Looking to make 2026 the year of elevated travel?
From sprawling ultra-luxury resorts to world-renowned boutique hotels, our ultimate hot list collates the most luxurious hotels in the world to add to your travel bucket list.
From Michelin-starred dining and world-class spas to hidden wilderness retreats, there’s something for every discerning traveller.
While you’ll often be drawn to a destination, sometimes a hotel is so special that it defines the journey. As the experts in personalised and tailor-made holidays, we’ve included first-hand insights and hotel highlights, all designed to inspire a year of extraordinary travel.
1. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Location: Dubai
Best for: Spa & wellness
Highlights: Talise Spa, 11 restaurants
The latest addition to Jumeirah’s world-class portfolio, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab raises the bar for contemporary Arabian luxury. Shaped like a superyacht, its striking façade offers uninterrupted sea views from every angle, best enjoyed from your private terrace. Spend peaceful afternoons unwinding at the three-storey Talise spa before heading for dinner at one of the hotel’s 11 diverse dining concepts.
2. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Location: Maldives
Best for: Island escapes
Highlights: Michelin-starred dining, Four Seasons private seaplane, scuba diving adventures
The Maldives is one of the world’s most iconic beach destinations, and at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, you’ll experience the epitome of island perfection. Spend the day at Blu Beach Club, flitting between an infinity pool stretching over the lagoon, tranquil overwater hammocks and a waterside restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef, Nino di Costanzo, who brings a taste of Italy to the Maldives.
When you’re not relaxing on the white-sand beaches, take the world’s first three-person DeepFlight submarine to discover underwater wonders, or explore manta ray encounters with expert-led dives.
Discover the best time to visit the Maldives.
3. Fairmont Royal Pavilion
Location: Barbados
Best for: Special occasions
Highlights: Romantic beach dining, beachfront rooms, botanical gardens
Set across 11 acres of tropical gardens and Caribbean beachfront on Barbados’ West Coast, Fairmont Royal Pavilion is an idyllic island escape. Every guestroom and suite at this intimate resort sits directly on the beach, just steps from pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Savour sunset dinners on the sand or retreat to your beachfront sanctuary for curated in-room dining, designed for moments worth celebrating.
4. MarBella Collection
Location: Corfu and Parga, Greece
Best for: Luxury family holidays
Highlights: Kids’ clubs, Anemelia waterpark, private yacht cruises
MarBella Collection brings together four family-owned hotels in Greece, united by the sun-kissed waters of the Ionian Sea. For a fun-fuelled family escape, MarBella is the collection’s flagship all-inclusive resort, offering dedicated kids’ clubs for young adventurers of all ages. Alternatively, enjoy the cliffside landscape of Elix, with hiking, cycling and water sports set against the backdrop of the shimmering Ionian islands.
“I was captivated by the surroundings at this hotel. The scent of fresh rosemary and lavender fills the air, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins out at sea. And with a mini aquapark this fun, you’re never too old to feel young!” – Alice, Product Manager
5. Atlantis The Royal
Location: Dubai
Best for: Culinary experiences
Highlights: 17 world-class restaurants, sky pool
Positioned as the world’s most ultra-luxury experiential resort, Atlantis The Royal offers an iconic stay. Swimming in the sky might sound like a dream, but it’s entirely possible here at Cloud 22 – a rooftop infinity pool soaring 22 storeys high.
Experience 17 world-class restaurants, eight of which are helmed by celebrity chefs, including the Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, where you can enjoy playful creations such as Meat Fruit and the 1810-inspired Tipsy Cake.
More to uncover inside Atlantis The Royal.
6. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Best for: Luxury family escapes
Highlights: Kids' clubs, Michelin-starred dining
Escape to the pristine white sands of the Yucatán Peninsula at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive hideaway caters to all, with a choice of menus to please everyone – from the Michelin-starred cuisine at Cocina de Autor, to family-friendly beachside plates at Azul. There’s plenty to keep kids busy too, with a jungle-inspired kids’ club and a programme of outdoor adventure for teens.
