I’ve been compiling a hotel wishlist for the past few years. If I get to visit even a fraction of these in my lifetime, I will be beyond thrilled. I’m also including a few hotels that I have visited and would love to return to. Read on for the ultimate hotel bucket list, in no particular order.
Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
With a history dating back to 1787, Passalacqua is a grand dame of the Lake Como hotel scene. From its original past as a residence for Pope Innocent XI to its 2022 restoration and reopening by the owners of famed Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua stuns at every turn. The soothing cream, sage, and tangerine color scheme invites the guests of its just 24 guest rooms to relax and discover all the delights of the 7 acre property.
Vogue calls it the best hotel in the world, and I call it top of my bucket list.
Little Palm Island, Florida Keys
For a U.S. getaway, Little Palm Island takes the top spot. It offers the only private island experience in the U.S., and its adults-only, distraction-free vibe makes it the perfect romantic getaway spot. This Relais and Chateau property has won numerous awards, from Travel + Leisure to Conde Nast to Michelin. It offers an indoor-outdoor spa, luxurious thatched roof cottages, and upscale dining. For a five star luxury island getaway close to home, this one is top of my to-visit list.
Airelles Chateau Versailles Le Grand Controle
I have booked and sadly had to cancel a reservation at this hotel twice, but I’m not giving up hope. Le Grand Controle is one of those bucket-list experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. It is a hotel within the Versailles grounds, which offers guests before and after-hours access to the Palace of Versailles. There are private daily tours for guests through Marie Antoinette’s house as well as the palace itself and, of course, the Hall of Mirrors.
The hotel is fully in period theme, offering afternoon tea as well as a full 18th century dinner experience from famed Chef Alain Ducasse. The hotel also offers a wide variety of bookable experiences, from tours of their exclusive library to a perfume mixing class to a full glam session getting you into period costume and a massive wig followed by a photoshoot. Use the hotel’s golf carts to explore the property during the day, or let the team prepare a private picnic lakeside just for you.
If you want to see the best of Europe outside of normal opening hours, there is no better hotel than this.
Park Hotel Vitznau, Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
The bucket-list spa hotel on my list is Park Hotel Vitznau, which clings to the shores of Lake Lucerne. Inside the 100+ year old building, guests find an impressive art collection, one of the largest wine cellars in Switzerland, and a 2-star Michelin restaurant. With just 48 rooms, Park Hotel Vitznau has enough space to keep you interested, but enough serenity to encourage relaxation.
Singita Ebony Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
A safari is top of my list for an adventure trip, and Singita is the top name in luxury throughout Africa. With villas and lodges in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Botswana, and South Africa, Singita offers a ton of variety without sacrificing luxury. Their original lodge, Ebony, offers game drives, family activities, and more with a team of travel advisors that can help first-time visitors get their arms around a safari experience.
I’d like to pair this one with a wine tour and a stay at Delaire Graff Estate for an even more magical visit.
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria
Schloss Fuschl reopened in 2024 as a Rosewood hotel. The former Luxury Collection resort perches over Lake Fuschl near Salzburg, Austria, and offers visitors a playground of nature as well as culture. Reviews since its reopening have been mixed, but I have high hopes that as the new management settles in, service will be to 5-star expectations, to match the lovely rooms and natural beauty.
Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Located 10 minutes from Angkor Wat, Amansara creates a real sense of place for its guests. It offers private tours of Angkor Wat, allowing visitors to experience the ruins and their mysteries all alone. In addition to that luxury, guests can take part in a spiritual water blessing, cycling, cooking classes, a visit to a floating village, and a countryside Jeep tour. Guests often combine a visit to Amansara with one to Amantaka in nearby Laos.
Gran Meliá Iguazú, Argentina
I’m always on the hunt for exceptional hotels that give you exclusive access to natural wonders, and Gran Meliá Iguazú does just that. As the only hotel located within the Iguazú Falls park, guests can get a head start before the gates open to other visitors.
While I wouldn’t call this a five-star hotel to the caliber of some of the other hotels on this list, I will happily prioritize an amazing view and private access for slightly less luxurious furnishings. This hotel, a former Sheraton, definitely delivers on both.
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Giraffes that stick their neck in the hotel restaurant while you linger over brunch. Need I say more? Giraffe Manor books up years in advance, and I can easily see why. The manor’s 12 acres of private land and decades-long commitment to conservation make it an easy choice for a once-in-a-lifetime animal experience. Its central location make it an easy jumping-off point for a Masai Mara safari or a visit to cosmopolitan Nairobi.
Amankora, Bhutan
Amankora is possibly Aman’s most unique property, comprised of five distinct lodges located throughout Bhutan. The Aman team coordinates every aspect of travelers’ experience in this little-known country, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of hiking, cultural, and spiritual activities. Guests are provided a private driver and vehicle for the duration of their stay, which is designed to culminate with a hike to the breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It is truly the only luxury way of seeing a country just beginning to open up to the outside world.
Ashford Castle, Mayo, Ireland
From horses to hawks to archery and water sports, Ashford Castle offers guests a near-endless list of on-property experiences. Combine that with their exceptional service, and guests are well-served during their stay in Ireland. Elevated Irish cuisines, “Ireland’s best spa,” and luxurious guest rooms complete the picture for a five-star stay you won’t want to miss.
Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
If views for days during a romantic vacation are your thing, look no further than Jade Mountain Resort on St. Lucia. This adults-only resort with just 29 rooms blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings and offers unobstructed beach and mountain views perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli
One of my favorite hotels of all time is Grand Hotel a Villa Feltrinelli on Lake Garda in Italy. Garda is Como’s lesser-known neighbor, and is less crowded but no less luxurious. Villa Feltrinelli served as the location for Mussolini’s house arrest and what a trial that must have been! Whether you are lounging on the shore of Lake Garda, sunning by the pool, or dining in the 2 Michelin star restaurant, guests at Villa Feltrinelli are well cared-for. You need merely think a request and someone is coming shortly to see how they can fulfill your wish. I highly recommend a stay when you’re spending 1 day in Lake Garda.
Schloss Elmau, Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany
I covered our entire wonderful stay at Schloss Elmau here, but the short review is that this is a hotel that perfectly combines adult luxury, wellness, kid-friendly activities, and a gorgeous natural setting in the Bavarian Alps. Add in a 2 Michelin star restaurant and world-class musical acts, and it’s hard to imagine what else you could need in a hotel. This was a standout hotel and one I highly recommend.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Taking up the entire Vommuli Island, the St. Regis is the ultimate in island luxury. The Maldives doesn’t lack for ultra-luxe accommodations, but I love the privacy and butler service offered at the St. Regis. I also love that this is a Marriott property, with points redemption opportunities. It was a spectacular stay and the perfect spot for nothing but relaxation, especially in an overwater bungalow.
Permission to Dream
These 15 incredible hotels and resorts combine all the things I look for in a luxury property – service, exclusive activities and experiences, cultural immersion, and excellent dining. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or an offline cultural excursion, there’s something for everyone on this luxury hotel bucket list.
