There are hotels then there are luxury hotels.
Think private butlers, Michelin-star food and world-class design. You step through the doors and you’re greeted by name with your favourite drink, you eat caviar and lobster in your private dining room, served by your personal butler before drifting off on Egyptian cotton sheets in a gold bed, in a suite designed by a world-renowned designer… we think you get the picture.
It’s pretty perfect.
With over 965,000 properties around the world from B&Bs, to house boats, apartments, igloos and tree houses, Booking.com has something to suit every taste – and that includes those looking for ultimate luxury. From underwater nightclubs, private recording studios and art galleries, luxury hotels today are going even further to ensure their discerning guests are completely wowed.
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Eden Rock – St Barths – St Barths
The French speaking Caribbean island of St Barths is known the world-over as a magnet for celebrities and luxury travellers with its yacht-filled harbour, high-end dining and super-luxury hotels. Occupying one of the best spots on the island is the legendary Eden Rock-St Barths. Not only is the hotel home to an art gallery, restaurants masterminded by the world famous Master Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and individually designed suites, cottages and villas – it also houses two ultra-luxe villas including Villa Rockstar. Raising the bar for luxury even further, Villa Rockstar has its very own recording studio with the Neve mixing console used by John Lennon to record ‘Imagine’. No professional experience required, guests can record their very own track with local musicians to take home as a souvenir of their luxury Caribbean vacation.
The Goring – London, UK
As London’s last remaining family-owned luxury hotel, The Goring is the epitome of personalised luxury service with a subtle streak of English wit. The closest hotel to Buckingham Palace, The Goring has been a firm Royal favourite for many years and is the only hotel to be a appointed a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. You may also remember Kate Middleton and her family staying at The Goring the night before she married Prince William. With just 69 rooms and suites, you are guaranteed to receive impeccable service. Those staying in one of the top suites can also take advantage of the unique footmen service. Offering the highest level of personal service and dressed in scarlet tailcoats and immaculate gold-trimmed waistcoats, you really will feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Downton Abbey.
MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa – Seychelles
With flawless beaches, private islands, unrivalled service and turquoise Indian Ocean waters – it’s no wonder that the Seychelles is a firm favourite of the jet-set. For those looking for a truly luxurious experience MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is right at the top. Surrounded by award-winning landscaped gardens, the all-villa resort offers unforgettable ocean views, world-class service and total privacy. Each villa comes complete with private infinity pool, outdoor gazebo, sun deck, kitchenette and 24/7 butler service. As well as the outstanding gourmet restaurant, guests can also enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the beach, a private BBQ on the terrace of their villa or the resort’s helipad. The chefs are also fully flexible and able to prepare any off-menu dishes at any time day or night. A real highlight for wine connoisseurs is the wine boutique with over 300 vintage wines from around the world. The eloquent and engaging Sommelier will guide you through tastings and pairings specifically crafted to your preferences and knowledge of wine.
Burj Al Arab – Dubai
Situated on its own island, Burj Al Arab is the third tallest hotel in the world and its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette has become a symbol of modern Dubai. This all-suite property is repeatedly voted the world’s most luxurious hotel and is a favourite among celebrities looking for that world-class yet discreet experience. With in-room check-in, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, Burj Al Arab is the ideal choice for those looking for unparalleled hospitality. No airport shuttle here – guests may arrive at the property by either one of the world’s largest chauffeur-driven fleets of Rolls-Royce’s or alternatively by a dedicated helicopter transfer service. Featuring floor to ceiling windows with panoramic view of the Arabian Gulf, each suite includes 4 carat Gold iPad, a 21-inch iMac, widescreen interactive HD TV and Bose iPhone docking station.
The Gritti Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel – Venice, Italy
The Gritti Palace in Venice is where utter luxury meets centuries of history as the hotel is set in a 15th century palazzo and a former noble residence on Venice’s Grand Canal. A recent restoration revamped the entire building but also carefully restored the hotel’s hundreds of precious paintings and artefacts. Tech fans will be delighted to know that the technology has been thoroughly updated yet still allows you to feel like you’re staying in a 15th-century palazzo. The Club de Doge restaurant has one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city with spectacular views of the canal, and boasts delectable yet unpretentious Italian cuisine with ingredients from the local Rialto market. Guests can relax after a day exploring the city by gondola, gelato eating and mask shopping in the small yet perfectly formed Acqua de Parma Blu Mediterraneo Spa.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park – New York, USA
Overlooking the legendary Central Park in Midtown Manhattan, the Art Deco façade hints at the richness and splendour that lies within The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. With all the elegance and charm of a private home, the 259 lavishly appointed rooms and suites capture the essence of the city. The hotel’s restaurant upholds the New York reputation for exquisite dining experiences. Under the direction of Sommelier Marika Vida-Arnold guests can enjoy a memorable evening of wine pairings – Marika’s most recent wine series is the critically acclaimed “Phenomenal Femmes’ program, which features female winemakers from around the globe each month. The Ritz-Carlton is also home to one of the most luxurious spas in New York, a La Prairie Spa that offers a range of high-end treatments including a Caviar Firming Facial using a concentration of caviar extract that leaves your skin feeling transformed, lifted and illuminated.
PER AQUUM Niyama – Maldives
Boasting a 24-hour spa and the world’s first underwater nightclub, the luxurious PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives takes extravagance and luxury to another level. The property is spread over two islands ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’, one with a family center and the other devoted to couples are a tropical heaven with lavish vegetation, ivory white shorelines, perfectly clear waters and unlimited perspectives out over the Indian Ocean. Dining is a real experience at Niyama, some highlights include Subsix, an underwater restaurant and night club, Tribal, a campfire dining experience with outdoor grills and flaming open fires and Edge, a stunning floating restaurant and chill-out lounge only accessible by boat. Whether you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sun, sea and sand or head out on a snorkelling trip, sunset cruise or dolphin boat trip – you can do as much or as little as you like.
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