From exclusive beachside resorts to villas with their own private pools, here are some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Whether you prefer luxurious safari lodges, all-inclusive resorts or castle hotels, these are incredible places to stay and tick off your bucket list.
Anantara Golden Triangle: Jungle Bubble Surrounded by Elephants
Location: Thailand, Province of Chiang Rai
Being surrounded by nothing but nature, falling asleep under the sparkling stars in the night, surrounded by the comfort of your bubble, sounds like a dream. Anantara Golden Triangle Resort offers just that and more, with elephants roaming wild, allowing you to admire these marvellous animals.
These unique domes called 'jungle bubble' are located right in the heart of Thailand's mountainous province of Chiang Rai, the region famous for elephants. Each of those animals has been rescued from camps that were run unethically or from the streets of the city and are now very well looked after and living a happy life.
Guests' comfort is a priority at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort. The design of the domes has been given to every detail. The transparent domes are built with a high-tech climate-controlled polyester fabric and can withstand the tropical weather of this region. These bubble suites are air-conditioned and feature a spacious king-size bed, an ensuite (don't worry, this isn't transparent), and a living space perfect for stargazing at night or watching nature. During your stay, you will be very well looked after. Every evening a dinner basket will be brought to your room along with other luxury touches.
The resort is famed in the region for its world-class restaurants serving international breakfasts, all-day Thai cuisine, and Baan Dhalia offering Italian cuisine. There's also an Elephant Bar and Opium Lounge, where you can sip local coffee or cocktails.
If you are feeling adventurous, the resort organizes a "Walking with Giants" tour which gives you a chance to take a journey into the jungle with a vet or biologist to learn about the elephants.
Giraffe Manor: Dine with Giraffes
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
We all have seen those dreamy photos on Instagram where the giraffes are poking their long necks into the windows while you have breakfast. This is not staged! You can add this place to your bucket list and experience it personally.
Giraffe Manor is a boutique hotel located in Nairobi, Kenya. The most fantastic thing about this unique place is the residents - endangered Rothschild giraffes roam freely around the forest sanctuary. What makes this place even more fascinating is how the hotel was built. The architecture of the building allows giraffes to poke their necks inside the windows and engage with the guests. A truly romantic setting where the guests can enjoy the overall ambience, the exciting culinary experience, and extremely premium hospitable service.
If those animals aren't enough to woo you, the manor is one of Nairobi's iconic buildings. With an elegant interior, beautiful terraces and courtyards, the place looks like from the movie "Out of Africa". Built in the 1930s, many rooms retain original features, providing a seamless blend of comfort and luxury. The residence was once home to Betty and Jock Leslie-Melville, who began re-homing the Rothchild giraffes.
There's plenty to do besides feeding the giraffes. Head into Nairobi National Park on a safari or take a walking tour around the Giraffe Manor's grounds. You can discover history at the Karen Blixen - visit the Nairobi Museum or enjoy the stunning sunset behind the Ngong hills over an afternoon tea.
It is an exotic and one-of-a-kind unforgettable adventure in natural but luxurious surroundings.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp: Landscape Like Mars
Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan
Regarding travelling to every country in the Middle East, it seems that Jordan is on everyone’s ‘must see’ lists. And for a good reason.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp is one of the most out-of-this-world hotels you can choose for your holiday escape. Located in Wadi Rum in the Jordanian desert, with the rocks and mountain view, it is often compared to a living on mars due to its distinct similarity in its landscape.
The camp consists of 40 large canvas tents with the backdrop of a stunning Arabian desert. This one-in-a-kind hotel allows you to wake up in the wild without compromising on the luxuries. You can expect a wide variety of all the amenities. Plush furnishings and décor with a colour scheme of yellows, oranges and reds inspired by the colourful sands of the deserts reflect the surrounding area. In addition to the elegant sleeping area, some tents also have lounge and dining spaces that are perfect for families.
Moreover, air-conditioning, WIFI, library, terraces, restaurant and outdoor barbecue area are available for all guests. The onsite coffee house is also a special touch. You can enjoy a delicious coffee expertly crafted every morning. The perfect way to start a day of exploring.
Adventure suckers will also find something for themselves. Head out from the camp for long days, exploring the hidden gems of Wadi Rum. Sample a traditional Bedouin dinner cooked under the earth, enjoy a jeep tour of the red desert or relax beneath the clear night sky admiring glittering stars. Kachi
Kachi Lodge: Somewhere in the mystical Salar de Uyuni
Location: Bolivia
Bolivia offers some of the most exhilarating adventures in the world's remote corners, just an hour's flight from la Paz and at 3660m altitude at the foot of the Tunupa volcano. Kachi Lodge takes glamping to another level, with its futuristic white pods sitting upon the spectacular Salar de Uyuni - the immense salt flat which takes you to another dimension.
Kachi Lodge is set on a wooden platform near a cacti-covered island. Each of the six domed pods turns guests' stay into the most luxurious adventure. Their rustically chic interiors feature a comfy bed, private bathroom, carpeted floors and a wood-burning stove. The seating and bed are positioned to maximize the expansive views of the seemingly endless sight of the dazzling salt flats, while solar panels provide atmospheric evening lighting. You can experience breath-taking stargazing straight from your comfy dome.
The visionary mindset of its founders pushes the boundaries of sustainable travels further: cutting-edge green infrastructures and commitment to local culture and communities are a daily reality. Kachi Lodge has teamed with the best in the region: delicious food prepared by Bolivia's most celebrated chef, one-of-a-kind land art with Gastón Ugalde and an endless list of bespoke activities.
The portfolio of activities within an hour of Kachi Lodge is vast. You can spend your days walking to a nearby 'island' covered with giant cacti for astonishing desert views. You can even explore the surrounding by mountain bike and learn how the local people collect the salt.
Amangiri Utah: Remote hideaway in Canyon Point
Location: Utah, USA
Discover a remote luxury hideaway in Canyon Point, Utah. Amangiri often features on the list of the most luxury and unique hotels in the world, thanks to its location. The almost-secret site of Amangiri at Canyon Point is not easy to find in this desert landscape. The panoramic drive from the main road to the hotel begins the experience.
Amangiri is a luxurious enclave of comfort and style. This unusual hotel blends into an untouched red-rock landscape, claiming 600 acres of the majestic Colorado Plateau. Guests come here to be and feel remote, surrounded by striking architecture, mind-blowing nature and pampered in true Aman Resorts style.
The hotel's unique architecture is inspired by the wild nature of the Utah scenery and the distinctive Entrada sandstone. The founder of Aman Resorts, Adrian Zecha, and the architect's trio - Marwan Al Sayed, Wendell Burnette and Rick Joy, designed the place in harmony with the desert scenery as a contemporary interpretation of traditional Native American architecture.
During your stay, you can relax around the attractive swimming pool admiring an impressive rock formation. You also can's miss the yoga and hiking sessions, perfect before recharging in the Aman Spa with sweeping desert views and unique Navajo-inspired treatments.
Amangiri's restaurant features an open kitchen, so you can observe how expert chefs prepare your food. Dishes are inspired by the much-lauded fare of Southwestern USA and feature locally produced ingredients wherever possible. Amangiri’s restaurant features an open kitchen, so you can watch expert chefs prepare your food while you wait. Dishes are inspired by the much-lauded fare of Southwestern USA and feature locally produced ingredients wherever possible.
Sharma Springs: Bamboo Mansion
Location: Bali
Sharma Springs is part of the Green Village ecosystem, a compound for like-minded individuals seeking a more sustainable and authentic way of living and an alternative to the stresses of modern society.
The villa was designed for the Sharma family as a jungle fantasy escape. It is a 750sqm house with 6 levels and 4 bedrooms overlooking the Ayung river valley. Built almost entirely of bamboo is not only an architectural wonder but also a work of art and the tallest bamboo building in Bali. Enter the main house from the 4th floor through a stunning 15-meter bamboo bridge, then sit back and relax as you take in the scenery from the lounge.
Both the river valley view & interior are remarkable, providing such a marvellous feast to the eyes that you find it extraordinary to live so in touch with nature but in complete luxury.
You can enjoy the great outdoors by basking in the sunset on the private permaculture garden or pool, relax at the riverside yoga pavilion, indulge yourself in the outdoor spa, or enjoy a meal on the poolside barbecue.