We’ve Found the Most Epic Stays in the World
June 07, 2023
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, Maldives
1/71Most Maldivian resorts work hard to make sure their guests unwind but Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa takes it to another level. It’s not an easy choice between the beach and overwater bungalows (each with a private pool and uninterrupted ocean views), but whichever you choose, the only real dilemma will be over how much island time you have left for floating breakfasts and private cinema screenings.
Image credit: Robert Rieger
Lost Lindenberg, Bali
2/71Surrounded by lush gardens and verdant jungle, Lost Lindenberg is a tranquil retreat where guests can pair having fun with giving back. Surf with local instructors before participating in weekly beach clean-ups before enjoying communal long-table dinners with plant-based meals. Breakfast is served poolside with the company of the hotel's friendly resident dogs.
Image credit: Remy Brand
Wander, South Australia
3/71Discover the charms of Kangaroo Island at Wander where the natural beauty of the island takes centrestage. Dine under a 120-year-old fig tree, explore the serene shores of Stokes Bay Beach or retreat to your hilltop pod and sink into the black stone bathtub with panoramic views.
Château Voltaire, Paris
4/71Owned by fashion maverick Thierry Gillier of Zadig & Voltaire fame, Paris’ Château Voltaire is an elegant hotel with views over the French capital’s rooftops. There’s an intimate bar, indoor pool and 31 rooms across the boutique hotel designed by Franck Durand, known for his work with French label Isabel Marant. All feature luxurious beds, perfect for late-night room service – don’t skip the hotel’s irresistible chocolate mousse.
Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Singapore
5/71Located in Singapore's vibrant Duxton Hill, the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton brings a vibrant energy to the neighbourhood. This 302-room hotel offers luxurious suites, four bars and restaurants, a rooftop pool and a secret tunnel leading into tropical bar, the Jungle Ballroom, which celebrates South East Asia’s wild nature, while the ginger-tomato-cognac Jaguar Juice confection is a flavour bomb. There’s also an impressive art collection of local and international artists on display.
Bedarra Island Resort, Queensland
6/71Bedarra Island Resort in Queensland offers an adults-only retreat within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy tropical fruit breakfasts, stand-up paddleboarding and embark on self-guided adventures to nearby deserted islands. The 12 bespoke villas include features such as plunge pools, private decks and panoramic views of the secluded paradise.
The Hoxton, Poblenou, Barcelona
7/71The Hoxton Poblenou in Barcelona offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors alike. Inspired by renowned architect Ricardo Bofill, the hotel's design showcases a blend of vintage furniture and colourful artwork. There’s a ground-floor bodega (for all your late-night snacking needs) and a swanky rooftop bar and Mexican eatery with a plunge pool.
Six Senses Rome, Rome
8/71Discover the essence of Rome at Six Senses Rome, where modern luxury meets timeless beauty. From Suite 102's stunning 15th-century fresco to plant-based dining at Bivium and the spa’s Roman baths, it’s a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city just a four-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain.
Image credit: Yoshikoitani Photography
Paradero Todos Santos, Mexico
9/71Explore the hidden oasis of Paradero Todos Santos in Baja California Sur, an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. This adults-only retreat seamlessly blends into the desert landscape, offering luxurious minimalist suites, a botanical amphitheatre and a Mayan-inspired spa. Surf at nearby secluded beaches or simply relax by the pool. Indulge in freshly caught yellowtail ceviche by chef Eduardo Ríos at the onsite restaurant and enjoy magical views of the moonlit mountains.
Pipinui Point, New Zealand
10/71At Pipinui Point in New Zealand, guests are invited to reconnect with nature in irresistible style and comfort. Soak your worries away in the cliffside bathtub overlooking the Cook Strait before snuggling up in the cosy bedrooms or by the wood stove in the lounge. Take in panoramic views of the sea and South Island mountains and don’t even think about lifting a finger: the house comes stocked with pre-prepared meals by chef Warren Maddox.
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
11/71Relaxation gets taken to a whole new level at COMO Parrot Cay, a private island retreat in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a two-hour flight south-east of Miami. The resort is surrounded by pristine white beaches with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. At the wellness-focused retreat you can indulge in light Asian-inspired fare, rejuvenating spa treatments and a range of complimentary activities. Whether you spend the day snorkelling, kayaking, or soaking up the sun at the beach, every guest here is treated like a celebrity by the warm and welcoming staff.
