While the past 18 months haven’t exactly been landmark for travel, we’ve been spending them scouring the planet for the destinations and suites that we’re going to want to have on the list for the next decade. From breakfast with giraffes to sleeping in a glam igloo – here are 16 bucket-list hotels around the world that deserve a spot on your dream holiday list.
Amangiri, Utah
Sunk deep into the Utah rock, this hotel is surrounded by natural beauty. The landscape is beyond dramatic – think towering rock formations hit by sunlight – making it a one-off place to lay down your head. The resort covers more than 600 acres of the Colorado Plateau – billed as the original Wild West (don’t forget that Stetson).
You can stay amid canyons, mesas, ridges and gorges in either Amangiri suites or pavilions that are part of Camp Sarika. Depending on your pick, accommodation can feature terraces, private pools and fire pits – all surrounded by utterly jaw-dropping scenery. When you get peckish (as all that fresh desert air will make you) you can even set up a private dining experience in the desert, while if you need to chill why not kick-back at the 25,000 sq ft spa overlooking the canyons?
Ideal for: Active travellers – you can explore Lake Powell by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, hike, climb or canyon around the gorges and more, depending on your level of fitness and skill.
Don’t miss: Horse riding around the impressive Utah desert, to channel your inner cowboy.
Utah, USA, aman.com/resorts/amangiri
Chena Huts by Uga Escape, Sri Lanka
If you’ve been missing greenery – this resort is what you need in your life, with flora and fauna as far as the eye can see (and when that stops you’ll be greeted by the sand and sea – dreamy). Chena Huts is nestled between Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean for a glorious natural escape.
When it’s time for bed, you can choose from 14 luxury cabins, perfect for peace, quiet and utter privacy – and the best news? They all come complete with their own private pools. Ready to step back to nature? Head out on a safari or go whale and dolphin spotting at the Great and Little Basses reefs. There’s also a luxury spa for when all that exploring wears you out, as well as a massive swimming pool with a waterfall. Nice.
Ideal for: Nature-lovers and animal fans.
Don’t miss: A personalised safari. Yala National Park has more than 40 types of mammals – being particularly famous for its leopard population – as well as lizards, turtles, crocodiles, plus more than 200 types of birds to admire
Yala, Tissamaharama, ugaescapes.com/chenahuts.
Fogo Island Inn, Canada
Billed as sitting on an island, off an island – this is a far-flung location in Newfoundland that will really take you away from it all. Fogo Island Inn has 29 guest rooms and suites – all with floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the sights. And what sights there are. Ready to see the sea like never before? This location is for you. The island claims to have “seven seasons” so there’s always loads for adventure- and nature-lovers to enjoy.
From warm summers to snowy winders, berry season, pack ice season and more, there are seven wonderful reasons to visit, and you can take open boat trips, guided geology hikes, nature walks, jam-making classes, seal watching trips, pond fishing and more.
Plus, the Inn prides itself on its principles of sustainability and respect for nature and culture so a portion of the cost of your stay will be reinvested into Fogo Island community, while the only plastic used in the rooms is the telephone. The inn itself has a rooftop sauna, cinema, library, art gallery, tea room and more.
Ideal for: Fans of the ocean – there’s a lot to do, see and experience on the water.
Don’t miss: Travel from June until October and you can take a special whale watching trip to see the stunning sea mammals splash around under the wavers.
Newfoundland, Canada, fogoislandinn.ca.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania
The ultimate place for safaris, everyone has heard of the Serengeti (and not just from the Toto song, we hear you humming it). And if you’re looking to see the Big Five in style (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephant and rhinos), it’s time to book into the plush Four Seasons. The lodge is perched next to a watering hole, so you’re guaranteed to see elephants sipping on their morning refreshment – and you’ll be treated to awesome game drives to see the amazing animals running free.
Get some rest in a horizon view room with vistas overlooking the watering hole, suites with private pools, or go all-out with a private villa experience – all with 24-hour butler service, a private pool, in-villa dining and more – all capped off with views of the Serengeti. As it’s a Four Seasons, the luxury you know and expect is there – so you can chill out at the spa or enjoy a tasty meal overlooking the pool and plains beyond.
