Luxury means different things today. For some, it’s design-led spaces, unique experiences or a boutique feel – a personal interpretation rather than a fixed standard. But when you’re looking for old-school luxury – the world’s finest hotels, where every detail, from setting and suites to dining and service, is truly exceptional – this is a great place to start. These are genuinely top-tier hotels, where standards are uncompromising, service is intuitive, and every stay feels effortless, refined and unforgettable. Because at this level, luxury isn’t just about how it looks – it’s about how it makes you feel from the moment you arrive. These hotels are proven for their reputation for excellence, delivering outstanding experiences across every aspect, along with a distinctive sense of place and true exclusivity.
Iconic and landmark luxury hotels
Our most iconic luxury hotels are those that have shaped the idea of world-class hospitality, combining heritage, setting and global recognition. From the legendary elegance of Raffles Singapore and the timeless glamour of Hotel Cipriani, Belmond, to the regal opulence of Oberoi Udaivilas and Oberoi Amarvilas in India, these are landmark stays in every sense. Elsewhere, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and Atlantis The Royal are icons of modern architecture, while Reid’s Palace, Belmond and Caruso, Belmond bring historic European charm.
Luxury hotels with Michelin-level dining
As you’d expect, each of our luxury hotels serves up exceptional dining with à la carte menus in exquisite surroundings. But if you travel through taste, our culinary-led luxury hotels deliver exceptional gastronomy shaped by world-renowned chefs and refined dining experiences. Italian classics such as Hotel Cipriani, Belmond, Caruso, Belmond and Castello di Casole, Belmond are celebrated for their elevated regional cuisine, while Raffles Singapore offers an array of chef-led dining concepts. In Dubai, Atlantis The Royal brings together an unparalleled collection of celebrity chef restaurants, making it a destination in its own right for global dining excellence.
Luxury hotels by the beach
Our beachfront luxury hotels are set in some of the most breathtaking room-with-a-horizon-view locations in the world. From the pristine Maldivian islands of Baros, Milaidhoo, Kandolhu, Gili Lankanfushi and Niyama Private Islands, to the dramatic coastal beauty of Jade Mountain and Sugar Beach, Viceroy in St Lucia, every stay celebrates effortless access to the sea. One&Only The Palm, Constance Prince Maurice and Raffles Seychelles sit beside powder-soft sands and calm turquoise waters, while Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman is a hidden jewel that brings a sense of seclusion between mountains and ocean.
Luxury city hotels
Our city-based luxury hotels mix cultural immersion with exceptional comfort in some of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Raffles Singapore stands as a true icon in the heart of the city, while The Silo in Cape Town has a bold, design-led perspective overlooking the waterfront. In the UAE, both Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and Atlantis The Royal deliver statement luxury within globally renowned urban destinations.
Wildlife, countryside, rural luxury hotels
For a deeper connection with nature, our wildlife and countryside retreats offer space and serenity in unforgettable settings. In Botswana, Eagle Island Lodge, Belmond and Savute Elephant Lodge, Belmond place you at the heart of extraordinary safari landscapes, while The Datai Langkawi immerses you in ancient rainforest by the Andaman Sea. In India, Wildflower Hall, Oberoi offers Himalayan tranquillity, complemented by the rural elegance of Oberoi Rajvilas and the Tuscan countryside setting of Castello di Casole, Belmond. Viceroy Bali has a seen-to-be believed setting with dramatic jungle views overlooking the Valley of the Kings, yet surprisingly close to Ubud.
Luxury spa hotels
Our spa-focused luxury hotels are designed for complete wellbeing, where relaxation becomes the experience in itself. At Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman and Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, wellness is deeply embedded in the environment, while Viceroy Bali offers jungle-fringed tranquillity with a strong holistic focus – there’s sound healing and a dedicated yoga master who’ll guide you to a quiet corner if you need to balance your chakras. In the Maldives, Milaidhoo and Niyama Private Islands deliver serene overwater spa experiences, while Constance Prince Maurice pairs beachfront calm with refined wellness facilities.
Luxury hotels for families
Travelling as a family doesn’t mean compromising on luxury, and our selection of family-friendly luxury hotels combines space, flexibility and thoughtful experiences for all ages. Atlantis The Royal leads the way with world-class entertainment and waterpark access, while Niyama Private Islands offers one of the Maldives’ most innovative kids’ programmes. Resorts such as One&Only The Palm in Dubai, Constance Prince Maurice in Mauritius and Sugar Beach, Viceroy in Saint Lucia balance outstanding family accommodation with activities designed to connect you with the place you’re visiting to create fabulous moments and lasting memories.