No one knew the internet would make the world even smaller. The advent of social media has made the world petite enough to fit in our smartphones. It is possible to enjoy images of the sprawling deserts of the Middle East while wrapped in a cushy blanket in Iceland. Similarly, you can drool over French Soupe à l’oignon while chomping on a meaty burger in New York City and scrolling through your Instagram feed. The platform undoubtedly deserves a lot of credit for fueling our wanderlust. Instagram does play an active role in introducing us to the many parts of the world that were anonymous to us, and their hashtags help us decide if that’s where we are headed next. Thanks to a list compiled by Money.co.uk based purely on the number of Instagram hashtags a hotel has garnered over the years, we have the top 11 most beautiful and Instagram-worthy 5-star hotels in the world for your perusal. The list has something for everyone, from the towering Burj Al Arab to the pristine Soneva Jani. Read on to delve into a 5-star rated world of man-made beauty:
11. Villa Cimbrone, Ravello, Italy. Instagram #’s 61,191
This historic villa on the Amalfi Coast of Southern Italy is one of the most ancient and picturesque hotels worldwide. From salvaged architectural elements dating back to the 11th century to the scenic belvedere, Terrazza dell’ Infinito, this property is a must-visit for history buffs and romantics alike.
The dreamiest wedding venue, this 19-room luxury hotel is a posh property with a private helipad, magnificent pool area and expansive gardens dotted with statues tucked away in many locations.
10. W Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. #’s 68,680
Barcelona calls this stylish 5-star property Hotel Vela or Sail Hotel due to its unique shape. From a top-notch location adjoining the famous Barceloneta boardwalk to panoramic views over the Mediterranean and city of Barcelona, this hotel offers it all! W Barcelona comprises 473 rooms, 67 suites, the most fantastic rooftop bar, and a restaurant led by the Michelin-starred chef, Carles Abellán.
9. Niyama, Maldives. #’s 69,595.
An island can be both- serene and exciting. Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers the best of both worlds with twin islands Play and Chill. As the name suggests, at Play, you will frolic on treetops, indulge in adventurous activities, and paint the sea red.
At Chill, you soothe your senses in the Drift Spa, indulge in culinary heaven, and make the most of respite. Niyama Private Islands is a 40-minute seaplane flight from capital Malé.
8. The Ritz Paris, Paris, France. #’s 74,864.
The Ritz Paris is ranked among the most luxurious hotels globally and for a good reason. Over decades, the ultra-luxe property has turned into a symbol of high society and luxury, owing to the exceptional work of renowned interior architect Thierry W Despond. In addition to its 71 luxurious suites, including 16 historic Prestige Suites and 71 rooms, the hotel’s highlight is the famed Ritz Bar, where zodiac-themed cocktails will delight you.
The atmosphere of Bar Vendome is unmatched with lush red banquettes, famous Belle Époque glass roof, and delicious delicacies. The two-story wellness universe of the Ritz Club features an indoor pool and a modern fitness center.
7. Claridges Hotel, London, England. #’s 76,555
If hotels could be deemed royal, this 5-star hotel at the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street in Mayfair would be it. Since the 1850s, this art-deco marvel boasts some of the most breathtaking suites and rooms dripping in English elegance imagined by leading designers and couturiers.
Grand rooms are met with impeccable service in Claridge’s bar, contemporary artistic haunts of Provence and Italy at The Painter’s Room, and the most unforgettable iconic Afternoon Tea in The Foyer.
6. Halekulani Hotel, Honolulu, USA. #’s 93,179
Established more than 100 years ago, this historic oceanfront luxury hotel located on Waikiki Beach is a haven of solace with 453 rooms in five buildings. The 5-star hotel is a testament that gracious hospitality, impeccable service, and magnificent cuisine are still the crux of a luxury hotel. They don’t fool guests with frills but excellent services and unchanged standards of luxury over decades.
The hotel has two famous restaurants, the House Without a Key and the Coral Tree Lanai. When you visit, don’t forget to admire the 1.2 million South African glass mosaic tiles that form a distinctive design in the shape of a Cattleya orchid.
5. Beverly Hills Hotel, California, USA. #’s 127,297
One of the world’s best-known hotels, the legendary 5-stay hotel at Sunset Boulevard is the inspiration behind the famed song ‘Hotel California by the Eagles. The Pink Palace has 210 guest rooms and suites and 23 bungalows where you reside in the lap of luxury while catching glimpses of famous faces.
Ideally located, the historic landmark of Beverly Hills wins hearts with the Polo Lounge, pool cabanas, and Cabana Cafe. For those who are fans of architectural and interior design coupled with nostalgia and old-school glamour, look no further than this dramatically beautiful hotel.
4. The Plaza, New York, New York, USA. #’s 160,237
If walking is the best way to see NYC, then staying at the 21-story, French Renaissance-inspired château style building is the best way to live here, even for a day. The roomiest and distinctive guestrooms, including 102 luxurious suites, are the pride of the place in addition to the iconic revolving door.
The hotel flaunts an extraordinary portfolio of refined experiences such as afternoon tea in The Palm Court, the elegant Champagne Bar, and The Rose Club. The exceptional wellness facilities including Guerlain Spa, The Plaza Hotel Fitness Center, and Warren-Tricomi Salon. The unmatched luxury of the castle on Central Park South is met with topnotch Shops at The Plaza.
3. Bellagio, Nevada, USA. #’s 161,088
The 155,000 square feet gaming resort is one of the best globally and contributes heavily to the embodiment of Las Vegas luxury. The Bellagio luxury hotel comprises 3,933 guestrooms across 39 floors, an 8-acre lake that houses Fountains of Bellagio, Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Cirque du Soleil, and a massive 65,000-square-foot Las Vegas spa.
The 5-star property also has over 36 luxury stores. One of the largest, most impressive hotels in the world, you will be spoilt for choice when you decide what goes on your Instagram feed.
2. Soneva Jani, Maldives. #’s 415,461
With its innovative over-water villas, Soneva Jani forever changed the idea of island living. Spread across 5.4 acres in the Maldives‘ Noonu Atoll, the property flaunts 51 over-water and three island villas that promote holistic wellbeing with a dash of luxury. While the villas are an epitome of luxury, time spent at Soneva Jani is lined with beautiful memories. The niceties seem as limitless as the cerulean blue waters, from enjoying a cinematic experience in the open-air Cinema Paradiso to a surreal dolphin-spotting on the sunset cruise.
The resort offers an array of impressive cuisines from plant-based delicacies to fire-pit cooking techniques and even the most romantic restaurant in the world; this paradise provides a holiday of dreams.
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE. #’s 2,428,501
Not only is the Burj Al Arab the world’s most iconic hotel, but this global landmark is also the epitome of Arabian luxury. One of the tallest hotels in the world, it is perched on an artificial island. The massive structure holds 28 double-story floors, which accommodate 202 bedroom suites. Guests arrive in style with Rolls-Royces and helicopters, relax on a private beach and live in the most opulent and lavish suites that can cost up to $24,000 a night.
Guests can revel in an ultra-exclusive fare served at the six restaurants in the hotel. Burj Al Arab has been tagged nearly 2.5 million times.
