13 of the globe’s top hotels for a splurge worth every penny

With the world reopening, it's time to plan that long-awaited, celebratory post-pandemic trip you've been dreaming of.

Whether it's a serene tropical retreat in the Maldives or Hawaii, or a chic city break in Sydney, Hollywood, or Singapore, these are the hotel splurges we're saving up for.

Rates listed are in US dollars per night.

The Brando, French Polynesia

For a truly extravagant bucket-list experience, look no further than The Brando – Marlon Brando’s exclusive luxury resort on Tetiaroa, a secluded island just north of Tahiti.

This remote haven is a favorite retreat for A-list celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, and Ellen DeGeneres. In 2017, former President Barack Obama also visited to write his memoirs, and Kim Kardashian chose the island to host her opulent 40th birthday in October 2020.

The resort boasts only 35 exclusive thatched villas, each featuring a private infinity pool, outdoor dining space, and all the lavish amenities you’d expect at a top-tier hotel in cities like London or New York.

The ultimate indulgence? A private stretch of pristine, powder-soft sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, just steps away from your room.

Matakauri Lodge, New Zealand

The breathtaking views alone make this place worth every penny. Set against the towering peaks surrounding the tranquil Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in New Zealand’s South Island.

Situated just outside Queenstown, this lakeside lodge features 12 luxurious suites with stunning views of Cecil and Walter Peaks, as well as the dramatic mountain range known as The Remarkables.

Activities range from adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungy jumping, skydiving, and rafting, to more laid-back pursuits like wine tours. But with a setting like this, many guests prefer to relax with treatments at the spa, which offers uninterrupted views of the lake and the impressive 1,978-meter Cecil Peak.

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Lanai, Hawaii

This adults-only wellness sanctuary represents the ultimate in post-pandemic indulgence. Set on the serene island of Lanai in Hawaii, it feels as though you've escaped to your own private paradise.

The suites are tucked away so cleverly within the jungle-clad, mist-shrouded mountains of Lanai that you'll hardly notice any other guests.

To complete the experience, each guest receives a custom wellness plan designed by their own Sensei Guide, which includes spa treatments and a range of activities—from morning meditation to sound baths—designed to release stress and restore balance.

Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé, France

Nestled in the tranquil Loire Valley of France, this 18th-century château feels like an escape from reality, yet it’s only 55 minutes from Paris by train.

With 17 expansive, sun-drenched suites, each featuring hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers, and antique Louis XV furniture, it feels like stepping into another era. The most luxurious is the Le Grand-Lucé Suite, with panoramic views of the gardens and an indulgent claw-foot soaking tub.

Outside, you can explore 80 acres of maze-like pathways, tranquil lakes, and fragrant rose gardens, or relax by the elegant stone-bordered swimming pool—a true rural retreat.

Jack’s Camp, Botswana

For the ultimate in exclusivity, there’s no place quite like Jack’s Camp, a luxury safari retreat tucked away within a million-acre private wildlife reserve in the Kalahari Desert. (Only two other camps share the reserve).

Originally opening in 1993, the iconic camp closed for renovations in 2019 and reopened in 2021 with nine vast luxury tents—each more than twice the size of the originals—featuring plush four-poster beds, exquisite Old World safari décor, and private plunge pools overlooking the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Guests can also relax in a library, enjoy a game of billiards, unwind at the bar, or savor a peaceful afternoon in a lavish tea tent adorned with Persian rugs and soft cushions—perfect for sipping iced tea after a day spent on safari.

1 Hotel West Hollywood, Los Angeles

If you’re seeking a chic city retreat, this stylish urban haven on Sunset Boulevard is hard to top.

Opened in 2019, just before the pandemic, 1 Hotel West Hollywood features some of the largest and most luxurious rooms in Los Angeles, with earthy, minimalist decor, elegant marble bathrooms, and sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills.

