16 Bucket-List Hotels to Visit, According to PS Editors and Reviews

21 hours ago 4

Updated on May 6, 2025 at 6:18 PM

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Even with all the lodging options available to travelers these days, hotels are still at the top of my list. There's nothing quite like checking in, enjoying the luxurious amenities, and having the best service at your fingertips, from the concierge to in-room dining. When those same properties offer one-of-a-kind experiences — like cooking lessons with an executive chef or exclusive access to a national park — the case for staying at a hotel is even stronger.

The best hotels truly break the mold with the experiences they offer, whether it's a personal bath butler (yes, seriously) or a nightlife curator who hosts an evening out on the town for guests. To celebrate the best of the best, we rounded up some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. The criteria? The highest ratings on check-in, amenities, staff, and demand, as well as glowing reviews from travelers around the world.

This list of hotels caters to every type of travel experience: there's a wellness retreat complete with an onsite shaman for ceremonies; a floating hotel with preserved design details for history buffs; and a glamorous beachside property that appeared in HBO's "The White Lotus." Keep scrolling to see the best hotels of the year — you're bound to find one to add to your must-visit list.

The Prospect Hollywoodhotels.com

The Prospect Hollywood

The Prospect Hollywood ($259 per night)

For a proper Los Angeles experience, my recommendation is always to choose a hotel with character. The Prospect Hollywood hotel boasts Martyn Lawrence Bullard-designed rooms that capture the golden era of cinema like no other. Think glittering chandeliers, antique mirrored minibars, velvet headboards, in-room clawfoot tubs, and more. It's also centrally located at just a five minute walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

What Reviewers Say: "Loved this beautiful boutique property. Decorated beautifully and so comfortable. The staff and management were so helpful and accommodating. The manager Jason went out of his way to help us navigate the area and make reservations for us."

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Hotel Chapter Romahotels.com

Hotel Chapter Roma

Hotel Chapter Roma ($330 per night)

Located in walking distance of the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, Hotel Chapter Roma is a must-stay for a visit to Rome, Italy. Going well beyond the usual amenities, guests can sign up for experiences like a night out curated by a nightlife expert or cooking lessons with an executive chef.

What Reviewers Say: "Excellent property that is walking distance to Trastevere (a plethora of food and bar options) and also the key attractions in the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona etc. The room is pleasingly unique and the staff made every effort to provide information about restaurants, directions. Communication prior to arrival was also seamless. 10/10 and a must try - really feels like a nice bolt hole away from the madness with nice touches all round. PS. The rooftop bar is an excellent option."

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Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collectionhotels.com

Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection

Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection ($333 per night)

Odera, Tinos, Autograph Collection is the first luxury hotel on Tinos, a relatively undiscovered island in the Greek Cyclades. Wellness tourism may not yet be widely popular in European destinations, but hotels like this one provided the relaxing escape one might need while traveling through Europe. The hotel, which recently opened in May, sits above Vourni Beach, complete with two pools, and the O Wellness Center. For more, read the full PS review of the O Wellness Center experience at Odera.

Editor Quote: "What I enjoyed most about Odera was that while it was certainly fancy and modern, it felt authentic to and inspired by Tinos. The island's slow pace, calming vibe, and famous marble are embedded all throughout the property, from the architecture to the offerings at the wellness center." — Yerin Kim, former editor, Features

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Fontainebleau Miami Beachhotels.com

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Fontainebleau Miami Beach ($359 per night)

Located in the heart of Miami Beach, Fontainebleau is a landmark "Miami Modern" (MiMo) style hotel that opened in 1954 and was one of the first glamorous beachfront resorts on the scene. The nightclub is nestled near the entryway and has hosted performances by legends like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in the '50s and '60s, adding to its pop culture relevance.

After a $1 billion renovation in 2008, the hotel now features four different towers, the Lapis Spa, and nine different restaurants (think: Michelin star-rated Hakkasan and Italian eatery Scarpetta by Scott Conant). The fitness offerings are also attractive to anyone who likes to work out on vacation, with a fully-stacked gym, yoga classes, a run club, and 11 distinctive pool experiences, from luxurious hot tubs to the adults-only Arkadia Day Club.

Editor Quote: "As soon as you walk into the Fontainebleau, you get a sense of the rich history from the lobby alone, which is piped with a delicious scent and features giant crystal chandeliers, marble columns, and an ornate, gilded bar that speaks to the party atmosphere. I highly recommend indulging in the Lapis Spa's signature Revitalizing Swedish Massage and hydrotherapy circuits to say you got the most of your stay." — Sarah Wasilak, associate content director, Shopping

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Cauayan Island Resorthotels.com

Cauayan Island Resort

Cauayan Island Resort, El Nido ($365 per night)

A picturesque sanctuary on a private island in El Nido, Philippines, you'll find a handful of select wellness treatments, like beach yoga, sunrise treks, and spa offerings like foot reflexology (among others).

