Bucket List Stays: 10 Luxury Hotels Worth Saving Up For
Some places don’t just offer a bed for the night—they deliver a story you’ll tell for the rest of your life. These are the hotels that go far beyond the ordinary: private island resorts where your feet never touch a road, glass-walled suites suspended above jungle canopies, or century-old palaces where the walls could whisper secrets of royalty and romance.
For many travellers, a luxury hotel stay marks a once-in-a-lifetime moment—whether it's a honeymoon, a milestone birthday, or simply a long-dreamed-of escape from the everyday. What sets these hotels apart isn’t just their price tag, but the unforgettable experiences they offer: personalised service, breathtaking settings, and design that turns every corner into a work of art.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked ten of the most iconic and extraordinary hotels around the world—each one a destination in its own right. From the Maldives to Morocco, these are the stays worth saving for, the ones that make the journey more magical than the destination. If you’re dreaming big, you’ve come to the right place.
The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Imagine stepping off a private plane onto a palm-fringed atoll where the only sounds are rustling coconut trees and lapping waves. The Brando sits on Tetiaroa, a string of white-sand islets encircling a lagoon so blue it looks digitally enhanced. Once the personal retreat of Marlon Brando, who fell in love with the island while filming Mutiny on the Bounty, it’s now one of the most exclusive eco-luxury resorts on Earth.
But this isn’t just about seclusion or celebrity—The Brando has redefined what it means to combine sustainability with sophistication. With just 35 villas, you’ll never feel like a guest in a crowd. It’s a place that makes the rest of the world melt away.
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Each thatched-roof villa is a cocoon of understated luxury: think timber decks, outdoor bathtubs beneath swaying palms, and a private plunge pool that spills towards the sand. Interiors are all clean lines and soft neutrals, with floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line between indoors and out.
You’ll also get a dedicated villa attendant, daily spa treatments (included in the rate), and access to world-class dining at Les Mutinés, a fine dining restaurant designed to resemble the hull of a Polynesian canoe. Meals are crafted from organic produce grown on the island itself, and fresh seafood is delivered daily by local fishermen.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling with sea turtles, or visiting the eco-station to learn about reef restoration—it’s all included. Even airport transfers are done in style, with a 20-minute private flight from Tahiti.
What It Costs
Rates start from £2,800 (€3,250) per night for a one-bedroom villa on an all-inclusive basis. Prices vary depending on the season and villa category, with beachfront and multi-bedroom options climbing significantly higher.
Pro Travel Tip
Book well in advance if you’re planning to visit between May and October, when the weather is dry and idyllic. Request a villa on Turtle Beach for the best lagoon access and sunrise views. If you're into diving or marine biology, time your trip around one of the resort's educational conservation events.
Fun Fact
The Brando is one of the only carbon-neutral resorts in the world. It’s powered by solar energy and cooled using deep seawater drawn from the ocean floor. Barack Obama famously stayed here for a month while writing A Promised Land, and it’s also been a discreet getaway for A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen DeGeneres.
The Brando.
Amanjena – Marrakech, Morocco
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Tucked just a short drive from the bustle of Marrakech’s medina, Amanjena offers a world apart—serene, cinematic, and steeped in Moorish grandeur. This was Aman’s first venture into Africa, and they didn’t hold back. Think of it as a sultan’s palace reimagined for the modern traveller: soft pink stone pavilions, quiet reflecting pools, and gardens laced with palms and olive trees. The design echoes ancient Moroccan architecture, drawing on Berber traditions and Islamic art to create a setting that feels both deeply rooted and wildly indulgent.
While the city’s souks and squares lie just beyond the walls, inside Amanjena it’s all about stillness and sanctuary. If The Brando is barefoot luxury, Amanjena is luxury in silk slippers.
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The resort's 40 pavilions and maisons are arranged around a central bassin (reflecting pool), creating the illusion of a desert oasis. Entryways are marked by towering arches, stuccoed columns, and zellige tilework. Inside, expect vaulted ceilings, oversized bathrooms with sunken marble tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and garden courtyards that seem tailor-made for slow mornings with mint tea.
Some pavilions come with private plunge pools, while the two-story Maisons offer serious space, full-size pools, and shaded terraces—ideal for longer stays or small groups. The spa is one of the highlights, with a traditional hammam experience, holistic treatments, and a deeply calming energy. Daily yoga sessions, in-villa dining, and bespoke excursions (camel rides, desert picnics, private medina tours) elevate the stay into a full-blown cultural retreat.
What It Costs
Nightly rates start from around £950 (€1,100) for a Pavilion Pool Suite, but for a Maison with private pool and personal butler, prices can climb to £2,000+ (€2,300+) depending on the season. Peak times—spring and autumn—book out early due to the mild weather and regional festivals.
Pro Travel Tip
Avoid the summer months (June–August) when temperatures can soar above 40°C. For the most atmospheric experience, visit during late October or early April when the city is lively but not overcrowded. Be sure to book one of the private Maisons if you’re after complete seclusion, or request a pavilion near the olive grove for extra serenity.
Fun Fact
The resort’s design was heavily inspired by the 12th-century El Badi Palace and the city’s ancient kasbahs. Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes rest in his Jardin Majorelle nearby, once called Marrakech the city that taught him colour. Amanjena has hosted the likes of Cate Blanchett, Tom Cruise, and fashion houses filming haute couture campaigns in its lantern-lit courtyards.
Amanjena.
North Island – Seychelles
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
If you’ve ever dreamed of being cast away on a tropical island—except with champagne, private chefs, and a butler who anticipates your every whim—this is it. North Island is a private sanctuary just 30 kilometres from Mahé, but it feels like an entirely different planet. With only 11 villas and no other development on the island, exclusivity is woven into its DNA. This is the kind of place where A-listers go to disappear, honeymoons are next-level, and the luxury is so intuitive it almost feels invisible.
What makes North Island truly bucket list, though, is its commitment to conservation. The island was once overrun with invasive species; now it’s been rewilded into an ecological Eden, home to giant tortoises, nesting turtles, and lush forest trails.
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Each of the 11 villas is handcrafted from local stone, wood, and glass—open-plan sanctuaries that spill out onto the beach, with private plunge pools, al fresco dining salas, deep soaking tubs, and views straight onto the turquoise sea. Interiors blend barefoot luxury with a subtle African aesthetic—think driftwood furniture, linen sofas, and lots of space to just be.
The North Island experience is completely bespoke. There are no fixed menus—chefs tailor every meal to your preferences. The wine cellar is vast, the service invisible yet flawless, and the activities—from sea kayaking and scuba diving to guided conservation walks—are as tailored as the meals. There’s even an in-villa spa therapist if you’d prefer your massage with the sound of waves in the background.
What It Costs
Rates begin at around £5,000 (€5,800) per night for a one-bedroom villa on a fully inclusive basis. That includes meals, drinks, experiences, and a private butler. The island is often booked out for full buyouts by high-net-worth individuals or celebrities, with total exclusivity starting in the six figures.
Pro Travel Tip
Access is by helicopter from Mahé—20 minutes of pure aerial eye-candy. Book at least a year ahead if you’re planning a honeymoon or festive season trip. Request Villa North Island (Villa 11) for the ultimate private hideaway, perched at the far end of the beach with its own secluded cove.
Fun Fact
North Island played host to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s honeymoon. It’s also been a retreat for George and Amal Clooney, and was once described by Vanity Fair as “the most exclusive resort on Earth.”
North Island.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes, France
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Perched on the rocky coastline of Cap d’Antibes with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is not just a hotel—it’s a legend. Since opening in 1870, it’s been the summer playground of the rich, famous, and impossibly stylish. From Hemingway and Picasso to Elizabeth Taylor and every Hollywood starlet who’s ever graced the Cannes red carpet, this is the Riviera’s most storied retreat.
But beyond the star power and vintage glamour lies true substance: flawless service, timeless elegance, and a setting so perfect it barely seems real. This is luxury at its most classical—no gimmicks, no trends, just the kind of effortless sophistication that never goes out of style.
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The estate is enormous, surrounded by pine forests and perfectly manicured gardens. Rooms and suites—spread across the original 19th-century mansion and neighbouring villas—are decorated in a soft, serene palette, with marble bathrooms, antique furnishings, and private terraces that open out to sea or garden views.
But the real magic lies outdoors. The iconic saltwater infinity pool is carved into the cliffside, and guests can dive straight into the Mediterranean from private ladders. Tennis courts, a historic seawater spa, a gourmet restaurant with panoramic terraces, and an impossibly chic beach club make it hard to leave.
Hotel du Cap is famous for discretion—don’t expect influencers with ring lights. This is the kind of place where luxury whispers.
What It Costs
Rooms start from £1,200 (€1,400) per night during the shoulder season and quickly rise above £2,500 (€2,900) in summer for a sea-view suite. The Eden-Roc Suite—with its private terrace and plunge pool overlooking the sea—is a jaw-dropping £5,500+ (€6,300+) per night.
Pro Travel Tip
This hotel is seasonal—open from April to October—and books out quickly for events like the Cannes Film Festival. If you’re not a celebrity, aim for late September for better availability, gentler prices, and fewer paparazzi. Ask for a room in the Eden-Roc Pavilion for the best sea views and easiest access to the pool and waterfront.
Fun Fact
The hotel famously didn’t accept credit cards until the 2000s—guests settled tabs by handwritten ledger. It also inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is the Night, and hosted the iconic amfAR Gala each year during Cannes, with stars arriving by yacht.
Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc.
Soneva Jani – Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
If you've ever imagined waking up in a villa that stretches over impossibly blue water, where your own private waterslide plunges you into a lagoon and your bathroom has a retractable roof for stargazing from the tub—Soneva Jani is that fantasy, made real. This ultra-luxe resort is set in a private atoll in the Maldives, and it’s more than just beautiful—it’s visionary.
Built with a strong eco-philosophy, the resort seamlessly blends sustainable design with next-level indulgence. Here, barefoot luxury means no shoes, no news, and no compromises.
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The overwater villas at Soneva Jani are some of the largest in the world—starting at a jaw-dropping 4,000 square feet. Each one features a private infinity pool, outdoor decks, a walk-in minibar that feels more like a gourmet pantry, and a retractable roof above the master bedroom for sleeping under the stars. Many also have water slides that drop straight into the lagoon.
There’s also a dedicated barefoot butler (called a Mr or Ms Friday), a cinema over the water, an observatory, and a chocolate and ice cream room open 24/7. Dining is ultra-personalised, with chefs preparing dishes based on your preferences, and many ingredients sourced from the resort’s own gardens or nearby islands.
Whether you want to snorkel with manta rays, picnic on a deserted beach, or learn the constellations through a telescope, everything at Soneva Jani is curated to feel both effortless and extraordinary.
What It Costs
Rates start at £2,600 (€3,000) per night for a one-bedroom overwater villa with breakfast. All-inclusive packages or larger villas with slides can push rates to £5,000+ (€5,800+) per night—especially in peak season (December to April).
Pro Travel Tip
Book well in advance for villas with slides—they’re the first to go. While the dry season (Dec–Apr) is most popular, May and June often have better deals with only occasional showers. Request Chapter Two villas for the newest builds and more inclusive perks like unlimited spa treatments and dining.
Fun Fact
Soneva Jani’s founders were pioneers of sustainable luxury in the Maldives—they banned plastic straws long before it was cool and built the Maldives’ first solar-powered desalination plant. Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, and several royals have stayed here—often returning for the privacy and eco-conscious ethos.
Soneva Jani.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge – Grumeti Reserve, Tanzania
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
If your idea of a bucket list stay includes sipping champagne while watching elephants roam past your veranda, Singita Sasakwa is the dream made real. Perched atop a hill overlooking the vast Serengeti plains, this lodge offers a front-row seat to the Great Migration—without sacrificing a single creature comfort. Part stately Edwardian manor, part safari camp, it’s one of the most exclusive properties on the continent and a member of the elite Singita collection, known for its impeccable conservation ethos and ultra-luxury safari experiences.
At Sasakwa, the wild is always present—but so is a sense of utter refinement. It's Africa, elevated.
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The lodge blends old-world charm with world-class amenities: think crystal chandeliers, antique furniture, clawfoot tubs, and wraparound verandas with infinity pools that overlook the plains. Each private cottage or villa includes a lounge with a fireplace, a four-poster bed, a private plunge pool, and a telescope for stargazing—or wildlife-spotting from your deck.
