There’s a special kind of magic to stepping into a truly great hotel. Where every detail, from the crisp sheets or the scent of fresh flowers in the lobby to the lighting in the hallways and the weight of the cutlery, feels intentional. They hum with the promise of something memorable.
Some transport you to a bygone era of glamour, others redefine modern luxury, and a few simply stun with their setting alone. But all of them share one thing: they make you never want to leave.
Here’s a list of hotels worth visiting at least once in your lifetime, whether for the views, the service, or the sheer experience of being there.
Badrutt’s palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italy
Nestled in the hills above Portofino, Belmond Hotel Splendido is synonymous with Italian Riviera glamour. The hotel was once a 16th-century monastery before transforming into a retreat for Hollywood’s elite—Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were regular guests. Visitors can stroll along the pastel-coloured harbour, embark on a private yacht excursion, or enjoy a glass of prosecco with breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea.
Badrutt’s Palace, St. Moritz, Switzerland
For more than a century, Badrutt’s Palace has been the ultimate winter retreat for aristocrats, business magnates, and ski enthusiasts. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the hotel combines historic elegance with modern luxury. It offers Michelin-starred dining, a world-class spa, and access to some of the best skiing in Europe. In the summer, guests can enjoy alpine hiking, sailing on Lake St. Moritz, or even a game of polo on the frozen lake during winter.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
A legendary sanctuary for the world’s elite, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been the retreat of choice for artists, writers, and movie stars for over a century. F. Scott Fitzgerald immortalised it in his novels, while Picasso, Hemingway, and the Kennedys have all spent summers here. The saltwater infinity pool carved into the cliffs and private cabanas overlooking the Mediterranean add to the charm of this Riviera institution.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy
A slice of Mediterranean paradise, Cala di Volpe blends rustic charm with ultra-luxury. Originally designed in the 1960s to resemble a traditional fishing village, this iconic hotel has hosted celebrities, royalty, and even featured in a James Bond film. Guests can explore the crystalline waters of Costa Smeralda, savour fresh seafood at the renowned restaurant, or simply unwind in the stunning infinity pool overlooking the emerald sea.
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Aman Tokyo brings luxury to one of the busiest cities in the world. Sitting high above the metropolis, this minimalist sanctuary offers a retreat from the city’s energy. Guests can soak in traditional onsen-style baths, experience a tea ceremony, or admire the stunning skyline that stretches to Mount Fuji on a clear day. It’s a peaceful escape amidst the urban sprawl.
Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco
A jewel of the French Riviera, Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo is known for its’ extravagance. It has hosted royalty, film stars, and even James Bond himself. With its grand Belle Époque architecture and proximity to the famed Monte Carlo Casino, it’s a playground for the world’s elite. Guests can dine at the three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse, sip cocktails at the American Bar, or test their luck at the casino.
Storfjord Hotel, Norway
A hidden gem in Norway’s fjord country, Storfjord Hotel is a retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Built in traditional Norwegian timber style, the hotel feels like a cozy mountain lodge, complete with roaring fireplaces and handcrafted furniture. Activities include kayaking through the fjords, hiking in the Sunnmøre Alps, and savouring farm-to-table Nordic cuisine.
Storfjord Hotel, Norway
Claridge’s, London
An icon of British hospitality, Claridge’s has been a favourite of royalty and celebrities for over a century. From Winston Churchill to Audrey Hepburn, its guest list reads like a history book. The Art Deco interiors and impeccable service make it a timeless choice for those visiting London. Afternoon tea in the grand foyer is a must, as is a nightcap at the famous Fumoir bar.
Amangiri, Utah, US
Located in the heart of the Utah desert, Amangiri blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The resort offers exclusive access to canyons, hot-air ballooning, and stargazing experiences, not to mention the breathtaking views of the desert.
Astra Suites, Santorini
Perched on the cliffs of Santorini’s caldera, Astra Suites is the kind of place that makes you wonder if time has slowed down just for you. Each suite spills onto a private terrace overlooking the Aegean, with an infinity pool and candlelit dinners at your disposal. It’s no surprise that the hotel has hosted honeymooners, artists, and those simply looking to escape into something unreal.
Astra Suites, Santorini
Heckfield Place, Hampshire, England
A country retreat with a contemporary touch, Heckfield Place is a grand Georgian estate with a focus on sustainability. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, wellness retreats, and leisurely walks through the surrounding woodlands. It’s the perfect escape from city life, where nature and luxury blend seamlessly.
Domaine des Etangs, France
Set in a 13th-century château surrounded by forests and lakes, Domaine des Etangs offers a fairytale-like escape in the French countryside. The estate spans over 2,500 acres, with activities ranging from hot-air ballooning to wine tastings. Art lovers will appreciate the hotel’s carefully curated collection, which includes works by Yves Klein and Olafur Eliasson.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
Heckfield Place, Hampshire, England
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
A luxury oasis in the Namib Desert, this lodge offers incredible stargazing, dune excursions, and a chance to experience the raw beauty of Africa’s landscapes.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
A barefoot-luxury paradise, Soneva Fushi offers overwater villas, private beaches, and world-class diving experiences. The resort’s focus on sustainability means guests can enjoy nature at its finest, from snorkelling with manta rays to dining in a treetop restaurant.
Qualia, Hamilton Island, Australia
A secluded escape in the Whitsundays, Qualia offers insane views of the Great Barrier Reef. You can enjoy private beach picnics, scuba diving, and scenic helicopter rides over Heart Reef.
&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
Passalacqua, Lake Como
An intimate and ultra-exclusive retreat on Lake Como, Passalacqua offers just 24 suites within an 18th-century villa. The gardens, filled with olive trees and citrus groves, lead down to the shimmering lake, where guests can take a private boat tour or simply lounge with a glass of local wine.
Raffles, Singapore
One of the most legendary hotels in the world, Raffles is where the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented. With its colonial-style architecture and impeccable service, it remains a must-visit for those exploring the city. The hotel’s Long Bar is still one of the best spots for a drink in town.
Passalacqua, Lake Como
Hotel de L’Europe, Amsterdam
Sitting on the banks of the Amstel River, Hotel de L’Europe is one of Amsterdam’s most refined stays. Featuring a standout classic Dutch design, it is owned by the Heineken family. Guests can explore the city’s canals, dine at the two-Michelin-starred Flore, or relax in the spa after a day of sightseeing.
Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
John Steinbeck famously wrote that “Positano bites deep,” and Le Sirenuse is one of the finest ways to experience it. Family-run since the 1950s, this hotel is perched above the Amalfi Coast with mesmerising views of the sea. The decor is quintessentially Italian—arched balconies, antique furniture, and hand-painted tiles. Guests can sip limoncello on the terrace, take a vintage Riva boat tour, or lose themselves in the romantic beauty of Positano’s winding streets.
Hotel de L’Europe, Amsterdam
Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain
A former military fortress turned five-star retreat, Cap Rocat is hidden within the cliffs of Mallorca, overlooking the Bay of Palma with breathtaking views. The hotel is adults-only and guests can explore secret tunnels, indulge in spa treatments in ancient stone chambers, or take a private swim in the Mediterranean.
Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome
A Roman classic, Hotel d’Inghilterra has welcomed dignitaries, writers, and artists since the 19th century. A stones throw from the Spanish Steps, it boastse old-world charm with its antique furnishings and historic details. The hotel’s intimate bar is a hidden gem, offering some of the best Negronis in the city.
Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain