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20 Exceptional Hotels to Experience at Least Once in a Lifetime
There are places that don’t just welcome you — they leave a lasting mark. Rare addresses where every detail tells a story, where architecture flirts with the sublime, where service becomes an art form, and where the mere act of sleeping turns into an unforgettable experience. These exceptional hotels aren’t just luxurious hideaways — they are destinations in their own right, inner journeys, suspended moments in time.
From the turquoise shores of the Indian Ocean to the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, via mystical deserts, tropical jungles, and legendary cities, these 20 hotels embody the very essence of ultimate escape. Whether they’re icons of the hospitality world or hidden treasures, they all share one thing: we dream of spending at least one night there in our lifetime.
Let yourself be guided through these unforgettable places, where luxury meets emotion, and where each night leaves an indelible imprint.
The 20 Most Desirable Hotels Around the World
The Maybourne Riviera
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Suspended between sky and sea, The Maybourne Riviera seems to float above the azure waters of the Côte d’Azur. Carved into the rock, this minimalist glass-and-concrete vessel offers breathtaking views of Monaco, Menton, and the voluptuous curves of the coastline. Inside, design luminaries such as André Fu, Bryan O’Sullivan, and Pierre Yovanovitch have created distinct atmospheres, blending cosmopolitan sophistication with nods to the Riviera’s golden age. All 69 rooms and suites open onto the sea, with terraces bathed in light. Between the levitating pool, holistic spa, and Michelin-starred dining by Elena Arzak and Mauro Colagreco, The Maybourne Riviera boldly reinvents Mediterranean glamour.
Hôtel des Horlogers
Le Brassus, Switzerland
In the heart of the Vallée de Joux — birthplace of Swiss haute horlogerie — Hôtel des Horlogers offers an alpine retreat where contemporary design and nature exist in perfect harmony. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), its zigzag architecture flows down the wooded slope like an organic extension of the landscape. The refined, serene rooms offer sweeping views of the snowy forest. The spa, lounge bar, and gourmet restaurant helmed by Emmanuel Renaut make this mountain hideaway an ode to slow time — a meticulously crafted experience for aesthetes and contemplatives.
Cheval Blanc Paris
France
A night at Cheval Blanc Paris is an ultra-exclusive escape perched above the rooftops of the City of Light. Nestled in the former Art Deco building of La Samaritaine, this LVMH masterpiece boldly blends Haussmann elegance with cutting-edge contemporary design. The suites — true Parisian apartments — reveal hypnotic views of the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, or Notre-Dame. With Dior treatments at the spa, a dazzling indoor pool, and three-Michelin-starred cuisine by Arnaud Donckele, the experience reaches the heights of the sublime. Paris has never felt so desirable.
EPI 1959
Ramatuelle, France
Erased from the shoreline to preserve its mystery, EPI 1959 is Pampelonne’s most exclusive (and most secret) address. Hidden behind Mediterranean hedges, this boho-chic micro-village resurrects the spirit of 1970s Saint-Tropez — before the bling era. Vintage pool, pristine tennis courts, cream-colored loungers on golden sand… And just a handful of bungalows, for a lucky few. Here, luxury lies in intimacy, silence, and effortless style. A discreet myth for the nostalgic happy few dreaming of a timeless Côte d’Azur.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Champillon, France
Clinging to the classified hillsides of Champagne, between sky and vineyards, the Royal Champagne rises like a contemporary amphitheater open to the horizon. Its 47 light-filled suites extend the sensory experience: noble textures, soft beige tones, and balconies overlooking rows of Pinot Noir vines. At the spa, Biologique Recherche treatments meet the Champagne art de vivre; in the Michelin-starred restaurant, local products are elevated with finesse. More than just a hotel, this is a refined haven for epicureans in search of beauty and bubbles.
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Valais, Switzerland
Perched at 1,500 meters above sea level, facing the eternal Alpine peaks, Six Senses Crans-Montana is a contemporary jewel nestled between forest and sky. With its charred wood and raw stone architecture, this five-star refuge combines mountain authenticity with eco-conscious sophistication. Inside, 45 luminous rooms and suites reveal breathtaking views of the Valais Alps. The signature 2,000 m² spa — a temple of wellness — features pools, holistic rituals, hammams, and high-tech treatments. At the table, Swiss flavors are reimagined in a sustainable, creative way. A serene alpine sanctuary where luxury rhymes with nature and release.
The Emory
London, United Kingdom
A discreet address in the heart of Knightsbridge, The Emory redefines London luxury with bold futurism. Designed by architect Richard Rogers, this all-suite hotel is a sculptural masterpiece of glass and steel, rising like a modern ship above the rooftops of Hyde Park. Inside, each floor is curated by a renowned designer — Remi Tessier, André Fu, Champalimaud — forming a gallery of distinct, harmonious styles. With only 60 suites, ultra-private access, a resident-only rooftop, and a two-level spa, The Emory perfects the art of ultimate discretion. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s abc kitchens offers refined plant-based cuisine in a sculptural setting. More than a hotel, it’s a vertical retreat for discerning aesthetes, where exclusivity is lived in silence and bespoke luxury.
Il Sereno
Lake Como, Italy
Facing the shimmering waters of Lake Como, Il Sereno introduces a bold, contemporary silhouette among the region’s neoclassical villas. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, this gem of Italian design stands out with elegance: clean lines, noble materials (wood, glass, stone), natural tones, and warm minimalism. The 30 suites, all lake-facing, offer a hushed atmosphere where light dances on the water. The infinity pool, suspended above the shoreline, flirts with the horizon, while the hotel’s Riva boats invite you to explore the lake’s secret shores. At the Michelin-starred Il Sereno Al Lago restaurant, local produce is celebrated with delicate flair. More than a hotel: a livable sculpture, a contemporary retreat of absolute elegance.
Amangiri
Canyon Point, Utah, United States
In the heart of Utah’s raw desert, Amangiri blends seamlessly into the ancient rock. Invisible from the road, this architectural sanctuary by Rick Joy and Marwan Al-Sayed reveals itself like a mirage. Wind-smoothed concrete cubes, minimalist lines, and earthy tones echo the surrounding mesas and canyons in perfect harmony. Here, luxury turns introspective: 34 suites open onto the vastness, a legendary pool carved around a primeval rock, and a 2,300 m² spa inspired by Navajo traditions. Experiences — hot-air balloon rides, slot canyon hikes, stargazing dinners — border on the sacred. Amangiri is not just a hotel: it’s an inner journey, a mystical retreat carved into the desert.
Kisawa Sanctuary
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
On a pristine island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Kisawa Sanctuary embodies a new vision of luxury — sustainable, ultra-private, and deeply attuned to nature. Spanning over 300 hectares of wild dunes, pristine beaches, and tropical forest, this sanctuary offers just 12 bungalows, each set in its own domain with a private pool, secluded beach, and electric buggy. Its sculptural yet organic architecture blends Mozambican craftsmanship with innovations like sand-based 3D printing. Inside, natural materials, local art, and clean lines reign. Wellness takes a holistic turn at the Natural Wellness Center, connected to the neighboring Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies. Here, luxury means freedom — and each stay becomes an intimate dialogue with the earth, the ocean, and oneself.
Forestis
Dolomites, Italy
Suspended at 1,800 meters above sea level in the heights of Bressanone, Forestis floats between sky and forest, facing the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. This ultramodern alpine retreat is an ode to silence, nature, and slowness. Three slender towers of wood and glass rise discreetly among the pines, forming a monastic, contemporary architecture in perfect harmony with the landscape. The 62 suites and penthouses, all south-facing, offer immersive views: vast windows, private terraces, wood-burning stoves, and clean lines. The spa draws on the four elements — pure air, spring water, Alpine sun, and mountain wood — to create a rooted, holistic wellness experience. The poetic, locavore cuisine highlights South Tyrolean produce in a refined, plant-forward approach. Forestis is less a hotel than a state of mind: a silent, soulful kind of luxury aligned with nature.
Eriro Alpine Hide
Upper Austria, Austria
Perched atop a snow-covered hill in the pristine landscapes of Upper Austria, Eriro reimagines the alpine retreat. Ultra-exclusive and intentionally intimate, this hotel of just three contemporary chalets is a tribute to silence, introspection, and radical design. Conceived as a refuge for hedonists in search of seclusion, the project embraces minimal architecture, raw nature, and bespoke hospitality. The angular volumes, crafted from light wood and raw concrete, open generously onto the mountains through spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, silence reigns, comfort is absolute, and the Scandinavian aesthetic is distilled to its purest essence. Each lodge comes with a private spa — sauna, steam room, fireplace, outdoor hot tub — offering a full sensory immersion into the landscape. Service is discreet and intuitive, verging on perfection, with locavore meals delivered to the room, holistic experiences, and tailor-made wellness rituals. Eriro is the art of retreating from the world with grace — in a bubble of architecture, snow, and stillness.
Maslina Resort
Hvar, Croatia
Just minutes from Hvar’s bustling port, yet worlds away from its party spirit, Maslina Resort lies hidden between wild pine forest and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Nestled on the serene Maslinica Bay, this 5-star boutique resort embodies a new Mediterranean luxury — natural, understated, and deeply ethical. The architecture, designed by Croatian studios Aalto and LAAB, follows the terrain’s gentle slope with low volumes, charred wood, local stone, and green rooftops. The 50 rooms, suites, and villas blend seamlessly into the landscape, with a warm minimalist aesthetic, organic materials, and expansive windows opening onto the sea. The Pharomatiq Spa embraces a holistic approach to well-being, featuring botanical treatments, a therapeutic garden, and meditation facing the horizon. In the kitchen, the concept of Mindful Luxury reigns, celebrating the island’s organic produce and Croatian natural wines. Maslina is a return to the essentials — where design and consciousness coexist in perfect harmony on one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful islands.
Ästad Vingård
Sjöparken, Halland, Sweden
In the misty forests and gentle hills of Halland, on Sweden’s west coast, Ästad Vingård offers a rare immersion into Nordic vineyards, Scandinavian design, and holistic living. This former family farm turned eco wine estate now hosts Sjöparken — a contemporary, contemplative hotel resting beside a mirror-still lake, designed as an organic extension of the surrounding nature. The light-wood suites sit on the water’s edge or nestle into the landscape, with expansive glass walls blurring the lines between inside and out. Inside, soft Nordic minimalism, natural materials, and Japanese-style wooden baths create the ultimate cocooning experience. The journey continues at Sinne Spa — a multisensory circuit of wild saunas, hot springs, and forest bathing. At the Michelin-starred ÄNG restaurant, an experimental and poetic cuisine draws deeply from the Swedish terroir. Ästad Vingård is an ode to slow living — a Nordic retreat that speaks to all the senses.
Milka
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
On the tranquil shores of Lake Jasna, beneath the majestic Julian Alps, Milka reveals a unique alpine hideaway where Slovenian nature meets a contemporary vision of luxury. This intimate boutique hotel of just six rooms exudes understated elegance, mastered minimalism, and a rare generosity of experience. The architecture, subtle and respectful of its surroundings, plays with natural textures: dark wood, local stone, linen, glass. Inside, the rooms open to the mountains like living paintings, with panoramic bathtubs, clean lines, and a hushed atmosphere. Every detail is intentional, every gesture of hospitality carries meaning. But Milka is also home to a remarkable dining experience: the gastronomic restaurant, led by a young and visionary duo, explores the richness of the Slovenian alpine terroir with precision, emotion, and bold creativity. The result is a fully immersive experience — sensorial, visual, and profoundly soothing. Here, luxury isn’t displayed — it’s felt. Milka is a moment of softness and elevation in one of Europe’s most secret and sublime regions.
Mamula Island
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Off the Montenegrin coast, at the dramatic entrance of the Bay of Kotor, a 19th-century fortress has been transformed into an ultra-sophisticated sanctuary. Mamula Island is unlike any other hotel: set on a circular island surrounded by the Adriatic’s crystalline waters, this architectural gem blends military heritage with contemporary hospitality in bold harmony. Restored with utmost respect, the historical site retains its watchtowers, thick stone walls, and vaulted passages — now home to 32 rooms and suites of organic, sculptural minimalism. Raw materials, custom-designed furnishings, and breathtaking sea and mountain views lend every space a story. Well-being is at the core of the experience, with a subterranean spa, Adriatic-inspired rituals, and a focus on silence, water, and light. In the kitchen, Mamula honors local cuisine and seafood in a refined, slow-living spirit. More than a hotel, Mamula Island is a journey through time — where memory, design, and sublime isolation converge.
