre island in the lagoon. Highlights include sipping Bellinis in Clemente Bar and dining at Acquerello in the shadow of the fresco-rich medieval chapel once used by Venetian doges.

25Hanging Gardens Of Bali — Bali

You’ll feel as if you’re floating above the treetops when taking a dip in the terraced infinity pools at this remote resort on the lush island of Bali. Located in a rainforest preserve, a half-hour’s drive from the island’s cultural capital of Ubud, Hanging Gardens has 38 luxury thatched-roof villas tucked into the hillside above the Ayung River Gorge.

26Travaasa Hana, Maui — Maui

On Maui’s eastern tip, this all-inclusive boutique hotel is set amid rolling manicured lawns high above Hana Bay. Try Hawaiian-themed activities like bamboo-pole fishing, lei-making, and ukulele lessons. Relaxing on your luxury cottage’s private lanai is an option, too (and there are no TVs or phones to disturb the bliss).

27The Willard InterContinental — Washington, D.C.

Minutes from the White House, The Willard is one of D.C.’s most storied hotels. Dating to 1818, it has hosted everyone from Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Dalai Lama in its elegant rooms and suites. Be sure to have a drink in the Round Robin Bar — the mint julep is the signature cocktail.
28Jade Mountain — St. Lucia

Rooms at Jade Mountain, an exclusive boutique resort on the lush Caribbean island of St. Lucia, have just three walls, with one side completely open — so there’s nothing to obstruct the views of the twin Piton peaks. Add to that your very own infinity pool on the deck and mai tai deliveries from staff, and there’s really no reason to leave the premises.

29Arizona Biltmore — Phoenix

The Arizona Biltmore, which opened in 1929, once hosted Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Designed by Albert Chase McArthur, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the resort features low-lying cottages around manicured lawns. There are eight pools, two golf courses, a spa, and fire pits to take in the views of nearby Piestewa Peak.

30Grace Santorini — Santorini, Greece

One of the dreamiest spots on earth deserves an equally dreamy hotel, and that would be the Grace Santorini. Check out Santorini’s iconic view of whitewashed buildings topped with cobalt blue domes from its minimalist suites and from its infinity pool built into the cliffside, featuring jaw-dropping views of the Aegean Sea.
31Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa — Oahu

It’s Hawaii and it’s Disney — a combination that’s pretty hard to beat when it comes to a getaway the whole family will enjoy. At this sprawling Polynesian-style resort, there are endless activities to keep the little ones entertained, from pool parties with Mickey and surfing lessons on Ko Olina Beach, to Disney flicks on the lawn and traditional luaus.
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32The Alpina Gstaad — Gstaad, Switzerland

Located in one of Europe’s ritziest villages, the The Alpina Gstaad is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. The timber-clad resort combines traditional ski chalet-style decor with contemporary detailing and amenities, include a spa, a private cinema, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and the casual-chic wood-paneled Swiss Stübli.

33The Breakers — Palm Beach

Built by railroad magnate Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896, The Breakers is the grande dame of Florida’s resorts. Modeled after Rome’s Villa Medici, expect gilded columns and massive crystal chandeliers, but the resort also boasts an enviable beach location, four pools, a spa, tennis, golf, and restaurants like Flagler Steakhouse.

34Saffire Freycinet — Tasmania, Australia

For an off-the-beaten-path getaway, there’s Saffire Freycinet on Tasmania’s east coast. The ultra-modern luxury lodge, with just 20 suites, sits on Coles Bay and has views of the Hazards Mountains. Activities include visits to a local winery, an oyster farm, and a Tasmanian devil sanctuary, and its Palate Restaurant serves modern farm-to-table fare.

35Mandarin Oriental, New York — New York

If it’s a glittery skyline and Central Park views you’re after, look no further than Columbus Circle’s Mandarin Oriental. Perched atop the Time Warner Center, the swanky hotel has sumptuous suites with silk bedding, the Asiate restaurant (serving six-course gourmet tasting menus), and a top-rated spa, featuring Asian-inspired treatments.