#luxury-hotels

#luxury-hotels

There is nowhere in the world quite like Istanbul. Spread across two continents, Europe and Asia, it's a city of layers and contrasts, of ancient empires and modern energy. With historical sights like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace brushing up against buzzing bars and lively cafes, Ottoman-era mosques a short walk from contemporary art museums, and traditional carpet shops around the corner from trendy boutiques, Istanbul is a place where old and new coexist. And it never stops moving.

Don't pretend you've never had an Eloise-ian fantasy-living in a Plaza-like hotel, surrounded by the finest amenities, basking in a life of effortless luxury. (Minus, of course, the bathtub overflows and staff harassment.) That's more or less what global event planner Michelle Rago had in mind when decamping from her Manhattan apartment of 30 years to her dream home in Lambertville, New Jersey. Rago, who's constantly on the move for work-London, Cabo, and Brazil are next on her itinerary-says, "I've grown up in luxury hotels."

Every year World's 50 Best Hotels enlists the help of 600 experienced hoteliers, travel journalists and 'seasoned luxury travellers' to compile its ranking of the greatest hotels on the globe. The list features establishments that go well beyond just providing a comfy overnight stay. They have magnificent buildings, huge glistening pools, Michelin-starred restaurants, some of the most opulent spas you've ever seen and brigades of the most polished, professional staff around.

Some hotels feel like just a place to sleep, but others feel like a full experience. The Four Seasons Hotel Boston falls into the latter category. For years, I'd heard about the Four Seasons' timeless luxury, but I'd never actually stayed at any of the chain's hotels. That changed on a recent trip to Boston, where I checked into the Four Seasons on Boylston Street. The 239-room hotel is situated in a prime location downtown, directly across from the Public Garden,

Bookended by Central Park to the north and The Battery historic park to the south, the districts of Midtown and Lower Manhattan contain much of the city that visitors want to experience. There are the New York icons - the Empire State Building, Broadway, Grand Central - made familiar through their appearances on screen over the decades. And there are the smaller details that take up just as much space in the memory: the hot dog sellers on street corners, the blaring horns of yellow taxis

BIG SUR - Post Ranch Inn, the Big Sur resort situated high atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, has been nominated for Michelin Guide's inaugural Inspectors' Local Gateway Award - one of only five properties in the world to be put forward for the recognition and the only nominee in the United States. The Local Gateway Award is part of a new series of Michelin hotel honors launched in 2025, following the Architecture and Design, and Wellness awards earlier this year.

Most winners in the Indian hotels category were found across Northern metropolises like New Delhi or Jaipur, but Chennai's The Leela Palace and Bengaluru's JW Marriott are two glittering spots in India's south which snuck into the top 10, too. The Mughal extravagance of The Oberoi Rajvilas and Samode Haveli also caught your eye, but it was the experiential thrills (from kalbelia dancing to vintage car rides) and princely service of Rambagh Palace that took it to first place.

Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour. And in addition to having the world's largest shopping destination (the Dubai Mall) and world's tallest building (the Burj Khalifa), Dubai is also home to some of the best ultra-luxury hotels in the world. That said, it can be quite easy to bust your whole vacation budget on accommodations before you've even had time to see anything of the city-and there is a lot to see.

Take a look at this fall's most exciting hotel openings and the message is clear: we're leveling up. From Montana to Mexico, and plenty of stops in between, a range of global brands and independently-owned newcomers are proving that hotels are often destinations themselves. In Big Sky, One&Only makes its elegant American debut, and in Naples, Florida, Four Seasons makes the case that it's time that the most discerning luxury travelers start taking the Gulf Coast seriously.

The St. Regis Venice, named among the best hotels in Venice in Travel + Leisure's 2025 World's Best Awards, originally opened as the Grand Hotel Britannia in 1895, in concert with the city's inaugural Biennale cultural festival. In 2019, following a two-year renovation and restoration of the five 17th-century Venetian palaces that comprise the property, it joined the St. Regis brand.

Set amongst 240 acres of countryside (but handily just outside the M25), Coworth Park has country pursuits covered. There's a polo field and an equestrian centre, so you can explore the meadow, lakes and rest of the ground on horseback. You can walk through the gardens and discover the sculptures by Carol Peace. You can practice your serves and volleys on the tennis court.

The White Lotus season four rumors have been white hot lately. The hit HBO Max show's creator Mike White has landed on France to host the murder-mystery anthology's comically out-of-touch guests, per a new report from Deadline. While neither HBO nor White (who also serves as writer and director of the series) have confirmed the speculation, France, with its rich cultural history, idyllic landscapes, and a flair for all things luxury,

The home of Bollywood and India's commercial capital, Mumbai continues to entice travelers with its rich culture, fascinating history and electric energy. As well as being home to some of the country's most enticing historical landmarks, the cosmopolitan destination has evolved into a hub for high-end travel, where visitors can enjoy top-tier restaurants and glitzy shopping districts. A city of contrasts, for first-time visitors, the culture and chaos can often feel overwhelming.

The Lotte New York Palace, recognized for its history with New York's elite, was established in 1882 and features luxury accommodations and personal butlers.

Bodrum has stayed true to its laid-back, bohemian roots, with a charm that allows for drifting from barefoot lunches to champagne-fuelled nights against ancient ruins.

Business travel is often seen as tedious, but corporate incentive trips allow employees to enjoy upscale experiences, such as luxury hotel stays and memorable excursions.

Contemporary textiles and furniture inspired by Costa Rica's crafts traditions create a luxurious resort experience, incorporating local artistry with nature as a central theme.

Turin, often referred to as the Paris of Italy, is a hidden gem offering majestic palazzos, 360-degree views of the Alps, and a rich cultural experience.

"Having worked in hotels, the first thing I fling off to a far corner of the room are decorative pillows and any decorative runner that goes along the foot of the bed. These never get washed."

Palm Beach offers a stunning experience reminiscent of a Slim Aarons imagery time capsule, with beautiful scenery and a laid-back lifestyle that enhances its charm.

Travelers showed deep appreciation for the flawless service at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, as well as its 'modern and calming' design in the heart of Marina Bay. 'First-rate service and amenities. [The] staff was helpful and attentive,' one reader shared about the hotel.

Fairmont Pacific Rim embraces modern luxury, striking a balance between contemporary design and high-end comfort, making it distinct from the brand's historic properties.

Lošinj Island is renowned for its pristine air quality, creating a unique micro-climate that promotes health and relaxation, earning it the title of 'Healing Island.'

1 Hotels, a luxury chain focused on sustainability, opened a location in Seattle on May 6.

Staying at these distinctive properties is like living in a one-of-a-kind art gallery. Guests can view exclusive collections up close, booking rooms filled with original paintings, thus enriching their stay.

"For price-conscious travelers in today's economy, the Hotel Price Index offers a rare, data-driven lens into where your money goes furthest. It's like a travel cheat sheet..."

The rooms at Maison Métier feature luxurious beds and spa-like bathrooms, creating a plush, serene environment for guests seeking both comfort and elegance.

Playa del Carmen offers a blend of luxury resorts and natural beauty, featuring iconic estates and expansive multi-resort developments, ensuring a unique getaway experience.

The very beneficial effect of these "blue spaces" is scientifically backed: a visit to the ocean or coast is proven to release our feel-good hormones of dopamine and oxytocin.