Top 10 Hotels in the World
I am incredibly lucky to have stayed at some of the most incredible hotels in the world, and I get asked all the time which hotels are my favorite - so here is my ranking of my personal top 10 hotels in the world:
10. Ritz Carlton Kyoto
Japanese hospitality meets superb design and just incredible service at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto. The city itself is one of the most culturally impressive in the world, and this hotel recognizes that. They provide great tours, some of which are complimentary, to make the most of your time here. Within the hotel, you’ll find luxurious traditional rooms, a zen garden, lovely indoor pool complete with a waterfall, and one of the best bakeries in the world.
9. Post Ranch Inn
This is the best hotel in America. Hands down. The natural beauty on this rugged section of the California coast is one of the most stunning parts of the country, and this hotel maximizes it. Innovative organic environmental design was intended for people to feel a part of nature rather than observers. Designers of the hotel used bio-structure architecture, utilizing the natural materials of glass, wood, stone, and passive solar heat. The rooms are literal houses, and there is plenty of pools, trails and lounging areas to occupy your time here.
8. W Maldives
The Maldives itself are a geographical wonder. The W Maldives makes the most of all the underwater glory this island nation has to offer, with overwater rooms that are perched above one of the most vibrant reefs I have ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot). W Hotels can be on the cheesy side with their designs, but this one is just right, with subtle references to their brand styles while embracing a more culturally appropriate design.
7. The Boca Raton
Located in the upscale Floridian coastal town of Boca Raton, this epynomous hotel oozes class and style. There are several hotels within the property to choose from, each of which has the same level of service and luxurious quality. The amenities at this hotel are second to none, with dozens of pools, waterslides, a massive spa, tennis, golf, yachting…you get the point!
6. Waldorf Astoria Pedregal
Cabo is home to many of the best hotels I have ever stayed at, with the Cape and Viceroy both being high on my list, respectively. But the Waldorf Astoria Pedregal wins for a variety of reasons. Not only is it incredibly designed, with stunning infinity edge pools, a cliffside restaurant, private pools in the room, and a wildly expansive spa, but its location is also absolutely ideal. Accessible via a tunnel through the mountain, this hotel is only about a 10 minute drive from the center of the action in Cabo San Lucas, but feels a whole world away. Plus, chips/guacamole, and Coronitas provided for free every day is a HUGE plus!
5. Amangalla
Aman hotels are simply a cut above. They just know how to do it. Staying here offers you a butler and your own private concierge, and these guys literally could read our minds - it was wild. Like other hotels wait until you need something to serve you, but the staff at the Amangalla served us what we needed before we knew we needed it. Combine that with the hotels setting within the historic Galle Fort, a lovely little spa, surprisingly large pool, amazing food and rooms that exude colonial luxury and you have yourself the fifth best hotel in the world.
4. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
The history, the charm, the class. It’s a legendary property that has played host to countless authors, celebrities and royalty, and it is not hard to see why. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has it all. In fact, it has so much that it resides on BOTH sides of the Chao Praya River. You’ll find two pools, a massive gym complete with a muay thai rink, wonderful spa, and the best afternoon tea in the city inside the Author’s Lounge. Staff here are as attentive as it gets - they noticed us walking around with the provided fans and gave us three when we checked out! Plus, the location is ideal, with a complimentary boat shuttle taking you right underneath a BTS station to get wherever you need to. Its an icon of a hotel for an iconic brand.
3. Four Seasons Bora Bora
This is one of those bucket list places you simply have to see to believe. Nothing quite beats the crystal clear water, massive overwater Polynesian villas and the stunning mountain looming in the background. Every touch point here is thought out to perfect, the food is incredible, the staff is absolutely on point, and the man-made snorkel lagoon was a blast. Truly a spectacular property.
2. Belmond Caruso
Perched above the dramatic Amalfi coastline, celebrated with a massive infinity and multiple world class restaurants, the Belmond Caruso was so beautiful that it earned the rights to the location for my father and step mother’s honeymoon, and that says a lot! To put it simply, no hotel in the world commands views like this hotel, and the rooms, amenities and staff are all world-class.
1. Oberoi Rajvillas
This is it. An enclave of perfect design, immaculately manicured grounds, wonderful regional food, and the most luxurious rooms. The service though is what sets this hotel apart. You are welcomed to the hotel with a showering of flower petals, you will engage in meaningful conversation with the general manager, befriend the gardeners, and laugh with the bartenders. Peacocks join you on your walk to the tennis court, where the locals behind the wall fly their kites and judge your serve. Its truly the embodiment of a perfect hotel, and that is why it is number one on my humble list.