These distinctive properties—from remote escapes to legendary addresses—offer far more than just a place to sleep.
By Lori Stacy
1. Conrad Punta de Mita; Mexico
Punta Mita, in the Riviera Nayarit area outside Puerto Vallarta, is known for its ritzy, high-end properties. But the Conrad takes it up a notch with not just world-class accommodations but authentic experiences. Dine beachside at Codex, where you will not only feast on the traditional flavors of Mexico, you’ll be immersed in the actual traditions, beginning with a blessing before you set foot in the restaurant. Be sure to schedule a tequila-and-mescal tasting dinner where you’ll sip history and tradition while learning about the unique methods and characteristics that comprise these truly Mexican spirits. All of the rooms at the Conrad are spectacular, but the oceanfront suites with their own private plunge pools are sublime. https://www.conradpuntademita.com
2. Six Senses Botanique; Brazil
Set in the Mantiqueira mountains — a one-hour helicopter ride from São Paulo — this serene, woodsy resort features seven on-site mineral springs and rooms with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant is perched on a ridge to offer unparalleled views while you dine on locally sourced cuisine. https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/botanique
3. Hotel Drover; Fort Worth, Texas
Don your cowboy boots and check into this upscale, Western-style resort in the heart of the Stockyards. Hotel Drover is a happening haunt in Fort Worth’s most authentic section of town, steps to daily cattle drives and saloons in this National Historic District. The hotel’s restaurant, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, offers elevated ranch cuisine (naturally). https://hoteldrover.com
4. Arthaus Beirut
Offering highly personalized experiences and a guesthouse vibe, the Arthaus Beirut is truly an urban oasis. It was built on the grounds of a Roman villa, artifacts from which are on display in the lush garden, with the tasteful, art-filled rooms spread among four architecturally distinct houses. http://arthaus.international/your-stay/beirut/
5. St. Regis Cairo
Luxury on the River Nile: This Michael Graves-designed property is an elegant, 39-story retreat offering an Egyptian aesthetic. Indoor and outdoor pools, an athletic center and a spa entice, while worldly culinary offerings, including Italian cuisine at La Zisa, Singaporean cuisine at Tianma and drinks inspired by New York’s famed King Cole Bar keep you sated for your stay. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/caixr-the-st-regis-cairo/
6. Kruger Shalati, Kruger National Park; South Africa
A permanently situated train above the Sabie River is the setting for this unique hotel in South Africa’s famed game reserve. Glass-walled train cars offer expansive views. Step onto the deck for a swim, where you can spot nearby roaming crocodiles, hippos, water buffalo and elephants as you splash. Make it your base for a safari vacation. https://www.krugershalati.com
7. Capella Bangkok
Chao Phraya River views abound at this 101-room property offering truly tranquil rooms in the heart of bustling Bangkok. Some of the rooms feature a veranda with a private plunge pool, and a Capella Culturist is on hand to help ensure your stay in Bangkok is memorable. https://www.capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok
8. NoMad London
This boutique hotel is set in a 19th-century historic building, the former Bow Street Magistrates’ Court. It’s elegant, eclectic and oh-so-refined, with rich wood accents and quirky artwork. The lushly landscaped atrium restaurant focuses on local fare, while Side Hustle presents an international take on the traditional pub.
https://www.thenomadhotel.com/london
9. Raffles Bali; Indonesia
This oceanfront gem in Jimbaran Bay is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. The private villas, many of which have private pools from their ocean-view verandas, feature Balinese interiors that blend harmoniously with the surroundings. The spa offers treatments inspired by South East Asian healing practices, and a robust roster of activities, from mixology classes to traditional dance performances, mean you won’t have to set foot off this idyllic property. https://www.raffles.com/bali/
10. One&Only Portonovi; Montenegro
That this is One&Only’s first European resort says loads about the destination; after all, One&Only hand-picks its inspiring locations. This property at the entrance of Boka Bat, a fjord-like Montenegro hotspot, takes full advantage of the dramatic setting on the shores of these sapphire waters, offering world-class dining, a luxurious spa and stylish rooms. https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/portonovi
11. The Hari Hong Kong
A stylish retreat in the city, the Hari offers 210 luxury rooms with natural linen wallpaper and plush velvet upholstery, as well as views of Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, The Peak and Victoria Harbour. The resort prides itself on providing guests with insider knowledge of Hong Kong, offering bespoke itineraries designed to foster an appreciation for the city. https://www.thehari.com/hong-kong/
12. Four Seasons Hotel Madrid
This luxury property is the perfect home base for exploring Madrid. Set in the heart of the city and offering a rooftop bar, a four-level spa and a swimming pool with outdoor lounge areas, the Four Seasons Madrid is set amid seven different historical buildings, the oldest of which dates back to 1887. You’ll see plenty of history in Madrid; just be sure to look closely throughout the hotel, too, as more than 3,700 artifacts have been lovingly preserved. https://www.fourseasons.com/madrid/
13. Soneva Fushi Over-Water Villas; Maldives
