After more than 25 years of traveling the globe and staying in some of the most luxurious hotels on the planet, I’ve had the rare chance to observe the best of hospitality. I have personally experienced what luxury actually means, from old European castles to modern city retreats, and from the calm private islands of the Indian Ocean to the wild plains of Africa. For me, a hotel is more than just fancy furniture and five-star service. It’s about how it makes me feel, the experiences it makes possible, and the sense of place it represents.
Luxury travel has evolved a lot over the years. These days, the greatest hotels are those that combine comfort, exclusivity, design, and authenticity in a way that works. In addition to a place, they provide you a story, a voyage, and an experience that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re dining under a starry desert sky, meandering through a centuries-old European garden, or waking up to the sunrise over turquoise oceans, these hotels will give you memories that last long after you leave.
Here are what I think are the 10 top luxury hotels in the world. It is a carefully selected mix based on years of personal experience, a refined taste, and a deep respect for great location, design, and service. Please note that the list only includes one hotel from each brand and one hotel from each country. Every hotel has something unique to offer, whether it’s a mix of luxury, culture, and adventure. Based on my thirty years of expertise, this is my guide for visitors who want to see the top hotels in the world and get the best premium service.
1. The Forestis Dolomites in Italy
Forestis is a luxurious mountain retreat in the beautiful Dolomite Mountains that perfectly combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of high-end amenities. Each room and villa is intended to make the most of its location amid lush woodlands and tall peaks, with picture windows that frame stunning views of the area. There is a lot of natural light in the guest rooms. The resort is set against the stunning alpine backdrop of Europe and offers a range of amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant, a spa that immerses you in nature, and carefully picked outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and guided nature tours. Forestis is known for creating a peaceful environment, and every part of the experience, from private patios with great views to attentive yet discreet service, adds to the enjoyment of visitors. For travelers who want both adventure and elegance, Forestis Dolomites is the perfect place to stay. It has everything they might want in a vacation spot, including luxury, wellness, and alpine beauty.
2. Kisawa, Mozambique,
Kisawa is a private island paradise in Mozambique that combines luxury, privacy, and untouched natural beauty in a way that is really unique. The villas at the resort offer big floor layouts that fit very nicely with the island’s tropical setting. They include private pools, outdoor living areas, and direct access to beaches with beautiful sand. Visitors may enjoy sunset cruises over the turquoise waters, dive or swim amid vivid coral reefs, or have dinners on the beach while the stars are overhead. The resort’s focus on sustainability means that enjoyment doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. Every detail, from the beautifully planned interiors to the attentive service, shows a dedication to personalized luxury. I think Kisawa is one of the most fantastic and beautiful island vacations in the world because it gives you a sense of calm, seclusion, and wonder that you can’t get anywhere else.
3. Camp Jao in the Wilderness of Botswana
Many people think that the remote Jao Camp is one of Botswana’s most luxury safari lodges. The camp lies on its own private island in the middle of the 60,000-hectare Jao Reserve in the Okavango Delta. To the east, it is next to the famous Moremi Game Reserve. The 2019 makeover of Jao is a design wonder that uses natural and recyclable elements like wood, steel, and glass to create high, bright chambers that blend in with the plants around them. The camp contains two private villas and a main area that is raised up into the forest canopy. It also has five suites with private plunge pools, large living and eating spaces, and bathrooms with showers that may be used inside or outside. Visitors may see elephants, hippos, and other animals in serene, clean settings from almost every viewpoint that looks out across the floodplains. Jao Camp is a real paradise in the middle of the Okavango. It has both land-based and water-based wildlife watching, as well as a great blend of luxury, adventure, and peaceful solitude.
4. The Oberoi Marrakech in Morocco
The Oberoi Marrakech is a great example of an ultra-luxury hotel. It is set among 28 acres of fragrant citrus orchards and olive trees that have been there for hundreds of years. The resort gives you a complete Moroccan experience by successfully combining historic Moorish architecture with modern amenities. This makes the hotel seem like a real Moroccan place, with hammam rituals, Moroccan-style tapas, and intricate handcrafted features all around. The main building’s courtyard is based on the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century edifice that is one of Marrakech’s most recognized landmarks. It provides the hotel a feeling of history and authenticity. There are 84 well-furnished apartments and villas at the resort, and each one has its own butler. Some of them even have their own swimming pools and patios. Many hotels have stunning views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The rooms are decorated in a sophisticated color scheme of burnished gold and muted white, with plenty of Moroccan-style details. The Oberoi Marrakech is a great place to stay in Morocco because it combines style, heritage, and personal service in a manner that is really unique.
5. Atlantis The Royal Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Atlantis The Royal is more than simply a fancy hotel; it’s a statement of modern style and daring architecture. Kerzner International’s flagship resort debuted in early 2023 and rapidly became one of Dubai’s most well-known sights. Its stacked-block form, which is quite eye-catching, changes the way contemporary resorts are built by making them seem like floating sky palaces connected by outdoor bridges. Atlantis The Royal is a sensory experience that mixes art, technology, and hospitality to give people a new idea of what a “destination resort” may be. It appears like every interaction is deliberately planned for modern visitors who want everything to be flawless. The famous hotel boasts 795 beautiful rooms and suites, some of which have their own pools. It also features a Michelin-starred restaurant chain led by notable chefs. Even if the hotel is quite big, the service is still personal and attentive, which is what genuine five-star luxury is all about. Atlantis The Royal is meant to wow you right away, whether you’re there for romance, family fun, or just to get away.