Ideal for: Safari seekers looking to take a snap of the Big Five.
Don’t miss: A bucket-list hot air balloon safari. Soar high above the plains and enjoy the spectacular scenery during an hour-long ride, followed by breakfast with a glass of bubbly in the bush. Dreamy.
Serengeti, Tanzania, fourseasons.com/Serengeti.
Giraffe Manor, Kenya
If you’ve been anywhere near social media you’ll have heard of this one. Remember those snaps of breakfast with the giraffes? Well it’s time to create your own at this world-famous bucket list hotel in Nairobi. The hotel is a historic manor house, built in the 1930s – which might look more in keeping with traditional English countryside. But don’t let the moss-gathered, red brick exteriors, neatly trimmed lawn and sash windows fool you – this charming abode is in the heart of Kenya.
And if you don’t believe us the resident giraffes will convince you. You’ll stay in one of 12 rooms – which range from superior double rooms to family suites – all of which are comfortably furnished.
Sustainability is key here, and Giraffe Manor works with conservation and community projects, with the Manor itself set up in the 1970s to help preserve the Rothschild’s species of giraffe. Animals have more than 150 acres to roam across and visit the Manor as they please. (Usually for brekkie.)
Ideal for: Giraffe fans. No need to explain why.
Don’t miss: Afternoon tea with endangered Rothschild’s giraffes for that essential Insta pic (and for your memories, of course).
Nairobi, Kenya, thesafaricollection.com.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy
Playground of the rich and famous – Lake Como has loads of appeal for summer vacations and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is well-worth saving up your hard-earned for. As what better place to stay than in a palace? The hotel boasts views across to Bellagio and the Grigne mountains, as it’s perched right on the side of the lake for absolute prime positioning. Laze by one of three superb pools, lie on the beach, take a chilled out drink on the terrace or go on a day trip to the surrounding areas.
Built in 1910 for the “social elite”, interiors are plush and regal, as you’d expect, and promising the “Belle Epoque dream”. Ready for dinner? Book into Giacomo Al Logo restaurant and dig into super-fresh fish.
Just don’t forget to pack your fanciest attire – you never know who you might bump into.
Ideal for: Those looking for one of the fanciest spots on the planet.
Don’t miss: WOW! Water-On-The-Water – a pool set out into the lake itself.
Lake Como, Italy, grandhoteltremezzo.com.
Icehotel, Sweden
The clue is in the name with this one. One of the most famous hotels in the world, we’re on board with staying in this hotel crafted from ice. The hotel was first carved out in 1989, and if you’re looking to stay in the actual ice then you’ll have to book in between December and April – as after that it makes like Olaf in summer (and melts). Every winter there’s a new set-up for the hotel, so you can keep going back time and again (if you’re a fan of all things frozen, that is). As spring comes, the hotel melts and becomes part of the Torne river.
Each year the hotel has around 15 to 20 rooms, as well as 12 art suites, that are all unique and hand carved – so get ready for something extra special, and exclusive to that year. You’ll sleep on a bed carved out of ice, with a thick mattress covered in reindeer hide and a thermal sleeping bag, and rooms come with entry to the sauna, as well as snowsuits and boots to keep you cosy.
The hotel keeps at a temperature of -5 to -8˚C, while when you’re not in your room you can go dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling and more. If you’re staying in summer you can book into the permanent hotel – though it’s considerably less icy.
Ideal for: Holidaymakers looking for something totally different. And cold.
Don’t miss: A hot sauna session to warm you up after a night’s shut-eye.
Jukkasjärvi, icehotel.com.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Who doesn’t fancy kipping in an igloo in the Arctic Circle? This ultimate adventure trip is the ideal place to soak in the Northern lights and enjoy a night away from it all. There’s a range of accommodation from glass igloos to log chalets, snow igloos, suites and more – but our interest is well and truly piqued by the glass igloos.
Peeking out of the snow, these glass domes give unrivalled views of Finland’s Northern Lights – and they’re incredibly romantic too. The two-person igloos have a comfy bed as well as a loo (the showers are in a separate building) and the season runs from August until April.
