DISCLAIMER: This story was originally published on Forbes Advisor.
Choosing the right hotel for your travels is just as crucial as choosing the destination. Whether it’s a five-star property in a dreamy hotspot like the Maldives or a secluded oasis in remote Namibia, accommodation choices can easily make or break the travel experience.
Not all hotels and resorts are created equal. Some are simply better equipped for specific occasions, whether it’s for a family-friendly getaway, a business retreat or simply a holiday where you book matters. We’ve compiled a list of the best hotels and resorts around the globe and included tips on how to maximize your credit card perks to book them. So if you’re looking for a 2024 respite, here’s where you’ll want to stay.
Best Hotels for Families
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Photo courtesy Andaz London
Andaz London Liverpool Street is proving that even the most luxurious of hotel brands offer accommodations and amenities across the generations. Centrally located near Liverpool Street station, Andaz London makes it easy to explore the city’s top attractions, like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, without long, fussy commutes. The family rooms are spacious, featuring a King room connecting with another King or twin room. Kids can be just as pampered as adults with the provided children’s bathrobes and slippers. Each family room also includes coloring kits, Andaz teddy bears and a chalkboard easel. For fuel before long days of exploring, kids can enjoy a complimentary mini-bar with healthy snacks and, of course, nonalcoholic drinks.
Kids aren’t the only ones pampered at this five-star hotel. Adults who book the family room will be treated to comfortable yukata robes, a Nespresso coffee maker in the room and can grab a libation down at Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen, a pub located right on hotel premises. And hey, if you don’t have a human child but a furry friend instead, Andaz London is a dog and cat-friendly hotel, offering your beloved fur babies toys, treats, comfy beds and proper feeding bowls.
Nova Skyland Hotel
Photo source: Getty
Fewer destinations in the world are as exciting for kids and adults alike than Rovaniemi, Finland. Whether it’s flying into Rovaniemi Airport, better known as the official airport of Santa Claus, or taking advantage of your Eurail pass with the Santa Claus Express Train right into town, even transiting into the winter wonderland of Rovaniemi is an adventure in itself. For a centrally located, yet still peaceful, quiet respite, Nova Skyland is easily the best choice in town. Conveniently located on the premises of Santa Claus Village, where you and your family will have the rare opportunity to meet Kris Kringle himself, this traditional Scandinavian-style hotel is close to the action while still being in the midst of the Finnish forest.
If you visit between late September and late March, make sure to book an Aurora Suite to catch sight of the aurora borealis, weather permitting, right from the panoramic windows in your lodging. To minimize the planning, book the Family Experience Package, which includes one Aurora Borealis and smoked salmon tour (where you can grill fish over an open fire), one husky experience and one snowmobile sleigh tour. It’s not just about the kiddos, though. Adults, immerse yourself in Finnish culture by utilizing the hotel’s sauna.
Best Hotels for Business
Fairmont Doha
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Doha
Classy and flashy are not mutually exclusive and Fairmont Doha proves that sentiment to be true. Closely situated to corporate headquarters, foreign embassies and Qatar University, the Fairmont Doha is ideal for business travel. In true Qatari fashion, this lavish, extravagantly designed hotel features a unique U-shape, set inside of the Katara Towers. The Katara Towers are a fairly new addition to the city, premiering in late 2022 during the World Cup. Each of the 362 guestrooms at the Fairmont Doha, from the classic rooms to the Presidential Suite, have designs inspired by the area’s cultural heritage.
Home to over 17,000 square feet of high-tech meeting rooms, event spaces and even a ballroom with marble flooring, the Fairmont Doha is especially prime for hosting large business gatherings for upward of 1,000 guests. And if you think the opulence stops at ballrooms and flashy building designs, you must have forgotten you’re in Qatar. The Fairmont Doha is home to the world’s tallest chandelier, at approximately 185 feet, consisting of a whopping 4.807 bulbs and glass parts.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
While you can’t go wrong with either Four Seasons property in Tokyo, if your travel is business-focused, your best bet is to head to Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. Situated in the heart of the bustling Otemachi business district, this 190-room property offers over 14,000 square feet of meeting rooms, including a naturally lit Grand Ballroom. Tokyo is a far jaunt for many, so for jet-lagged travelers, take advantage of the hotel’s customizable mattress toppers based on your preference. On the contrary, fight the grogginess with the Nespresso machines found in each room.
