7 luxury hotels to put on your bucket list

We explore some of the world's finest hotels that are sure to impress even the most indulgent traveller!

With hundreds of thousands of hotels around the globe, it is tricky to know how to find the perfect one to suit your needs.  We have taken some of the uncertainty away by publishing our series of "go-to" hotels.  Here we have chosen our pick of the luxury properties that you simply must try!

1. RITZ CARLTON, NEW YORK

Nothing quite says luxury like the name "Ritz-Carlton" and their flagship Manhattan property certainly doesn't disappoint! Steps from Central Park, the spectacle of the doormen and the horse-drawn carriages, the sleek marble lobby, and the refined details of the rooms, suites and wood-panelled lounge match the historic surroundings.

Whether stopping by for a cocktail in the elegant "contour" bar or splashing our for a stay in one of the suites (which can set you back over £5000 per night), your experience at the Ritz Carlton, New York will always be a memorable one.

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2. HILTON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT & SPA, MOOREA FRENCH POLYNESIA

From kaleidoscopic lagoons to lavish overwater bungalows — French Polynesia has long been a coveted destination, and it's easy to see why.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is located on a private beach on the spectacular heart-shaped island of Moorea in Polynesia. The resort boasts both contemporary-styled bungalows and overwater bungalows and is connected by wooden walkways built on stilts over the sparkling lagoon.

Guests can not enjoy access to a pristine private beach, an outdoor pool, two outdoor tennis courts and an onsite spa, but there are also three exclusive restaurants and two bars to choose from. 

For the ultimate indulgence, Moorea Lagoon Spa offers a spa menu filled with Polynesian-inspired treatments and therapies, designed to re-energize and soothe body and soul.

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3. ONE & ONLY THE PALM, DUBAI

On the outer south-east branch of Dubai’s distinctive Palm Jumeriah, the One and Only The Palm hotel and resort offers an exquisite hotel experience with fine dining and a tranquil spa. It is located amongst manicured gardens along a stretch of white-sand private beach.  

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4. ROYAL PALM, MAURITUS

This resort was the first in the Indian Ocean to be named one of the Leading Hotels in the World and it remains renowned for its impeccable service.  Facilities include some of the finest dining on Mauritius in the resort’s three restaurants, a friendly kids club and a luxurious spa.  As well as the three pools, gym, tennis courts and a squash court are available to guests’. As well as water-skiing, windsurfing, glass bottom boat trips, snorkelling trips, kayaks and pedal boats are all laid on for you to enjoy. 

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5. SHANGRI-LA VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES

The 132 rooms of the luxe Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa are spread across a 30-acre island.  Amongst lush tropical planting is ancient banyan trees and swaying coconut palms which provide a luxurious escape for the secluded villas.  The over-water villas make for an incredibly romantic and sophisticated retreat, with their private plunge pools and uninterrupted ocean views. 

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6. FONTAINEBLEAU, MIAMI

The Fontainebleau has long been a firm favourite with celebrities and film alike.

This mid-Century classic oozes Miami style, occupying a prime oceanfront position in the heart of Miami’s Millionaire's Row.  Fontainebleau Miami Beach features sleek, sophisticated rooms and suites, fine dining and four unique bars and clubs – including one of Miami’s most exclusive nightclubs, LIV. The sprawling pool complex is equally glamourous, with private cabanas around the stylish palm-lined pool. 

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7. BANYAN TREE, KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

Banyan Tree’s idyllic Samui outpost sits on a secluded cove on Koh Samui’s south-east coast, overlooking the sparking azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.  Surrounded rocky headland swathed in lush jungle and sitting on a pristine beach of sugary white sand, the Banyan Tree Samui is an all-suite hotel of sheer luxury.  All the suites have private pools – options include spa sanctuary pool villas, family ocean pool villas and hillcrest pool villas with superb views. 

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