Top 10 best luxury hotels in the world

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in the world

After more than 25 years of traveling the globe and staying in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, I’ve had the rare privilege of experiencing the pinnacle of hospitality. From the serene private islands of the Indian Ocean to the wild plains of Africa, and from historic palaces in Europe to ultra-modern urban retreats, I have witnessed firsthand what truly defines luxury. For me, a hotel isn’t just about opulent interiors or five-star amenities—it’s about the emotions it evokes, the experiences it enables, and the sense of place it embodies.

Luxury travel has evolved over the decades, and today, the most exceptional hotels are those that seamlessly combine comfort, exclusivity, design, and authenticity. They offer more than a room—they offer a story, a journey, and a memory that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s waking to the sunrise over turquoise waters, dining under a starlit desert sky, or strolling through a centuries-old European garden, these hotels create experiences that remain etched in your memory long after departure.

The following list reflects my personal top 10 luxury hotels in the world. It is a curated selection based on decades of firsthand experience, refined taste, and a deep appreciation for exceptional service, design, and location. Please note that I have limited the list to one hotel per country and one hotel per brand. Each property offers something unique—a blend of luxury, culture, and adventure that goes far beyond the ordinary. This is my guide for travelers seeking the ultimate in high-end hospitality, and a window into the world’s finest hotels as I have experienced them over the last three decades.

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10. Forestis Dolomites – Italy

Nestled in the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains, Forestis is a luxurious alpine retreat that perfectly combines rugged natural beauty with refined comfort. Surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks, each suite and villa is designed to make the most of its location: guest rooms are bathed in natural light thanks to picture windows that frame stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant, an immersive spa, and curated outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and guided nature walks, all set against Europe’s dramatic alpine landscapes. Forestis excels in creating a sense of serenity, where every detail—from private terraces with panoramic vistas to attentive yet unobtrusive service—enhances the guest experience. For travelers seeking both adventure and indulgence, Forestis Dolomites delivers a seamless blend of alpine charm, luxury, and wellness that stays with you long after you leave.

• Hotel website: Forestis Dolomites
• Other accolades: Forestis Dolomites features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious ski hotels in the Alps and the best luxury hotels in Italy.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Forestis via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Forestis Dolomites here.

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9. Kisawa – Mozambique

Kisawa is a private island paradise in Mozambique, offering an extraordinary blend of exclusivity, luxury, and untouched natural beauty. The resort’s villas feature spacious layouts with private pools, open-air living areas, and direct access to powdery white beaches, all designed to harmonize seamlessly with the island’s lush tropical surroundings. Guests can explore vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling or diving, take sunset cruises across the turquoise waters, or enjoy bespoke dining experiences on the sand under a canopy of stars. Every detail, from thoughtfully crafted interiors to attentive service, reflects a commitment to personalized luxury, while the resort’s dedication to sustainability ensures that indulgence does not come at the expense of the environment. In my experience, Kisawa offers a rare sense of serenity, seclusion, and wonder, making it one of the most extraordinary and unforgettable island retreats in the world.

• Hotel website: Kisawa Sanctuary
• Other accolades: Kisawa Sanctuary features in my top 10 lists of the best ultra-luxe beach resorts in the world and the best luxury hotels in Mozambique.
• Tip:  get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and one additional 60-minutes spa treatment, for two persons, during the stay).
• Review: read my review of Kisawa Sanctuary here.

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8. Wilderness Jao Camp – Botswana

Wilderness Jao Camp is a showstopper, widely regarded as one of Botswana’s most luxurious safari lodges. Nestled on its own private island within the 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, the camp is bordered to the east by the world-renowned Moremi Game Reserve. Revamped in 2019, Jao is a masterpiece of design, combining natural and recycled materials—steel, wood, and glass—into towering, light-filled interiors that seamlessly embrace the surrounding bush. The camp comprises a main area elevated into the tree canopy, two exclusive villas, and five suites, each featuring private plunge pools, spacious lounge and dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. Almost every vantage point offers sweeping views of the floodplains, allowing guests to watch elephants, hippos, and other wildlife in serene, uninterrupted landscapes. With both land- and water-based game viewing on offer, Jao Camp delivers a sublime combination of adventure, luxury, and tranquil seclusion—a true sanctuary in the heart of the Okavango.