If meeting rooms feel too stiff, head to Michelin-star Est, a Modern French restaurant located inside the hotel, where Chef Guillaume Bracaval fuses French and Japanese techniques and ingredients. For a more picturesque setting, head to the hotel’s designated rooftop eatery, PIGNETO, where on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.
TWA Hotel
Photo courtesy of TWA Hotel
Airport hotels are seldom inspiring, but the swanky TWA Hotel, accessible via John F. Kennedy’s Terminal 5, is changing the game. Aviation geeks will certainly feel right at home as TWA Hotel doesn’t shy away from being an airline-themed hotel. Staff members are dressed in pilot uniform-inspired attire, the hotel front desk is modeled after airport check-in and there are even massive boards with departure flight information inspired by real routes flown in the 1960s.
Business travelers will find plenty of space to get to work. Catch up on remote work, with a drink in hand, in the red-velvet ladened The Sunken Lounge. For larger gatherings, take advantage of the 45 event/meeting rooms that can host up to 1,600 people, including the Constellation Ballroom and 1962 Room. For all event and meeting rooms, technology experts are present to connect audiovisual and teleconferencing equipment. When you’re ready to put the laptop away, head to the rooftop pool, overlooking flights in and out of JFK.
Best Hotels for Wellness
Cape of Senses Spa Hideaway
Photo courtesy of Cape of Senses Spa Hideaway
There’s something especially picturesque about being on an Italian lake, so if you haven’t yet visited the country’s largest, Lake Garda, it’s time to start planning. Not all Italian getaways need to be wine and pasta-fueled. For a change, head to the new five-star, adult-only, wellness hotel, Cape of Senses Spa Hideaway. Opened in July 2023, Cape of Senses is quickly making a name for itself, from the jaw-dropping mountainous surroundings, the thoughtfully designed suites by architects Hugo Demetz and Alessia Demetz, and the real stunner, the private heated infinity pool and jacuzzi with full 180-degree views of Italy’s largest lake. With a total of 55 suites, plenty offer floor-to-ceiling glass windows, warm lighting and contemporary furnishings and rooftop gazebos to catch the sunset.
Senses Spa, the hotel’s one-stop shop for all things holistic, offers plenty of pools, a sauna, a fitness area, treatment rooms and relaxation rooms. Engage in your senses and stroll the hotel’s gardens, where you’ll see olive trees, and take in the fresh citrus scent of Italian lemons. You are in Italy, after all, so chat with the hotel concierge to book a visit to the vineyard, Zeni.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Photo courtesy of HOSHINOYA Tokyo
It might be difficult to imagine a wellness escape in a city as wild as Tokyo, but with HOSHINOYA Tokyo offering the city’s first luxury ryokan inn, it has seemed to make the impossible, well, possible. In true Tokyo fashion, HOSHINOYA Tokyo is an intriguing set of contrasts, seamlessly meshing tradition and modernism. At 17 stories high, this traditional ryokan inn is just a short walk from the Imperial Palace, has a contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship and is home to a top-floor onsen, fed by mineral-rich spring water. There are two bath halls and an onsite spa specializing in Japanese treatments. HOSHINOYA Tokyo also offers a Japanese tea ceremony and Japanese Sake and wine tasting.
For movement, try out Sky-high morning Kenjutsu practice, or sword-training, where not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll practice deep breathing and have a mindful morning workout. To fuel up, the hotel offers Nippon cuisine with strong influence from Japanese forests.
Anassa Hotel
Photo courtesy of Anassa Hotel
If you’re seeking a wellness escape, it’s safe to assume you’re looking to get away from the crowds. For an off-the-beaten path European hideout, head to Anassa Hotel on the Akamas Peninsula on Cyprus’s west coast. Established in 1998, Anassa Hotel is a true oasis, with olive groves, bougainvillea gardens, plunging pools, fine-dining eateries accompanied by live piano and harps, all amongst elegant, whitewashed Byzantine-inspired designs. The hotel is secluded and especially ideal if wellness is your goal. You won’t want to miss the award-winning Thalassa Spa, offering extensive services ranging from general treatments to detox programs. With 18 treatment rooms, saunas, steam baths, salt water exercise pools, a fitness room and an indoor swimming pool, there’s a little sliver of self-care for all types of travelers.
