#luxury-hotels

#luxury-hotels

I've checked in at a few of the group's lauded hotels over my decade-plus time living in France, but the Alpine locale has long been on my bucket list. Courchevel, the ritzy ski resort in France's Les 3 Vallées-the world's largest interconnected ski area-lives up to its reputation of "Saint-Tropez in the snow." Here, you'll recognize some of the same restaurants (Kinugawa, Bagatelle) and hotels that line the cobblestone streets of the famous French Riviera town.

It's official: The White Lotus is taking up residence in the French Riviera's grande dame hotel: Château de la Messardière. Crowning a hilltop between the Bay of Pampelonne and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the 19th-century palace is cinematic in every sense. Originally an aristocratic wedding gift, it was later restored by Jean-Claude Rochette, architect-in-chief for France's historic monuments, before joining the Airelles Collection in 2021.

"Italy is always a favorite of mine. You can do a full tour and see a little bit of everything, or stick to one or two areas like the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Lake Como, or Venice," Kim Swanson, a travel agent in the U.S., added. "No matter where you go, it's full of incredible food, scenery, and that classic romantic feel Italy does so well."

This 20-year-old hotel ushered in a new chapter, thanks to Jean-Philippe Cartier, the founder and president of H8 Collection hotel group, who has a knack for reviving French heritage properties. Cartier teamed up with Prisca Courtin-Clarins of the Clarins cosmetics clan to make Le Mas Candille a leading beauty and wellness destination, masterfully refitted from head to toe by Franco-Mexican interior architect Hugo Toro.

For some travelers, finding the perfect place to stay can make for a lifelong relationship with a certain hospitality company. The appeal of the Aman Group's properties around the world has been chronicled extensively; earlier this year, Jake Emen wrote about the bespoke allure of the company's luggage tags. "[T]he property went the extra mile to deliver a lasting, memorable impression," Emen observed - and it's touches like this that have kept travelers returning for stay after stay.

The five-star hotel, housed within the Grade II-listed former Pearl Assurance building on High Holborn, is understood to be attracting interest from global investors as confidence returns to prime London assets. The Rosewood London opened in 2013 and has since established itself as one of the city's most sought-after luxury destinations. Known for its grand Edwardian architecture, landscaped courtyard and discreet service, the hotel features 264 bedrooms and 44 suites, the Holborn Dining Room restaurant, and 11 event spaces.

There's nothing like the post-Christmas slump to spur on some future travel plans.

Park Hyatt Cabo del Sol has officially opened, marking the brand's debut in Mexico. The Baja California property stretches along the coastline of Cabo del Sol, featuring 163 rooms, including 88 suites and three private villas. The Los Cabos resort was designed by Mexican architect and interior designer Sordo Madaleno, alongside Paulina Morán and George Wong Design. Madaleno drew inspiration from historic Mexican architecture, reinterpreting courtyards, arcades, water features, and timber structures with a modern touch.

For all its architectural and cultural grandeur, Vienna has never had much diversity of places to stay. The capital has long relied on a handful of storied institutions, while its culinary scene modernized around them. That's part of what makes the arrival of Mandarin Oriental Vienna, the group's first outpost in Austria, so significant. More than a decade in the making, this landmark transformation of an Alfred Keller-designed courthouse, built in the early 20th century, signals a new era of hospitality for the Austrian capital.

I recently spent two nights at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón in Florida. It was my first time staying in a Ritz-Carlton hotel, and a few things surprised me about the chain. I wasn't expecting to have access to two locations. I was also surprised by some of the amenities. I didn't anticipate developing an appreciation for golf. I didn't think I'd find myself in a lazy river. And I definitely didn't expect to have access to two resorts.

As an American, one of the most striking things about visiting London is that everywhere you look, you're surrounded by history. It doesn't matter if it's Buckingham Palace or a random coffee shop - chances are, wherever you find yourself in England's capital will be older than the United States itself. That's certainly the case with Great Scotland Yard Hotel, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, which blends London's historic past with contemporary five-star luxury.

Our 32nd annual Gold List collects our editors' current favorite places to stay and ships to sail (all vetted by our team of contributors and editors around the globe). They're memorable for many reasons: service that made us feel like Hollywood stars; architecture that transported us to 1920s London or 18th-century Lake Como; and meals in Vietnam, in Australia, and at sea that we know will inspire Proustian responses.

"San Juan is the perfect destination. We have the advantage of city, beach, and mountain life all in one place," says Miguel Reyes, lifelong local and mixologist at the storied Caribe Hilton. Indeed, to find such a rich bloom of cosmopolitan vibrancy nestled so harmoniously between lush tropical jungles and azure seas feels like a feat that will inspire even the most well-traveled. With an increasingly diverse culinary scene and cultural and artistic expression blossoming, San Juan's beautiful beaches are merely the cherry on top of a stay rather than the main course.

Looking back, 2025 delivered some heavy hitters: Waldorf Astoria New York finally reopened after an eight-year closure (only a couple of months shy of its suggested spring date), and One&Only Moonlight Basin swung open its doors in November. But now, we're looking forward and it's all eyes on what's going to make headlines in 2026. London is stealing the spotlight with not one but four major openings - including Six Senses' first UK property.

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.

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,

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.

The Wilder Townhouse stands out with its unique features like a suntrap terrace and original art, offering a charming experience in Dublin's vibrant hospitality scene.

"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."