Luxury travel is the ultimate indulgence, so whether you’re shopping on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris or relaxing on a beach in Bermuda, you’ll want a suitably comfortable home base to operate from. With a chosen scope of the entire world outside of the U.S., TravelAwaits needed a team of world travelers to seek out and vote for the finest accommodations in the world, and we chose you, our readers. Below are our readers’ picks of the most beloved luxury hotels outside of the United States.
1. Fairmont Empress (Winner)
Victoria, Canada
Though some may associate Canada with moose, Tim Hortons, and friendliness, its cities are also major destinations for luxury travelers. Case in point: our winner, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. The Empress is a century-old architectural centerpiece on the city’s Inner Harbour, making it a perfect location for travelers who want to see the best of Victoria.
While staying in one of the Empress’s 431 rooms, guests have access to the award-winning Willow Stream Spa and a variety of activities like this fantastic tea tasting. Drinking and dining options include Sunset Sips, Q at the Empress, and the Veranda. That said, guests will love the opulent surroundings after a long day at Victoria’s Butchart Gardens or Craigdarroch Castle.
2. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Banff, Canada
Another Fairmont property, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel secured the second-place position on our list. In contrast to the metropolitan appeal of the Empress, the Banff Springs Hotel (sometimes referred to as “the Castle in the Rockies”) offers a luxury retreat in the midst of some of the greatest natural beauty in the world.
The hotel is set in Banff National Park overlooking Mount Rundle, giving the property unparalleled views. Banff offers an enormous variety of activities. Guests can hike, take the Banff Gondola, cycle, skate, shop, ski, and more, all while looking forward to returning to a comfortable room in one of Canada’s grandest hotels.
3. Atlantis Bahamas
Paradise Island, Bahamas
For an entirely different way to escape the pressures of the world, our readers love to visit Atlantis Bahamas. This island retreat offers a variety of different buildings and room types so that any traveler can find the perfect fit. With 14 pools, a 131-acre water park, miles of white sand beaches, and over 100 excursions, guests at Atlantis will never be bored.
For refreshments, 21 restaurants and 19 bars keep visitors well-fed and supplied with drinks. An onsite casino is home to 85 gaming tables and hundreds of slot machines. Finally, evening events abound at the resort’s nightclub, comedy club, theater, and event spaces.
4. Hotel La Compañía
Panama City, Panama
Hotel La Compañía is one of the best hotels in Panama City thanks to its historic opulence. Built on the former site of the convent of La Compañía de Jesus (the Company of Jesus) dating to the 17th century, the hotel has various wings with influences from Jesuit priests, the Spanish Colonial era, and the Beaux-Arts styling of its American wing.
The diverse cultures and periods blend surprisingly well and each of the 88 rooms offers guests modern and classic views. Five restaurants — including gems such as El Santuario, 1739, and the American Bazaar – and two bars bring several cuisines to visitors. The hotel is also positioned as a perfect launch point for excursions into the city or countryside.
5. St. Regis Bermuda
St. George’s, Bermuda
The St. Regis Bermuda is known for a few signature details: its renowned butler service, the world-class spa, afternoon tea, and an “evening ritual” service that features sabrage, the art of opening champagne with a saber. All of these unforgettable daily services take place on a lovely stretch of white sand beach on azure waters.
A full event schedule brings unique activities to guests’ front steps each week, but you’d be forgiven for passing on these events to explore the town of St. George’s — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since Bermuda is only about 21 miles long, visitors can experience a huge range of activities and sights from a comfortable temporary home like the St. Regis.
6. V Villas Phuket – MGallery
Phuket, Thailand
V Villas Phuket is perched on Ao Yon Bay with stunning views over the Andaman Sea. It’s hard to go wrong between lounging around a private pool or setting out on an adventure in Phuket’s nearby Old Town. Guests also enjoy access to the AKOYA Star Lounge, a rooftop bar with great views of the night sky.
Arguably the gem of staying at V Villas is booking a villa with a private pool. The large rooms with blended indoor/outdoor living spaces come with access to the butler service among other amenities. Guests can also try out onsite restaurants, a spa and wellness center, and a fitness center.
7. Hotel Belmar
Provincia De Puntarenas, Costa Rica
The Hotel Belmar is the choice for sustainability-focused travelers who want to experience Costa Rica’s Monteverde region without sacrificing comfort. Located in the mountains of the Monteverde Reserve, this hotel is completely immersed in the cloud forest that brings in visitors from around the world.
The rugged location doesn’t mean that the Hotel Belmar is like camping – this is still a luxury experience. Guests will find restorative sleep in the understated rooms that prominently feature gorgeous wood construction. Some of Belmar’s many experiences include birdwatching outings, sunrise and sunset trips, sustainable farm visits, and an exploration of Monteverde by foot or on horseback.
8. Ritz Paris
Paris, France
The Ritz Paris is certainly one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Located in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, the Ritz has shown hospitality to such notable guests as Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway and has been featured in dozens of novels and films. The architecture and interior details are a luxury of a bygone era that doesn’t seem to have a modern equal.
The luxury doesn’t stop at the building’s facilities though. In addition to the expected amenities of a luxury hotel — like a spa, a world-class restaurant, and onsite boutiques — the Ritz Paris also offers classes and unique seasonal experiences.
9. Waldorf Astoria Versailles
Versailles, France
The Waldorf Astoria brand is associated with timeless New York luxury. Versailles is the home of one of the most famously opulent palaces in Europe, so its luxury hotels must be suitably decadent. From the wide-open rooms and onsite boutiques to the gorgeous grounds and ornate architecture, the Waldorf Astoria Versailles lives up to the promise made by its name.
The hotel has views of the Parc de Versailles and easy access to the Palace of Versailles, making a trip to the chateau quick and easy. While at the hotel, guests can enjoy Michelin-starred dining and a range of spa, wellness, tasting, and cultural experiences.
10. Four Seasons Prague
Prague, Czechia
If you’re looking for luxury in Prague, it doesn’t get much better than the Four Seasons. The property commands views of the Vltava, Charles Bridge, the castle, the Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter. Boasting excellent service and lovely facilities, the Four Seasons is the ideal home away from home in Prague.
Executive Chef Marco Veneruso wows diners at his onsite restaurant, Cottocrudo, though in-suite dining is available as well. Guests in need of a bit of relaxation after a long day of walking can find respite in the hotel’s spa and wellness area.
11. Four Seasons Bora Bora
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a remote island with otherworldly beauty. The Four Seasons Bora Bora blends into this natural setting in an intuitive, relaxed fashion. Staying in one of the overwater bungalows or waterfront villas is the experience of a lifetime for those who search for paradise in the tropics.
While the location may be remote, there’s no shortage of activities. Some options include immersive wellness experiences with experts, lagoon discovery outings under the sea, and spa treatments surrounded by the vibrant greens of the trees and the bright blues of the ocean.
12. Hotel Gabbia D’Oro
Verona, Italy
Verona’s Hotel Gabbia D’Oro is nestled in the Piazza delle Erbe, a picturesque Italian square. Inside, guests enjoy historical furnishings and facilities that capture the essence of old-world Italy. Its central location makes the hotel a great spot to launch expeditions to the local museums, the Verona Arena, the Centro Storico, and the city’s other piazzas.
One of the Hotel Gabbia D’Oro’s unique appeals is its incredible orangery and gardens. The winter garden is full of vibrant plants, interesting decorations, and comfortable seating.
13. Dromoland Castle Hotel
Newmarket-On-Fergus, Ireland
While many luxury hotels imitate castles, the Dromoland Castle Hotel is a literal castle dating to the 16th century. The idyllic castle and grounds transport guests to a different time, while the interior and rooms offer modern comforts and luxuries.
Activities and experiences change with the seasons — with golf outings, archery, and falconry in the summer and Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations and events in the winter – but that’s just the beginning. For dining, guests can experience the Michelin-starred Earl of Thomond, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Regardless of how you spend your time at Dromoland, you’ll feel like royalty.
Read more from our 2023 Best Of Travel Awards.
