The world of travel has been transformed by the new competition between top destinations to attract visitors, with standards of luxury soaring as countries, cities and hotels alike increasingly pull out all the stops to lure guests and tourists to choose them for their next getaway.
At a time when the tourism world desperately needs to recover from the pressures and impact of the past two years, and when we, as travellers, need a relaxing break away from it all more than ever, luxury hotels are even more appealing to us than they once were. As high-end resorts become ever-more extravagant, a growing number of hotels have become holiday destinations in their own right, no longer simply somewhere to stay but instead, the very reason a destination is chosen in the first place.
From iconic buildings to celebrity chef dining options and a plethora of opulent facilities, today’s luxury hotels and resorts offer everything you could possibly need or want, from a lavish luxury getaway.
Modern holiday destinations like the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives have built themselves entirely around the concept of luxury, and are competing with more traditional destinations like Monaco or the Italian Riviera for the guests who are seeking luxury. While the former offer tailor-made opulence and secluded five-star island resorts for those looking for the utmost in exclusivity, the latter continue to offer original, old world luxury by the bucket load, and charm that many still can’t resist when it comes to planning a trip away.
Whatever you’re looking for from your next holiday or mini-break, there’s certain to be a lavish hotel to suit your tastes, and from stunning facilities and exciting cuisine to captivating casinos and nightlife, as global travel restrictions continue to ease, the world’s finest high-end resorts are already booking up fast for the rest of the year.
If you’re still deliberating over which destination to choose, then let these ten hotels be your guide.
Best for casinos and nightlife: Bellagio, Las Vegas
When it comes to extravagant hotel resorts, the Bellagio is up there with the best of them. Located on Sin City’s buzzing strip, it offers sumptuous suites and a range of dreamy facilities that are so beautiful, you won’t want to leave. According to the experts at leading online casino Megaways slots, it’s also one of the best high-end hotels in the world for those seeking an adrenaline-fuelled break. Its on site casino is home to thousands of slot machines and hundreds of gaming tables, and the nightly entertainment puts other hotels on The Strip to shame.
Best for old world luxury: Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Monaco
This classic and historic landmark stands right in the Place du Casino in the heart of Monaco, between the Prince’s Palace and superyachts bobbing in the Mediterranean harbour below. It also incorporates the world’s most famous casino – and one of the most highly-rated restaurants anywhere across the globe.
Offering guests private beach access and its own opera house, rooms are palatial and overlook the glorious waterfront. A must for anyone visiting the French Riviera this summer, and a big tick off the bucket list, too.
Best for gastronomy: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
This sensational sail-shaped ‘seven-star’ hotel on the shore in Dubai has become the most iconic hotel of the United Arab Emirates, and from its pristine, man-made beach to the 180-metre atrium – the tallest in the world – this hotel is dedicated to extreme luxury.
Composed entirely of luxury suites, facilities include an impressive line-up of nine restaurants – including romantic fine dining restaurant Al Muntaha, which serves up traditional yet innovative French cuisine, with panoramic views of the bay below, and premium seafood restaurant Al Mahara, which offers intimate, Michelin-starred fine dining.
The Burj holds the world record for the world’s most expensive cocktail – costing more than £5,000. Visit the Skyview bar to give the ‘27,321’ a try.
Best for boutique luxury: Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
The beautiful Hotel Bel-Air is a beautiful boutique hideaway hotel in Los Angeles, California, and is owned by the fabulously wealthy Sultan of Brunei. The palm-fringed 12-acre estate has its own lake and stands near the Pacific Ocean – the perfect haven for those eager to get away from it all for a few days whilst relaxing in the lap of luxury, and a place where privacy and exclusivity are guaranteed.
Best for a trip back in time: Lucknam Park near Bath, England
Lucknam Park is a former aristocratic mansion that has been turned into a world-famous country house hotel. Follow an avenue of trees through the private park to reach its grand buildings, and prepare to be blown away by this opulent retreat.
With one of the UK’s most acclaimed restaurants, an award-winning spa and beautiful antiques displayed throughout, here you can expect to recognise many celebrity guests. An easy choice for anyone seeking a staycation on home soil – but book early, as the suites here fill up fast.
Best for all-round glamour: Raffles Hotel, Singapore
The most famous Singapore hotel has been exquisitely renovated to become a global luxury destination. The graceful Victorian gardens, courtyards and terrace bars remain, but it now offers fabulous rooms and gourmet restaurants too.
Expect impeccable service and a prime location in the heart of the bustling city. Its highlights include a fabulous ballroom and a shopping arcade with 40 designer boutiques – and let’s not forget that it’s where the popular Singapore Sling cocktail was originally created. Visit the Long Bar to try one in the place where it all began.
Best for a sunshine getaway: Mardan Palace, Turkey
Literally encrusted with gold, the opulent Mardan Palace was built on the Turkish Riviera with the intention of being as luxurious as possible – and suffice it to say that it has achieved just that.
The swimming pool is one of the world’s largest – it’s so big there are gondola rides along it. Rooms feature balconies offering extraordinary views, and there are 31 different places to eat and drink. But the biggest highlight? The hotel has its own private sandy beach – perfect for sun worshippers in need of a balmy and relaxing getaway.
Best for paradise beaches: Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
This legendary beach resort hotel stands amid beautiful sandy islands, coral reefs, swaying palms and dazzling blue sea. Rooms and villas open straight onto the white sand beaches, making you feel like you’ve quite literally stepped into paradise.
The hotel is renowned for providing water sports facilities and its spa is highly acclaimed. Food is faultless and often served on tables on the beach under flaming torches – expect mouth-watering, locally-caught seafood and tasty, traditional Mauritian fare.
Best for fun lovers: The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City, South Africa
The Palace is an extraordinary destination that boasts its own entertainment complex, theme park and zoo. There’s a game park next door and some of the world’s top acts have performed here.
The hotel itself is a classically styled colonial palace – albeit with a life-sized herd of elephant sculptures in the foyer. Expect a memorable experience!
Best for wildlife: Sabi Sands in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Offering the utmost in luxury and exclusivity, Sabi Sands is a must-visit for safari seekers and nature lovers in South Africa. Opt to stay in one the three Londolozi Private Granite Suites for a memorable experience that offers breath-taking views over the park, with a contemporary aesthetic comprising stone walls, polished concrete and a minimalistic colour scheme of charcoal, silver and elephant grey. The game drives on offer here are second to none, so if you’re eager to spot the big five without compromising on luxury, then this is just the place.
