PUBLISHED September 24th, 2024 12:15 pm | UPDATED October 10th, 2024 01:11 pm
Every year, luxury travel enthusiasts eagerly await the prestigious list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels. This year’s ceremony, held in London at the historic Guildhall, was a glittering celebration of global hospitality, featuring winners from 37 destinations across six continents. From breathtaking beachfront escapes to urban sanctuaries, the 2024 edition honours the crème de la crème of hotels. Let’s dive into the top 10, showcasing hotels that embody the essence of unparalleled luxury, service, and unique experiences.
1. Capella Bangkok, Thailand
Not only is Capella Bangkok the Best Hotel in Asia, but it has also claimed the coveted title of the World’s Best Hotel in 2024. The riverside property is a retreat like no other. Overlooking the majestic Chao Phraya River, this hotel combines the elegance of a grand property with the intimacy of a boutique stay. Its 101 suites and villas all offer river views, while the Auriga spa and private villas with pools promise serene seclusion. Dining is just as indulgent here with riverside restaurants – Savour authentic Thai family recipes at Phra Nakhon, luxuriate in the dishes conceptualised by Three-Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco at Côte By Mauro Colagreco, or sip on indulgent cocktails at Stella.
2. Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
An Italian spring anyone? In the No.2 spot, Passalacqua takes luxury to a new level in its 18th-century villa setting along Lake Como. The hotel’s spectacular terraced gardens and intimate service earned it the Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award for 2024. With just 24 rooms, it embodies the charm and exclusivity expected from a boutique hotel, making it an irresistible getaway. Pick from the opulent and elegant Villas, the Palazz which combines the warmth of country homes with royal touches, or the Casa al Lago situated strategically to offer grand views of the garden, and lake. For casual fare, delve into the grub at the pool bar or opt for the beautiful creations of chef Viviana Varese.
3. Rosewood Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Dominating the Hong Kong skyline, the Rosewood Hong Kong lands at No.3 with its prime position in the Victoria Dockside arts district. Sophisticated, stylish, and ultra-modern, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for exceptional city views, and cutting-edge luxury in the heart of a bustling metropolis. The hotel is home to Asaya, a wellness destination that offers spa treatments, fitness programs, and personalised healing therapies. The rooftop infinity pool provides a perfect spot to take in city views. If thats not all the ten distinctive dining concepts are sure to make for a top-notch dining experience offer unique cuisines and gourmet bites all under one roof. Some highlights include Holt’s Café for elevated Hong Kong cuisine, DarkSide, a jazz bar known for its award-winning cocktails, and The Legacy House serving Cantonese fine dining.
4. Cheval Blanc, Paris, France
Parisian luxury is redefined at Cheval Blanc Paris, where the Art Deco design and views of the Seine create a perfect setting. The hotel’s rooms and suites boast marble bathrooms, luxurious textiles, and private terraces. The Dior Spa Cheval Blanc offers customised treatments, while the infinity pool overlooks the Seine, making it one of the most unique in Paris. The dining experience is unparalleled, with Le Tout-Paris for modern French cuisine and Plénitude, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Arnaud Donckele. The hotel also features a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower.
5. The Upper House, Hong Kong
A haven of minimalist luxury, The Upper House is known for its understated elegance and panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyline. It is the first hotel project designed by Asian designer, André Fu. The hotel’s spacious rooms feature calming, zen-inspired interiors with oversized bathrooms, freestanding bathtubs, and views that stretch across Victoria Harbour. The wellness facilities include a gym and yoga studio, with private sessions available.
6. Raffles Singapore, Singapore
A global icon, Raffles Singapore has been synonymous with timeless luxury since 1887. The hotel’s suites feature colonial-era architecture, paired with modern comforts and butler service. Raffles Spa is an elegant sanctuary offering holistic treatments, while the tropical pool area offers a peaceful respite. For dining, 藝 yì by Jereme Leung presents ancient Chinese delicacies, while Butcher’s Block is an avant-garde wood-fire dining experience. Don’t miss the Tiffin Room for its legendary North Indian curry buffet and, of course, the iconic Long Bar, where the Singapore Sling was born.