7. Octola Private Wilderness
Location: Lapland, Finland
Best for: Nature escapes
Highlights: Expert wilderness guides, private chef, husky sledding
Hideaways don’t get much more hidden than Octola Private Wilderness. Nestled among 1,730 acres of private territory, in an undisclosed location kept tightly under wraps, this retreat is the definition of seclusion. Here, light pollution is so low that northern lights researchers chose a spot just five miles away for their research station, plus there are over 70 wilderness adventures to choose from, from salmon fishing to snowmobiling.
8. Forte Village
Location: Sardinia, Italy
Best for: Families, sports enthusiasts
Highlights: Wonderland and Leisureland kids’ clubs, Nature Park, Sports Academy
Renowned for its family-first approach, Forte Village exceeds expectations for children. The award-winning resort, nestled in 116 acres of lush gardens, offers an exceptional range of children’s experiences, from arts and crafts and a child-sized vegetable garden to go-karting, all delivered through dedicated clubs.
Active travellers will enjoy exceptional sports facilities, with world-class amenities and expert coaching, where beginners, pros and everyone in between can try their hand at everything from padel and tennis to triathlons and water sports.
“With an incredible range of sports, activities and top-notch kids’ clubs, Forte Village keeps everyone entertained – no matter their age.” – Nick, Travel Specialist
9. The Danai
Location: Halkidiki, Greece
Best for: Boutique stays
Highlights: Butler service, private beach, private luxury motor yacht
Beach holidays reach an exceptional level of luxury at The Danai. Reserve a chic beach cabana to soak in your own slice of Halkidiki’s finest stretch of sand, lounging in total privacy with plush sofas and attentive butler service to whisk your lunch and drinks to you while you relax. Elevate your stay even further with a Royal Cabana upgrade to listen to the waves lapping from your swinging bed and cool down in your own shower.
10. Atlantis, The Palm
Location: Dubai
Best for: All-ages entertainment
Highlights: Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium
For the ultimate family holiday, Atlantis, The Palm is hard to beat. Along with the world-famous waterpark, which offers complimentary access to hotel guests, the resort offers 10 themed areas for kids, plus mini yoga sessions and a ‘Little Foodies’ experience, where they can learn to create their own treats. For something really special, kids can meet with the resident divers to learn what it’s like to be a marine expert.
11. Mont Rochelle
Location: Franschhoek, South Africa
Best for: Food & wine lovers
Highlights: Personalised wine tasting tour, MIKO restaurant
You’ll have Franschhoek’s Mediterranean-style viniculture on your doorstep at Mont Rochelle. Along with its own vineyard and wine cellar, this boutique gem of a hotel boasts sweeping views over the valley and is perfectly placed for hopping onto the Franschhoek wine tram. Relax with a gourmet picnic in the vineyards, or join winemaker Michael Langenhoven for a five-course pairing dinner guided by the Executive Chef.
12. Seabourn
Location: Global
Best for: Ultra-luxury intimate cruises
Highlights: Expedition cruises, world-class dining, complimentary caviar
Seabourn covers some of the world's most iconic destinations. Plus, in 2026, select sailings have the added touch of being part of the ‘Conversations’ series, during which experts and luminaries, such as authors, chefs and explorers, join the voyage. Even outside of these sailings, exclusive excursions, such as classical concerts at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, make Seabourn the perfect match for culture lovers.
13. Faena Miami
Location: Miami, Florida
Best for: Art & culture
Highlights: Art Deco design, the gilded Faena Theatre, Tierra Santa Healing House
Miami’s art scene is a magnet for creatives, and where better to stay than the design-led Faena Hotel? Known for housing Damien Hirst’s gold-plated woolly mammoth in a hurricane-proof glass case, along with his ‘Golden Myth’ unicorn in the Pao by Paul Qui restaurant, the hotel also features ten floor-to-ceiling murals in its lobby alone. Delve into even more contemporary exhibitions at the opposite Faena Art Centre.
