Summer has arrived, and with it, some important decisions to make about your 2023 summer holiday.
While a camping or glamping staycation might be an inexpensive option, you could find the spectre of Great British weather looming over your shoulder.
Instead, why not opt for a luxury break abroad? From Europe to Asia and the USA, there are countless new and top-rated hotels to choose from around the world.
If you’re looking to pamper yourself this summer, sit back, relax, and read your guide to some of the best hotels in the world.
1. Hotel Dames des Arts, Paris, France
The Hotel Dames des Arts opened in March 2023.
It features a stunning restaurant, a rooftop bar with panoramic views over the city, and 109 rooms inspired by the French New Wave.
You’ll find 50s-inspired timeless chic, flooded by daylight to make the most of the bespoke furniture, handpicked artworks and décor that brings to mind the best of French New Wave cinema.
Around 30 of the rooms have private terraces with quintessentially Parisian views.
2. Six Senses Rome, Italy
The Six Senses Hotel in the heart of the ancient city of Rome is a sanctuary offering a modern and sensory-rich escape.
You’ll find restaurants and cafés, as well as a rooftop bar and the modern luxury of a high-tech spa. The relaxation and tranquillity extend to the 96 rooms and suites that are also designed to promote a sense of calm and escape away from the bustle of the historic city.
Outside of the hotel, you’ll find sites of huge historical significance. Around a 15-minute walk from the Colosseum, the Piazza Venezia is just 500 yards away and the Pantheon is also close by. At the Largo di Torre – also on your doorstep – are the ruins of the Theatre of Pompey.
3. Peninsula Istanbul, Turkey
The luxurious Peninsula Istanbul in Turkey is also steeped in history.
You’ll find the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace within walking distance and the gorgeous waters of the Bosporus Strait are just 350 yards away.
Each of the hotel’s 177 rooms and suites includes the latest tech, from touchscreen controls to 24-hour access to an e-concierge. Many of the hotel’s rooms boast sweeping views over the water while others look out across the hotel’s magnificent gardens.
You’ll also find a large swimming pool, private boat dock, and an array of bars and restaurants, in the hotel itself, and in this glorious city.
4. Riad Kheirredine, Morocco
The 5-star Riad promises a Garden of Eden within the hustle and bustle of the ancient medina of Marrakech.
Mixing Moroccan architecture and the best in contemporary Italian design, the hotel offers an oasis of calm, comfort, and relaxation.
You’ll find that while no two rooms are the same, the hospitality, service, and warm welcome greet every guest.
Outside of the hotel, enjoy the rich cultural history of Morocco’s fourth-largest city.
5. Ananda in the Himalayas, India
Ranked the best destination spa in the world by Conde Nast, the Ananda in the Himalayas is situated within the 100-acre Maharaja’s Palace Estate.
This wellness retreat and spa offers yoga and meditation as well as golf and cooking classes.
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, you can pack your days with mountain hikes or enjoy the sunset prayers on the banks of the river Ganges.
6. The Mondrian Singapore Duxton
There are Mondrian hotels all over the world but the Singapore Duxton is their first in this part of the world.
You’ll find a rooftop pool bar, an Italian steakhouse, and an all-day diner, as well as 302 rooms and suites created by award-winning designers inspired by Singapore’s traditional architecture.
This has led to a stark contrast between heritage arches and shutters reimagined as bold and contemporary. This mix is matched by the views from the room’s windows, over a city of juxtaposition, a breathtakingly beautiful city that is vibrant and ripe for exploration.
7. Amanoi, Vietnam
The Amanoi wellness hotel is situated within the Nui Chua National Park and Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
You’ll find plenty of exercise classes, therapies, treatments and consultations, as well as food options, all designed to promote your physical and mental wellbeing.
Beautiful villas and infinity pools, all set overlooking the tranquil Vinh Hy Bay, or “place of peace”.