Editor Quote: "It's a bonus that the spa treatments take place in an overwater bungalow, where there's a glass window under each massage table for you to look down at the nurse sharks swimming by below you (which isn't inherently a wellness plus-up but good for my own mental health nonetheless)." — Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

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Ohla Barcelonahotels.com

Ohla Barcelona

Ohla Barcelona ($392 per night)

The guest experience at Ohla Barcelona starts before you even arrive. An experience team reaches out prior to your stay to get your preference for bedding scents, sheets, and pillows, ensuring you get the sleep experience you desire. Once you arrive and check in, you have access to a full-service spa, outdoor pool, health club, sauna and so much more — as well as the opportunity to book a bath butler and personal shopper.

What Reviewers Say: "Very nice accommodations, service was absolutely amazing. Area was very nice for shop and sightseeing. We enjoyed the roof top bar and views each day. Breakfast was very nice also, Javi and his team were very friendly and accommodating."

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Fingal — A Luxury Floating Hotelhotels.com

Fingal — A Luxury Floating Hotel

Fingal — A Luxury Floating Hotel ($392 per night)

If a floating hotel is on your bucket list, you'll want to book the Fingal on Edinburgh's waterfront in Scotland. The 22-cabin property, formerly a lighthouse tender, features preserved design details which history buffs will enjoy. It's also centrally located: Princes Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, and Palace of Holyroodhouse are a short drive away, and the Port of Leith Tram stop is just a three minute walk from the hotel.

What Reviewers Say: "A wonderful stay on a truly beautiful ship. The cabins are luxurious, stylish and comfortable. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the bar, restaurant and sun decks are luxurious and well appointed. The complimentary tickets to Britannia were a surprising bonus."

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The Standard Spahotels.com

The Standard Spa

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach ($499 per night)

The Standard Spa may be just a half mile away from the clubs and nouveau riche aesthetics of South Beach, but it may as well be on another planet. Located on a small island along the Venetian Causeway connecting the mainland and Miami Beach, the hotel is a favorite among locals and savvy tourists alike because of its understated ambiance and extensive spa offerings.

Complimentary to all guests, the famed spa features various saunas and steam rooms, treatment baths, and a Turkish hammam. Outside of the spa, however, are various spaces meant for relaxation, from the pool chairs facing Biscayne Bay to the cabanas centered around a fire pit for supremely cozy evenings. Through and through, this property melds together purpose and play, evident even in the food and drink menu. (Think: green juice with a splash of mezcal.)

We'll warn you that after visiting The Standard Spa, you may never want to stay on South Beach again.

What Reviewers Say: "Great vibe! Friendly staff and incredible grounds with nice view. Been to Miami many times and this hotel is the best yet . . . isn't the fanciest but very chill and relaxing."

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Atlantis, The Palmatlantis.com

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm ($500 per night)

Located on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the resort with five-star service and Arabian-inspired architecture also houses the world's largest waterpark, Aquaventure Waterpark, which is complimentary for all hotel guests.

From the incredible dining experiences at Nobu and Hakkasan to the mesmerizing Lost Chambers aquarium, the resort offers something for every type of traveler — even an underwater yoga class. Whether you want to lounge at the private White Beach or marvel at 65,000 marine animals on your way to the room, a stay at Atlantis, The Palm is worth the long travel day.

Read more in our review of Atlantis, The Palm.

Editor Quote:: "A stay at Atlantis, The Palm is absolutely worth the trip. Though it's a considerable expense and takes a considerable amount of time to travel to from the United States, this was the most luxurious and memorable vacation of my life. I'm still buzzing from the vacation, and I'm not sure I'll ever get to casually see a shark on my way to dinner ever again." — Taylor Andrews, editor, Balance

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Hotel Mousai Cancunhotels.com

Hotel Mousai Cancun

Hotel Mousai Cancun ($649 per night)

Hotel Mousai Cancun is an adults-only, beachfront hotel located in the more secluded Costa Mujeres north of Cancun. Spa Imagine, offering authentic Mayan healing treatments, immersive hydrotherapy circuits, and more overlooking the ocean, is a major highlight, plus the resort's gourmet food options, which are all included.

Editor Quote:: "I'm usually a little skeptical of all-inclusive resorts, but Hotel Mousai Cancun and its luxury wellness offerings really exceeded my expectations. Between the beautiful spa, serene pools, remarkably comfortable beds, and impeccable service, I was able to completely unplug and recharge during my stay in September." — YK

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Hotel BennettPS Photography | Sarah Wasilak

Hotel Bennett

Hotel Bennett Charleston ($979 per night)

Located on King Street in the heart of Charleston's downtown area, Hotel Bennett feels warm and inviting the second you walk in. Beyond the several health-conscious restaurants and coffee shops onsite, the spa is the hotel's standout feature — so much so that folks staying elsewhere tend to book appointments for the elevated experience.

For more, read the full PS review of Hotel Bennett.

Editor Quote: "Hotel Bennett is hands down my favorite place to stay when I'm visiting my family in Charleston, which I like to call my second home. The fresh sandalwood scent of the lobby immediately awakens my senses and suggests luxury and wellness.

My recommendation is to sign up for the Signature Calming Antara Treatment at the spa, which is offered at either 90 or 120 minutes and begins with a full body dry brushing exfoliation and organically grown shea butter CBD balm application. After being cocooned in the hydrating butter for 20 minutes, your body has no choice but to relax as you breathe in the clove, ginger, and cinnamon fragrance and enjoy a full body massage that's more gently soothing than deep and pressure-intensive." — SW

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Four Seasons Resort Koh Samuihotels.com

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui ($1,001 per night)

As a fan of "The White Lotus," it's a dream to stay at one of the lavish hotels featured on the series (without the drama, of course). Enter the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand. The breathtaking property was the setting of season three, and it lives up to the show's extravagant standards. From a full-service spa and steam room to a private beach and nearby diving reefs, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui spares no expense when it comes to luxury.

What Reviewers Say: "Absolute luxury offering and epic views. The staff are literally the best we've ever experienced at a resort property. Very well run. Excellent food especially the Thai food at dinner."

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The Palmaïa House of AïaCourtesy of Palmaïa Resort

The Palmaïa House of Aïa

The Palmaïa House of Aïa ($1,105 per day)

Are wellness retreats more your speed? Then add The Palmaïa House of Aïa to your dream destination list. Located in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, the beachside, all-inclusive retreat has it all, from a full-service spa and four outdoor pools to sauna/ice bath contrast therapy and breathwork classes. The menu is all plant-based with the option for custom-built nutrition plans to serve your unique dietary needs. And if you really want to lean into the wellness experience, there's even an onsite shaman available for ceremonies.

Read more in our review of the Palmaïa Resort.

Editor Quote:: "Though I only spent one weekend at the Palmaïa resort, I was inspired to make lifestyle changes that will extend far beyond those three days in Paradise. A few examples? There's no single-use plastic on the property and we were provided with a refillable water bottle to use during our stay, both practices I want to enforce in my home.

We also biked everywhere, and not only is that better for the environment than driving, but it was a great workout and fully reignited my love for a pastime I had mostly left behind in my childhood.

Overall, the experience did change me. From a vegan diet that reframes food as medicine to my renewed love for biking, I feel lighter, more at peace, and more connected to the environment after staying at the Palmaïa resort." — Jessica Andrews, senior content director, Shopping

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The Ritz-Carlton Coconut GrovePS Photography | Sarah Wasilak

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami ($1,299 per night)

Located close to the action — from shopping to dining and nightlife — in Miami's Coconut Grove, this luxury hotel has a boutique-like feel and the rooms are jaw-dropping. They include private oversize balconies with views of Biscayne Bay or the city skyline and spacious marble bathrooms with a shower and tub, perfect for a relaxing night in or getting ready before a night out.

The hotel also features a boutique spa and 24-hour fitness center. The staff is warm and welcoming, commiting to impeccable, next-level service from check-in to check-out

Editor Quote:: "I highly recommend exploring the hotel's many serene outdoor spaces — you can rent a cabana for the day, swim in the heated lap pool, and enjoy tropical cocktails. Brunch at Isabelle's, the onsite restaurant, is also a highlight. Whether you're eating in the garden or close to the bar inside, there's an ethereal feel to this spot that offers fresh seafood, steak, and mini pizzas." — SW

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Mandarin Oriental Lutetiahotels.com

Mandarin Oriental Lutetia

Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris ($1,975 per night)

Though located in the heart of the Left Bank, Hotel Lutetia is a sanctuary away from the bustle of the city. The property's stunning Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Spa has been awarded several spa awards for its traditional facials and massage treatments that combine Eastern and Western traditions, as well as meditation and nutrition options. There's also a 17-meter-long pool located in the spa and a separate elevator from the rooms that lead there for guests to enjoy.

Editor Quote: "Hotel Lutetia has long been an iconic landmark in Paris, but during my stay, I was surprised to discover its prioritization of holistic wellness (Paris and wellness don't exactly go hand in hand). But there's a reason celebrities are a fan of Lutetia, a few of whom I spotted during my visit." — YK

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Post Ranch InnPS Photography | Kelsey Garcia

Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur ($2,475 per night)

Post Ranch Inn is a gem within a gem. Located on 100 acres in Big Sur, the cliffside hotel may have one of the best views in the Golden State. And despite its sprawling grounds, the resort is limited to 40 accommodations, making it easier for guests to connect with the surrounding nature and embrace a little solitude.

What makes Post Ranch Inn a top-notch wellness hotel is its tranquil setting. The property is surrounded by redwoods, and there are many trails of varying difficulty for guests to enjoy. In addition, there are heated pools, yoga and meditation classes, a falconry program that is not to be missed, and a spa.

For more, read the full PS review of Post Ranch Inn.

Editor Quote: "Sometimes, staying at a wellness hotel isn't so much about being active as it is about unplugging, and Post Ranch Inn makes it easy — if not effortless." — Kelsey Garcia, associate content director, Balance

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Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews and Sarah Wasilak

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is the senior content director of Shopping. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.

Sarah Wasilak (she/her) is the associate director of PS Shopping. With plenty of experience in the fashion industry and over 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle, health, and fitness categories. She is the host of the "Dinner For Shoes" podcast and has bylines at InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit.

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