Top 10 Luxury Resorts Worldwide. - amazingmindscape.com

The Top 10 Best Luxury Resorts in the World

I’ve spent the last 8 years blogging to you guys about the top luxury travel experiences worldwide, staying in the most swoon-worthy locales, becoming a total luxury hotel critic, and I’ve loved every second of it! A lot of people always ask me what my favorite places in the world are, and, to me, it almost always comes down to where I’m staying. A great hotel can make or break a trip! And these are the resorts around the world that have stood out among the rest – the true best of the very best.

These are the most insane luxury hotels in exotic destinations all over the world – from Bora Bora, to Bali, to the Maldives, to the Amalfi Coast. Each resort has its own feel and vibe, but what they have in common is a focus on the absolute best of location, relaxation, SERVICE, and ultimate luxury travel experience.

So, whether you’re looking for a private island beach vacation, a Mediterranean oasis, a jungle-luxe resort, an overwater bungalow, an all-inclusive resort you never have to leave, or a relaxing honeymoon destination, all of these dreamy properties belong on your bucket list.

The Four Seasons Bora Bora may just be the most beautiful hotel in the world, located on the South Pacific’s most-famous island, Bora Bora. This resort is the epitome of luxury, five-star service, and all of the romantic splendor of the South Seas. With spacious overwater bungalows, views of Bora Bora’s breathtaking mountains and the endless ocean, infinity pools, 4 onsite island restaurants, open-air fitness center and a waterfront spa, and world-class service that you can only get at Four Seasons’ resorts, this place is paradise.

When it comes to my favorite places in the world, The Maldives is currently reigning as number one. And no one does luxury in the Maldives quite like Six Senses Laamu. At Six Senses Laamu, you can do it all, or nothing at all. From active mornings surfing, paddleboarding or biking around the island, to lazy afternoons spent sipping rosé in your private infinity pool, this is the luxurious deserted island vacation of your dreams.

Jetset’s must do’s at the Six Senses Laamu: Tell your concierge you want to organize a beach day (or sunset) at the Six Senses’ private sandbank. They’ll drop you off at a completely private island for the day, complete with a beach umbrella, a couple chairs, and a cooler filled with coconuts and ice-cold waters. You’ll feel a little like Tom Hanks in Castaway, and a little like a couple on a Bachelor date. And you’ll have an amazing time.

If you’re looking for a secluded, quiet Italian resort that screams luxury while whispering “La Dolce Vita”, Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy is it. While Positano and many areas of the Amalfi Coast are busy and bustling with crowds in the summertime, this romantic gem of the Amalfi Coast remains charming, relaxing, and utlra-quiet. Ravello is a tiny town tucked 1000 feet up into the cliff-sides of Italy, and is one of my absolute favorite places in the world, with stunning panoramic views, gorgeous classic Italian hotels, and an adorable town full of delicious Italian restaurants and enotecas (wine bars). The Belmond Hotel Caruso is the ultimate place to soak up everything the Italian town, and the Amalfi Coast, has to offer. Not to mention it has one of the most beautiful infinity pools in the world!!!

Jetset’s must do’s at The Belmond Caruso: Head down to Amalfi for a day (a bus ride or taxi) and get dinner at Da Ciccio! It’s my favorite restaurant in all of Italy! Also, make sure you go Italian pottery shopping in Ravello (everything is so beautiful!) and wine tasting at Wine & Drugs, a small wine store in town that has some of the best Italian wines that you can ship back to the states – or bring home with you!

Travel & Leisure recently ranked the Four Seasons Ubud the #1 luxury resort in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This beautiful resort blends together unworldly natural beauty, luxurious modern amenities, and the cultural essence of Bali.

Jetset’s must do’s at The Four Seasons Sayan: See their traditional Balinese dancers dance at sunset (so beautiful!), and make sure you explore around Bali! Read up on all of the different areas of Bali and where to go on The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide here!)

For a six-star luxury safari lodge in South Africa that is super luxe and memorable, look no further than Royal Malewane, where YES, you can actually watch elephants from your very own deck or pool. This place is an African dream come true, and easily one of the best, most insane, luxury hotels in the world.

