Villa d’Este |
Lake Como, Italy
Once a 16th-century noble house on the shores of Lake Como, Villa d’Este was reimagined as one of the world’s most opulent hotels in 1873. This Renaissance gem spans 25 hectares of manicured gardens, dotted with cascading fountains, ornate sculptures and hidden terraces. Across two historic buildings, 152 rooms and suites reveal frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the lake or lush gardens. If you want a little more privacy, choose one of just four villas, each with views of the lake right from your terrace. To complete your stay, sip vintage Champagne by the floating pool, unwind in the Jacuzzi overlooking the water or sit down for a lakeside meal at Veranda.
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Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab |
Dubai, UAE
Newly opened in March 2025, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab completes Jumeirah’s iconic waterfront trilogy of opulent hotels with its striking superyacht design. Its rooms and suites channel nautical glamour through sleek lines and soft color palettes, matching the private marina just beyond. No matter where you’re situated, you’ll get breathtaking views of the ocean, harbor or city skyline from your private balcony. There are plenty of places to relax, including four pools, a private beach and a three-floor spa containing an indoor pool, a dedicated female-only floor and advanced therapies like cryotherapy. Fulfill any craving at one of the 11 restaurants, serving everything from Greek and Italian to Japanese and Indian cuisine.
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Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental |
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Although never a royal residence, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental exudes the grandeur of a true palace with its iconic domes, gilded details and expansive grounds, so it’s no surprise it won Wow Pick of the Year in the 2025 Kiwi Awards. Park your yacht at the exclusive marina, then get an aerial view of the private beach and manicured gardens right from your terrace or balcony. Choose between two pools: the serene East Wing Pool where Jacuzzis and a swim-up bar invite leisurely luxury, or the adventure-filled West Wing Pool, with a cascade of waterfalls, twisting slides and a lazy river. Dining here is equally spectacular, with 12 restaurants offering Cantonese, Mediterranean, Lebanese and Japanese cuisines. If you’re visiting from October to June, have dinner on the beach instead at Sand & Koal.
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Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort |
Venice, Italy
Step onto the exclusive Lido Island and discover Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, the only beachfront resort in all of Venice. Every September, the resort transforms into the glittering heart of the Venice International Film Festival, welcoming stars and filmmakers to mark the premieres of their films. Spend your days lounging by the pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea, sinking your toes into the private beach or challenging your friends on the tennis courts. When you’re ready to see more of Venice, skip the water taxi and take a complimentary ride on the private shuttle boat straight to St. Mark’s Square in under 20 minutes. If you’d rather stay on-site, sit down for a seafood-focused Italian meal at the candlelit Adriatico Terrace overlooking the water.
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La Mamounia |
Marrakech, Morocco
Built on the grounds of a 12th-century sultan’s palace, La Mamounia transformed centuries of royal heritage into one of Morocco’s most opulent hotels when it opened in 1923. Live like royalty in one of three riads—a traditional Moroccan hideaway with a private terrace, heated swimming pool and a dedicated butler available 24/7. Culinary desires are effortlessly fulfilled, with talented chefs presenting Moroccan, Italian, Mediterranean and Asian creations in all four restaurants and the private dining experience, Dîner Éphémère. If exclusivity is what you’re looking for, book a treatment in the private spa area with its own hammam, double treatment room and Jacuzzi, then take a dip in the outdoor pool lined with Murano glass.
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The Plaza Hotel |
New York City, United States
At the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South sits The Plaza Hotel, one of America’s most opulent hotels. Walk through the bronze-framed doors and admire the grand marble hallways, crystal chandeliers and gilded accents at every turn. Indulge in afternoon tea at The Palm Court, caviar at the Champagne Bar or the decadent sundae featured in Home Alone 2, delivered right to your plush bed. And, depending on your room or suite, you can enjoy views of Central Park or Fifth Avenue as you eat your way through 16 scoops of ice cream. Prefer pampering to dessert? Visit the newly opened 111SKIN Spa/Clinic or on-site salon for a luxurious treatment.
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Grantley Hall |
Ripon, United Kingdom
Originally built in the 17th century as a noble estate, Grantley Hall now blends historic grandeur with contemporary comfort. Each of the 47 rooms and suites is adorned with antique furnishings, rich fabrics and sweeping views of the landscaped gardens or rolling countryside. Live out your regal fantasies in the Royal Suite with its emperor-sized bed, marble-clad bathroom and complimentary private bar. Dine like nobility at Shaun Rankin’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where local, seasonal ingredients meet dishes inspired by the chef’s upbringing in the region. When it’s time to unwind, visit the spa to enjoy the indoor-to-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, Nordic spa garden, snow room, hot tub, sauna, indoor swimming pool or a holistic treatment.
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Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya |
Cancun, Mexico
Framed by the turquoise Caribbean Sea and lush tropical jungle, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya offers a secluded escape just 30 minutes outside bustling Cancun. All 173 rooms and suites feature private balconies and plunge pools, so you’ll never have to leave the sea behind. For the ultimate view, book the Oceanfront Presidential Suite, with multiple windows and balconies overlooking the water. Step away from your plunge pool to enjoy one of the two oceanfront infinity pools or your own private stretch of white sand. Or immerse yourself in local culture with a spa treatment inspired by Mayan traditions, using locally sourced oils and fresh herbs from the garden.
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Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul |
Istanbul, Türkiye
Originally a 19th-century Ottoman imperial palace, Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has been meticulously restored to showcase its regal heritage. Perched on the European side of the Bosphorus, the palace transports you to a bygone era of opulence, with marble staircases, intricate woodwork and ornate chandeliers at every turn. Rooms and suites feature private balconies, hand-painted ceilings and period-inspired furnishings, along with a stunning view of the strait, Yildiz Park or the lush gardens. Take a dip in the infinity pool that seems to spill into the Bosphorus or unwind at the spa with treatments inspired by traditional Turkish hammams. Dine at the Michelin-recommended Tugra restaurant or sip cocktails at the waterside lounge while watching the sunset.
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Raffles Hotel |
Singapore
Raffles Hotel quickly became one of the most opulent hotels in the world when it opened its doors in Singapore in 1887. Its suites are a mix of colonial heritage and contemporary design, boasting high ceilings, polished wood floors and views of the lush tropical gardens or bustling city streets. Visit the historic Long Bar, where the world-famous Singapore Sling was born, or savor international cuisine at one of five restaurants. Unwind at the spa, a tranquil garden hideaway with a vitality pool, herbal sauna, aromatherapy steam room and ice fountain. Don’t miss the on-site Raffles Arcade, where you can find elegant jewelry, high-end fashion and gourmet dining.
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Le Royal Monceau – Raffles |
Paris, France
Having opened in 1928 and restored to glory in 2010, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris has established itself as one of the City of Light’s most opulent hotels. Designed by French architect and designer Philippe Starck, this Parisian retreat is just steps away from the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Stay in one of three presidential suites, each with dedicated butler service, a private fitness room and access to a Range Rover if desired. Savor world-class gastronomy at the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio for Italian fare or Matsuhisa Paris, founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, for Japanese. The centerpiece is the infinity pool, one of the largest in any Parisian hotel, complemented by a state-of-the-art spa featuring a hammam, laconium and sauna.
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