Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Cape Town

“This cape is the most stately thing we saw in the whole circumference of the earth”, wrote Sir Francis Drake in 1580 when he discovered the Cape Peninsula. Almost 500 years later, the area – with its incredibly beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery – is home to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town (Kaapstad in Afrikaans and Ikapa in Xhosa). Known as the Mother City because it was the first to emerge in South Africa, the city owes its multicultural personality to a diverse range of people and events, from the indigenous Khoi and San peoples to local African tribes, from the European explorers to slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar and Mozambique, and from apartheid to democratic freedoms. Blessed with astonishing beaches, spectacular mountains, world-famous vineyards, scenic drives and tons of trendy bars and fine dining restaurants, it is hard to imagine a more picture perfect destination for a city trip (and frankly, you won’t find a better one). To help you plane your next trip to the Mother City, I have compiled a top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Cape Town hotel in the comments section!

10. THE MARLY BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Positioned in the trendy suburb of Camps Bay, The Marly Boutique Hotel has a location that’s perfect for guests wanting to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town’s city center. Its location right on the beachfront of Camps Bay is literally a stone’s throw from one of Cape Town’s finest beaches.  This property takes its name from Château de Marly, built in the 17th century for the leisure activities of Louis XIV and his family. All 38 rooms – including 11 suites – are contemporary in style, and their clean and crisp design provides the perfect frame for the magnificent sea and mountain views. The hotel boasts a rooftop swimming pool with beautiful 360-degree views of Cape Town’s iconic mountain ranges, a spa, gym, and a tasteful collection of beachfront restaurants, cafés and bars neighboring the property.  The property might feels somewhat cramped, but overall this is a well-run urban hideaway that celebrates sophisticated design, beachfront living and five-star service.

• Hotel website: The Marly Boutique Hotel 

9. CAPE CADOGAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Situated on the vibrant and trendy Kloof Street of Cape Town, is the historic Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. This national monument was originally a farmhouse that was beautifully converted into a Victorian-themed establishment in 1912. Luxuriously-appointed rooms include lovely ensuite bathrooms, personal bars, satellite television with surround-sound, air- conditioning and internet access. Superb breakfasts are served in the inviting dining room which overlooks the sparkling swimming pool and the lush gardens, whilst delicious dinners can be arranged on request. Guest areas include a comfortable sitting room with an open fireplace and a well-stocked library, which offers a quiet spot to relax with a good book. A sparkling swimming pool and flourishing garden add to guest delight. The hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance to some of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, whilst private cars can be arranged for shopping trips, special wine-tasting tours in the magnificent Cape Winelands and visits to the Cape of Good Hope.

• Hotel website: Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

8. TAJ CAPE TOWN

Taj Cape Town is a luxury hotel set in the vibrant heart of downtown Cape Town, offering guests a combination of refined Indian hospitality and an authentic Cape Town experience. Occupying two historic buildings, it retains the architecture and many meticulously restored interior features of the original South African Reserve Bank and the old BoE building – formerly the Temple Chambers, built in 1890. Seventeen new storeys house suites, guestrooms and residences with magnificent views of the Mother City and the iconic Table Mountain. The five-star hotel is ideally located in the centre of historic Cape Town at the entrance to the famous pedestrian precinct, St George’s Mall. Its prime location – within walking distance of most tourist attractions, monuments, museums, shopping, restaurants, markets, and nightlife – ensures a look at Cape Town’s fascinating history.

• Hotel website: Taj Cape Town
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast breakfast, gin or wine tasting for two guests in the Bombay Bar once during stay, early check in, late check out, and 20% food and beverage discount at Bombay Brasserie).

7. TINTSWALO ATLANTIC

One of Cape Town’s hidden gems and best kept secrets is Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5 star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of the ocean-facing Table Mountain National Park, just 20 minutes from the city center. Sitting at the foot of Chapman’s Peak, the property is the city’s only hotel with direct beach access (although it’s a pebble beach) and it enjoys panoramic views of the picturesque Hout Bay harbor, the dramatic Sentinel mountain peak, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Each one of the hotel’s 11 glass-and-timber suites – en beautifully appointed suites and one regal presidential suite – has a unique design and is named after an island (e.g. Cousine Island, Zanzibar, Robben Island, etc …) paying tribute to the island’s nature and the cultural heritage. The Tintswalo Atlantic dining room provides a picturesque, cosy setting to enjoy beautifully-presented and delicious cuisine.

• Hotel website: Tintswalo Atlantic

6. BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has long been regarded as the hotel of choice of cultured global travelers since 1899, because of its romantic heritage, warm professional service, timeless style and a magnificent setting. Enjoying a convenient location at the foot of Table Mountain, and just a short stroll from downtown, the resort offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility and contemporary buzz. The hotel features a sprawling garden, complete with two heated swimming pools, rolling lawns, a palm lined avenue and secluded Rose gardens which lend themselves to romance. Six distinctive accommodation wings offer a variety of 198 individually decorated, elegantly appointed rooms and suites. No two rooms are exactly the same, and each annex offers unique views, mood and style.

• Hotel website: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and up to $200 USD hotel credit per stay).

5. CAPE GRACE

The 5-star Cape Grace Hotel provides the perfect Victoria & Alfred Waterfront setting for discovering Cape Town’s enviable location, which offers both centrality and privacy combined with beautiful views of Table Mountain, the yacht marina and a working harbor. The essence of Cape Grace is an intrinsic desire to understand guests’ needs so as to ensure truly memorable visits. Each one of the 120 guest rooms and suites is unique and has its own story to tell. Even the standard rooms are spacious here, with separate sitting areas, desks, complimentary high-speed internet, and cushioned headboards. Reminiscent of a glamorous Mediterranean yacht moored in the bay under the watchful gaze of the iconic Table Mountain, guests can also relax in an elegant and distinguished outdoor area that overlooks Cape Town’s acclaimed yacht basin.

• Hotel website: Cape Grace
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a 50 minute spa treatment, complimentary mini bar, and complimentary bottle of wine).
• Review: read my review of Cape Grace here.

4. THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA

Enjoying the most magnificent location on the Cape Peninsula, the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is a grand contemporary hotel in Camps Bay, just a short drive from the center of Cape Town. Nestled between the unspoiled natural beauty of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range in the Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, the award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection. The boutique hotel offers 70 guest rooms, styled with light colors and dark-wood accents that give an eclectic touch through African and nautical twists. Other unique features include a holistic spa, private cinema, and breathtaking views from the legendary Azure Restaurant and The Leopard Bar. The hotel offers easy access to all of Cape Town’s attractions, including a complimentary shuttle service to Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront.

• Hotel website: The twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, free breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa here.

3. ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN

This urban chic resort, located in an enviable spot in the city’s fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, set a whole new standard for South African hotels when it opened in 2009. One&Only Cape Town speaks to international travelers and discerning locals alike, proffering tropical seclusion near the city’s hotspot area for dining and entertainment. The hotel impresses its guests upon arrival with breathtaking Table Mountain views through the massive windows of the spectacular lobby. There are two sections in the hotel, one being the Spa Island (built on a man-made island and centered around a lagoon-shaped pool) with 40 suites and the other the Marina Rise with 91 rooms. All rooms feature oversized bathrooms and are adorned with fabrics and furnishings recalling the warm, muted tones of Africa. While its design is not as ingenious as at The Silo and its ambiance not as intimate as at Ellerman House, One&Only Cape Town is still my favorite hotel in the city because of its laid-back resort vibe, One&Only ethos and warm hospitality; the property is also home to Africa’s only Nobu restaurant.

• Hotel website: One&Only Cape Town
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast breakfast, $100 USD resort credit, early check in and late check out).
• Review: read my review of One&Only Cape Town here.

1. ELLERMAN HOUSE

Situated in the heart of Bantry Bay (one of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighborhoods), Ellerman House, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is an elegant mansion just ten minutes away from the city center and within walking distance of Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. The true splendor of the property rests in faithful preservation of its historical architecture, combined with discreet hospitality and efficient service reflecting the ambience experienced only in the comfort and familiarity of home. Whether you choose the luxurious atmosphere of Ellerman House (which comprises 13 bedrooms) or the modern-art-gallery style of its two three-bedroom villas, you will fall under the spell of an address that lets you relish all the pleasures of Cape Town. Enjoy dining on gourmet cuisine, tasting fine vintage wines, and surveying the impressive private art collection; plus, the ocean view is spectacular!

• Hotel website: Ellerman House
• Other accolades: Ellerman House also features in my top 10 list of South Africa’s most exclusive hotels.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, a paired chocolate and South African Brandy tasting with a sommelier, and 10% discount on first spa treatment).
• Review: read my review of Ellerman House here.

The post Top 10 best luxury hotels in Cape Town appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in San Francisco (California, USA)

No other metropolis in the USA is as loved by its inhabitants as the Bay City, which ranks among the world’s most gorgeous cities. Artsy, bohemian and stunningly beautiful, San Francisco’s main draw is it spectacular bay, which is surrounded by 43 hills ranging upward from 200 to 938 ft (60 to 285 m). With an abundance of attractions, such as bell-ringing cable cars, spectacular bridges, infamous Alcatraz, the Ferry Building (a foodies paradise) and of course the sea lions at Pier 39, it’s best to explore this magnificent city on a bike. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in San Francisco, although none really matches the grandeur of the city.

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below my slideshow. Which hotel is your favorite? Or do you think I missed a property? Leave a comment.

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10. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO

Located in San Francisco’s South of Market Area (SOMA), InterContinental San Francisco is at the corner of Howard and Fifth streets, adjacent to the Moscone West Convention Center and steps from Union Square. The translucent glass 32-story high-rise strikes a fine balance between business and leisure. The modern hotel features 550 rooms, with state-of-the-art technology and floor to ceiling windows in all accommodations (rooms on floors 25 and above). The hotel’s signature restaurant Luce, a Tuscany meets California wine-restaurant, consistently held a Michelin star for a decade, but lost its star following a major renovation. Hotel facilities include a full-service spa, a health club (complete with an indoor lap pool), and a spacious outdoor terrace.

• Hotel website: InterContinental San Francisco
• Review: read my review of InterContinental San Francisco here.

9. PALACE HOTEL, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

Encounter the luxury of the Gilded Age at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Located in downtown San Francisco – just blocks away from Union Square, cable cars and Chinatown – this historic hotel features authentic elements paired with classically inspired, modern decor. Its famous Garden Court (the city’s only indoor historic landmark) recently got a fresh new look, with contemporary furnishings and a daring color scheme complementing its plentiful marble and crystal chandeliers. The property boasts 556 rooms, featuring new flooring, dark woods, layered textiles, and massive, tufted headboards – all while keeping the original 1909 details. Facilities include two restaurants with a distinctive setting for any occasion, and a heated, indoor pool with a sky-lit ceiling.

