Of course, we are all about luxury but what about those who think ordinary luxury just isn’t enough? Well if this resonates with you then lucky for you we have created the Luxe List – the world’s finest hotels with levels of luxury which will surpass all expectations. After much consideration we have handpicked the hotel with the highest attainable luxury possible across each of the following destinations: Arabia, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Europe, Australasia, Africa, Asia and the USA and Canada.
Read on to find out which hotels made the list, but be warned – once you stay at one of these resorts ordinary luxury just won’t cut it!
Indeed, Arabia is well known for its grand hotels and I’m sure you will be able to name at least a few in this destination with extravagant architecture and opulent interiors. After much deliberation though there was a clear winner – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. From the moment you gaze upon this hotel, you will see that it is not just standard luxury but the epitome of supreme luxury. Living up to its name, Emirates Palace is without question more like a palace than a hotel. Located on a pristine private sand beach stretching for over a kilometre amongst 100 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, this magical setting is truly unrivalled. Rooms and suites have been thoughtfully designed to ensure the highest levels of comforts and with 24 hour butler service guests will feel like royalty themselves. Expect to indulge in a variety of exquisite cuisine at the hotel’s eight dining venues including Hakkasan – the iconic one Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Cantonese cuisine. The finest Arabian hospitality along with exceptional amenities, including a world class spa, two temperature controlled swimming pools, a private marina and a kids’ club, awaits.
Next up is the Indian Ocean and our top pick here is the sensational Soneva Jani. This remarkable resort is located in the serene waters of the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives, where clear blue skies aglow with mesmerising orange hues of the sun and the sparkling azure sea stretches out as far as the eye can see. There are two choices of accommodations – lavish overwater villas or island villas – all of which feature their own private pool and offer a distinctive level of comfort and quality while encompassing a respectful nod to nature and the sustainability of the island. Water villas offer direct access to the lagoon via your very own private waterslide, and with a retractable roof over the master bedroom, guests will feel as though they have been transported to a magical world as they relax and take in the sparkling star filled sky. Those who would rather stay on land will love the island villas which are set just steps from the pristine sand beach complete with an expansive private outdoor living area.
Imagine a world where everything slowed down. No rushing about or sounds of busy traffic, nothing but the sounds of waves lapping against the shore and trees rustling in the gentle breeze. Sound like heaven? Well luckily, this world can become a reality at Jumby Bay Island. This luxury spa resort is located on a private island in Antigua accessible only by boat, providing the ultimate exclusive island retreat. Lush gardens, powder white sand beaches and palm fringed paths, this island is undeniably idyllic. What’s more, a fully All Inclusive plan, including everything from exquisite dining experiences to an exceptional range of activities such as rum tastings and sunset cocktail cruises, ensures guests experience a truly carefree island life where everything has been taken care of. Lavish and elegantly designed accommodations provide guests will their own little slice of paradise while also being able to take advantage of the resort’s fabulous amenities including three sparkling pools, three tennis courts, a fitness centre, and a yoga pavilion.
Mandarin Oriental is well known for being an acclaimed collection of luxury resorts with legendary service, making it no surprise to see these resorts show up not once but twice on this list. Indeed, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino wins the top spot for impeccable luxury in Europe. This luxurious resort boasts a prime location in Greece, cascading down a landscaped hillside along the pristine coastline in the unspoiled Messinia region. Taking luxury 5 star to a new standard, this resort provides guests with a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and authentic Greek hospitality. From opulent suites which all feature a private terrace to lavish villas all with private pools, guests are guaranteed to experience the finest living during their stay. Experience the ultimate Mediterranean retreat with exceptional dining, a world-class spa, countless activities and a back-to-nature experience with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the sparkling azure sea, and mesmerising sunsets.
If Australia is your dream luxury destination then no look no further than Lizard Island. This All Inclusive resort is set within a national park covering 1,013 hectares with 24 sandy beaches, a lagoon and a diverse range of Australian wildlife. A place seemingly hidden away from the rest of the world, this resort offers an unsurpassable secluded escape down under. What’s more, Lizard Island is the only luxury resort located right on the Great Barrier Reef, making a stay at this resort a true bucket list experience. From gourmet meals with incredible seascape views to deluxe picnics on a private beach, all dining experiences will be unforgettable. What’s more, daily dining is included in your stay and with daily changing menus drawing inspiration from the local environment paired perfectly with a fine selection of wine, Champagne, beer and spirits, the cuisine will be one of the highlights of your stay. A variety of rooms, suites and villas offer a stay of serene luxury and with fabulous amenities including an indulging spa as well as unforgettable experiences including guided snorkelling and diving tours, this is a stay of a lifetime.
Our top pick for the most luxurious resort in Africa is Xigera Safari Lodge. Located on the western side of the Moremi Game Reserve in the enchanting Okavango Delta in Botswana, this resort offers exclusive and elegant accommodation with extraordinary wilderness experiences. This lodge effortlessly blends into the wild landscape and features a unique architecture and interior which celebrates African art, design and creativity. Home to just 12 luxury suites, Xigera Safari Lodge promises an exclusive and personalised stay for guests. With conservation and sustainability at its heart, the lodge uses solar energy, boasts an eco-friendly waste disposal system and has eliminated all single-use plastics, so guests can enjoy their stay safe in the knowledge that they’re minimising their impact on the pristine environment the lodge sits in. From daily game drives and double decker boat cruising to bush breakfasts and stargazing, this is a place where one-of-a-kind experiences ensure unforgettable memories will be made. What’s more, awarded the best spa retreat in Africa 2023, this resort offers a variety of exceptional spa treatments, making it the perfect wellness experience. Escape to Xigera Safari Lodge and experience the magic of the African Bush in supreme luxury.
Next up is Asia and those looking for a stay of ultimate luxury in this continent should book a stay at ÀNI Sri Lanka. This All Inclusive luxury private resort is located on Sri Lanka’s fabled south coast amongst a verdant jungle with spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Exclusively for you and your friends and family and with a dedicated team of over 30 staff devoted to fulfilling guests’ every need, expect to experience a truly personalised and exclusive stay. Additionally, this resort provides an incredible All Inclusive offering where everything is included. All dining and drinks, spa treatments, children’s activities and customised excursions are all taken care of, allowing guests to relax and spend their holiday the way they want without any stress. Direct access to a pristine beach, lavish accommodations, two sparkling infinity pools, opulent living pavilions and exceptional dining experiences, this is the ultimate private universe you never knew existed.
Our top pick for the USA and Canada is no other than Amangiri. This exclusive luxury sanctuary is situated in Utah’s magical desert landscape of canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges, close by to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. Modern and spacious suites offer mesmerising views of the surrounding landscape with simple lines, sleek matte stone and gleaming glass dominating the modern architecture. The nearby Camp Sarika by Amangiri (reached via a scenic hike or a short five-minute drive) is home to ten deluxe canvas-topped pavilions, each with their own private plunge pool. Guests can indulge in outstanding cuisine inspired by Native American culture at the two restaurants, whilst the expansive spa offers exceptional treatments that draw on the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. What’s more, personalised itineraries allow guests to discover the many wonders of the region’s untouched scenery by foot, bike, horse-back or boat, while private air tours in planes, helicopters and hot air ballons offer a unique perspective from up high.