The Soneva Fushi isn’t new; in fact, it’s been one of the top luxury properties in the Maldives for more than 25 years. But in late 2020, the resort opened the largest one- and two-bedroom over-water villas in the world, and they are spectacular. The master bedroom features a retractable roof for stargazing at night and an open-air bathroom. The private pool deck comes with daybeds for whiling away the day, with a waterslide that leads into the open sea. https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-fushi/
14. Eclipse at Half Moon; Jamaica
A boutique-style outpost of Jamaica’s iconic Half Moon resort, this 57-room property features chic accommodations, a private beach and a natural swimming cove, as well as two restaurants, three bars and the Fern Tree Spa, which is perched amid tranquil, tropical gardens. Enjoy the privacy while taking advantage of the adjacent Half Moon’s ample amenities. https://www.halfmoon.com/rooms/eclipse
15. Villa Copenhagen; Denmark
Billing itself as a socially conscious hotel, the Villa Copenhagen keeps an eye on sustainability as it fills its 390 rooms. (The pool is heated by the excess heat from the Villa’s cooling system, for instance, and the spa’s slippers are made from recycled rubber tires.) The rooms have a Nordic-minimalist aesthetic, with rainforest showers and heated bathroom floors. https://villacopenhagen.com
16. W Rome
With one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in the world and rooms that ooze chic, the W Rome is about to redefine luxury in the Eternal City. COVID-19 has pushed the opening date of this hotel back a few times (it’s now slated to open in November of this year), but it’ll be well worth the wait when it finally starts welcoming guests. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/romwv-w-rome/
17. Cielo Lodge; Costa Rica
Perched above the waters of Golfo Dulce, this ecoresort in the clouds, set on a 380-acre rainforest reserve, is the perfect place to experience the lustrous Costa Rican outdoors. Opportunities for activities abound here, including guided rainforest and waterfall hikes, dolphin and mangrove tours, as well as plenty of opportunities for relaxing. https://www.cielolodge.com
18. The Joseph; Nashville, Tennessee
An art-filled outpost in the heart of Nashville, The Joseph offers refined luxury and relaxation — perfect for when you want to take in the electricity of the city without having it seep into the walls of your hotel room. The rooms are polished and modern; the restaurant, Yolan, is a true culinary delight that’s helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Tony Mantuano. Afternoon tea Fridays at 4 reinforces the fact that you’ve discovered an oasis in Music City. https://www.thejosephnashville.com
19. Lotte Hotel Seattle
With panoramic views of downtown Seattle from rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, this property is a sleek retreat in the Emerald City. Pacific Northwest cuisine is served up in Charlotte, the on-site restaurant, while wellness treatments await in the relaxing spa. But it’s the gorgeous stained-glass façade that had us enthralled with this year-old property. https://www.lottehotel.com/seattle-hotel/en.html
20. Leela Palace; Jaipur, India
The palatial setting of this five-star property is truly stunning, with Jaipur’s rich history reflected in the architecture and design. You’ll want to laze in the beautiful, sprawling gardens or spend hours sipping handcrafted cocktails and nibbling on Indian bites in the Jharhoka Bar. Go ahead, stay awhile. https://www.theleela.com/the-leela-palace-jaipur/
21. Crown Sydney
Billed as luxury in the heart of the Sydney Harbour, this recently opened gem has been off to a rough start, with the country’s COVID-19 shutdowns causing closures. But it’s got the good bones to become the star of the Sydney hotel scene, featuring modern rooms with views of the harbor, refined cuisine (including a Nobu outpost) and the city’s only infinity pool. Book it just as soon as you can get Down Under. https://www.crownsydney.com.au
22. Alila Marea Beach Resort; Encinitas, California
North of San Diego and set on an exhilarating coastal cliff is this serene, eco-chic resort, designed to blend in with its stone, wood and sophisticated, sustainable décor. Spend the day in a private cabana at the ocean-view pool, partake in a sea-inspired spa treatment or discover regional, sustainable cuisine at VAGA Restaurant and Bar. https://www.alilahotels.com/marea-beach-resort-encinitas
23. Cheval Blanc Paris
Just steps from the Louvre, this elegant boutique property offers sumptuous rooms, some with private terraces. The Dior Spa, an indoor infinity pool and on-site dining make this the ideal stay in the City of Light. https://www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/paris/
24. Brenton Hotel; Newport, Rhode Island
Modern nautical charm awaits at this New England outpost in Newport Harbor. The 57-room property offers views of the harbor and historic Newport, as well as a rooftop lounge area. The seafood is fresh, the brews are local and the vibe is coastal chic. Their private 36-foot Hinckley Picnic Boat, ready to take you on private-beach excursions and sunset sails, is the pièce de résistance at this beloved new property. https://brentonhotel.com/the-brenton-experience/
25. Goodtime Hotel; Miami
If fun is on your travel agenda, opt for the aptly named Goodtime Hotel. Just a stone’s throw from South Beach, the quirky, colorful property is the brainchild of hospitality mogul David Grutman and rapper/entreprenur Pharrell Williams. It is indeed a “happy” place, with a lively pool deck and rooms, admittedly on the small side, that are eclectic and charming. https://thegoodtimehotel.com