Settled along the sandy white-beach coast and boasting a total of 166 rooms in total, with four villas offering private infinity pools, Anassa Hotel is a top-notch choice for those looking to travel during shoulder season. Cyprus sees an average daily temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit in October, providing an alternative beach escape.
Best Hotels for Honeymoon
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Photo courtesy of Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Paris might be known as the city of love, and yet, the city is arguably one of the biggest love/hate destinations in the world. Don’t risk it, and head to Champagne. There the romance permeates the air so strongly that you’re guaranteed to love it, especially if you stay at The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. The hotel was simply made for lovebirds, set dreamily atop Montagne de Reims, between Reims and Epernay. In true Champagne fashion, the hotel overlooks views of UNESCO-protected vineyards. This 16,000-square-foot wellness center doesn’t hold back on its spa amenities: there are two swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor), a hammam (or Turkish style bath), a sauna, a yoga room, nine treatment rooms, a fitness room and even a beauty salon.
The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa is home to 47 rooms total, but for the crème de la crop, book the Joséphine Suite, a 1,184-square-foot room with a private terrace. For the ultimate honeymoon memory, take a hot air balloon flight over the Montagne de Reims.
Borgo Egnazia
Photo courtesy of Borgo Egnazia
Conceptualized by the Melpignano family and paying homage to the traditional architectures, materials and color schemes of the region, Borgo Egnazia is the only honeymoon hotel you and your partner should be considering if you’re headed to Puglia. Borgo Egnazia comprises of contemporary rooms, “Casette” (mini houses) and a selection of chic yet unpretentious villas, totaling 183 rooms. Utilize the hotel’s bike offerings available to guests, which can be used to navigate the massive property, or to explore the coast with no shortage of views of the breathtaking Adriatic Sea.
For ultimate treat-yourself vibes, head to Vair Spa, where treatments like salt scrubs, cold-effect body massages ideal for reducing swelling and purification rituals are offered. Between the three pools, the pops of bougainvillea, the impeccable spa treatments, the five restaurants and the top-notch detail-oriented service, it’s no surprise Borgo Egnazia recently landed number 21 on The World’s 50 Best Hotel List.
Best Hotels for Holidays
La Mamounia
Photo courtesy of La Mamounia
Feeling like royalty? Then 2024 is the year you deserve to stay in a palace, or at least close to it. La Mamounia in Marrakech, Morocco is regal. This iconic hotel keeps tradition alive and well without sacrificing sophisticated modern touches. Take the hotel’s new sparkling chandelier, for example, with a two-layer design inspired by a traditional Berber necklace. Or check out La Mamounia’s Salon d’Honneur, which is adorned with deep blue decor, drawing direct influence from Moroccan zellige tiles and has been transformed into a museum to celebrate the significance of the hotel.
Whether it’s a room, a riad or a suite, the comfort of La Mamounia might make you feel so at home that your desire to explore Marrakech may be minimal. La Mamounia is a historic destination in itself, which is perhaps why this 100-year old hotel was recently ranked number six on The World’s 50 Best Hotels. Should you choose to step out, however, a short walk will lead you to some of Marrakech’s top attractions.
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Whether it’s to ring in the New Year in one of the most iconic places on the planet or to simply enjoy the scenes of South America’s most vibrant, colorful city, Rio de Janeiro is never a bad idea. Even if you’re a solo traveler, Rio has something to offer for everyone. With Copacabana Beach being the heartbeat of the city, look no further than the best of the best with The Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel. Offering old-world glamor, Michelin-starred restaurants, a half-Olympic sized swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, rooftop tennis, to name just a few of the hotel’s amenities. This 239-room hotel manages to do the unthinkable: provide a calm respite in what can only be described as a chaotic city.