• Hotel website: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

8. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO AT EMBARCADERO

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero was designed to frame the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. The luxury hotel occupies the top 11 floors of 48-story skyscraper, which rises above the city’s many hills. With its footprint firmly downtown, it’s only a matter of seconds to travel from celestial heights down to the neighborhoods where the city works, innovates, and enjoys itself. Guests experience the height of modern luxury in 155 luxuriously appointed rooms & suites, featuring bespoke furnishings and carefully chosen textures. Later this year, the hotel will introduce an all-new street level restaurant showcasing California’s bountiful produce and world-renowned wines. Also on the horizon, an open-air Sky Deck on the 40th floor features unique pop-ups and other events.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

7. TAJ CAMPTON PALACE

Taj Campton Place, the quintessential boutique hotel on Union Square, is adjacent to the Financial District, art galleries, museums, and the city’s best-known stores. The European ambiance and personal attention offered ensures an elegant and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel has 110 guest rooms, 24 hour room service, complimentary house-car service, complimentary PressReader hotspot, complimentary morning coffee, tea and pastries in the lobby, in-house laundry and dry cleaning, in-room safes, in-room espresso makers and complimentary turn-down service with bottled water. The hotel’s cozy and intimate Bar & Bistro is a favorite of guests and locals, who drop in this “see and be seen” bar in San Francisco to enjoy Taj’s elevated comfort food, beautifully paired with a menu of craft cocktails and fine wines.

• Hotel website: Taj Campton Place
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

6. FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

The world-class Fairmont San Francisco, perched atop Nob Hill, is centrally located in the heart of the city, and just a short cable car trip from the bustling Downtown, Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. In fact, it is the only spot in San Francisco where each of the cities cable car lines meet. This landmark crown jewel of the City by the Bay offers 606 guest rooms and suites with stylish furnishings and updated interiors, revitalizing the already stunning, classic yet contemporary accommodations. The hotel’s two dining venues feature exciting menus: Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar highlights family-style meals and Polynesian-fusion plates, while Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar emphasizes fresh, seasonable California coastal cuisine.

• Hotel website: Fairmont San Francisco
• Other accolades: Fairmont San Francisco also features in my top 10 list of the luxury hotels made famous by movies.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. THE LODGE AT THE PRESIDIO

The Lodge at the Presidio is not San Francisco’s most luxurious hotel and it does not offer a lot of amenities (there’s no pool, no gym and no spa), but it’s by far one of the city’s most charming boutique hotels, and it enjoys a stunning setting in the Presidio National Park on the northern top of the San Francisco Peninsula. Opened on June 28, 2018, the property is San Francisco’s closest lodging to the Golden Gate Bridge. The 42-room, three-story hotel is housed in former USA army barracks, built between 1895-97 and exemplifies the highest standards of sustainability. The majority of the guestrooms feature great views of the San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, or a combination thereof. The beautiful and historic Lodge is the sister property to the Inn at the Presidio which opened in 2012.

• Hotel website: The Lodge at the Presidio
• Review: read my review of the Lodge at the Presidio here.

4. FOUR SEASONS SAN FRANCISCO

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (the sister property of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero) is located two blocks from Union Square and the Museum of Modern Art, with heart-of-everything proximity to all that San Francisco offers. Here, you’ll find 277 inviting rooms and spacious suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide dramatic views of the Financial District and Yerba Buena Gardens. Room amenities include Nespresso machines and complimentary L’Occitane toiletries. Guests can stay fit with complimentary access to Equinox Sports Club, which offers an indoor lap pool. Gourmets make their way to MKT Restaurant – Bar for handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and sustainable seafood – a true California dining experience.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

3. THE RITZ-CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO

In one of the country’s best-loved cities, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one of the city’s top hotels. Located in a 1909 Nob Hill landmark, the property is within walking distance to Union Square shopping, the Ferry Building and the Financial District. Each of the 336 guest rooms, which recently underwent a $7 million USD renovation, feature Italian marble bathrooms with double sinks, separate water closets, luxurious amenities and plush terry robes. Guest can enjoy world-renowned cuisine in the hotel’s signature restaurant, Parallel 37. There’s also a full-service spa, offering revitalizing facials, body treatments, and massage therapies. Additional amenities include a chic Club Lounge and stylish event space.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

2. THE ST REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

This Forbes 5* hotel in the SoMa District offers personalized service, luxury amenities and elegant accommodations. Hotel guests are near area attractions, including Moscone Center, Oracle Park, SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Revealing views of downtown San Francisco, each of the 260 refined rooms and suites feature indulgent beds, ample bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainforest showers, large workstations and Wi-Fi. Exquisite suites offer generous layouts with separate living rooms and hardwood floors, exclusively serviced by St. Regis Butlers. Guests can savor the flavors of San Francisco at the Grill restaurant, experience the property’s signature afternoon tea in the lounge, or refresh in the 24-hour fitness center, indoor infinity pool and luxury spa.

• Hotel website: The St Regis San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of St Regis San Francisco here.

1. CAVALLO POINT LODGE

Located at a former USA army post at the Golden Gate Bridge, award-winning Cavallo Point offers one of the most coveted stays on the West Coast, mere minutes from San Francisco. The exterior of the lodge has been beautifully restored, preserving Fort Baker’s original architecture. Many of its 142 historic and contemporary accommodations feature sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, the city’s skyline, and the bridge. Northern Californian cuisine at Murray Circle restaurant makes the lodge a top culinary destination, and an intimate cooking school has an ever-changing class roster. Relax at the spa with an array of massages, facials, healing arts services, and more. Miles of hiking trails in national parklands and dog-friendly housing make the lodge a great choice for families.

• Hotel website: Cavallo Point Lodge
• Other accolades: Cavallo Point Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in the USA.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Top 10 best luxury hotels in San Francisco appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most romantic luxury hotels in the world

For love birds, February 14th holds a special meaning as Valentine’s day is all about making a big show of love, affection, and romance. One of the best ways to celebrate love is by staying at a fabulously romantic hotel with your special someone. For some travelers, a romantic escape is all about decadent luxury, private dining, and poolside spa treatments. For others, it means a getaway into a remote wilderness spot surrounded by pristine scenery (count me in). And then of course, there are the exciting-seeking romantic souls who prefer sensational thrills and high-adrenaline sports over relaxation and pampering. Whatever your preference, here’s my top 10 list of the world’s most romantic hotels, where lovers can reconnect together.

There is more info (with reviews and YouTube videos) below my slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite romantic hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace beckons to travelers. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when it was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided. Recreational facilities include a pool, traditional cultural performances, heritage walk of the palace, yoga & meditation, astrology, Bazar, private boat rides, bird watching, and romantic sunset cruises on Lake Pichola. There’s also an intimate spa, which draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps that are sure to rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, the hotel’s rooftop Bhairo restaurant is open and serves contemporary European cuisine with spectacular lake views.

• Hotel website: Taj Lake Palace
• Other accolades: Taj Lake Palace also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in India, the world’s best historic hotels, the world’s most magnificent castle hotels, and luxury hotels made famous by movies.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch or dinner for two).
• Review: read my review of Taj Lake Palace here.

9. POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, USA

Nestled high above the cliffs of Big Sur, the acclaimed Post Ranch Inn perches 400 m (1200 ft) above the Pacific Ocean encircled by towering redwoods, majestic mountains and panoramic ocean vistas. With natural architecture embracing the coast’s dramatic beauty and the surrounding forests, the 39 rooms blend rustic elegance, comfort and privacy with panoramic ocean or mountain views. Each room features a wood-burning fireplace, private deck and complimentary minibar. The hotel’s restaurant Sierra Mar is renowned for its exquisite food, and features floor to ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. There’s also a luxurious spa on site, offering pampering treatments to help ease away tension and relax muscles. From the hotel, guests can explore all that Big Sur’s incredible nature has to offer, or take a short drive to the picturesque towns of Monterey and Carmel.

• Hotel website: Post Ranch Inn
• Other accolades: The Post Ranch Inn also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in the USA, the world’s most spectacular cliffside resorts and restaurants with views that match the food.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of the Post Ranch Inn here.

8. HÔTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PARIS, FRANCE

Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivaled position overlooking Paris’ Place de la Concorde. The property reopened in 2018 as a Rosewood Hotel after undergoing an extensive four-year restoration, its past providing a rich backdrop for its modern-day story. During the hotel’s closure, artisans and designers worked tirelessly to strike a deliberate and delicate balance between conservation and transformation. The hotel’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined. Karl Lagerfeld, renowned designer and a great 18th century admirer, has decorated two exceptional suites on Place de la Concorde – together called “Les Grands Appartements” – which convey his personal vision of French chic and modernity. Hôtel de Crillon also features fine dining venues, a newly created pool area, and a spa.

• Hotel website: Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel
• Other accolades: Hôtel De Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Paris.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of Hôtel de Crillon here.

7. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Brando is an ultra-romantic luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature and is designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. Guests can snorkel or dive with tropical fish, sail in the lagoon, paddle board to a neighboring island, take a kayak above coral gardens, stroll the long stretches of beach, enjoy a guided or unguided marine excursion, or simply spend a day in the spa and wellness center. It was in this natural wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and finally found his home.

• Hotel website: The Brando
• Other accolades: The Brando also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in French Polynesia, the best beach resorts in the South Pacific, the most expensive hotels in the world and luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and 100 euro resort credit).
• Review: coming soon

6. KATIKIES SANTORINI, GREECE

Katikies – a complex of bridges, cubist cottages and infinity pools – is considered one of the most romantic boutique hotels in Santorini. Hugging the dramatic volcanic rim, the property is a natural fit for honeymooners, romantics and couples. The white washed suites have classic arched ceilings and majestic views of the Aegean Sea, which can be enjoyed from the large terrace with an open-air dining area, sun deck and two-person Jacuzzi. For the ultimate romantic meal, the restaurant provides the perfect setting with just four candlelit tables perched on a secret verandah rooftop overlooking the Caldera. The better-known Kirini pool restaurant offers the same breathtaking panoramas, plus a fresh, seasonal menu of traditional Mediterranean dishes. Awe inspiring views, sublime Santorini sunsets and perfectly manicured pink bougainvilleas provide the magnificent backdrop for this perennially gleaming, glistening white luxury hotel that spills down the cliffs of the impressive caldera.

• Hotel website: Katikies
• Other accolades: Katikies Santorini also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Santorini.

5. THE SILO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The Silo Hotel is a magical space, towering above the V&A Waterfront and surrounded by the scenery of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has been built in the grain elevator portion of a historic grain silo complex, occupying the six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which rivals the likes of the Tate Modern in London and Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. The exterior of the building was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Principal of the London-based Heatherwick Studio. From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbor. The Silo hotel has 28 lofty rooms, including a spectacular one bedroom penthouse.

• Hotel website: The Silo Cape Town
• Other accolades: The Silo features in my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2017.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

4. AMAN VENICE, ITALY

Neo-Renaissance grandeur meets refined modern aesthetics at Aman Venice. As sumptuous and romantic as the city itself, the hotel is located within a phenomenal 16th-century Palazzo Papadopolion on the Grand Canal. Currently the most (ultra)luxurious property in the city, the hotel is home to museum-quality treasures including Tiepolo frescoes, gilded ceilings and centuries-old leather wall coverings. A private water transfer delivers guests to the resort’s dramatic reception hall, with direct access to its private gardens (rare for this city). More home than hotel, Aman Venice offers the rare privilege of space in the center of the Floating City. High ceilings and spacious light-filled salons are joined by two mature outdoor private gardens and a small rooftop rarely seen in the city. With views to the hotel’s private garden or the Grand Canal, many of the 24 rooms and suites feature protected frescos and reliefs. The hotel is managed by Aman, one of the world’s most exclusive hotel brands.

