Hotels are more than just places to lay your head; they are portals to unforgettable experiences, immersive cultural journeys, and breathtaking landscapes. From remote jungles and sun-drenched beaches to alpine wonderlands and urban masterpieces, the world’s most beautiful hotels offer more than luxury—they offer transformative and immersive travel experiences. These places to stay are some of the prettiest in existence—an 18th-century style chateau in France, a striking farm in Australia, a minimalist and futuristic design in Japan, and barefoot private tents in Mexico—each offering its own unique magic. They tell stories, inspire wanderlust, and invite you to step into a dream. Whether you are planning your next adventure or simply seeking inspiration, these exceptional properties showcase the pinnacle of design, comfort, and experiential travel. Our editors have handpicked 12 of the world’s most beautiful hotels for your next getaway or dream escape.
From treetop eco-resorts in Nicaragua to alpine Swiss retreats, each of these properties offers immersive experiences, exceptional design, and unforgettable refinement.
The Americas
Tofino Wilderness Resort — Ahousaht Territory, British Columbia, Canada
Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel experiences in Canada, and few places embody its promise as beautifully as Tofino Wilderness Resort. Opened in 2024 on 126 acres of pristine coastline within Ahousaht territory, this property is more than a stay—it is a cultural and ecological immersion. The centrepiece is a 16-room floating lodge and a striking longhouse, both of which root guests in the traditions and landscapes of the Ahousaht People. Days here unfold as a blend of wilderness and cultural discovery. Guests might set out on guided wildlife tours, explore the surrounding waters by kayak, or take part in traditional practices that have been passed down for generations. Evenings bring the chance to gather around a fire, listening to stories shared by Ahousaht hosts beneath a canopy of stars. The property’s design and operations reflect a deep respect for the land and its stewards, combining rustic elegance with sustainability. Every stay directly supports Indigenous-led conservation and tourism initiatives, making it an experience that is both enriching and impactful. Tofino Wilderness Resort is a gateway into the wild beauty of Vancouver Island and the living traditions of the Ahousaht People. mhssahousaht.ca/tofino-wilderness-resort
Hotel-Musée Premières Nations — Wendake, Québec, Canada
Just 15 minutes from Québec City, the Hotel-Musée Premières Nations offers a seamless blend of contemporary comfort and ancestral tradition. Recently refreshed with a $10 million renovation, the property draws inspiration from traditional longhouse architecture, creating spaces that are both striking and symbolic. Its acclaimed restaurant, La Traite, is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef who travelled across Indigenous nations in Québec to infuse the menu with their culinary traditions. The result is a dining experience that is both elevated and rooted, where dishes highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shaped by Indigenous knowledge and techniques. Beyond the table, the hotel offers guests a chance to connect deeply with Huron-Wendat culture. Evenings can be spent around a fire in the Ekionkiestha National Longhouse, where storytellers share legends and oral traditions that have been passed down for generations. With its combination of immersive cultural programming, thoughtful design, and modern comforts, Hotel-Musée Premières Nations invites travellers to experience a uniquely Canadian narrative of history, resilience, and renewal. hotelpremieresnations.ca
Palácio Tangará — São Paulo, Brazil
Rising from the lush greenery of São Paulo’s Burle Marx Park, Palácio Tangará is a city retreat that feels worlds away from the urban sprawl surrounding it. Opened in 2017, the neoclassical-inspired property quickly became the benchmark for luxury hotels in South America, combining European elegance with Brazilian spirit. The 141 rooms and suites—many with balconies overlooking the park—are refined sanctuaries decorated in a palette of soft neutrals and natural light. Interiors balance sophistication and comfort, while marble bathrooms and bespoke furnishings elevate the experience. At the heart of the hotel lies its wellness offering: a state-of-the-art spa and fitness centre, plus both indoor and outdoor pools that invite relaxation amid São Paulo’s subtropical beauty. Dining is a highlight, with award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the helm. His menus reinterpret French techniques through Brazilian ingredients, offering dishes that are as creative as they are unforgettable. Guests can also savour artisanal cocktails in the lounge or dine al fresco on a terrace surrounded by gardens. Palácio Tangará represents a rare combination—an urban oasis where culture, cuisine, and nature converge. palaciotangara.com
TreeCasa Resort — San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Nicaragua has become the new natural wonderland of Central America, where rainforests, pristine beaches, and towering volcanoes coexist, offering travellers an immersive and unforgettable experience. With a growing offering of high-end boutique eco-resorts, visitors seeking both adventure and tranquillity will find one of the finest examples in TreeCasa Hotel & Resort. Perched in the lush hills near San Juan del Sur, TreeCasa is a treetop sanctuary overlooking the Pacific coastline. The resort’s 24 villas and suites, crafted with natural materials and local artisan details, feature expansive terraces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Guests can rise with the sun for guided yoga sessions, rainforest meditation, or birdwatching excursions, before indulging in the farm-to-table restaurant, which sources fresh, organic ingredients from the property’s own permaculture garden. Adventure is at your doorstep with guided jungle hikes, sustainable wildlife tours, and private beach access, while the spa offers treatments inspired by the rhythms of the rainforest. TreeCasa provides an immersive, eco-conscious escape without sacrificing comfort or style, delivering an experience that is as rejuvenating as it is memorable. treecasaresort.com
Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Collection Resort — Napa Valley, California
The Ranch has captured our collective imaginations and catapulted to the top of our minds without even opening its doors. Opened in 2022, Stanly Ranch encompasses 700 scenic acres in the heart of the Napa and Sonoma wine countries, luring travellers in search of an authentic, adventurous experience with the promise of an upscale farm stay without equal. Storied vineyards and gentle, verdant hills complement the view of the Mayacamas mountains from any of the property’s soon-to-be-opened hotel cottage suites, each offering outdoor terraces and warm, natural interiors with just a hint of earthy agrarian flair. Despite its rustic trappings and intimate, casual style, there’s no question that Stanly Ranch is shaping up to be a true premium wine country escape. Beyond its generous amenities, four restaurants spotlighting local, farm-grown fare, and a week-long detoxing program, Stanly Ranch also delights guests with guided hiking and wine tours, cycling, and hot air balloon rides over the Napa River. We’re particularly excited to indulge in some handcrafted botanical cocktails, with ingredients sourced directly from the property’s gardens. For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, Stanly Ranch offers no shortage of opportunities to get involved with its farms and vineyards, an experience often culminating in a chance to sample the fruits (literal and otherwise) of your labour.
aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch
Nayara Tented Camp — Costa Rica
Launched in 2019, the Nayara Tented Camp is part of the renowned Nayara collection (alongside Springs and Gardens) and has made immersive rainforest experiences its hallmark, offering premium glamping just atop the canopy. Each of Nayara’s 38 luxury tents rises from the hillside on stilts, allowing one to gaze at the nearby volcano from the comfort of a hot spring-fed plunge pool. These aren’t the tents you camped in as a kid: a king bed, an outdoor double shower, and an expansive private terrace are just a few highlights from these superb, safari-style treehouses. Comfort and vistas aside, it’s the wealth of experiences here that really drives us wild: a yoga pavilion, sloth sanctuary, and an open-air spa punctuate a robust portfolio of adventurous offerings. Imagine waking to the spirited staccato of colourful parrots and following their song into the rainforest, returning at night for a soak in the pool and a memorable, al fresco dinner highlighting the finest Peruvian and Asian flavours. nayaratentedcamp.com
Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada
The island of Grenada seems like it tumbled out of a fairytale—a riot of dramatic scenery, from mountain peaks to verdant rainforests, white sand beaches and cascading waterfalls. The air is perfumed with the scent of nutmeg and cloves—one of the reasons why Grenada is often referred to as the Spice Isle. The coastline is as mesmerizing as its interior, with secluded bays and turquoise water. St. George’s, the capital, is known for its vibrant markets and bustling harbour front, and festivals abound, including the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival celebrating the island’s cocoa industry.
Six Senses La Sagesse, new to Grenada, covers 38 acres in the southern part of the island and features 56 two-level pool suites and 15 villas, all designed with natural, renewable and repurposed materials. Interiors feature open-plan bedrooms, while outdoor terraces lead to private pools. True to the Six Senses brand, sustainability is a central focus, and guests can visit the Earth Lab, a centre for engagement and innovation designed to help visitors learn about lightening their footprint as they travel the world.
sixsenses.com/grenada
Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos
Lazy days on some of the world’s best beaches and the languor of tranquil nights—whether watching the sun set or sampling some of the freshest seafood in the Caribbean—are guaranteed on this private island resort. Accessible via complimentary air transfer from Providenciales, South Caicos, or private jet, Ambergris Cay is an ultra-luxe all-inclusive private island resort and exclusive homeownership program located on the world-famous Caicos Banks. The resort’s 17 beachfront bungalows, two 2-bedroom beachfront/oceanview bungalows and 10 villas feature private, heated pools, island hosts or butler service, and electric golf carts for exploring the paradise landscape.
Ambergris Cay offers wellness and adventure alike, with yoga, Pilates, guided nature walks, tennis, pickleball, non-motorized water sports, e-bike tours, snorkeling and more. The 24-hour Fitness Pavilion and Yoga Deck showcase stunning vistas and a rooftop yoga space, while the Elevate Spa offers massages, facials and treatments in four oceanfront cabanas. Dining is equally exceptional, with two a-la-carte restaurants, Mahoney’s Bar & Lounge, and the Clubhouse for casual coastal meals. Guests can enjoy excursions such as snorkeling at nearby coral reefs, whale-watching in season, and nature walks across the island’s trails.
ambergriscay.com
Europe
Galleria Vik Milano — Milan, Italy
The Galleria Vik Milano is perhaps not so much a hotel as it is a working portal to the renaissance period, reflecting Milan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage in a striking ode to Italy’s most famous creatives. Every wall and corridor at the Galleria is a canvas upon which the property’s love of the surrealist, abstract, or postmodern traditions is proudly displayed. Each room at the Galleria is a true work of art, possessing a bespoke visual identity honouring the works of Pino Pinelli, Felipe Cardena, and Shinya Sakurai, among others. Just as no two people may extract the same meaning from a painting, no two stays at the Galleria are exactly alike: a feat accomplished by the regular rotation and reinvention of the property’s exhibits. The 89-room, instagram-worthy Galleria is ideally situated in the Milan Centre neighbourhood, providing a launchpoint for day trips to desirable landmarks like the Cathedral of Milan and the Piazza del Duomo, to say nothing of the wealth of boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries in the vicinity. As one might expect from a boutique property in the heart of Milan, the Galleria is as much a delight to the tastebuds as it is to the eyes. Breakfast spot Vikissimo turns into a trendy acoustic lounge after sundown, while I Dodici Gatti Pizzeria serves up classical wood-fired Neapolitan pizza from the rooftops overlooking the bustling streets and alleys surrounding the hotel.
Les Sources de Cheverny — Loire Valley, France
While the dream of becoming a Disney prince or princess is—for most of us—sadly out of reach, the opportunity to live like one has become, as of September 2021, excitingly attainable. This bit of wish fulfillment comes to us courtesy of Les Sources de Cheverny: an 18th-century style chateau nestled in the vineyards of France’s enchanting Loire Valley. Within this classical countryside known for its fairy tale castles and dreamy riverbank hamlets, you’ll receive the royal treatment you’ve always longed for and revel in the unabashed opulence of your palatial accommodations. Les Sources de Cheverny’s regal exterior is matched by an equally grand yet distinctly homely interior, burgeoning with tasteful antiques and pseudo-medieval accents. Beneath the building’s gothic turrets, you’ll find an expanse of well-maintained green space encircled by a quiet forest. The greater estate holds no shortage of attractions: la spa des sources pairs relaxation courtesy of its solid oak jacuzzis with the anti-aging properties of signature grape seed treatments from Caudalie, while the cuisine of chef Frédéric Calmels showcases local, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the Romorantin vineyard and the aforementioned Sologne forest. The vision of owners Alice and Jerome Tourbier brought to life amidst a UNESCO-recognized ‘living cultural landscape,’ Les Sources de Cheverny immerses guests in a French landscape seemingly untouched by time. For those looking to spend even more time in the countryside, opt instead to stay in one of the charming stone and wooden cabins surrounding the lake.
sources-cheverny.com
Torre Del Marques — Matarraña, Spain
Renovated and reimagined as an exclusive hideaway in the foothills around Barcelona, this 18th-century farmhouse has become a true Mediterranean marvel. Within the sunset-coloured stones of this terrific tower, you’ll find three floors of 18 spacious suites expertly realized with authentic textiles, pale wooden accents, and modern flourishes. Fragrant floral and olive aromas waft into each room by way of a private terrace; a constant reminder of the bucolic bliss that awaits one just steps beyond the pool, sauna, and spa on the grounds. The relaunch of this hotel was a collective triumph shared by a bio-sustainable architect from the small town of Aragon and a small team of local artisans, who now operate Torre Del Marques in the true spirit of Spanish countryside hospitality. The property is notable for its commendable commitment to sustainability, with plentiful solar panels and a “local fare only” approach at the on-site restaurant reducing the property’s footprint on the idyllic mountains that cradle it. On the topic of the restaurant: it dazzles the palate with a fusion of avant-garde and traditional fare that prominently features the olives, truffles, and honey harvested from the surrounding locale. Situated as it is within 150 hectares of rolling hills often referred to as the ‘Spanish Tuscany,’ the Torre Del Marques has much to offer for both the romantic and intrepid. Horse riding and truffle hunting have emerged as two of the favourite pastimes for visitors, and the nearby Puertos de Beceite National Park is well worth spending a day getting lost in.
hoteltorredelmarques.com
Asia & Oceania
Huvafen Fushi — Maldives
If you’ve ever, in your most fanciful dreams, thought of what owning your own private island would be like, the Maldives’ Huvafen Fushi does a sterling job of answering just such a hypothetical. Sprawling out over its own atoll, this one-of-a-kind property could be accurately described as an inverted oasis: a sandy pocket of palm trees adrift in the Indian Ocean’s endless blue. Accessible via airport speedboat, this secluded island has everything you need to get lost in relaxation: breathtaking bungalows and pavilions, pools of both the infinity and saltwater variety, award-winning private chefs, and a coral reef for some sunset snorkelling. The accommodations are similarly exceptional: while the beach-side bungalows remain popular, the overwater dwellings arrest the eye, extending over the tranquil waves by means of a great, horizontal staircase. Elsewhere on the property (well, below it), you’ll find another incredible feat of engineering: the Huvafen Spa, constructed eight metres below the surface of the water. The vast array of massages, facials, and Thai-inspired treatments are made that much better by the glass windows that offer a panoramic vantage into the reef, creating a stimulating, hypnotic experience for all five senses. We could go on about the aquatic adventures, inspired gastronomy, and postcard-perfect beaches that define the Huvafen Fushi, but a single image of this luxurious lagoon says more than words can convey.
huvafenfushi.com
Node Kyoto Hotel — Kyoto, Japan
Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto strikes an intriguing balance between the country’s celebrated cultural traditions and its unabashedly modern, almost futuristic architecture. Both tradition and modernity are on full display at Node, a high-concept hotel from acclaimed architect Seiichiro Takeuchi. Resembling (by design) the eclectic gallery of a reclusive art collector, Node’s sleek, noir interior guides the eye to the splashes of warmth and colour erupt from its many installations and paintings to punctuate the tones of grey. Edgy, minimalist, monochrome, and mysterious—suitable descriptors for Node’s 25 rooms, scattered across five floors and available in single and double bed configurations. Much like the Galleria Vik Milano, Node prides itself on working its art collection into its suites, endowing each with a unique assortment of pieces from the collection. Service from the snappily dressed staff is prompt and courteous, and dinner on the premises reinforces the creative current that flows so strongly through the property with an inventive take on Western-Japanese fusion. While Node may occupy the leading edge of design, it also sits in a very desirable location to some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city and the famous street food institution of Nishiki Market.
nodehotel.com
Five Acres — Victoria, Australia
If you like your farm stays with a side of beach vacays, Australia’s Five Acres has the perfect blend of countryside and coastal escape. Between Phillip Island’s rolling farmland and the waves of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, you’ll find a trio of luxury cabins at this coastal retreat. Owners Rom and Katie Lamaro have been sharing their highly private, five-acre haven with visitors since 2018. This is a highly exclusive, micro-boutique experience for those seeking a highly personalized getaway. The single-bed Besley, Clove, and Rye Cabins each feature a unique personality, painstakingly realized with rustic yet high-end interiors, an outdoor concrete bath, and roaring log fire. If you wake up one crisp morning and spot a shaggy highland cow peering into your window, don’t panic: it’s just the day-to-day reality of vacationing on a functional microfarm. During the duration of your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to befriend the cows, chickens, and goats, walk the property’s extensive vegetable gardens, and sample the organic fruit and nuts from the 90-tree orchard. For adventure beyond the farm, head out for a walk along the coast in search of the adorable Little Penguins, who waddle along the shores of the island in greater numbers than anywhere else in the world.
fiveacres.com.au
