Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai
Widely regarded as the world’s most luxurious hotel, the VIP treatment begins the moment guests touch down in Dubai with a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce on hand to whisk them to their opulent destination.
Located on its very own island, the iconic UAE hotel’s sail-shaped silhouette has been called a beacon of modern Dubai.
Having hosted A-list guests such as Gigi Hadid, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner, this ultra-luxurious, suite-only hotel offers the finest facilities and personalised service money can buy.
There’s a private reception on every floor for a discreet check-in and personal butlers to ensure guests’ every desire is met.
Unsurprisingly, this level of luxury doesn’t come cheap; rooms start at $1963 per night with the palatial, two-storey Royal Suite costing a staggering $24,000.
Halcyon House, Cabarita
This luxury beachside boutique hotel brings European chic to the sleepy New South Wales surf town of Cabarita.
Having won a slew of awards since it opened its doors back in 2015, this motel-turned-boutique hotel was the only Australian property on Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List for 2019.
With inspired interiors by designer Anna Spiro – think antiques, curated artworks and handmade tiles – the five-star property’s 19 whimsical rooms and two suites have been individually curated and are arguably the most beautiful rooms travellers will see anywhere in the world.
Although it is top-tier, the property has an inclusive, relaxed vibe and guests – high-profile fans include Pip Edwards – can spend hours relaxing with a cocktail on the nautical-inspired pool loungers or lunching at the hotel’s hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy.
Executive chef Jason Barratt, formerly of Attica and Raes, is passionate about sourcing quality local produce from the northern New South Wales region, a veritable food bowl, as well as sustainable seafood for his thoughtful dishes.
Voavah by Four Seasons, Maldives
HOLIDAYING at your own private island resort with the finest food, service and deserted white sand beaches, off limits to everyone but you, is the stuff dreams are made of.
Such is a reality at Four Seasons Voavah, the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway.
Located in the Indian Ocean’s Baa Atoll, the seven-bedroom, five-acre private island resort is surrounded by verdant jungle and flanked by pristine waters and white-sand beaches.
Better yet, guests and their friends and family can party like no one is watching – because, let’s face it, they are not – or simply take the opportunity to relax and reset.
The resort’s world-class chefs can prepare anything guests crave from sashimi and pizza to bespoke barbecues and Sri Lankan curries served and prepared in a range of spaces from the Beach House, poolside or on the sand.
To ramp up the luxe factor, there is a world-class Ocean of Consciousness Spa where guests can have wellness treatments, acupuncture or practice yoga and meditation.
Naturally, this level of luxury comes with the price tag to match the off-the-charts glamour rating.
Expect to pay AU $55,653 a night to stay at this private island paradise.
https://www.fourseasons.com/maldivesvoavah/
Raffles, Singapore
Affectionately regarded as the Grand Dame of hotels, this iconic property recently re-opened its doors after a two-year, multi-million-dollar restoration.
New York-based designer Alexandra Champalimaud was given the monumental task of reimagining the interiors while retaining Singapore’s jewel hotel’s legendary colonial grandeur and staying faithful its roots.
The revitalised, 115-suite hotel, which first opened in 1887 and has hosted an illustrious list of A-list guests including Prince William and Kate Middleton, offers nine different suite categories, including the new Residence, Promenade and Studio suites, and boasts inimitable service by the Raffles butlers.
There are also reimagined public spaces, lifestyle experiences and dining concepts including the seriously chic, signature 46-seat restaurant, La Dame de Pic with chef Anne-Sophie Pic at the helm.
http://www.rafflessingapore.com
La Mamounia, Morocco
A lavish oasis in the middle of the frenetic Marrakesh, this historic property is arguably North Africa’s most glamorous hotel.
Not only is it spectacular to look at, this opulent five-star property has a rich history having opened its doors in the 1920s and hosted the likes of Winston Churchill – there is a suite named in his honour – Yves Saint Laurent, and more recently David Beckham and Poppy Delevingne.
There are 136 lavish rooms, 71 suites and three three-bedroom riads individually designed and decorated by celebrated French designer Jacques Garcia during a three-year, multi-million-dollar renovation in 2008.
The ancient palm gardens, Moroccan mosaic tiles, two pools, spa and whimsical décor mean there are photo opportunities at every turn.
When the crowds and snake charmers in the main square, Djamma el Fna, get too much, this is one glamorous place to relax – if you want to venture out of the palatial grounds in the first place.
Westin Excelsior Rome
STEEPED in history and located in one of the city’s most iconic palaces, a Roman holiday doesn’t get more glamorous than a stay at Westin Excelsior.
Located on Via Veneto in the heart of the Eternal City, this hotel is a veritable icon with 281 elegant rooms and 35 unique suites.
The piece de resistance, however, is its Villa La Cupola Suite, one of the largest and most luxurious suites in the whole of Europe.
Spanning over 1000 square metres, the two-storey suite was originally designed by American architect Michael Stelea in 1998, and features a frescoed cupola inspired by Rome’s renaissance, baroque and neo-classical times.
As well as the jaw-dropping domed living room, marble bathrooms and refined furniture, there’s a Pompeian-style Jacuzzi and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Roman skyline; the perfect place end a day with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
https://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/romwi-the-westin-excelsior-rome/