Photo via Ashley Nelson

The Ritz Paris is hands down the gold standard for luxury hotels in the world. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever set foot in, and waking up in Paris to their fresh room service croissants in a bed fit for a queen was one of the most indulgent luxury hotel experiences I could have ever imagined.

The iconic Ritz Paris has entertained celebrities, political figures, and the city’s elite for over a century. It also has hands down one of the best locations in the city, in the 1st arrondissement, right near the Louvre and Royal Palace.

Photo via Mikael Jansson, Vogue

The Four Seasons Maui is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful – and exclusive – resorts, and epitomizes the perfect Hawaiian vacation.

Though it feels ultra-luxe at every corner (and is tranquil and exclusive) it’s not as quiet and still as many Four Seasons tend to be, but rather has an upbeat vacation vibe that attracts a crowd of young couples, groups of friends, and families with small children. This resort caters to those seeking impeccable service, understated elegance, and delicious dining on the most beautiful stretch of Maui, and as such has long been a favorite Hawaiian getaway for famous A-listers, from celebrities, actors, singers to athletes and more.

Complimentary resort services outside many in-room amenities include poolside snacks, free kona coffee each morning in the lobby and at the gym, an intro SCUBA clinic, an outrigger canoe paddling expedition, paddleboarding, a well-equipped fitness center (complete with Peloton bikes!), pool cabanas, and a complimentary resort car and driver to take you anywhere in Wailea (golfing, dining, shopping, etc).

If you guys have been following me on Instagram for awhile, you know how this luxury private island holds such a special place in my heart. Cambodia is one of the most unique, life-changing trips you can take in Southeast Asia, and I absolutely loved my trip to Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia. It’s located just off the coast of Cambodia‘s Koh Rong, and feels like it could be in Bora Bora. I mean, look at this place!! The service was absolutely unmatched, and it makes for a unique honeymoon destination or romantic getaway in Asia.

Song Saa is a private island of overwater bungalows, five-star food and drinks, dreamy infinity pools and villas dripping in luxury. You take a speedboat from the harbor in Sihanoukville to get to the island, and by the time you arrive you can feel just how off-the-map you are. You take off your shoes (you don’t need them on the island), you put away your wallet (everything – including alcohol – is included in your room rate), you put on your swimsuit on, jump into your private villa pool, and melt into paradise bliss.

Jetset’s must do’s at Song Saa, Cambodia: The Monk Blessing, a beautiful ritual is performed on the island by three monks who boat over from the local village just to perform the intimate ceremony. The blessing is a Cambodian buddhist tradition that dates back to ancient times and is meant to protect the blessed from harmful spirits and to balance energies, bringing you peace and happiness into the future, and blessings as a couple.

When it comes to idyllic hotels and a focus on la dolce vita, no one does it quite like Italy. The Hotel Santa Caterina, with its five-star service and food, exclusivity, and beautiful setting on the Mediterranean, Santa Caterina makes the perfect luxurious home-base in the Amalfi Coast. The beautiful balconies overlooking the water, the decadent buffet breakfasts, and the seaside beach club (accessible via elevator) were my favorite parts of the resort. It’s also an ideal choice for a romantic Italy honeymoon.

Jetset’s must do’s at the Hotel Santa Caterina: Enjoy as much time as you can at the resort’s seaside pool. It is absolutely stunning, and the perfect place to relax for days. Also take a ferry or water taxi over to Positano for the day (about 20-30 mins). You’ll love exploring the picture-perfect town, and seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea!

Grace Hotel Santorini, an Auberge Resort, is easily one of the best hotels in Greece, and the world. Located in Imerovigli village on Santorini, it has a panoramic view of the sunset (unlike nearby Oia), and its tucked away location in Imerovigli makes it a much less crowded, more secluded choice for a luxury hotel in Santorini. I especially loved their dreamy infinity pool, their food (SO GOOD!!!) and their champagne lounge for sunset cocktails.