1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Could this be the best hotel in the world? Dubbed a seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is the seventh tallest hotel in the world. Designed to look like an Arabian dhow sail, the property boasts an infinity pool terrace and man-made beach.

The Burj Al Arab hotel has a 180 meter high atrium, the world’s largest Swarovski crystal ceiling and a helipad. The interior has been decorated with around 1,800 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities including personal butlers, chauffeur driven Rolls Royce cars, Talise Spa, and a 17 pillow menu. Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah hotels are also home to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP), which has helped to release more than 1,600 rescued sea turtles into the Arabian Gulf.

A panoramic view of Burj Al Arab hotel

2. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy

Nestled on the banks of Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a historic five star hotel in Italy. Opened in 1910, the property has panoramic views of the mountains and the lake.

Villa Sola Cabiati is located a few minutes walk from Grand Hotel Tremezzo and can be booked for groups of up to 12. The ornate residence has a private pool and Italian garden.

One of the three swimming pools at Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Italy

3. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

One of the most luxurious hotels in the Middle East, Al Maha is a Luxury Collection desert resort and spa in Dubai. There are 42 suites which each feature a private swimming pool and wooden deck.

Enjoy gourmet meals in Al Diwaan restaurant, in the comfort of your suite or in the dunes, surrounded by flame torches. There’s a fully equipped fitness center and Timeless Spa with a swimming pool.

The Bedouin Suite swimming pool at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai

4. Royal Malewane, South Africa

One of the best hotels in the world for safari lovers, Royal Malewane is a luxurious game reserve in Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. An ideal base from which to view the Big Five game animals, this safari lodge has one of the most qualified guiding teams in Africa.

There’s a sumptuous spa with a heated indoor lap pool, steam room and a fully-equipped gym. The treatments at The Royal Malewane Bush Spa take place in private casitas and use Healing Earth, a South African product.

Dine in the Bush Tent under flickering lanterns or in the privacy of your suite. There’s a kosher compliant kitchen and an extensive wine and whisky list.

5. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Located on Rangali island, the Conrad Maldives is famous for its underwater dining room, one of the most luxurious restaurants in the world. There are twelve restaurants in all and an over-water spa.

For a true bucket list experience, The two-level Muraka Suite boasts a master bedroom 16 feet below sea level. With floor to ceiling windows, this is a great way to see the local marine life.

There’s also an outdoor deck with a private infinity pool and hot tub. Private jet skis, a butler and private chef as well as an on-call fitness trainer make your stay extra special.

The underwater Muraka Suite at Conrad Maldives

6. Taj Lake Palace, India

One of the most famous floating hotels in India, the Taj Lake Palace has an illustrious history. Originally known as Jag Niwas palace, the property was commissioned by Prince Maharana Jagat Singh and completed in 1746.

Immortalized in the James Bond movie Octopussy, this upscale hotel has an incredible location on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. There are 65 rooms and 18 grand suites, together with 4 restaurants.

Known for its spa treatments, the hotel has its very own Jiva Spa boat! You can book Indian aromatherapy experiences that take place on board the wooden vessel.

The Taj Lake Palace Hotel

7. Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia

Tucked away on a private island in Cambodia, lies one of the most luxurious hotels in the world – Six Senses Krabey Island. The resort boasts 40 pool villas, each exquisitely designed to offer the epitome of indulgence and relaxation.

But that’s not all, Six Senses Krabey Island is a true foodie’s delight with a menu that offers the finest Cambodian cuisine, crafted to take you on a culinary adventure like no other. And if you’re in search of inner peace and mental tranquility, the resort’s indoor flying yoga studio and rooftop yoga pavilion offer a perfect escape to unwind and rejuvenate.

With its sophisticated and elegant tone, Six Senses Krabey Island is a hotel to experience at least once in a lifetime.

Six Senses Krabey Island Cambodia The Beach Retreat - Best Luxury Hotel Brands

8. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, USA

One of the best boutique hotels in San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Southern California. This all-suite resort is just a few minutes from Del Mar beaches and 25 minutes from San Diego.

Set in 40 acres of landscaped grounds, Rancho Valencia has award-winning tennis facilities. There’s a state of the art gym, Serenity Yoga Pavilion, beauty salon and pilates studio at this luxury hotel.

Relax in the poolside cabanas or enjoy a gourmet meal at Veladora restaurant or cocktails in The Pony Club.

Poolside at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

9. Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Get up close and personal with a herd of endangered giraffes at this all-inclusive luxury Kenya hotel. The manor house was built in the 1930s and is set in 12 acres of private land.

There are 12 rooms and suites at this luxury hotel, some with four-poster beds and balconies from which you can feed the giraffes as they pass by. The Rothschild’s giraffes are a rare breed and the hotel works closely with the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) to support their conservation.

You can combine a trip to Giraffe Manor with a safari, horse riding or a balloon ride.

Sunset feeding at Giraffe Manor

 10. Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, USA

One of the best boutique hotels in San Diego, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Southern California. This all-suite resort is just a few minutes from Del Mar beaches and 25 minutes from San Diego.

Set in 40 acres of landscaped grounds, Rancho Valencia has award-winning tennis facilities. There’s a state of the art gym, Serenity Yoga Pavilion, beauty salon and pilates studio at this luxury hotel.

Relax in the poolside cabanas or enjoy a gourmet meal at Veladora restaurant or cocktails in The Pony Club.

Poolside at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa