The world’s top 25 luxury hotels

Luxury hotels. Sure, we plenty of those in Phuket and around Thailand. But where are the world’s best luxury hotels? Out of the top 25, only one is in Thailand. The votes are in by the people who visit and stay in these expensive but ornate and luxurious accommodation offerings. Trip Advisor guests have stayed in them and voted. The top twenty five of these take the additional step from being simply 5 star to being awesome. Here are the winners and they couldn’t be more diverse.

If you want to visit the world’s more luxurious hotel, as voted by Trip Advisor users, you’ll need to head to the middle of the Indian Ocean to the archipelago of The Maldives. 1190 tiny islands make up this island nation. Only 185 of them are inhabited, while the others are used largely for tourism and agriculture. The world’s most luxurious hotel is on Baros Island and called Baros Maldives. The best rooms have been built over a coral reef in a complex almost as big as Baros Island itself. The rest of the hotel rings the small island – every room has a view. All villas have a private pool and direct access to the shallow Indian Ocean waters. A casual search on booking.com revealed you could get a room for one night for around 20,000 baht so, whilst voted Number One, it’s still reasonably affordable in the world of luxury hotels.

Filling out the rest of the top five most luxurious hotels in the world we travel to diverse countries. Trip Advisor’s #2 is Riad Kheirredine in Morocco. Traditional, bespoke ‘folkie’ touches and known for its excellent service.

#3 is The Upper House in Hong Kong, a high rise hotel in the heart of Hong Kong, China. Modern, combining timber and natural hues, chic and recognised for its personal touches and return customers who swear they’d never stay anywhere else in Hong Kong. Stunning views.

#4 The Oberoi Vanyavilas in India is a completely different type of luxury set on the border of a tiger reserve in Sawai Madhupor. Moulded concrete and stucco surrounded by arid hills – a LONG way from anywhere.

Filling out the top 5 most luxurious hotels in the world takes us to South America – the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Peru. An unassuming building in Cuzco but, according to those that visit, many small personal touches that make a worthy stay on the Inca trail to Machu Pichu.

The only Thai resort to get into the top 25 is the Layana Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta, Krabi. Describing themselves… ”Experience the art of relaxation in peace and tranquility at Layana Resort & Spa, a delicate combination of unique Thai culture and modern luxury. Warm hospitality with special attention to your personalised wishes and needs are the hallmarks of our friendly and dedicated team. Gracious staff with endearing smiles – always there when you need a hand.”

You can see the rest of Trip Advisor’s list of the world’s top 25 hotels HERE.