Suites offer marble bathrooms and light sand tones in bright naturally lit spaces. Some units boast ocean views and private terraces. If you’re traveling with a group, request Copacabana Suites 601 and 602. The two suites can be connected, and you and your guests will be treated to a massive balcony providing some of the best views in the city.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Photo courtesy of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
For the world’s best hotel within an arm’s reach of a world wonder, look no further than The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Located less than half a mile from the entrance to the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site from every single one of its 102 rooms. Rooms consist of Mughal Empire-inspired designs and offer decor ranging from private balconies to golden domed ceilings or marble columns. Each room, whether a Premier Room or the exclusive Kohinoor Suite, will grant you access to the property’s temperature-controlled pool, where cold drinks to beat the blazing Indian sun stay flowing. For prime sunset views, head to The Verandah located in the lobby.
The most obvious sought-after experience in Agra is to visit the Taj Mahal, and guests of The Oberoi can arrange transport to the entrance, as well as a guided tour. Many travelers leave Agra after completing this obvious bucket list activity. But you may want to hang out for at least a few days, if you’re staying at this luxurious property, which just landed itself on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list.
Best Resorts for Families
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Rosati
There are fewer destinations as family-friendly as Orlando, Florida, largely due to its proximity to Walt Disney World. However, you don’t need to go directly into the park to enjoy a little Disney magic. Instead, book your stay at splurge-worthy Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, where, directly on site, you and your family can meet Disney characters, watch Magic Kingdom fireworks thanks to the views from Michelin-star eatery Capa and even hang out at the complimentary kids club (or the designated adult-only pool, Oasis). Don’t skip out on the teardrop chairs or the lazy river for a unique way to relax in the Floridian sun.
Grab breakfast with Goofy and his pals, offered every Thursday at Ravello, the Italian restaurant onsite, or reserve a private character experience for some truly magical moments. If you plan to hit the parks, head to the Disney Planning Center located in the lobby. While your young ones will certainly find magic at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, it’s likely you will too. From the chic, contemporary decor to the vitality therapies offered in their top-notch spa and 18-hole golf course, there’s plenty to keep you invested.
Alpine Falls Ranch
Photo courtesy of Alpine Falls Ranch
Not all vacations need to be in sunny, farflung locales. Sometimes, the best family getaway is a mountain adventure. Alpine Falls Ranch in rural Superior, Montana, is just what the doctor ordered for a family-friendly resort out in the open countryside. Take in the beauty of western Montana, where, regardless of the season, multigenerational families will find plenty to do on this 250-acre property.
Accommodations begin with a glamping option for $400 per night and span to the lavish Mountain Mansion, starting at $3675 per night. The three-story, 9,637 square foot home with a fireplace, five unique bedrooms, a clawfoot soaking tub and plenty of rustic charm, is a huge step up from the cozy cabins or bunkhouse, as well.
Whether it’s white-water rafting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or simply making s’mores over the fire pit, Alpine Falls Ranch allows you to embrace your country western side. The resort recently launched an all-inclusive package, available for guests with a four-night stay, and includes all meals, as well as a daily activity for your group.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Whether it’s traveling with little ones or in retirement, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers a luxurious refuge for guests of all ages. At a whopping 54 acres with 468 rooms and suites to choose from, this paradisal property grants direct access to D.T. Fleming Beach, a laid back stretch of sand ideal for surfing. The resort is also home to a 20,000-square-foot deck, where guests can reserve cabanas and umbrella-shaded daybeds beside the property’s tranquil three-tiered pool.
Enjoy family-friendly guided environmental programs. Take an e-bike tour through Maui’s breathtaking natural beauty, snorkel to “cities under the sea” among the famous crystal blue waters and pristine coral reefs or hike along the coastal Alaloa Trail.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Photo courtesy Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Montego Bay, Jamaica is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. With that distinction comes an oversaturation of subpar accommodations. Of course, that’s not the case with Round Hill Hotel & Villas, and despite Jamaica being a sought-after destination for honeymooners and bachelorettes, this luxurious property set on 110 acres is ideal for traveling with family. If space is what you’re craving, choose from one of 27 villas, each offering up to six bedrooms. Most villas have a private outdoor pool and oceanfront views overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Relaxing is a given when in the Caribbean, but if you find yourself with itchy feet, enjoy family-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, tennis, pickleball and glass-bottom boat tours. Don’t skip the award-winning spa. To get there, you’ll need to walk through lush flora and fauna. While you’re getting pampered, the kids can hang at the Pineapple Kids Club (ages 3 to 6) or the 7 Up Club (ages 7 to 12), where tie-dying, painting and soccer matches are just some of the activities offered.
