Whether you’re in a rush to get from your room to the front door or prefer to curl up with a book by the pool, having a home base that exemplifies the best of hospitality is the key to a great vacation. The luxury hotel scene is bursting with options, from newcomers brimming with contemporary style to time-honored icons that transcend trends and are instantly earmarked as globetrotters’ favorite places to stay. But it’s the rare few that truly set a new standard.
That’s why Robb Report has scoured the world to find the hotels that are truly the best of the best. Our annual World’s Greatest Hotels list celebrates properties that offer the pinnacle of affluent travel and embody the finest qualities of hospitality. The nominees range from centuries-old hideaways to splashy debuts, from city center havens to sprawling country estates, from exemplars of bleeding-edge, contemporary design to reassuringly retro, but all share one thing: a commitment to the highest levels of luxury.
Our editors also picked their favorite newcomers and those that have made a big impression in the past year. And for those who prefer to venture off the beaten path, we highlighted some of our top picks for boutique hotels and remote destinations.
The Mercer Hotel, New York
If you’re looking for a sophisticated new addition to SoHo that will feel like a private townhouse residence, look no further than the Mercer Hotel. The Romanesque Revival building on Mercer Street has become an icon to the neighborhood, and guests are treated to sleek interiors that exude a quintessential vibe—plus perks like Kiehl’s amenities in every room and restaurants from renowned chefs including Giada De Laurentis.
While some of our experts were split on where to stay in NYC, all agreed on this swanky newcomer. “From the swank, secretive nature of the property (there’s no photography allowed inside, and many spaces are for hotel guests only) to the impeccable service, it’s no wonder that so many A-listers love this swanky but intimate boutique hotel,” said Mizrahi.
Amanovo is another hotel that has caught the attention of celebrities and luxury travelers for its castaway-like charms in the Philippines’ Cyuo Archipelago, a place where members of the animal kingdom outnumber humans by some comic order of magnitude. The resort occupies its own island in the crystal-clear sea, and you can spend your days communing with the islet’s dozens of resident bird species or sailing to neighboring islands or diving among the coral reefs. When it’s time to unwind, you can luxuriate at the spa, where treatments are derived from local ingredients such as seashells and coconut oil.
If you’re a Vegas fan, this oasis-like property is the ideal spot to relax before tackling The Strip. But it’s also a good home base for exploring Nevada’s dramatic canyons and state parks and is a great option if you want a break from the glitz of the flamingos, dancing fountains and crowded casinos. The property’s zen-like atmosphere is complemented by the soothing treatments at the spa, which include massages that incorporate warm banana leaves and cold-pressed coconut oil.