• Hotel website: Wilderness Jao Camp
• Other accolades: Wilderness Jao Camp features in my top 10 list of the best luxury safari lodges in Botswana.
• Review: read my review of Wilderness Jao Camp here.

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7. The Oberoi Marrakech – Morocco

Set across 28 acres of fragrant citrus orchards and centuries-old olive groves, The Oberoi Marrakech is a standout in ultra-luxury hospitality. The resort seamlessly blends traditional Moorish architecture with modern comforts, creating an immersive Moroccan experience enhanced by local touches such as hammam rituals, Moroccan-inspired tapas, and intricate handcrafted details throughout the property. The courtyard of the main building draws inspiration from the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century monument and one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks, lending the hotel an air of heritage and authenticity. The resort features 84 elegantly appointed rooms and villas, each serviced by a dedicated butler and some offering private courtyards and pools. Interiors are decorated in a refined palette of muted ivory and burnished gold, enriched with ornate Moroccan motifs, while many accommodations provide stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. With its harmonious combination of heritage, luxury, and attentive service, The Oberoi Marrakech delivers a truly unforgettable Moroccan retreat.

• Hotel website: The Oberoi Marrakech
• Other accolades: The Oberoi Marrakech features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Marrakech.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and a 50-minute massage for up to two people).
• Review: read my review of The Oberoi Marrakech here.

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6. Atlantis The Royal Dubai – UAE

Atlantis The Royal is more than a luxury hotel — it’s a statement of architectural audacity and modern glamour. Opened in early 2023, this flagship resort from Kerzner International instantly became one of the most recognizable icons on Dubai’s skyline. Its striking stacked-block design creates the illusion of floating sky palaces connected by open-air bridges — a bold fusion of form and function that redefines contemporary resort architecture. Designed to redefine what a “destination resort” can be, Atlantis The Royal offers a sensory journey that fuses art, technology, and hospitality, where every experience feels curated for modern travelers who expect nothing less than perfection. The iconic hotel is home to 795 sophisticated rooms and suites, including some with their own private pool, plus a Michelin-worthy lineup of dining venues spearheaded by celebrity chefs. The hotel’s scale is breathtaking, yet its service remains intimate and attentive — a hallmark of true five-star luxury. Whether you’re visiting for romance, family luxury, or pure escapism, Atlantis The Royal is engineered to impress from the moment you arrive.

• Hotel website: Atlantis The Royal
• Other accolades: Atlclaantis The Royal features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Dubai.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD resort credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
• Review: read my review of Atlantis The Royal here.

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5. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Namibia

Set amidst an endless expanse of towering dunes, rocky outcrops, and sweeping gravel plains, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is one of Africa’s most exclusive retreats. The lodge features 10 beautifully appointed stone-and-glass suites, thoughtfully arranged along the curve of the escarpment to offer ever-changing vistas of the desert. Each spacious suite includes air conditioning, a shaded private veranda with plunge pool, a living area with a fireplace, a retractable skylight above the bed, and an en-suite bathroom with a glass-encased rain shower framing panoramic 180º desert views. The main split-level guest area—a masterful combination of glass, rock, and steel—houses a lounge, bar, dining room, gym, and spa, with large folding glass panels that open fully to immerse guests in the stunning beauty of the Namib. The lodge’s team of experts ensures every stay is extraordinary, curating a range of specialized, guided desert experiences that allow you to explore dunes, canyons, and wildlife at the heart of this otherworldly landscape. &Beyond Sossusvlei delivers a perfect marriage of luxurious comfort and immersive adventure, making it an unforgettable desert escape and one of the world’s best hotels.

• Hotel website: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
• Other accolades: &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge features in my top 10 list of the best luxury lodges in Namibia.
• Review: read my review of &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge here.

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4. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel – Athens, Greece

Located on the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera, the Four Seasons Astir Palace spans 74 acres of private beachfront and meticulously landscaped gardens, offering an oasis of elegance just minutes from the vibrant city of Athens. Luxurious rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with modern comforts, each providing expansive views of the sparkling Saronic Gulf and access to private terraces or balconies. Multiple dining venues showcase world-class Mediterranean cuisine, from fresh seafood to innovative Greek-inspired dishes, while bars and lounges offer the perfect setting for sunset cocktails overlooking the sea. The resort combines contemporary design with classic Greek architecture, creating a refined and inviting ambiance throughout. Guests can unwind on pristine private beaches, indulge in holistic wellness treatments at the spa, or take advantage of bespoke excursions to explore Athens’ ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis, Plaka, and hidden cultural gems. In my experience, the Four Seasons Astir Palace achieves an ideal balance between cosmopolitan sophistication and relaxed coastal luxury, making it one of the Mediterranean’s most memorable and stylish destinations.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace
• Other accolades: Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Greece and the best Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts in the world.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Four Seasons Astir Palace here.