You’ll get access to personalised game drives with expert guides, fine dining with menus crafted daily, an in-house spa and yoga pavilion, and a wine cellar that rivals those of Europe’s finest estates. But what truly sets Sasakwa apart is its solitude—you’re inside a private reserve that’s ten times the size of Manhattan, so you’ll often have sightings all to yourself.
What It Costs
Rates start at £2,400 (€2,800) per person per night, fully inclusive of meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives, and airport transfers. Larger family villas with multiple bedrooms and private staff can exceed £5,500 (€6,400) per night.
Pro Travel Tip
The best time for wildlife viewing is between June and October, when the plains are dry and game is concentrated. For a more peaceful stay, try January–March when the park is greener and baby animals abound. Book a villa with an east-facing view to catch sunrise over the Serengeti.
Fun Fact
The Grumeti Reserve is privately managed by the Grumeti Fund, one of Africa’s leading conservation initiatives, which works closely with Singita to protect wildlife and empower local communities. Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have all reportedly stayed at Sasakwa—drawn by its blend of safari adventure and serious comfort.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge.
Rosa Alpina (by Aman) – Dolomites, Italy
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Alpine charm meets Aman serenity at Rosa Alpina, nestled in the fairytale village of San Cassiano in Italy’s South Tyrol. Surrounded by UNESCO-listed peaks and rich Ladin culture, this is not your average ski resort—it’s a sanctuary of understated luxury, equally perfect for winter sports lovers and summer hikers. With family heritage dating back generations and service that feels as warm as the wood-panelled interiors, Rosa Alpina offers a more personal kind of luxury, elevated even further since it joined the Aman portfolio.
If you're looking for a place that delivers Michelin-starred dining, mountain air, and a fireplace to come home to—it’s all right here.
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Rosa Alpina features just 52 rooms and suites, many with private saunas, tiled stoves, and terraces overlooking the Dolomites. Interiors mix modern minimalism with alpine tradition—clean lines, natural materials, soft wool throws, and wood-carved detail. The penthouse suite is next-level, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private spa, and direct lift access.
The wellness facilities are superb: a cavernous spa with a heated indoor pool, Finnish sauna, ice fountain, and treatment rooms with mountain views. In winter, you have direct access to the Dolomiti Superski area; in summer, it’s all about forest walks, biking trails, and alpine wildflowers.
And then there’s St. Hubertus, the on-site restaurant with three Michelin stars. Helmed by Norbert Niederkofler, it’s a culinary pilgrimage in itself, based on the “Cook the Mountain” philosophy using hyper-local, seasonal ingredients.
What It Costs
Rates begin around £950 (€1,100) per night for a standard room during shoulder seasons. Suites and peak winter dates push prices to £2,200+ (€2,550+), with the penthouse commanding well over £4,500 (€5,200) per night.
Pro Travel Tip
Visit in December for a storybook winter scene with fewer crowds than peak ski season, or try late June for lush hiking without the chill. Book one of the Wellness Suites for a private infrared sauna and steam room. And definitely reserve a table at St. Hubertus well in advance—seats are limited and in high demand year-round.
Fun Fact
The Pizzinini family has run Rosa Alpina for three generations. It’s hosted fashion designers, Formula 1 legends, and royals looking to escape the limelight. It also served as a filming location for a Vogue alpine fashion shoot and was recently renovated in collaboration with Aman’s design team.
Rosa Alpina.
Umaid Bhawan Palace – Jodhpur, India
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Some hotels borrow the aura of royalty—Umaid Bhawan Palace is royalty. Perched high above the Blue City of Jodhpur, this golden sandstone masterpiece is still home to the Jodhpur royal family, with part of the palace reserved for guests as one of India’s most opulent luxury hotels. Built between 1928 and 1943 as a symbol of hope during a time of famine, it's one of the largest private residences in the world and a living testament to Art Deco grandeur with a regal twist.
A stay here isn’t just luxurious—it’s immersive. You’re not just watching history; you’re living in it.
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Managed by Taj Hotels, the guest wing of the palace includes 70 rooms and suites, each dripping in vintage glamour—think marble floors, Art Deco furniture, four-poster beds, and arched windows looking out to the sprawling Mehrangarh Fort or the palace gardens.
