There are luxury hotels, and then there’s Badrutt’s Palace. Framed by snow-dusted peaks and overlooking the frozen lake in the heart of St. Moritz, this legendary address has been setting the standard for alpine glamour since 1896 – and still somehow manages to feel fresh, exciting, and quietly untouchable.
Set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, award-winning The Chedi Andermatt offers a striking blend of Alpine heritage and Asian-inspired design. This is a place where traditional timber and natural stone meet sleek lines, moody lighting and a sense of effortless calm.
Perched high above the peaceful, car-free village of Wengen, the Grand Hotel Belvedere feels like stepping into a slower, more elegant era – but with just the right amount of modern edge. A Belle Époque icon reimagined by Beaumier, this five-star retreat blends historic grandeur with a fresh, understated style that fits perfectly with its surroundings.
Not all Adriatic escapes are created equal. One&Only Portonovi doesn’t just flirt with grandeur—it owns it, unapologetically. Set against the still, cinematic waters of Boka Bay, this is Montenegro at its most magnetic: dramatic limestone mountains, a pinch of Riviera glamour, and that lovely low hum of somewhere quietly confident in its own cool.
Some hotels feel like a destination in themselves—and then there’s Passalacqua. Perched above Lake Como in the charming village of Moltrasio, this exquisite 18th-century villa has been meticulously reimagined by the family behind the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. With just 24 suites, it feels more like stepping into an aristocratic lakeside retreat than a hotel—where grand interiors, warm hospitality, and a deep sense of place come together effortlessly.
Tucked between the shimmering Algarve coastline and a private seawater lake, Domes Lake Algarve brings a fresh take on five-star luxury. Just minutes from Vilamoura Marina, this resort feels like its own secluded paradise—complete with floating restaurants, lush gardens, and a wooden walkway stretching over the lake, perfect for golden-hour strolls. It’s refined yet relaxed, stylish but never stuffy, and designed for those who want more than just another beachside hotel.
Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s legendary Douro Valley, Six Senses Douro Valley offers an exceptional blend of wellness, wine, and natural beauty. Located on a beautifully restored 19th-century quinta, this is the brand’s first European property, and it sets a new standard for luxury in the region. With stunning views over the valley’s terraced vineyards and the winding Douro River, Six Senses Douro Valley invites you to unwind in a peaceful and sustainable setting that marries rich local heritage with modern indulgence.
Arguably one of Italy’s most iconic hotels, Grand Hotel Tremezzo stands proudly on the shores of Lake Como, offering an exceptional setting where history and luxury intersect.
Tucked into a glacial valley in New Zealand’s South Island, The Lindis is one of the most architecturally striking stays in the country. It’s sleek, remote, and quietly extraordinary — built to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of the Ahuriri Valley, where tussock-covered hills roll into alpine peaks. From above, the building is barely visible; from inside, it’s pure drama — floor-to-ceiling glass, raw timber, and wide, open skies.
Nestled in the heart of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, Eichardt’s Private Hotel offers an elegant retreat that perfectly balances timeless sophistication with a warm, inviting spirit. Occupying a prime waterfront location on Lake Wakatipu, this boutique hotel combines the charm of historic architecture with contemporary design touches, creating a refined yet relaxed atmosphere that feels entirely effortless.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is one of those rare stays that manages to feel both wildly remote and completely refined. Set just outside Kaikōura on New Zealand’s South Island, this contemporary country lodge is framed by the Kaikōura mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. And then there are the tree houses—yes, actual tree houses—elevated 10 metres above the ground and nestled in a grove of native manuka trees.
Set on a 28,000-hectare heritage site in Far North Queensland, this all-inclusive luxury lodge sits in the shadow of its namesake mountain: an ancient sandstone escarpment that towers above eucalyptus forest, golden savannah, and sacred Indigenous sites. But what really sets Mount Mulligan Lodge apart is its stillness. You come here to breathe slower, to reconnect, and to experience the outback in a way that’s entirely unfiltered – with a touch of indulgence thrown in, of course.
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