Numerous hotels dubbing themselves “luxurious” have popped up worldwide over the past two decades. While this benefits travelers by making it easier to find hotels offering both extravagance and comfort, not all meet the standards of a truly refined and memorable experience. Only a few hotel chains go beyond the ordinary, offering experiences that redefine luxury, from stunning architectural designs to personalized services that cater to every globetrotter’s needs.
Fortunately, The World’s 5O Best Hotels for the year 2024 have now been revealed, and here are 10 of the most luxurious that you can find on Earth, according to industry experts.
10. NIHI Sumba – Sumba Island
Located on the western coast of Sumba Island in eastern Indonesia, NIHI Sumba boasts 27 stunning villas spread across 567 acres of jungle, each with a private pool. The villas each come with different types of accommodations, ranging from one to four-bedroom options, an owner’s estate, and a secret villa with rates starting at $1,390.
The hotel provides a variety of amenities and activities such as culinary, cultural, and dining experiences including equine retreats making the resort the first in the world to offer horses for therapy and wellness. NIHI Sumba is involved in several eco-friendly projects and community outreach programs through its Corporate Social Responsibility program.
For years, NIHI Sumba has garnered international acclaim and prestigious accolades. It is consistently ranked among the most luxurious hotels in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
9. Atlantis The Royal – Dubai
Atlantis The Royal may have only been operating for just over a year, having opened its doors to the public in February 2023, but the hotel which calls itself a “masterclass in sophistication” has already set the standard for extraordinary luxury. From its elegantly designed rooms, suites, and signature penthouses to its premier dining experiences, there’s a lot to like about the resort.
Atlantis offers a classic royal experience with its 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants and bars, 17 boutiques, a sprawling 32,300-square-foot wellness space, and 90 swimming pools. The resort is also home to the renowned Cloud 22, one of the world’s most stunning sky pools, offering the ultimate poolside experience under the stars. Located at Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, rates typically start at $460 but may vary depending on the time of your booking.
8. Soneva Fushi – Maldives
Regarded as the country’s first luxury hotel, Soneva Fushi which has been around since ’95 was the first “Robinson Crusoe”-style resort, offering amenities such as a wine cellar and an art and glass studio. It is also one of the first resorts in the Maldives to provide residences for foreigners to purchase under leasehold agreements.
Soneva Fushi is known as the “original barefoot hideaway” and boasts a sustainable ecosystem, lush jungle, pristine beaches, and crystalline waters. The resort is only accessible by a 40-minute seaplane flight followed by a brief boat ride. Once you get there, you can choose from its 63 private villas, each with personalized 24/7 Barefoot Guardian service. The luxury resort also has an expansive cultivation area for organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs to supply its exquisite restaurants around the island. Soneva Fushi’s starting rates typically begin at $2,880 per night.
7. Aman Tokyo – Tokyo
Aman Tokyo is a luxury hotel that offers travelers with a unique cultural experience, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese designs with its ikebana displays, washi paper doors, and engawa platforms. The hotel prides itself on its vast lobby, ryokan-style rooms, and Aman Spa, one of the largest in the city.
Located atop the Otemachi Tower, the upscale hotel features 84 rooms with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, shoji sliding doors, and traditional stone furo baths. The signature suites, meanwhile, start at a spacious 121 square meters and offer exceptional views overlooking the Tokyo skyline and its landmarks. For dining, Aman Tokyo provides a medley of gourmet experiences. The prices usually start at $1,800 per night.
6. Raffles Singapore – Singapore
Originally a privately owned beach house in the early 1830s, Raffles Singapore became a hotel only in 1887 and was designated as a National Monument of the country in the same year. It then underwent several renovations, officially reopening to the public in 2019. With its rich history, the hotel has become a part of popular culture, serving as the setting for Ryu Murakami’s novel Raffles Hotel and being featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians and the video game Medal of Honor: Rising Sun, among others.