14. Madinat Jumeirah
Location: Dubai
Best for: Award-winning dining and a regal setting
Highlights: Talise Spa, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A sprawling luxury complex home to some of Dubai’s most coveted hotels, Madinat Jumeirah offers a mini-city to explore, including its own souk. From the refined coastal haven of Jumeirah Al Naseem to the serene Arabian residences of Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, set amid lush gardens, every corner offers something to discover. Enjoy award-winning dining, traditional abra rides along winding waterways and captivating views of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
15. Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Best for: Wilderness retreats
Highlights: Bear and whale watching, world-class hospitality
Set on the remote banks of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge has perfected off-grid luxury. Tucked away in the heart of the UNESCO-protected wilderness, this quietly refined retreat has been awarded three Michelin Keys for its exquisite gourmet menu and immersive-yet-elegant ‘glamping’ tents. Head out ‘heli-hiking’ to soar 3,000ft over Clayoquot Sound, or enjoy an island picnic as you watch out for whales.
16. The Marlborough
Location: Marlborough, New Zealand
Best for: Discerning foodies
Highlights: Private dining, vineyard views, Wine Appreciation journey
Follow your tastebuds to The Marlborough, a food-lover’s paradise set in New Zealand’s prestigious wine region, known for exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Malbec and Merlot. The restaurant is a must, having won the ‘Cuisine Hat’ award three years in a row, making the perfect complement to the beauty of the surrounding area. Taste fresh produce, sourced from local artisans, with private dining in ‘The Secret Shack’.
17. COMO Parrot Cay
Location: Turks & Caicos Islands
Best for: Wellness retreats
Highlights: Award-winning COMO Shambhala, private pools with beach access
The wellness centre at COMO Parrot Cay is more than ‘just’ a spa. With a concept inspired by the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, this wellness haven is for those who take a holistic approach seriously, offering everything from expert acupuncture to a nourishing menu of ‘Shambhala cuisine’ and three-night cleanse programmes fuelled by warm broths and herbal teas – all while being surrounded by pure natural beauty.
18. Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel
Location: Taormina, Sicily
Best for: Romantic Mediterranean escapes
Highlights: Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant, Mount Etna views, historic terrace setting
Taormina might sound like an unlikely place for wellness, but Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel is full of surprises. Its latest secret is Le Jardin Des Rêves Dior’s new spa treatment pods, nestled in the trees among bougainvillaea and orange blossom. Opt for the rock crystal facial after a morning yoga session in the garden, and finish your day at the Michelin-starred restaurant, exclusive for just 16 guests.
19. Six Senses Zighy Bay
Location: Oman
Best for: Remote luxury escapes
Highlights: Award-winning Six Senses Spa, bespoke experiences curated by a Guest Experience Maker
Set right at the end of the resort’s mile-long beach, Six Senses Zighy Bay’s four-bedroomed Beachfront Reserve offers the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy. With minimal passers-by, enjoy access to your own exclusive stretch of sand, along with a 17m swimming pool and a fully stocked wine cellar. Your 24/7 ‘Experience Maker’ is also on hand to make any requests happen, from dinner parties to diving trips.
Discover the best things to do in Oman.
20. One&Only Portonovi
Location: Montenegro
Best for: Adriatic escapes
Highlights: Chenot Espace spa, Tapasake Club, six pools and private sandy beach
Overlooking the glittering waters of Boka Bay, One&Only Portonovi’s exclusive residences, Villa One and Villa Two, are something really special. Each one makes the most of the resort’s magical setting, spilling onto the shore with serene gardens and private pools. A dedicated host will take care of every need, including arranging a private speedboat trip to the beautiful Blue Cave and picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island.
21. Constance Belle Mare Plage
Location: Mauritius
Best for: Luxury golf & beach getaways
Highlights: Coral reef-protected beach, Constance Kids Club, two championship golf courses
Tee off in paradise at Constance Belle Mare Plage, where two 18-hole championship courses await. The Legend Course, designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi, offers a good challenge, while the Mark Farry and Rodney Wright-designed Links Course is a little more relaxed, with stunning views to soak in over every hole. As a hotel guest, you’ll also benefit from complimentary green fees for both courses.
Discover the best things to do on your Mauritius holiday.
Ready to plan your next luxury escape?
Once you’ve decided which hotel is calling, reach out to our dedicated Travel Specialists, who are on hand to take care of every detail.
Whether it’s an active family getaway, a remote solo wilderness retreat or an island hideaway for your honeymoon, every stay is meticulously tailored to you, making each hot list hotel feel even more special.
