Every travel expert worth their salt has a list of what they consider the best luxury hotels around the globe. Baroque Access has a list of what we consider some of the most luxurious hotels to visit in 2015. Take a look…
1. Hotel Le Toiny, St Barth
The Relais & Châteaux group of properties comprises some of the most luxurious restaurants and hotels in the world, each hand-picked by experts for its superlative level of service and facilities. Hotel Le Toiny is one of their selection, and it offers the quintessential luxury holiday. Set on 42 glorious acres overlooking a spectacular beach, this magnificent hotel offers supreme privacy and personalized service in a choice of 15 freestanding bungalows, each with its own private pool. The newly refurbished Le Restaurant Le Gaïac is a popular choice for visitors to St Barth, especially for Sunday brunch by the pool. And then, of course, there are all the reasons that St Barth remains such an iconic Caribbean destination…
http://www.letoiny.com
2. Mystique, Santorini
The spectacular town of Ios on Santorini is pure paradise. Add a luxury hotel to the mix and you have the most idyllic holiday imaginable. Mystique’s 35 breathtaking suites are all built into the cliffs overlooking the sea on the outskirts of this exquisite Greek island town, perfect in their whitewashed glory, and the mind-boggling sea views just add to the luxury. Guests dine al fresco on their private balconies, sunbathe in privacy or just stare out over the azure ocean. Paradise? Yes, but twice as nice.
3. Palacio Nazarenas, Cuzco, Peru
Who can resist a Peruvian palace? We certainly can’t. This particular one is an historic structure that has been named the most luxurious hotel in the world. Located in peaceful Nazarenas Square, within walking distance of Cuzco’s main plaza, this five star resort and spa offers a choice of 55 sumptuous suites, all ‘enriched with oxygen’. When you’re not being pampered with every facility imaginable, you can explore the Inca sites at Macchu Picchu nearby, as well as the exquisite Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo fortresses.
www.belmond.com/PalacioNazarenas
4. Ashford Castle, Ireland, UK
This 75-year old medieval Irish castle is a bucket-list destination, a one-of-a-kind hotel created by the award-winning UK-based Red Carnation group. This exceptional establishment set on the Irish coastline was originally built in 1228 – of course, it’s been meticulously refurbished and transformed into a luxury hotel offering an iconic experience. Named one of the Leading Hotels of the World, Ashford Castle has already been touted as one of the 500 best hotels on earth. Previously owned by the Guinness family who created Ireland’s signature beer, this lavish hotel offers a myriad dining options, 83 exquisite guest rooms and suites and 350 acres to explore. Activities include horse riding, superb fishing and falconry as well as clay pigeon shooting, a private nine-hole golf course and a fully equipped spa.
5. Wildflower Hall, Shimla, Himalayas, India
This historic hotel in the Himalayas is now owned by world-famous luxury hotel group Oberoi. Once the Colonial Hill Station home of Lord Kitchener, Wildflower Hall has won acclaim as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world – and with good reason. The hotel offers guests every luxury in sumptuous accommodation, a magnificent setting and a welcoming, Colonial atmosphere that is hard to beat. Of course, facilities are of the highest standard. There are two swimming pools, one indoors, a stunning spa, fitness center, and an excellent restaurant. Activities include yoga, cycling, nature walks, cycling or just soaking up the magnificent scenery.
http://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-shimla-wfh/index.aspx
6. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
It’s called ‘the most luxurious hotel in the world 2014’ for a good reason. Dubai’s landmark, the sail-shaped 321m Burj Al Arab really does offer the ultimate luxury holiday. Its floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the spectacular Arabian Gulf, the various facilities are all world class, and the décor is luxe and glitzy. There are 8 restaurants and bars, including the famous Al Mahara where succulent seafood is served, an excellent spa, sumptuous suites with a 24-hour butler service, a private beach… Burj Al Arab has it all.
www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj–al–arab
7. Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy
This exceptional hotel is where actor George Clooney and his entourage stayed when he wed Amal Alamuddin in late 2014. Set on Guidecca Island, a 5-minute journey by motor launch from St Mark’s Square, this gilded retreat offers every imaginable luxury as well as spectacular views across the lagoon. Every luxury is on tap, from gourmet cuisine and signature cocktails to an Olympic-sized pool plus accommodation with every mod con. The hotel offers pampered guests a choice of 79 rooms and suites, all with their own private balcony overlooking the lagoon and a personal butler.
www.belmond.com/hotel–cipriani–venice
8. Singita Sabi Sand, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Choose from two exquisite bush lodges – the rustic, stylish Boulder Lodge, or the more traditional bush experience at Ebony Lodge, where you can watch elephants bathing from your bedroom. Then enjoy the ultimate luxury in the middle of the bush, an opportunity to experience wild animals in their natural habitat. Safari experiences in South Africa abound, but this is one of the most luxurious of all, an opportunity to relax in a magnificent setting and enjoy every pampering, including superb cuisine and sumptuous accommodation. Expert guides take you on guided game drives to spot wildlife in the surroundings – lions lazing in the sun, hippo bathing in the water… this is Africa at its best, with lots of luxury thrown in for good measure.
singita.com/regions/singita–sabi–sand/
9. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
If you’re going to visit the rainforest in Costa Rica, then make sure you stay at this tropical retreat where service is superb, facilities are fabulous and the setting is quite idyllic. Considered one of the most romantic resorts in the world, the hotel offers spacious, sumptuous rooms, superior service, great dining options and a spa where you can relax and unwind. A rainforest experience with all the trimmings? Yes. And the opportunity to get a taste of the wilds.
10. Constance Halaveli, Maldives
There are paradise islands aplenty, all offering stunning luxury experiences. But one of the best holidays imaginable is in a private island setting, where you are literally miles away from anywhere in the middle of the sea. Constance Halaveli is one of these resorts – a secluded, stunning location in the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll, with every imaginable luxe facility. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the magnificent white sand beaches, enjoying a variety of watersports in the turquoise sea, or taking time out to explore your magnificent tropical surrounds, this lavish resort has it all. Its intimate, magical location sets it apart which is why it can proudly boast being a most unique escape.
http://www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/maldives/halaveli/