As you’ll quickly note on arrival, the following picks—among the best and most beautiful hotels in the world, as suggested by the travel editors at SELECT: Your City’s Secrets Unlocked—aren’t just places to crash, but rather destinations in and of themselves.
Oberoi Udaivilas—Udaipur, India
This sprawling, castle-like property stands on the banks of Lake Pichola and offers stunning views, whether you’re looking out over the water or toward the hotel itself. The sand-colored palace structure rests on a hill and is lined by a boundary of bright blue pools, then greenery, and then the lake, making it truly a sight to behold.
Amangiri Resort—Canyon Point, Utah
The Aman properties are famous for their ultra-luxurious accommodations in picturesque settings, and Amangiri’s canyon hideaway is one of the most beautiful options. Rooms offer views of the dramatic canyons, and the resort incorporates all of its accommodations within the natural surroundings.
Poseidon Undersea Resort—Fiji
This submarine-style property is at once alarming and utterly beautiful, as the entire hotel is submerged underwater, beneath a private island in Fiji. Watch marine life swim by as you lounge on your bed, and walk side-by-side with sea creatures, separated only by a (thick) wall of glass. The only catch? It’s not open yet, and there is no clear opening date (and no definitive location too). Hopefully this unique, underwater property will get its act together before our hopes start to sink.
The Ritz Paris—Paris, France
Following a major multimillion-dollar renovation, the Ritz Paris has now re-established itself as the luxurious icon it was back in the 1920s, when artists and writers like Fitzgerald and Hemingway flocked to the property. The new rooms and suites are reminiscent of the opulent days of Louis XVI, with gilded detailing and interior design truly fit for royalty. Make sure to stop by Bar Hemingway, the Ritz’s luxurious bar named and decorated in honor of one of its most famous patrons.
Royal Mansour Marrakech—Marrakech, Morocco
Commissioned by none other than King Mohammed VI himself, this hotel offers the perfect location, Moroccan architecture at its finest, and a zen-like serenity that enhances the property’s physical beauty. Situated on the edge of the hectic, walled medina, and the new, European ville nouvelle, Royal Mansour boasts a Moorish design scheme, welcoming Moroccan spirit, and exacting European service. Every room and common space is filled with intricate tilework and design-oriented patterns, making this Moroccan hotel one of the world’s finest.
Singita Sabora Tented Camp—Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Although this property is a tented camp and not quite a hotel, its beauty, old-world flare and surroundings earn it a spot on the most beautiful property list. Located in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, this is glamping at its finest. Lounge in rooms filled with luxurious, antique goods that have been sourced together in perfect harmony; enjoy a game of tennis on the expansive land; sip a glass of wine and look out onto a field filled with nearby wildlife.
The Gritti Palace—Venice, Italy
This historic property right along the Venice canals feels like you’ve stepped back in time in all the best ways. Due to extensive renovations and constant upkeep, the Gritti Palace remains one of the most luxurious and gorgeous hotels in all of Europe. The rooms feel as if they’re replicas of Renaissance royalty suites, replete with the splendor and opulent details.
Hotel Fasano—Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Known best for its rooftop infinity pool (which affords a view of even more water), Hotel Fasano holds an enviable location on Rio’s Ipanema Beach. The hotel itself is modern, but once you’re there, it’s all about looking outward toward the ocean and the mountains.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat—Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
The French Riviera is one of the most glitzy parts of all of Europe, known to American movie stars and international jet-setters alike. Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is one of the coast’s most iconic palace properties, offering the quintessential glitz and glam of the region, an historical building reimagined in the typical Four Seasons-sleek way. Oh yeah, and the Côte d’Azur water views are none too shabby, either.
Nihi Sumba Island—Sumba Island, Indonesia
What happens when a billionaire and hotelier team up to take over a surf lodge on a remote island in Indonesia? Answer: Great things, as evidenced by Nihi Sumba Island (formerly Nihiwatu), a stunning resort property that mixes elements of the local culture with modern amenities to create a wholly luxurious and enchanting experience. At Nihi Sumba Island, you’ll find elaborate pool villas, views of the Indian Ocean, eco-friendly lodging, and the waves of surfers’ dreams.
