After two years of the pandemic, we all deserve a little luxury in our lives.
Despite travel restrictions, new upscale hotels are opening up around the world. Whether you are looking for a personal butler, ocean views, or haute cuisine, these resorts are ready to meet your every need.
Organized by Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI), this list gives information on the most extravagant hotels money can buy (and trust us, you’re going to need a lot of money).
From boutique residences to luxury resorts, these hotels will help you relax and forget about the outside world. For a while at least.
7. Le Woodward, Geneva
Perched on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, the woodward offers a taste of early 20th century glamor with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Built by French architect François Durel in 1901, the chic property was remodeled by architect Pierre-Yves Rochon and is now the city’s first suites hotel.
With prices starting at € 1,532 a night for its luxury suite, lavish living doesn’t come cheap here. But with Michelin-starred restaurants Joel Robuchon’s work shop and a 12,000 square meter Guerlain Spa, you will certainly get your money’s worth.
If you really want to spend the money, stay in the stylish Mont-Blanc Suite, with balconies overlooking Lake Geneva and the mountains, will cost you € 4,309 per night.
6. Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique
A 300 hectare natural sanctuary, made up of forests, beaches and undulating sand dunes, Kisawa lies at the southern tip of Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique.
With strong green credentials including a zero waste restaurant, the resort also has its own marine research center.
Although it is so ingrained in the local landscape and culture, the shrine was actually created by Princess Nina of Denmark. And stranger still, it is also the first in the world 3D printed seaside resort, made from sand and seawater mortar.
With 12 bungalows on offer, each residence is carefully furnished, while some even offer a view of the Indian Ocean.
The site has a massage hut, a wellness center – specializing in Chinese medicine – tennis courts, four dining venues and a water sports center for exploring the coral reefs that surround the resort. ‘Isle.
A two-bedroom residence will cost you € 12,000 per night for two people.
5. Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
A new opening of the Mandarin Oriental Group asserts itself in fifth place. Originally opened as the César Ritz in 1910, the building has undergone an extensive restoration, to showcase its original iconic style.
With 153 rooms, including 53 suites, interiors were decorated by French designers Gilles & Boissier, so expect lavish furnishings and king-size beds.
The hotel is fast becoming a culinary destination as well, with five distinct restaurant concepts, all overseen by three Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta. These include Deessa, an opulent restaurant that celebrates locally sourced Spanish produce, the Champagne Bar, and the Palm Court, which serves modern classics and afternoon tea in leafy surroundings.
After all this fun, you can enjoy holistic therapies in the Beauty Concept Spa or simply relax in the hammam.
A Deluxe Room here starts from € 750 per night while the Mandarin Suite starts from € 3,950 per night.
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris
Owned by the luxury LVMH monolith – home of Louis Vuitton, Dom Pérignon and Hennessey to name a few – the White horse couldn’t be closer to the heart of Paris. A few steps from the Louvre, the hotel occupies the legendary Samaritaine building, redesigned by architect Peter Marino.
You’re unlikely to find a more stylish place than this, and the extravagant facilities inside won’t disappoint either. The building houses the longest swimming pool in Paris, as well as a spa run by Dior, which has a hammam, a gym and an invigorating snow shower (if you dare).
There are also four restaurants and bars here, so even if you have Paris on your doorstep, you never need to leave.
There are 7 rooms available, with a luxury suite starting at € 1,250 per night.
3. Beaverbrook Town House, London
Just steps across the English Channel, one of the UK’s finest country hotels has settled in West London. A boutique company, the Beaverbrook occupies two Georgian townhouses in Chelsea. Each of its 14 rooms is named after a London theater, with original and colorful furnishings, curated by Creative Director Frank Lowe.
An elegant Japanese fine-dining restaurant with sushi bar offers entertainment here, alongside Sir Frank’s Bar, a playful homage to the London life of Lord Beaverbrook, where you can enjoy a Spitfire Collins or a Kinky Boots cocktail.
The Deluxe Suite has a super king-size bed, a free minibar and an en suite bathroom with underfloor heating and will set you back € 643 per night.
2. Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, Paris
Once a modest hunting lodge built by Louis XIII, Airelles is located in the grounds of the world-famous Palace of Versailles. Providing access to the palace outside of opening hours, you can explore the 809 hectares of well-tended gardens and walk in the footsteps of Louis XIV.
The castle has 14 luxurious rooms and suites, full of period furniture with a contemporary touch. To energize you to explore all that Versailles has to offer, breakfast, created by Alain Ducasse himself, along with a free minibar and a daily afternoon tea, are included with your stay.
For the full royal experience you will also have a dedicated butler, while at dinner time you can head to Alain Ducasse’s Feast for a real royal banquet.
Spa Valmont will offer you beauty treatments inspired by Marie-Antoinette before swimming in the pool or retiring in the hammam.
One night in a deluxe suite for two will cost you 1,500 €.
1. Le Bulgari, Paris
Owned by the luxury jewelry brand, the Bulgari Paris Hotel was designed by Italian architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel.
Located in the city’s upscale “golden triangle” and overlooked by the Eiffel Tower, this intimate hotel has 76 rooms and spectacular views of Paris. The biggest is the Penthouse Suite, which spans lush 1000m² and has two kitchens, its own bar, steam room and rooftop garden.
All rooms are elegantly designed, with soft, intimate lighting, soft colors and opulent fabrics.
Foodies can head to “Il Ristorante – Niko Romito” to experience classic Italian dishes – from antipasti to veal cutlets – all served with a contemporary twist.
The 1,300 square meter spa is another highlight here, clad in Italian stone and green onyx, it resembles a traditional Roman bath. Private treatment rooms are available for couples and a 25-meter pool for those morning laps.
A Junior Suite with terrace for two people costs € 2,457 per night. The prices of the penthouses are available on request.
Still want to see more?
The other eight most luxurious hotels on the list are:
8. Borgo Santandrea, Italy
9. Patina, Maldives
10. Villa Nai 3.3, Croatia
11. Raffles Udaipur, India
12. One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro
13. Kalesma, Mykonos
14. Six Senses Shaharut, Israel
15. Villas V, Phuket