Best Resorts for Business
Atlantis, The Palm
Sometimes, resorts and destinations are overhyped, other times, they’re renowned for a reason. Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, definitely lives up to the reputation. This flashy property fits in perfectly with a city known for being over-the-top. While you might associate Atlantis, The Palm with the beach or family travel and you won’t be wrong. But with 17 indoor and outdoor venues including meeting rooms, ballrooms and a boardroom, Atlantis, The Palm makes for the best resort in Dubai for business.
For networking on a smaller scale, impressing your colleagues or business partners with the world-class dining offered at Atlantis, The Palm. Michelin-starred Hakkasan, serving traditional Cantonese cuisine and award-winning cocktails is bound to satiate the palettes of even the discerning eaters. Nobu, a Michelin Guide selection, can also be found directly on property.
Best Resorts for Wellness
Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Rosati
One of the best travel destinations in the Caribbean is the oft overlooked Dominica, and the island just so happens to be home to one of the best resorts in the Caribbean. The InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa is a lush oasis, where guests should embrace the Caribbean way and partake in mandatory relaxation. With pools lined by the dramatic mountains of the island and quirky frog statues in an homage to the island’s former national dish “mountain chicken,” the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort is not only visually stunning but delivers top-notch service and amenities, as well.
For a true wellness experience, head to the Cabrits spa is nature inspired, a nod to Dominica’s nickname, The Nature Island. The designated spa area includes wellness huts, treatment rooms, a sauna and a relaxation room to enjoy local fruits and juices of the island. Go au naturel and partake in a luxury mud pit body treatment, where a massage therapist applies natural mud to leave your skin feeling satin smooth.
AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Photo courtesy of AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Wellness means different things for different people, and if silence is what you’re craving, perhaps a remote resort in the Namibian desert will do the trick. With the alliterative slogan, “A desertscape of Sand, Stones, Stars, Sustainability, and Silence,” AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is an inviting, remote escape that delivers on its promise. With only ten suites, all sophisticated in their own right, guests here can enjoy a getaway that is the epitome of getting away from it all.
Stars are certainly a theme on point in AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge’s slogan. The resort offers star-viewing skylights for guests to stargaze from bed. If you see something peculiar, make sure to pick the brain of the resident astronomer. Don’t skip out on the cold private lap pools to cool down from the dry Namibian hea and head to the Vintage Wine Cellar for a libation or two. Guests who stay three nights or more are rewarded with a complimentary helicopter ride over Sossusvlei’s iconic sand dunes, restrictions apply.
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Photo courtesy of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Perched 2,000 meters above sea level on Al Jabal Al Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar located two hours outside of Muscat, Oman is one of the best secluded wellness escapes in the world. Amidst the central Al-Hajar Mountain Range, the views at the resort are nothing short of dramatic. The 115-room resort makes for a prime location for those who want to go hiking or partake in via ferrata. If you book the one bedroom cliff pool villa, you can cool off at the end of your long day of hiking in your own private infinity pool.
Spa treatments at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar feature indigenous treatments using locally sourced ingredients, such as the “Al Jabal Delight” massage, featuring Moringa peregrina, a flower that blooms in the wadi. Immerse yourself in a hammam ritual for a cleansing experience at the highest spa retreat in all of Oman.
Best Resorts for Honeymoon
Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Rosati
Between the breathtaking Piton Mountains, the abundance of florals and the sheer natural beauty of the island, it’s no surprise that Saint Lucia has become such a sought-after honeymoon destination. If you and your special someone are looking to kick back and relax in a private villa equipped with a private pool, fewer do it better than Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences. Perched high above the blue hued Caribbean, the views at Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences are simply unmatched. Offering a premium all-inclusive ultimate romance package, including round-trip transfer to the island, a rose petal welcome, a special English breakfast, a couples massage, private four-course dinner on the beach, bottles of wine and chocolate.