Meanwhile if you fancy staying in a snow igloo for a cooler than cool experience (literally) you’ll be kitted out with everything you need for a night in -3 to -6˚C temperatures, including a down sleeping bag. Fancy getting out and seeing the Arctic Circle? Check out a husky safari, reindeer safari, horse riding or sleigh rides, ice fishing and more. There are two restaurants, plus don’t miss a visit to the glass igloo venue.
Ideal for: Honeymooners.
Don’t miss: Aurora hunting. Head off to see the Northern Lights on a horse- or reindeer-drawn sleigh ride or check out the view from a snow tank.
Kakslauttanen, Finland, kakslauttanen.fi.
Katikies Sun Rocks Santorini, Greece
If ever there was a summer for Santorini – this is it. Unless you’ve been under a rock, or sensibly steering clear from social media (the jealousy-inducing snaps are getting a bit much), you’ll know that Greece is the place to be for Middle Eastern residents this summer. And if you’re looking for the picturesque blue and white rooftops, bright azure seas and fun evenings – Santorini is for you. Our pick? This super-trendy hotel that boasts stunning views across the perfectly blue Aegean sea.
With 34 rooms, an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi and a popular restaurant. Rooms range from doubles to suites, while the Master Suite has its own plunge pool. The hotel is perched high on the cliffs of Oia so you’ll get the best views around. There are free transfers to the local beach, while there’s a super restaurant, Elea, attracting the foodies, too. We’re already packing our sunhats.
Ideal for: Trendsetters looking for a cool spot on one of the hottest islands right now.
Don’t miss: A bubbly breakfast on your private terrace, ripe for the likes.
Santorini, Greece, katikiesthehotel.icastelli.net.
One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Housed at the entrance of Boka Bay, this spot in Montenegro is becoming increasingly trendy. There’s loads to do, while the area itself is naturally beautiful – think dramatic forests, medieval towns, waterfront dining, and crystal celar waters.
It’s the first European resort for the global name and you’ll get the chance to explore rugged coastline while you’re there. The resort covers 60 acres, so is ultra-private, while you can book into a suite, room or villa with floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in those views. Restaurants include Sabia by famed Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli as well as Tapasake Club – a modern Japanese spot with a resident DJ.
Ideal for: Culture-seekers.
Don’t miss: Take a trip to Budva Old Town to explore 2,500 years of history, or UNESCO World Hertitage site Durmitor National Park.
Portonovi, Montenegro, oneandonlyresorts.com/portonovi.
qualia, Australia
Always dreamed of staring out to sea from a luxury private pavilion in the Whitsundays? This is your chance to tick it off your bucket list (or add it to, you never know). This private resort in on Hamilton Island lies 16km off the Queensland coast and is a glorious mish-mash of white sandy beaches and lush jungle, full of bushwalking trails. Sea-lover? Of course you are, that’s why you’ve landed here (whether in reality or in your mind).
Hamilton Island is a focal point for Great Barrier Reef activities as well as sailing. Made up of almost 3,000 reefs and more than 900 islands, the reef stretches more than 2,600km and this is a prime place to check out the natural beauty. The chic accommodation ranges from pavilions with private pools to a beach house with a private entertaining deck. You’ll even get your own golf buggy to zip around the island.
Ideal for: Ocean-lovers.
Don’t miss: Snorkelling and diving around the Great Barrier Reef via a private cruise.
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays, Australia, qualia.com.au.
Six Senses Zil Payson, Seychelles
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is a haven for honeymooners and families alike – all wanting to get a taste of island life and those beautiful beaches. But if you’re after all-out luxury, we’re looking at this resort from the globally renowned Six Senses – so you know there’s plenty to keep you pampered and happy. This resort is set on its own private island, with stunning beaches and dramatic granite rocks. It’s quiet and exclusive, making it an ideal place for when you want to kick-back with a book and mixed drink (and forget all about that to-do list you wrote last week).
Opt for a one- or two-bedroom villa – all equipped with a private pool to lounge in or around, and with a private butler on hand you’re in the right place to be totally spoilt. The hotel boasts “stealth architecture” (in other words its built into the rock and blends into its surrounds) so get ready for a proper nature retreat. Foodie? There’s a private cellar hosting dinners, as well as meat-free kitchen starring fresh fish, a café and Chef’s Kitchen – while you can also book private experiences on the cliffs. As Six Senses is famed worldwide for its wellness programme, you can expect a stunning spa as well as a range of mindfulness activities including breathing, journaling and sleep support.
