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Luxury travel in 2026 is defined by confidence rather than excess. The hotels that continue to hold attention are those with a clear sense of place, intuitive service, and an understanding of restraint. Privacy, spatial ease, and longevity now shape what feels genuinely valuable, particularly for travellers who return to destinations with high expectations.
This selection of the top luxury hotels to visit in 2026 brings together properties that consistently set standards across continents. From historic European icons and architecturally significant urban retreats to remote desert sanctuaries and private island escapes, each hotel earns its place through discretion, cultural grounding, and a depth of experience that extends well beyond the suite.
These are addresses designed to be lived in slowly, rewarding time, return visits, and a measured approach to luxury travel.
Europe: Heritage with Enduring Relevance
Aman Venice, Italy
Set within a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice offers a rare sense of calm in the heart of the city. Frescoed reception rooms, original artwork, and private gardens create an atmosphere closer to a private residence than a hotel, while the limited number of suites ensures discretion during peak cultural seasons such as the Biennale. Many accommodations retain historic ceilings and proportions, with breakfasts often served quietly overlooking the canal or gardens.
Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
A restored lakeside villa where intimacy defines the experience. Suites open onto terraced gardens, dining unfolds at an unhurried pace, and arrivals often take place by boat, reinforcing the feeling of a private estate rather than a commercial hotel. Lake-facing pools, candlelit evenings, and highly personalised service suit travellers settling in for long summer stays.
Cheval Blanc Paris, France
Overlooking the Seine, Cheval Blanc Paris pairs contemporary design with a notably composed service culture. Generous suites with river views, a refined Dior Spa, and a discreet location near the Left Bank make it particularly appealing for longer Parisian visits that favour space and privacy over formality.
The Connaught, London, United Kingdom
A Mayfair institution that continues to evolve without losing its sense of self. The Connaught is known for its quietly confident service, residential-style suites, and long-established rituals, from its celebrated bar to discreet in-room dining. For repeat London travellers, its consistency and restraint remain its strongest assets.
Badrutt’s Palace, St Moritz, Switzerland
A cornerstone of alpine society, where winter brings theatrical glamour and summer reveals a softer, heritage-led rhythm. Grand public spaces, lake-view suites, and a lively social calendar anchor its appeal, while traditions such as horse-drawn arrivals and afternoon terraces continue to define the St Moritz season.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, France
Perched above the Mediterranean, this Riviera icon is shaped by ritual and continuity. Pine-shaded walks lead to the sea-level pool, while clifftop dining and private cabanas frame long, unhurried days. Its enduring appeal lies in the sense of familiarity shared by generations of returning guests.
Middle East: Space, Scale, and Architectural Presence
Bulgari Resort Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Set on its own island, the Bulgari Resort Dubai favours low-rise architecture, marina access, and residential-style villas over spectacle. Yacht berths, beachfront living, and Italian-led dining create a refined alternative to the city’s more theatrical luxury addresses.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, United Arab Emirates
Deep within the Empty Quarter, this monumental resort is defined by its setting. Expansive suites and private pool villas offer stunning views across rolling dunes, complemented by sunrise desert drives, spa rituals, and private dining, which reinforce a powerful sense of isolation.
Raffles Doha, Qatar
Recognised for its striking architecture and unusually spacious suites, Raffles Doha caters to travellers seeking privacy, skyline views, and an unhurried pace. Butler service, expansive wellness facilities, and generous layouts suit longer, more settled stays.
Asia: Precision, Calm, and Cultural Depth
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Rising above the city, Aman Tokyo blends Japanese spatial philosophy with expansive suites and serene communal spaces. Floor-to-ceiling views, a vast urban spa, and a hushed atmosphere make it particularly compelling during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Six Senses Kyoto, Japan
A quietly considered addition to Kyoto’s luxury landscape, offering a wellness-led retreat close to the city’s historic districts. Gardens, seasonal cuisine, and spa rituals rooted in local tradition suit travellers seeking a slower cultural immersion.
Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand
The original Aman continues to attract long-stay guests drawn to its private pavilions, loyal service teams, and direct beach access. Hilltop villas with infinity pools offer complete seclusion, reinforcing its reputation for discretion and rhythm.
Capella Bangkok, Thailand
Positioned along the Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok combines riverfront villas, Michelin-starred dining, and a residential feel that softens the pace of the city. Private terraces and personalised host service add to its sense of intimacy.
Africa: Considered Luxury in the Wild
Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco
A walled medina where every guest occupies a private riad. Exceptional craftsmanship, seamless service, and a subterranean spa define the experience, while rooftop terraces and in-riads dining preserve privacy throughout the stay.
Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa
Suspended above the landscape, this lodge blends bold architecture with conservation-led safaris. Open-plan suites heighten the connection to the surroundings, while tailored game drives reflect Singita’s long-standing commitment to sustainability.
Americas: Icons and Natural Statements
Aman New York, United States
Above Fifth Avenue, Aman New York offers rare space and discretion within the city. Residential-scale suites, private terraces, and a destination spa attract travellers who value calm and controlled privacy in an urban setting.
The Carlyle, New York, United States
A pillar of Manhattan society, valued for tradition, discretion, and long-standing service teams. Live jazz evenings, classic suites, and white-glove service continue to define its enduring appeal.
Amangiri, Utah, United States
Integrated into the desert landscape, Amangiri prioritises silence, scale, and architectural restraint. Suites with private pools and canyon views anchor its reputation as a destination in its own right.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Brazil
The only hotel located within Iguazú National Park, offering exclusive access to the falls outside public hours. Colonial architecture, tropical gardens, and privileged positioning make it singular in the region.
Islands and Remote Escapes: Absolute Seclusion
North Island, Seychelles
A private island retreat where villas are spread across a protected coastline. Conservation, bespoke dining, and dedicated villa hosts shape an experience centred on privacy and long, uninterrupted stays.
Amanpulo, Philippines
Accessible only by private plane, Amanpulo delivers expansive villas, pristine reefs, and effortless island living. House reefs, private beaches, and generous outdoor spaces define daily life.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Set on Tetiaroa, this eco-led retreat balances Polynesian culture with advanced sustainability and exceptional discretion. All-inclusive dining, private excursions, and lagoon-front villas create a sense of ease that suits extended stays.
A Confident Luxury Outlook for 2026
Taken together, these hotels reflect where luxury travel continues to find its footing. Places that respect their setting, prioritise space, and understand restraint remain the most compelling. For travellers planning 2026 with intention, these are the addresses shaping the year ahead.