Kokomo Private Island Fiji, Fiji
12/71Kokomo Private Island Fiji offers 21 beachfront villas and five luxury residences each complete with a private deck and pool. Your holiday kicks off with a 45-minute seaplane or helicopter from Nadi, landing you in the heart of the Great Astrolabe Reef where you’ll be footsteps away from snorkelling among manta rays and reef sharks. A relaxed day looks like eating casual bites at the treehouse-style eatery before sunset cocktails in the sunken bar. For a more high-octane adventure, there’s also the option to charter high-performance vessels to world-class dive and fishing spots.
Mezzatorre, Italy
13/71Whether it be in the saltwater pool or the volcanic hot spring-fed thermal spa, Italy’s Mezzatorre on the island of Ischia is the perfect place to unwind. Building up an appetite isn’t hard, especially when you have a plate of the signature scialatielli ai quattro pomodori (pasta with tomato sauce) waiting at Ristorante La Torre. Finish the evening at Bar La Torre with aperitivo in hand as the sun sets over San Montano Bay.
Image credit: Kleinjan Groenewald
Caravan Agafay, Morocco
14/71Caravan Agafay is a calming desert retreat just 30 minutes from Marrakech. Nestled across five hectares and facing the Atlas mountains, it offers 40 tents and lodges with two pools and meals sourced from the property’s garden. Explore the desert on camelback or lose yourself in the rhythmic drumbeats during a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
15/71The beauty of Hawaii’s Hanalei Bay is captured at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, a luxurious resort focused on sustainability. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, this eco-friendly resort offers low-impact structures and a total carbon-neutral status. Spend your days bouncing between the Bamford Wellness Spa, outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking and exploring the charming town of Hanalei.
Palihouse West Hollywood, Los Angeles
16/71Californian aesthetics and European charm meet the vibrant energy of LA at Palihouse West Hollywood. Relax in the retro-chic rooms, sip grapefruit-infused cocktails at the bar and dine on steak frites and salad Niçoise on the French bistro-inspired patio.
Image credit: Robert Rieger
Aman, New York
17/71Aman New York is located in the heart of Manhattan within the historic Crown Building on Fifth Avenue and is the latest addition to the ultra-luxurious Aman portfolio. The exclusive hotel features 83 lavish suites, a decadent spa spanning three storeys and two onsite restaurants offering Italian and Japanese fare.
Heckfield Place, United Kingdom
18/7175 kilometres south-west of London is Hampshire’s Heckfield Place, an 18th-century manor-turned-hotel which blends countryside charm with luxury. Explore the stunning gardens and woodlands, indulge in chef Skye Gyngell's spinach and crème fraîche soup and unwind with a kinesiology-based massage and sauna experience.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
19/71As Australia’s tallest hotel, incredible views across Melbourne city and beyond are a given at The new Ritz-Carlton, which towers over the CBD’s western end.You’ll find the best vistas at seafood-centric Atria, found on the 80th floor under the expert direction of executive chef Michael Greenlaw. A little further down, the hotel’s sandstone-wrapped spa and heated indoor infinity pool awaits.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Tokyo
20/71Tokyo's newest Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Otemachi boasts panoramic views of Tokyo's iconic landmarks from the Tokyo Skytree to Mt Fuji. This serene hotel offers a Parisian-style bar, Michelin-starred dining, a heated lap pool and Japanese hot baths. Explore the city with ease from this central location before unwinding in your elegant room while watching the busy city below from the comfort of your bed.
Image credit: Somethings wild creative
Linnaeus Farm, NSW
21/71Linnaeus Farm, nestled just outside of Berry, offers a nostalgic retreat just two hours south of Sydney. The Scandi-influenced home has a serene atmosphere thanks to its lush natural setting that includes picturesque lakes and an orchard. Enjoy leisurely activities like bocce, or unwind in the sauna before taking a dip in the pool.
The St. Regis, Hong Kong
22/71The St. Regis Hong Kong offers a show-stopping experience with daily sabring of champagne in the hotel lobby, luxurious apartment-sized rooms and impeccable service. Lunch at Michelin-starred Rùn includes juicy barbecued Iberico pork and a selection of dumplings, accompanied by endless cups of chrysanthemum tea.
