Morocco / Africa

Walking into La Mamounia verges on a religious experience for those who genuflect at the altar of high-end hotels. Since its 1923 opening, it has been renowned as one of the world’s finest, leading in high design, ultra-luxe interiors and best-in-class hospitality – qualities that ensured it was named The Best Hotel in Africa 2023. To celebrate its 100th year, the hotel’s timeless-yet-modern blueprint received a renovation by Parisian architects Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. The site dates back to the 18th century, when the son of Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah transformed its fragrant grounds – a visual cacophony of wild olive and orange trees, cacti, palms and bougainvillea – into a venue for lavish garden parties

$900 Night

Japan / Asia

For an escapist taste of la dolce vita fused with a crafted contemporary Japanese edge, hovering in the clouds at the apex of a 45-storey skyscraper near Tokyo Station. Picture Carrara marble tables, handblown Venetian glass lighting and green-veined Italian marble, sitting comfortably alongside Japanese kimono textiles, serene sweeps of temple-like ceilings and bamboo wall baskets, all harmonised with a starry dose of Bulgari heritage.

$2000 Night

France / Europe

In a city renowned for luxury, you have to go far to stand out from the crowd. Overlooking the Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Crillon is a palace hotel suffused with sophistication, merging all the historic architectural detail of a landmark property with a quietly confident display of interior-design grandeur. Louis IV commissioned the structure’s build in 1758 and it formed the Count de Crillon’s residence until 1909 when it opened as a hotel. Now part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts stable, it relaunched in its current guise in 2017 following a four-year renovation under the watchful eyes of Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman.

$3000 Night

United Arab Emirates / Asia

There’s nothing understated about Atlantis The Royal. Hyped up well before it opened, this hotel is big, bold and in your face. Home to 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants and bars, 17 boutiques, a sprawling 32,300 square foot wellness space, and no fewer than 90 swimming pools – including Cloud 22 perched high on top of the sky bridge – this is where to stay if you want an all-out bling Dubai experience.

$460 Night

Italy / Europe

Set in an 18th-century villa whose former premises housed Pope Innocent XI, this Milanese-designed gem has played host to an aristocratic roll call of occupants, from Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua and composer Vincenzo Bellini to the current owners, the De Santis family. Set within spectacular terraced gardens and with just 24 rooms, the boutique hotel showcases the finest Italian craftsmanship in a riot of ornate Baroque elegance. All this comes together in a sublime retreat – almost like a private home – that makes the most of this truly magical lakefront location: just what you’d expect of the winner of The World’s Best Hotel in 2023.

$1300 Night

Spain / Europe

Sitting at the place where two streets converge – steps from Kilómetro Cero, the point from which all distances in Spain are measured – Four Seasons Madrid opened in 2020 following a seven-year project to restore seven landmark buildings. The sprawling site is a beacon of warm hospitality that’s as much a hangout for locals as it is visitors.

$1200 Night

Morocco / Africa

Set within 12th century ramparts surrounding the medina, La Mamounia is a hotel hidden from the bustle of the nearby souks. Evocative of Morocco’s imperial palaces, La Mamounia is characterised by its Hispano-Moresque architecture. Every inch of the hotel has been designed with the utmost attention to detail.

$700 Night

Singapore / Asia

Opened in 1887, the Raffles has become a National Monument of Singapore. Renowned for its colonial-style architecture, the Raffles oozes old-style charm from a bygone era. It is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. Famous guests have included Rudyard Kipling and Michael Jackson, Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

$630 Night

United States / Americas

Located at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, The Plaza hotel is one of New York’s landmarks. Opened in 1907 and recognised as a New York City landmark in 1969, F. Scott Fitzgerald famously lived here. It has also been featured in many films, notably Home Alone 2 (Where Kevin stays at the Plaza un-chaperoned when he is lost in NYC) and The Great Gatsby’s (where the climactic scene is set in the Plaza).

$1300 Night

India / Asia

Built in 1903, the iconic sea-facing landmark of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is the city’s first harbour landmark. A blend of Islamic and Renaissance styles, the hotel has a history that is intrinsically linked to that of its nation. The hotel was the first to employ women and have electricity, and is renowned for having the first licensed bar in the city. The Taj Mahal Palace boasts 560 rooms and evokes the grandeur of another age with original paintings and furniture.

$800 Night

United States / Americas

Empire State Building, a timeless icon of New York City. Standing tall in the heart of Manhattan, this historic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city skyline from its renowned observation decks. Discover fascinating exhibits, enjoy shopping, and savor a variety of dining options within the building. Whether you're visiting for the first time or the hundredth, the Empire State Building promises an unforgettable experience with its rich history and spectacular vistas.

$1500 Night

United Arab Emirates / Asia

Burj Al Arab, an iconic landmark of Dubai's skyline. Situated on its own island, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy spacious suites with personalized butler service and top-notch amenities. Savor world-class dining, relax in our beautiful infinity pools, and unwind at the award-winning Talise Spa. At Burj Al Arab, you'll experience unparalleled comfort and exceptional hospitality, making every moment truly special.

$2000 Night