10 of the best luxury hotels in the world

Now that travel is starting to be back on the agenda, we all deserve to push the boat out a little with our next choice of holiday destination and, if you’re really looking to push the boat out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best luxury hotels in the world which will be the ideal place to recover from the lockdown of the last few months.

Check out our pick of the best luxury hotels below:

The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand

Along the banks of the Chao Praya River, The Siam embodies the Dusit area’s genteel vibe, thanks in part to the ancient temples and breathtaking royal palaces that are found throughout the historic neighbourhood. The 39-room property is designed by the much lauded Bill Bensley, who has delivered a classic backdrop to showcase the hotel owner’s private collection of artwork and antiques. The pool villas – an unusual find for a city destination – are more akin to resort-styled accommodation, while four traditional teak houses dating back over 150 years offer a glimpse into the kingdom’s rich past.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

An unforgettable Kodak moment it may be, but more specifically, an Alila Uluwatu experience it most definitely is. The utterly stunning cliff-hanging cabana offers a jaw-dropping emblem; if you have the views to die for, you may as well make the most of them. The sun-drenched 50m pool serves up vistas that seemingly stretch to infinity (and beyond). Aesthetically speaking, the all-villa resort blends modern cool with tropical minimalism, while the warmth of the staff of discreet personal butlers gives the Balinese sun a serious run for its money.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Miami, USA

An eye-catching oceanfront spot, with swathes of white sand at your doorsteps, along with luxury shopping and dining options, it’s easy to see why the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is seen as one of Miami’s most luxurious. It’s more than Miami, it’s the Bal Harbour enclave. Just like the rock crystal chandeliers in the main entrance hall, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will blow you away with its vast rooms, each with spectacular views shimmering a deep Atlantic blue. The brand’s unparalleled service is delivered via butlers and Bentley chauffeured cars, with a warmth equally extended to family members young and four-legged alike.

Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection, Cambodia

One of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings out there will have you going wild for glamping on your next holiday and boasts a mix of pampering luxury and raw nature. The use of the word “wild” in the name isn’t for effect either – the private wildlife and nature reserve the tented camp occupies overlaps three of Cambodia’s most awe-inspiring national parks. The 1.5km of waterfall-peppered riverbank makes for a sublime setting for the 15 sophisticated tents, all individually designed to feel as if you’re on a luxury safari with royalty.

The Peninsula New York, USA

In terms of location, the corner of 5th Avenue and 55th Street is a tough one to beat in New York and that’s exactly where you’ll find the Peninsula Hotel. It is smack centre in the Big Apple’s iconic shopping, culture, dining and entertainment district. Just as legendary is the Peninsula Hotel’s impossibly slick service, which often leaves you wondering just how they manage to be so attentive to your requirements during your stay. It’s a 30-plus year-old hotel in a 110-plus year-old building, and that maturity positively shines through the understated luxury on offer throughout.

Amanyangyun Hotel, Shanghai, China

Aman is not known for just scratching the surface and for its latest endeavour because they’ve undertaken the gargantuan task of relocating 50 historic Ming and Qing dynasty homes for this Amanyangyun in Shanghai. The Aman brand discovered history dating back over two millennia during the build and, along with 10,000 ancient camphor trees, the traditional homes were saved and transported from 700km away. This fabled feat of moving a forest and preserving history will blow you away, but once you’re inside this breathtaking hotel, the subtlety and luxury of the Aman spell will keep you entirely enthralled and relaxed in equal measure.

Six Senses, Laamu, Maldives

This is a hotel stay you can hardly dream of where dolphins skip through the waves and manta rays fly are regularly spotted in the crystal clear, warm waters. With nature as pristine as this, it’s only normal to want to tread lightly, and this is where the Six Senses brand really comes into its own – think organic gardens and paper straws and you’ll get the idea. The best things in life are free – sunsets, surf breaks, and ice cream are just some of the free perks of a stay at this Six Senses. For a getaway-within-a getaway, you can pack your picnic basket and be dropped off on a real desert island with nothing but the sea and the sky (and each other) for company.

Taj Hotel, Dubai

Newer, bigger, shinier – Dubai is certainly not a country known for being understated about its manmade wonders that are a real testament to human ingenuity. But steel and glass aside, it’s the human touch that is most important and celebrated at Dubai’s Taj Hotel, where warm hospitality exudes effortlessly. That’s not to say the Burj Khalifa right outside the window isn’t a real sight to behold, of course. When the sun goes down, the Dubai night life really comes into its own and all sorts of shimmers and glimmers are ready and waiting – a night scape ideally viewed from the comfort of the ridiculously comfortable beds at the Taj.

La Réserve Hotel, Paris, France

Paris is a city that is impossible not to fall in love with and that’s especially true after a stay at the La Réserve Hotel. This majestic hotel overlooks the city’s iconic skyline silhouettes, and this newly rebranded hotel is a contemporary 19th century Haussman spectacular with dashes of Belle Époque grandeur. The building may be over a century and a half old, but it’s got plenty of 21st century aesthetics to be appreciated (such as mirror televisions and motion-sensor lighting). You may have stayed in many similarly styled five star hotels the world over, but its experiences like La Réserve that you’ll never forget.

The Chedi Hotel, Andermatt, Switzerland

Minimalist Asian modernity joins forces with plush European grandeur in the Chedi Hotel that has arguably put Andermatt on the map so far as luxury Swiss holidays are concerned. Contemporary use of wood, stone and leather materials delivers a beautiful aesthetic throughout this hotel, while its services and amenities make guests want to stay for longer or, indeed, never leave. It boasts over 200 crackling fireplaces which make for many a relaxing corner in and out of the bedrooms, while the alpine views – be it valley, mountain, or gorge – provide a glorious backdrop to enjoy an après-ski tipple of choice.