Sea Breeze III, Auckland
23/71Luxury adventure has never looked as good as it does aboard the Mid-century Modern-style Sea Breeze III yacht in Auckland. Encounter rare Hector's dolphins (the world’s smallest), indulge in local cuisine prepared by chefs and enjoy spa treatments amidst breathtaking views. The recently refurbished vessel offers the chance to go foraging and fishing or simply experience tranquillity with yoga and meditation sessions on Ponui Island.
Grootbos, South Africa
24/71Located on the west coast of South Africa, Grootbos is a luxury retreat surrounded by a diverse fynbos floral kingdom. With a commitment to conservation, guests can enjoy flower safaris, horseback rides and marine tours, all while witnessing the region's unique wildlife and landscape. At the onsite restaurant, enjoy farm-to-table dining before heading back to your private suite to appreciate the incredible views.
Image credit: Timothy Kaye
Capella, Sydney
25/71192-room luxury hotel, Capella Sydney is housed inside the sandstone former Department of Education building in the city’s CBD. Dine on french fare at Brasserie 1930 before heading to the speakeasy-style cocktail bar for a nightcap. The rooms and suites are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities including touchpad heating and deep-set baths.
RAAS Jodhpur, Jodhpur
26/71RAAS Jodhpur offers a serene escape from the bustling streets of India. With the majestic Mehrangarh Fort as its backdrop, the hotel features beautifully restored haveli buildings and modern extensions. Within the complex you’ll find two restaurants, a rooftop bar, spa and easy access to the bustling bazaars of central Clock Tower Market, promising a luxurious and culturally rich experience.
Explora Rapa Nui, Easter Island
27/71Escape to Explora Rapa Nui on Easter Island for epic adventures guided by knowledgeable locals. With a design that’s inspired by ancient archaeological sites, this architecturally striking stay offers island-inspired cuisine, dawn breakfasts and happy hours, as well as a pool and spa to relax in.
Image credit: Olivia Claire Media
The Granary, Tasmania
28/71The Granary is a luxurious three-bedroom retreat within an historic Georgian homestead in the town of Cressy, a 30-minute drive south of Launceston. Set amidst a working sheep farm, guests can kick back and relax in the beautifully curated manor or head out and explore the vineyards of nearby Relbia and browse for treasures at the Sunday market in Evandale.
Ace Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto
29/71The ultra-chic Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a trendy and immersive experience that starts right in its vibrant lobby which highlights local creatives and artisanal everything. Guests can turn up the volume with vinyl turntables and vintage records in their rooms before winding down for a nap on the hotel’s bespoke mattresses. Have your fill of Italian cuisine at onsite restaurant Mr. Maurice’s and try the scallop ceviche at Piopiko Bar & Taco Lounge.
Image credit: Rachel Claire
Stillwood, Western Australia
30/71Stillwood Retreat sits just outside Denmark, WA, four-and-a-half hours from Perth,and offers a serene bush getaway for adults. Surrounded by nature, the boutique hideaway will have you exploring nearby Greens Pool beach and sipping local drops at Singlefile Wines. Complete your day with a delicious meal at Forest Hill winery before finishing up with an outdoor bath under the starlit sky.
Image credit: Simon Devitt
Seascape at Annandale, New Zealand
31/71If you’ve always wanted to play the part of a castaway but don’t want to forgo luxury to do it, this high-end New Zealand retreat is the place to escape to. An 11-minute helicopter trip from Christchurch will have you sipping champagne in the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the ocean.
Read our full review
Duma Cabin, Indonesia
32/71A two-hour drive from Canggu but a far cry from touristy Bali, this mountain retreat has seven cabins and a Whatsapp concierge. Spend your days in the sun on the swinging sofa overlooking the valley and cooling down in the infinity pool. By night, relax in the jacuzzi or around the firepit.
Image credit: Tomooki Kengaku
Trunk House, Japan
33/71Found in Tokyo’s historic Kagurazaka district, this former geisha training house is now a minimalist single-room hotel with a 24-hour butler and private chef on call. If you must escape the serenity, there’s a karaoke room on the ground floor, complete with mirror ball.
The Standard London, United Kingdom
34/71The British capital has provided Standard Hotels with its first address outside of America and it has 266 rooms with futurist interiors. You’d never guess from the outside though, with the Brutalist exterior matching the surrounding King’s Cross area – except for the bright red outdoor lift. The toughest decision you’ll have to make is choosing between a Margarita at Mexican-Spanish fine-diner Decimo or an Espresso Martini at the rooftop terrace.