• Hotel website: Aman Venice
• Other accolades: Aman Venice also features in my lists of the best new luxury hotels of 2013, the 10 best Aman hotels in the world and the 10 most amazing city hotels in Europe.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, one lunch for two, early check-in, and late check-out).
• Review: read my review of Aman Venice here.

3. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

From its inception, Jade Mountain has been hailed as the Caribbean’s most romantic hotel. Architect owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences. The location of the property is unsurpassed, rising majestically above the private estate of Anse Chastanet with 600 lush tropical acres bordering two soft, sand Caribbean beaches with pristine coral reefs just off shore. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of  St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

• Hotel website: Jade Mountain
• Other accolades: Jade Mountain also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in the Caribbean, the hotel rooms with the best views, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and the world’s best resorts with private plunge pools.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD spa credit).

2. ZANNIER HOTELS SONOP

The opulence and finesse of Zannier Hotels Sonop, set in Namibia’s southwest corner, immediately recalls the 1920’s era of British explorers. Constructed on top of granite boulders, the tented camp enjoys a remote and unspoilt setting in 13,800 acres (5,600 hectares) of untouched wilderness. Every object and antique in the lodge’s ten spacious tents are carefully selected – binoculars and maps, travelers’ tales, telescopes, antique desks and handmade stationary – to ensure that every moment turns into a unique experience. The romantic hotel captures the restorative essence of the desert landscape with a spectacular open-air infinity pool, spa, fitness center and daily yoga. Guided excursions include horse-riding from our own stables, private dining atop of the sand dunes, electric fat-bike or walking trails, and private sunset safaris. The magic continues after dark with a nightly gala-style dinner, open-air cinema and stargazing under the endless African skies.

• Hotel website: Zannier Hotels Sonop
• Other accolades: Zannier Hotels Sonop also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury lodges in Namibia.
• Review: read my review of Zannier Hotels Sonop here.

1. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most romantic hotel is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views. Each one of the 24 water villas has a private lap pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze. The culinary experiences at Soneva Jani are diverse: in addition to the delightful dining venues, guests can indulge in culinary adventures such as a Robinson Crusoe-style castaway picnic, organic garden lunches and cooking classes. The resort’s selection of experiences caters to every kind of traveler and includes everything from nature walks and spa treatments to  and beyond.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. resort credit, two personalized Soneva experience, best rate, and more).

• Hotel website: Soneva Jani
• Other accolades: Soneva Jani also features in my lists of the best luxury hotels in Maldives, most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives, the best new luxury hotels of 2016, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and my favorite hotels in the world.
• Review: read my review of Soneva Jani here.

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (March 8, 2021): Top 10 best luxury hotels in San Francisco (California, USA)

No other metropolis in the USA is as loved by its inhabitants as the Bay City, which ranks among the world’s most gorgeous cities. Artsy, bohemian and stunningly beautiful, San Francisco’s main draw is it spectacular bay, which is surrounded by 43 hills ranging upward from 200 to 938 ft (60 to 285 m). With an abundance of attractions, such as bell-ringing cable cars, spectacular bridges, infamous Alcatraz, the Ferry Building (a foodies paradise) and of course the sea lions at Pier 39, it’s best to explore this magnificent city on a bike. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in San Francisco, although none really matches the grandeur of the city (with the exception of the number one property in my list).

There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below my slideshow. Which hotel is your favorite? Or do you think I missed a property? Leave a comment.

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10. W HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO

Embodying the city’s unique energy, W San Francisco places its guests at the center of it all, just steps from downtown must-sees like San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Chinatown. Hotel rooms boast sweeping downtown San Francisco views and offer modern comforts like Davines bath amenities, pillowtop mattresses and creatively stocked mini-bars. Get your heart pumping at Fit, the hotel’s name for its fitness center, and refuel anytime at Trace, the W’s farm-to-table restaurant. Once evening descends, visit the Living Room Bar, where the downtown set sips on craft cocktails. As the regular home of trendy events, the hotel is on the pulse of what’s new, now and next in San Francisco.

• Hotel website: W San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and a welcome amenity).
• Review: read my review of W San Francisco here.

9. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO

Located in San Francisco’s South of Market Area (SOMA), InterContinental San Francisco is at the corner of Howard and Fifth streets, adjacent to the Moscone West Convention Center and steps from Union Square. The translucent glass 32-story high-rise strikes a fine balance between business and leisure. The modern hotel features 550 rooms, with state-of-the-art technology and floor to ceiling windows in all accommodations (rooms on floors 25 and above. The hotel’s signature restaurant Luce, a Tuscany meets California wine-restaurant, has earned a Michelin star ten years in a row. Hotel facilities include a full-service spa, a health club (complete with an indoor lap pool), and a spacious outdoor terrace.

• Hotel website: InterContinental San Francisco
• Review: read my review of InterContinental San Francisco here.

8. PALACE HOTEL, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

Encounter the luxury of the Gilded Age at Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Located in downtown San Francisco – just blocks away from Union Square, cable cars and Chinatown – this historic hotel features authentic elements paired with classically inspired, modern decor. Its famous Garden Court (the city’s only indoor historic landmark) recently got a fresh new look, with contemporary furnishings and a daring color scheme complementing its plentiful marble and crystal chandeliers. The property boasts 556 rooms, featuring new flooring, dark woods, layered textiles, and massive, tufted headboards – all while keeping the original 1909 details. Facilities include two restaurants with a distinctive setting for any occasion, and a heated, indoor pool with a sky-lit ceiling.

• Hotel website: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

7. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO AT EMBARCADERO

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero was designed to frame the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. The luxury hotel occupies the top 11 floors of 48-story skyscraper, which rises above the city’s many hills. With its footprint firmly downtown, it’s only a matter of seconds to travel from celestial heights down to the neighborhoods where the city works, innovates, and enjoys itself. Guests experience the height of modern luxury in 155 luxuriously appointed rooms & suites, featuring bespoke furnishings and carefully chosen textures. Later this year, the hotel will introduce an all-new street level restaurant showcasing California’s bountiful produce and world-renowned wines. Also on the horizon, an open-air Sky Deck on the 40th floor will feature unique pop-ups and other events.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

6. TAJ CAMPTON PALACE

Taj Campton Place, the quintessential boutique hotel on Union Square, is adjacent to the Financial District, art galleries, museums, and the city’s best-known stores. The European ambiance and personal attention offered ensures an elegant and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel has 110 guest rooms, 24 hour room service, complimentary house-car service, complimentary PressReader hotspot, complimentary morning coffee, tea and pastries in the lobby, in-house laundry and dry cleaning, in-room safes, in-room espresso makers and complimentary turn-down service with bottled water. The Campton Place Restaurant embodies local Californian cuisine with gentle Spice Route overtones and has earned the coveted Two Michelin Stars award for 2019.

• Hotel website: Taj Campton Place
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

The world-class Fairmont San Francisco, perched atop Nob Hill, is centrally located in the heart of the city, and just a short cable car trip from the bustling Downtown, Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. In fact, it is the only spot in San Francisco where each of the cities cable car lines meet. This landmark crown jewel of the City by the Bay offers 606 guest rooms and suites with stylish furnishings and updated interiors, revitalizing the already stunning, classic yet contemporary accommodations. The hotel’s two dining venues feature exciting menus: Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar highlights family-style meals and Polynesian-fusion plates, while Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar emphasizes fresh, seasonable California coastal cuisine.

• Hotel website: Fairmont San Francisco
• Other accolades: Fairmont San Francisco also features in my top 10 list of the luxury hotels made famous by movies.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

4. FOUR SEASONS SAN FRANCISCO

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (the sister property of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero) is located two blocks from Union Square and the Museum of Modern Art, with heart-of-everything proximity to all that San Francisco offers. Here, you’ll find 277 inviting rooms and spacious suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that provide dramatic views of the Financial District and Yerba Buena Gardens. Room amenities include Nespresso machines and complimentary L’Occitane toiletries. Guests can stay fit with complimentary access to Equinox Sports Club, which offers an indoor lap pool. Gourmets make their way to MKT Restaurant – Bar for handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and sustainable seafood – a true California dining experience.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

3. THE RITZ-CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO

In one of the country’s best-loved cities, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one of the city’s top hotels. Located in a 1909 Nob Hill landmark, the property is within walking distance to Union Square shopping, the Ferry Building and the Financial District. Each of the 336 guest rooms, which recently underwent a $7 million USD renovation, feature Italian marble bathrooms with double sinks, separate water closets, luxurious amenities and plush terry robes. Guest can enjoy world-renowned cuisine in the hotel’s signature restaurant, Parallel 37. There’s also a full-service spa, offering revitalizing facials, body treatments, and massage therapies. Additional amenities include a chic Club Lounge and stylish event space.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

2. THE ST REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

This Forbes 5* hotel in the SoMa District offers personalized service, luxury amenities and elegant accommodations. Hotel guests are near area attractions, including Moscone Center, Oracle Park, SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Revealing views of downtown San Francisco, each of the 260 refined rooms and suites feature indulgent beds, ample bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainforest showers, large workstations and Wi-Fi. Exquisite suites offer generous layouts with separate living rooms and hardwood floors, exclusively serviced by St. Regis Butlers. Guests can savor the flavors of San Francisco at the Grill restaurant, experience the property’s signature afternoon tea in the lounge, or refresh in the 24-hour fitness center, indoor infinity pool and luxury spa.

• Hotel website: The St Regis San Francisco
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check in, late check out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: read my review of St Regis San Francisco here.

1. CAVALLO POINT LODGE

Located at a former U.S. Army post at the Golden Gate Bridge, award-winning Cavallo Point offers one of the most coveted stays on the West Coast, mere minutes from San Francisco. The exterior of the lodge has been beautifully restored, preserving Fort Baker’s original architecture. Many of its 142 historic and contemporary accommodations feature sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, the city’s skyline, and the bridge. Northern Californian cuisine at Murray Circle restaurant makes the lodge a top culinary destination, and an intimate cooking school has an ever-changing class roster. Relax at the spa with an array of massages, facials, healing arts services, and more. Miles of hiking trails in national parklands and dog-friendly housing make the lodge a great choice for families.

• Hotel website: Cavallo Point Lodge
• Other accolades: Cavallo Point Lodge also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in the USA.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for two, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

Prior to the pandemic, I enjoyed a ‘colorful’ holiday in India. You can read my trip reports here:

• Review: Lufthansa Airbus A350 Business Class from Munich to New Delhi
• Review: The Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur (today)
• Review: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
• Review: The Leela Palace Hotel, New Delhi
• Review: Lufthansa Airbus A380 First Class from New Delhi to Frankfurt

Today (July 22, 2020): Review of Taj Lake Palace Hotel (Udaipur, India).

• Location: Google maps
• Hotel website: Taj Lake Palace Hotel
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace Hotel beckons to travelers. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when it was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of palace butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided. The Jiva Spa draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs and wraps that are sure to rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, the hotel’s rooftop Bhairo restaurant is open and serves contemporary European cuisine with spectacular palace lake and views.

Taj Lake Palace features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in India, the world’s best historic hotels, the world’s most magnificent castle hotels, and luxury hotels made famous by movies.

