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Ultra Lux A to Z: The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel Brands
Written by Anna Tabrah
From the legendary A-list havens of Waldorf Astoria to the modern luxe of Nobu lifestyle hotels, uncover the unique signatures of the world’s finest hotel brands.
No two travellers are the same – which is something the world’s best hotel brands are here to celebrate. While some emphasise wellness, others highlight epicurean adventures or remarkable, one-of-a-kind destinations. Determine which luxury hotel brand best aligns with your desires with our ultimate A-Z of the world’s most luxurious names in travel.
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A is for – AMAN
Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’, AMAN offers highly personalised services and experiences. Each hotel, found across the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe and North Africa, features architecture that thoughtfully reflects the destination and has the feel of a private home.
B is for – Belmond
Look no further than Belmond for one-of-a-kind hotels, trains, river cruises and safari lodges for every kind of discerning traveller. Discover the golden age of rail travel is still very much alive and kicking on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express or Royal Scotsman, or check into one of its elegant global hotels such as Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira.
C is for – COMO
The Metropolitan collection offers sleek urban retreats, while COMO Uma is all about small resorts in adventurous locations. Whether you stay amid coconut palms and banyan trees at COMO Uma Ubud, Bali, or in a villa shaped like a traditional dhoni fishing boat at COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives, you can expect COMO’s unique brand of understated luxury at every turn. Intrigued?
D is for – Dorchester
Check in for refined five-star elegance in iconic locations, from London to Paris. The Dorchester Collection includes some seriously legendary hotels like The Dorchester, London, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris, and The Beverly Hills Hotel in the USA. You’ll be walking the same corridors as the A-list in these historic locations.
E is for – EDITION
A unique collection of boutique hotels that celebrate the locations they’re based in with their authentic design. Case in point: The London EDITION, where traditional British grandeur meets modern luxury.
F is for – Four Seasons
An iconic brand, dating back to the 1960s, Four Seasons needs no introduction as a pioneer in luxury travel. Famed the world over for offering the best of the best, its five-star abodes can be found everywhere from Budapest to Seychelles and Mumbai.
G is for – GHM
A warm, guest-centred experience that celebrates the rich history and unique surroundings of every destination awaits at GHM (General Hotel Management) properties. Parent brand to The Chedi (including The Chedi Andermatt), The Chedi Club and The Serai, GHM primarily operates in the Middle East and Europe.
H is for – Hyatt (Park Hyatt)
Stunning architecture crafted with authentic materials, interiors by world-renowned designers and expertly curated art collections. The most luxurious of the Hyatt collection, these hotels are created for those who expect the very best.
I is for – InterContinental
For classic travellers who value timeless luxury from a hotel brand making its mark since 1946. Its properties, some of which have played host to heads of state, are laced with the brand’s history. For serious luxury and island bliss, you can’t beat InterContinental Hayman Island Resort or InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula.
J is for – Jumeirah
Taking luxury hospitality to new heights – quite literally in the case of the towering Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, an icon of the Dubai skyline. When you choose Jumeirah, you’re choosing world-class: from groundbreaking architecture to lavish interiors, luxe spas, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and next-level dining, no corners are cut in the pursuit of ultimate luxury.
K is for – Kempinski
Live like the stars in treasured hotels from the German brand, favoured by royalty, musicians and nobility worldwide. The Apurva Kempinski Bali is one of the most luxurious resorts in Bali, while its allure spreads as far as Turkey and Switzerland.
L is for – The Langham
Beginning as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ in London more than 150 years ago, The Langham has cemented its place at the forefront of the luxury hotel industry, attracting a star-studded lineup of guests. At the award-winning The Langham, in both Melbourne and Sydney, experience legendary high teas, timeless elegance, world-class spas and glittering city views to match.
M is for – Mandarin Oriental
Asian opulence follows where Mandarin Oriental goes, from historic hotels in Hong Kong and London to exotic resorts in Dubai and Marrakech. The brand’s rich heritage, spanning more than 50 years, is evident in each and every property, from Singapore’s Marina Bay to Greece and Madrid.
N – Nobu
One for the foodies: Nobu offers lifestyle hotels offering minimal Japanese design, modern cool luxury and famed sushi restaurants. Check out Nobu Santorini for achingly chic, cliffside romance in the Greek islands.
O is for – One&Only
Bringing authentic cuisine, ultra-luxe spa moments and unique tailored excursions to exceptional, handpicked destinations: from Australia’s Wolgan Valley to the Maldives, Mexico and beyond. Our favourites? The exquisite private island paradise, One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives, and utterly unique One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda.
P is for – Patina
With a collection of impressive artworks, an immersive spa with a lily-laden float pool, 12 gourmet restaurants and a collection of 110 opulent villas and studios, the Patina Maldives prompts you to embrace the finer things in life, be creative and connect with nature – all surrounded by those signature Maldivian blues.
Q is for – El Questro
Enter serene seclusion at the adults-only El Questro Homestead, situated among 700,000 acres (about the area of Yosemite National Park) of dramatic, unspoiled Kimberley wilderness. Wake up to the sounds of the rugged outback, then take in the majesty of Chamberlain Gorge while indulging in a gourmet breakfast made with local ingredients.
R is for – Raffles
One of the world’s most recognisable names synonymous with luxury, Raffles hotels set a new standard for elevated escapes. From the storied Raffles Singapore (the home of the Singapore Sling) to the glittering resort in Palm Jumierah in Dubai, a stay at a Raffles property may just ruin you for all future hotels.
S is for – Six Senses
Wellness, community and sustainable design are the foundation on which this zen-inducing collection of spa hotels is built. One of the dreamiest in its portfolio is Six Senses Fiji, a Malolo Island paradise where guests feast on organic produce and submit to pure bliss at the Six Senses Spa.
T is for – Taj
Inspired by the heritage and nobility of Indian traditions, Taj Hotels welcome guests to discover palatial stays and one-of-a-kind safari experiences. Its collection includes beach retreats, misty hill station havens and urban escapes, in India and beyond.
U is for – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
This boutique collection of hotels focuses on fascinating destinations, with properties in the hills of Southern Spain, by the Great Wall of China and next to a 300-year-old Panama church. From Canada to Tuscany, each property has its own unique signature, whether it’s a boutique hotel in a heritage building or a contemporary haven amid the buzz of the city.
V is for – Viceroy
Each property is a destination unto itself, from the inspiring designs to intuitive service and inventive foodie experiences. From the glittering Viceroy Los Cabos to Viceroy Bali, each property is exemplary of the group’s award-winning luxury, acclaimed by the likes of Travel + Leisure, New York Times and Vogue.
W is for – Waldorf Astoria
Art Deco grandeur meets modern luxury in landmark destinations around the globe, from Chicago to the Maldives. Waldorf Astoria is famed for its global firsts: its legendary hotel on New York’s Park Avenue was the first to offer electricity on every floor, ensuite baths and 24-hour room service.
X is for – Hotel X (hotel)
Again, technically not a brand but we got a little X-cited about the hotel for this letter. In the heart of Brisbane’s hedonistic Fortitude Valley, Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, an IHG Hotel is for the indulgence seekers, who will love the rooftop pool and French delicacies at onsite bistro Bisou Bisou.
Y is for – Yachting on Soneva in Aqua
Take Soneva’s signature hospitality to sea on this 23-metre luxury yacht in the Maldives. Soneva is renowned for its exquisite blend of wellness and luxury (at Soneva Fushi, Maldives and Soneva Kiri, Thailand), and this dreamy private charter experience takes it next level.
Z is for – Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som (hotel)
Wellness seekers can escape to the northern tip of Qatar, where this dedicated resort awaits to pamper with spa treatments, yoga and energising cuisine. The Chiva-Som resort in Thailand is famed for its wellness offering and this Middle East outpost takes it one step further, with a localised take on holistic health and wellbeing, inspired by traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine.
Feature image: Le Meurice – Dorchester Collection, Paris.
Looking for more luxury? Discover Introducing Ultra Lux: These are the Most Luxurious Hotels in the World.
