After a long day of sightseeing, all you want to do is eat a nice meal and curl into your bed. But these hotels offer much more than just that. Travel + Leisure just released the results of its World’s Best Awards, which ranks the world’s best hotels, among other categories. Here are 11 hotels that hold their own against the best in the world and therefore, have earned themselves a spot on Travel + Leisure annual reader’s survey.
The magazine asked its readers to rank hotels on the basis of its location, service and food. The average score out of 100 was then designated to each hotel. This year, the Triple Creek Ranch, Darby in Montana earned the top spot with a total score of 97.44. Whether you are seeking to lounge in an airy villa, take a plunge in pool fed by natural hot springs or unwind with relaxing message treatments at the spa, it’s time to pack your luggage and head out to the world’s best and luxurious hotels.
11. Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong (Score: 95.67)
From its prime location on Hong Kong Island, in the heart of the central district, spectacular views of Victoria Harbor and unmatched dining options elevate Four Seasons to a new level of hotel luxury in Hong Kong. The hotel has 399 guests rooms including 54 luxury suites featuring state-of-the-art technology and vary between sleek Western style, with silk-panelled walls and marble-floored entry foyers, and contemporary Chinese style, with sculpted furnishings, gold leaf and authentic ink paintings.
10. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India (Score: 95.75)
The hotel offers countless unique experiences to its guess. With the Aravalli Mountains and city palaces as a backdrop one gets an impending sense of enchantment. Sail into a purple sunset on a 150-year old Gangaur complete with candlelight and resplendently dressed oarsmen. Indulge in a heritage walk with an escort followed by a glass of sparkling wine at the bar. Soak in the sounds and sights of the city as your royal butler accompanies you on a shopping trip. In this royal dream, anything is possible.
9. Oberoi Udaivillas, Udaipur, India (Score: 95.76)
Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Here, adorning the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures the romance and splendour of a royal era. Grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan present a picture of majesty resplendent with pavilions and domes that lead you to a journey of discovery. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artefacts create an ambience of regal splendour.
8. Londolozi Game Reserve, Kruger National Park Area, South Africa (Score: 95.80)
World renowned as one of Africa’s finest game lodges, Londolozi is one of the original pioneering Private Game Reserves of the ecotourism industry in South Africa. The reserve is recognized for its far-sighted and progressive management of land and wildlife rehabilitation as well as productive community involvement.
7. Singita Sabi Sand Kruger National Park Area, South Africa (95.82)
Orchestrating a relationship between communities, wildlife and tourism, Singita Sabi Sand offers rare solitude and the ultimate in safari luxury on prime game viewing land recognized globally for its diversity and formidable concentration of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Guests can choose between two unfenced lodges, Singita Ebony and Singita Boulders, both quite different, yet equally infused with elegance.
6. Langham Chicago (Score: 96)
The Langham, Chicago gracefully blends urban sophistication with refined luxury. Since its grand opening in September 2013, it has quickly become a preferred destination. The Langham, Chicago features 316 luxurious guest rooms and suites.
5. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island (Score: 96.20)
Perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Rhode Island, the Ocean House is an iconic New England seaside resort. Famously known for its warm yellow façade and stunning views of the Atlantic, the Ocean House opened in 1868 just after the Civil War. The Ocean House was reconstructed in 2004 to features 49 rooms and 15 Signature Suites, providing more spacious accommodations than the original structure, which offered 159 rooms. Viewed from the outside, all of the resort’s 247 windows remain in their original positions.
4. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Score: 96.27)
Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest (Score: 96.91)
A unique art nouveau landmark, the recently transformed Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest combines historical elegance with ultra-modern comforts. Of the Hotel’s 179 generously proportioned guest rooms, including 19 suites with vaulted ceilings and private step-out balconies, many offer views of intimate interior courtyards, the Old City or the sparkling Danube.
2. Nayara Springs, La Fortuna, Costa Rica (Score: 97)
This year, Navara Springs makes debut on the list of Best Hotels. The ultra-exclusive boutique hotel located in the Arenal Volcano National Park is only for adults. Guests can soar through the rainforest canopy, ride a horse to the volcano, cross the jungle below the hanging bridges and return at the end of the day to their beautiful Springs Villa.
1. Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana (Score: 97.44)
Triple Creek Ranch is adult-only property in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The 600-acre property has 23 luxurious western-style log cabins outfitted with wood burning fireplaces, hot tubs.
Depending on the weather, guests can go fly-fishing, dog sledding, horse riding, cross country skiing, team penning, cattle drives, guided nature and birding outings.