7. Aman Tokyo, Japan
A zen sanctuary in the heart of Japan’s capital, Aman Tokyo offers 84 minimalist rooms and suites inspired by traditional Japanese design, with ikebana displays, washi paper doors, and deep soaking tubs. The Aman Spa spans two floors, offering traditional Japanese treatments, a 30-metre swimming pool, and panoramic views of Tokyo. Dining options include Arva, an Italian restaurant, and the intimate Musashi by Aman, which serves omakase-style sushi using the freshest seasonal ingredients. For those seeking a cultural experience, the hotel offers cultural arts and crafts and private city tours.
8. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Ranked No.8, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives is the epitome of barefoot luxury. The resort offers 63 private villas, most with direct beach access or set on stilts over the water, complete with private pools. Guests can dine at Flying Sauces, a treetop dining experience that stands out as the world’s first fine dining zipline experience, serving a sustainably sourced gourmet menu. Alternatively, Out of the Blue is a restaurant serving Southeast Asian and Japanese food with ocean views and So Wild serves plant-based Maldivian food. The spa offers Ayurvedic treatments and the Private Sandbank Overnight Experience kicks in the romance with overnight camping in a luxurious Bedouin-style tent, under the Maldivian skies. Plus, the resort is deeply committed to sustainability. and Marine Conservation.
9. Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE
With its futuristic design and bold architecture, Atlantis The Royal has redefined luxury in Dubai. The hotel’s 795 rooms and suites feature private balconies with infinity pools and unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf, soaring 43 storeys high. Guests can relax at the AWAKEN Spa, or take a dip in the 90-metre sky-high infinity pool. The hotel’s 17 world-class restaurants are culinary destinations in their own right, including Nobu By The Beach by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, and Jaleo by José Andrés for Spanish cuisine. The Cloud 22 Sky Pool is the ultimate party spot with spectacular views.
10. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Tucked away on Indonesia’s remote Sumba Island, Nihi Sumba offers an off-the-grid, eco-luxury experience. The resort features 27 villas with private pools and expansive ocean views. Known for its world-class surfing, Nihi Sumba also offers various trekking opportunities, swimming with horses, and visits to local villages. The Nihi Spa Safari takes guests on a trek through rice fields to a secluded cliffside spa for all-day treatments. Dining options at the resort are focused on farm-to-table freshness, with seafood caught daily and organic produce grown on-site, offering guests a true connection to the local environment.
Spotlight on Singapore’s Finest Hotels
Singapore has long been known for its modern skyline, lush greenery, and culinary excellence, but its hotel scene is just as exceptional. Two of its iconic hotels have earned well-deserved spots on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list, cementing the city-state’s reputation as a luxury travel destination. Besides Raffles Singapore (No.6) which made it into the Top 10, Capella Singapore, another standout, secured the No.33 spot. Nestled on the resort island of Sentosa, Capella Singapore offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a stunning blend of colonial and contemporary design. Its luxurious rooms offer unparalleled privacy, while the service goes above and beyond. Moreover, even Taylor Swift choose Capella Singapore for her stay during the Eras Tour!
Asian Excellence: Leading the Way in Global Luxury
Asia dominates the 2024 list with 19 hotels, showcasing the region’s diverse range of luxury accommodations, from bustling urban retreats to serene island escapes. Some highlights include the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.12), known for its riverside elegance and exceptional service, and Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.14), offering a modern riverside retreat with Michelin-starred dining. In Bali, Desa Potato Head (No.21) showcases eco-friendly luxury with its fusion of contemporary design and local culture. Needless to say, the region continues to dominate the global luxury hotel scene.
Here’s the full list:
All images courtesy of the respective establishments. Top Image: Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy