Luxury Hotels: Our Team’s Handpicked Favourites

Because everyone deserves a bit of luxury every once in a while.

We have scoured the corners of the Earth to discover spots that offer opulence, charm, top-notch service and unparalleled comfort. (It’s a tough job!)

Join us as we share our personal favourites, each one perfect for a slice of indulgence and a truly unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re after a serene retreat, a lavish city escape, or a beachfront haven, prepare to be tempted by this list of our favourite luxury hotels from around the world.

Sri Lanka – Rebecca’s favourite: Uga Chena Huts

“I absolutely love Uga Chena Huts in Sri Lanka for so many reasons. Firstly, the location. The hotel is so close to the gates of Yala National Park, but you’ll feel a whole world away from the safari trucks here. It’s such a serene and beautiful spot, perched on a desert beach overlooking the wild ocean. The landscape’s so special, and the service is second to none. Every hut comes with its very own private plunge pool, perfect to unwind beside and cool off in after a hot morning on safari. The food here is beyond delicious too, I loved the starter so much that the chef even bought me out a second one! I can think of few more special ways to end a day than watching the sunset from their beach bar, sipping on a delicious cocktail in this little slice of paradise.” Rebecca

Stay at Chena Huts on this Sri Lanka Wildlife itinerary

Morocco – Emma’s favourite: Sahara Camp

“Staying in a tented camp under the stars in Morocco’s Sahara Desert is special enough, but our desert camp takes this experience to the next level. It’s set entirely away from any other camp in the area, and we chose that specifically so guests can enjoy that special silence of the dunes without noise from elsewhere. There’s nothing quite like going on your sunset camel ride out from the tents, with the gentle put-put of the camel’s feet on sand being the only thing you can hear. In the evening as the sun disappears, lanterns are lit around the camp, turning it into a ‘fairy grotto’ (a client’s words, actually – I think it describes it perfectly!) and a fire is lit in the centre for an evening of traditional entertainment. The food here is also incredible – and you are plied with it! Plates and plates of dishes arrive at your table, you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your meal, and then retire to your luxurious en suite tent for a blissful night of slumber. My top tip is to also get up before sunrise and head out for a walk on the dunes; it’s just as magical as sunset and a perfect way to round off your Sahara experience.” Emma

Journey to the Sahara with Holiday Architects

Borneo – Erin’s favourite: Bungaraya Gaya Island

“The Bunga Raya Resort on Gaya Island is, in my opinion, the very best place to relax and unwind after an epic adventure through the jungles of Borneo. I love the fact that you can snorkel directly off the property’s private beach – whenever I am here, I share my time snorkelling in the warm, turquoise waters and drinking cocktails on the white-sand beach. It’s paradise! For me, this property has the edge over some of the other island resorts as its orientation on the far side of Pulau Gaya makes for breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s a true tropical island escape.” Erin

Experience Borneo in Ultimate Luxury

Galapagos – Dawn’s favourite: Pikaia Lodge, Santa Cruz Island

“Fancy sleeping balanced on the cone of an extinct volcano? You need to head here! A stay at Pikaia Lodge will almost feel as though you’re lost within the thick, forested hills of Santa Cruz Island. It’s so beautifully green here, it’s actually one of the most advanced green lodges built in the world. Their eco-friendly initiatives are second to none and every single element of this stunning hotel takes the environment into account. You’ll even be invited to plant your own tree during your visit, I loved leaving knowing that something I planted will be growing in the Galapagos for years to come.” Dawn

Explore the Galapagos in style on this Luxury Galapagos holiday

Uganda – Cat’s favourite: Bwindi Lodge

“Bwindi lodge in Uganda might just have a bit of my heart forever more. Hidden right in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, it’s the perfect blend of rustic charm, real luxury and modern comfort. But here’s the real magic: the mountain gorillas. Bwindi Lodge is right in the middle of their habitat, so it’s not uncommon for troops to pass right by the hotel. Imagine waking up to the sight of a family strolling on by, or eating your lunch not far from an imposing silverback. The staff are unbeatable here too, plus, the lodge is committed to conservation efforts and championing sustainable tourism. So, you know that your incredible stay will be having a positive benefit on the incredible gorillas and their special habitat.” Cat

Have an encounter you’ll never forget on this Ultimate Uganda holiday

Vietnam – Lisa J’s favourite: An Lam Retreat

“An Lam Retreat Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang. I love it here! From the journey across the bay to the arrival at the pier, you know you’re already on the way to somewhere special. This secluded property feels miles from anywhere, even though it isn’t. It’s actually on the mainland but only accessible by boat. Whether it’s a beachfront villa or a villa amongst the treetops you’re after, it’s hard to find fault with this beautiful resort. The stunning restaurant is set over the ocean with beautiful mountain views and sunset views to die for!” Lisa JS

Explore South East Asia in ultimate luxury on this Luxury Vietnam and Cambodia fortnight 

Namibia – Kirsty’s favourite: Shipwreck Lodge

“Shipwreck Lodge is such a brilliant place to stay if you want to really get away from it all on your Namibia holiday. It’s as remote as it is luxurious, this hotel really does epitomise the phrase “far from the maddening crowd”.  It’s a truly unique place to stay and the perfect base from which to explore Namibia’s wild Skeleton Coast and the inland ephemeral river beds. Be prepared to be surprised by the incredible variety of landscapes waiting to be explored in this supposedly ‘bleak’ coastal area.” Kirsty

Get away from it all on this Flying the Skeleton Coast holiday idea

Costa Rica – Dawn’s favourite: Amor Arenal

“Amor Arenal is such a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a lavish base in Costa Rica’s adventure capital. There are spring water pools to soak in, hiking trails to explore, a wellness spa to relax in and some seriously delicious food to round it all off. Plus, every cabin has its very own heated spring water plunge pool overlooking the imposing Arenal volcano – I spent many an hour soaking in mine – watching the peak of the volcano appear and disappear amidst the clouds. Not a view I’ll forget in a hurry! The hotel is nestled in a beautiful rainforest setting, so you really feel like you’re getting away from it all, whilst still being so close to the action. I love it here!” Dawn

Experience the Pura Vida lifestyle in true luxury on this Costa Rica Honeymoon 

Oman – Emma’s favourite: Anantara Jabal Akhdar 

“You might recognise the Anantara Jabal Akhdar in Oman from the BBC’s Amazing Hotel: Life Beyond the Lobby, where it was highlighted as on of the most incredible hotels in the Middle East. And of course I have to agree! This property is set right up on top of the Hajar Mountains, on Jabal Akhdar (which translates to Green Mountain), set on a plateau from which you can bask in jaw-dropping views across the neighbouring canyon. The hotel was built to mirror the look of Omani forts in the region, with bulbous turrets to give it a real wow factor. My highlight definitely has to be either the canyon view from the hotel’s spectacular infinity pool, or the delicious food their restaurant provides in the evenings. All in all in one of our favourite properties through the whole country, and we’ve had countless client here enjoy it for these exact reasons too. It just makes this amazing part of Oman even more special – if you had to splash out anywhere in Oman, I’d say do it here!” Emma

Sultanate in Style on this 18 day luxurious Oman holiday idea

Ecuador – Dawn’s favourite: Casa Gangotena

“The beautiful Casa Gangotena in central Quito, is a gorgeous boutique hotel that just oozes 1920s elegance, all with a lovely colonial twist. The rooms are full of antiques and Art Deco furniture, providing so much comfort and your very own home away from home. Don’t miss the spa here, they use Andean medicinal herbs in their treatments, I still reminisce about how relaxing my massage was regularly! Casa Gangotena is in such a great spot, you’ll have amazing views across the San Francisco Plaza, all whilst being just a few streets away from the Santo Domingo Plaza, Presidential Palace and the buzz of one of Quito’s most iconic neighbourhoods.” Dawn

Explore Quito and so much more on this Ecuador In Depth holiday

South Africa – Lisa’s favourite: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabie

“My favourite lodge in South Africa is Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabie. It is ultra-luxurious without being pretentious and each room makes you feel like you are in your own private hideaway in the bush. Having a cool swim in your own private plunge pool at the end of a hot dusty day, with a glass of bubbles to hand while you watch for elephants in the river bed is magical, as is the divine food (which they seem to ply you with constantly), great wines and amazing food. It is a real slice of heaven in the African bush, and my go-to whenever I need a real spoil to rewild my soul.” Lisa D

Jordan – Ian’s favourite: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar

“If you’re after a slice of luxury, an overall favourite hotel for me in Jordan is the Kempinski at the Dead Sea. It’s a big hotel but feels very quiet, all the rooms have amazing views over the iconic Dead Sea and the hotel itself is just beautiful! There’s a real luxurious feel here, it would make the perfect couples’ getaway. Experience weightlessness with a float in the Dead Sea before treating yourself to some pampering in their world-class spa. There’s even a lazy river you can float down with a cocktail in hand, I mean, who wouldn’t want to indulge in an afternoon of that?” Ian

Feel the weightlessness of a float in the Dead Sea for your self on this Week in Jordan holiday itinerary idea

Lebanon – Emma’s favourite: Hotel Albergo

“A little slice of decadent hospitality in Beirut, Hotel Albergo is my go-to choice for those arriving into Lebanon for an adventure. This property prides itself on classic luxury, with 33 beautiful suites all decorated with traditional elegance, in a Lebanese-oriental style, giving it a real east-meets-west feel that is definitely apt for this part of the world. Nothing beats touring around Beirut for the day, learning about its turbulent history, and coming back to a place like this, where you can find peace in the spacious rooms and relaxation at the hotel’s rooftop pool or in the spa. There are a few bars and restaurants here to tickle your fancy by day and night – grab lunch on the roof terrace, a Mediterranean feast in the evening at the plush restaurant, and cosy up with a cocktail nightcap at The Swim Club. Albergo’s got it all!” Emma

Laze by the Albergo’s rooftop pool on this two-week Luxury Lebanon holiday

Peru – Dawn’s favourite: Titilaka

“Lake Titicaca is a must-visit on a Peru holiday, and Titilaka is the most beautiful hotel if you fancy a luxurious stay. It’s nestled on the south-eastern shore of the lake, on a peaceful private peninsula that’s shared only with the local Aymara community. Whichever room you get here, you’re guaranteed to wake up to breathtaking views across the pristine lake. The food here is delicious, all very focused around Andean and Peruvian ingredients (with their own fancy twist of course!) The chef has even experimented with how the different flavours respond to the altitude of the region and designed the menu to make the most of that. There’s a real focus on sustainability and green initiatives here too, which I love. All in all, the views and location here speak for themselves, it’s a stunning place to stay on Lake Titicaca.” Dawn 

Stay here on this Luxury Peru holiday idea

Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxurious escape, or you’re looking for something a little more rustic and quirky, our team of travel experts are here to help. We take travel personally and are never happier than when we’re scoping out the very best hotels and experiences for you and your holidays. Give our team a call today on 01242 253 073 to start planning your next adventure.