Butlers, celebrity sightings and 24-karat gold bathrooms fixtures are just the start of what you can expect at some of these bucket list-worthy hotels. These hotels are luxurious but also unique in their experience — destinations in their own right.
In some cases they’re quirky (but still opulent) like Icehotel in Sweden where you can sleep under the aurora borealis in a bed made of ice and Bab Al Shams which features Arabian designs in the desert.
In other cases, like at Aman Tokyo, spread across the top six floors of a city high-rise and Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, a celeb-favourite in the South of France, they exude quiet luxury. They’re places where the staff all know your name and if you saw a celebrity, you’d pretend you didn’t.
This is our edit of the hotels everyone should visit at least once.
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Aman is one of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world, and the suites at Aman Tokyo are the hotel’s largest. The hotel occupies the top six floors of the 38-storey Otemachi Tower. Its interiors were inspired by traditional Japanese designs, and feature ikebana displays, washi paper doors and engawa platforms. Suites all have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out at the city.
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, France
Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc in the French Riviera originally opened in 1870 as a retreat for artists and writers. It’s since hosting Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Today it’s best known as the hotel of choice for guests at The Cannes Film Festival — and as the location for many a festival-related festivity. If you can’t afford a stay, visit one of the hotel’s three waterfront restaurants.
Bab Al Shams, Dubai
Desert resort Bab Al Shams was inspired by the architecture of traditional Arabian fortified villages, designed to create shade and keep interiors cool. The resort has a spa and hammam offering massages, facials and meditation and yoga sessions, as well as four restaurants: Al Hadheerah, Anwa, Zala and Ninive Bab Al Shams.
Icehotel, Sweden
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden has two options for accommodation: art suites or deluxe suites with private bathrooms. Both are open year-round and give you access to a common, heated area with toilets and lockable cabinets to store valuables. A building next door has shared saunas and private showers. If you can’t afford a stay, the Icehotel is open to day visitors.
The Gritti Palace, Italy
Housed in a restored 15th-century palazzo, The Gritti Palace along Venice’s Grand Canal has been operating as a hotel since 1895. Some rooms offer views of the canal while others have lookouts of the city. All feature antique furniture and home décor including Venetian Murano glass.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
Oberoi Hotels is one of India’s best-known luxury hotel brands and within its portfolio, Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur is one of the best. Rajasthani palaces inspired its architecture of pavilions and domes. It has three restaurants, two heated outdoor pools and a spa, all spread across its 20-hectare property along Lake Pichola.
The Peninsula London, UK
The Peninsula brand spent 30 years looking for the location for its London hotel which opened in 2023. It found a prime spot alongside Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, a 10-minute walk from Buckingham Palace. To give you an idea of the level of detail at The Peninsula London: staff uniforms were custom-created by British designer Jenny Packham.
The Plaza Hotel, US
Opened in 1907, The Plaza Hotel on New York City’s 5th Avenue has been featured in some of Hollywood’s most successful movies including Home Alone 2, Sleepless in Seattle and The Great Gatsby. The hotel is home to The Palm Court restaurant, one of the city’s best-known spots for afternoon tea. It also houses a Guerlain Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre and 24-karat gold-plated fixtures in hotel bathrooms.
Qualia, Australia
A stay at Qualia on Hamilton Island in Australia’s The Whitsundays includes chauffeur service from the airport, a la carte breakfast and access to a four-seater golf buggy to get around the property, which includes 12 hectares of landscaped gardens. The resort also has a spa with six treatment rooms, holistic therapies and two infinity pools.
The Edge Bali, Indonesia
You’ve liken seen The Edge’s infinity pool on Instagram. It’s at the edge of a cliff with glass sides and bottom so you can see the beach below. Located in Bali’s Uluwatu, The Edge has only villas, a restaurant in a cave and a beach club where you’ll find the famous infinity pool. Each villa has a 24-hour butler who can serve you breakfast at its dining room table.
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