Have you ever stayed at Taj Lake Palace Hotel? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Taj Lake Palace Hotel calls the city of Udaipur its home. Founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar, Udaipur is regarded as the most romantic city of India. Set amidst the Aravalli Ranges, Udaipur is known for its picturesque lakes and often dubbed ‘the city of lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the city’s historic buildings and narrow alleys. Udaipur is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India, because of its lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, colorful fairs and festivals. Udaipur is easily accessible by rail, road and air from all the major cities and towns of India (including New Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur).

• Taj Lake Palace is located smack in the middle of a tiny island in Lake Pichola, across from Udaipur’s larger City Palace. One of the popular sightseeing places in Udaipur, Lake Pichola is an artificial fresh water lake, built in year 1362 AD by a Banjara tribesman – Pichhu Banjara – who used to transport grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha. With its white walls and picturesque domes rising from the tranquil blue waters, Taj Lake Palace is a marble fantasy that floats magically on the lake. The hotel is only accessible via a romantic ride on a little wooden boat (offered on a complimentary basis by the hotel); the boat dock is located next to Udaipur’s most famous attraction, the City Palace.

• The property is a former summer palace of the royal dynasty of Mewar, now turned into a world-famous luxury hotel. The young Prince, Maharana Jagat Singh (1709-1751) requested his father, Maharana Sangram Singh II, if he could reside in the pleasure palace Jagmandir with his ladies. The Maharana did not give permission, but taunted his son that if he was so keen to stay in an Island Palace, why doesn’t he build one for himself. It is this taunt that made him build his own pleasure palace on Lake Pichola in the year 1743. The palace continued to serve as the summer residence of the Maharanas of Udaipur until 1955, and in 1959 reconstruction work began to convert the palace into a hotel.

• The hotel’s elegant decor retains much of its original palace charm. There are several marble terraces, which are lined by successions of arched galleries and traditional domed cupolas, while magnificent whitewashed courtyard are filled with tropical foliage, picturesque fountains, and water ponds. The stylish interiors are equally striking and rich in detail, with decorative plaster-relief, intricate corbels, timber grid ceilings, and delicate frescos. In contrast, the hotel furniture has been kept simple so as not to make the spaces overpowering. Traditional colorways are introduced in the wall’s panelings (finished with milk paint and distemper) and in the rich fabrics (most of which were sourced locally).

• Taj Lake Palace Hotel has 65 sumptuously decorated rooms and 18 grand suites, which are spread over the several wings of the building. Druing my visit, I was upgraded to one of the hotel’s highest room categories, a grand royal suite named Mayur Mahal (or Peacock Palace). The stunning suite featured a entrance hall, a sitting area overlooking Lake Pichola, a grand bedroom with four-poster bed and salon, and a spacious bathroom equipped with double vanity, Jacuzzi, and separate shower and toilet cubicles. The suite exuded a regal ambience with marble floors, exquisite Rajasthani artwork, and walls with glass mosaic peacock motifs. The colored glass window panels changed the mood in the room with the shifting sunrays.

• The gorgeous hotel features several leisure & wellness facilities, all centered close to one another in the southeastern part of the property. There’s a lovely (if a little small) outdoor courtyard pool, surrounded by lovely latticework arcades with terrific views of Udaipur’s City Palace across Lake Pichola. The pool is lined by a row of chic white sun loungers (although the courtyard is in the shade for most of the afternoon). Next to the pool is a small but well-equipped gym with with treadmills and free weights. Around the corner of the pool courtyard is a spa (called the Java Spa), which offers a blend of classic therapies that help guests to achieve inner peace and a soothing state of mind.

• Along with 24-hour room service, the hotel features three chic restaurants plus a lovely bar. Amrit Sagar (aptly named ‘sea of nectar’) is a stylish bar offering a selection of vintage wines, spirits and cigars. Jharoka (located on the ground floor) is the main all-day dining restaurant and offers European, Asian, and Indian cuisine; Neel Kamal (located next to Jharoka) is open only at dinnertime and serves authentic flavors of the royal cuisine of Udaipur, as well as signature dishes from India; and Bhairo is a seasonal rooftop restaurant (operating during winter only) offering exquisite contemporary European cuisine. Romantic private dinners can be arranged on the hotel grounds or out on the hotel’s century-and-a-half-old boat, the Gangaur.

• The hotel is managed by Taj Hotels & Resorts since 1971, and over the years they have truly perfected the experience. A curation of authentic living palaces, landmark hotels, resorts and safaris, Taj is one of the two leading hotel brands in India (the other one being Oberoi). The brand is recognized for its warm and intuitive service and is the undisputed leader in Indian hospitality. As of today, the company operates a total of 100 hotels and hotel-resorts, with 84 across India and 16 in other countries, including Bhutan, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, UK, USA and Zambia. The Taj group has been converting royal palaces in India into luxury hotels since the 1970s.

• It may sound cliché but service at the palace is Maharaja-worthy and guests are treated like royalty, as you would expect from the Taj brand. And it all starts with a royal welcome: a shower of rose petals and platter of refreshments greets guests as they get off the boat at reception area, after which they are escorted under a sequined, embroidered umbrella to a traditional welcome. Every room comes with round-the-clock butler service. The butlers ensure that every creature comfort is provided and can arrange anything, such as creating specialized dining experiences at many of the hotel’s romantic settings. The “Royal Butlers” in the hotel are descendants of the original palace retainers.

• Taj Lake Palace Hotel was used as a key location in the Bond film Octopussy (1983), in which actor Roger Moore alias James Bond swims up to the ‘floating palace’, populated only by attractive women. Since its prominent feature in the Hollywood movie, the property has somewhat become an iconic attraction in India, hosting hundreds of dignitaries and celebrities over the years, from Jackie  Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, and Brad Pitt, to Angelina Jolie, Beyonce and Queen Elizabeth II and practically every royal family to date. The Taj Lake Palace was also the scene of the world’s second most expensive wedding in 2018, when India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani married 33-year-old real estate giant Anand Piramal.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Taj Lake Palace is one of India’s most iconic hotels. A stay here will be a memory for a lifetime, but the property is not perfect and here is why:

• The opulent decor and antique interiors may not be to everyone’s taste. In addition, some of the guest rooms feel ‘old’, though, of course, that is exactly the point of staying here. Still, the hotel has several areas (e.g. rooms, restaurants, spa) which could use a refurbishment, and which could be done without losing any of the palace’s authentic charms.

• There are a lot of pigeons nesting in the hotel’s nooks and crannies (something I found to be a problem in the entire city of Udaipur). There are so many pigeons in fact that their droppings are problematic in certain hotel areas, although the hotel staff is addressing the problem by spanning nets over some courtyards.

• Make sure to do some research prior to booking as sometimes in the dry season the water can completely disappear from Lake Pichola.

• The hotel is only accessible via a short boat ride from Udaipur’s city center, which will be a huge pro for most travelers, although some may not like the feeling of being ‘trapped on an island’ (although the boats run 24/7).

• The hotel’s fitness center and pool are small, since the hotel designers and architects had to work within the constraint of existing structures in the heritage building.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Pool: 7/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 8/10
• Breakfast: 8/10
• Spa: 8/10
• Service: 10/10
• Value for money: 9/10
• Overall experience: very good 8,8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch or dinner for two).

• Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Taj Lake Palace (and/or receive many free perks).

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Udaipur is between October and March, when the weather is warm, sunny, and dry. Increasing temperatures in April and May can result in excellent value trips, but you can expect high humidity and thunderstorms. The monsoon season starts from July and extends till September and is best avoided.

HOW TO GET THERE

Taj Lake Palace is a 45 min drive from Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport. Transfers can be arranged via the resort.

PHOTOS

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The post Review of Taj Lake Palace Hotel (Udaipur, India) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (July 20, 2020): Top 10 luxury hotels made famous by movies.

Whether it is the romantic bath scene of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman or Nicholas Cage’s and Sean Connery’s memorable terrace performance in The Rock, luxury hotels have always inspired Hollywood. Some hotels that served as a backdrop for blockbuster movies have become celebrities in their own, and have long drawn visitors that want to step into the world of their favorite film. Here’s a round up of the 10 most luxurious hotels on the planet that have been used as a location for a famous movie.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite movie hotel in the comments section, or take my poll at the bottom of the page!

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10. THE PALACE  OF THE LOST CITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Set among 60 acres of remote South African wilderness, this sprawling complex built in the crater of an extinct volcano is a wonderland destination where opulence in the bush takes on new meaning. The Palace boasts interiors with hand-carved walls, bespoke furnishings and ceilings that depict a classic African landscape. Outside, the imitation sea and palm fringe beach, Valley of Waves, includes a 5,600-square-meter wave pool, waterslides, sway bridge and Botanical Garden trails. There is also a chance to see the Big Five on safari tours at the adjoining Pilanesberg National Park.

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore’s romantic comedy Blended (2014) was filmed here.

• Hotel website: The Palace the Lost City

9. THE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK, USA

The iconic, Art Deco inspired Waldorf Astoria hotel occupies an entire city block on fashionable Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan. An official New York City landmark since 1993, the Hilton Group flagship hotel has set the standard for lavish rooms and suites, exquisite dining and 5-star events for over a century. When the U.S. President travels to New York, he always stays at The Waldorf Astoria, and it’s also the first choice of heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. The property is currently closed while undergoing a complete renovation and restoration; it is planned to reopen in two to three years.

The Waldorf Astoria has been a filming location for numerous films, with the most famous ones being Serendipity (2000), Maid in Manhattan (2002), and The Pink Panther (2006).

• Hotel website: The Waldorf Astoria New York
• Other accolades: The Waldorf Astoria New York also features in my top 10 list of  the world’s best luxury hotels to spot celebrities.

8. FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO, USA

With a panoramic view of the City and the Bay from high atop Nob Hill, Fairmont San Francisco hotel presents an unmatched blend of luxurious accommodations, elegant meeting spaces and superb services, which make for an unforgettable stay. Centrally located, this luxury San Francisco hotel is a short cable car trip from the bustling Downtown, Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. In fact, Fairmont San Francisco hotel is the only spot in San Francisco where each of the City’s cable car lines meet.

The hotel’s $18,000-a-night opulent penthouse suite features in the movie The Rock (1996) with Nicholas Cage’s and Sean Connery’s memorable terrace scene performance.

• Hotel website: Fairmont San Francisco

7. THE GRITTI PALACE, VENICE, ITALY

The Gritti Palace, managed by Marriott’s The Luxury Collection, is one of Venice’s most celebrated luxury hotels. It is a place where Italian history and culture meet with renewed Venetian style, a place of exceptional art and elegance, reassuringly intimate with a homely feel. With a floating terrace on the best spot along Venice’s Canal Grande, the Gritti Palace has always attracted global influencers, celebrities and the world’s elite to socialize, draw inspiration, and celebrate during international city events such as the Biennale of Contemporary Art and the Venice Film Festival.

Woody Allen filmed Everyone Says I Love You (1996) at the Gritti Palace.

• Hotel website: The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
• Other accolades: the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, also features in my top 10 lists of the most spectacular hotel rooftops, the best luxury hotels in Venice, and Europe’s best hotel rooftops.
• Review: read here my review of the Gritti Palace.

6. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

It’s hard to believe the floating vision in white marble is real when you get your first glimpse of the Taj Lake Palace hotel in Udaipur. Accommodations at Taj Lake Palace are as delightful as the exterior. Each and every one of the 66 rooms and 17 suites offer stunning views and intricate décor to envelop guests in royal mystique. Among the most compelling is The Chandra Prakash Suite, meaning Lustre of the Moon. The decorative gilt moldings, sculpted marble columns, and fine fretwork screens impressed even the Maharaja who held court in this very room in the 1930s.

In the movie Octopussy (1983) Roger Moore alias James Bond swims up to the ‘floating palace’, populated only by attractive women.

• Hotel website: Taj Lake Palace

5. BEVERLY WILSHARE, BEVERLY HILLS, USA

A landmark since opening in 1928, Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel) combines history and glamour in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, just steps from Rodeo Drive shopping and dining. For decades, the hotel has been a preferred address for Hollywood celebrities and the international elite, from Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Warren Beatty to the Aga Khan, Dalai Lama and the British royal family. The luxury hotel features 395 stylish guest rooms (including 137 spacious suites), Michelin-starred restaurants, a world-class spa, and warmly hospitable Four Seasons service.

The international smash movie hit Pretty Woman (1990) was filmed at Beverly Wilshire, and the iconic hotel has long drawn movie lovers to its doors.

• Hotel website: Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel

4. BELLAGIO LAS VEGAS, USA

Bellagio, an award-winning MGM resort & casino, is one of the best choices in Las Vegas for discerning travelers. It is home to a staggering 3950 rooms, award winning restaurants, the lush Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a sumptuous spa, and salon and shopping at designer boutiques. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presents exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by the world’s most influential artists (such as Picasso). Inspired by the villages of Europe, the hotel overlooks a Mediterranean-blue lake with spectacular fountains performing a magnificent ballet.

In Ocean’s Eleven (2011), the star-studded crew (George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia) plans to rob the Bellagio’s vault.

• Hotel website: Bellagio
• Other accolades: Bellagio features in my top 10 list of the largest hotels in the world.

3. PARK HYATT TOKYO, JAPAN

From the moment a guest walks in and collects the room key on a sterling silver key ring, it is clear that a stay at Park Hyatt Tokyo will be an “over-the-top” experience. Perched on the top floors of a modern skyscraper that towers above one of Asia’s most thrilling cities, the legendary Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel is an elegant oasis of space and calm overlooking Tokyo and the Kanto Plain all the way to Munt Fuji. The spacious rooms feature stylishly appointed interiors, with earthy hues of deep green and brown set against ebony furnishings, and a rich warmth from the fine woodwork, hand-tufted carpets, and natural-fibre woven wall coverings.

Sofia Coppola’s beautiful movie Lost in Translation (2003) was filmed at the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Other accolades: Park Hyatt Tokyo also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Japan and the most exclusive hotels in Tokyo.
• Review: read here my review of the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

2. ST REGIS BORA BORA

Reaching out across 44 acres of lush landscaping edged by powdery white sands and a crystalline lagoon, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort represents the epitome of carefree elegance. Its 100 exquisitely designed accommodations feature the largest over-water villas in the South Seas as well as stunning beach villas, showcases for the warm glow of exotic woods, handwoven fabrics and regional art. Rising in the distance, the towering majesty of Mount Otemanu is an ever-present symbol of the lofty luxury and impressively personalized service that are the hallmarks of St. Regis.

The resort, set against a backdrop of jaw-dropping beauty, was used as the exotic Eden Resort for filming the movie Couples Retreat (2009).

• Hotel website: St Regis Bora Bora
• Other top 10 accolades: St Regis Bora Bora also features in my top 10 lists of the most beautiful hotel beaches in the world and the best luxury resorts in French Polynesia.

1. AMANJENA, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Date palms and olive trees dot the grounds of Amanjena, a ultraluxurious oasis that is located outside the ancient city of Marrakech and managed by Aman (the world’s most exclusive hotel brand). The resort’s indulgent tranquillity is complemented by easy access to the medina and Morocco’s mesmerising landscape. Amanjena’s graceful arches, stone courtyards and gentle fountains reflect the region’s Moorish heritage. Its bold sun-kissed red and emerald-green colours are an echo to those of the Red City (Marrakech) and its royal heritage. Radiating out from an ancient, life-giving basin, Amanjena’s 32 Pavilions and seven Maisons are contemporary interpretations of Moroccan traditions.

The 2010 movie Sex and the City 2 was filmed at Amanjena, although it’s marketed as an Abu Dhabi hotel in the film.

• Hotel website: Amanjena

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Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (September 30, 2019): Top 10 best luxury hotels in New Delhi.

Delhi, the capital of India and one of the oldest cities of the world, is unlike any other city on the planet. It’s a place that not only touches your pulse but even fastens it to a frenetic speed. With a history that goes back many centuries & empires, Delhi is an intense blend of diverse cultures, sprawling greenery, rich architecture and a famed cuisine. From the labyrinth of narrow lanes, old havelis and colorful bazaars of Old Delhi to the best features of a modern city such as gleaming malls and bustling markets, there’s a lot to see and do in Delhi. This includes a visit to the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. New Delhi is also home to some great luxury hotels, which are a playground of jet setters and fashionistas. Here’s my countdown of the 10 best hotels in the city.

There is more information (with reviews and Youtube clips) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Leave it in the comments or take my poll below.

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10. JW MARRIOTT HOTEL NEW DELHI AEROCITY

This 5-star hotel, managed by the JW Marriott hotel brand, offers 511 stylish rooms and suites, personalized service and an ideal location for a stay in India. The property is near Delhi’s international airport and the Ambience Mall and Qutab Minar. The luxury rooms and suites feature indulgent bedding, mini-bars, marble bathrooms, ample workstations, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. The property has five remarkable restaurants and bars, including a chic speakeasy, a popular multi-cuisine buffet and a Japanese restaurant with a Korean influence. The hotel also features an upscale day spa, heated outdoor pool, modern fitness center, and event space, including one of the largest banquet halls in Delhi.

• Hotel website: JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

9. ITC MAURYA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

The stateliness of ITC Maurya is situated in the diplomatic enclave of New Delhi and has long been the favored accommodation of heads of state, royalty and business leaders from across the world. Inspired by the grand Mauryan dynasty, one of the world’s largest and most powerful kingdoms at its zenith, this 5 star luxury hotel expresses the refined courtliness and majesty resembling this mighty empire. The 437 rooms and suites encapsulate the luxury hotel experience with exemplary service and warm hospitality soaked in Indian traditions. The hotel also features excellent restaurants including the iconic and world renowned Bukhara, banqueting facilities, and an upscale spa and wellness center.

• Hotel website: ITC Maurya, a Luxury Collection Hotel

8. TAJ PALACE NEW DELHI

Located in the diplomatic enclave, minutes from downtown and the presidential palace, the Taj Palace Hotel has had the privilege of hosting historic visits and global summits for more than 30 years. The property is spread out over six acres of lush gardens in the heart of India’s capital city, and represents an oasis of calm while still being right in the middle of the city’s action. The hotel pays tribute to the Mughal era by bringing you some of its art, traditions and cuisine in a modern setting. The hotel features 403 luxury rooms and suites that have played gracious host to royalty, heads of state, and Bollywood celebrities. The Taj Palace is also home to a several multi-award-winning fine-dining restaurants specializing in Vietnamese, Continental-European and Indian cuisines.

• Hotel website: The Taj Palace New Delhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for two).

7. ANDAZ DELHI

Conveniently located in Aerocity, the hotel is within easy reach of downtown Delhi and the business hub of Gurgaon. Designed to capture the spirit of Delhi by renowned architect Bauer Latoza Studio and interior designer Virgile, the hotel integrates traditional Indian elements, colors and flavors into a modern design inspired by the unique craftsmanship of India. Andaz Delhi offers 401 residential-style guestrooms, including 45 suites. Each guestroom at Andaz Delhi features a unique curated piece of art that celebrates a reason to “fall in love with Delhi.” Facilities include a heated swimming pool, sun deck, a fully furnished gym and a “European food hall”, where guests sample delicious European and local cuisine inspired by the colors and flavors of India.

• Hotel website: Andaz Delhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking a Hyatt Prive rate via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a $50 USD hotel credit).

6. SHANGRI-LA EROS HOTEL NEW DELDHI

Situated in beautifully landscaped gardens in the historic government district, Shangri-La Hotel New Delhi is located just 12 miles (19 km) from the airport. The property overlooks Connaught Place and other major shopping and business centers and is convenient to New Delhi’s historical sites, museums and art galleries. The hotel is a self-contained oasis equipped to cater to its guests every need. Facilities include a sparkling outdoor pool, childrens pool, fully-equipped 24-hour fitness center, and luxurious day spa. Also available are two superb restaurants, a bakery/delicatessen, and conference facilities. Accommodations include 320 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites – each furnished in a contemporary style inspired by Indias rich history and culture.

• Hotel website: Shangri-La Eros Hotel New Delhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Classic Travel (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for two).

5. TAJ MAHAL HOTEL

On Number One Mansingh Road stands The Taj Mahal Hotel, a tribute to timeless hospitality and service, which complements the broad boulevards and leafy splendor of Delhi’s chief architect, Edwin Lutyens. Its proximity to the seat of government, the city’s diplomatic corps and business district has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicenter of Delhi. Reflecting the heritage of Mughal Delhi, this hotel offers graceful architecture with modern facilities. The hotel has 294 executive rooms including 27 suites. Dining options include Indian cuisine at Varq, Japanese fare at Wasabi, and authentic Chinese cuisine at House of Ming. Be sure to experience the hotel’s spa, where holistic therapies with Indo-Western influences await you.

• Hotel website: The Taj Mahal Hotel
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for two).

4. THE IMPERIAL NEW DELHI

Reckoned amongst Asia’s finest hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history. Built in 1931 by Blomfield, a Lutyens’ associate, the hotel is known for its contemporary colonial style. The property is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway. It is steps away from the renowned shopping district Connaught Place and major city attractions and a half-hour drive from the international airport. The 235 rooms and suites overlook verdant gardens and offer total privacy and serenity. The Imperial houses award-winning restaurants, with a culinary palette that ranges from Southeast Asian, multi-cuisine and Indian to French and Italian.

• Hotel website: The Imperial New Delhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and complimentary Wifi).

3. THE LEELA PALACE NEW DELHI

The Leela Palace New Delhi is located at the very heart of the capital’s prestigious Diplomatic Enclave and exemplifies the magnificent architecture, grace and elegance of Lutyens’ Delhi. The 254 guestrooms, as inviting as they are opulent, offer top-end comfort, service and technology, and rank among the largest in the city. When you book a Royal Club rooms (or higher), you also get complimentary transfers, food and beverage throughout the day and more. The hotel’s culinary offerings include two international fine dining institutions: modern-Japanese restaurant MEGU and French-Italian restaurant Le Cirque. Recreational facilities are Spa by ESPA London and a temperature-controlled rooftop pool. You’re just a short distance from India Gate and other iconic city landmarks.

• Hotel website: The Leela Palace New Delhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary dinner for two).
• Review: read my review of The Leela Palace New Delhi here.