Ideal for: A wellness escape with a twist.
Don’t miss: Swimming with sea turtles. Bucket list, ticked.
Roche Caiman, Victoria Mahé, Seychelles sixsenses.com/en/resorts/zil-pasyon.
Tensing Pen, Jamaica
Ready for a taste of the Caribbean? We most certainly are. The beautiful clear waters, a tropical juice in our hands – we can almost smell the coconut suntan lotion right now. Oh wait, that’s the in-car air freshener… either way, we’re in the mood for an exotic escape and if you’re with us, this one is for you.
This intimate, boutique resort in Negril is on the West End cliffs, and has super views of the Caribbean Sea. Rooms have a thatched roof and are built from local stone and wood for that island getaway feel. There are garden rooms, cabins built into treehouses, cottages and more – so whatever kind of getaway, you’ll be catered for. There’s a spa hut (of course), and a restaurant overlooking the pool. We’re promised “at Tensing Pen, life is simple”.
Ideal for: Tourists wanting to avoid other tourists on a trip to the Caribbean.
Don’t miss: Sunning yourself on Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach.
Negril, Jamaica, tensingpen.com.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur in the Kingdom of Mewar is on our bucket list when it comes to culture. Prepare for hilltop forts, palaces, temples, gardens and more – and this hotel, from the world-famous brand, is the ideal place to make your base while you’re exploring the area. The hotel is housed on the banks of Lake Pichola, and sprawls over 30 acres of gorgeous gardens.
The hotel itself is made up of connecting domes and corridors – that aim to reflect the layout of Updaipur, which has seven lakes linked by canals. Relax in the spa or at one of the two pools, and when you’re hungry there’s a delightful terrace set near the beautiful hotel domes – where you can tuck into a candlelit dinner for two. Swoonsome.
Ideal for: History buffs and culture-seekers.
Don’t miss: Feeling a bit tense? Take advantage of a daily yoga session
Udaipur, India, oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-udaipur-udaivilas-resort.
The Oyster Box, South Africa
One of the most famous hotels in South Africa, this hotel pitches camp on the Umhlanga beachfront in the KwaZulu-Natal province – with views across the Indian Ocean. It also overlooks the famous lighthouse. The hotel is set right on the beach if you fancy a stroll, while there are plenty of gorgeous photo ops around the lush gardens (making it popular for weddings to, if you’re looking for an excuse to tie the knot).
Eighty-six rooms all have bespoke décor. As well as several restaurants and bars, there’s a spa that’s set within tropical gardens, that you’ll want to book a massage out to work out all that tension from the working week. Another one placing sustainability and responsible tourism at the heart of its MO, it’s good for nature and for your stress levels.
Ideal for: Seafood-lovers and gastronomes, thanks to its extensive dining choices.
Don’t miss: Dinner in the private cellar.
Durban, South Africa, oysterboxhotel.com.
Tongabezi Tree House, Zambia
Nestled near Victoria Falls, this Tree House lodge has spectacular views from the rooms – meaning you can really enjoy Zambia without having to go too far. The resort opened in 1990 – as tents with bucket showers along the banks of the Zamebezi River. It’s come a long way since then. You’ll reach your private abode via a winding path along the cliff face – and once settled in you won’t want to leave.
Not that you’ll really have to. The ultimate private getaway, you can lounge around and admire the Zambezi River from your own private deck, while if you really want to escape from everyone else you can have lunch and dinner on the deck too. The bathrooms are spectacular – get ready for a claw-footed bath boasting riverfront views. While you’re there you can go fishing, on boat cruises, safaris, trips to Victoria Falls, or just chill at the Sand Bar or around the pool – all of which are included in your stay.
Ideal for: Introverts and escapists.
Don’t miss: Thrill-seekers can take a swim in the Devil’s Pool – one of the most famous natural infinity pools in the world.
Victoria Falls, Zambia, greensafaris.com/tongabezi/tree-house.