The pool, flanked by daybeds and cabanas, offers a peaceful retreat high above the hustle and bustle of LA's palm-lined streets.

What truly stands out, however, is the brand’s commitment to sustainability. From the furniture crafted from reclaimed California wood to the organic garden that supplies the restaurants with fresh herbs and vegetables, eco-consciousness is woven into every aspect.

The hotel is entirely plastic- and nearly paper-free, and guests can participate in a loyalty program that helps reduce their carbon footprint with each stay—small but meaningful gestures as we transition into a post-pandemic world.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy

With Europe once again drawing international travelers, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo—an iconic Art Nouveau gem on the shores of Lake Como—should be your first stop.

The hotel’s 90 uniquely styled rooms are filled with luxurious touches, from spacious balconies and terraces to whirlpool tubs. While the lake-view rooms are worth the splurge, the garden-view rooms, overlooking the meticulously landscaped grounds, also provide a peaceful retreat.

Outside, you’ll find three swimming pools, including one that seems to float above the lake itself.

Soneva Jani, Maldives

If you're looking to spoil your family with a post-lockdown getaway that will truly amaze, Soneva Jani is the place to be. Its overwater villas feature private infinity pools and waterslides that send you straight into the sparkling turquoise waters below.

Other family-friendly highlights include an overwater cinema, a stargazing observatory, and a dedicated ice cream and chocolate room. Each villa also has a retractable roof, perfect for kids who want to fall asleep under the stars.

For the parents, there's a luxurious spa, a vast wine cellar, diverse dining options—from fresh sashimi to tapas—and sunset cruises (bring the kids along, or enjoy a peaceful cruise just for adults).

Raffles Singapore

If you’re ready to splurge on a stay that’s truly ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ level, look no further than Singapore’s legendary Raffles. This iconic hotel sets the standard for luxury, influencing five-star properties around the globe.

At 135 years old, this historic property defines luxury. The updated suites blend timeless Colonial charm with subtle modern touches, while the Long Bar—where the Singapore Sling was first crafted in 1915—remains as elegant as ever.

Each guest is assigned a personal butler who offers a service that is both thoughtful and discreet, a rare and invaluable luxury that sets Raffles apart.

Crown Sydney, Australia

Touted as a six-star hotel, this dazzling, petal-shaped skyscraper offers 14 restaurants and bars, including the famous Nobu, an infinity pool with stunning views of Sydney Harbor, and 349 luxurious guest rooms with marble deep-soak baths and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.

The opulent spa features yoga and meditation terraces, relaxation lounges, infrared saunas, and a Roman-inspired hydrotherapy retreat—an ideal sanctuary for washing away the stresses of the day.

Silversands Grenada

Silversands Grenada is home to the Caribbean's longest pool at 100 meters (328 feet), a full-service spa, and two fine dining restaurants. This modern resort is set on the pristine 'Spice Island' of Grenada, which lifted all Covid-19 travel restrictions earlier this year.

Located on the stunning Grand Anse Beach, the resort features 43 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as beachfront and hillside villas.

The two-mile stretch of soft, powdery sand is perfect for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, or taking a dip in the inviting waters. The resort also offers a variety of water sports.

andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania

This luxury lodge from andBeyond has been fully refurbished following a flood in April 2020 that prompted a complete redesign of the property.

Completely rebuilt, the new Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge offers a luxurious and modern design that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, making the most of its prime location along a tributary of the Grumeti River.

The new guest suites are over twice the size of the original ones, featuring deep bathtubs, indoor showers, and private outdoor decks with plunge pools. The lodge also offers a pool with river views, where hippos are often spotted, plus a newly added gym.

W Melbourne, Australia

The five-star W Melbourne opened early last year, providing a stylish and upscale haven for visitors to Australia’s cultural capital.

Its 294 rooms exude the signature W hotel style—plush and design-forward—enhanced with luxurious deep-soaking tubs and panoramic views over the city or Melbourne’s Yarra River.