2. THE LODHI NEW DELHI

Just minutes from the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the peaceful Lodhi gardens and many other iconic sites, The Lodhi Hotel provides one of the world’s most colorful and cosmopolitan capital cities with a tranquil retreat. Offering essential respite in spacious surrounds, this city-based resort is an elegant haven exuding an air of sophisticated calm, and provides guests with an ideal base from which to experience the city. The Lodhi ethos is simple and easy luxury. But it’s also an ethos of ‘contrasts’, from the dynamic and vibrant atmosphere in the restaurants, courtyards and public areas to the seclusion, peace and club- like atmosphere of the seven floors of guest accommodation. The Lodhi Hotel was known as an Aman resort until 2013.

• Hotel website: The Lodhi
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for two).
• Review: read my review of The Lodhi here.

1. THE OBEROI NEW DELHI

Reopened in 2018 after an extensive refurbishment, The Oberoi New Delhi hotel reflects the spirit of India’s capital city in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. The property offers spacious, light-filled rooms and suites with cutting-edge technology and sweeping views of Delhi Golf Course and Humayun’s Tomb. Restaurants include Threesixty for all-day fine dining, a contemporary Indian specialty restaurant and a rooftop Chinese restaurant. There is also an open-air rooftop bar, a wine cellar and a new cigar lounge. Wellness facilities include The Oberoi Spa, temperature-controlled indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a 24-hour fitness center.

• Hotel website: The Oberoi New Delhi
• Other accolades: The Oberoi New Delhi also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in India.
• Tip: get complimenary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary lunch).
• Review: read my review of The Oberoi New Delhi here.

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Today (October 2, 2017): Top 10 world’s best luxury hotels that are soaked in history.

If you’re tired of lazy beach summer holidays and winter ski trips, then I suggest you to set off on a new type of journey and discover the history buff and culture freak inside you. When you go on a historic trip, you might as well book yourself into an iconic hotel with a provocative past to spend the night. In my following top 10 selection of hotels, you can revel in the charming ambience of bygone eras without missing out on ultraluxe comforts. Famed for their stunning architecture, historical location or colorful past, all of these hotels have their own extraordinary stories to tell, about ferocious wars that have happened, royals and presidents who have spent the night, and events that changes the world as we know it today.

There is more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Leave a comment, or take my poll below!

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10. MONASTERO SANTA ROSA HOTEL & SPA, AMALFI COAST, ITALY

Striking the perfect balance of seclusion without solitude, Monastero Santa Rosa allows guests to determine the tone of their stay, whether they’re looking to disappear for an intimate getaway or gather with the group and make new acquaintances. Perched on the cliff’s edge, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa stands alone in majestic solitude, its rock base evoking the robe of a king. Originally a 17th-century monastery, Monastero Santa Rosa has been affectionately and respectfully restored into an exclusive boutique hotel and extraordinary luxury spa honoring its historic heritage. Ideally located between Positano and Amalfi, part of a coastline already boasting some of the most beautiful vistas in the world, Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa sets a new standard for breathtaking panoramas seducing patrons with its heavenly allure for generations to come.

• Hotel website: Monastero Santa Rosa
• Travel tip: enjoy complimentary VIP benefits when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, welcome cocktail, and $100 USD food & beverage credit.
• Review: read my review of Monastero Santa Rosa here.

9. SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HANOI, VIETNAM

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a popular rendez-vous spot for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers 364 rooms and suites, spread over two wings: the original grandeur is preserved in the historical Metropole Wing, whereas the Opera Wing offers a neo-classic elegance. The hotel, which opened in 1902, was the first venue in Indo-China to show motion pictures. Following a period of independence in Vietnam during the 1950s, the property was later handed over to the Vietnamese government and used as the government’s official guest house. During the Vietnam war, an expansive bomb shelter was built to protect guests in a safe space during air strikes. It was during this period that the famous folk singer Joan Baez composed her song ‘Where Are You Now, My Son?’ within her hotel room, with the sounds of an air raid audible in the recording’s backdrop.

• Hotel website: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Other accolades: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Vietnam.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $75 USD food & beverage credit, and afternoon tea with chocolate buffet or a glass of champagne in Bamboo bar or Le Club bar per person for maximum of 2 people).
• Review: read here my review of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

8. HOTEL ALFONSO XIII, SEVILLE, SPAIN

In the city of Carmen and Velazquez, between the magic of the Royal Alcazar Palace and a 15th century Gothic cathedral, there’s a palace that since 1928 has been an integral part of Seville’s charm. It is the Hotel Alfonso XIII, built and inaugurated by the king whose name it bears to host royal families and illustrious guests in a sumptuous setting for their visits to the Great Exhibition. Those times are long gone, but the same hospitality lives on, and its splendor embodies the tradition, hospitality, aesthetic genius, and harmony of life that characterizes Seville. Unveil new experiences in an Andalusian palace with square towers, mudejar-style windows and ceramics from Triana surrounded by a Sevillian fantasy of mysterious gardens, fountains and palm trees. From the lobby, to the inner-courtyard, to the outdoor swimming pool and along the marble of the patio, you’ll walk in the footsteps of kings. The 147 rooms are decorated in Castillian, Moorish and Isabelline baroque style, with upholstered walls, crystal chandeliers and all the modern amenities that guests deserve.

• Hotel website: Hotel Alfonso XIII
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two people per room once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities ).

7. BELMOND COPACABANA PALACE, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

The history of the most luxurious hotel of Rio began when President Epitácio Pessoa asked the hotelier Otavio Guinle to construct the palace to host a visit of the king of Belgium. The French architect Joseph Gire modeled the hotel on the Mediterranean style of the Hotels Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. Since its Art Deco doors swung open in 1923, Belmond Copacabana Palace has been welcoming the rich and famous. One cannot miss this hotel, as it is the only one with a grand, carved white-marble facade, making it the matriarch of Copacabana. Its conscientious renovations continue their slow but steady pace. The hotel guests can sunbathe, swim and socialize in one of Rio’s largest and most attractive swimming pools. The hotel also features some top restaurants, such as the highly acclaimed Cipriani Restaurant, which offers Italian fine dining.

• Hotel website: Belmond Copacabana Palace
• Other accolades: Belmond Copacabana Palace also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Rio De Janeiro.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

6. ASHFORD CASTLE, IRELAND

Unrivaled service and five-star luxury await at the magnificent Ashford Castle. Situated in a spectacular 350 acre estate on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib, the castle dates back to 1228 when it was founded by the de Burgo family, who were defeated in a battle in 1589 and subsequently lost their home to Lord Ingham governor of Connaught. It was transformed in 1715 by the Oranmore and Browne family with the addition of a French style chateau, before becoming a hotel at a later stage. The castle features splendid interiors brimming with antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features at every turn. With 82 spectacular rooms, suites and the Hideaway Cottage, a wealth of activities and plenty of thoughtful touches, guests will enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale. From fine dining to a wealth of activities on the doorstep, a stay at Ashford Castle is perfect for romantic breaks, family escapes and elegant private events.

• Hotel website: Ashford Castle
• Other accolades: Ashord Castle also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most magnificent castle hotels.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR, INDIA

The Taj Lake Palace is a marble fantasy that floats magically on the still blue waters of Lake Pichola. It was built in 1746 as the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II. During the famous Indian Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 several European families fled from Nimach and used the island as an asylum, offered to them by Maharana Swaroop Singh. To protect his guests, the Rana destroyed all the town’s boats so that the rebels could not reach the island. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world-renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed here. This heritage hotel has 66 luxurious rooms and 17 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Probably the most romantic hotel in the world, this 262-year old palace offers guests a unique blend of serenity and opulence.

• Hotel website: Taj Lake Palace
• Other accolades: Taj Lake Palace features in my top 10 lists of luxury hotels made famous by movies and the world’s most magnificent castle hotels.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one complimentary lunch or dinner ).

4. AMAN SVETI STEFAN, MONTENEGRO

Perhaps the most iconic image associated with Montenegro, the fortified island of Sveti Stefan dates back to the 15th century when Adriatic pirates held sway over this crystal-clear coastline. Attached to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, the restored village lies across the bay from Villa Miločer, a former royal retreat, and provides unparalleled access to the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with 80 acres of grounds, two kilometers (1,3 miles) of beaches and a standalone Aman Spa, these two historic sites comprise Aman Sveti Stefan. While the island’s historic exterior remains largely unchanged, the resort’s interiors have been restored and updated to meet contemporary expectations. Expect to find 58 unique luxury lodgings, all coming with gorgeous bathrooms and with a myriad of views ranging from sea and rooftops to quaint courtyards and piazzas.

• Hotel website: Aman Sveti Stefan
• Other accolades: Aman Sveti Stefan also features in my top 10 lists of the most spectacular hotel bathrooms, the best Aman resorts in the world, Europe’s most astonishing beach retreats.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one lunch for 2).

3. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

Built on the site of a former 14th century monastery, Mandarin Oriental Prague is both a five-star luxury hotel and a wonderfully preserved piece of history. In 1784, as part of the reforms instituted by the Emperor Josef II, the monastery was abolished and the church deconsecrated. After the end of World War II the monastery housed the Central State Archive and State Print Works, the latter not being abolished until 1993. Enjoying a peaceful location on a quiet cobbled street of picturesque Malá Strana on the left bank of the Vltava River, the hotel is a serene retreat infused with centuries of character and a style that blends contemporary design with period features. With 79 elegant rooms, 20 individually decorated suites, excellent dining and a luxurious spa (the only spa in the world located in a former Renaissance chapel!), the hotel offers a truly unique five-star experience in the heart of the Czech Republic’s prettiest city.

• Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Prague
• Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental Prague also features in my top 10 lists of the best hotels in Prague and the most amazing city hotels in Europe.
• Review: read my review of Mandarin Oriental Prague here.

2. HÔTEL DE CRILON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, PARIS, FRANCE

This legendary palace offers a refined and illustrious history, encapsulating the very best France has to offer. In 1758, King Louis XV commissioned the greatest architect of his day, Jacques-Ange Gabriel, to build twin structures overlooking the Place de la Concorde. With its perfectly proportioned, Neoclassical façade and architecture, the hotel was designed to captivate. It has dazzled generations of visitors and played host to some of history’s greatest events. The building has stood through the reigns of two French kings, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of the Napoleonic Empire and the birth of the League of Nations. Long owned by the illustrious family of the Counts of Crillon, this private mansion was later transformed into a luxury palace hotel. Hôtel de Crillon’s 78 rooms, 36 suites and 10 signature suites embody an expressly Parisian residential style that is equally warm and refined.

• Hotel website: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

1. AMAN AT SUMMER PALACE, CHINA

Just steps from the East Gate of the Summer Palace grounds lies Aman at Summer Palace – the ideal location from which to discover the Chinese capital, since the property provides easy access to such cultural landmarks as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the hutongs, as well as Beijing’s restaurants, art galleries and other contemporary delights. A serene retreat that embraces traditional Chinese architecture, the 51-suite resort is housed in a series of pavilions. Some of the original dwellings were used by guests of the Summer Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi at the turn of the twentieth century. All accommodations overlook internal courtyards that feature an intricate latticework of pathways, separating formal gardens and trees. The resort’s aesthetic references draw upon traditional materials and the architecture and design of the Qing and Ming Dynasties.

• Hotel website: Aman at Summer Palace
• Other accolades: Aman at Summer Palace also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in China, the world’s most luxurious, large city hotels, the best Aman resorts in the world, and the world’s most stunning indoor pools.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one lunch for two).
• Review: read here my review of Aman at Summer Palace.

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Today (December 26, 2014): December luxury travel news.