6. Namibia’s Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is one of Africa’s most upscale getaways, situated among a vast expanse of rolling gravel plains, rocky outcrops, and towering dunes. The lodge has ten beautifully equipped stone and glass rooms that are arranged around the curve of the escarpment to provide guests different views of the desert all the time. Each spacious suite has air conditioning, a private veranda with a plunge pool, a sitting area with a fireplace, a retractable skylight over the bed, and a bathroom with a glass-enclosed rain shower that looks out over the desert for 180º. The main split-level guest area is a beautiful mix of glass, rock, and steel. It has a lounge, bar, dining room, gym, and spa. It also has large folding glass panels that open all the way to enable guests see the Namib’s stunning beauty. The lodge’s crew of experts makes sure that every stay is distinctive by offering a wide range of guided desert trips that enable you see dunes, canyons, and animals in the middle of this strange area. &Beyond Sossusvlei is one of the best hotels in the world. It has the perfect balance of elegance and adventure, making it a terrific place to go on vacation in the desert.
7. The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel in Athens, Greece
The Four Seasons Astir Palace is located on the sunny Athenian Riviera and has 74 acres of private beachfront and beautifully landscaped gardens. It is a refined getaway at a short distance from the busy city of Athens. Each of the modern, well-designed rooms and suites has its own patio or balcony with great views of the Saronic Gulf. There are several restaurants that provide world-class Mediterranean food, including creative Greek-inspired meals and fresh seafood. Bars and lounges are great places to have cocktails at sunset while looking out over the water. The resort combines contemporary design with classic Greek architecture to make the whole place seem classy and welcome. Visitors may rest on beautiful private beaches, have spa treatments that are good for the whole body, or take personalized journeys to visit Athens’ ancient attractions, such the Acropolis, Plaka, and other cultural gems that aren’t as well known. The Four Seasons Astir Palace is, in my view, the best destination to visit in the Mediterranean since it combines laid-back coastal luxury with cosmopolitan style.
8. Amangiri, Utah, in the United States
Amangiri is a desert retreat in the middle of southern Utah’s stunning canyons, mesas, and wide plateaus. It offers a heavenly escape amid one of the most beautiful views in the American Southwest. The resort’s simple architecture is carefully planned to fit in with the wild surroundings, with floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and wide views of the desert. This invites guests to fully experience the natural environment. Outdoor activities are the main focus of an Amangiri visit. Hot-air balloon rides above Monument Valley, guided hikes into hidden gorges, and stargazing from far-off overlooks all give you a chance to experience the desert’s beauty in a way that will change your life. The resort’s wellness programs, meditation rooms, and holistic therapies encourage people to go within themselves and start again. The carefully picked dining selections focus on fresh, regionally inspired cuisine. I think Amangiri is the best example of understated luxury. The location, design, and attentive care all work together to provide an experience that is both exquisite and life-changing for every visitor.
9. North Island in Seychelles
North Island is a private paradise with just 11 villas that blend in well with the island’s lovely tropical environment. Each villa has an open-plan living area, a private plunge pool, a large terrace, and easy access to clean, powdery beaches, which together make you feel completely at peace and alone. The island’s design focuses on being in sync with nature, which lets visitors fully experience the many ecosystems around them, from rare native animals to tall palm trees. North Island is known for its customized experiences, including diving in clear waters full of marine life, going on guided nature tours to view giant Aldabra tortoises, or enjoying intimate dinners on the beach at sunset that are perfectly arranged to your preferences. In my view, North Island is one of the best private island resorts in the world. It is a true paradise for individuals who want to have fun and rest completely. The surroundings are spotless, the attention to detail is amazing, and the style is quiet and subtle.
10. Soneva Fushi in the Maldives
Soneva Fushi is the best place to go for a barefoot luxury vacation. It lies on the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. I keep coming back to this resort because it’s so nice. The villas, which are created from eco-friendly materials that are acquired locally, let guests completely experience nature. They include private pools, outdoor bathrooms, and direct access to clean white beaches. The resort’s “No News, No Shoes” policy encourages guests to take a break from technology and their minds. The Soneva Soul spa offers life-changing treatments that mix Ayurveda, acupuncture, and modern wellness therapies. From private lunches on a sandbank beneath the stars to treetop restaurants with wide views of the lagoon, eating here is a gastronomic adventure. From the eco-friendly buildings and the calm blue oceans that surround the island to the attentive butlers who know what you need before you do, every detail has been carefully picked to make your stay a wonderful and therapeutic one. Soneva Fushi is one of the few resorts I’ve been to in my decades of travel that has been able to blend luxury, privacy, and unspoiled beauty in such a way. Because of this, I keep going back, and every time I go, it seems both familiar and completely enthralling.
Disclaimer: Personal travel experiences and views are the basis for this essay. Experiences, amenities, and services offered by hotels might change throughout time. This material should not be interpreted as a recommendation or a guarantee of services, but rather as a source of inspiration and information.