Equinox Hotel
New York, United States
Rising in the heart of Hudson Yards — Manhattan’s vertical new district — Equinox Hotel defines a radically modern form of luxury, tailored for travelers seeking performance, wellness, and aesthetic excellence. As the first hotel by the high-end fitness brand, this New York flagship is a bold manifesto: here, body, mind, and design are fully aligned. The 212 ultra-quiet rooms and suites — true urban cocoons — are designed for recovery: soundproof windows, temperature-regulating mattresses, circadian lighting, and blackout shades. The 60,000-square-foot wellness floor includes a monumental fitness club, a high-tech spa, cryotherapy, contrast baths, and custom coaching programs. On the rooftop, the heated infinity pool overlooks the skyline, while Electric Lemon reimagines New York’s healthy cuisine in a brutalist-chic setting. More than a hotel, this is a temple of urban lifestyle — where sleep, training, and elevation become one seamless experience.
Capella Sydney
Sydney, Australia
In the former Department of Education Building — a neoclassical jewel in Sydney’s city center — Capella Sydney has opened as one of the continent’s most anticipated hotel debuts. Behind its grand sandstone façade lies a refined world where heritage architecture meets subtly luxurious contemporary design. The 192 light-filled rooms and suites feature soaring ceilings, aged wood panelling, Australian artworks, and a natural palette inspired by land and sea. The Auriga Spa invites guests into a sensory pause, with mineral baths, celestial hammams, and holistic treatments. Brasserie 1930 offers bold reinterpretations of culinary classics, while McRae Bar celebrates Sydney’s golden age in a plush, intimate setting. A pinnacle of Australian elegance — where history, design, and tailored hospitality unite in style.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles
Mahé, Seychelles
On the wild and unspoiled island of Mahé, nestled in the pristine Anse Intendance bay, Cheval Blanc Seychelles marks the long-awaited arrival of LVMH’s prestigious maison in the Indian Ocean. This ultra-exclusive sanctuary, set between lush jungle and powdery beach, blends refinement with nature in a symphony of rare elegance. The architecture reinterprets Creole traditions with finesse — pointed roofs, fine woods, organic curves, and delicate shadow play. The 52 villas, each with a private pool and Indian Ocean views, embody fluid, tactile, almost silent luxury. Inside, noble materials, mineral hues, local artworks, and enveloping ambiance craft a serene interior world. Suspended over the water, the Cheval Blanc Spa offers a sensory journey through holistic rituals and treatments inspired by endemic plants. From barefoot dinners on the sand to Michelin-worthy menus served in floating pavilions, the culinary experience flirts with perfection. Cheval Blanc Seychelles is no ordinary resort — it’s a tropical dream, reimagined. A place where time slows to the rhythm of beauty.
Patina Maldives
Fari Islands, Maldives
North of Malé, in the North Malé Atoll, Patina Maldives reinvents the Maldivian experience with a modern, mindful, and soul-led approach. Located on the main island of the visionary Fari Islands archipelago, this resort merges minimalist architecture, environmental awareness, and contemporary art. Clean lines, raw materials — wood, stone, concrete — and architecture that recedes into the background let nature take center stage. The 90 villas, overwater or nestled in foliage, are sanctuaries of light and silence, with infinity pools, outdoor showers, and a seamless flow between indoors and out. Flow Spa, solar-powered and holistic, offers bioenergetic treatments, breathwork sessions, and inner wellness immersions. With 12 culinary concepts ranging from Japanese to plant-based, dining becomes a celebration of global diversity in a paradisiacal setting. Patina Maldives is the art of travel, redefined — deeper, freer, more conscious, without ever compromising on beauty.
Whether perched on a remote island, clinging to a mountainside, or tucked away in the heart of a bustling capital, these hotels are far more than mere stopovers — they are destinations in their own right. To sleep in one is to experience a rare interlude, a sensorial and aesthetic journey that lingers long after check-out.
Because some places transcend hospitality to become lifelong memories, this curated selection is an invitation to dream, to plan… and perhaps, one day, to wake up there.
Images Courtesy The Maybourne Riviera, Hôtel des Horlogers, Cheval Blanc Paris, Epi 1959, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, Six Senses Crans-Montana, The Emory London, Il Sereno, Amangiri, Kisawa Sanctuary, Forestis Dolomites, Eriro Alpine Hide, Maslina Resort, Ästad Vingård, Milka, Mamula Island, Equinox Hotel, Capella Sydney, Cheval Blanc Seychelles, Patina Maldives, Stay Some Days.
Article updated on May 31, 2025
