9 luxurious hotels you won't want to leave

These are our favourite places to be seen, attracting celebrities and royalty; oozing the wow factor with out-of-this-world dining, experiences and service to match.

Viceroy Bali

High above Ubud’s jungle canopy, Viceroy Bali is an intimate hillside retreat with serious wow factor. There’s the infinity pool suspended over the valley, villas with private pools and Balinese pavilions, and a spa tucked into the forested hillside for massages with birdsong on the soundtrack. Dinner might mean refined Asian flavours or European classics, followed by a nightcap with the jungle as your backdrop. With just 40 villas and over 190 staff, service feels exceptionally attentive without ever seeming intrusive.

Fairmont Château Lake Louise

If ever a hotel had mastered the art of a grand reveal, it’s Fairmont Château Lake Louise. One moment there’s pine forest and mountain road, the next: a palatial château beside a sheet of turquoise water, with the Victoria Glacier looming theatrically behind it. Inside, there’s a pleasing mix of grandeur and comfort, plus restaurants, lounges and afternoon teas that make the most of that remarkable setting. Outside, Banff National Park is your playground, whether that means canoeing across the lake, hiking into the Rockies or returning from the slopes to a cocktail with a front-row view.

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Awards, awards and more awards tell you that Jade Mountain in Saint Lucia is one of the best places to stay in the Caribbean. So much so that it’s not unusual for guests to stay in their room for the whole stay. Wondering why? The Star Sanctuary Suites have a wall missing and instead an infinity pool that merges with astounding, lofty views over the Piton mountains. Couple with a few days at Anse Chastanet nearby to make it an affordable splurge.

Banyan Tree Bangkok, Thailand

In a spectacular setting right in the heart of the city, Banyan Tree Bangkok is a true oasis of stylish service and serenity. Soaring over the heart of this energetic city, the Banyan Tree Bangkok is renowned for its array of fine restaurants. Dine by candlelight at Vertigo – an al fresco rooftop restaurant with spectacular views and you'll enjoy one of the most memorable dining experiences you are ever likely to have. During the day, relax at the Banyan Tree Spa which offers one of Bangkok’s most luxurious spa experiences, with 16 treatment rooms located high above the bustling streets - perfect for rejuvenating massages.

Milaidhoo Maldives

Milaidhoo has all the castaway beauty you come to the Maldives for, but with a much more grown-up, barefoot feel. In the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, days unfold between your private pool, drift-snorkelling over the reef and paddling out across glass-clear water by kayak or paddleboard. Dining has real personality too, whether that’s a long lunch by the sand, seafood cooked over flames at Shoreline Grill or dinner aboard a traditional ba’theli boat, where Maldivian flavours are reworked with a Spice Route twist. And then there’s the wildlife: this is manta ray and whale shark territory, with Hanifaru Bay within easy reach.

Chena Huts By Uga Escapes, Sri Lanka

This world-class safari retreat is tucked away among the dunes on a deserted beach, just 15-minutes from Yala National Park. As far as Sri Lankan safari retreats go; this is by far the most luxurious. Head out on a personalised safari with an expert ranger to spot wild elephants, crocodiles or Yala’s elusive leopards, enjoy exceptional dining at the cosy open-air restaurant and wind down with a blissful treatment in the spa. However, you could be forgiven for never wanting to leave the romantic sanctuary of your room – each of the 18 impeccably designed cabins are nestled in the sand dunes and have a huge outdoor deck and private plunge pool.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Sandy Lane is the most iconic hotel in the Caribbean and has been the go-to retreat for celebrities and royalty since 1961. The super spacious rooms are the epitome of elegance with homely touches; and the golf is a real draw here, offering some of the best courses in the world, including a golf course exclusive to Sandy Lane guests. If golf isn't for you, then you can always take a dip in the stunning spa pool.

Roving Bushtops, Serengeti

Emulating the pioneering spirit of early explorers, Roving Bushtops is unfenced and semi-permanent, with wheels allowing it to move if wildlife patterns should change. The eight luxurious and contemporary tents have butler service, as well as canvas walls that can be opened on three sides during the day for panoramic views. A la carte dining can be served in the privacy of your own tent or under the stars and exceptional service comes as standard. Roving Bushtops also allocates its guests a private 4x4 land cruiser vehicle for all game drives, meaning you’re in total control of where and when you want to head out on safari.

Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay is a two-hour drive-from Dubai and couldn’t be more different. Remote, with a secluded beach and the rugged beauty of towering mountains – you can paraglide down from the peak if you’re feeling inclined. The emphasis here is about wellbeing, a slower pace and unsurpassed eco-luxury. The villas are astounding, each with its own infinity pool, outdoor dining suite and wine cellar; the Six Senses Spa is renowned; and we love the Shua Shack Bedouin dining experience, with cuisine prepared in an underground oven.