Your accommodation can make or break a trip. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, seeking relaxation, or looking for adventure bases, the right hotel or resort elevates your entire experience. Here's our curated guide to the best stays across categories for 2024.
Luxury Beach Resorts:
Soneva Fushi, Maldives 🇲🇻 The original "no news, no shoes" resort. Private villa pools, cinema under the stars, and overwater dining. Their "Waste to Wealth" program turns trash into treasures. Perfect for couples seeking barefoot luxury.
*What Sets It Apart:* Private observatory for stargazing, castaway picnics on deserted sandbanks
Amanpuri, Thailand 🇹🇠The resort that defined Asian luxury hospitality. Perched on a private peninsula in Phuket, black-tiled pavilions overlook the Andaman Sea. Service is telepathic – staff anticipate your every need.
*What Sets It Apart:* Holistic wellness programs, Private yacht experiences, Thai cooking academy
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora 🇵🇫 Overwater bungalows with glass floor panels to watch marine life below. The iconic Mount Otemanu provides a dramatic backdrop. Water activities from snorkeling to sunset cruises are world-class.
*What Sets It Apart:* Glass floor panels, Private beach dining, Polynesian cultural experiences
Mountain & Wellness Retreats:
Aman Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵 Urban sanctuary meets Japanese minimalism. Washi paper screens, ikebana arrangements, and ryokan-inspired spa treatments. The views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo skyline are unmatched.
*What Sets It Apart:* Japanese garden views, Kaiseki restaurant, Traditional onsen spa
The Chedi Andermatt, Switzerland 🇨🇠Alpine luxury in a converted army barracks. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame snow-capped peaks. The spa features Switzerland's longest indoor pool. Perfect base for skiing or summer hiking.
*What Sets It Apart:* Alpine cheese cellar, Heated outdoor pool with mountain views, Ski-in access
Six Senses Bhutan 🇧🇹 Five lodges across Bhutan's valleys, each with distinct character. Sustainable luxury meets Buddhist spirituality. Guided journeys include archery, hot stone baths, and monastery visits.
*What Sets It Apart:* Multi-lodge journey, Farm-to-table dining, Personalized wellness programs
Boutique Gems:
Fogo Island Inn, Canada 🇨🇦 Architecture marvel perched on stilts over the North Atlantic. Local quilts, handmade furniture, and community experiences connect you to Newfoundland culture. Northern lights viewing in winter is magical.
*What Sets It Apart:* Community host program, Foraging expeditions, Stark natural beauty
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia 🇮🇩 Remote island escape with world-class surf breaks. Villas blend seamlessly into the landscape. The resort's Sumba Foundation supports local communities in healthcare and education.
*What Sets It Apart:* Private surf breaks, Village visits, Spa Safaris on horseback
Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa 🇿🇦 Wildlife luxury at its finest. Six lodges offer different experiences, from contemporary to classic safari. Big Five sightings are almost guaranteed in this private reserve.
*What Sets It Apart:* Expert guides, Conservation focus, Wine cellar in the bush
Best Value Luxury:
Oberoi Amarvilas, India 🇮🇳 Every room has an unobstructed Taj Mahal view. Mughal-inspired architecture and gardens create a romantic atmosphere. Sunrise views of the monument are unforgettable.
*Best For:* Taj Mahal visits, Honeymoons, Photography
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam 🇻🇳 Remote island paradise with exceptional value for the Six Senses brand. Private pool villas, pristine beaches, and meaningful sustainability initiatives.
*Best For:* Beach lovers, Wellness seekers, Eco-conscious travelers
Unique Stays:
Giraffe Manor, Kenya 🇰🇪 Wake up to giraffes poking heads through your window at breakfast! This boutique manor supports giraffe conservation. Combine with Masai Mara safari for the ultimate Kenya trip.
Skylodge Adventure Suites, Peru 🇵🇪 Sleep in transparent pods hanging 400 meters above the Sacred Valley. Reach your room via ferrata or ziplines. Not for the faint-hearted but absolutely unforgettable!
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland 🇫🇮 Glass igloos for Northern Lights viewing from your bed. Also offers traditional log cabins and snow igloos. Husky safaris and reindeer rides complete the Arctic experience.
Booking Tips for Best Rates:
Timing
- Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season - Last-minute deals (1-2 weeks) for shoulder season - Avoid major holidays unless celebrating
Loyalty Programs
- Hotel loyalty programs offer genuine value - Status matches between programs can accelerate benefits - Credit card points can unlock incredible redemptions
Direct Booking Benefits
- Often includes breakfast, upgrades, or credits - Better cancellation policies - Relationship with the hotel for special requests
Travel Agent Advantages
- Virtuoso and Signature Travel agents access exclusive perks - Often same price as booking direct - Upgrades, spa credits, and VIP treatment
Questions to Ask Before Booking:
- What's included (breakfast, transfers, activities)? - Are there resort fees or hidden charges? - What's the cancellation policy? - How far is the beach/town/attractions? - What's the best room category for the price? - Any renovations planned during your stay?
Sustainable Stays:
Look for certifications and genuine practices: - Energy efficiency and renewable power - Water conservation - Plastic-free initiatives - Local sourcing and employment - Community benefit programs - Wildlife protection efforts
The best hotels don't just provide a place to sleep – they create experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Whether you prefer understated elegance or over-the-top luxury, there's a perfect property waiting.
Ready to book your dream stay? BEONVACATION partners with exceptional hotels worldwide to create perfect accommodations for your journey!