Image credit: Michael Weber
The Upper House, Hong Kong
35/71Perched high above the bustling city streets, spread between levels 43 and 49, 117 spacious rooms bathed in natural light and with oversized baths await. Enjoy the peace at yoga classes on the atrium's lawn on the 6th floor then head to Salisterra, the relaxed Mediterranean restaurant on the 49th.
Image credit: Eleven Experience
Deplar Farm, Iceland
36/71It may be in one of the most remote parts of Northern Iceland but this adventure lodge makes a compelling case for travelling to the Fljót Valley, from a sauna dug into the hillside to snowmobiling through the tundra. If you still aren’t persuaded, soaking up the Northern Lights display from the open-air geothermal pool will convince you.
Pera Palace Hotel, Turkey
37/71Originally built in 1895 for passengers of the Orient Express, this 115-room hotel in Istanbul is where Agatha Christie reportedly penned Murder on the Orient Express. Guests will find a portrait of the author hanging in room 411 in honour of this storied past. Unwind in the traditional Turkish hammam bath before dining on Turkish, French and Italian dishes at Agatha restaurant.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka
38/71There’s glamping and then there’s glamping on the edge of a Sri Lankan jungle frequented by elephants and leopards. Stay in one of the 28 oceanside tented “cocoons” at this stunning lodge, only a short flight from Colombo. Take a guided walk or a cooking class and be sure to end the day at the bamboo open-air restaurant.
Next Hotel, Australia
39/71This Melbourne stay’s 255 rooms and suites are a standout but it’s the eateries that earn this destination a top spot in the city’s buzzy food scene. The hotel’s restaurant, La Madonna, serves a fusion of Sicilian and Hong Kong cuisines, such as Miso eggplant lasagna. And if you’re checking into a Club Room or Suite, The Club offers prosecco and oysters.
Image credit: Romain Ricard
Hotel Paradiso, France
40/71Each of this property’s 35 rooms and two suites is fitted with a three-metre-wide movie screen, transporting you beyond Paris. The film choices are endless and popcorn can be delivered to your room. In summer, the rooftop is available for open-air screenings and, of course, cocktails are included.
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, United States
41/71With local artists' work on the walls and furniture from vintage markets, this 147-room hotel is a blend of old and new in the heart of Los Angeles. The panoramic views across the city from rooftop restaurant Cara Cara mean scouting your next destination is simple. Make it even easier with a Passionfruit Caipirinha in hand.
Larnach Castle, New Zealand
42/71There are a few accommodation options on the grounds of this 151-year-old family-owned castle but the most luxurious is Camp Estate. Situated about 500 metres from the castle, the five guestrooms of the property can be booked individually. Surrounded by forests, fields and with views of the sea, the setting seems straight from a fairytale.
Bullo River Station, Australia
43/71Take a three-hour drive from Kununurra in the Northern Territory and you’ll find this 202,000-hectare property, where country meets luxe. There are 12 rooms, a pool with a cabana and a campfire where guests can roast marshmallows. The highlight? Looking up at the star-filled sky.
Read our full review
Image credit: John McDermott
Amanpulo, Philippines
44/71This remote resort invites you to slow down, with no reason to keep track of time. Fly by private plane from Manila to the only property on Pamalican Island. Stay in one of the 42 cabins dotting the beachfront, hillsides and in the treetops or treat yourself to private chefs and butlers in one of the 18 villas. There is kite-surfing, massages and turtle conservation programs.
Image credit: George Apostolidis
Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia
45/71Take in the surrounding rainforest on your private bungalow’s hammock. Or dip in the refreshing green waters of the Mossman River. They’re just two ways of whiling away the time at Silky Oaks Lodge, a luxury eco-retreat 75 minutes drive from Cairns. Enjoy the outlook from the Jungle Perch lounge, cocktail in hand, before a three-course dinner. And make sure you carve out time to relax in your outdoor tub. Keen to splurge on a trip with family or friends? The two-bedroom Daintree Pavilion – with infinity plunge pool, alfresco living and lounge areas and fully stocked wine fridge – is where it’s at.
Image credit: Phillip Vile
Reschio, Italy
46/71In rural Umbria, three hours north of Rome, stands an 11th-century castle that’s been transformed into a 36-room boutique hotel. It’s home to a spa carved out of a medieval wine cellar, stables where guests can take the horses out and service so gracious, home-baked goods await you in your room. The estate even grows its own organic produce.
Image credit: Giorgos Sfakianakis
Acro Suites, Greece
47/71Resting on a cliff edge overlooking the Cretan Sea, 30 minutes from Heraklion, this luxury resort on the island of Crete is a must-visit. There are 49 suites and villas, each with its own private saltwater pool. Cremnos is the on-site restaurant, which uses local organic produce in timeless recipes, such as skioufikta.
Image credit: Studio Periphery
Capella, Singapore
48/71On Sentosa Island are 38 private villas on 12 hectares of grounds (a rare luxury in Singapore), with their own plunge pools and reclining daybeds. You could try the on-site cocktail-making classes and gin tastings and join the chefs at the local wet market as they purchase fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
49/71This resort on Kunfunadhoo Island is luxurious, with eight water retreats and 63 villas. You won’t need convincing to jump into the sea from your deck or down the slide if you stay in a water retreat. If you want to meet some of the local marine life, your barefoot butler can arrange to have you snorkel with manta rays.
Sequoia, Australia
50/71The 14 Mid-century Modern-style suites at Sequoia Lodge overlook the idyllic Piccadilly Valley from the top of Mount Lofty – the highest point in the Adelaide Hills – but the best place to soak up the view is from the artesian spring-fed pools on the estate. Spend your day exploring South Australia’s best wineries with a scenic helicopter tour and finish with a seven-course dégustation at the three-hatted Hardy’s Verandah restaurant.
COMO Laucala Island, Fiji
51/71It practically bellows five-star (celebrity guests, enormous villas with private pools, an 18-hole championship golf course) but the joy of this high-end resort on the north-east corner of Fiji is in the quiet moments. Spectacular sunsets. In-the-moment snorkelling. Dinner with your feet in the sand. This is the kind of Fijian holiday that gives you everything you need.
Read our full review
Image credit: Tommy Picone
Hassler Roma, Italy
52/71At the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome is a hotel so luxurious that the late Princess Grace of Monaco once checked in. Soak in the views from the famed 7th Floor Terrace bar, where you can play a game of I Spy and try to spot the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican.
Hayman Residences, Australia
53/71Off the coast of central Queensland stand luxury private estates, each with their own infinity pool and views across The Whitsundays. You can choose to cook for your entire family in the well-appointed kitchen or have one of the resort’s chefs take over and deliver a delicious seafood grazing menu.
Hotel Magnolia, Chile
54/71Once built for a high-society Santiago family, this 40-room boutique hotel is now a luxurious stay in the capital. The hotel features a library, lobby bar and the Magnolia Restaurant furnished with velvet booths. Wash down empanadas with Chilean sauvignon blanc at the rooftop terrace with views across the El Centro District.
Image credit: Jeremy Kores
Nimmo Bay, Canada
55/71Spot the nine private chalets as your seaplane touches down on the water at Port Hardy, just off the coast of British Columbia. The activities at this resort, open between May to October, range from hiking through the cedar forests, kayaking out to the floating sauna, diving for sea urchins and foraging for sea kelp.
Image credit: Ken Seet
Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Thailand
56/71Once you check in to this 299-room urban resort in Bangkok’s Riverside area there’s no reason to leave – even the locals book it for staycations. Spend the day relaxing by the infinity pool under the shade of a palm tree. By night, move on to the hotel's BKK Social Club bar for an Evita, one of its signature cocktails.
Image credit: Jack Weisz
The Keep, Australia
57/71A 2.5-hour drive from Launceston in Tasmania, at the end of a 4.5-kilometre driveway stands a sandstone tower so remote, the only neighbours are wallabies. This exclusive couples retreat has views of the rainforest stretching as far as Flinders Island, with three walking tracks to explore. If relaxing is more your style, there’s a massive outdoor granite bathtub.
Image credit: Oliver Oldroyd
True North, Australia
58/71This 50-metre expedition ship functions as a floating boutique hotel for 36 lucky guests in Western Australia’s Kimberley region. The activities aren’t limited to onboard, with six adventure boats available for fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. There’s also a helicopter, which offers 20 various flights for guests. After a day off the boat, spend the evening at the alfresco bar feasting on mudcrabs.