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3. Amangiri – Utah, USA

Amangiri is a desert sanctuary set amid the dramatic canyons, mesas, and sweeping plateaus of southern Utah, offering an otherworldly escape in one of the most striking landscapes in the American Southwest. The resort’s minimalist architecture is meticulously crafted to harmonize with the rugged surroundings, with suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and panoramic views of the desert that invite guests to feel fully immersed in the natural environment. Outdoor experiences are at the heart of an Amangiri stay: guided hikes through hidden canyons, hot-air balloon rides over Monument Valley, and stargazing sessions from remote vantage points create unforgettable encounters with the desert’s vast beauty. The resort’s spa offers holistic treatments, meditation spaces, and wellness programs that foster reflection and rejuvenation, while carefully curated dining focuses on seasonal, locally inspired cuisine. For me, Amangiri represents the essence of understated luxury—where design, location, and personalized service converge to deliver an experience that is as transformative as it is indulgent, leaving a lasting impression on every visitor.

• Hotel website: Amangiri
• Other accolades: Amangiri features in my top 10 lists of the best resort & hotels in the USA, the world’s best wilderness resorts, the world’s most beautiful hotel pools, the world’s most Instagrammable hotels & resorts, the world’s most luxurious desert retreats, and my favorite Aman resorts in the world.
• Tip: get the following complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Amangiri here.

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2. North Island – Seychelles

North Island is a private sanctuary offering unmatched exclusivity, with just 11 villas thoughtfully integrated into the island’s lush tropical landscape. Each villa features open-plan living areas, private plunge pools, spacious terraces, and direct access to pristine, powdery beaches, creating an atmosphere of absolute serenity and intimacy. The island’s design emphasizes harmony with nature, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in the vibrant ecosystems that surround them, from towering palms to rare endemic wildlife. Personalized experiences are a hallmark of a stay at North Island, whether it’s guided nature walks to observe giant Aldabra tortoises, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, or enjoying private dinners on the beach at sunset, perfectly curated to your preferences. With its pristine environment, exquisite attention to detail, and quiet, understated luxury, North Island stands out, in my experience, as one of the most extraordinary private island resorts in the world—a true haven for those seeking both adventure and absolute relaxation.

• Hotel website: North Island Seychelles
• Other accolades: North Island also features  in my top 10 lists of world’s most exclusive private island resorts, the best luxury hotels in the Seychelles,  the world’s most expensive hotels, and the world’s best honeymoon resorts.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking this hotel via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and $100 USD resort credit; stays of 5+ nights will receive an additional $100 USD resort credit for a total of $200 USD during stay; stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 USD resort credit for a total of $300 USD during stay.
• Review: read my review of North Island Seychelles here.

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1. Soneva Fushi – Maldives

Nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is the ultimate barefoot luxury retreat and one of the few resorts I find myself returning to again and again because it is simply that exceptional. The villas, crafted from sustainable, locally sourced materials, feature private pools, open-air bathrooms, and direct access to powdery white beaches, allowing guests to feel completely immersed in nature. The resort’s “No News, No Shoes” philosophy encourages a full digital and mental detox, while the Soneva Soul spa offers transformative treatments blending Ayurveda, acupuncture, and modern wellness therapies. Dining here is a culinary adventure, from treetop restaurants offering panoramic views of the lagoon to private sandbank dinners beneath the stars. Every detail, from attentive butlers anticipating your needs to eco-conscious design and the serene turquoise waters that surround the island, is thoughtfully curated to create a magical, restorative experience. In my decades of travel, few resorts capture the perfect balance of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty quite like Soneva Fushi—making it a place I return to again and again, each stay feeling both familiar and endlessly enchanting.

• Hotel website: Soneva Fushi
• Other accolades: Soneva Fushi also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, the best family hotels in the world, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, the best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling, and the world’s most insanely beautiful hotel beaches.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, breakfast, early check-in , late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Soneva Fushi here.

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