The indoor pool is straight out of a Mughal dream, lit by chandeliers and muraled ceilings, while the spa offers ancient Ayurvedic rituals in marble treatment rooms. Dining options range from traditional Rajasthani feasts under the stars to fine European fare in formal salons. There's also a classic bar, a private museum, and sprawling 26-acre gardens with peacocks wandering freely.
What It Costs
Rates start from £750 (€870) per night for a historical room and can go beyond £4,000 (€4,600) per night for the regal Maharaja or Royal Suites, which include personal butler service, vintage furnishings, and panoramic views over Jodhpur.
Pro Travel Tip
Aim for October to March for the most pleasant weather. Request a “Palace Room” facing the Baradari Lawns for sunrise views and easier access to the gardens. For the full royal treatment, book a heritage tour through the concierge—they can arrange exclusive access to parts of the palace closed to the public.
Fun Fact
The palace was famously the venue for Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s wedding—a three-day extravaganza that made global headlines. It’s also one of the few hotels in the world where guests share grounds with a living royal family, headed by Maharaja Gaj Singh II.
Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Explora Patagonia Lodge – Torres del Paine, Chile
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Very few places on Earth can make you feel truly small in the best way possible—and Explora Patagonia is one of them. Set inside Torres del Paine National Park, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Paine Massif, this lodge puts you right in the heart of one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Glaciers, turquoise lakes, jagged peaks—it’s all on your doorstep. But while the setting is wild, the experience is polished, personal, and deeply intentional.
This isn’t a place to lounge around—Explora is designed for explorers. But after long days trekking through Andean wilderness, you’ll come home to fireside wine, spa soaks, and hearty gourmet dinners. It’s luxury for the soul.
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The lodge itself is built with natural wood and blends seamlessly into the surroundings. Interiors are minimalist but warm—Scandi-style with a Latin twist. All 49 rooms overlook either Lake Pehoé or the Paine mountains, with deep soaking tubs, sheepskin throws, and silence so pure you could hear snow fall.
What really sets Explora apart is its all-inclusive expedition model. Every stay includes a personalised menu of guided hikes, glacier boat rides, horseback treks, and high-altitude viewpoints. The guides are among the best in the region—many are biologists or geologists—and groups are small and customisable.
The spa, located across a footbridge next to the Salto Chico waterfall, offers outdoor hot tubs, massages, and relaxation lounges with million-dollar views. Meals are hearty and elevated, featuring Patagonian lamb, king crab, and bold Chilean wines.
What It Costs
All-inclusive rates start from £2,000 (€2,300) per night for two people, covering lodging, meals, drinks, guided excursions, and park entrance fees. Suite upgrades and private expeditions raise the nightly rate to £3,500 (€4,000) or more.
Pro Travel Tip
Come between November and March for the best hiking conditions—but book early, as availability is tight and Patagonia’s weather is famously unpredictable. Pack for all seasons—even summer days can see snow, rain, and sunshine within hours. Request a room facing the Cuernos del Paine for the most cinematic sunrise views.
Fun Fact
Explora Patagonia was one of the first luxury lodges in the region and remains the only one located inside the national park boundaries. Its design has won multiple architecture awards, and it’s frequently ranked among the world’s best remote hotels by National Geographic and Travel + Leisure.
Explora Patagonia Lodge.
Hoshinoya Kyoto – Arashiyama, Japan
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
Hidden in the misty forested hills of Arashiyama, Hoshinoya Kyoto offers a retreat that feels more like slipping into a dream than checking into a hotel. Accessible only by private boat along the tranquil Oi River, this secluded luxury ryokan blends history, nature, and Japanese elegance with quiet perfection. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, where each breeze through the bamboo carries centuries of poetry, and where every element—architecture, cuisine, ritual—is deeply considered.
If Tokyo offers the future, Kyoto gives you the soul of Japan. And Hoshinoya wraps it in silk.
Top Features
The property features just 25 rooms, all designed in refined Kyoto style: tatami mat floors, sliding paper screens, river-facing verandas, cedarwood tubs, and minimalist interiors where every detail—from the hanging scrolls to the calligraphy brushes—is intentional. There's no TV, no tech distractions—just the sounds of the river, the rustle of maple leaves, and the occasional distant temple bell.