To combine romance with luxury, unwind with the Serenity Spa Package for Two, a private three-hour spa experience, followed by a private candlelit dinner for two in the spa garden under the stars. Don’t let the term all-inclusive dupe you into believing the cuisine is an afterthought. At Windjammer Landing, restaurants like Masala, an Indian restaurant curated by Chef Vikram Singh, and fine-dining steakhouse Upper Deck will officially alter your perception of subpar all-inclusive cuisine.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, an IHG Hotel
Photo courtesy of InterContinental Maldives Maamunagua Resort
Is there a singular nation that does luxury resorts better than The Maldives? We would argue there’s not, and out of all of the five-star accommodations amongst the Maldivian atolls, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is the best for honeymooners. Aside from the obvious traits of a Maldivian vacation, like some of the world’s clearest waters, untouched white sand beaches and the pristine sense of paradise in every crevice, the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagua Resort amplifies an already amazing destination.
Putting their money where their mouth is, the resort is taking serious sustainability efforts, especially in protection of Manta Rays. For the newlywed couple who wants to both kick back in a hammock and protect wildlife, the resort hosts an annual Manta Retreat, which includes snorkeling and research trips, educational workshops and excursions to find turtles and unique coral.
Saving the planet aside, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort still provides all of those classic Maldivian pleasures. Staying in one of the overwater villas is simply a requirement for your honeymoon, and the spa is a guaranteed way to ensure the tranquility you deserve, especially after the stress of planning a wedding.
Palazzo di Varignana
Photo courtesy of Palazzo di Varignana
Your primary association for Bologna may be its university, but head just a little outside of the city to the rolling Bolognese Hills, and you’re in for a honeymoon retreat for the books. Palazzo di Varignana stretches over 1,200 acres of land, and between being situated in Emilia Romagna, also known as Italy’s Food Valley, with plenty of olive groves right on property, it’s no surprise the resort is home to “green gold,” or its award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Trattoria Le Marzoline serves regional specialties like tortellini en brodo and pappardelle with wild boar ragu. For a unique dining experience, reserve a seat on the Treno Reale, a refurbished 1921 vintage coach, serving up agnolotti and their sweet and savory cheesecake with tomato, oil and coffee.
While dining is a large draw of the property, it’s not all it has to offer by any means. Head to the Varsana Spa for services such as jet lag recovery hammam ritual, lymphatic drainage massages or custom personalized treatments. With oakwood Hungarian herringbone floors or restrooms made of marble stoneware, Palazzo di Varignana left no detail unattended.
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
Leave the passports at home and embark on a domestic honeymoon at one of the most exquisite hotels right here in the USA. Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe takes an already extraordinary hotel chain and manages to top even its own standards. While simply taking in the grand scenery would be enough tranquility for a lifetime, couples would be remiss if they didn’t partake in the “Tranquility for Two” couples massage at the hotel’s 17,000-square-foot spa. After a long day of relaxation, head to Manzanita for a romantic dinner and sip a glass or two of vino from the award-winning wine list.
Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe doesn’t need to be reserved for one particular season. In the summer, access Lake Club on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and reserve a private boat tour with the hotel’s partner MasterCraft boats. In the chillier months, take in the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains by skiing on the world-class slopes of Northstar Ski Resort.
The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe can be booked through the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, where Platinum Card Members will receive $100 property credit, 4 p.m. guaranteed checkout and a $250 spa credit if booked by March 24, 2024 with travel by March 28, 2024.
Best Resorts for Holidays
The Sarojin
Photo courtesy of The Sarojin
Over the past several years, Thailand has slowly transformed from the go-to backpacking destination to an affordable luxury getaway, offering some of the world’s finest beaches, top-notch cuisine and bustling cityscapes. In sum, Thailand has something for every type of traveler, but for one of the best boutique resorts in this uber popular destination, The Sarojin in Khao Lak, just over an hour-drive north of Phuket Airport, is simply stunning. Set along 6.8 miles of white sand beaches, this five-star property’s 56 residences are all situated to lead directly to the beach. Each guestroom includes a private garden, a sundeck, a couples’ bath with waterfall showers, as well as plunge and relaxation pools.
Enticing amenities aside, what is a visit to Thailand without some world-class diving? The Sarojin is closely situated to famous dive sites like the Similan and Surin Islands. For those who understandably worry about their carbon footprint, The Sarojin has pledged to support the planting of one tree per booking for every future stay.
