A new guest post by Terrance Richardson of Virgin Holidays
Photo by buggolo
Whether it is a list of the best beaches in the world or the top five hotels, all lists are biased and subjective. In the end, not every pleasure seeker is in agreement as to what makes a hotel or resort great. What is the criteria in which the hotel is being judged? Is it a midrange hotel or a luxury resort? Is it a futuristic hotel or a New Age, underwater boutique? While one holiday seeker is looking for a hotel with a posh, Zen-like spa and a three star Michelin restaurant, somebody else just wants a stellar view of the Caribbean and an array of water sports.
Conde Naste Traveller, the American magazine, is always trying to determine the best hotels in the world. Travel sites, forums and advisor reviews are also used to help decide top five and ten lists. As you can probably imagine, most of these hotels are more like a sanctuary or a semi-private paradise, exclusively designed for the wealthy and privileged. If only travel could be based on a barter system instead of cold, hard cash, then we could all enjoy the view, right? Here is a peak at five of the world’s best hotels.
The Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand
The Four Seasons Tented Camp, in the bamboo jungle of Thailand’s Golden Triangle region, is a one of a kind hotel experience. This elevated, Robinson Crusoe style accommodation has 15 rooms, and all of them overlook the Ruak River, Burma and Laos mountains. fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
La Scalinatella, Italy
There is no shortage of posh and upscale hotels in the Mediterranean. However, La Scalinatella, which is in Capri, is the cream of the crop. Located on top of a cliff, this hotel has one of the best views in Europe. Combining old school glamour with modern amenities, this is the type of hotel where you would expect to see a 1960s Brigitte Bardot walking through the lobby. scalinatella.com
Blanket Bay, New Zealand
Every list of the top five hotels in the world should include a lodge. Mountains, glaciers, rivers and beech forests surround Blanket Bay, in New Zealand. This is where the Lord of the Rings was filmed, so you can imagine the type of natural beauty that is on the other side of your chalet window. blanketbay.com
King Pacific, Canada
From the traditional lodge to the eco-lodge, in British Columbia, next to the Great Ber Rainforest, you will find the King Pacific. What makes this lodge better than some of the ones you will find in Costa Rica or St. John is the fact that it is far from the maddening crowd.
Burj Al Arab, United Arab Emirates
The luxurious Burj Al Arab, in Dubai, cannot be overlooked. Some people say it is overrated. Why don’t you be the judge? burjalarabhotel.net
For cheap city breaks, visit Travel City Direct or if you’re looking for unparalleled luxury then check out Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels!
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Great hotels for sure! One of my favorite hotels is the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in the old section of #Quebec City, #Canada. Its overlooks the St. Lawrence river and below the hotel on the riverside view of the hotel are little shops and restaurants. Great place to stay (it feels like you are staying in a castle, my perception anyway :-) ), great food, and lots of #photo opportunities. During the winter they have an #ice festival which I have never had a chance to see, but I hear it’s a great time as well as the Jazz festival the have. Great place to check out if you ever have the chance! #travel
Thanks for the comment. For sure, i’ve heard so many good things about the Fairmont. However, still have yet to stay there!
Nicely said. I’ll take the three star Michelin restaurant with the sports/ adventure mixed it! Who says we can’t have it all, right?