Every last Friday of the month, you can read a news round-up of what’s happening in the world of luxury travel. In this issue:

• The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg opens
• One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives adds private pools to its overwater villas
• The Langham, Sydney reopens after a AUD$30 million refurbishment
• Intercontinental Hotels is set to rebrand the Four Seasons Dublin
• Intercontinental Hotels acquires Kimpton Hotels
• Emirates launches 3 new A380 Rroutes
• Taj, Marriott, Starwood, and Hyatt hotels announce free WiFi for all
• Amanresorts opens its Tokyo property
• Austrian Airlines announces flight service to Mauritius
• Qatar Airways takes delivery of the first Airbus A350

1. THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF JOHANNESBURG OPENS

The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg opened on December 1st, and it is the first property in the brand’s portfolio in Southern Africa. Formerly known as The Westcliff, the iconic hillside hotel closed its doors to the public in June 2013 for a complete USD 52 million reinvention. With 117 newly decorated contemporary African-inspired guest rooms and suites, the design resembles a hillside village woven with courtyards, fountains and gardens.  Guests and visitors also enjoy five exciting new dining outlets, a nine treatment room destination spa, deli, and lap pool. Two new transparent panoramic elevators take guests on a striking visual journey to the upper part of the property, where the two main restaurants, View and Flames, are perched high up on the Westcliff hillside offering spectacular views of the city below.

2. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH MALDIVES ADDS PRIVATE POOLS TO ITS OVERWATER VILLAS

One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives is one of our favorite hotels in the world. Truthfully, we don’t know if it would be possible to make the resort any more luxurious, being the all-villa tropical-island getaway (and celeb-magnet) that it is. The resort is trying nonetheless, introducing a new accommodation category that removes the understandably fundamental dilemma between wanting your own private pool, which confines you to staying on land, and wanting to see the Indian Ocean right underneath you, which means no pool. The solution? Overwater pool villas of course.  Each villa is 850 square feet, with the infinity pool at 325 sq ft.  All this does come at a price, with rates we can see early next year starting at $3,300 a night. That means after a long weekend, you’ll be leaving $15,000 behind on accommodation alone. Take us with you if you go?

3. THE LANGHAM SYDNEY REOPENS AFTER AUD$30 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

The Langham, Sydney has re-opened its doors this months after a AUD$30 million grand transformation. Langham Hospitality Group purchased The Langham, Sydney (previously The Observatory Hotel) in 2012 from Orient Express (now Belmond) and rebranded in the same year with great success. The executive team allocated two years to carefully appraise the Sydney space before confirming redevelopment plans in 2014. The internationally designed spaces are now paired with eclectic interior furnishings and every corner of this magnificent hotel has been given a grand treatment. Each light switch, fitting, fixture, chandelier, every piece of marble has been replaced with a more superior product. Hand curated art by Sotheby’s, Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, an immersive fine dining concept at Sydney’s newest offering, Kent Street Kitchen, an exclusive new day spa, five brand-new, lavish event spaces for the glitterati of the city to enjoy, plus Sydney’s largest lead-in guestrooms with Langham’s signature terraces and balconies, is just a taste of the modern luxury that awaits you.

4. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS IS SET TO REBRAND THE FOUR SEASONS DUBLIN

Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts will reflag the Four Seasons Hotel Dublin next month. Four Seasons Hotels announced its decision to cease management of the property in October of this year, and recent reports had both Hyatt Hotels and Intercontinental Hotels in the running to take over the management.  Located in the Irish capital’s upmarket Ballsbridge neighbourhood, the hotel has 197 rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, a gym, a spa and an indoor pool. It also features 1,400 sqm of meeting space. Since opening its doors in 2001, the hotel has become a preferred destination for discerning travellers and was recently voted by TripAdvisor users as one of the 2014 Travelers Choice Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Ireland. Until the transition on January 1st 2015, it is business as usual as employees will continue to provide the same legendary service guests have come to expect from Four Seasons; after that date, service levels are expected to drop.

5. INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS ACQUIRES KIMPTON HOTELS

The Intercontinental Hotel Group has agreed to acquire Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (“Kimpton”) for $430 million in cash. Kimpton is the world’s largest independent boutique hotel operator and a sophisticated food and beverage operator, that manages 62 hotels and 71 hotel-based destination restaurants and bars in the most attractive cities and resorts in the US with a further 16 hotels in the pipeline. Highly complementary with IHG’s Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels brands, acquisition of Kimpton makes IHG the clear market leader in the boutique segment, the fastest growing segment in the industry, with over 200 open and pipeline hotels across 19 countries. IHG is set to accelerate the growth of the Kimpton brand within the US and to launch it globally. The transaction will be earnings enhancing in its first full year and achieve returns above IHG’s cost of capital by year three.

6. EMIRATES LAUNCHES 3 NEW A380 ROUTES

The world’s largest commercial aircraft will start making daily flights to three new destinations this week, all operated by Emirates and flying from Dubai International Airport (DXB): Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).  The expanded routes now offer daily A380 service to each destination in both directions. The airline reports over four million people combined have flown to the destinations since their initial launch of service. With the expansion, Emirates brings the number of added A380 destinations to 12 in the past year. In the past 12 months, the middle east carrier also added superjumbo service to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Mumbai International Airport (BOM). Emirates now boasts a fleet of 55 A380 superjumbo aircraft, with 11 of the aircraft joining the fleet in 2014. The airline claims their fleet represents exactly one-third of all operating A380s, with over 32 million flyers served to date on the aircraft. Click here to read our trip report of Business Class inside an Emirates A380 (Dubai to Sydney).

7. TAJ, MARRIOTT, STARWOOD AND HYATT HOTELS ANNOUNCE FREE WIFI FOR ALL

In 2015, Taj, Marriott, Starwood, and Hyatt hotel will all introduce complimentary WiFi  in all of their worldwide properties (a long overdue measure).  Wireless access will begin upon check-in and guests can use the standard internet cost-free. The hotel groups says the standard internet has enough bandwidth for browsing the web, checking email and using social media. Guests interested in more (say to stream videos or download large files) can upgrade to the premium usage level for an extra fee. Premium level are still complimentary to elite members of the respective hotel groups. While Taj and Hyatt have no restrictions on free internet use, Starwood and Marriott will only offer it for bookings made directly on their official website (and not through a third party).

8. AMANRESORTS OPENS IT TOKYO PROPERTY

Amanresorts, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand, launched its first city property and the 27th in its portfolio: Aman Tokyo. Occupying the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is an urban sanctuary high above the atmospheric whirl of tradition and modernity that epitomises Tokyo.  Aman Tokyo draws its design inspiration from traditional Japanese residential structures: classic Japanese materials such as timber, Washi paper and stone are blended to great effect with modern technology and luxurious fabrics. There is also a continuous reference to nature, from the Otemachi Forest (a forested area of 3,600 square metres in the city) and the hotel’s inner garden, to the fabrics and art incorporated into the design. The hotel has 84 rooms and suites, all with unique layouts, magnificent city views and every contemporary convenience. Each room and suite has a large furo – a deep soaking tub intrinsic to the Japanese ritual of bathing.

9. AUSTRIAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES FLIGHT SERVICE TO MAURITIUS

Austrian Airlines is commencing flight service to Mauritius in the winter of 2015-16. The airline will fly nonstop from Vienna to Mauritius every Thursday and back to Vienna on Fridays. Passengers have the opportunity to sit back, relax in the new cabin of the Boeing 767, watch a film of their choice on their own touch screen monitor and enjoy delicious food on board. After a flight time of 10 hours and 40 minutes, the aircraft will land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport on Mauritius, an island famous for its luxury resorts.  In recent years, destinations in the Indian Ocean have seen market growth for Austrian passengers. Austrian Airlines flights to the Maldives are also extremely popular, showing the high potential in the Austrian long-haul tourism segment. Austrian Airlines expects local passengers to comprise two-thirds of those flying to Mauritius, whereas transfer passengers from other European destinations flying there via the Vienna hub will make up the other third. Tickets for the flights can be booked at http://www.austrian.com or at a travel agency. Tickets are available starting from EUR 899 in Economy Class and starting from EUR 2,999 in Business Class.

10. QATAR AIRWAYS TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST AIRBUS A350

This week, Qatar Airways took delivery of the first Airbus A350. The aircraft is the latest the industry has to offer in noise reduction, emissions and maintenance and it also caused a strategic shift in Airbus. The call for both cabin comfort and better economics from airlines like Qatar caused a rethink at Airbus and the first of 778 orders to date was delivered after almost a decade of design and production. It represents another milestone in the battle for the wide-body market with Boeing and is the company’s 15 billion dollar answer to the 787 – the Dreamliner. Next month the two jets will start competing in the skies. Analysts believe with the arrival of the carbon-plastic A350 the two companies are now well matched. Boeing’s first 787 was delivered three years ago albeit after four years of delays. It has sold more than 1,000 of the jets with more than 200 already in the hands of airline companies.

Enjoy the weekend and stay tuned for Monday when we reveal a new top 10 travel list.

The post Luxury travel news: this month (December 2014) in travel appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today: travel news: the 30 best luxury hotels that opened their doors in 2013. 

More info and direct link to the hotel websites (click the hotel name) below the slide show!

1. AMANOI, VIETNAM

Aman makes its debut in Vietnam with a contemporary beachside resort alongside a full-service Aman Spa. Named for the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and noi meaning ‘place’, Amanoi is a tranquil retreat situated on a gorgeous white sand beach overlooking spectacular Vinh Hy Bay in Nui Chua National Park, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Guest accommodation includes 31 Pavilions, a number with private swimming pools, and five Aman Villas, all positioned on the hillside with impressive views.

2. AMAN CANAL GRANDE VENICE, ITALY

The new Aman in Venice, along Canal Grande, is housed in Palazzo Papadopoli, which was built in the 16th century by the architect Gian Giacomo dé Grigi. The hotel has gracefully blended the artful furniture pieces and art crafts preserved in the long history with modern twist creating the newly inspired stylish resort. The 20 suites and rooms are created in a very refined style and a private rooftop offers splendid views over Venice and, on a clear day,  the Alps in the distance.

3. BANYAN TREE LANG CO, VIETNAM

Dramatic landscapes and sensational East Sea vistas greet you upon arrival at Banyan Tree Lang Co, located just over 40 km (25 miles) away from Da Nang in Central Vietnam. All villas have a private pool that come with either a lagoon or beach view. The resort is not only surrounded by tropical forest and pristine coastlines, but also ideally placed to visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites: the imperial city of Hue, the charming old town of Hoi, and the historical ruins of My Son.

4. RITZ CARLTON, ARUBA

Just steps from the powdery white sands of Aruba’s famed Palm Beach, the Ritz-Carlton is Aruba’s new top property. All 320 beautifully appointed rooms and suites have private balconies overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are four dining outlets on site, as well as a luxurious, 13-treatment-room span 2 swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. Downtown Oranjestad, with its shopping, dining and nightlife, is just 10 minutes away from the beach resort.

5. ANDAZ MAUI, HAWAII, USA

Perched along crescent-shaped shores, the 15-acre beachfront resort immerses you in the warm, welcoming spirit of Hawaii, with suites that offer refreshing rain showers and a host of complimentary luxuries. This hotel, part of the Hyatt chain, is already the new star in Maui after it opened doors in September 2013. It is a revamp of the previous hotel, the Renaissance, but with all the current incarnation’s urban sharpness and distinctive services, you would never know.

6. ANDAZ PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA

Where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo has arrived to personify Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” (pure life) expression, an extension of the native spirit of the country. The design by Costa Rican architect Ronald Zurcher translates the healthy and poetic integration of men and nature, with 153 rooms (including 21 suites) that make you feel you part of the breathtaking setting and buildings created to the images of jungle creatures.

7. PARK HYATT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Hyatt rebranded renowned Cambodia hotel to the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. The luxurious five-star hotel is situated near the renowned 12th century ruins of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site that researchers believe was one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world. An elegant hide-away and oasis of tranquility in the center of hectic Siem Reap, the exquisite hotel has 108 stylish guestrooms and suites, a private garden nd gorgeous swimming pool.

Read our review here.

8. FOUR SEASONS, ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Within a 19^th century Russian royal palace, its entry guarded by 2 marble lions, the Four Seasons heritage hotel interiors, including the main stairway, vestibule and entry hall, have all been painstakingly restored to their original 1820 beauty. The 157 guest rooms and 26 suites reflect imperial Russian style while feeling fresh, light and contemporary. The hotel is located in the historic Admiralteysky district, just 2 blocks the Hermitage Museum and close to Nevsky Prospekt and the Mariinsky Theatre.

9. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SHANGHAI, CHINA

Spectacularly located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the new Mandarin Oriental hotel lies in the heart of Pudong’s central financial district. Surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers, the hotels and its 362 spacious rooms offer a unique blend of style and comfort with a stunning design, world-class restaurants, serene spa and Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service.  The hotel is located minutes from Shanghai IFC and World Financial Centre, and 10 minutes from the historic bund.

10. W VERBIER, SWITZERLAND

W Hotels’ first alpine escape is located near Place Blanche, the new heart of Verbier. The hotel has 130 rooms, suites and residences, each with signature W beds and balcony and some with panoramic vistas, You can stay in shape with a work out in FIT gym and fitness, take a dip in the stunning indoor/outdoor pool, or wind down at the  Spa. Be prepared for the adrenalin of Europe’s most exciting slopes (412 km or 256 miles of top-notch ski runs), startling vistas and glamorous social scene.

11. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ISTANBUL, TURKEY

In the Besiktas district on the western edge of Istanbul, the luxurious 1929-tobacco warehouse-turned-hotel has bagged a prime spot on the European bank of the Bosphorus. The pastel palette of blue, beige and cream that dominates the opulent interior is a calming contrast to the pandemonium of Istanbul’s streets. The 186 rooms are claimed to be the city’s most spacious, and some have front row seats for the restless turmoil of shipping on one of the world’s most historic waterways.

12. ROSEWOOD HOTEL LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

The first London outpost of the American-based, Hong Kong-owned, ultra-luxury group Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has been created in a magnificent 1914 Belle Epoque building on High Holborn, originally the HQ of Pearl Assurance and more recently the Chancery Court Hotel.  The massive 262-room, 44-suite hotel is a pure delight to stay at — grand but not intimidating, discreetly sumptuous and warm, its food, beverages, spa and guest services top notch.

13. CHEVAL BLANC RHANDHELI, MALDIVES

The Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy resort offers 46 Island, Water and Garden villas in neutral colors and tones that complement the open design of the space. They each have a variety of contemporary design elements, high doors and ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, pool terraces, a 12.5m long private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons.  The Cheval Blanc Spa offers up exclusive Guerlain treatments in special treatment villas. The Hair Spa by Leonor Greyl doubles as a beauty studio and barber shop.

This hotel also features in our top 10 list of best resorts in the Maldives.

14. VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND, MALDIVES

An exceptional private luxury retreat in Noonu Atoll, with 45 all-pool villas and service that goes beyond traditional resorts, Velaa offers Michelin star cuisine and one of the finest wine cellars in the Indian Ocean archipelago, to world-class watersports including its own private submarine. Exceptional facilities “beyond traditional resorts” extend to the only My Blend By Clarins spa in the Maldives and a ‘short game’ golf academy designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal.

This hotel also features in our top 10 list of best resorts in the Maldives.

15. LANGHAM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA

Embodying the timeless qualities that define the Langham legacy since 1865 – heritage, history and hospitality – the 316 room Langham Chicago gracefully blends urban sophistication with refined luxury. Conveniently located downtown in a 52-story landmark tower designed by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe, the hotel is minutes away from Chicago’s luxurious, boutique-lined Millenium Mile. The hotel is also home to the highly acclaimed Chuan Spa where guests can indulge in signature wellness.

Read our review here.

16. MAHALI MZURI, KENIA

Located just north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, right in the path of the annual Wildebeest migration, Mahali Mzuri is the latest addition to Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s eclectic and exclusive portfolio of retreats. Accommodation is in 12 luxury tented suites, each standing on raised platform with a spacious canopied veranda, an ensuite bathroom with a freestanding roll-top tub and a stupendous view into which big game – even the odd lion – may wander.

17. AWASI, PATAGONIA, CHILI

Awasi Patagonia, officially been inducted into the Relais & Chateaux Association, is situated inside a private reserve neighboring the breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park. The location is protected from the strong Pataginian winds by a luxuriant native forest (where, occasionally, pumas are spotted). The 12 villas (one of them with 2 suites) all enjoy utmost privacy and views of the forest, Lake Sarmiento, the pampas and Torres del Paine, and their design is inspired by old Patagonian shelters and ranching outposts.

18. POINT YAMU BY COMO, PHUKET, THAILAND

Point Yamu by COMO is a new Phuket luxury resort overlooking the Andaman Sea and the dramatic limestones of Phang Nga Bay. Interiors by Italian designer Paola Navone offer a unique expression of contemporary Thai luxury, alongside a COMO Shambhala wellness retreat and two world-class restaurants. Blue and turquoise design accents in the 79 rooms and suites, and 27 private luxury villas, recall the Andaman Sea with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the spectacular views.

19. CAPELLA GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON

Situated in the heart of Georgetown, along the historic C&O Canal, the hotel offers guests premium access to Washington, D.C.’s vibrant cultural life. The property has 49 guest rooms with 12 suites. Each room at is designed to anticipate one’s desires, from bedside touch button technology to a collection of personal amenities. The bathrooms are built for lounging with soaking bathtubs and glass enclosed rainfall showers.

20. THE CHEDI ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND

The Chedi Andermatt nestles elegantly among the classic ski chalets of Andermatt, a village of timeless charms in the Urseren Valley. For GHM’s first Swiss property, the Asian brand synonymous with style, service and serenity, renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy designed the 104 spacious guest rooms and suites. Traditional materials such as warm woods and natural stone create intimate yet visually striking environments among the accommodations and extensive facilities.

The Chedi Andermatt features in our top 10 list of the most luxurious ski hotels in the world.

21. TAJ PALACE MARRAKECH, MAROCCO

Nestled in the luxurious and exclusive Palmeraie region of Marrakech, Taj Palace offers breathtaking views of the prominent snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Opulent and majestic, and set on 55 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens the Palace unfolds like a beautiful painting, featuring all the splendours of Moorish, Indian and Venetian architecture. This palatial desert oasis features 161 well-appointed, spacious guest rooms, including 25 luxurious suites.

22. BEDARRA ISLAND RESORT, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

When you need to escape and unwind Down Under, there may be no better place to disappear than Bedarra, an all-inclusive, private, tropical haven and the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Bedarra comprises just 8 private villas hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, offering solitude, privacy and sublime views over the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. With a maximum of 16 guests at the resort at any time, you are guaranteed a sanctuary of seclusion and solace.

23. ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL YAMM VILLA RESORT, ABU DHABI, UAE

This exclusive, intimate island experience features villas in a private setting on beautiful white sands overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Inspired by traditional Arabic fishing and pearl diving villages and their barasti (palm frond) houses, the 30 Al Yamm villas – some with private plunge pools – are sustainably built, with design feature complementing the island’s delicate eco-system and with additional views across a mangrove filled salt-water lagoon.

24. INTERCONTINENTAL (HOTEL DIEU) MARSEILLE, FRANCE

The Intercontinental Hotel Dieu instantly became a landmark in Marseille, which now has its first grand, prestigious hotel. The hotel is perfectly located overlooking the Old Port, adjacent to the oldest district in Marseille known as the Panier. The hotel is housed in a listed historical monument dating back to the 18th century and has 172 rooms and 22 suites (all designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel), some of them with a view of the Old Port and a private terrace. Photo provided by Made in Marseille.

25. JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA, KUWEIT

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is ideally located in the secluded area of Messilah along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, with easy access to Kuwait’s major attractions. Inspired by its location, this hotel offers a truly luxurious and idyllic destination in Kuwait that brings an exciting set of new experiences interlaced with heritage and history. The 316 rooms and suites, 80 apartments and 12 villas are all fitted to a high standard to meet one’s expectations of comfort, style and convenience.

26. THE COVE, NORTH ELEUTHERA, BAHAMAS

The Cove, North Eleuthera, one of the best kept secret in the Bahamas, reopened in 2013 after a major transformation.  Located on of the Caribbean’s most beautiful pink sand beach, all 33 villas, guest rooms and suites have been renovated to blend urban chic with island charm. Sapphire blue water and beaches kissed with pink sand are lined by 40 acres of Eleuthera’s lush backdrop. Whether it’s a brief getaway, a wedding or private event, the staff is dedicated to making your stay a dream.

27. WALDORF ASTORIA PANAMA CITY, PANAMA

The Waldorf Astoria group, synonym of excellent service and hospitality opened its first hotel in Latin America. The property, formerly known as The Panamera, is located two blocks from the city center as well as within walking distance of Cinta Costera, one of Latin America’s best running and walking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The hotel features 248 guest rooms and luxury residences, all tastefully designed, including spacious marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers.

28. VICEROY NEW YORK CITY, NY, USA

Viceroy New York, located one block from Central Park, redefines midtown by combining the pulse of the city’s heart with the cosmopolitan spirit of uptown, providing guests with nice New York City views (on the upper floors), superbly tailored (but rather small) accommodations and distinctive service. The building’s innovative Art Deco design, luxurious amenities and culinary offerings make Viceroy New York a funky and good choice for stylish travelers and savvy professionals. 

29. PALAIS HANSEN KEMPINSKI, VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna – originally built as a hotel for the World Exhibition in Vienna in 1873 – captivates the visitor with a historic building, modern architecture and contemporary luxury. Its location in the heart of Vienna is perfect, right at the famous Ring Boulevard.  It is a glamorous 5 star superior Palais Hotel with 152 elegant rooms and suites, 2 restaurants and 3 bars including a Night Bar & Cigar Lounge, a spa and fitness area as well as conference rooms and a ballroom.

30. SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM RESORT & SPA, DUBAI, UAE

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a Polynesian themed resort, with vertical gardens, fresh flowers and artworks bringing elegance to luminous interiors, ideally located on a long private beach on Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent. All 361 deeply comfortable rooms have balconies while suites boast 24-hour butlers and a private lounge.  You can also indulge in a Beach Villa with a roof terrace and pool, or hotel apartments for longer stays in Dubai. The hotel has no less than 8 restaurants and 7 bars and lounges.

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