NIHI Sumba
Photo courtesy of NIHI Sumba
Ten or so years ago, Bali might have been the cliche answer to where someone wanted to head when they needed to clear their head. Anyone who has visited Bali recently can attest that it has somewhat lost its charm due to overtourism, naturally resulting in price hikes, loss of authenticity and muddled local character. Just a one-hour flight away, however, is Sumba, home to NIHI Sumba, Indonesia’s best holiday resort.
NIHI Sumba is a prime retreat for those who want to get in touch with nature. Whether it’s from stand-up paddling down the Wanukaka River or riding the native Sumbanese horses along the mile-and-a-half long stretch of beach, NIHI Sumba allows you to get up close and personal with nature without the crowds. There are only 27 villas across hundreds of acres, leaving you to feel like you’ve booked a private retreat. Sumba is about twice the size of Bali, so it’s naturally more spread out. Above all, mass tourism hasn’t reached Sumba, highly increasing the odds of a quiet, authentic experience.
What Are the Luxury Hospitality Trends in 2024
Long gone are the days when luxury is a one-shoe-fits-all ideology. In 2024, travelers are going to bend the definition to a personal level of comfort that’s meaningful to them.
“The luxury market has been redefined for 2024, becoming more personalized and varied, and moving beyond traditional notions of opulence,” says Paul Harrison is co-founder of Not Just Travel. “It’s about connecting deeply with personal interests, whether that’s wildlife conservation, immersing in local cultures, or positively impacting the communities visited.”
While wellness is not a new trend by any means, expect to see more niche wellness package offerings in 2024. For example, The Algonquin in New York City ran a January package called Hex and The City, featuring Tarot, energy healing and customized guest experiences by an inhouse resident Wellness Witch, CardsyB. Wellness, much like luxury, is going out of the regular bounds of what we associate with it. Four Seasons Westlake Village, for example, offers a monthly wellness retreat with a focus-area based on personal needs: sustainable weight loss, optimum performance or spa and beauty.
How Late Can You Checkout From Hotel Without Being Charged
It sometimes feels criminal that most hotel check-ins don’t begin until the mid-to-late afternoon, while checkout is commonly at 11 a.m. Though this is not universal, there are a few ways to extend your stay without being charged a late checkout fee. One of the best ways to guarantee a late checkout without being charged is by utilizing [card_name pid=”3866″] ([card_rates_and_fees_link pid=”3866″]rates & fees[/card_rates_and_fees_link]) and booking directly through the Amex Fine Resorts & Hotels program. While it varies from hotel to hotel, one of the most common offerings of this program is a 4 p.m. guaranteed checkout. Better yet, a benefit of booking with Amex Fine Resorts and Hotels is often a 12 p.m. check-in when available, extending your stay up to several hours at no extra cost.
It’s always wise to read the fine print, however. TWA Hotel, for example, has a strict late checkout policy. While they can typically accommodate late checkouts, the hotel charges every hour, with checkout at 2 p.m. automatically warranting a $50 checkout fee. That fee increases each hour up to $150 for a 6 p.m. checkout.
Bottom Line
When considering your travel needs, it’s crucial to check which amenities and accommodations are offered at a hotel or resort beforehand. If you’re traveling with family, take note of pool and spa policies; some hotel pools and spas don’t allow kids under a certain age and some don’t allow them at all. If wellness is your game, don’t write off major cities thinking you can’t get respite in the midst of chaos; HOSHINOYA Tokyo is proof in the pudding.
Regardless of your purpose of travel and where it is you’re going, to maximize rewards and perks, it’s not a bad idea to stay loyal to a brand and to get a credit card dedicated to the purpose. Certainly not a one-shoe-fits-all deal, for example, being loyal to Hyatt doesn’t mean solely Hyatt, but all of the brands World of Hyatt falls under, including but not limited to Andaz, Thompson Hotels and Dream Hotels.
A wise tactic for not only considering hotels, but all travel needs, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For the best deals on nightly rates, travel in low or shoulder season. Head to destinations that are less trekked upon like Oman or Dominica, where five-star luxury properties like the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa (Dominica) and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Oman) can meet your travel goals in an off-the-beaten path destination.
Above all, do your research for both your hotel and your destination before the trip, so once you arrive, it’s nothing but smooth sailing.
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