The iconic property boasts 115 rooms with rates starting at $2,000, and its suites are among the world’s most sought-after addresses due to their elegance, old-world glamour, architectural splendor, and authentic details enhanced by modern tech and design. The hotel offers a rich experience of Singaporean life, with cultural, wellness, and culinary experiences specially designed for curious world travelers.
5. The Upper House – Hong Kong
The Upper House serves as a haven for art lovers, featuring over 400 carefully selected and commissioned pieces. In addition to abstract ceramics and smooth sculptures etched in marble, sandstone, and bronze, it boasts a 40-meter metal installation inspired by water, created by Hiroshiwata Sawada.
With 117 rooms available at a starting rate of $650, the hotel showcases a stunning contemporary design by renowned interior designer Andre Fu. The Upper House is home to two restaurants and bars including the Salisterra, which specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. As one of the quiet retreats in one of the most bustling cities in the world, this resort is the go-to hotel for travel enthusiasts in the country.
4. Cheval Blanc – Paris
Cheval Blanc was designed by renowned architect, Peter Marino. The hotel features a Dior Spa, the world-famous Plénitude restaurant headed by Chef Arnaud Donckele, and Europe’s longest indoor swimming pool.
With only 72 rooms, 46 of which are suites overlooking the Seine, Cheval Blanc offers a private haven for travelers seeking to explore the beauty of the city with friends, family, or significant others. In true City of Lights fashion, the hotel boasts lavish dining options with four restaurants, including Langosteria and Plénitude. However, luxury comes at a price, with rates starting at $3,000 per night.
3. Rosewood – Hong Kong
Rosewood Hotel Group brought its signature opulent hospitality to travelers when it opened its seventh location in Asia in 2019. Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the 65-story tower became a striking addition to the city’s skyline. The interior, designed by Taiwanese-born Tony Chi, highlights contemporary pieces, modern style, and understated luxury throughout the lobby and hallways.
The 413 rooms feature neutral tones, plush seating, and polished wood, creating an aesthetic that promotes complete relaxation. The hotel offers 11 dining options, including Holt’s Café, Bluhouse, and Chaat. It is home to DarkSide, recognized as one of the best bars in Asia. With rates starting at $650, planning your stay at Rosewood is simple enough.
2. Villa Lucini Passalacqua – Lake Como
The Villa Lucini Passalacqua is a richly historical 18th-century villa in the heart of Lake Como, Italy. The hotel was home to the aristocrat Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua, and composer Vincenzo Bellini, with its current owners being, the De Santis family. Even Pope Innocent XI has some history with the place as the former premises of the villa were once his place of residence.
Consisting of just 24 rooms, the seasonal luxury hotel showcases the finest of Italian craftsmanship with its intimate and homely touch. The villa boasts scenic views of Lake Como, from the green hillsides above the cobalt-blue water in spring to the enchanting nights in summer. The rooms are spread across three buildings: the main villa, the eight-room Palazz, and the four-suite Casa al Lago by the lake. Offering a connection to nature, Passalacqua provides excellent relaxation and dining experiences. Prices start at $1,300.
1. Capella Bangkok – Bangkok
Capella Bangkok had a shaky beginning since it opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, an outbreak that brought the globe to a standstill in 2020 leaving the hotel industry in the lurch. However, in just four years, this luxury hotel flourished into one of the best in the business, surpassing 49 other contenders on the list of The World’s 5O Best Hotels.
It’s easy to see why, though. The hotel features 101 well-lit, spacious rooms, while the riverside villas, complete with private gardens and plunge pools, offer guests a memorable experience. Located in Thailand’s oldest neighborhood, Capella Bangkok is a masterclass in serenity and calm, despite being in a country known for its heavy traffic and bustling city noise. As Thailand is renowned for its cuisine, Capella Bangkok caters to every guest’s craving with its signature restaurant, Côte, and the conservatory restaurant, Phra Nakhon. Rates start at $600.