Dining is pure theatre. The seasonal kaiseki menus, crafted by head chef Ichiro Kubota, are artful and deeply rooted in Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Think wild mountain vegetables in spring, charcoal-grilled ayu fish in summer, and chestnut-infused broths in autumn. Guests can also participate in traditional tea ceremonies, ikebana workshops, or guided meditation in a centuries-old villa.
The experience is immersive but never performative—it’s luxury through stillness, nature, and craft.
What It Costs
Nightly rates start around £950 (€1,100) for a standard river-view room and climb to £2,000+ (€2,300+) for the most exclusive suites, especially during sakura (cherry blossom) or momiji (autumn leaves) season.
Pro Travel Tip
Aim to visit in early April for the cherry blossoms or mid-November for fiery autumn colours. The property books out early for both seasons. Don’t skip the moonlight river cruise—a quiet, surreal glide beneath illuminated treetops with nothing but lantern light and the ripple of water for company.
Fun Fact
The hotel is built on the site of a 17th-century ryokan once favoured by imperial courtiers. Even today, it retains the same sense of noble escape. Guests are welcomed with tea in a riverside salon, and the original boat dock has been preserved to honour its historic role as a secret hideaway for Kyoto’s elite.
Hoshinoya Kyoto.
Honourable Mentions:
Aman Venice – Italy: A palatial 16th-century residence on the Grand Canal, where guests arrive by boat and dine under Tiepolo frescoes. George Clooney got married here, if that gives you any idea of the vibe.
Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland, Canada: Remote, windswept, and fiercely sustainable, this design-forward inn sits on stilts at the edge of the North Atlantic. Rugged luxury with a strong sense of place and purpose.
The Plaza – New York City, USA: A legend of Fifth Avenue, blending old-school glamour with modern refinement. Whether it’s Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court or a suite once used by Marilyn Monroe, The Plaza remains quintessential NYC luxury.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Tanzania: Often called the “Versailles of the Safari World,” this lodge sits on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with panoramic views and Baroque-meets-Maasai interiors. Opulent, surreal, and seriously memorable.
The Lanesborough – London, UK: London luxury with white-glove service, Regency-style suites, and personal butlers. Steps from Hyde Park and Harrods—ideal for those wanting elegance with a distinctly British flair.
Explora Atacama – Chile: Sister to the Patagonia property, this one swaps glaciers for desert landscapes. Think luxury amidst salt flats, starry skies, and geysers in one of the driest places on Earth.
Al Maha Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE: Hidden in the dunes of a conservation reserve, this resort offers Bedouin-style villas with private pools, camel treks at sunset, and Arabian oryx roaming past your tented suite.
Royal Mansour – Marrakech, Morocco: Commissioned by the King of Morocco, this hotel is essentially a medina within a medina—53 individual riads, underground service tunnels (so staff are never seen), and some of the most intricate design work in the world.
Gora Kadan – Hakone, Japan: A modern ryokan built on the grounds of a former imperial summer residence. Private onsen baths, impeccable kaiseki cuisine, and lush mountain views make this a serene alternative to the buzz of Kyoto.
Belmond Hotel Caruso – Ravello, Italy: Set on a cliff above the Amalfi Coast, this 11th-century palace offers jaw-dropping views, a floating infinity pool, and cinematic romance in every direction.
Al Maha Desert Resort – Dubai, UAE.
Luxury travel doesn’t just offer comfort—it creates moments that stay with you for life. Whether it’s waking up to the sound of waves on a private island, sipping tea in a centuries-old ryokan, or watching wildlife roam past your plunge pool in Africa, these hotels aren’t just places to stay—they’re destinations in themselves.
Of course, these bucket list stays come with serious price tags. But that’s part of what makes them special. They’re for milestone trips, dream escapes, or those magical moments where you decide to go all in. And even if you’re not booking one tomorrow, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of travel daydreaming. That’s where every great journey begins.
So save the post, share it with your travel crew, or just keep it tucked away for that someday trip. After all, luxury isn’t always about spending—it’s about experience. And these ten hotels? They deliver that in spades.