Image credit: Mattia Aquila
Cipriani, Italy
59/71Giuseppe Cipriani, creator of the Bellini cocktail, opened the Cipriani, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, on Giudecca Island in Venice in 1958. Now the preferred stay of movie stars and Europe’s elite, this glamorous hotel epitomises the majesty of the canal city. Dining at Michelin-starred restaurant Oro is a must.
Image credit: Jaideep Oberoi
Taj Falaknuma Palace, India
60/71Stay at this palace in Hyderabad and be treated like royalty. Alight from your horse-drawn carriage and be showered in rose petals before you even check in. There are 60 guestrooms, as well as a 101-seat dining hall. It’s recommended that your nights be spent on the terrace, watching the city lights below.
Anantara World Island, The United Arab Emirates
61/71Next-level is the best way to describe this Thai-inspired luxury resort in Dubai. Peacocks roam the gardens as paddleboarders and kayakers make their way off the beaches into the ocean. Dine privately on the beach in a fibreglass bubble (air-con included, of course) as the sun sets on the Burj Khalifa.
Mauna Lani, United States
62/71A destination on the island of Hawaii that’s ideal for an all-generations family holiday is just a 45-minute flight from the capital, Honolulu. There are views of the gardens, mountains or ocean from the resort’s 334 rooms and suites. Take a dip in the adult-only pool if a morning away from the kids is what you need then reunite with the family for lunch at all-day eatery HãLani.
Image credit: Anson Smart
Ace Hotel, Australia
63/71On the border of Surry Hills and the Sydney CBD, this is a hotel to drop your bags off and head back down to the ground floor. Start with a cocktail in the sunken lounge at the lobby bar then dinner at ultra-cool, plant-driven restaurant Loam. Ask for one of the rooms that has a turntable and LPs – just the thing to wind down after a night out or to keep the party going.
Image credit: Des Jacobs
Mantis St Helena Hotel
64/71This remote island is almost 2000 kilometres west of South Africa in the South Atlantic Ocean and the only way to get there is a flight from Johannesburg. Once you arrive, you’ll find the Mantis hotel. Have your pick of eight heritage suites and rooms or 22 more modern rooms. It's only a short walk to the local swimming pool or beach but if you’re up for something more challenging, there’s a 699-step climb up Jacob’s Ladder with rewarding views at the top.
Image credit: Jessie Prince
Hinterland House, Australia
65/71You want to go to Byron Bay but you want to be away from the crowds. You want to take the family but you want a bit of private space sometimes, too. Hinterland House is your destination. Located in the hills surrounding Bangalow, just minutes from Byron, this luxury home features eight bedrooms, plenty of living spaces, expansive grounds, a swimming pool and some of the best sunrises you'll see.
Ross Farm, Australia
66/71This self-catered boutique accommodation just outside the town of Meeniyan in Victoria's Gippsland is a great place to reset, take in the fresh country air and do absolutely nothing. There are three separate, well-appointed lodgings to book, the Cabin, the Barn and the Dairy, which share the two-hectare property with a kitchen garden and chicken coop. Go for a bushwalk, grab a coffee in town or just relax.
Josun Palace, South Korea
67/71In the upscale Gangnam district, minutes from Seoul’s fashion precinct, is this 254-room property. Housed between the 24th and 36th floors are the guestrooms and five eating and drinking options, including the Gatsby-esque 1914 Lounge & Bar. Take in the views of the city skyline from the heated indoor pool.
Sofitel Legend Metropole, Vietnam
68/71There are a lot of stories to be told about this landmark hotel, which has traded for more than 120 years on a corner in Hanoi’s French Quarter. A stay in the heritage Metropole Wing feels like a step back in time to the colonial past. You can also visit a bomb shelter that protected guests, including Jane Fonda, during the Vietnam War.
Image credit: Nikolas Koenig
ModernHaus, United States
69/71Walls are replaced with enormous windows in this design-led hotel’s 114 rooms, bringing New York in. In fact, there are stunning views of the city from most parts of the property, including Jimmy, the rooftop bar that comes with a swimming pool. When you’re not admiring the views outside, you can appreciate the original artworks that decorate the hotel’s public spaces.
!Xaus Lodge, South Africa
70/71Check into one of the 12 chalets at this South African resort that’s so remote your only neighbours are four-legged. A three-hour drive from Upington Airport will get you to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park’s entry followed by a 4WD trip across sandhills and dunes. The phone service? Non-existent.
